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

Scottish Government

'I was delighted that the Scottish Parliament recently passed a Budget that will see 70% of Fifers pay less income tax – making Scotland the lowest taxed part of the UK. Those earning in excess of £33k per year will pay a little bit extra to support the NHS, education and local services. The budget also brings many of our lower to medium paid public servants in line for a minimum 3% pay rise, breaking the 1% pay cap which has been in place since the UK financial crash in 2008.

Brexit

60% of Fifers voted decisively to remain within the European Union. I will do everything in my power to fight for my constituents in maintaining Scotland’s place in the Single Market and Customs Union – both will minimise the effects of leaving the EU and save jobs in this constituency. Sadly, having recently spent two weeks overseeing the UK Government antics as a member of the Custom’s Bill Committee, no one from Downing Street down is listening to Scotland. It really is time to take matters into our own hands... or as some might say “time for Scotland to take back control”!

Personal Independent Payments

In December, the UK Government lost a High Court ruling meaning some of their changes to Personal Independent Payment system were unlawful, as it failed to give proper recognition to people who’s ability to work is affected by mental health problems.

Child Poverty

I recently highlighted the need for the UK Government to lift the freeze on benefits – particularly child benefits – as more and more children fall into poverty. It is unacceptable that more that one in four children in Cowdenbeath live in poverty and I make the call to the UK Government to do more to stop families falling into destitution.

Defence procurement

In my role as the SNP’s Spokesperson for Defence Procurement, I recently came out publicly to condemn the UK Government when the National Audit Office revealed their forecast budget over the next decade has a black hole of up to £20bn. This report highlights the utterly shambolic mismanagement of MoD contracts by the Tories – something I have raised many, many times since being elected in 2015.

Cowdenbeath FC

This week I will be meeting with Cowdenbeath FC director David Allan to find out more about the ‘Club 135’ campaign to raise £135,000 which would provide the Blue Brazil with a sounder financial footing moving forward.

Hill of Beath Primary School

I would like to say a big thank you and well done to the pupils from Hill of Beath and McLean primary schools who took part in my ‘Address to a Haggis’ video in January for Rabbie Burns Night. You can watch it on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNiNL_uFDPo '