Douglas's constituency includes Crossgates, Hill of Beath and Moss-side.

Christmas Spirit

I never cease to be amazed by the dedication of volunteers across our communities. Whether that’s those who work with our older citizens, or help people with learning difficulties make sense of their world or give a little to support those in our community who have fallen on tough times. The highlight of my Christmas Day was being able to cook off an extra couple of batches of roast tatties and carrots which were taken to the EATS Hub at Rosyth. The volunteers there were dishing up Christmas dinner for anyone who wanted or needed it, or who maybe just wanted a wee bit company on the day.

Yemen

A continuing theme of my work at Westminster has been to highlight the plight of the people in Yemen. Their country is bombed daily and water supplies, hospitals, schools and food supply stores are often the target. Children cannot get to school. Essential aid supplies in the form of food, water and medicines are blocked from entering the country as the ports have been destroyed by missiles. Diseases, such as cholera, are now rife. Missiles made in Glenrothes and which are sold under Arms Export Licences by the British Government are being exported in large numbers to the Saudi Government so they can wreak this havoc on Yemen and her citizens. These UK export licences must be withdrawn to give a ceasefire a chance of bringing peace. Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnston, could save thousands of lives and misery for millions more at the stroke of a pen.

Brexit

At Westminster, Brexit negotiations continue at a snail’s pace. The latest is that we could now end up paying to be part of the EU “Club” so trade can continue with limited customs checks, but we would not have a say in any of the decision making processes. In 2014 the UK said that it would provide the “best of both worlds” for Scotland if we stayed in the UK. Now, the UK Government’s sheer incompetence at negotiating Brexit is heading towards giving us “the worst of all worlds”.

Good news for 2018

It’s said that no-one likes paying tax, but measures in the SNP Scottish Government’s draft budget should put a smile on the face of the fair minded readers of the Central Fife Times. From next April, anyone earning less than £33,000 a year will pay less tax in Scotland than in any other part of the UK. Those earning more will pay a little bit extra in tax, which is only fair. In addition, the SNP is determined to break to 1% pay cap for public service workers, meaning that nurses, teachers, police and local government employees will receive a least a 3% pay rise.

Happy New Year !