Parliamentary Contributions

Oral Contributions:

• 01.12 – Budget Resolutions – I made a series of interventions in order to defend the budget and a) oppose Conservative calls for greater cuts to welfare; b) oppose SNP arguments that we should abolish the energy profits levy, when they have no alternative mechanism to replace it, and c) show my support for the WASPI cause, while also noting that we currently lack the funding required to provide compensation to all those who have been affected
• 03.12 – Venezuela: US Military – I intervened to ask the minister what diplomatic action we are taking in response to the escalating situation between the US and Venezuela
• 03.12 – Official Secrets Act and Espionage – I intervened to argue that the recent China spy case collapsed due to delays which took place on the previous government’s watch
• 03.12 – OBR: Resignation of Chair – I intervened to note that the same Conservatives eagerly criticising our budget seemed unable to recall the market-crashing impact of the Truss budget
• 03.12 – Pension Schemes Bill – I delivered a speech welcoming the progress that was made in the latest budget announcement (regarding pre-97 pension indexation through the PPF), but cautioning that more could and should be done to empower private pension trustees and ensure all pensioners can access inflationary uplifts

Written Questions Answered:

• Type 31 Frigates – steps to promote UK Type 31 frigates to NATO allies considering funding for their fleets.
• Ukraine: British Council – adequacy of the support that the British Council offers to Ukrainian refugees, through its partnership programmes with schools.
• British Council – recent conversations with the British Council.
• Immigration – criteria to define high earners and entrepreneurs.

EDMs:

• Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Edinburgh’s participation in UK Parliament Week and promoting debate on single-use plastics in fast food
• Borestane Explorers’ participation in UK Parliament Week and the Scout Manifesto

Media Mentions:

• 04.12 – Edinburgh parking: Extra spaces in station car park after increase in commuting by train – The Evening News covered by recent campaign win at Curriehill station, where we secured a series of additional parking spots for commuters
• 05.12 – Edinburgh biker hits out at lack of action over gangs operating across the city – I was quoted in a report by Edinburgh Live covering the issue of bike crime in the capital
• 05.12 – Edinburgh Council approves report in bid to tackle anti-social bike use – Deadline News covered a recent council report that was inspired by my recent community meeting on dangerous bikes
• 07.12 – Hailes Quarry Junior Parkrun proving runaway success – The Evening News covered the growing popularity of my local park run. I am a regular attendee, but can’t take credit for its success – the team of park run volunteers are essential, both in terms of monitoring the race, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for runners of all ages and abilities.
• 07.12 – Hailes parkrun proving Sunday morning attraction – Edinburgh Live also covered this local park run success story.