British politics is at an all time low
Over the last few weeks, what we have witnessed could not exactly be described as the finest moments in British politics.
The brutal murder of Jo Cox MP was – and still is – truly shocking.
My heart is still breaking for two young children left without a mother, who was savagely cut down during her public service.
When you are elected, there is a real necessity to be open and accessible to constituents – otherwise you become out of touch with the real issues and hardships people face.
Like Jo did, I hold a number of regular monthly surgeries, at which any constituent is free to drop-in to seek help and advice.
The attack on Jo was an attack on all of us – it was an attack on our very democracy.
My surgeries will remain open to all.
I will honour Jo’s memory by not giving into hate.
I will however, be taking stock of my personal safety, and that of my staff, and have already put measures in place to enhance security measures.
It is truly sad that in a mature democracy I need to think in such terms, but regrettably there exists quite a nasty political climate in the wake of the EU referendum.
Thankfully in Scotland, discourse has been more pleasant than some of what we’re witnessing south of the border.
The reported rise in xenophobic and racist attacks since last Thursday is a cause of great worry.
It is right that David Cameron addressed this matter directly in parliament on Monday.
These attacks on minorities have no place in society, and it is up to all of us to loudly, and vocally, oppose them.
Scotland is a modern, outward-looking and inclusive country, and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made it clear that the EU citizens, and other migrants, living here are valued members of our society.
Unfortunately, however, immigration is still reserved to Westminster.
The prime minister did little to reassure EU citizens in his Monday statement – only saying that they have nothing to fear in the immediate future.
That will be of little comfort to those who have chosen to live here and contribute to our society.
The UK Government need to urgently address this – and put minds at rest.
New Scots who have settled here – and perhaps bought houses, or whose children attend school here – deserve to have their long-term future guaranteed.
In Scotland, the majority of people voted to remain in the European Union, and it would now be a democratic outrage if we were forced out of the EU against our will.
I have every faith in our first minister to do all in her power to ensure our continued membership of the EU. I hope to see all other political leaders in Scotland rally behind her.
After all, with a total leadership vacuum at Westminster, Nicola Sturgeon is the only party leader who appears to know what she is doing.
Scotland is a modern, outward-looking and inclusive country