Need for government to consult
I was pleased to be allocated time to hold a Westminster Hall debate in my name in Parliament last week on the need for the UK Government to fully consult with disabled people ahead of Brexit.
It was responded to by the Minister who accepted that disability rights, project funding and services should not be adversely affected by the UK leaving the EU.
When we speak about Brexit we tend to think in terms of trade and investment but I believe it is important to highlight that Brexit is also about people and the type of society we wish to be.
For disabled people, Brexit must have equality legislation and vision placed at its’ heart.
I was delighted to be reelected Chair of the Disability All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the third year in parliament and I will continue to prioritise disability and mental health issues within my remit.
Our APPG meeting highlighted the need for tackling the disability employment gap and productive recommendations from our Inquiry report that I led last year.
This week I also spoke in Parliament in a debate about the challenges that New Towns face which gave me the perfect opportunity to highlight how proud I am of East Kilbride and all that has been achieved in its’ 70 years.
There are, of course, real tests in terms of maintaining jobs, growth and prosperity and I continue to work hard to challenge the UK Government on their plans to close our HMRC which will have a devastating impact upon our local economy; a decision that should be reversed. I met with the EK Task Force sub-group this week to progress the ‘Stay in EK’ campaign.
This week I also welcomed news that AGO will be locating to our town and providing nearly 500 new jobs.
Employment is the lifeblood of our growth and prosperity and I continue to work with our local employers to encourage expansion and trade.
My constituency Day of International Trade, flagshipping our local companies is arranged for early September with details to follow.
Many constituents have contacted me and I recognise the strength of the feeling on the local matter of the East Kilbride Travel Centre only opening on Saturdays.
I have this week written to Strathclyde Passenger Transport who operate and manage the Travel Centre to highlighting our constituency’s genuine concerns.
This week I have had further constituency enquiries and complaints about the volume of heavy traffic going through the centre of Strathaven.
I have therefore written to the Roads Department at South Lanarkshire Council to highlight this important issue and to urge them to take action with traffic calming measures in the medium-term but also with a longer term feasible plan.
Please don’t hesitate to drop by to discuss any constituency concerns as both of my East Kilbride and Strathaven offices are open full-time Monday to Friday.
I can, of course, organise home visits for those with mobility issues and arrange further appointment times to suit.