This morning I had a really interesting visit to the Tennent’s Brewery which is on the boundary of my constituency. Directly employing 500 people, they have around 7,000 customers who employ a further 25,000 employees. It was great to hear more about their plans for the future and contribution to the economy.
Stay safe this Hallowe’en
With Hallow’een coming up this week, many families will be buying costumes and getting prepared for parties. There’s also a campaign underway to highlight fire safety, following the terrible incident last year when Claudia Winkleman’s daughter was badly injured when her costume caught fire.
Please check and make sure that the costumes you choose meet the highest possible fire safety standards, and consider using LED candles instead of tealights. It only takes a second for some of these costumes to catch light.
Have fun, but stay safe this hallow’een.
Wear it Pink!
Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, has shown her support for women with breast cancer by dressing up in pink and encouraging her constituents to take part in Breast Cancer Now’s flagship fundraiser, wear it pink, tomorrow (Friday 23rd October).
‘wear it pink’, the UK’s biggest pink fundraiser, calls on supporters across the country to ditch the day-to-day colours and pull on some pink to ra…ise money for Breast Cancer Now’s life-saving breast cancer research.
The Glasgow Central MP joined fellow parliamentarians in wearing it pink in Westminster recently to encourage people across the UK to get involved. Now in its 14th year, wear it pink raises over £2 million each year for world-class research into breast cancer, and this year it is back and bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before.
Anyone can take part, whether in school, at work or at home. All you have to do is wear something pink and donate whatever you can.
Commenting, Alison Thewliss MP said:
“Right now breast cancer is at a tipping point. Every year in the UK around 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and sadly nearly 12,000 women still lose their lives to the disease. This is why we all must come together to support Breast Cancer Now’s cutting-edge research, and, in wear it pink, there is a fun and simple way for everyone to get involved.
“I am particularly passionate about standing up for the women and families affected by the disease in Glasgow and I am very proud to take part in wear it pink. I hope everyone in the local community will join me in wearing it pink on Friday 23 October and show their support for Breast Cancer Now.”
Press release – FIRST MINISTER OPENS GLASGOW MP’S CONSTITUENCY OFFICE
SNP Leader and First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, today (Friday) formally opened the new Constituency Office of Glasgow Central MP, Alison Thewliss.
The SNP MP and her team of five staff have based themselves at Glasgow Cross to serve the residents of the constituency, which stretches from Toryglen to Cowcaddens and from Yorkhill to Dalmarnock.
Speaking after the First Minister formally opened the office by cutting a yellow ribbon, Alison Thewliss MP said:
“I am very grateful to Nicola for taking time out of her busy day to come along and cut the ribbon this afternoon. My new, fully-staffed, Constituency Office is open five days a week and will be the main hub for dealing with constituency casework. During the election, I pledged to be open, accessible and available to my constituents all-year round. The days of Glasgow’s MPs hiding away in the Palace of Westminster are over. We are absolutely clear that – first and foremost – our job is to be a strong voice for our constituency and to speak up for individuals who need our help.
“It is a tremendous honour to be the MP for Glasgow Central and we are here to serve the people as best we can. We all know that Glasgow has its challenges and people need help with a variety of issues, be it on immigration, benefits and housing to name just a few. My office is open and my staff and I are here to help everyone in Glasgow Central”.
National Organ Transplant Week
This week is National Transplant Week. More than two million Scots have already registered to be an organ donor but more lives can be saved every year. This week show your support for organ donation and register: http://goo.gl/XEHceC
Visit to McDonald’s in Finnieston
I had the pleasure of meeting Andy Gibson, franchisee of McDonalds in Finnieston this morning and received a tour of the restaurant.
One of the best things about parliamentary recess is getting the opportunity to get out and about and visit local businesses across Glasgow Central. It was great to meet up with Andy and his excellent team of staff today and to learn more about McDonalds and how they operate.
McDonalds have done a lot in recent years to diversify the food they sell and get more involved in the community, which is to be warmly welcomed. Employing over 70 staff is also a great boost for the local economy in Finnieston and it was really nice to meet some of the staff during my visit this morning.
Calling Time on Nuisance Calls
I met with Which on Friday at Central Station to discuss their Calling Time on Nuisance Calls. I’m aware that lots of people find these annoying at best, and intimidating and distressing at worst.
Lots of people just hang up the phone, but Which have created a means of easily logging calls so action can be taken on the companies involved. I’m happy to take up any problem issues, but the website is available here: http://www.which.co.uk/campaigns/nuisance-calls-and-texts/
Press release – SCOTS MP TO LEAD WESTMINSTER DEBATE ON BREAST FEEDING
Scottish National Party MP, Alison Thewliss, has secured an important debate in the House of Commons next week. The new Glasgow Central MP will lead an adjournment debate on the subject of breast feeding to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week 2015.
Ms Thewliss was successful in this week’s ballot of MPs to apply for debate time in the UK Parliament. An adjournment debate allows MPs to debate a motion without a vote being put and usually lasts for up to an hour. A UK Minister is also required to respond to the MPs on behalf of the Government.
Speaking in advance of next week’s Westminster Hall debate, Alison Thewliss MP said:
“I’ve been a great supporter of breastfeeding since having my son five years ago. I know how difficult it can be, and wanted to take this opportunity both to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding and what role wider society can play in raising awareness.
“Evidence tells us that breastfed infants are likely to have a reduced risk of infection, particularly those affecting the ear, respiratory tract and gastro-intestinal tract. This protective effect is particularly marked in low birth weight infants.
“Other probable benefits include improved cognitive and psychological development, and a reduced risk of childhood obesity. There is also evidence that women who breastfed have lower risks of breast cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer and hip fracture later in life.
“I am looking forward to next week’s debate which I hope to be constructive and will allow me to push this important issue further up the agenda.”