Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
TALKING POLITICS Tory bandwagon is starting to lose its wheels over Brexit
The world’s eyes are on Westminster as Mrs May’s government starts to crumble.
With talks of a no-deal Brexit and the DUP voting with Labour on key issues, the keys to Downing Street will be back up for grabs soon enough.
The current government knows no shame; from attempting to maintain the dreaded one per cent pay cap whilst politicians have had wage rises, to continuing with the disaster that is Universal Credit.
I was surprised, but delighted, to see the DUP side with Labour on both of these issues recently and, in the case of Universal Credit, the parliament voted 299-0 on pausing the roll out of the controversial benefit.
However, even after a unanimous vote, the Tories are disregarding democracy and pressing on with their plans.
In the weeks and months ahead, there will be more crucial votes held in Parliament.
I hope that the DUP and others will once again join us to help those suffering at the hands of the government’s proposed policies.
One such issue on which I will be praying for all opposition parties to defy the Tories is for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) to allow them the justice they are owed.
Meanwhile, this year – like every year – I was proud to attend the annual Auchengeich miners’ memorial event.
Run by Wullie Doolan and the memorial committee, it serves as a testament to the fact that the community will never forget what happened to their young men.
The disaster in Auchingeich was a turning point in health and safety legislation and I was honoured to be able to raise an Early-Day Motion in Parliament recently to remember those who lost their lives in the pit, to ensure they are never forgotten.
Since being elected, I have been honoured to have many of my constituents visit me in Parliament.
A few weeks back I was lucky enough to be able to organise a trip for the Shining Stars theatre group to perform for MPs of all political parties, including one of their biggest fans, Jeremy Corbyn.
I’m proud to have helped the group but I’m also proud that the Shining Stars have taught local politicians a bit about inclusion and bringing people together, no matter their differences.
It’s great to see MSPs Fulton McGregor and Margaret Mitchell join me in supporting the Coatbridge group.
Party politics doesn’t play a part when we all want the community as a whole to get behind the Shining Stars and help them grow.