Back Bench Debate on Support for Self-employed and Freelance Workers This afternoon I raised the cases of just a few of my constituents who have fallen through the gaps in UK government support. It’s not too late for Rishi Sunak to listen and to act to help the millions affected. https://youtu.be/KldFeOmvNoc
The proposals in the Internal Market Bill are an affront to the people of Scotland who voted overwhelmingly for devolution. Watch my speech from the Committee Stage debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDOXvtTPZMc&t=8s
Seems we’re now being told that we should welcome the UK government interfering with and overriding the devolved administrations. Watch my input at today’s welsh questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_pGekMsbMo
Scottish Government Short-Term Lets Consulatation There are far too many Airbnb-type short-term lets in Edinburgh East. I regularly get contacted by neighbours of flats that been turned been turned into short-term lets (very often without planning consent) because their lives are being made a misery by constant comings and goings, parties on weeknights, absentee landlords … Read more Scottish Government launch consultation on detailed plans for Short-Term Let regulations.
I remember someone once telling me that if the lie is big enough it will be believed. You can easily get caught out on little fibs. But be bold and brazen about your mendacity and conviction will overcome facts. That now seems to be the policy of the UK government. I have just received a … Read more UK’s Internal Market Bill is an explicit attack on Scottish devolution
The impact of Covid-19 on tourism in Edinburgh. All of us who are fortunate enough to live in this wonderful city are well aware that usually our city is inundated with tourist each summer. Indeed, it’s not just the summer – Edinburgh draws tourists year round. While I know some local residents feel the frustration … Read more Impact of Covid-19 on Tourism industry
At today’s business questions I asked the UK government if they would press ahead with the internal market bill without the consent of the devolved administrations. I’ll let you decide whether or not the Minister answered the question… https://youtu.be/iRWNQ7YQ_rU
Make no mistake, clause 46 of the UK government’s internal market bill is a full frontal assault on devolution. The Secretary of State seems to be living in a parallel universe – watch my contribution from today’s Scotland questions: https://youtu.be/Z8C4zvB70JY
Parliament returns this week after summer recess. It was an odd recess – usually I’d spend the time visiting local organisations and enjoying Edinburgh’s festivals. Seeing such an empty city when it is usually so vibrant and full of culture was strange and slightly disconcerting. But the reality is that we are still tackling a … Read more Constituency Update – August 2020
Edinburgh. August. Empty. How weird is this? Usually by now our city would be teeming with multitudes of bright young things visiting from all corners of the globe. As ever, local opinion would be divided. Many would be earning decent money with venues, bars and restaurants full to overflowing. Plenty would be enjoying the greatest … Read more Performing arts venues must plan for the worst to prevent a cultural catastrophe