Demanding the SNP support our NHS

Frontline doctors and nurses have said that the SNP-run health service is no longer fit for purpose.
 
Nicola Sturgeon and the health secretary, Humza Yousaf, cannot pretend none of this is their fault.
 
Despite the unbelievable efforts of NHS staff, SNP failures over their 15 years in power are damaging the health of people in the Borders.
 
I will keep campaigning to ensure that people can access a GP in person, get an ambulance quickly, be seen promptly at an A&E department, and get the healthcare treatment they need.

Protecting women’s rights

The UK Government intervened in the last few weeks to prevent the SNP’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill from becoming law, on the grounds that it risks women’s safety.
 
The gender reform bill would make a number of hugely unpopular changes, including lowering the age that people can change gender to just 16 years old and potentially allowing criminals to access single-sex spaces.
 
Scottish Conservatives fought hard against the bill and tried to amend it but the SNP got it passed with the help of almost all Labour and Liberal Democrat MSPs.
 
I strongly support this UK Government decision because it is absolutely vital that we protect women’s rights - and the SNP’s bill didn’t do that.

Extra UK Government support

This last month brought good news for businesses and households from the UK Government.
 
UK ministers announced they will extend the support for business energy bills for a further year to March 2024.
 
The new Energy Bills Discount Scheme will be a big help to businesses across the Borders who are worried about rising energy prices.
 
The UK Government also revealed that off-grid homes using alternative energy can benefit from up to £400 of support.
 
This vital support underlines that the UK Government’s top priority is tackling the cost-of-living crisis.