Monday

It’s a morning flight this week as I am on the order paper for questions to the Defence department. With increasing concerns around the supply of medicines and food, post Brexit, I have been trying to clarify the situation regarding the legality of Government and Parliament deploying armed forces on UK soil. To the best of my knowledge this has only happened twice in modern history. During the troubles in Northern Ireland and in George Square Glasgow in 1919. Using the forces in an unarmed capacity is a completely different thing. The now weekly statement from the Prime Minister contained the staggering line “I cannot commit the Government to delivering the outcome of any votes held by this house.” This was a nod to the indicative votes that were being scheduled for Wednesday. My delegated legislation committee considered draft customs and security procedures. Yes, that’s right, customs and security, four days before the planned exit date. I spoke against the statutory instrument as it completely ignored the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. It actually said, “further details on the arrangement for trade between Northern Ireland and Ireland will be published as soon as possible.” That’s not good enough.

Tuesday

Coincidentally the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs select committee we were also looking at military deployment. We took evidence from three extremely senior members of the armed forces. The frustration at the military continually being thrown into conflicts ill prepared and with no exit strategy was shared by all three. When parliament votes on such things the voice of the armed forces but also be heard and their advice must be seriously considered. Of course, the difficulty arises if the armed forces are seen to be political and therefore they tend to be side-lined in the decision-making process. I think we least they deserve is an exit strategy and the correct care and support for veterans after they have served. I bobbed for questions to the Health department but didn’t get taken. I wanted to ask about the availability of medical cannabis. I took the opportunity to talk to the Secretary of State for Health later in the day during votes. I may as well put the archaic voting system to some good use. The All Party Parliamentary Group for Medical Cannabis met and took evidence later in the day. There were too many money men represented for my liking and I can see big business dominating and controlling the market place.

Wednesday

In for Scotland questions and the usual suspects from the Conservative and Unionists mocking the ability of Scotland to run its own affairs. Take one good look at Brexit and tell me Westminster function’s as a responsible parliament. Prime Ministers Questions was an appalling spectacle. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling related harm was hard going as we listened to evidence from people who have lost money and their health to gambling addiction. Particularly harrowing was evidence that people suffering from acquired brain injuries have been exploited due to their repetitive behaviour disorders. The evening was dominated by the eight indicative votes. None were accepted. A very good indication of what parliament doesn’t want but not very useful in trying to move the debate forward. We did manage to agree to bump the leaving date forward subject to approval from the EU. Amidst all this the Prime Minister offered to resign if her deal was accepted. I have never heard that technique used. Back my deal or I will resign is the usual stance but back my deal and I will resign! Strong and stable anyone!

Thursday

The political machinations moved into hyper-drive today as the dust settled on last night’s indicative votes. In some quarters there seems to be a lot of confusion around why I voted for, against or abstained on certain amendments. Indicative votes are a way of securing Parliamentary time for debate followed by a series of votes on various scenarios, to see which, if any, might command a majority in the House of Commons. They form opinion and may lead to motions that the government believes will have the support of the house. I used my votes to indicate my preferences. Had I voted for some that I abstained on that would have deflected from my priorities. As we move forward and we get to substantive motions then all consideration will be taken to supporting other amendments. Meanwhile business is sparse and all eyes are on the House for a declaration of business tomorrow. Flights are being cancelled, hotels booked, business cancelled and we are all hunkering down for another day in the chamber.

Friday

All my constituency work has been cancelled. My apologies to those I have had to let down at the last minute. Today the UK Government brought forward only the Withdrawal Agreement to be voted on and not the Political Declaration. There were a number of amendments and votes at 2:30pm and then I rushed to catch a flight home, sweet home.

Monday

I caught the red eye to London as I was scheduled to do one of my regular tours of Westminster. On a number of occasions I have welcomed constituents and walked them round the estate. Citizens’ engagement is extremely important in maintaining a true democracy and everyone should feel comfortable engaging with their elected members and the mechanisms of government. At midday it was my turn to be hosted as I visited the Imperial War Museum (IWM). Diane Lees (Director General) and I had a lengthy and illuminating discussion around the possibilities of the IWM lending some Stanley Spencer paintings to Inverclyde. My initial idea was for a mini exhibition around Spencer and the wars years in general. Unfortunately, at this time we don’t have a building suitable to host this. The delay to the completion of the McLean museum is a great disappointment. 

Tuesday

An early start to take part in a Delegated Legislation (DL) committee. Regular readers will by now be familiar with the purpose of DLs. Today’s was ‘Draft Railways, licensing of railway undertakings’. The select Committee for Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs took evidence from economists on the governance of national statistics. The United Kingdom’s Statistics Authority came under heavy criticism. At SNP conference in April the local branch will be putting forward for a Scottish Statistics Agency. The gathering of accurate statistics, free from political influence can be an invaluable tool in making good policy. I attended an event for ‘End our Pain’. They are a lobby group for medical cannabis and many of the attendees were parents of children who desperately need access to Bedrocan. Alfie Dingley’s mum has fought tirelessly to get him the correct medication. Sadly many are still being denied. I met with Lisa Quarrell mother of Owen and Karen Gray mother of Murray. Both these kids would benefit greatly but the flaws in the current system makes it impossible for them to legally access it. I had a quick dash to Victoria Tower gardens for an interview with Radio Clyde as a precursor to my debate on gambling related harm. The debate took place in Westminster Hall and was very well attended. Along with the front bench spokesperson, seventeen MPs spoke and the message was loud and clear, the gambling companies need to fund organisations that can provide support for their customers that are experiencing gambling related harm and advertising has to curtailed.  

Wednesday

I spent the morning writing two articles. One on drugs policy reform for the Daily Record and one on gambling related harm for Politics Home. Prime Minister’s Question time saw the Prime Minster put up a very poor show. The undoubted pressure she is under and unending hours dedicated to compounding the problem are taking their toll. Jeremy Corbyn was ineffectual. He had some good questions this week but his delivery was off and he still can’t chase down the poor responses from the PM. An interesting addition to PMQs is the input from the ‘independent group’ or the TIGs as they are called. Hearing the tory members shouting abuse at their former colleagues is an eye opener. One by one they get ridiculed. Brexit is indeed a tangled web of deceit, ambition, greed and incompetence. What should have been a short day became longer than necessary when an application was made for an emergency debate under Standing Order 24. Granting such a thing is at the speaker’s discretion, as are it is apparent are a number of things. He granted it and a three hour debate took place covering all the same ground of Article 50 EU withdrawal. I grabbed a six pm flight home.  

Thursday

The morning was consumed by case work and media and in the afternoon I dropped in to the RIG arts driven green arts activities project at the Broomy Bees Garden in Ann Street. Lots of bees being made by kids and tie dye for the adults.

Friday

My first appointment was with Kevin Scarlet at River Clyde Homes. We had lots to discuss. I then caught up with the senior management team at Ferguson Marine. Another event packed with information and the ups and downs of trying to run a business during these very complicated times. When I was first elected I found it very hard to get suitable office accommodation in the area and therefore with a change of landlord I was keen to have a quick sit down to go through the contract and ensure I am in a position to continue to serve the community form my current location on Crawfurd Street. I look forward to a constructive relationship with my landlord for as long as I am required.