One day you could be hosting a debate on a matter of international importance; the next you are in the constituency visiting businesses and good causes.
Such is the varied work of an MP. I love my job and I would never swap it for anything else.
Passion over Palestine
Last month in Parliament, I managed to secure a hugely important Westminster Hall debate, calling on the UK Government to show leadership in ending Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) – the main judicial body of the United Nations – said last July in a landmark opinion that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is against international law.
Despite growing international concerns over atrocities committed against the Palestinian people, the UK continues to sell arms to Israel while goods from illegal settlements can freely enter Britain – empowering the illegal occupation.
I was pleased to see so many parliamentary colleagues joining this debate as I stressed that we must reflect on what we have done – and what we still do – to allow acts of death and destruction to happen with impunity.
In short, I put it to our government that the UK must undertake a thorough review of its diplomatic, political, trade, economic and military relations with Israel to identify any aspects that assist and empower its illegal occupation, and to stop those aspects.
The ICJ has made clear that all states have an obligation not to recognise, aid or assist in maintaining the illegal occupation of Palestinian land, to ensure compliance with international law through diplomatic and economic measures.
Unfortunately, the debate could only last one hour, but that was still plenty of time for numerous passionate speeches from members, with emotions clearly running high at times.
Home heroes
The same evening, I returned to my beautiful Alloa and Grangemouth constituency to start the February recess in earnest.
At home, I am supported by a brilliant team, including my caseworkers, who have been making a real difference assisting residents with a wide range of issues.
They also support me during visits across our patch. One of our first ports of call was the award-winning Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire lung health support group, led by Linda McLeod BEM.
McLeod has been championing lung health through encouraging people in the area to stop smoking, or not to start in the first place.
She hosts a friendly group for those in the community who have been affected by a lung condition.
The group, an affiliate of Asthma+Lung UK, rightly received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020 and it was great to see first-hand the support and camaraderie on offer.
Throughout the week, I visited many more organisations, with a whole host lined up.
When in the constituency, I am always keen to see the great work being done in our communities by some truly dedicated and magnificent people.
I visited charities, community groups, businesses, cafés and more while holding surgeries for those in need of assistance.
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