MSP should look at his own record

Dear Editor,

As a member of the SNP, and someone who is firmly opposed to the development of the Park of Keir, I write with regards to the letter published last week from Alexander Stewart MSP (Observer , September 6).

Mr Stewart makes several spurious comments about Keith Brown MSP not representing his constituents, yet he will know full well how the process works and that Mr Brown is bound by the Ministerial code so can’t express a public view.

I know, however, that throughout the entire process Mr Brown engaged with constituents who contacted him about the matter and met with several groups and individuals to listen to their views to ensure they were fed into the appropriate channels.

Can Mr Stewart say he did the same? I can find no record of any representations from him on behalf of constituents.

Before Mr Stewart casts aspersions on the record of other MSPs, he should perhaps look at his own.

Is he lobbying his Government’s ministers to safeguard the rights of the hundreds of EU nationals living in the Stirling area who are threatened by Brexit?

Is he taking on board the concerns of our universities, including Stirling, about the huge and long-term damage leaving the EU could have on our vital higher education sector and the wider economy - and lobbying ministers accordingly?

Has he made representations to David Mundell asking him to follow through on his commitment for more funding for Scotland as a result of the Tories’ deal with the DUP?

I would also be interested to learn Mr Stewart’s views on the plans of his party leader for five new towns on greenbelt land in Scotland.

Iain Graham