Fight continues against Full English Brexit

This month has been another landmark month with the decision of the High Court to declare that the UK Government through the Prime Minister does not have the authority alone, using the Royal Prerogative to trigger Article 50, and that quite rightly Parliament should have the right to debate and vote on the next steps as we move towards a Full English Brexit.

In Scotland our First Minister continues to make clear our position.

And, as announced at the recent and very successful SNP conference in Glasgow, we are taking steps to protect our place in Europe. The First Minister outlined the actions that we are taking, a reminder of those are at www.snp.org. One of the issues which I have been facing of late has been in relation to the M8 M73 M74 Improvement Plan – a project that will transform journeys for the public across our area and is a long-term investment in the future of our roads.

But, as with any project like this, it has had its share of issues and daily I hear from constituents who are experiencing disruption and issues from access to sound – and everything in between.

I want to reassure you that when I am hearing of these experiences, not only do I take action, I also go to affected areas to experience it for myself and therefore I have taken to visiting the sites to share the experience of constituents.

I do this and more, including writing to Scottish Ministers, in particular the Minister for Transport, and have been in discussion with the Minister and the Scottish Roads Partnership to address the issues which people are facing.

I will continue to do that every step of the way whilst this much-needed project is delivered.

I would like also to highlight again that in order for the Bothwellpark Road Bridge near Hamilton to be safely removed, the M74 will be closed in both directions between J4 Maryville and J5 Raith from 8pm on Friday, November 18, to 6am on Monday, November 21.

Further details on traffic management can be found at www.transport.gov.scot/m8/ m8m73m74/traffic-management. November is the month that we remember those who bravely gave their lives, so that we can live ours today.

Already I have attended services of commemoration in Bellshill and in Bothwell.

I want to reflect on that and share our message that we are so grateful to those in the past, and indeed the present, who give their lives to allow us our freedoms. We will remember them. That’s all from me for another month.

I know that the next time we meet it will be time for Christmas and the festive season will be in full swing!

I very much look forward to that ever-so-special time of year.

Until then, the very best.

In Scotland our First Minister continues to make clear our position. And, as announced at the recent SNP conference, we are taking steps to protect our place in Europe