Gavin Newlands
PAISLEY AND RENFREWSHIRE NORTH MP
WITH Westminster in recess for the last couple of weeks, I’ve been able to spend my full weeks in the community, rather than down the road.
I’ve been out knocking hundreds of doors and speaking to my constituents – with thousands more still to come – and visiting some of the local organisations and businesses that play a fundamental role in our communities.
A decade and a half of Westminster austerity has had a huge impact across our country – and Renfrewshire is no exception.
There is no excuse for the levels of child poverty and deprivation in our communities. No excuse for the running down of public services. And no excuse for the increasing remoteness of the British establishment from the people it claims to govern.
These are political decisions taken by a Westminster political system that is unlikely to change radically after the coming election.
We are a wealthy country but the choices made on how that wealth is shared are not working for the vast majority of people.
The Westminster cost-of-living crisis continues, despite what the Tories want you think. Mortgage rates, alongside energy and food prices, are still massively higher than recent years, pushing more and more households to the brink.
Seeing first-hand the work done by committed and selfless people to support those who need a helping hand is a reminder that the most valuable resource we have is our people.
Over the last fortnight, I’ve had the privilege of catching up with the inspirational Cor Hutton – a quadruple amputee who started the Finding Your Feet charity to provide support to the amputee community and which has now grown to helping more than 1,200 people across the country.
Meanwhile, the cutting-edge work happening here in Renfrewshire at the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre is developing the medical treatments of the future.
Dedicated volunteers at Renfrewshire Food Train are supporting senior citizens to live
The people I’ve met throughout my nine years as an MP are proof that the spirit that drives our communities cannot be crushed
independently and making sure those most in need have access to fresh groceries.
The women at Jubilee House are helping survivors of domestic abuse and their families with the support they need to help rebuild their lives, not just in the shortterm but in the longer-term.
Made In Paisley is providing a space for artists of all abilities to grow their skills and show off their products in the heart of the town.
Engage Renfrewshire is supporting charities and voluntary groups across the county and helping them develop, grow and thrive.
The independent Two Doors Down brewery in Paisley is carrying on our local brewing tradition into the modern era and sustaining local, skilled employment.
I could fill the paper with the people and groups who are the heartbeat of our communities.
The contrast with the attitudes at Westminster couldn’t be starker – selflessness versus cynicism.
The people I’ve met over not just the past few weeks but throughout my nine years as an MP are proof that the spirit that drives our communities cannot be crushed, no matter who has the keys to 10 Downing Street – and I’m proud to represent everyone who embodies that spirit.