July 2026

I was delighted to attend the Airth Highland Games and to join this year’s Chieftain, Fiona Kennedy, in presenting the trophy to Mr and Mrs Gardiner, winners of the garden competition.

I was delighted to meet Anthony Horan of the Catholic Parliamentary Office in a local café as I continue setting up my new constituency office.

We had a valuable discussion on several important issues, including artificial intelligence. Pope Leo XIV has stressed that AI must remain under human direction, protect human dignity and serve the common good.

Campbells Prime Meat is a Local success story – delivering high-quality Scottish meat, fish and produce while supporting skilled local jobs and apprenticeships. Its commitment to quality, traceability and our local economy deserves recognition. Well done to the whole team.

I was delighted to join Nepali constituents from across the Falkirk area at the 2026 Nepali Mela in Edinburgh.

This second Mela was a wonderful celebration of Nepal’s rich culture, music, dance, food and community spirit. Congratulations to NRNA Scotland and everyone involved in organising such a successful event. I wish the Mela continued success in the years ahead.

Outpatient waiting lists are down by almost 13% compared to a year ago, more people are receiving cancer treatment within target times, and long waits for operations are continuing to fall as hospital activity increases.

Reports that over 100 former Members of the Bangladesh Parliament remain in jail, alongside allegations of custodial deaths, denial of medical care, attacks on journalists, lawyers and minorities, are deeply concerning.

Scotland did not vote for Brexit and should not be dragged into a Farage-run future we do not want.

The only credible way to Stop Farage at the Border is through independence and Scotland’s return to the European Union.

I welcome the Scottish Government’s new consultation on restricting the packaging, appearance and display of vaping products. Bright colours, cartoon-style branding and eye-catching shop displays have no place in encouraging young people to take up vaping.

At Westminster the chaos continues. We are now waiting for the seventh UK Prime Minister in just ten years, and yet another one who will enter Downing Street without their own electoral mandate.

And before he has even taken office, Andy Burnham is already telling Scotland what we cannot do. He has ruled out another independence referendum, despite Scotland electing a Parliament with a clear mandate for one.