We will get on with the day job
They say a week is a long time in politics, given recent events that phrase could probably be changed to a day is a long time in politics.
As I write this column we are unclear when a General Election will be held.
By the time you read this, a date may be known.
The situation is changing by the hour. However, one thing is clear, there is going to be a snap General Election in the coming weeks.
When - not if - that election happens, the SNP are ready to fight and give Scotland the chance to decide its own future.
The contrast between Westminster and the Scottish Parliament really couldn’t be any different right now.
On Tuesday, the First Minister announced the SNP’s Programme for Government for the coming year, at the same time Westminster imploded.
The SNP is getting on with the day job, while Westminster descends into chaos.
The Programme for Government sets out the Scottish Government’s next steps to tackle climate change, including a landmark investment of more than £500 million to improve bus infrastructure across the country to encourage more people to use public transport.
She also confirmed an extra £15 million will be provided to help improve additional support for learning and an additional £20 million of funding will help tackle the public health emergency of drug deaths in Scotland.
The Child Payment, which will benefit low income families with young children by £500 each year, will now be introduced by Christmas 2020 – ahead of the original schedule.
Other measures included, putting in place a Women’s Health Plan to tackle women’s heath inequalities, continuing to support mental health, with a 24/7 crisis support service for children, young people and their families and taking forward planning to mitigate the worst consequences of a no-deal Brexit.
I will play my part in my Government role, as well as continuing my work here in the constituency.
The First Minister also confirmed the Referendums Bill will go forward this year and that the Scottish Government will ask, during the passage of the Bill, for the transfer of power to hold an independence referendum within this term of Parliament.
We live in ever changing political times, but be assured, while Westminster implodes the SNP and Scottish Government are getting on with protecting Scotland’s interests and working to ensure Scotland is given a choice on our own future.
My regular constituency surgeries continue, with the next session taking place on Friday.
My surgeries allow me to get across all parts of the constituency, making it easier for constituents who wish to raise an issue with me to do so.
On Friday, I will be in Kilmacolm Community Centre at 12.30pm, The Bridge in Bridge of Weir at 1.15pm, Bishopton Library at 2.15pm, Erskine Library at 3pm and Kirklandneuk Community Centre at 4pm. No appointment necessary. Alternatively, you can e-mail me anytime derek.mackay.msp@ parliament.scot