It’s SNP conference next weekend. And it seems there’s more competition than ever for positions on the party’s national executive committee. So, lots of choice for delegates then. But when it comes to debating policy the choice is pretty limited. Gone are individual resolutions from branches. Instead we have six themed policy positions composited from … Read more Why we need a full and open debate on independence
For most of the week I’ve been hardwired to CNN as the US election unfolded. Exciting, if tragic, stuff. But the week began rather more sedately as I joined a webinar to hear a keynote speech by Douglas Ross, the new(ish) leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. This was not an act of … Read more Scottish independence: Even new Tory leader Douglas Ross realises unionism has a problem
Constituency Business I hope this finds you safe and well. I know things aren’t easy just now and the arrival of the dark nights are making it that bit more difficult for some. Today the new Scottish regional restrictions take effect. As you are probably aware, Edinburgh has been placed at level 3 and you can … Read more September News – Edinburgh East
Parliamentary Business Work in parliament has continued with Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg continuing to act as if all is normal and refusing to reinstate remote voting or remote participation in debates. I’ve raised this during businesses questions many times now – see here for example. There is no reason that MPs cannot work fully from home – I … Read more October News – Westminster
(Photo taken pre Covid-19) TEMPORARY Constituency/Communications Assistant (Part Time) Tommy Sheppard MP Job description and person specification Salary: Dependent on experience and in accordance with IPSA pay scales Job Details: Temporary contract until end of March 2021. Part time (3 days a week). Out of office hours working may be required but time off in lieu … Read more Temporary Team Member Wanted
Last week I asked Boris Johnson whether he would regard winning next year’s Scottish election as a mandate for the union. It was a genuine enough question. After all, we can be fairly sure the union is going to feature in the election campaign, maybe even dominate it. And I was careful to ask about … Read more If the people elect a pro-referendum majority, Scotland should vote on quitting the Union
Another month has passed and I know that over six months into the pandemic a lot of people are feeling it even more – financially, emotionally and socially. Cases of Covid-19 are on the rise again in Scotland so it is as important as ever to keep following the guidelines to keep ourselves and our loved ones … Read more September News – Edinburgh East
Parliament returned at the start of September and after six months of contributing virtually, I returned to London. While parliament has offered some aspects of virtual participation, this has been limited. You can ask questions but not take part in debates. This is something I’ve raised a number of times at Business Questions, along with … Read more September News – Westminster
Today I presented a Ten Minute Rule Bill on Problem Drug Use. It came about after the UK government dismissed the Scottish Affairs Select Committee’s recommendations following our inquiry into drug use last year. The Bill aims to help tackle the drug crisis by decriminalising the possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use … Read more UK Government told to decriminalise drug possession and declare health emergency to save lives
A message to you Rishi There’s lies, damned lies, and chancellor’s statements. I sat through Rishi Sunak’s statement at the House of Commons yesterday. I was at the time pleasantly surprised. I thought he’d done a handbrake turn and committed to continuing support for people who’ve been furloughed during the Covid crisis. Not as much … Read more A message to Rishi