Lucy’s Law success rounds off summer
I’ve been overwhelmed this summer recess with enquiries to my local constituency office on the issues of PIP, ESA and Universal Credit.
Constituents continue to struggle with the changing benefits system and many are experiencing extreme poverty whilst their claims are being processed.
I know from contact with Denis Curran at Loaves and Fishes that our food banks are becoming overwhelmed with those in need of basic provisions. My office will continue to do all we can on your behalf via our MPs hotline to DWP, so please get in touch if you need urgent assistance.
This recess, I have enjoyed visiting our local businesses and organisations.
East Kilbride has always been at the forefront of engineering and last week it was inspirational to meet with staff at Mage Control Systems and to hear about their pioneering work in the fields of health and energy.
They have been expanding their staff base in East Kilbride and successfully won an award at the South Lanarkshire Business Awards 2018.
It was also very important that I spend time with Lanarkshire Medical Group who have been successful in their bid to run our Greenhills Medical Practice.
It was very positive to hear about their multi-disciplinary health team including GPs, pharmacy, palliative care and advanced nurse practitioners.
This should provide a holistic service for patients accessing Greenhills General Practice.
In Strathaven, we have had our successful Balloon Festival with thousands of international tourists descending upon our constituency to see the amazing array of hot air balloons take off this weekend.
I was delighted to meet with the organisers on Friday to commend this work and for the opening of the festival.
In East Kilbride, I am hosting a free ‘Meet the Paralympians’ event and autograph signing at Stewartfield Community Centre on Saturday, September 8 from 2pm to 3pm in conjunction with Channel 4.
It will be a fantastic afternoon in East Kilbride for local constituents where we will hear about the importance of inclusion in sports and the inspirational stories of the Paralympians in attendance – including Olympic medal winners Aileen Neilson, Abbey Kane and Brett Wild.
Please come along and enjoy the day.
Finally, I am delighted to announce the campaign I launched in Parliament last December for Lucy’s Law to ban third-party puppy sales in pet shops and via cruel puppy farmers has been agreed by the UK Government and should become law by next year.
I was invited to No 10 last week for the announcement, alongside campaigners who have worked so hard with me on this issue via the Parliamentary Dog Welfare Group that I chair.
This legislation will make a huge difference to puppies, targeting the illicit trade in imports and ensuring members of the public buying them are protected.
We care about animal welfare just as we care about the welfare of the most vulnerable and it is testament to everyone involved that our campaign for Lucy’s Law has been such a success.
Our food banks are becoming overwhelmed with those in need of basic provisions...