Polly spoke for many of us yesterday
05.02.2026 14:33 β π 4 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0Polly spoke for many of us yesterday
05.02.2026 14:33 β π 4 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Happy Burns Night!
We had a fabulous @scottishlabour.bsky.social Burns Supper in Kirkcaldy; a great celebration filled with laughs as well as energy & determination to get Anas Sarwar into Bute House in May.
Huge thanks to Anas, Douglas Alexander, Andrew Marr & everyone else who came π πΉ π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ
A statement from me π
11.01.2026 16:27 β π 32 π 6 π¬ 0 π 0My statement following the first Police charge in relation to Saturday's display of hate in Kirkcaldy
16.12.2025 19:57 β π 9 π 2 π¬ 0 π 1
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.
While the SNP are squabbling amongst themselves about independence, they are failing to address the problems in our NHS. This leaves too many people waiting in pain for treatment - as I told BBC #PoliticsLive
15.10.2025 22:08 β π 3 π 1 π¬ 0 π 4
Two years on from the horrific Hamas attacks on Israelis, this piece by British-Israeli Sharone Lifschitz is deeply moving and powerful.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Iβm horrified by the terrorist attack on the Jewish community in Manchester.
Today on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, my prayers and solidarity are with all those affected.
There is no place for antisemitism and hatred.
The UKβs recognition of the State of Palestine today is a historic step.
I have long called for this, together with Palestinian Ambassador and Labour colleagues.
At this most terrible of times in Gaza, we must redouble our efforts on a lasting ceasefire.
This is the only way that hope can prevail.
Israel is committing mass atrocity crimes in Gaza.
Palestinians civilians are now facing a choice between starving to death or being killed waiting for aid.
In Parliament I recently called for further concrete action, including the immediate recognition of the State of Palestine.
πΊ This week during an Urgent Question to the Foreign Secretary on the UK's response to the worsening situation in Sudan, @melanieward.bsky.social MP raised an important question about the UKβs approach to preventing & responding to mass atrocity crimes. π§΅
18.07.2025 10:04 β π 1 π 2 π¬ 1 π 0
The situation in Gaza is beyond words.
Cutting off fuel deprives civilians of water.
Bombing starving children trying to collect water or waiting for medical treatment is an outrage.
Last week I wrote to the Foreign Secretary and spoke to the PM to urge further UK action.
As we mark the centenary of Kirkcaldy War Memorial, today I had the solemn honour of leading the reading aloud of names of the 1500 members of our Armed Forces who gave their lives and are remembered on it.
This collective act reinforced the scale of loss.
We will remember them
Today in Parliament I raised the ongoing military action in the Middle East; the need for action on the horrific situation in Gaza; and the protection of UK citizens and assets across the region, including the Gulf and Jordan.
23.06.2025 21:23 β π 2 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0Sandra Beveridge and Vicky Gorn from Dunfermline Foodbank @trussellscot.bsky.social were in Westminster. Weβre grateful to @graemedowniemp.bsky.social and @melanieward.bsky.social for meeting with us and supporting the call for long-term solutions to hunger and hardship.
21.06.2025 08:02 β π 4 π 2 π¬ 1 π 0
I voted against the #AssistedDyingBill today, together with 159 other Labour MPs.
To all those who are worried, I am desperately sorry we could not stop it.
The Lords have vast scrutiny to do; the bill lacks safeguards for vulnerable people, in the eyes of so many expert bodies.
V disappointed that the House of Commons rejected Amendment 24 to the Assisted Dying Bill from my dear friend @danfrancis02.
I signed it and voted for it.
It would have improved protection for people with diminished mental capacity and it really mattered #AssistedDyingBill
Very strong intervention by the Royal College of Psychiatrists on eve of the final vote on assisted dying. www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-fea...
19.06.2025 12:43 β π 6 π 6 π¬ 1 π 0
Today in Parliament I spoke against the #AssistedDyingBill.
This is a deeply flawed Bill, and the truth is that in seeking to give choice to some, it risks causing new harm to a much larger, vulnerable group of our citizens.
I'm delighted that today the Chancellor prioritised Kirkcaldy for funding from the new Β£240 million Growth Mission Fund.
This crucial investment from our UK Labour Government will be the first step towards renewing and regenerating our town centre and seafront.
Last week SNP MPs shouted βwhereβs Davyβ at us in the House of Commons.
Yesterday I was happy to share with the House that Labourβs Davy Russell MSP is taking his place in the Scottish Parliament.
We wish him all the very best as he swears in πΉ
Over 1000 doctors join the Royal College of Psychiatrists; Association of Palliative Medicine & disability rights orgs to say that the Assisted Dying Bill is not fit for purpose.
It is a danger to vulnerable people, in particular.
Every day more MPs are switching to voting no.
A wonderful result.
My experience on the doors was that people are fed up of the SNP and their dreadful record on the NHS.
Bring on 2026 πππ
Lang Toun Fest is Kirkcaldyβs amazing new arts & culture festival, which kicks off tomorrow.
There are so many fantastic events to enjoy across our brilliant town.
Join us & check out whatβs onπ
www.loveoorlangtoun.com/lang-toun-fe...
There is no reason for delay - @ofcom.bsky.social needs to get on and act immediately to take down this horrific suicide promotion website.
@mollyroseorg.bsky.social
has also warned of the need for this to happen without delay.
Bit blowy today - but the view from North Queensferry was stunning as ever
25.05.2025 17:34 β π 2 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
The new UK-EU trade deal that our UK Labour government has negotiated is good for my constituents in Fife, good for Scotland & good for the UK.
No wonder the SNP have themselves in a right fankle over how to respond to itβ¦
Following recent exchanges in Parliament, I wrote to Priti Patel about her and her partyβs shameful, extreme position on the horrific situation in Gaza: from barely acknowledging the existence of the Palestinian people to supporting Israelβs plans to replace aid workers with mercenaries.
23.05.2025 17:12 β π 9 π 2 π¬ 0 π 1The government's deal with the EU is good for Scotland and good for the UK, says @melanieward.bsky.social, pointing out that while the SNP First Minister is desperate to talk the deal down, the Deputy First Minister was in Downing Street telling everyone how wonderful it is...
20.05.2025 15:17 β π 5 π 4 π¬ 1 π 0
The government is right to have taken fresh action on Gaza, including suspending trade talks with Israel & imposing more sanctions.
In Parliament I spoke about Israelβs plans to replace aid workers with mercenaries and about red lines.
Gaza is out of time.