Cracks show in government after just 100 days in office

Since my last article I have now reached my first 100 days in office, and I’d like to reflect on some of the work that I have done.

I promised I would be a working man in Parliament and as a trade unionist now on a five-year career break to Westminster, I am proud to have supported Coatbridge workers and trade unionists in their own fights for better pay and pensions throughout the constituency – and against bullying by bosses in the workplace.

In one of these bitter fights, I was proud to welcome Jeremy Corbyn to the area we call home and fight alongside local PCS members to stop the closure of our Department of Work and Pensions Centre.

The first 100 days of this government have been anything but strong and stable with the cracks beginning to show and the divisions widening in Mrs May’s lameduck government.

The DUP decided to back Labour’s motion on tuition fees and to end the public sector pay cap which left the Tories red in the face.

We may be back to the polls earlier than first thought now that the supply and demand government is more demand than supply.

On another note, within my own work in parliament I was proud to join the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on swimming.

The reason I joined the group was to highlight the great work that is done here in the constituency, especially in the Time Capsule, run by NL Leisure.

In North Lanarkshire, we have one of the best leisure facilities in the country with some of the lowest fee rates with great offers for our young people, like free swimming during study leave.

Meanwhile, now that the dark nights are approaching I would like to encourage everyone to take extra caution.

Whether you’re a walker or a driver, take steps to think ahead for the dark nights – whether it be wearing some high-visibility clothing or driving that little bit slower.

Water great time The Time Capsule is a fantastic leisure facility

Special guest Introducing Jeremy Corbyn during his visit