Impact of Grenfell disaster is still felt
My first week back at Westminster was very busy – with a flurry of activity around Brexit, international affairs and our NHS.
Many things were as just as usual, including foreign secretary Boris Johnston’s ruffled hair and the Rt Hon. Nicholas Soames donning his colourful pink socks in the front row!
As mental health spokesperson, it was important that I highlight access to psychological therapy for those who were caught up in the Grenfell Tower disaster.
Research indicates that victims who experience trauma often have strong feelings of “survivor guilt” which precipitates mental health issues.
The news that approximately 20 survivors had considered harming themselves means that we must take their plight very seriously and provide therapeutic supports they require.
The Secretary of State responded to my inquiry by indicating that he would take forward the issues raised and I now keenly await his response. Brexit and the disabled
As chair of the Disability AllParty Parliamentary Group (APPG), I led a session at Westminster on Brexit and disabled people’s services.
Brexit is not only about trade but about people.
We heard from experts that disability programmes dependant upon EU funding may be at risk and there will be a significant impact upon delivery of social care services if care workers from the EU cannot gain work permits.
As demand for healthcare assistants currently outstrips UK training numbers, this is an issue that must be dealt with to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens maintain access to services they require. I have invited the disability minister to the next meeting of the APPG to highlight these issues.
Health matters
Last week, I supported the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) campaign to scrap the public sector pay cap.
I am delighted that the Scottish Government have committed to doing so and I am now urging the UK Government to follow suit.
It is crucial, if we are to attract and maintain nursing staff and other allied health professionals within our NHS, that wages do not fall behind inflation.
Those providing such dedicated services must be rewarded appropriately.
Following from my election to the commons health committee last week, I will pursue this issue cross-party.
Armed forces support
As my husband ser ved in our armed forces, I am delighted to have been selected this year for the armed forces parliamentarians programme.
I am placed with the Royal Air Force and was at RAF Linton last week learning defence strategy, contribution to allied peacekeeping and about our defence budget.
Given that MPs make crucial decisions that affect our forces and their family’s lives, it is vital that we understand fully and can support the work that they do.
Successful trade day
In the constituency, I held our day of international trade at the newly-refurbished Strathaven Hotel.
I was delighted to be able to showcase our local businesses to guest speakers representing China, Hong Kong, Latin America and USA.
We heard how receptive countries are to Scottish produce, services and tourism links. I am delighted to have taken steps to place our constituency firmly on the map of international trade!
Victims who experience trauma often have strong feelings of ‘survivor guilt’ which precipitates mental health issues.