CELEBRATINGLOCALSUCCESSES
Boghall Butchers
I was delighted to raise the success of Boghall Butchers in Parliament today and ask the Leader of the House, Lucy Powell, to join me in congratulating the Boyle family on their incredible achievement.
For 50 years, the Boyle family have been at the heart of our community, and now their doner kebab pie has been crowned SupremeChampionattheBritish PieAwards!
KirsteenSullivanMPoutsideBoghallButchers
Lucy Powell said she was always keen on invitations to taste the culinary outputs of constituencies, particularly those that come intheformofpies,andtheideaofakebab-filledpieis pie-oneering!
Bathgate 80th Anniversary of VE Day Commemoration
Huge congratulations to Whitburn Band on winning the Scottish Brass Band Championships their third titleinjustfouryears!
This fantastic achievement means they’ll now represent Scotland at the National Brass Band Championships in London and the European Championshipsnextyear
I was proud to raise this in Parliament during Business Questions to the Leader of the Commons, which is a weekly opportunitytocelebratelocalsuccesseslikethis.IaskedLucy PowellMPtojoinmeincongratulatingWhitburnBrassBand andsheevenmanagedtosneakinabrassbandpun!
Casework stats April
KirsteenSullivanMPraisingthesuccessinthe HouseofCommons
Whitburn Band
World Parkinson's Day
To mark World Parkinson's Day, I met with Parkinsons UK and people affected by the condition to hear about the support that Parkinson’s UK provides, at every stage in a Parkinson’s journey in Bathgate and Linlithgow and acrossthecountry
I was particularly humbled to meet former Sky Sports darts presenter Dave Clark and hear how Parkinson’s impacts his daily life, as well as his inspirational fundraisingefforts.
You can find out what's available via Parkinson’s UK locally on www.parkinsons.org.uk or ring their helpline08088000303
Defibrillator Parliamentary Drop-in
Quick access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death in a cardiacemergency
I'veheardofmanystoriesacross the constituency where these have saved lives. Every second counts! Whydefibrillatorsmatter: Increasessurvivalratesincardiacarrests Easytouse–nomedicaltrainingneeded Vitalforrural&communityspaces
MS Awareness Week
CONSTITUENCYVISITS
Avonbridge Compressor Station
I recently visited the Avonbridge Compressor Station to delve into its critical role in maintaining the UK's energy security and to engage in discussionsaboutthefutureofenergytransitioninourcountry
During my visit, I met with apprentices currently training at the station, and I was heartened by National Gas’ commitment toinvestinginthenextgenerationofskilled workers Thecompanyplanstoincreaseits annual skills investment from over £2 million a year today to nearly £4 million a year in the future, subject to Ofgem confirmation.
It's crucial that we continue to support local communities by investing in education and training programmes, such as apprenticeships.
Our discussions also focused on the potential of hydrogen and carbon capture technologies in achieving the UK’s climate goals. National Gas expressed its desire for clarity from the Treasury on investment in these technologies, aligning with the Government’s renewable energy ambitions The company is committed to supporting this transition by integrating hydrogen and carbon capture into the energy mix, contributingtoamoresustainableandsecurefuture
AW Jenkinson Woodwaste
IwasrecentlyinvitedbytheWoodRecyclers'Association(WRA)tovisitthe AW Jenkinson Woodwaste facility in Bo'ness Their operations are integral to the UK's circular economy, converting waste wood into valuable products and reducing landfill usage During my visit, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how AW Jenkinson turns wood waste into biomass fuel for renewable energy, timber chip for board manufacturers, surfaces for equine arenas and racehorse gallops, bedding for cattle and sheep,andwoodlandwalkways
MS Awareness Week is 28 April to 2 May and the themeisMSConversations. th nd
MS is unpredictable and different for everyone I want to remind people with MS in Bathgate and Linlithgow that I’m here to listen to how MS affects you and what I candotohelp
These processes not only contribute to renewable energy production but also support various industries by providing sustainable materials It was inspiring to witness the innovative ways in which waste wood is repurposed, highlighting the importance of recycling and sustainabilityinourcommunity
Stagnation: 14 years of poor planning and underinvestmenthavestalledgrowthinhousing,transport, andinfrastructure.
Localdemocracy:Stressedtheneedtoprotectlocalvoices inplanningdecisions
Scottishissues:Calledoutthelocal,democraticallymade planning decisions that have been overturned on appeal, ignoringcommunitieslikeEastWhitburnandBathgate.
Skills shortages: Raised concerns over understaffed planningdepartmentsandalackofconstructionworkers.
There can’t be many issues that generate so many emails or cause so much frustration as potholes on roads I spoke about this in Parliament and explained that I recently met councillors in theBathgateandLinlithgowconstituencytodiscusshowyearsof Scottish Government austerity inflicted on council budgets have leftourroadsinadirecondition Watchhere.
Run by women, for women, I had the privilege of visiting Beira's Place when it first opened, during my time as a West Lothian councillor. It provides a safe, compassionate, and supportive environmentforsurvivorsofsexualviolence.Watchhere.
