Democracy has been trampled on by UK gov
CLACKMANNANSHIRE AND DUNBLANE MSP
It’s not for London to cancel laws legitimately passed
Here across Stirling and Clackmannanshire, people continue to struggle to meet the rising cost of living - with food prices, the cost of petrol at the pump, and energy bills having increased massively over the last 12 months.
Towards the end of last year, I hosted a Cost of Living Drop Inl for people across the constituency to come along and get advice on what support is available to help people hit hardest by spiralling living costs. It was a well-attended event with many people from across the area coming along to hear what various local and national organisations had to say.
As we begin a new year, I am pleased to confirm I am once again hosting an employment fair at Alloa Town Hall, with many employers booked to attend with advice on employment, training, and apprenticeship opportunities. Thousands of people have attended these events over the years, and I’m glad to be bringing it back following a few years being impacted by the Covid pandemic. It will be taking place on Friday February 3 between 10am and 2pm, and I’d encourage folk to attend.
I am deeply disappointed that the decision to close Bridge of Allan Mccolls has meant the loss of the only Post Office in the village.
When news of this broke, Alyn Smith MP and I contacted the Post Office, urging them to look into any and all options that would continue access to this important service in the Bridge of Allan area. Alyn and I have also contacted a number of businesses locally, urging them to look into the feasibility of hosting a Post Office within their premises. I’m disappointed that so far no feasible option has been found. However, I will continue to engage with the Post Office and the local community in the hopes of finding a solution.
Access to Post Office services are becoming more important, with many more people using them to pay bills or even access certain banking services. I would be very keen to listen to any and all ideas locals may have on this matter, you can contact me on: keith.brown.msp@parliament.uk.
When we remember 2022, it’s hard to not be reminded of the many scandals that took place within Downing Street, Whitehall, and Westminster. In 2022 we saw three prime ministers, four chancellors, and the complete rejection of Scotland’s democracy.
History was made with the first ever sitting prime minister prosecuted for committing a crime in office with‘partygate’, and it emerged a senior Tory MP was promoted to government, despite allegations of sexual harassment being known.
When Rishi Sunak took office just a few short weeks ago, he pledged “integrity, professionalism, and accountability at every level”. It seems in the cold light of day those words have become pretty meaningless as 2023 has started in much the same way with the erupting story surrounding former Chancellor and Tory party chair Nadhim Zahawi’s tax affairs signalling more of the same sleaze from this UK government.
Scotland’s democracy too has been trampled on, with the Scotland Secretary announcing the UK government will implement Section 35 of the Scotland Act, blocking the implementation of an Act of the Scottish Parliament.
No matter what people’s views might be regarding the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, it is a devolved matter to the Scottish Parliament, democratically developed and passed by elected MSPS, it is not for London to step in and cancel laws passed legitimately at Holyrood.