The Year Past and the Year Ahead

Patricia Gibson MP

Looking back, 2015 must surely be counted as amongst the most politically eventful in recent history. Early in the year, the UK General Election campaign began in earnest with televised UK leadership debates. For the first time, parties from across the UK were allowed to participate and the general consensus amongst pundits and the public was that Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, was the most convincing, persuading many in Scotland that the SNP is the party to make Scotland’s voice heard and champion our needs at Westminster.

The outcome of the 2015 election was completely unprecedented and, with Labour and the Lib Dems suffering catastrophic losses and leadership changes – and the SNP now third largest party in the UK – the political landscape is quite unrecognisable.

I was honoured to be elected by the people of North Ayrshire & Arran and, along with my colleagues, we have done just that – establishing constituency offices early to assist constituents, whilst delivering in Westminster on matters ranging from fox hunting and human rights to devolving more powers to Scotland and the proposed Tax Credit cuts.

At a time when Labour is bitterly divided, the SNP at Westminster is now the de facto Opposition and, with many talented individuals on our benches, we have articulated alternative policies and demonstrate just how fragile David Cameron’s majority is.

Whilst many high profile politicians’ careers ended at the ballot box, it was sad to see Charles Kennedy pass away during the summer. His contribution to UK politics was great and, despite political differences, he is greatly missed.

The Tories cannot always rely on their backbench MPs and some dents have been made in their armour. Nonetheless, their majority has inflicted a number of regressive and frankly Dickensian policies, which will inflict real pain on people across the UK. The young and the disabled have been disproportionately hit by changes to the welfare system and trade union members will see their rights diminish.

Sadly, I fear that more pain is yet to come. For our part, the SNP will continue to stand against the agenda of austerity through choice, and argue for a more progressive way forward – seeking support from all sides to make the government think again.

Last month I was dismayed to watch as the combined forces of the Tories and many Labour MPs dragged the UK in to another military conflict in the Middle East. The decision to bomb Syria is, I believe, misguided, which will lead to more suffering and destruction and may exacerbate an already bloody and complex multi-national conflict.

Regarding 2016, we cannot truly know what is in store. Of course there are some known knowns and there are some known unknowns …

In May, voters (including 16 and 17 years-olds) will go to the polls in the Scottish Parliament Elections. Over the past nine years, the SNP Government has worked hard for Scotland – delivering improved services with ever dwindling resources cut by successive Labour and Tory UK Governments. I believe that Scotland should back Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP to ensure we continue to protect our NHS, keep education free and ensure crime remains low.

With a manifesto commitment to meet, it may be as early as summer 2016 when David Cameron asks people across the UK to vote in a referendum on our membership of the European Union. The SNP is of the firm opinion that Scotland is best served by remaining, which is crucial to so many Scottish businesses and export markets.

2015 may be a defining year in politics, the effects of which may not yet be fully realised. As things stand, 2016 should be just as fascinating. Regardless, I would like to wish all constituents a very happy, fulfilling and prosperous New Year!