Brexit row rumbles on
“That’s it all done and by with for another year” – a familiar phrase this time in January.
With Christmas and New Year swiftly going into memory, I’d like to begin by offering all of you my best wishes for 2019 and a very Happy New Year.
This is a year that is set to be filled with no shortage of challenges and indeed opportunities; in the form of the challenge of Brexit and in the coming months, no doubt, the opportunities presented by both an alternative vision for Scotland and its future.
The last time I wrote for the Hamilton Advertiser, I mentioned that Theresa May’s Brexit deal was one Christmas present which I had hoped we kept the receipt for. It seems that her backbenchers and Cabinet were thinking the same – and it was swiftly returned to the shelf…until now it seems.
Of course, I am referring to the political hokey-cokey which was the Meaningful Vote in the House of Commons with the Brexit deal being voted on – absolutely, then maybe not and then totally off the table – until the New Year.
Next week however, sees the Brexit deal return to the House of Commons and it seems set to fail – and rightly so. The Prime Minister’s deal is one which would be damaging to Scotland, and all in Parliament realise this. It seems that the Meaningful Vote will be a significant point in the Brexit process. And whilst that chaos rumbles on, the SNP provide absolute clarity in that we support another referendum on EU membership – a people’s vote to place the power over this issue back into the hands of the people; but short of this the least damaging option is to remain in the Single Market and Customs Union and to continue to have a strong role in the European Union.
In 2019 however, a different Scotland is possible.
We in the SNP have never been shy in making the case that our path and future can be different. Indeed, we have delivered that each and every day during our time in the Scottish Government – from baby boxes to free tuition, to our open and welcoming message to Scotland and our support for world-class food and drink.
Our actions are making a difference. Just before Christmas, we saw that stark contrast being shone into light – in that whilst Westminster crumbles further into utter chaos, and the UK government practically ceases to function, the Scottish Government offers stability with the introduction of a Scottish Budget that protects public services, supports the economy and helps build a fairer country.
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance presented to Parliament, just before Christmas, the Draft Scottish Budget which saw investment in our economy for today, to meet the challenges of tomorrow; protection and investment in Scotland’s public services; a rejection of a tax cut for the better off and the fairest income tax system in the UK. All the while mitigating UK Government austerity that has seen our resource block grant has cut by £2bn in real terms since 2010.
That is an example of the different type of vision for Scotland. One where our public services and people are placed at the heart of everything which we do. Scotland is a country filled with opportunity, and in 2019 I hope we will see that become ever more apparent.
As always; I want to remind everyone that my constituency office remains open for consultation, and anyone who requires any help at all is welcome to drop in and my team and I will be happy to help. My surgeries are in Whitehill Neighbourhood Centre on the third Monday of the month at 5.30pm, along with Bothwell Community Centre at 4.30pm and Uddingston Community Centre at 6pm on the fourth Monday of the month.
If none of these opportunities are convenient, then anyone who requires any assistance can call 01698 479900 or email Richard.lyle. Msp@parliament.scot.
Finally, I hope that 2019 will provide me with yet further opportunities to continually be at the heart of this excellent constituency of ours – Uddingston and Bellshill.
This area has so much to offer and I am continually amazed by the generosity, commitment and hard work which I see each and every day when I am around the constituency. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit many schools, businesses and community groups.
I will be working to ensure that 2019 is no different.