Recent News
Recent News
March Newsletter 2024
You can now download my newsletter for the month of March below:
Date added: Tuesday March 19th 2024
Download the March 2024 Newsletter
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February Newsletter 2024
You can now download my newsletter for the month of February below:
Date added: Thursday February 15th 2024
Download the February 2024 Newsletter
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January Newsletter 2024
You can now download my newsletter for the month of January below:
Date added: Monday January 22nd 2024
Download the January 2024 Newsletter
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Review of 2023
You can now download my Review of 2023 below:
Date added: Monday January 22nd 2024
Download my Review of 2023
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Scottish Labour’s support for nuclear fuel poses a risk
Read the full article published in The National Newspaper below:
Date added: Friday January 12th 2024
View article
December Newsletter 2023
You can now download my newsletter for the month of December below:
Date added: Friday December 15th 2023
Download the December 2023 Newsletter
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October Newsletter 2023
You can now download my newsletter for the month of October below:
Date added: Wednesday November 1st 2023
Download the October 2023 Newsletter
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September Newsletter 2023
You can now download my newsletter for the month of September below:
Date added: Thursday September 28th 2023
Download the September 2023 Newsletter
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MP Allan Dorans on birth defects caused by Primodos
Over the past week in Parliament, I have been continuing to work in both the Privileges and Standards Committees tasked with new investigations, attending Prime Ministers Questions and attending important debates and parliamentary events.
Date added: Thursday September 28th 2023
Most recently, I took part in a particularly important and emotional debate on Primodos. This was a drug given to women in the 1960s and 1970s as a pregnancy test.
Tragically, there is considerable evidence indicating that women who were given the drug gave birth to babies with devastating birth defects, or sadly had miscarriages or still-births
No one has ever been held responsible, despite the then Government approving the drug.
I spoke specifically in this debate to highlight the dreadful birth defects Primodos caused to the daughter of a local constituent. It is well past time for the Government to accept responsibility and issue a full apology and to compensate the families of all affected.
My contribution to the debate, can be viewed on my Facebook page Allan Dorans MP or my website at https://allandoransmp.scot/westminster.php.
One of these meetings in Parliament was with Elaine Wyllie MBE, former head teacher of St Ninians Primary School, Stirling.
In 2012, Elaine was responsible for introducing the idea of encouraging children to walk or run a daily mile. The resulting levels of good physical and mental health, fitness and wellbeing amongst the children since then, has been phenomenal.
The idea has now been adopted in no less than 94 countries across the world. For further information please visit www.thedailymile.co.uk.
Recently in the constituency, I was privileged to make a speech and lay a wreath at the Merchant Navy Memorial in Girvan.
The memorial commemorates the service and sacrifice of members of the Merchant Navy in both World Wars, and other conflicts. It is made from beautiful granite from nearby Alisa Craig.
My thanks to Lorna and Ritchie Conaghan of the Girvan and District Great War Project who were able to provide me with information on local men who had made the ultimate sacrifice during service in the Merchant Navy.
I have been contacted by a number of constituents from Doonfoot and beyond, regarding a planning application to build three dwellinghouses on green space land between the existing houses towards the end of Greenan Road, and the sea.
As of last week, the application had attracted almost 80 objections and I expect that to increase significantly by the time this newspaper is published. There were no submissions in favour of the development.
The decision to approve or reject the planning application will be made by the Regulatory (Planning) Committee of South Ayrshire Council.
As a Member of the Westminster Parliament, I have no formal role in the decision-making process, but I will be lodging a formal objection to the proposal in support of my constituents views.
The planning application can be viewed on the South Ayrshire Council Website under Planning Applications reference 23/00666/APP where you may make comments in objection or in favour of the application.
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
MSP Elena Whitham, MP Allan Dorans on Cumnock bank closure
MP Allan Dorans has said he is "opposed" to the idea of the last remaining bank branch in Cumnock closing.
Date added: Thursday September 28th 2023
We reported back in June that the Bank of Scotland Townhead Street branch will close its doors on February 12, 2024.
As part of its decision making, Bank of Scotland recently released detailed information about why this decision had been made, including speaking with Allan Dorans MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, and Elena Whitham MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley.
Bank of Scotland has said that it has seen a 29 per cent decrease in personal customers using the Cumnock branch since 2018, and a 38 per cent decrease in business customers.
The information shows that there has been a 27 per cent increase in cash machine transactions over the five years, between January 2018 and 2023.
Despite this, Bank of Scotland plans to close the bank machine at the Cumnock branch, with the closest free-to-use machine located at Asda.
As well as saying he opposes these plans, MP Allan Dorans says work must be done to try and avoid this happening.
The SNP MP said: "I have received notification from the Lloyds Banking Group informing me that they will be closing a further 17 Bank of Scotland branches including those in Cumnock and Girvan. They propose to replace these with banking hubs in both towns by 2024.
"They also provided information on the reasons for the closures which indicated that the Cumnock branch has seen a decrease in customer usage of almost 30 per cent since 2018 and that the decline in Girvan has been over 40 per cent.
"I am opposed to these closures taking place."
He added: "Along with other Members of Parliament whose constituencies are affected by these closures, I have written to the Bank of Scotland to request a formal meeting to discuss these closures and we are currently awaiting confirmation of this meeting taking place.
"In addition, along with 15 other MPs I have submitted an Early Day Motion to Parliament calling upon the Secretary of State to work with the Scottish Government to prevent closures and protect communities access to banking services and cash.
"The closure of banks in these towns will adversely affect the elderly, people without access to the internet and small businesses who rely on banks for banking facilities, cash and coins and will result in the loss of staff from the branches affected.
"We need to do all we can to prevent these closures taking place."
MSP, Elena Whitham, added that she understood this news would come as a concern to constituents, but that she'll work hard to ensure help is provided.
Ms Whitham said: “The closure of the Bank of Scotland in Cumnock and Girvan is understandably of concern to the people who are reliant upon in-person banking services, especially small business owners and the elderly. The Bank of Scotland has contacted me to discuss their reasoning and I have been representing the interests of constituents to them.
“I have been reassured that a Banking Hub is planned for Cumnock and Girvan. These will be a similar style to the one that recently opened in Troon which has been well-received for its flexibility in allowing multiple banks to use the space to reach their customers.
“I am in contact with Cash Access UK and I am pushing for these hubs to be opened as soon as possible."
The MSP continued: “The Bank of Scotland has also informed me that all branches closing are within one mile of a Post Office which offers essential bank counter services. They are also liaising directly with business owners in the town to ensure their needs are met.
“For better or worse, banks, and nearly every other sector, are moving further to digital as consumer habits change.
"We need to make sure they bring our rural communities along with them. As the MSP for Cumnock and Girvan, I will be following developments closely and advocating for constituents.”
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
SNP reselect Allan Dorans as candidate for next UK election
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans has been reselected as the official SNP candidate for the next General Election.
Date added: Thursday September 28th 2023
His nomination was approved by the local Westminster Campaign Committee. There were no other candidates, and Mr Dorans was recommended to SNP HQ unopposed, without the need for a vote.
The MP said today: "I am delighted to have been confirmed as the SNP candidate to represent Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock at the next General Election.
"I am privileged to have the opportunity to be re-elected to continue to serve the people of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock."
Mr Dorans, 68, was born in Dailly, South Ayrshire and spent many years as a Metropolitan Police officer in London, reaching the rank of detective inspector, specialising in investigation of rape, robbery and murder.
He completed his career in the Metropolitan Police as an instructor at the Detective Training School at Hendon before returning to Ayrshire, where he served as a South Ayrshire Councillor and SNP group leader until the 2017 election.
Mr Dorans was elected MP in 2019, succeeding Conservative Bill Grant. He defeated current Conservative candidate and current South Ayrshire Council leader Martin Dowey, with a majority of 2,329.
He was appointed as the Shadow SNP spokesperson for Policing in February 2021. He is a member of the Standards Committee, Privileges Committee and the European Scrutiny Committee.
A date has yet to be selected for the next General Election, which must be held before the end of January 2025.
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
August Newsletter 2023
You can now download my newsletter for the month of August below:
Date added: Friday September 1st 2023
Download the August 2023 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
Allan Dorans MP champions Scotland Loves Local week
A GROWING Ayr business has received a visit from the towns MP as part of his efforts to champion local enterprise during Scotland Loves Local Week.
Date added: Thursday August 31st 2023
Allan Dorans called in at the Narture Sourdough Bakery in Cathcart Street and its artisan cafe in nearby Sandgate to find out not just about their products but also their use of profits to fund local art projects.
Set up in June 2020, right in the middle of the Covid pandemic, by artist father-and-daughter team Robert and Saskia Singer, Nartures ultimate aim is to become a "truly inclusive creative hive", using the sales of their products to inspire creative energy in others as well as breathing new life into the town centre.
Mr Dorans said: “Local businesses such as Narture are what kept communities across Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock going throughout the pandemic, and Scotland Loves Local Week is our chance to thank them.
“I was pleased to meet with Robert Singer and hear about the fantastic work they are doing to support the local community.
"By getting behind these local enterprises, we can ensure their survival during the cost-of-living crisis, safeguard jobs, and keep money circulating in the local economy.
“Loving local means supporting a sustainable future for Ayrshire - making it an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Like Narture, the Scotland Loves Local campaign was born as the country emerged from the first Covid lockdown in the summer of 2020, with the aim of encouraging people to shop locally rather than buying products from global online suppliers.
Throughout Scotland Loves Local Week, businesses and politicians are joining forces to call on everyone across Ayrshire to get behind local businesses in order to help communities tackle the challenges cost-of-living crisis, the climate emergency and the ongoing financial fightback from the coronavirus pandemic.
The campaign is spearheaded by the Scotlands Towns Partnership (STP), with support from the Scottish Government.
Kimberley Guthrie, STPs interim chief officer, said: “Scotland Loves Local Week is a nationwide celebration of local excellence, and it is fantastic that weve welcomed more than 50 MSPs and MPs from across the country into businesses, social enterprises and community-led organisations to showcase the great spirit of entrepreneurialism and innovation we have here in Scotland.
“The simple act of choosing local has a profound effect, laying the foundations of a new future for towns and neighbourhoods as we seize and create opportunities to make them stronger and more sustainable.
“We need everyone to step forward and make a difference. Your community needs you.”
Find out more about Scotland Loves Local Week and the work of the STP at lovelocal.scot.
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
I’m not going to leave someone to die: The police and drug deaths
THE recently released drug death figures reveal the first significant fall, in 2022, after a minor reduction in 2021.
Date added: Thursday August 31st 2023
This is to be welcomed though, of course, the level remains far too high. Hopefully we find ourselves on a steady downward slope toward a situation where drug deaths in Scotland are not higher than in other comparable countries.
While, by no means wishing to minimise this crisis, it is interesting to note the analysis only three weeks earlier by Paul Breen of the Government Analysis Function team in the UK Civil Service which suggests that, due to differences in data collection methods, the rates in Scotland and other parts of the UK are "not directly comparable" and that because of these differences "the figure for England and Wales underestimates the number by a far greater extent."
As yet, we have no clear explanation for this fall in deaths, but two factors are being suggested.
First, though in fewer media reports, the NHS Scotland drug and alcohol treatment service, for five consecutive years now, has seen 95% of those referred to it for problematic use of drugs, within three weeks or less. I appreciate that too many are not coming forward in the first place to benefit from this life-saving service.
Second and more widely credited with a major role in reducing deaths from the major cause – opioid-related overdoses – is the National Naloxone Programme in 2011/12 which research suggests is saving around 1400 lives each year in Scotland. Naloxone is now carried across the country by numerous "non-drug treatment" service workers including all police officers from February 2022, at the beginning of this first year of significant reduction in drug deaths.
There had been some uncertainty about the adoption of a role for police officers in the use of Naxolone. Research in the USA in 2015 and 2019, found evidence of stigma and negativity from frontline law enforcement officers but a pilot study in Scotland in 2021, undertaken by staff at the School of Medicine at the University of Dundee, found 81% support for the use of the Naxolone packs, among the 808 police officers in the study, with one reporting memorably: “I’m not going to leave someone to die”.
Noting the correlation of this first major reduction in drug deaths with their first adoption by frontline police officers, often first at the scene, is clearly worth investigation but is not intended to take away from the live-saving efforts of those many other workers whose quick reactions will have saved many more lives than police officers alone could have achieved.
View this article on The Nationals website
MP Allan Dorans gets out and about in Ayr and Cumnock
With Parliament being in summer recess, it has been great to get out into the constituency, across Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, over the past few weeks.
Date added: Thursday August 31st 2023
In Ayr, this included a visit to learn about the work of Harbour Ayrshire - a relatively new but exceptional charity, dedicated to helping and supporting anyone facing issues of alcohol or drug addiction.
In addition to a range of individual and group support, Harbour Ayrshire provide an out-of-hours telephone helpline for those struggling with alcohol or drug addictions. They can be contacted on 01292 623016, Monday – Friday 5pm-10pm, or on weekends 10am-10pm.
For further information about this caring and compassionate charity, please visit: https://harbourayrshire.co.uk/.
In Cumnock, I was recently invited to a tour and celebration of the outstanding Hedgerow Habitats Project, in Netherthird, and to attend the Netherthird Community Garden Activity Fun Day.
This was a great and informative afternoon where I was able to meet with many constituents, community, and voluntary groups from the local area.
These included firefighters from New Cumnock Fire and Rescue, representatives of the Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership, Andys Mans Club and two friendly alpacas from Wellwood Alpacas, Cumnock. My thanks to the volunteers who organised and took part in the events.
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Tracy Flynn, chief executive officer of the Ayrshire Hospice. We discussed the challenges facing the hospice in relation to the cost of the new building, staffing, and running and energy costs in an extremely tough funding and fundraising environment.
As I write this, it is coming up to the weekend, where I will be taking part in the Ayrshire Hospice Shining Star Memory Walk on Saturday, August 19.
I am not seeking sponsorship but will make a personal donation and encourage others to make a donation directly to the hospice.
On a final note, I know constituents will be as pleased as I am to hear about the exciting plans for Ayr Cinema.
Merlin cinemas have bought the venue in Burns Statue Square and say the facility will open as soon as possible and will be known as the Astoria Ayr.
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
Bedroom tax: Ayr, Carrick, Cumnock MP Allan Dorans hits out
New data has shown that over 1,000 in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock have been affected by the bedroom tax.
Date added: Thursday August 31st 2023
From April 2013, the UK Government limited Housing Benefit and the housing element of Universal Credit for working-age council or housing association tenants if they are considered to be under-occupying their homes.
This is widely known as the bedroom tax. It means the amount of rent tenants can claim Housing Benefit for is reduced by 14 per cent for one additional bedroom and 25 per cent for two or more additional bedrooms.
Analysis gathered by the SNP using the latest data available from the UK government Department for Work and Pensions, revealed that 1,142 households in East Ayrshire and 817 in South Ayrshire have had their housing benefits cut due to the policy as of February 2023.
1578 households in receipt of Universal Credit in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock are also said to have had their housing benefits cut due to the tax.
MP for the area, Allan Dorans, said the move is costing the Scottish Government millions of pounds, with only one solution for the situation.
He said: "The Tories and Labour are pushing people across Scotland into poverty, and costing the Scottish Government hundreds of millions of pounds by choosing to continue imposing the bedroom tax against Scotlands will.
"This is yet another broken promise from the pro-Brexit Labour Party, who are becoming indistinguishable from the Tories.
“In contrast, the SNP Scottish Government has spent millions of pounds protecting families by mitigating policies like the bedroom tax – all with one hand tied behind our back.
“With the full powers of independence, Scotland could rid itself of Westminster control for good – which would make policies like the bedroom tax a thing of the past.”
Responding to SNP claims, Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for South Scotland, Sharon Dowey said: "Independence would mean huge cuts to essential services. It would wreck Scotlands economy, put jobs at risk, and leave the most vulnerable without a safety net.
"Nothing would be more damaging to Scottish families than the SNPs reckless plans to split apart from the rest of the United Kingdom."
Scottish Labour has also been contacted for comment.
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
Allan Dorans: We need balanced reporting on the safety of ScotRail staff
IN the 1919 Magazine for August, the headline story is: “Rail staff find themselves on the wrong side of the tracks.”
Date added: Thursday August 31st 2023
The report tells us: “A survey of staff across the UK is expected to be published later this year with full details of the findings. But British Transport Police (BTP) board papers have revealed, of the 62 ScotRail staff who responded, just 10 said they felt safe at work.
“And in a further blow, 88.7% said they were not confident in the BTPs ability to keep them safe while on trains or in stations.
“LibDem justice spokesperson Liam McArthur said: No-one should go to work and feel unsafe or as if they are at risk of violence.
These initial findings highlight real concerns about staffs faith in the ability of the BTP to keep them safe.
I hope these interviews will be carefully analysed to determine where risks lie and what can be done to improve working conditions.”
There is no balancing comment from a Scottish Government representative, only these statements from the fifth-largest party in Scotland.
All media outlets have a reputation to uphold and a responsibility to inform accurately. This report, however, is likely to increase anxiety among rail workers and travellers on the basis of quite inadequate evidence.
ScotRail has more than 5000 staff. The 62 who responded represent only just over 1% – one in a hundred – and, even at that level, represent what researchers call a “squeaky wheel” sample, not a scientific sample, and thus not necessarily representative of the wider population.
Working out 88.7% from a sample of just 62, out of more than 5000, is frankly ridiculous.
It is very important that readers are made aware of the facts of violent crime in Scotland. Based on official statistics, crimes of violence fell last year and at 52.4 per 1000, are at only just over half the level in England and Wales, of 92.6 per 1000.
It is really unacceptable that any media outlet, especially one with an otherwise good record, should allow partisan comments, by a trade union and an opposition politician, to make inaccurate and decontextualised claims unchecked and unchallenged.
View this article on The Nationals website
Ayrshire MPs demands U-turn from Labour leader on child benefit cap
AYRS MP has added his voice to critics of the UK Labour Partys decision to stick to Conservative limits on benefits available to families with children.
Date added: Thursday August 31st 2023
Allan Dorans says that hundreds of households in South Ayrshire receiving Universal Credit or Child Tax Credits have been affected by the Conservative governments decision to cap the benefits at two children per family.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer recently announced that his party will retain the two children cap if it wins the next UK General Election - a move that sparked widespread criticism, not least from Labours Scottish leader, Anas Sarwar, who said he opposed the cap and would press a future Labour government at Westminster to "move as fast as they can within our fiscal rules to remove this heinous policy”.
According to Mr Dorans, 440 households in South Ayrshire did not receive support for at least one child as a result of the two-child cap introduced by the Conservatives.
A similar letter to Sir Keir has been written by Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Alan Brown.
Mr Dorans said in his letter to the Labour leader: "The evidence is clear: the two-child benefit cap drags children into poverty, but also predominately impacts working families too – families who are already struggling to get by in the UKs low-wage Brexit-based economy.
“So much so, in my own constituency of South Ayrshire, this policy has impacted 440 households who are in receipt of Universal Credit or Child Tax Credits.
"This is a shameful legacy that the Tories have created, and one that your party are set to continue.
"A failure to U-turn will mean the Labour party have abandoned thousands of families in Scotland to poverty - leaving voters in no doubt that voting SNP is the only way to secure independence and get rid of damaging Westminster governments for good.
"I urge you to reconsider your partys position on this callous policy.
"I look forward to hearing from you."
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
July Newsletter 2023
You can now download my newsletter for the month of July below:
Date added: Monday August 7th 2023
Download the July 2023 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
June Newsletter 2023
You can now download my newsletter for the month of June below:
Date added: Monday July 3rd 2023
Download the June 2023 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
Coalfields communities: Call for urgent action to boost economies
AN All-Party Parliamentary Group has called for urgent action to boost the economies of coalfield communities.
Date added: Wednesday June 14th 2023
It follows an inquiry, initiated last November, which received more than 70 submissions from across England, Scotland and Wales, including from local authorities, the voluntary and community sector, and the Scottish and Welsh Governments.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coalfield Communities published the report of its Inquiry into Next Steps in Levelling Up the Former Coalfields today.
The report says that trickle-down from the big cities is failing the former coalfields, which mostly cover smaller towns and communities.
Allan Dorans, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, said: “For some time now our coalfield communities in Scotland have been left behind, so I welcome the work that went into this report and recommendations made.
"It is now time for the UK Government to listen to the report’s points and recommendations and take action on this.”
With a combined population of 5.7 million – more than the whole of Scotland – the former coalfields are too big to ignore, says the report.
They include places of acute disadvantage, and though unemployment has fallen economic inactivity remains widespread.
The State of the Coalfields report for example, by academics at Sheffield Hallam University, found that the former coalfields have only 55 employee jobs per 100 residents of working age, compared to a national average of 73 and 84 in the main regional cities.
In addition to calling for stronger policies to grow the local economies of the former coalfields the report calls for:
Investment in transport, particularly local rail;
More high-quality apprenticeships;
Monies returned to the Treasury to be used to fund small business units;
Geothermal mine water to be investigated as a source of green energy;
Longer-term levelling up funding, allocated by formula not bidding;
A higher share of miners pension fund surpluses to go to retirees;
UK Government funding for coal tip safety in Wales;
A better deal for the coalfields from Lottery funding.
Alex Davies-Jones MP (Lab, Pontypridd) and chair of the APPG, said: "This report is a milestone in our efforts to level up the former coalfields.
"We are delighted to have received such a wealth of evidence from stakeholders across the country and are confident that our proposals offer a vision for the next steps needed to rebuild our communities.
“The pit closures of the 1980s and 90s destroyed the economic base of too many places. Picking up the pieces was never going to be easy. There has been real progress but this has often been too slow.
“We welcome the Governments commitment to levelling up. This now needs to be matched by actions based on our reports recommendations.”
Aaron Bell MP (Con, Newcastle-under-Lyme) and a vice chair of the APPG, said: “My constituency, like many others, has the potential not only to benefit from levelling up but also to contribute to the national economy.
"It is important that the continuing challenges identified in the report are addressed and that the recommendations are acted upon.
“Residents of coalfield communities are rightly proud of their history and shared heritage.
"They deserved to feel proud and hopeful about their future as well.”
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
May Newsletter 2023
You can now download my newsletter for the month of May below:
Date added: Friday June 2nd 2023
Download the May 2023 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
Allan Dorans MP Fighting for justice for murdered WPC
Since my last column, my small team and I have had considerable success in securing positive outcomes for constituents by engaging with Government ministers on a whole range of issues including visa and passport enquiries, Universal Credit and other benefits, immigration matters, income tax and many others.
Date added: Monday May 29th 2023
In addition, we have also had positive interactions with energy and telecoms companies, Police Scotland and other organisations.
In the constituency, I recently met with South Ayrshire Council chief executive Eileen Howat, and leader of the council, Martin Dowey, and separately with Provost Ian Campbell to discuss various matters relating to South Ayrshire, including Ayr town centre.
I am also meeting soon with the chief executive and senior officers of East Ayrshire Council.
Eileen Howat has now announced her plan to retire in the autumn, after a decade in South Ayrshire Councils most senior role. It has been a pleasure to work with Eileen to help my constituents, and I wish her all the best in her retirement.
Last Wednesday, there were very important votes in the House of Commons. One, which I know many of my constituents have expressed an interest in, relates to amendments to the Retained EU Law Bill.
The controversial and deeply concerning Bill poses a risk to a wide range of rights by automatically repealing nearly 4,000 pieces of legislation.
The Bill as currently introduced would give ministers, rather than Parliament, powers to preserve, repeal or replace retained EU law with other laws.
With all of my colleagues in the SNP group at Westminster, I voted to reject the Bill when it was debated earlier this year.
On May 24, along with 40 of my colleagues in the SNP group at Westminster, I voted against the Bill and against the Government amendment to counter the Lords Amendment 1 (Hamilton-Hope).
However, despite this, the Bill was passed thanks to the Conservatives majority.
Back in December 2022, the Prime Minister agreed to meet me to discuss the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher, who was shot in the back and murdered from within the Libyan Embassy in London in 1984.
Although those responsible for her death have been identified, no one has ever been prosecuted for her murder.
I am pleased to say I was able to meet the Prime Minister this week to discuss how this matter may be taken forward.
He will reflect on the points I raised and hopefully this is a step forward in the campaign for justice for Yvonne.
As always, if I am able to help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk or by phoning my constituency office on 01292 848102.
April Newsletter 2023
You can now download my newsletter for the month of April below:
Date added: Wednesday May 3rd 2023
Download the April 2023 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
Opinion: Ayrshire MP Allan Dorans on his work at the House of Commons
By SNP MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock Allan Dorans.
Date added: Tuesday May 2nd 2023
As a Member of Parliament, I have always believed that it is important to keep you, my constituents, up to date with the work I am doing on your behalf.
I recognise I am in a unique and privileged position working for the people of Ayr, Carrick, and Cumnock, and will always try my best to be transparent about the work I am doing. The best way to keep up to date is to follow my social media, and read my monthly newsletter, however, for this column, I am going to break down a typical week in my life.
As your MP, I am typically in Parliament from Monday until Thursday. My week in Parliament can vary significantly, but typically every week I have committee meetings or other parliamentary duties, including participation in the standards committee and the committee on privileges.
In addition, I take part in any urgent questions tabled by opposition parties or statements which the Government can make to the House at any time. This includes Prime Ministers Questions every Wednesday and oral questions for government departments in the chamber, on a rota basis every day.
Alongside this, I can be taking part in debates in the chamber of the House of Commons or Westminster Hall, writing to Ministers as Parliamentary Questions, or attending important campaign events, discussing what I can do to help and to raise awareness of specific causes, charities, and others.
All this work requires significant preparation beforehand, researching and writing about the topics and events in which I will be taking part.
This is just a snapshot, and every day can be different. In the world of politics, things move fast and my diary for the week can change dramatically at short notice.
When I return to the constituency, I generally have meetings scheduled for Friday and the weekend, with constituents or senior officials, and constituency events to attend. I meet regularly with the chief executives of South and East Ayrshire and senior council officers, the chief executive of Ayrshire & Arran Health Board, and the chief superintendent of Police Scotland, with responsibility for Ayrshire.
For example, last week, at the invitation of the Provost of South Ayrshire Council, I attended the International Workers Memorial Day at Rozelle House on April 28.
This saw a speech from the Provost, tree planting and two minutes silence to remember and commemorate those workers who have been killed or injured in work. It was a privilege to be able to lay a wreath at the ceremony in memory of all those workers.
Later that day, I had a meeting with NHS Ayrshire and Arran senior figures, alongside my MP and MSP colleagues to discuss their work and pressures they may be facing, and concerns from constituents.
The following day, I took part in the Rotary and Ayrshire Costal Path annual beach clean. The event took place at various locations along the Ayrshire coast, and was attended by hundred of fantastic, enthusiastic volunteers, with pride in their communities.
All these engagements take place alongside a significant amount of constituency casework helping individual constituents, groups, communities, and organisations with issues that are important to them.
Thankfully, I am greatly assisted by my small, dedicated team who are available to help with constituent enquiries or concerns by email or phone, Monday-Friday, 9-5pm.
I hope this helps give a better understanding of my work as your MP, and please know, you can continue to contact me throughout the week, if you feel I can offer help or assistance.
My office contact details are: 01292 848102 or allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk.
Allan Dorans MP: Policing the parliament
Politics, says Allan Dorans, “is a cruel game.”
Date added: Wednesday April 12th 2023
As a member of two key Westminster watchdog committees, the ex-Met Police detective inspector is charged with ensuring that that ‘game’ is played by the rules.
Crime and policing spokesperson for the SNP at Westminster, Dorans is the sole Scottish MP on the panels, which deal with the conduct of fellow members of parliament and which currently hold the reputations – and political careers – of two controversial figures in their hands. Former PM Boris Johnson is at the mercy of the Committee on Privileges as it considers whether or not he misled parliament over alleged lockdown breaches while in office. Meanwhile, ex-SNP MP Margaret Ferrier, who lost the party whip over a Covid travel breach, could be forced into a byelection after the Committee on Standards recommended she face a 30-day suspension.
There is strong public and political interest in both cases, which are far from decided yet, with several procedural stages still to run.
And when we sit down to talk, Dorans is under pressure over his decision to vote against potential suspension in Ferriers case. Labours Ian Murray called the move “a betrayal of the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West”, accusing Dorans of having “closed ranks and voted with the Tories” to protect Ferrier. Humza Yousaf, the new SNP leader and first minister, may not have echoed that sentiment, but he did share Murrays call for Ferrier to resign and said Dorans “should have backed the suspension which has been agreed by the committee”.
Dorans himself has refused to set out why he voted the way he did. He cant, he says – doing so would be against the rules. “No one in the SNP has ever asked me my opinion or tried to influence my decision on what I do or say,” he tells Holyrood. “Members of the Standards Committee and the Committee on Privileges are appointed by the House of Commons and can’t comment on individual cases or outcomes.”
I sat down on the green benches and thought, ‘what the hell just happened?’
Few could have predicted that this would be the outcome for Dorans – a boy raised in the poverty of an Ayrshire mining village now holding a former prime minister to account. But theres little in his story that is predictable, and the man who spent so many years arresting people for drugs offences in England’s capital is now a vocal supporter of radical reforms aimed at saving lives on Scotlands streets.
“When I first got down after my election, I sat down on the green benches and thought, ‘what the hell just happened?’ I’m still thinking that,” he says.
Raised in Dailly, where his war hero father was a miner and his mother a waitress, Dorans is the youngest of nine children who grew up in a household with little money to spare. “It’s not a hard luck story, its the truth,” he says. “I went through my childhood in poverty; I went to school with holes in my shoes and hand-me-down clothes. When I applied to be a [police] cadet, my mum took me to the social to get a voucher to buy my clothes.”
A bobby in Ayr had told him “all we do is make tea”, and so he looked south and at just 16 applied to join the Met. He would qualify within three years, and make detective inspector in under a decade thanks to what he describes as relentless graft, volunteering for “absolutely everything that came up”.
The Misuse of Drugs Act had recently come into force and much of that work, he now reflects, was a “complete and utter waste of time”, with “no mercy, no compassion, no discretion” available for someone caught with “a tiny bit of herbal cannabis”.
He now believes the Act should be scrapped and a public health approach to drugs misuse adopted instead, saying his attitude to casual drug use has “changed significantly” and “millions of people are quietly taking drugs without causing anyone any harm”.
A supporter of safe consumption rooms for injecting drug users, Dorans has suggested officers could make the Act “redundant” by using their discretion to avoid the criminalisation of drug users.
And he has praised Police Scotlands adoption of life-saving Naloxone kits to reverse opioid overdoses. The nasal sprays had been used at more than 100 incidents as of December, and Dorans – who attended the aftermath of fatal overdoses – says its an example English forces should follow. “I keep trying to raise these issues of good practice in Scotland that could be adopted in England,” he says, “in areas like drugs and violence against women and girls”.
The latter is as much an issue inside the police as in the society its supposed to protect. The abduction and murder of Sarah Everard by a Met officer, Wayne Couzens, sparked widespread public anger and horror, and the review that followed found the force to be institutionally misogynistic, racist and homophobic, with more than one in 10 women in the Met stating that they had experienced harassment or attacks at work.
That was published after it emerged that another Met officer, David Carrick, had carried out almost 50 rapes against women in a 17-year pattern of abuse that triggered eight warnings to the force about his behaviour – warnings that were ignored. “I, like everyone, am shocked, revulsed and horrified to hear of the abhorrent crimes of PC Carrick and the failure of the Metropolitan Police and other police services, which allowed those crimes to go undetected and unprosecuted for almost 20 years,” Dorans told the Commons, calling for “the most severe disciplinary action” against any cop or staff member who failed to report or investigate such complaints. “On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of honest, hard-working and brave serving and retired police officers everywhere, I offer my sincere apologies to the victims of these cases, whose needs must be prioritised and given our complete and unquestioning support.”
“I didn’t recognise the picture the review painted,” he tells Holyrood, though he concedes that the force was far more male, and far more white, when he joined. Dorans regrets that actions like the adoption of stop-and-search measures to tackle bag snatches in Brixton contributed to the Brixton riots, and says “more thought” could have gone into them. And he says women were “a very valuable part of the team”, though restricted to “dealing exclusively with missing children and searching female prisoners” in 1974. Dorans wife, Maureen, was one such officer and went on to become a detective. “She’s got more commendations than I have for policing and bravery,” he says.
The couple, who have one son, moved to Ayr in the late 80s after both had left the Met. Dorans became a personnel and training manager for Butlins. “It was a hugely complex job,” he says. “I often say being at Butlins was more dangerous than being a cop in London. I got assaulted one night; it was a very dynamic, fast-moving environment. We had 1,000 seasonal staff, most lived on-site and were aged between 18-25. We had 10,000 people visiting – it was a small town and it had everything you would have in a town, but with more alcohol.
“We had rapes, assaults, an attempted murder – I know the experience I got in the police enabled me to do that job, and the people who didnt have that struggled because they couldnt deal with the conflict, the fighting, the complaints and the staff issues.”
Dorans, once an inactive SNP member, decided to stand for election thanks to the cajoling of the membership secretary of his local branch, who knocked on his door one Saturday night, asked for a chat, and didnt take no for an answer. The pair are still close and meet up at the local Wetherspoons every Friday night. “He tells me about politics,” Dorans smiles.
Dorans was duly elected and went on to become SNP group leader on South Ayrshire Council, but failed to be re-elected in 2017, a result which drew “an audible gasp in the room,” he says.
Bitten by the political bug, Dorans stood for selection for the 2019 Westminster election in the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock constituency, defeating Corri Wilson who had lost the seat in 2017. He won the selection and won the seat back for the SNP from the Conservatives.
A political career, he says, “can be isolating” and the caseload exhausting. His office gets 30-50 new cases every week, mostly about the cost of living, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payments, and visas for medics who have secured positions at Ayr Hospital, but whose documents are stuck in the system. “There are dreadful, dreadful cases – sad beyond belief,” he says. And he considers the House of Commons “quite a difficult place to work”.
But a seat there has given him the chance to press for answers over the murder of PC Yvonne Fletcher, who was shot dead while policing a political demonstration outside the Libyan Embassy in 1984. Dorans friend John Murray cradled Fletcher as she died and continues to press for justice. No one has ever been prosecuted for the crime and Dorans asked Boris Johnson to review the national security grounds on which some evidence was withheld.
“A letter came back that there had been no new evidence since 2015, which was not what I asked him,” Doran says. The question was repeated to Sunak, who agreed to meet with the MP. “It happened to coincide with the day Boris Johnson was giving oral evidence to the Committee on Privileges, so it’s been postponed,” he says.
View this article on The Holyrood Magazine website
Allan Dorans MP: Congratulations to new First Minister
First of all, I would like to congratulate Humza Yousaf MSP on becoming the new SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland.
Date added: Wednesday April 12th 2023
Regardless of whether you support the SNP or Mr Yousaf personally, it is an historic moment to see Scotland have the first Muslim leader of a democratic Western European nation.
As the first ethnic minority First Minister in Scotland, he succeeds Scotlands first ever female First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, another proud moment for Scotland.
I look forward to seeing his work as First Minister.
As many will remember in April 2022, the House of Commons voted unanimously to refer the previous Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP to the Committee of Privileges to investigate whether he had intentionally or recklessly, misled Parliament over what has become known as "Partygate".
As one of the seven members of the Committee, this has taken up a significant amount of my time in Parliament.
After an extremely complex investigation lasting over 11 months, the committee finally took oral evidence from Mr Johnson on March 22. Hopefully, this extremely complex investigation will be concluded very soon.
You can watch my contribution to the proceedings on my Facebook page Allan Dorans MP.
Also in Parliament, I was very pleased to give my support to Metastatic Breast Cancer UK, who are a charity, promoting awareness of secondary breast cancer which is the leading cause of death of women aged between 35 and 64 in England.
One in seven women will develop breast cancer and around 30 per cent of all breast cancer diagnoses will metastasize and become incurable at some point.
Ladies, please check your breasts regularly and consult your GP if you have any concerns, however slight, about your health.
Back at the start of February, I met with Stuart Bates and Ron Ireland from South Ayrshire Paths Initiative with my colleague Siobhian Brown MSP to hear about their plans for an art project inside the old Alloway Railway Tunnel.
This is a fantastic project aiming to create one of Scotlands largest murals through the Tunnel. This ambitious and transformative project will see what is currently an old, dilapidated tunnel, turned into a unique space with a hand painted mural by one of the UKs top muralists and visionaries, Chris Rutterford.
They are now trying to raise £5,000 of funds for the project by April 21 at 12pm. If you can, please do donate to their crowdfunder - Transforming the Alloway Tunnel.
As I write this, the Easter holidays are soon approaching, and I know how important it is for parents to find free fun activities for children during this time. From April 3- 16, various East Ayrshire swimming pools will be offering free swimming sessions for children 11 and under.
You can access the free sessions by getting a SHOUT discount card, available on the East Ayrshire Council website, for children from birth-11 years, living or attending primary school in East Ayrshire.
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
March Newsletter 2023
You can now download my newsletter for the month of March below:
Date added: Friday March 31st 2023
Download the March 2023 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
MP Allan Dorans: Ayr and Cumnock supports pregnancy loss pledge
AYR, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans has called on NHS Ayrshire and Arran to take the Miscarriage Associations pregnancy loss pledge.
Date added: Thursday March 9th 2023
By signing the pledge, employers commit to a higher pregnancy loss standard to ensure that employees going through what can be a very difficult time get the support they need.
Many parents have highlighted that due to the stigma associated with miscarriage and the lack of support available, they often feel they are unable to grieve adequately.
This week, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has written to all of Scotlands health boards urging them to take the pledge and improve the support available for parents who experience miscarriage.
Mr Dorans says that miscarriage is not an illness, it is a loss that can be traumatic for expectant parents and has a negative impact on their mental and physical health.
Through the Pregnancy Loss Pledge, the Miscarriage Association aims to improve support for parents who experience miscarriage by encouraging supportive work environments where employers show empathy and understanding towards people and their partners experiencing pregnancy loss.
“The Pregnancy Loss Pledge is a fantastic initiative by the Miscarriage Association which improves support for parents who experience miscarriage," Mr Dorans added.
“Miscarriage is not an illness so parents should not be forced to take sick leave to grieve their loss.
“I am backing the campaign to improve support for parents who experience miscarriage and would call on NHS Ayrshire and Arran to take the Pregnancy Loss Pledge."
Mr Dorans says that miscarriage is not an illness, it is a loss that can be traumatic for expectant parents and has a negative impact on their mental and physical health.
Through the Pregnancy Loss Pledge, the Miscarriage Association aims to improve support for parents who experience miscarriage by encouraging supportive work environments where employers show empathy and understanding towards people and their partners experiencing pregnancy loss.
“The Pregnancy Loss Pledge is a fantastic initiative by the Miscarriage Association which improves support for parents who experience miscarriage," Mr Dorans added.
“Miscarriage is not an illness so parents should not be forced to take sick leave to grieve their loss.
“I am backing the campaign to improve support for parents who experience miscarriage and would call on NHS Ayrshire and Arran to take the Pregnancy Loss Pledge."
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
Scotlands health and policing challenges are less serious than those faced south of the border
As an MP and former police officer, I regularly read 1919, with interest. However, the two linked pieces in the January 2022 edition, ‘Police feeling the heat because of NHS crisis’, and apparently backing it up, by Dr Iain Kennedy of the doctors union, the BMA, require some clarification in the light of significant differences in the situation in Scotland compared with that in England and Wales.
Date added: Wednesday March 8th 2023
While I fully agree with my former colleagues in policing, that the current situation in Scotland is extremely challenging and that police officers here will, at times and to some extent, be expected to ‘bear the brunt’ in health-related incidents, the facts on the ground, in Scotland, must be expected to make this problem less serious than elsewhere in the UK.
Eight clear pieces of up-to-date evidence, six concerning Scotlands health services and two relating to policing in Scotland, support my opinion.
First, thanks to determined efforts by the First Minister and the Scottish health secretary, ambulance workers in Scotland settled their pay dispute in December 2022 and are not on strike, as they have been in England and Wales and as UK media has warned of likely deaths due to these strikes.
Second, for similar reasons, by the first week of February 2023, as nursing strikes intensified in other parts of the UK, there have still been no strikes by nurses in Scotland and the Scottish Government continues to meet with the RCN on the basis of a goodwill which is still not apparent from the Conservative UK Government.
Third, in the longer term, only the Scottish Government plans to increase the higher and top tax rates and reduce the threshold at which people pay the top rate, specifically in order to raise revenue to support Scotlands health and other public services.
Fourth, on A&E waiting times, in December 2022 (the most recent monthly data as I write), 62.1 per cent of admissions to full (ED) Scottish A&E departments were seen within four hours. In the same period, in full (type 1) English A&E departments, the figure was only 49.6 per cent making the Scottish A&E departments just over 25 per cent faster in clearing backlogs.
Fifth, NHS Scotland has 771 nurses per head of population while NHS England has only 518 per head of population.
Sixth, NHS Scotland has a hospital bed for every 265 people in Scotland while NHS England only has one bed per every 413 people.
These six pieces of evidence clearly indicate that while NHS Scotland is under particular pressure, that pressure must be even greater in NHS England. I think the media reports would confirm that.
Seventh, though overall crimes in Scotland have fallen, contrary to England and Wales, from 725 per 10,000 population, in 2008, to 451 in 2021, by 38 per cent, officer numbers have decreased by only four per cent from 2013 to 2021.
Finally, as of 2022, Scotland has 17 per cent more officers per head of population than England and Wales. These figures, less crime but more officers, in themselves, must suggest a markedly higher level of pressure on police officers in England and Wales than in Scotland.
Again, I do not, under any circumstances, dispute the enormous pressures on Scottish police officers, at this difficult time, but your readers deserve to know the full facts.
View this article on The 1919 magazine website
February Newsletter 2023
You can now download my newsletter for the month of February below:
Date added: Monday February 27th 2023
Download the February 2023 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
Allan Dorans: Calls for UK Government to end animal lab testing
Work is ongoing for more to be done to stop lab testing on animals, with support from a local MP.
Date added: Monday February 13th 2023
The RSPCA has called on the UK Government to lead efforts in avoiding and replacing the use of animals in research and testing, with Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP, Allan Dorans supporting these calls.
Statistics shows that tens of millions of animals are used in research and testing globally each year, including around three million in the UK.
The RSPCA is calling for the UK Government to lead the way by agreeing that phasing out the use of animals in science is a desirable goal, and setting out a clear strategy for achieving this.
Mr Dorans said he knows that this is an issue that his constituents think is important.
He said: “Im proud to support the RSPCA and I will be doing my bit to help push the phase out campaign forward.
"It was fantastic to hear about their work and their vision for a better future for lab animals, which I know is an issue of importance to my constituents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock and the country.
“The millions of animals used in UK labs every year cant wait forever. As one of the largest users of lab animals anywhere in Europe, the UK has a responsibility to lead the agenda on working to phase out animal use".
He added: “Its time for the UK Government to show that its taking this issue seriously by setting out a coordinated action plan for achieving the goal of phasing out lab animal use.
"The current lack of a clear ambition for this is simply not good enough and I am pleased to be adding my voice to this issue.”
Current laws prohibit the testing on animals of some products, including many household items.
However, the UK Government website says that project licensing can be granted in some instances.
It says: "It is the responsibility of the project licence holder to check whether, for any ingredients tested on animals, the primary intention or expectation is to use it in Household Products as defined in Section 3, and that appropriate project licence authority exists for such testing.
"The project licence holder should be able to demonstrate that they have exercised due diligence in seeking appropriate evidence from entities commissioning testing.
"Where there is a regulatory requirement for the testing of a substance, the project licence holder is required to retrospectively notify the Home Office of the test."
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
OPINION Allan Dorans MP: Anti-union laws must be scrapped
Parliament has now returned after the Christmas recess, and what a month January has been.
Date added: Monday February 13th 2023
We have seen the Conservative Government attempt to push through anti-strike legislation, which will restrict the ability of certain groups to go on strike to protect themselves from the kind of hardships currently emerging in the UK.
Alongside my colleagues in the SNP, I am entirely opposed to anti-trade union laws and wish to see the proposals scrapped.
Equally as concerning, the Conservative Governments Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill is now with the House of Lords to be considered.
This Bill poses a real risk to a wide range of rights, by automatically repealing nearly 4,000 pieces of legislation.
The laws at risk provide protections for the environment, for animal welfare, workers rights, and food standards.
The Bill as currently introduced would give Ministers, rather than Parliament, powers to preserve, repeal or replace retained EU law with other laws.
In the House of Commons on January 18, along with all of my colleagues in the SNP group at Westminster, I voted to reject the Bill.
Regrettably, however, with the Conservative Governments large majority, the Bill was supported by 297 votes to 238 and has now progressed to the House of Lords.
Meanwhile, my work on the Privileges Committee investigating whether the former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP, misled the House of Commons over the “Partygate” affair continues to take up a considerable amount of my time.
Back in the constituency, I have had the pleasure of meeting with a number of constituents throughout January.
This included a meeting with Stuart Bates and Ron Ireland from South Ayrshire Paths Initiative, along with Siobhian Brown MSP, to listen to their plans for an art project in the Alloway tunnel.
They have my full support, and I look forward to seeing their progress on this.
Not long after this, I visited the independent Wellington School in Ayr, and was pleased to give a (strictly non-political) presentation to the students of the S3, National 5 Modern Studies class. My talk and their questions focused on the role and work of a Member of Parliament in the Constituency and in Parliament.
It was a great chance to meet the students and learn of their interest in political representation and modern democracy.
Most recently, I was delighted to meet with Whirly Marshall of Blackthorn Salt in Ayr (pictured) to present the firm a copy of an Early Day Motion which I recently submitted to Parliament.
The EDM recognises and congratulates Gregorie and Whirly Marshall, and their small team, for receiving numerous awards for their environmentally friendly and sustainable method of producing artisan salt crystals by the process of using water from the sea nearby.
I wish them every success in the future.
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
ALLAN DORANS MP URGES UK GOVERNMENT TO INTERVENE IN ROYAL MAIL CSP CLOSURES
Royal Mail is currently undertaking a full, nation-wide review and plans to close an overwhelming number of their Customer Service Points (CSPs) at local delivery offices.
Date added: Friday February 10th 2023
Allan Dorans MP has today written to Kemi Badenoch MP, Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade urging her to intervene to stop these plans, which will also see a reduction in the opening times of those which remain.
CSPs provide a staffed location for packages to be stored and accessed by those who may not be at home to accept deliveries. They also allow customers to post items quickly and efficiently.
However, with plans to shut most CSPs, customers will no longer be able to access their parcels so easily.
The planned closures will also see staff face a significant threat to their jobs.
Allan Dorans MP commented:
“I am deeply worried to hear of the plans to close large numbers of Royal Mail Customer Service Points, which many of my constituents depend upon for essential services or in many cases, for employment. During a cost-of-living crisis, this is not acceptable.
“Customer Service Points are an indispensable part of the service Royal Mail provides, and it would be a real mistake to close these down.
“Thats why I have written to the new Business Secretary, on behalf of numerous constituents who have expressed their concerns to me, urging her to intervene.
View this article on The Daily Records website
Allan Dorans MP calls for children to be put at the heart of Online Safety Bill and encourages parents to make time for conversations about Online Safety
Allan Dorans MP believes online safety remains a real issue and parents need to be at the forefront of making sure children and young people are kept safe online.
Date added: Wednesday February 8th 2023
The Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP has joined with schools, charities, and businesses across the UK to pledge their support for making the internet a safer place for children and young people.
Yesterday (February 7) was Safer Internet Day, a globally recognised celebration promoting the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
The event, coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC), is celebrated by more than a hundred countries. This years theme is “Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online.”
New research by the UKSIC reveals that, children and young people are keen to engage with their parents about their online lives. 57% of children believe they can play a role in educating their parents and carers about life online as research also revealed that many parents (36%) are unsure of where to turn should they need support.
Allan Dorans MP welcomed the work being done by the UK Safer Internet Centre and called for everyone to do their part in making sure children and young people are safe online.
The MP said:
“The UK Safer Internet Centre is a coalition of three globally leading charities who are responsible for co-ordinating greater internet safety particularly amongst young people.
“They are calling upon the Government to ensure childrens voices are put at the heart of the Online Safety Bill.
“I fully support their aims and was delighted to meet some volunteers and hear from them the online safety issues that young people experience.
A spokesperson for the UK Safer Internet Centre said: “It is vital that we reach as many children and their parents and carers as possible.
“Safer Internet Day engages children and young people across the UK to encourage them to have a conversation about their online safety. The UK Safer Internet Centre provides lots of information and advice to parents, carers, schools and children about online safety, and we would encourage anyone to check out the support we provide.
“But we also need policymakers to act now to put children at the heart of the new Online Safety Bill, by empowering them, giving them a voice and progressing with this vital legislation as soon as is practicably possible. We were delighted to be in Parliament today with our young digital leaders to discuss their hopes and aspirations for the Online Safety Bill.”
Allan Dorans MP urged constituents who are concerned about online safety to visit https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2022
View this article on The Daily Records website
ALLAN DORANS MP CONGRATULATES VOLUNTEERS OF THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN
MP Allan Dorans has recently presented a copy of an Early Day Motion (EDM), that he submitted to Parliament to recognise and congratulate Jodie McFarlane and the team of volunteers of the Night Before Christmas Campaign (NBCC).
Date added: Wednesday February 8th 2023
Since 2015, the group have been providing Night Before Christmas boxes and bags for children and vulnerable adults across Ayrshire and beyond, who may otherwise have not received any gifts on Christmas day.
In the first year of operation, they delivered around 100 shoe boxes containing gifts.
Now, with over 100 volunteers, 150 donating organisations (including businesses, churches, and sports teams) who donate money and gifts, they were able to deliver an incredible 6,840 red bags of joy this past Christmas.
The Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP said:
“I have long been a supporter of the Night Before Christmas Campaign, and do everything I can to raise awareness of this fantastic charity. So, it was a pleasure to recognise their great achievements officially in Parliament with an Early Day Motion.
“Their volunteers work tirelessly every year to relieve the effects of poverty by ensuring that as many children and young people throughout Southwest Scotland who may not receive a gift on Christmas Day, did so.
“They show an incredible amount of compassion and dedication to helping others, and that does not go unnoticed.
“My sincere thanks to all the volunteers of the Night Before Christmas Campaign for their hard work. I wish them every success in the future.
57% OF PEOPLE IN AYR, CARRICK AND CUMNOCK AGREE BREXIT WAS A MISTAKE
ONLY INDEPENDENCE CAN TAKE SCOTLAND AND VOTERS IN AYR, CARRICK AND CUMNOCK BACK INTO THE EU
Date added: Wednesday February 8th 2023
Local MP, Allan Dorans has told constituents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock they can escape the chaos and damage of Brexit with the full powers of independence.
It comes after a poll found 57% of people in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock agreed that Britain was wrong to leave the EU, alongside every other Scottish constituency.
It follows the result in 2016 where every constituency and local authority in Scotland voted to remain, with 62% of Scots backing continued membership of the EU. Recent polls have suggested the figure is now as high as 72% as the damage of Brexit hits Scotland hard.
Commenting, Allan Dorans MP said:
“People in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock and Scotland as a whole, voted overwhelmingly to remain in 2016, that result should’ve been respected.
“Instead, we’ve been dragged out against our will and forced to endure the economic hardship that’s come with it.
“Brexit has been a total disaster for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock and Scotland, decimating industries, exacerbating the Conservative-made cost of living crisis and allowing Westminster to ride roughshod over Holyrood with blatant powergrabs.
“Three years in and the UK has nothing to show for it but a declining economy and falling reputation abroad.
“People in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock deserve better with a return to the EU that only the full powers of independence can deliver.”
Ayr: Family-owners of Blackthorn Salt honoured for achievements
AN Ayr-based salt company has been presented with an award by Ayrs MP.
Date added: Wednesday February 8th 2023
Allan Dorans presented Whirly Marshall, of Blackthorn Salt, with an Early Day Motion (EDM) recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of the company.
The husband-and-wife team, Gregorie and Whirly Marshall, owners of Blackthorn Salt, alongside their small team, have won numerous awards for their environmentally friendly and sustainable method of producing artisan salt crystals by the process of using water from the sea nearby.
This allows the water to be evaporated naturally using only the wind and sun as it is slowly filtered through a tall wooden graduation tower, comprising mainly of blackthorn twigs, imbuing the salt crystals produced with a unique flavour, taste and shape.
They have won many prestigious awards since their opening, such as Scotlands Best Small Producer (ambient) at the Scottish Retail Awards 2022; Sustainability Pioneer of the Year at the Speciality and Fine Food Awards 2022; and Primary Producer at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards 2022.
They have also secured a significant contract to work in partnership with a national supermarket to use the salt crystals as a component and flavouring in a unique Scottish salmon product.
The MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock said: “I was delighted to present a copy of my Early Day Motion to Whirly Marshall of Blackthorn Salt, Ayr, to recognise and celebrate their outstanding achievements in receiving many high-level industry awards for their amazing artisan salt.
“Alongside several prestigious awards, they have received significant commendations from local and national stockists and several top UK chefs - all of which are very well deserved.
“It is always a pleasure to visit local businesses and hear of success stories in the constituency.
"Blackthorn Salt are evidence of the skills and talents across the constituency.
“I wish them every success in the future."
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
January Newsletter 2023
You can now download my newsletter for the month of January below:
Date added: Wednesday February 1st 2023
Download the January 2023 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Wishing all of my constituents a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Date added: Friday December 23rd 2022
My office will be closed from 24th December 2022–3rd January 2023 (inclusive). Although emails will be checked periodically, they may not necessarily be responded to until after 3rd January 2023.
Emergency contacts:
- South Ayrshire Council (emergency/out of hours number): 0300 123 0900
- East Ayrshire Council (emergency/out of hours number): 0345 724 0000
- Homelessness Standby Service: 0808 100 3151
- Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 027 1234
- National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999
- Samaritans: 116 123
December Newsletter 2022
You can now download my newsletter for the month of December below:
Date added: Thursday December 22nd 2022
Download the December 2022 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
OPINION Allan Dorans MP: Helping communities at Christmas
After a very busy few weeks in Parliament, I have been pleased to get out into the constituency to meet some of Ayrshires fantastic volunteers over the past couple of weeks.
Date added: Monday December 19th 2022
This included a visit to Tesco in Ayr, to support their joint initiative with South Ayrshire Foodbank to increase the supply of food available at the Foodbank. (See picture).
This is a time when many individuals and families are struggling, especially in the lead up to Christmas because of the cost-of-living crisis.
So, if you can, you may donate items at the drop off site in the store, where they also list their most needed items. Many thanks to all the volunteers and Tesco team for their work, and to the constituents who have already donated.
Alongside this, I was delighted to be invited to the Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA) Volunteer Thank You Evening.
I have been involved with VASA for over 15 years as a volunteer trustee and was its chair for several years, so it was a pleasure to attend the event and meet many volunteers and VASA staff to thank them for their compassion and dedication to helping others.
In Parliament, it was an absolute pleasure to welcome firefighters Kerry McCrone and Agnes Cook, Watch Commanders from Ayr Fire Station, to Westminster as part of a large delegation of firefighters from across the country.
The firefighters, supported by the Fire Brigades Union, are protesting against the derisory five per cent pay increase offered by the UK Government.
Firefighter pay is negotiated through UK-wide collective bargaining arrangements - the Scottish Government is not part of these arrangements.
As front-line emergency responders, who do so much to keep us all safe, they have my full support.
With Christmas approaching, if you would like to donate to charity this year, may I recommend ‘The Night Before Christmas’, which is a wonderful charity that make up Christmas boxes and bags for children and vulnerable adults across Ayrshire.
More on their website here: https://nightbeforechristmas.co.uk/
My office will be closed over the festive period from December 24 – January 3 (inclusive).
Although emails will be checked periodically, they may not necessarily be responded to until after 3rd January 2023.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year for 2023.
November Newsletter 2022
You can now download my newsletter for the month of November below:
Date added: Tuesday November 29th 2022
Download the November 2022 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
OPINION Allan Dorans MP: I won’t sit by while families suffer
In my last column I discussed the (then) Chancellors Mini-Budget plans, which had caused significant turmoil in the financial world, and his own party.
Date added: Monday November 21st 2022
Only four weeks later, as I write this column, we have a new Prime Minister, Chancellor and Cabinet.
Turbulent and chaotic does not even come close.
Alongside my colleagues in the SNP, I will continue to put pressure on the new Prime Minister to act on the cost-of-living crisis.
I will not sit by and let families, businesses and communities suffer as prices spiral out of control.
My SNP colleagues and I are calling for a broader windfall tax to be introduced on all big companies that have made excessive profits on the back of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis
It is only right that companies making huge profits shoulder the burden that families face.
In Westminster, currently a huge amount of my time is taken up by my involvement as a Member of the Privileges Committee which has been tasked by the House to investigate whether former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP misled the House over the Downing Street parties.
However, alongside this, other Parliamentary business, and helping my constituents, I have been pleased to support some very important campaigns which are aiming to change legislation.
One of these campaigns aims to change the law, so that washing machine manufacturers would be required to fit filters to new domestic and commercial washing machines to prevent microplastic fibres entering the environment and human food chain.
Microplastic fibres are 5mm or smaller plastic fibres that are shed from clothing when worn and laundered.
They are too small to be caught by standard washing machine filters and end up in the sea, wider environment and can then enter the human food chain.
This Bill has my full support.
In the Constituency, I was pleased to support Poppy Scotland at the launch of their Scottish Poppy Appeal at Ayr Town Hall.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s largest fundraising campaign and takes place annually in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday
Money raised during the Appeal is used to provide vital life-changing support to the Armed Forces community in Scotland.
More recently, I was invited to the Ayr United vs Greenock Morton top of the league clash, where I was able to learn about the continued success of the club and their fantastic links and work within the local community.
Prior to the game starting players and fans held a minute’s silence, in memory of those who have lost their lives in service of their country.
As I write this column, we are coming up to Remembrance Sunday, and I am pleased to be able to attend the Auld Kirk for a remembrance service to pay my respects and read a lesson at the service in memory of those who have fought, and sadly died, in service of their country.
We will remember them.
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Child Payment: Allan Dorans MP encourages Ayrshire residents to apply
AYR, Carrick and Cumnocks MP is encouraging families across Ayrshire to apply for the increased Scottish Child Payment.
Date added: Wednesday November 16th 2022
The Scottish Child Payment has been increased from £20 to £25 per week per child, meaning 2,645 families in South Ayrshire are set to receive a boost to their household incomes from the Scottish Government.
Eligibility for the payment has also been extended, meaning eligible families in South Ayrshire with children under the age of 16 can now apply.
Mr Dorans said: “The extension of the Scottish Child Payment could be a turning point for families in South Ayrshire and across Scotland as the support is extending from £20 to £25.
“We have already heard from anti-poverty charities about how the payment has been ‘game-changing’ for families with children under six, and now as the support is extended to families with children under 16 more will have extra cash in their pockets to get through this Conservative-made cost-of-living crisis.
“The Scottish Child Payment is only available in Scotland and demonstrates how the SNP Scottish Government is building a social security system based on fairness, dignity and respect."
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
Allan Dorans MP: Indie call after Commerce head comments
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AYR, Carrick and Cumnocks MP has said that Ayrshire households and businesses are being "made to suffer" from Brexit.
Date added: Friday November 11th 2022
Allan Dorans MPs comments come after a business leader slammed Brexit and said there is ‘no evidence’ of the promised dividend to businesses across the country.
Shevaun Haviland, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, told Bloomberg that Rishi Sunak should pursue a veterinary agreement to remove checks on food products, something that has affected Scotland’s food and drink sector.
Ms Haviland also called for changes to the visa system for skilled workers from Europe to work in the UK to fill current gaps in the labour market.
Mr Dorans has renewed his calls for Scottish independence as a means to rejoin the EU.
Speaking to Bloomberg news, Shevaun said: "We are not talking about uncontrolled immigration, we are talking about very specific sectors.
"Its also driving wage increases and small businesses suffer more.
“Generally, deregulation doesnt excite people."
Commenting, Allan Dorans said: "Again, we have even more confirmation that Brexit doesnt work, at the expense of households and businesses here in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.
“Businesses in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock have taken a hammer blow because of Brexit and continue to suffer as a result, the only way they and the rest of Scotland can flourish is by escaping Brexit and becoming an independent country back in the European Union.
“Scotlands economy has suffered the double whammy of leaving the EU and the Conservative-made cost of living crisis. Last week we learned that Scottish exports had nose-dived by 13 per cent since Brexit.
“However, there is no way back to the EU under Westminster control with Labour signed up as a fully-fledged Brexit party.
"No matter the economic consequences, Labour will keep Scotland out of the European Union, a market seven times the size of the UK.
“Meanwhile countries of a similar size to us continue to outperform the UK.
"That is why it is only with independence that Scotland can unleash its full potential by re-joining the European Union.”
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
October Newsletter 2022
You can now download my newsletter for the month of October below:
Date added: Tuesday November 1st 2022
Download the October 2022 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
Allan Dorans: MP makes plea to Royal Mail about job cuts
AYR, Carrick and Cumnocks MP has made a new plea to the Royal Mail regarding job cuts.
Date added: Monday October 31st 2022
SNP MP Allan Dorans has called on the Royal Mail to "stop the threats of job cuts to postal workers and engage meaningfully" with the Communications Workers Union to find an acceptable solution to prevent further postal strikes.
Last week, the Royal Mail announced its intention to slash 10,000 jobs, citing the strike action and low parcel delivery sales as the reason.
In a joint letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Mail, Allan Dorans told the Royal Mail Chief that it is "unacceptable to see the language employed by Royal Mail in threatening its workforce with job losses because they dare to ask for a fair work package."
Postal workers across Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock are in dispute, with several more strike days planned early next month, from November 2 to 4.
Commenting, Allan said: "Postal workers across Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock are struggling to make ends meet in the face of the cost-of-living crisis while Royal Mail shareholders benefited from bumper profits in the millions.
"It is understandable that postal workers find the argument that there isnt money for them to have a fair wage unpalatable when there are millions of pounds of profit for shareholders, who should share the burden – when hard working postal staff are struggling to put food on their table this winter.
"Royal Mail staff in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock and their families need financial security.
"The decision to strike will not have been easy for any of them, but this is about more than pay; it is also about protecting the universal mail service we all expect and value.
"Royal Mail need to get back to the negotiating table – in a meaningful way – and put our communities at the heart of discussions."
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
Allan Dorans: Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP warns energy bills could reach £5,000
The SNP has warned struggling households could face bills of up to £5,000 next April, after the Conservatives performed another screeching U-turn and scrapped protections offered to families on the energy price cap - and Labour abstained on an SNP amendment that would have prevented this.
Date added: Wednesday October 19th 2022
In scrapping the majority of the proposals contained in the former Chancellor, Kwasi Kwartengs, financial statement, new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a scaling back of the energy price cap freeze, which will now last for only 6 months instead of the two years initially promised.
Allan Dorans MP has branded the decision reckless, warning households face massive energy bill rises again in April 2023.
Accusing the Labour party of failing to offer real opposition after their failure to vote against the changes, the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP said that real support to support households could only come with the full powers of independence.
Commenting, Allan Dorans MP said:
“It can be in no doubt that Scots, who are paying a heavy price for Westminster’s failures, would be better off with the full powers of independence.
“On a day where the Scottish Government set out a prospectus offering a brighter economic future the Conservative UK government were forced to roll back heavily on its proposals that crashed the UK economy. And with it they recklessly removed the very little protection they offered to households through what is set to be an ever-worsening cost of living crisis the Conservatives have failed to get a grip of.
“They were already too late to act on energy bills, and now households face even bigger rises in April when the measly half-baked proposals to help families are scaled back in the latest iteration of Westminster Conservative austerity.
“Whats worse is that, given a chance to stand up for struggling households, the Labour Party once again sat on its hands and refused to offer up real opposition, leaving families in the firing line. There is little difference between the Conservative and Labour parties these days.
“By contrast, to help with the cost of living crisis the Scottish Government have used their limited powers to uprate eight benefits and bring in further increases to the Scottish Child Payment, but all of that work risks being undone or offset by the calamity ensuing in Westminster. Its clear real support can only come with independence.
"Scots should no longer be forced to bear the rising cost of Westminster failure and must be able to assume the full powers of independence so they can set out on a different, better path.”
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CRUEL TORY POLICIES “LIKELY” TO HAVE CAUSED 20,000 EXCESS DEATHS IN SCOTLAND
Following a new report showing Tory austerity policies have “likely” caused more deaths than the Covid-19 virus, the SNP has said that the human cost of Scotland remaining under the control of the Tories at Westminster has been laid bare and independence is the only escape route.
Date added: Friday October 7th 2022
Allan Dorans MP has urged the Prime Minister to recall parliament so the UK government can immediately scrap its cruel austerity measures to save lives - and has reminded people in Scotland they can have a better, safer future with independence.
The Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP has also called on Scottish Conservative Leader, Douglas Ross, to stand up for Scotland by denouncing the recent Tory budget and calling on the UK government to stand by its promise to uprate benefits in line with inflation.
The report, produced by Glasgow University and the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH), revealed that almost 335,000 more deaths than expected were recorded across Scotland, England and Wales in an eight year period, and that these were “likely to have been caused by UK government economic policy.”
In Scotland, 12,735 excess deaths were recorded amongst men, and 6,564 amongst women - making a total of 19,299 excess deaths.
Researchers have said the figures are “not only shocking but shameful.”
Commenting, Allan Dorans said:
“The human cost of Scotland remaining under Westminster control and the Tories’ cruel austerity agenda has been laid bare in this report. Independence is the only way Scotland can escape austerity for good.
“The fact that almost 335,000 deaths - almost 20,000 in Scotland - are likely to have been caused by UK government policies should serve as a wake up call to the UK government and shame every single Tory to their core, including Douglas Ross and the rest of the Scottish Tories.
“The UK government had the opportunity to change course in its recent mini-budget by scrapping debt-inducing policies and bringing in meaningful, targeted support to help low and middle income families get through the cost-of-living crisis. Instead, it chose to confirm Tory austerity 2.0 with more cuts that will threaten our vital NHS and public services, scrap the cap on bankers bonuses and, before u-turning, cut tax for the wealthiest.
“It is time for the Scottish Conservative Party to stand up for people in Scotland and help to save lives across the country by denouncing the Tory austerity agenda and calling on their boss to uprate benefits as promised, so people aren’t left cold or hungry.
“Scotland hasn’t voted for a Tory government in almost 60 years, yet we have had cruel Tory policy after cruel Tory policy imposed on us - and now we see those same policies are likely causing excess deaths here. It is truly heart-breaking - but we can have a brighter, safer future with independence, which would give us all the powers needed to ensure people weren’t left to go cold and hungry.”
Allan Dorans: MP calls for Kwasi Kwarteng to leave or be sacked
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Allan Dorans has backed calls for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, to resign or be sacked following his shambolic handling of the UK’s finances.
Date added: Friday October 7th 2022
It comes as the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) confirmed they offered to provide a forecast to the Chancellor to go alongside his fiscal statement, but that it was not commissioned by the UK Government.
This was despite the OBR confirming it was in a position to produce an updated forecast that satisfied the legal requirements of the Charter for Budget Responsibility.
Commenting, Allan Dorans MP said:
“The fallout from the new Truss administration’s ‘mini-budget’ has been huge, taking a wrecking ball to the UK’s finances, endangering the pension funds of millions, causing banks to withdraw mortgages and leaving millions of families across the UK in deep distress. It’s like Black Wednesday 1992 all over again.
“We now learn that despite the OBR publishing their forecast to the UK Government, the Treasury will delay the publication until 23 November. This is simply unacceptable.
“It’s been a disastrous first few weeks of her premiership but if the rhetoric from the Conservatives is to be believed, the worst of this Truss government is yet to come.
“Within days of taking office, we have once again seen the devastating consequences of Scotland being shackled to this outdated, corrupt Westminster system. People’s mortgages, pensions and savings are all being badly hit – and there is no plan to fix it.
“Instead of trying to dodge accountability or, as we now know, drinking champagne with hedge fund managers on the night of his budget, the Chancellor must do the honourable thing and resign or be sacked.
“There can be no doubt that the only way to keep Scotland safe for good from the long-term damage of Westminster control is by electing our own governments which reflect our own choices and values and which can match our resources to the problems we face, without worrying if Westminster has approved it first.”
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September Newsletter 2022
You can now download my newsletter for the month of September below:
Date added: Monday October 3rd 2022
Download the September 2022 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
Allan Dorans MP calls on local community to vote in the Countryside Alliance Awards
The annual Countryside Alliance Awards are now open to public nomination, and Allan Dorans MP is urging the local community to get nominating.
Date added: Wednesday September 28th 2022
The Countryside Alliance Awards, nicknamed the ‘Rural Oscars’, were borne of a need to support and promote rural communities. They celebrate people going the extra mile to ensure that rural Britain’s food and farming industry, small businesses, traditional skills, forward-thinking enterprises and, most of all, its people, can flourish.
Allan Dorans MP commented: “These awards are an excellent way to promote the local businessmen and women who are working hard to keep rural communities thriving. Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition, so please get involved and nominate today. Let’s see if we can bring a title home and tell a positive story about Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock”
The Awards run across the following categories:
1. Local Food Award
2. Village shop/ Post Office Award
3. Rural Enterprise Award
4. Butcher Award
5. Rural Pub Award
Allan Dorans MP named Dementia Research Champion and invites constituents to get involved
This World Alzheimer’s Month, Allan Dorans is supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK to encourage more people with and without dementia to register to take part in clinical trials across the nation, and ultimately find life-changing treatments sooner.
Date added: Tuesday September 27th 2022
Throughout September, Allan Dorans will be taking action in his role as a Dementia Research Champion, as new figures reveal significantly fewer people are taking part in dementia research, compared to those for other leading health conditions in England.
In 2020-21, just 61 volunteers were recruited to late-stage dementia drug trials supported by the NIHR Clinical Trial Network – that’s 100 times fewer than cancer, and 10 times fewer than either stroke or coronary heart disease.
There are nearly one million people in the UK living with dementia, with 1467 estimated to be living with the condition in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock. Yet there are currently no treatments available in the UK that slow down or stop the diseases that cause dementia, such as Alzheimer’s.
The MP says more people taking part in dementia research is needed if life-changing treatments are to be discovered and encourages people living in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock to register with Join Dementia Research - the service which matches people to dementia studies in the UK.
Allan Dorans said: “I’m proud to be a Dementia Research Champion and issue a clarion call encouraging people from all backgrounds to participate in dementia trials. Research has the power to transform the lives of everyone affected by dementia – but it will take all of us to bring about the life-changing treatments people desperately need.
“Dementia is the greatest long term health challenge we face in the UK, and I am particularly keen to help ensure everyone who receives a dementia diagnosis in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock is made aware of the research opportunities available to them.
“I look forward to playing my part in the coming weeks, and working closely with Alzheimer’s Research UK to help drive progress in dementia research.”
David Thomas, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re delighted to have the support of Allan Dorans on such an important issue. People with dementia need MPs like Allan who will champion research in parliament and signpost the ways in which the public can get involved in the search for life-changing dementia treatments.
We know the public appetite for taking part in research has never been greater – with more than two-thirds of people in the UK reporting a willingness to get involved in dementia research, yet just 2% of people living with dementia are registered with Join Dementia Research.
We would urge people with or without dementia who are interested in taking part in research, to register through Join Dementia Research online or by calling 0300 111 5 111.”
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
ALLAN DORANS MP DEMANDS ACTION FROM UK GOVERNMENT OVER SPIRALLING ENERGY COSTS
Local MP Allan Dorans has demanded urgent action from the UK government to financially support people with spiralling energy costs.
Date added: Tuesday September 27th 2022
The Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP has called on the UK government to:
• Scrap the upcoming increase to the energy price cap
• Double the energy grant to £800 and ensure all payments are made by the beginning of October
• Introduce an energy price cap for Small and Medium Enterprises
• Bring in a further windfall tax and extend it to include all large businesses who made significant profits during the pandemic
A recent study found that 72.8% of those living in Scotland will fall into fuel poverty by January 2023 without further action from the UK government.
The SNP Scottish Government is using its limited powers to extend eligibility for and increase the Scottish Child Payment, carry out an emergency budget review to identify any further opportunities to redirect additional resources to those most in need, and is looking at what options are available to devolved government for regulatory action to limit increases in costs for households and businesses.
Commenting, Allan Dorans MP said:
“The UK Tory government must immediately come out of hiding and take urgent action to address spiralling energy costs - people cannot wait until the Tories have decided who their next leader will be.
“Any action must include scrapping the energy price cap, doubling the energy grant, bringing in an energy price cap for businesses, and implementing another broader windfall tax.
“While the SNP Scottish Government is doing what it can with its limited powers to help people in Scotland through the Tory-made cost-of-living crisis, including spending £700m mitigating the bedroom tax and benefit cap, it is the UK government that has the powers that will make the most difference.
“So I am urging Tory ministers to stop passing the buck and take responsibility for supporting people with their energy bills - otherwise millions will be pushed into, or further into, poverty and destitution, and lives could be lost.
“For as long as the UK government fails to act, Scotland’s need for independence grows. Only with the full powers of independence can we properly support households and businesses in Scotland, and escape Westminster control for good.”
View this article on The Daily Records website
OPINION ALLAN DORANS MP: A Commons tribute to Her Majesty
IN THESE sad days following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, it seems inappropriate and unimportant to write simply about my recent activities representing you as your Member of Parliament for Ayr, Carrick, and Cumnock.
Date added: Monday September 26th 2022
However, I wished to share with you the tribute paid by me to the late Queen, on your behalf, in the House of Commons on the day following her death.
I was called to speak by the Deputy Speaker, Dame Eleanor Laing MP at about 7pm, and due to the number of Members wishing to pay tribute my contribution was limited to three minutes.
In common with the majority of Members who spoke, my tribute included reference to how the Queen and her life of service and duty influenced me personally.
Here is an extract from my tribute. It may be viewed in full on my website at www.allandoransmp.scot
“Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to express my sincere personal sympathies and condolences and those of my constituents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock on the death of Her late Majesty the Queen.
“The late Queen will be remembered with great affection, especially for her service, duty, humility, humour, and faith.
Our thoughts and prayers are with King Charles III, the Queen Consort, and the wider royal family at this sad time.
“I met the late Queen in 1973 when, as a 17-year-old cadet in the Metropolitan Police, I was invited with others to attend a royal garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
"Her late Majesty chose to speak with me, probably because I was in uniform; we all know how much she valued her uniformed services.
“Her royal presence, her smile and her gentleness left a lasting impression on me.
“I am sure that everyone who has ever served as a member of our armed services will be able to relate closely to that sentiment, as will anyone who has proudly served in any capacity in the name of the Queen and all she stood for.
“It is with both sadness and joy that we celebrate the unparalleled contribution the Queen made in her 70 years as sovereign, recognising her devotion to duty and the decades of public service she gave to the people of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the world.
“There is a distinct and profound sense of loss on the death of the Queen throughout Scotland, to where she is bound by close ties of ancestry, affection, and duty.
“Her late Majesty was descended from the royal house of Stuart on both sides of her family, and she has always held a special place in the hearts of the people of Scotland.
“I know she also held a similar affection for Scotland, its culture, and its people.
“The next few weeks are a time for reflection and remembrance and to give thanks to God for the life of an extraordinary individual, the like of whom we will never see again.
“Finally, on behalf of my constituents of Ayr, Carrick, and Cumnock, thank you, your Majesty, for your life of service; God bless you and may you rest in eternal peace.”
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August Newsletter 2022
You can now download my newsletter for the month of August below:
Date added: Tuesday August 30th 2022
Download the August 2022 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
MP visits phase two of new Cumnock flood protection scheme
Allan Dorans MP visited Phase 2 of New Cumnock’s £8.97 million flood protection works recently to receive an update from the Ayrshire Roads Alliance and the main contractor, Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd.
Date added: Friday August 26th 2022
Mr Dorans was joined onsite by Councillor Neal Ingram, cabinet spokesperson for community safety, roads and transportation and community cohesion, Councillor Maureen McKay, leader of the Labour Opposition Group, Councillor Neill Watts, depute leader of the Conservative Opposition Group and Kevin Braidwood, head of roads, Ayrshire Roads Alliance.
They received an update on the extensive project, which started in May 2021 and which is already protecting residential and commercial properties near the Afton Water and River Nith. The works include a combination of engineering measures including 900m of earth embankments, 1200m of reinforced concrete walls and 600m of riverbank strengthening.
Phase two of the project, due to the extensive and complex nature of the work, has been split into six main work areas -South of Afton Bridgend; both sides of the river north of Afton Bridgend; the car park area at the shops; reinforcement of embankments within the scope of the scheme, which has been completed; the wall to the rear of Miller Road, which has been completed and the clearing of trees and protection of the riverbank at Castlemains Farm.
The original plan was for each phase to be completed in order however the worldwide materials shortage experienced last summer had an impact on the project with work being reorganised, where possible, and some phases being completed earlier than scheduled. The shortage of concrete, in particular, has led to an inevitable delay and it is anticipated that the scheme will be fully completed by February 2023, just two months behind schedule.
Councillor Neal Ingram said: “It was great to welcome Allan Dorans, MP to New Cumnock and to receive a detailed update on phase two of New Cumnock’s £8.97m flood protection scheme from the Ayrshire Roads Alliance and our main contractor. This scheme is so extensive that it is one of the only handful in the whole country that is modelled on a one in two hundred year, plus climate change, flooding event.
“Phase 1 of the scheme that was completed at the Leggate is already offering protection to the residents there. While SEPA, in conjunction with the scheme, has being doing improvements on the River Nith, with their embankment setback works and this has already increased storage capacity in the Nith so that it is already dropping levels in the Afton Water during rainfall events prior to the scheme being fully completed.
“No one would ever want to see a repeat of the devastating floods of 2013 and 2015 or the heartbreak it brought to so many good people. This extensive scheme will help to protect the village from the devastation of flooding and will bring security to the local community. It will also mean that local residents and businesses will be in a position to purchase building insurance, which really is life-changing.”
Allan Dorans, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, added: “I was delighted to receive a comprehensive briefing on the progress of the New Cumnock flood protection scheme this week from the Ayrshire Roads Alliance and the main Contractors, Wills Bros.
“The work has been a challenging civil engineering project which has successfully overcome a number of significant obstacles including the requirement to divert a major gas main and other utilities.
“My thanks to the Ayrshire Roads Alliance and Wills Bros for the progress to date and I look forward to the successful completion of the project early next year.”
View this article on Scottish Housing News website
MP praises innovative thinking at CoRE project
East Ayrshires flagship Community Renewable Energy (CoRE) project earned praise from local MP Allan Dorans as he visited Cumnocks Barony Campus this week to hear first hand how plans are progressing for the innovative, multi-million pound green energy initiative, which is part of the Ayrshire Growth Deals £251.5million investment across the area.
Date added: Friday August 26th 2022
Welcoming Mr Dorans, Depute Provost, Claire Leitch said: "While it may take a bit of imagination to visualise exactly what were creating here in the Cumnock area, it is nothing compared to what our planners and partners in have envisaged for this exciting, ground breaking project.
“Of course without the ground breaking work of our forebears in this area, much of this project would not be possible. We are rightly proud of our mining heritage, so it is fitting that well be taking communities who used to lead power generation in this country, and re-empowering them to be at the forefront of a new generation of renewable, sustainable energy.
“Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this is the way in which the various teams behind this project have come together and are working so well. Their proper “joined up” thinking will make sure that no one will be left behind as we realise our ambitions ambitions for creating a new way of supplying constant energy.
“At a time when the biggest single issue worrying people is the spiralling cost of energy CoRE has taken on even more importance.
"Were focusing strongly on creating local jobs, upgrading housing to be as energy efficient as possible, and creating local networks for energy and heat supply.
"CoRE will not only help us insulate buildings against loss of heat, it will also insulate our local economy against the fluctuations of international markets."
Mr Dorans then heard a presentation about the £24.5 million project, funded by the UK Government and East Ayrshire Council, which has two main aims.
Firstly, the setting up of a suite of demonstrator projects which will showcase and develop new technologies, looking at how they can be integrated, to allow communities in and around the Cumnock area to move to a low carbon circular economy with a strong focus on community wealth building to achieve net zero targets.
Secondly, a low carbon centre of excellence will be built to house a diverse mix of engineers, research scientists and carbon friendly businesses, giving them a space to come together under one roof to research and develop new solutions with existing and emerging technologies to help bridge the gap between supply and demand and cut reliance on the national grid for local power.
CoRE will take account of every aspect of life in the area, looking at retrofitting older properties and using cutting edge design in new build housing to cut emissions as far as possible.
In doing so, education pathways will be created, in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and opportunities created in construction trades, business and infrastructure development.
East Ayrshire is rich in resources, with wind farm production being over capacity at times. One of the big future challenges of energy supply is making sure that excess power can be stored for use on calm days and peak times when demand is high.
By looking at the possibilities for hydrogen production from the water in deep and open cast mines, using excess wind energy, it’s hoped to create “hydrogen batteries” and a low carbon fuel source for larger vehicles, while expansion of active travel and electric charging points will cut demand for fossil fuels.
At the same time, heat contained in the deep mines, former slag heaps and open cast sites can also be harnessed to provide collective heating systems.
All these elements are designed to cut energy costs and emissions for the local population, create educational and job opportunities, upgrade housing and transport and protect the surrounding natural environment.
The knock-on effect will be to cut energy demand, lower costs for householders and create new transport modes and career opportunities, all of which will help boost prosperity, health and wellbeing.
Allan Dorans also viewed the site at Knockroon, which lies adjacent to the Barony Campus, where construction of the CoRE innovation centre will start next year. He said: “My first impression is that CoRE is an exceptionally outstanding project, which has obviously been given a great deal of thought, by the planners, council officers, the universities and energy companies who’ve collaborated to create this masterplan.
“Having grown up in a mining area its great to see how an area which powered the country with fossil fuels and eventually suffered great loss of habitat and jobs is being re-empowered.
“With this project the area can once again lead the way in producing energy, only this time it’s green energy, boosting the local economy, enhancing the landscape and improving the quality of life for local people.
“I’m delighted that it seems to be on course to be an exemplar for other local authorities, all of Scotland, other countries and indeed the world.
“I’m absolutely convinced it will be successful and benefit not just this area but the world in general.”
Find out more:
Visit our CoRE webpages
Visit Ayrshire Growth Deal website
Subscribe to regular email bulletins about CoRE with our StayConnected system (you can unsubscribe at any time)
View this article on East Ayrshire Councils website
MP throws weight behind campaign to stop people getting scammed
MP Allan Dorans has urged residents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock to be on their guard against cost-of-living scams as Scotlands ScamWatch Fortnight gets underway.
Date added: Monday August 22nd 2022
This years Read Between the Li(n)es campaign highlights the importance of remaining vigilant - with fraudsters using emails, texts and social media to prey on people of all ages.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot on behalf of the Scottish Government, continues to see new tactics deployed as criminals try to manipulate struggling households.
Any residents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock who wants to report a scam should fill in the ScamWatch Quick Reporting Tool at www.scamwatch.scot, which collects intelligence to share with various authorities.
With energy bills set to soar, recent reported scams include fake discounts on prepayment meters and bogus offers of energy or HMRC rebates, which leave potential victims even more disadvantaged.
Allan Dorans, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock is throwing his support behind the campaign, urging his constituents to be aware about their daily activities.
He said: “This is such an important campaign, urging people to read between the lines to what is actually being said by scammers when they contact you unexpectedly.
"I would really encourage constituents to read through the really helpful advice provided by Consumer Advice.”
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, added: “With scammers using a mixture of methods to target Scots consumers, it has never been more important for us to be aware of how to avoid them.
“We have seen scammers adapt their tactics in line with major world events, including the Covid-19 pandemic and crisis in Ukraine.
“New scams including fake energy rebates are being recorded as scammers try to exploit the challenging circumstances facing many families across Scotland.
“Throughout the campaign, we are highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant and pausing before interacting with emails, text messages or social media adverts.
“The most effective way to stop scammers in their tracks is to report a scam to scamwatch.scot when you see one."
You can get more advice and information at www.consumeradvice.scot
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
July Newsletter 2022
You can now download my newsletter for the month of July below:
Date added: Wednesday August 3rd 2022
Download the July 2022 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
Allan Dorans MP: Pleased to support neonatal bill
Parliament has now adjourned for the Summer recess, and I am looking forward to continuing to visit local organisations and attending public and community events within the constituency.
Date added: Friday July 29th 2022
Just before the breakup of Parliament, I was delighted to speak in the debate in favour of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Bill in the House of Commons.
When a baby is born prematurely or with significant health issues, they often require an extended stay in a neonatal baby unit in hospital. Under current legislation, parents do not receive paid leave in these circumstances, despite the emotional distress this causes.
Thats why I was pleased to lend my support for this Bill, which would allow parents to receive paid leave in such circumstances. The Bill passed successfully to the next stage of the parliamentary process and will hopefully become law.
Summer is always a particularly busy period for me, so I was pleased to get out in both Ayr and Cumnock over July.
In Cumnock I was pleased to meet with Depute Service Lead, Julie Neil and team, from Cumnock Job Centre Plus for an insightful discussion about the work their team do on a daily basis. Their Job Centre Plus team work incredibly hard to support those most in need, and often do not get the credit they rightly deserve. My sincere thanks to them for the work they do to help constituents.
They also work with the local council to offer lots of assistance and support to help get people into work, through their KickStart scheme and Youth Hubs. You can find more about this on their Twitter page: @JCPinSWScot.
More recently in Ayr, at the invitation of the Ayr Burns Club, I attended a church service at the Auld Kirk to remember Rabbie Burns life and work and mark the anniversary of his death over two hundred years ago. It was a privilege to be asked to make a speech at the service, where I highlighted the great work of Burns Clubs across the globe in keeping his memory alive for future generations to learn and enjoy.
Many people will have been touched and saddened by the recent death of Dame Deborah James (bowelbabe) after being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer. Between the time Deborah was diagnosed and her death, she devoted much of her life to raising awareness and removing the stigma of bowel cancer, and in the process raised several millions of pounds for Bowel Cancer UK.
On a similar note, I am pleased to promote the Ayr Boswell FC Charity Day, which is a festival of football being held on Sunday, July 31 between 9am – 5pm at the New Pebble Park, Annbank. The festival includes the annual John Rowan Cup Final. John was a youth coach at Ayr Boswell who also sadly died of bowel cancer at the age of just 50. This promises to be a wonderful feast of football and any monies raised will be donated to local charities including Ayrshire Cancer Support.
Everyone over 50 in Scotland has the opportunity to be screened for bowel cancer every two years. I would strongly encourage everyone to take the test, as early detection of bowel cancer massively increases the chance of successful treatment.
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
Allan Dorans: Ayrs MP backs campaign on anti-social behaviour
AYR MP Allan Dorans has joined a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and keep people in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock safe.
Date added: Monday July 18th 2022
Running from July 18 to 22, ASB Awareness Week – Making Communities Safer aims to encourage communities to take a stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.
Anti-social behaviour can include: noise, shouting, swearing, fighting, intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse, bullying, abusive behaviour, dumping rubbish and vandalism.
Organised by Resolve, the UKs leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week features a series of events all across the UK involving councils, police forces, housing associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.
Recent research commissioned by Resolve and carried out by YouGov found that more than half of people in the UK – 56 per cent to be exact – believe that ‘more needs to be done’ to tackle ASB in their community.
However, after they witnessed or experienced ASB, a similar proportion of the public – 57 per cent – said that they did not report the incident to anyone.
Incidents can be reported to the anti-social behaviour team at South Ayrshire Council on my.south-ayrshire.gov.uk or by calling 0300 123 0900.
People should contact the police if they feel that they are at immediate risk or in danger.
Mr Dorans said: “I am pleased to offer my support to ASB Awareness Week 2022, and I am committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and community.
“I am aware from correspondence with constituents that ASB is an area of public concern that needs to be addressed on both a local and national level.”
Rebecca Bryant OBE, chief executive of resolve added: “ASB is not low-level crime. It can have a long-lasting impact on the lives of victims and communities and can be a precursor to more serious crime.
“It is important that the challenge of ASB continues to be given the priority it needs so that people everywhere feel safe in their homes and communities.
“We are delighted that Allan is supporting this hugely important campaign.
“It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”
The Scottish Government has reminded residents to call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Report antisocial behaviour to the police by calling 101 or by visiting your local police station.
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
Allan Dorans urges speed-up of new treatments for Dementia
AYR Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans is backing Alzheimers Research UKs call for a new Dementia Medicines Taskforce to radically speed up the development and roll-out of new treatments for people with dementia.
Date added: Friday July 8th 2022
It is estimated that around 1,467 people have dementia in the constituency. By 2030, dementia will be the most expensive health condition of the UKs top causes of death, costing £30 billion a year.
A Dementia Medicines Taskforce would bring together representatives from industry, the NHS, charities and researchers, with a single focus on fast-tracking the development and delivery of new medicines for diseases like Alzheimers.
With a bold and co-ordinated approach, the Taskforce would build on vital research and scientific breakthroughs to improve diagnosis as well as enhance late-stage clinical trials in the UK and enable regulators to rapidly assess new medicines.
Mr Dorans said: “I fully support Alzheimers Research UKs inspiring idea for a Dementia Medicines Taskforce. Its vital we continue to build on the progress made in dementia research and ensure that people with dementia receive new treatments as soon as they become available.
“A Dementia Medicines Taskforce would capitalise on our world-leading life sciences sector, and help make a huge difference to the lives of people affected by dementia.
“I have written to Lord Kamall urging him to ensure this policy is a key part of the governments forthcoming 10-year dementia strategy.”
David Thomas, Head of Policy, at Alzheimers Research UK, said: “Were delighted to have the support of Allan Dorans on such an important issue.
“People with dementia need MPs like Allan who will champion research.”
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
June Newsletter 2022
You can now download my newsletter for the month of June below:
Date added: Tuesday July 5th 2022
Download the June 2022 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
Headlines on soaring mental illness among police are irresponsible
LAST week, one Scottish newspaper ran the headline “Morale among Police Scotland rank and file at rock bottom amid soaring mental health absences”.
Date added: Tuesday June 14th 2022
Police Professional, the usually more accurate UK law enforcement journal used the same “mental health” label for absences actually recorded by Police Scotland as due to “psychological disorder and stress-related absence”.
Notably, but not mentioned in media reports, the 22% increase over five years conceals the fact that, based on Police Scotlands published figures, such absences had actually fallen by 15% between 2019/20 and 2020/21.
Year-on-year fluctuation is to be expected and simply adding up the data over enough years to get a big headline number is simply poor journalism.
However, as I suggest above, there is a more serious misrepresentation of reality in crudely conflating stress and mental health illness.
First, we do not know what percentage of the absences are due to formally diagnosed mental health illness.
While I am by no means underestimating the costs of stress and recognise that unrelieved high stress levels can lead to more serious mental health illness, they are not the same thing.
Let me quote the mental health charity Mind: “Stress is not normally considered a mental health problem. But it is connected to our mental health in several ways.”
As a former police officer, I understand the presence of stress in the job and the damaging effects it can have.
Steps must be taken to deal with it but to present the information in a way that suggests mental health illnesses are “soaring” among police officers is to irresponsibly increase anxiety among their colleagues and the wider public who depend upon them.
Allan Dorans is the SNP MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock and a former detective inspector with the Metropolitan Police
View this article on The Nationals website
May Newsletter 2022
You can now download my newsletter for the month of May below:
Date added: Wednesday June 1st 2022
Download the May 2022 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP vows to raise bowel cancer awareness
Allan Dorans, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock says he is committing his support to Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this year.
Date added: Thursday May 12th 2022
Mr Dorans is working with Bowel Cancer UK to improve early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care both in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock and nationally.
New findings released by Bowel Cancer UK for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month have revealed that more than four in ten (45 per cent) people in the UK cannot name a single bowel cancer symptom.
Early diagnosis is essential to improving bowel cancer outcomes and being able to recognise the symptoms and speaking to your GP when you feel something isnt right, could save your life.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK with nearly 43,000 people diagnosed every year. That means every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with the disease.
Sadly, more than 16,500 people die from the disease each year, making it the UKs second biggest cancer killer but it shouldnt be as its treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early.
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include; Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in faeces; A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit; Unexplained weight loss; Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason; A pain or lump in your tummy.
Dr Lisa Wilde, Director of Research and External Affairs at Bowel Cancer UK, comments: “Bowel cancer remains the UKs second biggest cancer killer, and its shocking that people arent aware of the symptoms to look out for.
“Were delighted to have the support of Allan, who will help raise awareness of bowel cancer in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.
“If you notice any signs of bowel cancer, or if things just dont feel right for you, please visit your GP.”
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
April Newsletter 2022
You can now download my newsletter for the month of April below:
Date added: Friday April 29th 2022
Download the April 2022 Newsletter
If you would prefer an email copy each month, please email allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk with YES in the subject heading to subscribe.
March Newsletter 2022
You can now download my newsletter for the month of March, to keep you updated with my work as your elected representative.
Date added: Tuesday April 5th 2022
Download the March 2022 Newsletter
If you would like to receive an email copy of my newsletter each month, please email: allan.dorans.mp@parliament.uk including your full name and address, with YES in the email subject heading.
FASD affects 12,000 individuals in Ayrshire and Arran
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans has recently met with the founders of Oshays to discuss the vital work they are doing to bring attention to Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Date added: Friday April 1st 2022
FASD is a lifelong condition that results from a baby being exposed to alcohol before birth. This exposure to alcohol affects how the babys brain and body can develop, which can lead to physical, mental, behavioural, and learning disabilities.
According to the Ayrshire and Arran NHS health board, research shows that its likely that more than 12,000 individuals in Ayrshire and Arran are affected by FASD.
Mr Dorans said: “I was delighted to recently meet with Maryelen and Paula Mcphail, Oshays founders, to discuss the outstanding work they are doing to bring attention to FASD. They provide extensive support to families living with FASD and have created a real sense of community.”
The groups founders, Maryelen and Paula, added: “We are passionate about helping families and professionals work with individuals with brain-based disabilities, by providing a library of resources and a sense of community so they are empowered in supporting these individuals and advocating on their behalf.”
“We are offering Sensory Classes, Fussy Eater Classes, Messy Play Classes, Makaton Classes and many more to babies, toddlers and school age kids, with FASD and other brain-based conditions.”
“I (Maryelen) am a parent of six children, three have FASD, I am also a foster carer and have fostered over 50 kids in my time. I am pretty sure a lot of my kids may have had FASD. I bring over 24 years experience. Paula is my daughter who has FASD, she brings her knowledge and strengths to tell how she has lived with FASD.”
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
Legendary Chuckle Brother praises Marie Curies Great Daffodil Appeal as Ayrshire MP lends support to cause
An Ayrshire MP has teamed up with a legendary comedian and entertainer in a bid to support an end of life charity’s fundraising drive.
Date added: Monday March 14th 2022
Allan Dorans, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, met with Paul Chuckle – best known for being one-half of comedy duo The Chuckle Brothers – to pledge their support for Marie Curies Great Daffodil Appeal.
The pair are encouraging residents across the region to donate to the appeal and wear one of the charitys daffodil pins to help fund vital care and support for people living with a terminal illness, and their families.
Donations also support the charitys Information and Support line, which provides a listening ear to anyone dealing with any aspect of grief and bereavement.
The campaign, held every March, was forced to axe its public collections in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
But this year, fundraising events and collections are back, with the charity urging new and existing supporters to come forward to show their support.
Allan Dorans MP said: “From the expert care given by Marie Curie Nurses, through to the reassuring voices on the support line – its services have never been more in need.
“But they can only continue to reach those in urgent need of help with the generosity of the public. That is why I am supporting the Great Daffodil Appeal this March.”
Paul Chuckle, who has been a supporter of Marie Curie since 2015, said: “I’m proud to be part of the Great Daffodil Appeal, helping ensure Marie Curie can raise as much awareness and money as possible so they can be there for people in their final days, weeks, months.
“The charity does fantastic work. Its dedicated team of nurses, doctors and support staff help make the end of life experience the best it can possibly be for everyone.
“So, I urge you to don a daffodil pin this March and unite with Marie Curie in our wish for a better end of life care for all.”
Ruth Driscoll, head of policy and public affairs at Marie Curie, added: “Were very grateful for the support of Allan and Paul Chuckle in helping us to raise awareness of our much-loved Great Daffodil Appeal.
“The pandemic isnt over and the additional costs of operating to ensure we keep our beneficiaries and staff safe continues which is why the Great Daffodil Appeal is so important.”
The annual National Day of Reflection will take place on March 23, with the charity encouraging everyone to wear a daffodil pin and take a moment to show their support for the millions of people bereaved during the pandemic.
View this article on The Daily Records website
Calls to end barbaric trophy hunting imports as MP backs campaign
Allan Dorans MPs bid to ban imports of hunting trophies has won the backing of some of Britains best-loved public figures.
Date added: Tuesday March 8th 2022
An Ayrshire MP has joined the campaign to see a ban on ‘barbaric’ trophy hunting imports.
Allan Dorans, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, has shown his support to prohibit goods brought into the UK from British trophy hunters who kill endangered animals — including lions, elephants and rhinos — abroad for fun.
The law currently allows British hunters to bring their trophies of animals heads and body parts back into the country to display in their homes.
A UK-wide public opinion poll in March last year showed that almost 9 in 10 voters support a ban.
Now, Mr Dorans is adding his voice to the list of campaigners and has received backing from popular public figures including actress and presenter Dame Joanna Lumley and Downton Abbey star Peter Egan, who he met with last week.
Allan Dorans MP said: “It was a pleasure to show my support for the campaign to ban trophy hunting imports, and meet with actor Peter Egan, a lifelong supporter of animal rights and welfare.
“Since the UK Government announced its pledge to ban trophies in the 2019 Queens Speech, hundreds of animals have been killed by British trophy hunters.
“It is blatantly clear that the majority of voters back this ban, so it is high time we bring this barbaric trade to an end.”
Joanna Lumley said Mr Dorans is representing “the 9 in 10 voters who want to see an end to this barbaric, cruel industry”.
She said: “It should have been abolished long ago. What sort of world do we live in where endangered animals can be killed for thrills by British trophy hunters?
“It is the height of cowardice. Allan Dorans MP has my full support for this campaign.”
Peter Egan said he applauded Mr Dorans "courageous campaign".
He said: “The American gun lobby is fighting efforts to ban this evil ‘sport’ because it says hunters rights should be protected. But what about the innocent, defenceless animals that are killed by British trophy hunters every year just for kicks?
“Allan Dorans MP is absolutely right to stand up to the industry lobbyists and to speak up for voiceless animals.”
Eduardo Goncalves, of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, added: “Many people are shocked to learn trophy hunting still goes on. They are even more shocked to learn that British people are involved and that it’s not just Americans who shoot lions for so-called ‘sport’, selfies and souvenirs.
“Allan Dorans MP is absolutely right to be reflecting local people’s views on this issue. Trophy hunting is opposed by the vast majority of local constituents.”
View this article on The Daily Records website
South Ayrshire Council urged to sign Pregnancy Loss Pledge to support employees
The pledge ensures staff going through what can be a very difficult or traumatic time get the support and time off they need.
Date added: Tuesday March 8th 2022
South Ayrshire Council are being urged to improve support for staff experiencing pregnancy loss by signing the Miscarriage Association’s Pregnancy Loss Pledge.
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans is calling on council bosses to commit to signing the pledge to ensure employees are supported through tough, and often traumatic, times following a miscarriage.
The pledge ensures staff feel able to take the time off they need and encourages a supportive work environment where people feel able to discuss and disclose pregnancy loss.
Several companies across the UK have put their name to the pledge including the Co-op, ASOS, TSB and Fife Council – the only local authority in the UK to make the pledge.
Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has been campaigning to have paid miscarriage leave introduced at Westminster for parents who experience miscarriage before 24 weeks.
And last week she wrote to every local authority in Scotland who hasnt signed up to encourage them to take the Pregnancy Loss Pledge.
Allan Dorans MP is now pushing for South Ayrshire Council to follow in the footsteps of Fife Council.
“Employers which sign up commit to creating an environment where people are able to grieve their loss before being supported back to work in a way which is both responsive to their needs and shows flexibility wherever possible.
“I would encourage South Ayrshire Council to take the Pregnancy Loss Pledge to ensure that any of their employees are supported through what can be an incredibly tough time both mentally and physically.”
Angela Crawley added: “By signing up and following the example set by Fife Council, South Ayrshire Council will enhance their current policies for staff who experience bereavement.
“The more employers who commit to the Pregnancy Loss Pledge, the quicker we can finally end the stigma associated with miscarriage and ensure parents are properly supported.”
A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We recently received information about the Pregnancy Loss Pledge and it is currently being considered.”
View this article on The Daily Records website
Cumnock MP: Allan Dorans at childrens mental health event
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans attended a drop-in event in the Houses of Parliament to mark Childrens Mental Health Week 2022.
Date added: Friday March 4th 2022
The event was organized by Place2Be, a charity providing mental health support in schools across the UK.
Place2Be launched the first ever Childrens Mental Health Week in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young peoples mental health.
2022 marks the eighth year of the awareness week and this years theme, Growing Together, explores the importance of emotional growth and finding ways to help each other grow.
Mr Dorans joined over 40 Members of Parliament who met with Place2Be representatives and headteachers in the Jubilee Room at the Palace of Westminster to find out more the charitys work promoting wellbeing in schools.
Mr Dorans said afterwards: “I was delighted to receive a briefing on the work of Place2B.
“They are a Childrens Mental Health Charity who work with pupils, families and staff in Schools in a whole school approach to children’s mental wellbeing.
“They have my full support and I have agreed to visit these schools to find out more about their invaluable work.”
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
Ayr’s MP Allan Dorans supports fund to help families with energy costs
AYR, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans welcomed a new home heating support fund which will help Scots struggling with their energy bills amid a growing cost-of-living crisis.
Date added: Wednesday January 26th 2022
The £3million Scottish Government scheme, which is administered by national advice service Advice Direct Scotland, is designed to prevent households falling into fuel poverty and help those ‘rationing’ their energy use.
The Home Heating Support Fund is open until March 31 and applications can only be made on behalf of individuals by referral partners through homeheatingadvice.scot.
The MP is in support of the fund as it will help to ease the strain for a number of families.
Mr Dorans said: “As energy prices rise across the country, many Scots will be facing financial hardship.
“That’s why this fund is especially vital to ensure that those who are struggling receive the help they need and don’t have to choose between heating and eating.
“I am encouraging any local residents struggling with their energy bills to seek support from the fund through the energy and/or debt organisation currently providing them with advice. Their expert debt advisers will assess eligibility and apply for funding on the individual’s behalf.
View this article on The Ayr Advertisers website
Cumnocks MP urges young people to apply for free bus travel card
CUMNOCKS MP has welcomed the opening of the application process for free bus travel for the areas young people.
Date added: Wednesday January 26th 2022
Everyone in Scotland under the age of 22 will be entitled to free bus travel from Monday, January 31 – and young people are being encouraged to apply for a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC), or Young Scot NEC – which they will need to make the most of the scheme.
The roll-out of the initiative is expected to benefit around 930,000 young people across Scotland, with research suggesting 70 per cent of young people were likely to use public transport more often if it were free.
SNP MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, Allan Dorans, has welcomed the opening of the application process for free bus travel for young people, under the age of 22 years old in Scotland.
As of last week, all young people and children aged 5-21 years old in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock can apply for their new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC to access the scheme from 31 January 2022.
The scheme, extending free bus travel to everyone aged 22, builds on the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing free bus travel to all under-19’s in Scotland which started in August 2021.
SNP MP Allan Dorans has welcomed the initiative which is set to benefit around 930,000 young people across Scotland and pointed to research from Transport Scotland indicating that 70% of young people would use public transport more frequently if it was free.
The scheme will be delivered in partnership with Transport Scotland, the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office (NECPO), Young Scot, local authorities and bus operators.
Commenting, the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP said: “I am delighted that applications are now open for young people in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, under the age of 22, to apply for free bus travel across the country. This is a hugely significant commitment from the Scottish Government that will benefit hundreds of thousands of young people across the country. Young people in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock are rightly challenging their politicians to take bold actions to create a sustainable future for them and free bus travel is an example of what can be done to rise to this challenge.
“Making bus travel free for under 22s is not only important for helping tackle the climate emergency but it will take pressure off young people’s finances and improve their access to education, leisure, and work.
“Whilst we continue to live through the pandemic, we all recognise that essential travel must be prioritised, so I want to specifically encourage children and young people with essential journeys to make to apply now.
“The SNP Scottish Government is once again making an investment in our young people’s future, supporting them to have the best possible start in life and creating the fairer, greener Scotland that we want to build.”
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
Boris Johnson: Ayrshire politicians call for resignation
Several Ayrshire politicians have called on the Prime Minister to resign after he admitted attending a drinks gathering in the garden at Downing Street during lockdown.
Date added: Friday January 14th 2022
Boris Johnson admitted earlier this week that he attended the May 2020 gathering but claimed it was purely a work event.
Today, it has emerged Downing Street held two further parties the night before Prince Philips funeral, at a time when Covid restrictions banned indoor gathering.
The PM was not in attendance at the April 16, 2021, events, but concerns have been raised about a culture of rule breaking.
Allan Dorans, Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock SNP MP, said: “People in Ayr, Carrick, and Cumnock are understandably furious that while they were following the rules, and making huge sacrifices in the fight against COVID, Boris Johnson was breaking them by hosting illegal parties in Downing Street.
"There cannot be one rule for the Tory government and another for the rest of us. The Prime Minister has demonstrated that he is not fit for office.
“If Boris Johnson doesnt have the decency and integrity to resign - his Tory MPs must remove him without further delay."
Scottish Conservative Party politician, and South Scotland MSP, Sharon Dowey added: "As I’ve said before, if there has been any wrong doing on the Prime Minister’s part then he should accept responsibility for that error. Today we have had an admission from the Prime Minister that he was in the wrong, an admission that in my opinion is long overdue.
“Many people have suffered a great deal during this pandemic, that’s why it is so important that the rules are observed by everybody in our society, regardless of their position or political persuasion. We simply cannot have one rule for some and one rule for others; to suggest otherwise would be an insult to the British public."
Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, Douglas Ross, has called for the Prime Minister to resign on numerous occasions.
This is a feeling that party colleague Sharon Dowey, South Scotland MSP, agrees with.
She added: “I understand that this must have been a difficult call for Douglas to make but in light of the circumstances I believe it is the right decision."
Another South Scotland MSP has also called for Boris Johnson to resign.
Ayr-born Tory Brian Whittle added: “Given the Prime Minister’s admission that he attended this event in the Downing Street gardens, it’s clear to me that he has broken the rules he was asking us all to follow.
"If it came to light that Nicola Sturgeon or any of her Ministers had done something like this I would have no hesitation in calling for their resignation, so it would be wrong of me not to say the same here just because Boris Johnson wears the same colour of party rosette as me.
"This isn’t a question of politicians being held to a higher standard, it’s about them sticking to the same rules as everyone else and ensuring those who work for them do the same.
"Boris Johnson has failed to do that and, perhaps worse, he’s damaged the credibility of his office at a time when the public need to have trust in their government to see them through the pandemic.
"He has admitted he did the wrong thing, now he needs to do the right thing and resign.”
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Cumnock MP: Allan Dorans backs first less survivable cancer day
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans is backing the first Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day to highlight the critical importance of early diagnosis in improving survival and quality of life for people diagnosed with these cancers.
Date added: Thursday January 13th 2022
The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce (LSCT) represents six less survivable cancers, lung, liver, brain, oesophageal, pancreatic and stomach, with an average five-year survival rate of just 16%. Together, these less survivable cancers make up nearly half of all common cancer deaths in the UK.
Less survivable cancers are difficult to diagnose and most of the general public are unaware of common symptoms. Data released by the LSCT in 2021 showed that awareness of the symptoms of the deadliest cancers is as low as 4% in the UK.
The Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP said: “I am pleased to speak out for people diagnosed with less survivable cancers and support the first Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day.
“We know that early diagnosis is crucial and so it is vital that we raise awareness of the common symptoms of these cancers.”
Typical symptoms will vary but red flags for less survivable cancers could include any of the following; indigestion, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, a loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, a persistent cough, unexplained tiredness, headaches or nausea. The key message is to seek medical help swiftly if you notice anything is unusual for you.
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
VASA’s volunteers deliver the goods on Christmas Day
Voluntary Action South Ayrshire took no time off on Christmas Day as they were out delivering parcels to vulnerable people across the area.
Date added: Wednesday January 5th 2022
The third sector organisation had help from some locals who were also willing to give up part of their Christmas day to provide some cheer to those who need it.
Santa Claus, a.k.a. MP Allan Dorans, was also on hand to provide some support.
They were given a taster of how much their work means to people as one person got in touch to say how much their support had helped their mum.
The individual told VASA: “Once again I am writing to say a massive thank you for your kindness and generosity. My mother received her gift this morning from yourselves.
“It lightens my heart to hear her so uplifted by the kindness of strangers. Your delivery of food etc. may be “just” volunteering to you, but for us it’s the knowledge that mum is getting something to look forward to and restoring her faith in others.
“My mother has had another difficult year due to loneliness and medical issues. It really lifts her spirits to have you showing up with your “fabulous gifts”.
“It’s the one time I don’t mind hearing her in tears. Happy tears have been sadly lacking recently, despite our best efforts. We live abroad and it’s been so awkward trying to “be there” for her. Phones and Facetime are wonderful but actually seeing another kind face in front of you, can’t be beaten.
“Please know that you not only make a difference to the people who receive your food and gifts, you make our day too.
“So a very appreciative thank you from us to all of you.”
Well done to everyone who was out delivering the goods.
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Ayr MP wants to bring an end to barbaric killing of wild animals
AYR’S MP Allan Dorans has called on the UK Government to ban imports of hunting trophies without delay.
Date added: Friday December 24th 2021
The government has released details of a proposed bill to ban trophies but has not said when the bill will come to parliament.
New figures reveal that – despite Covid – British trophy hunters still killed some of the world’s most threatened animals in 2020, including lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, leopards, bears, and zebras.
Data from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) shows that British hunters shoot on average 200 endangered animals a year. Animals shot recently by British hunters include polar bears, rhinos, wolves and wild cats.
The government says its bill to ban trophies has been delayed due to lack of time.
The Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP said: “It’s time to bring this barbaric trade to an end. A ban on trophy imports is backed by 85 per cent of voters.
“I call on the government to bring this bill to Parliament as quickly as possible. The longer it delays, the more animals are killed for so-called sport, selfies and sick souvenirs.”
Downton Abbey star Peter Egan supported the MP’s call, saying: “We’ve just had the COP summit in Glasgow where politicians discussed how to save wildlife such as polar bears that could go extinct from climate change. Yet trophy hunters are still allowed to shoot polar bears and bring their bodies back to Britain. It’s utter insanity.
“This Christmas, the government can give defenceless animals the gift of life by either publishing its bill or adopting John Spellar MP’s private members bill instead. There is no justification for delaying any further.”
Eduardo Goncalves, founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, added: “It has been two years since the ban was promised in the 2019 Queen’s Speech. Another 300 animals at risk of extinction have been killed by British trophy hunters since then.
“The government should be moving as swiftly as possible to stop this terrible trade.
“The government recently adopted Liam Fox MP’s bill on providing lifelong care for people with Down’s Syndrome, in order to bring the law into effect. It should do the same with John Spellar MP’s bill to ban trophies.
“Delaying action costs lives of some of the world’s most threatened animals.”
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Cumnock politicians support firms on Small Business Saturday
Cumnock’s politicians indulged in a spot of retail therapy this week to mark Small Business Saturday.
Date added: Friday December 17th 2021
Elena Whitham MSP popped into Timbermills in the town and was shown around by the team. She said: “Small local businesses are vital to our communities and it was great to be out with councillor Jim McMahon in Cumnock yesterday speaking with shop owners including Timbermills where I found Swedish torches for camping.”
Allan Dorans also got involved, adding: “Small businesses need our help like never before.”
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
Cumnocks MP calls for miscarriage leave
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans has added his support to the campaign to introduce paid leave for families who experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks.
Date added: Friday December 3rd 2021
One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, however, under current legislation, workers are only entitled to paid bereavement leave following a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Next month, a private members’ bill which would see three days of paid leave for parents who experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks will receive its second reading in the House of Commons.
MP Mr Dorans, right, said this week: “I know many parents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock have experienced miscarriage and too many of them have to rely on their employer’s good will or take sick leave when it happens.”
View this article on The Cumnock Chronicles website
Allan Dorans calls on Rishi Sunak to postpone end of furlough
Analysis shows 1,900 jobs in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock are at risk from plans to terminate the furlough scheme at the end of this month.
Date added: Thursday September 30th 2021
HMRC data reveals that 116,500 jobs remain furloughed in Scotland at the last count.
Of those, 1,900 jobs remain furloughed in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans is calling on the chancellor to postpone the end of the scheme.
“It is vital that the Chancellor finally listens to SNP calls to extend the furlough scheme and deliver financial support for hard hit businesses and sectors. There is now a very real danger that Tory complacency on jobs could result in rising redundancies in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock and across the UK.”
With thousands of Scottish jobs under threat from Tory cuts, including 1,900 at risk in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, The MP said last week:
“I am urging Rishi Sunak to ensure the UK government does not withdraw support for jobs and businesses abruptly and prematurely.
“This is especially important, given the risks of Covid this winter and the fragile state of the UK economy.”
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Devastating Universal Credit cut to impose economic hardship on tens of thousands of Ayrshire residents
More than 20,000 Ayrshire residents will see their incomes slashed by £1,040 per year, by October, MPs have warned.
Date added: Tuesday September 28th 2021
Allan Dorans MP has urged the UK government to perform a U-turn on the “devastating” Tory cuts to Universal Credit.
According to the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP, new analysis shows 10,248 people in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock could see their incomes slashed by £1040 per year, from as early as next month.
And around 10,833 Kilmarnock and Loudoun residents are also set to be hit by the changes, according to the areas MP Alan Brown.
Analysis obtained from the House of Commons Library, using the latest Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) data, has revealed that almost half a million (477,996) people in Scotland could be hit by the cut – at a total cost to Scottish families of around £430million a year.
Of those, 10,248 live in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock – representing 18.2 per cent of the constituency adult population aged 16 to 65. While 17.4 per cent of Kilmarnock and Loudouns population are facing tough cuts.
Mr Dorans has appealed to the UK Government to stop in its tracks over what he warns will be “damaging cuts” to household incomes.
He said “It is crucial that the UK government scraps the devastating Tory Universal Credit cuts, which could slash the incomes of almost half a million Scottish families by £1040 from October.”
The overwhelming majority of Scottish MPs voted in the House of Commons to stop the Universal Credit cuts but the UK Government plan to impose them.
The SNP has urged the UK government to think again in light of the energy bills crisis- and make the £20 a week uplift permanent and extend it to legacy benefits.
Mr Dorans continued “At a time when energy bills and the cost of living are soaring, it would be unthinkable for the Tory government to go ahead with cuts that would decimate the incomes of around 10,248 local families in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.
“The UK is already suffering from a growing Tory poverty crisis, with the worst levels of poverty and inequality of any country in north west Europe- and the highest levels of in-work poverty this century as a direct result of Tory cuts, tax hikes and the cost of Brexit.
“I am urging the Chancellor (Rishi Sunak) to U-turn on these Tory cuts, and instead make the £20 Universal Credit uplift permanent and extend it to legacy benefits - as part of a wider package of measures to protect household incomes.”
He added “I will continue to press the UK government to reverse these damaging cuts but ultimately it is clear the only way to keep Scotland safe from Tory cuts is to become an independent country, with the full powers needed to build a strong, fair and equal recovery.”
View this article on The Daily Records website
Steps the SNP is taking to make justice work for everyone
Allan Dorans is a former Detective Inspector with the Metropolitan Police, an Area Manager with the Community Safety Charity Safeguarding Communities Reducing Offending (SACRO), currently the MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock and SNP spokesperson for Policing.
Date added: Monday September 20th 2021
The SNP-led government in Scotland has taken major steps in developing a more progressive benefits and taxation system and, of course, in managing the pandemic with significantly lower loss of life than in England or Wales. These have, understandably, earned much media attention. However, improvements to Criminal Justice have been equally central to the ambitions of the SNP.
While the 10-13th September National Conference’s key policy themes were climate change, independence and the 2022 council elections, the Criminal Justice Committee has held round table evidence sessions on justice and policing priorities and on the impact of Covid 19 on the justice sector. With regard to the latter, the policing budget will be increased by £75.5 million to over £1.3 billion to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on police finances.
Support for the victims of crime will be strengthened with the appointment of a Victims’ Commissioner and a new fund to support victims’ organisations. There will be a Bail and Release from Custody Bill to improve how decisions on bail are reached and better support release from custody. Later in September, there will be sessions on the priorities for domestic abuse, gendered violence, on sexual offences and on reform of legal aid.
Particularly pleasing to those of us on the left and with long memories, there will be a bill to introduce a pardons scheme for miners convicted of certain offences relating to the strike by the National Union of Miners in 1984-85. Labour MP, Ian Lavery, who represents Wansbeck in Northumberland, has called for the UK Government to quash convictions in England but the Home Office said it had “no plans” to do so.
However, it is in the area of hate crime that Scotland’s justice system is proving to be most radical and progressive, and which will be most debated within the conference for a. The Hate Crime and Public Order bill passed by a vote of 82 for, 32 against and 4 abstentions, on the 23rd April this year, has prompted much debate. While there were already laws protecting people from hate crimes on the basis of disability, race, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity, the bill updates these and brings them together in one. It also adds hate crime based on a person’s age to the list of protected groups.
Much of the updating centred on widely accepted perceptions of inadequacy in the extent to which the existing laws fully protected individuals from the potentially extremely damaging hate speech crimes which seem to be currently increasing more than other more physical forms.
This proved difficult with critics arguing that if implemented strictly it might deny freedom of speech to, for example, comedians, writers and artists. The wording was then changed to ensure that only those who can be proven to have intended to stir up hatred are prosecuted. Nevertheless, the bill still sends a strong message to all involved, that offences motivated by prejudice will be treated more seriously and will not be tolerated.
Within this, the Bill’s intent to protect one particular group has stirred the most debate. The rights of the Trans community have been characterised as extreme or divisive, potentially undermining hard-won women’s rights and risking the well-being of children. There is little basis for these views and the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, a lifelong feminist, has resisted considerable political pressure and a campaign of hateful online abuse to stand firm on the need to protect this group as firmly as we have previously done for women, for the LGBT community, for ethnic and for religious groups.
Her words in January 2021, remain clear and inspiring: “Trans people have as much right as any of us to be safe, secure and valued for who they are. Transphobia is wrong and we must treat it with the zero tolerance we treat racism or homophobia. Those are the principles I want to characterise the SNP and the country that I am privileged to lead.”
Finally, In the wake of the Sarah Everard murder, in March 2021, figures from across the political spectrum started to put forward proposals of how to tackle the ongoing problem of widespread violence against women. Making misogyny – prejudice against women – a hate crime emerged as the most popular solution. Debate within the conference groups and beyond will note that an amendment that would have included women as a protected group in the Hate Crime Bill was defeated in April this year but that the Scottish government has instead set up a working group to look at whether misogynistic abuse should be a separate crime. The group will report in February 2022.
View this article on Left Foot Forwards website
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans visits event
One of the things that people have clung onto throughout the pandemic has been the chance to come together as a community once again.
Date added: Tuesday September 14th 2021
And it was this happy moment that greeted Girvan folk recently.
The Communities Back Together event, organised by Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA),has been visiting a number of South Ayrshire communities to ‘showcase all the good work being done by local charities and community groups’.
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans praised the efforts of the group after visiting the Girvan event.
He said: “I was delighted to take part and support the Voluntary Action South Ayrshire initiative in Girvan, to bring communities back together by highlighting the number of local organisations and services available within the community and providing information on volunteering opportunities to support them.
“It was a pleasure to talk with representatives of the organisations and groups.
“Their commitment and enthusiasm for their respective projects was clearly evident, inspirational and a reminder of the great work that goes on within our communities.
Communities Back Together events have also taken place in Maybole, Prestwick, Troon, and Ayr.
The groups involved in the Girvan event were South Ayrshire Council Health and Social Care Partnership (Fostering Team), Equal Futures Project, SAC Partnership Engagement, SAC Locality Planning Partnership, Circles Advocacy, Carrick Sport, Girvan Youth Trust, SAC period poverty White Bag project, SAC Health and Fitness and South Ayrshire helpline (VASA).
View this article on the Ayr Advertiser website
South Ayrshire young people take part in outdoor employment fair
Young people from across South Ayrshire took advantage of the summer weather at a ‘unique and innovative’ outdoor employment fair.
Date added: Thursday September 2nd 2021
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans was full of praise for the event, organised by the Department for Work and Pensions, last week.
“I was pleased to be able to take part in the Kickstart in the Park Event held at Dam Park in Ayr,” said Mr Dorans.
“The event organised by the Department of Work and Pensions brought together over 30 employers from all over Ayrshire with Kickstart Vacancies, and was attended by well over 100 young people seeking a Kickstart placement.
Among the groups involved were East Ayrshire Carers Centre, who Mr Dorans said ‘do an absolutely fantastic job of looking after our young carers’, and DWP staff from across Ayrshire who organised what he described as a ‘unique and innovative event’.
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.
Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:
100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months, associated employer National Insurance contributions and minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions.
A £1,500 grant per job is available for setup costs and supporting the young person to develop their employability skills.
If you’re an employer looking to create jobs for young people, you can apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
For further information please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-kickstart-scheme-grant.
View this article on the Ayr Advertiser website
Award-winning site manager welcomes MP visit to Ayrshire development
Family housebuilders Mactaggart & Mickel welcomed MP Allan Dorans to its Greenan Views development in Ayrshire last week as he congratulated site manager Stuart Gillespie on his recognition from the National House Building Council (NHBC).
Date added: Tuesday August 17th 2021
Ayrshire-based Stuart was praised after he added a further accolade to his illustrious track record when he scooped a runner-up prize in the NHBC’s highly-regarded Pride in the Job Supreme Awards.
The honour, in connection with his work at Mactaggart & Mickel’s Greenan Views development in Doonfoot, follows four UK Supreme wins and five UK Supreme runner-up awards, including in the 2020 awards, as well as 11 NHBC Scottish regional awards for Stuart.
Greenan Views, Doonfoot is in Mr Doran’s constituency of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.
He said: “Stewart is a real credit to Mactaggart & Mickel, demonstrating an exceptional history of outstanding performance throughout his career with the business.
“It’s been a pleasure to meet with him and the rest of the team at the development, getting an insight into the construction process and a more in depth understanding of the role Mactaggart & Mickel plays in the community.”
Stuart said: “I’m always very proud to welcome people to Greenan Views. The whole team here really has worked together to overcome a really challenging 18 months while ensuring we continue to build homes of the highest quality.
“The accolade really is recognition of a joint effort from everyone at Mactaggart & Mickel and so I was thrilled with the opportunity to speak with Mr Dorans to convey the superb efforts of the entire site.
“We are passionate about the homes we build and achieving exceptional standards.”
New home warranty and insurance provider NHBC launched the first Pride in the Job competition in 1980 to celebrate the UK’s best performing site managers building homes and have become the most highly-regarded competition in the industry.
The awards play a pivotal role in NHBC’s drive to give consumers confidence in the quality of new-build homes and in 2020 Stuart was runner-up in the medium builder company category for site managers employed by a company or group that builds between 51 and 1,000 new homes with NHBC warranty cover each year.
Peter Shepherd, director, Mactaggart & Mickel, said: “Stuart’s achievements are testament to the high standards he upholds and his inspirational leadership. We’re incredibly proud of him and I am sure Mr Dornan could see the passion he has for quality and delivering exceptional work.”
View this article on Scottish Construction Nows website
Cumnock MP commits to making office accessible to disabled people
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans has officially been registered as a Disability Confident Committed Employer after attending a workshop on June 9 hosted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the All-Party Disability Group (APPG).
Date added: Monday June 21st 2021
By doing so, the MP has signalled his commitment to making his offices both in parliament and in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock accessible and welcoming to disabled people and to ensuring that no barriers stand in the way of potential.
This workshop was attended by over 100 parliamentarians and featured addresses from the Minister for Disability Justin Tomlinson MP and the Chair of the All-Party Disability Group Dr Lisa Cameron MP.
It was organised by the Disability APPG after research from Leonard Cheshire found that 26 per cent of all working disabled people have been unable to return to work since the early days of the pandemic with 71 per cent of those with a disability who were employed in March 2020 reporting being negatively impacted by a loss of income, furlough or unemployment as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Allan Dorans MP said: “I was delighted to attend this workshop and to now be registered as a Disability Confident Committed Employer. In the run up to Learning Disability Week 2021 (June 14-20 ) it is especially vital that we do everything we can to support those with a disability into employment to ensure that they get the employment opportunities they deserve.
“Now more than ever it is important that we support disabled people to ensure that they are at the heart of the economic recovery out of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I hope that my registering as a Disability Confident Employer shows my commitment to achieving this goal and also making Westminster more inclusive.”
View this article on the Cumnock Chronicles website
Cumnock MP praises proposals for Eco-Therapy Wellness Park
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans has commended the social enterprise company National Pride in their environmentally progressive plans for an Eco-Therapy Wellness Park on the site of the former Barony colliery near Auchinleck.
Date added: Monday June 14th 2021
The Barony Eco-Therapy Wellness Centre will work as a health and wellness destination with spa, exercise, and craft activities along with accommodation in lodges and geodesic domes.
The natural woodland site will offer visitors the chance to improve their physical and mental strengths and offer respite for those with long-term illnesses.
The project will make education and training opportunities a priority, to create employment and support other local businesses in the constituency.
The Barony project is putting emphasis on revolutionising how renewable energy can be generated, using modern construction materials and geo-thermal energy from the disused mine. They also aim to refocus natural environment to create oxygen-rich clean and pollutant free air.
The centre will also showcase a memorial garden dedicated to the miners who tragically lost their lives in the coal mine from 1908-1969.
Allan Dorans MP met virtually with the developers this month to hear about their proposals and said: “Having met with the developers of the project, National Pride, I was delighted to hear of their plans to create an ecologically, environmentally friendly, health, wellness and tourism park on the Barony Site.”
“I was also pleased to hear about their plans for the rehabilitation of the memorial garden to remember miners who lost their lives on the site, reflecting the history and culture of the area. I wish them every success.”
Irene Bisset, Chair of National Pride previously said: “We are incredibly excited to be adding the fantastic Barony to our Eco-Therapy and Wellness projects.”
View this article on the Cumnock Chronicles website
From Mary Ann Nichols to Sarah Everard: Allan Dorans on Britain’s unsafe streets for women
In August 1888 Jack the Ripper murdered his first victim, Mary Ann Nichols. In 1977, the first Reclaim the Night protest in Leeds, saw women marching after being told to stay at home because of the Yorkshire Ripper murders. Little has changed in who we focus our attention on when men commit such heinous crimes.
Date added: Monday June 7th 2021
After the tragic death of Sarah Everard this year, women were told ‘not to go out alone’ for their safety. The focus remains on what women should do to protect themselves, rather than focusing on men’s criminal actions.
Despite the turbulence and widespread media attention on the Sarah Everard case, in which women demanded the right to feel safe on the streets, little has been done other than to call for evidence for the proposed Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy. It is still extraordinary that after all this time, progress to improve the safety of our streets for all women, has been so limited, largely in the form of better street lighting, or more undercover police in nightclubs.
This type of ‘sticking plaster’ approach, has clearly not worked and radical improvements are needed to improve the safety for women on our streets.
Street harassment, verbal or physical, against all women is at an epidemic level. In 2018, Plan International UK found that 66% of women had experienced unwanted sexual attention or harassment in a public place.
These figures increase for trans women and minority genders who are two times more likely to be victims of a violent crime than cis people according to the Office for National Statistics.
If we truly want to increase the safety for women on the streets, we must redirect our attention away from what women could do, to why men are making these streets unsafe for women.
The focus for too long has shifted the attention away from men. We must ask why men are harassing, abusing and being violent.
Research for the Government Equalities Office in 2019 undertaken by Durham University found that men who adhere to traditional views of masculinity are more likely to be perpetrators of this type of harassment and abuse:
“Norms of masculinity are a central factor in the continued pervasiveness of violence against women and girls, with expectations of superiority, power and entitlement over women seemingly continuing to be influential in perceptions of what it means to be a man”
Violence against women is a social problem that is indelibly rooted in masculinity. Re-shaping masculinities, at a young age, through education is an obvious approach to reducing aggressive, violent forms of masculinity, inextricably linked to violence against women.
There is disappointingly little evidence of attempts to do this beyond a number of programs in the US. One of the more successful of these is the Boys to Men youth programme in the US which aims to: ‘empower all people to notice and intervene in potentially harmful situations long before they become violent.’
The importance of early educational interventions to prevent untreated minor harassment progressing to more serious harassment or physical violence, is clear. A US study in 2012, found evidence of: ‘a developmental pathway via the adolescents’ development of antisocial behaviour to Male Female Personal Violence perpetration.’
133 years after the first ‘Ripper’ murder, nearly 45 years after the first Reclaim the Night protest and 2 months after the tragic death of Sarah Everard, it is clear that women continue to feel unsafe on our streets.
Radical improvements are needed. We must tackle the root causes of this harassment and violence on the street – we must develop legislation that makes misogyny a criminal offence for preventative action and increase our awareness and improve education of aggressive masculinities which are heavily linked to misogyny and this violence we see against women on our streets.
View this article on Left Foot Forwards website
Cumnock MP backs calls for government to invest £50m into MND research
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans has joined forces with a coalition of charities, neurologists and people with motor neurone disease (MND) to call on the government to target £50million of investment into the terminal illness.
Date added: Monday June 7th 2021
Mr Dorans has written to Minister for Care, Helen Whately urging her to expand government funding for MND research which, according to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, currently stands at less than £5million per year.
The charity itself has recently committed £5.7million to research this year alone.
The campaign, United to End MND, led by the MND Association, MND Scotland, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, neurologists and people with the disease, is calling on the government to invest £50million over five years in research directly targeted at understanding the causes and identifying potential treatments and hopefully a cure.
Mr Dorans said: “I have also pledged my support to scrap the six-month rule, to ensure that those with MND, and other terminal illnesses, are fast-tracked for the benefits they need.”
View this article on the Cumnock Chronicle website
Allan Dorans MP shows support for Foster Care Fortnight
Allan Dorans MP who represents the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock constituency is throwing his support behind Foster Care Fortnight, the UKs largest foster care awareness campaign, and urging constituents to consider becoming foster carers this May (10 – 23).
Date added: Wednesday June 2nd 2021
With over 8,500 new foster carers needed across the UK in 2021, becoming a foster carer could be the ideal opportunity for those with the right skills to give back to their community and improve the lives of children who cannot live with their birth family.
Being a foster carer is about more than just providing love for children, it is about what skills you bring to ensure that you can support their development and growth. Foster carers need to have listening, observational, and communications skills, as well as confidence, resilience, and patience. They must be able to offer stability, to be a team player, and sometimes most vitally of all, foster carers need a sense of humour.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, over 55,000 foster carers provided stable and loving homes to more than 65,000 children across the UK. By becoming a foster carer, you become part of a community who are dedicating their lives for the betterment of others with the support of your fostering service and The Fostering Network.
Allan Dorans MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock said:
“The foster carers in my constituency have went above and beyond this past year to provide care, stability and home schooling to young people in need. They are the backbone of our care system and deserve recognition for their endless hard work.”
“We need more people like this to consider becoming a foster carer to ensure more young people can flourish in a loving home. I would encourage any of my constituents who feel they have the right skills, and love to give, to consider becoming a foster carer.”
Kevin Williams, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, said: “Foster carers have accomplished incredible things every day throughout this last year. In the face of a global crisis that has affected every one of us and impacted all aspects of our society, they have worked tirelessly for the children that they bring into their homes. Foster carers have supported children and young people’s education, health, and social wellbeing, and also helped to maintain the children’s relationships with the people who are important to them but who they have not been able see in person."
“Despite the practical and emotional challenges that the pandemic has brought, foster carers have continued to provide day-to-day support, love and stability to children and young people who can’t live with their birth families – and from the bottom of my heart, I thank them."
“Being a foster carer is to take on a role like no other, so if you are looking for a new lifestyle or career in the aftermath of this dreadful pandemic and you believe you have the right skills, I want you to consider becoming a foster carer.”
To find out more about fostering, and to find your local fostering service, please visit:
https://thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/could-you-foster
ALLAN DORANS MP HIGHLIGHTS OPEN UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR DISABLED VETERANS
Allan Dorans MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock has encouraged disabled veterans to apply for the 2021 Open University Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund.
Date added: Wednesday June 2nd 2021
This scholarship fund provides a free Open University education, alongside careers services and disability support, for up to 50 disabled veterans. All undergraduate and postgraduate courses are eligible.
The Open University has already awarded 160 scholarships, helping individuals from various military backgrounds, and with different physical disabilities and mental health conditions. The accessibility of the University means that disabled veterans can work from home and fit study around their life.
Individuals will be eligible for the fund if they have been injured during military service, or as a result of it.
They are now accepting applications for the 2021/2022 academic year. Applications close at midnight on the 9th July 2021.
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans said: “This scholarship fund is a great chance for disabled veterans in the constituency to gain a university degree qualification from a top-class university.”
“I would love to see some successful applicants from this area get the chance to study excellent courses and receive full support, free of charge. So I really encourage any disabled veterans in the area to consider applying.”
For more information, including eligibility criteria and the scholarship application form, visit the Open University website: http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/choose/veterans
Allan Dorans MP highlights funding available for charities
Allan Dorans, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, has urged local charities and good causes to apply for funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Date added: Wednesday April 21st 2021
Over 3,500 grassroots organisations in Britain will receive a share of almost £17million this year.
Projects can apply for funding from the People’s Postcode Trust which is for organisations operating in Scotland. Registered charities can apply for up to £20,000 of funding, which is available for both project-based and core costs.
Applications will be accepted every month until October 2021.
Allan Dorans MP said: “Over the last year many local charities have responded to the pandemic by working to support and protect our communities. Yet the last year has also been a difficult time for charity fundraising.
“The funds raised by People’s Postcode Lottery players and available to local charities are therefore a great chance for local organisations to secure funding. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have already raised over £700million for good causes and I would love to see some more successful applicants from this area so I urge all local charities and community groups to consider submitting an application.”
Visit www.postcodetrust.org.uk.
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Criminal caught after former policeman turned MP Allan Dorans helps collar would-be thief
A quick-thinking MP followed a would-be thief acting suspiciously while waiting for police to arrive.
Date added: Thursday September 17th 2020
Allan Dorans, 64, came to the rescue after spotting a man in a plush Ayr garden on Friday morning.
The former police officer was out training for the Kiltwalk when he saw the 36-year-old looking into the window of a property on Doonfoot Road – where houses are valued at just under £400k.
He phoned 999 and followed the suspect until police arrived.
Mr Dorans told the Post: “I was out walking at about 6am when I noticed a man acting suspiciously in the garden.
“He was dressed all in grey with a hoody top on and he went up to a caravan which was parked in the drive and started looking in the window.
“Then he went up to the front window of the house and was looking in before going up to the large garden gate and starting shaking it trying to open it.
“At that point I phoned the police. While I was waiting for them the man came out of the garden and began walking away, so I followed him.
“I called 999 again and told the control centre he was now walking down Gearholm Road and I followed him to Culzean Road.
“Just as the police arrived he was climbing over a wooden fence into another garden.
“I’m not sure what he was up to but he looked very suspicious.”
Officers arrested the 36-year-old and took him to Ayr Police Station.
After that they told Mr Dorans that he was out on bail accused of another crime and he had broken his curfew.
The Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP added: “Police detained him and have since told me that he was out on bail and shouldn’t have been out of his house between 7pm to 7am.
“I’m a former Detective Inspector and you never lose that eye for it.
“Once a cop, always a cop.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that a 36-year-old man was arrested following reports of someone acting suspiciously in the Doonfoot Road area of Ayr on the morning of Friday March 13.
“Enquiries into the matter are ongoing and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
View this article on the Daily Record website
AYR, CARRICK & CUMNOCK MP CHALLENGES PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSTON
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP, Allan Dorans challenged Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, over The Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Jack ignoring Scottish Government guidelines and making a 700 mile round trip to Westminster last week. Mr Dorans asked the Prime Minister during Prime Ministers Questions if he condemned or condoned Mr Jack’s behaviour.
Date added: Thursday September 3rd 2020
This journey was despite MPs throughout the United Kingdom for the past 7 weeks all being able to take part in full Parliamentary business, debates and Question times from home using online conference links.
Mr Dorans also took the opportunity last week to ask Mr Jack in Parliament for his justification for a totally unnecessary journey when he could have taken part in Scotland Office Question Time virtually, from the safety of his home without putting himself and others at risk.
“Last Wednesday parliament voted 350-v- 258 not to continue virtual parliament. This was disappointing as it means 650 MPs will be expected to return to Westminster on June 2nd. As social distancing is still in place due to Covid 19 only 50 MPs can sit in the chamber at once.”
“At this precarious stage of the crisis, it seems reckless and ill thought out during this crisis to ask MPs to leave their constituencies, incur travel and accommodation expenses when they can’t fully participate in debates.” Allan Dorans MP said.
For the last nine weeks, during the Coronavirus pandemic, the Scottish Government health advice has been Stay Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives. This advice has helped greatly slow the spread of this disease, save lives and currently remains in force.
Train Derailment
A one-minute silence was held at Ayr Railway Station last Wednesday and at railway stations across the UK to honour three men killed in a train derailment in Aberdeenshire on Wednesday 12th August.
Date added: Thursday September 3rd 2020
Driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, died near Stonehaven. Six others were injured.
The train derailed after hitting a landslip following heavy rain.
Stations fell silent at 09:43 - the time the crash was reported two weeks ago.
The short service at Ayr Station was attended by Management, staff and union representatives of Scotrail and Network Rail, British Transport Police and Allan Dorans MP representing the constituents of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.
Allan Dorans MP for Ayr, Carrick & Cumnock welcomes Census change to Count Armed Forces Community In
For the first time in the history of the Census, there will be a question on service in the Armed Forces following a campaign led by Poppyscotland and The Royal British Legion and supported by Allan Dorans MP.
Date added: Thursday September 3rd 2020
Allan Dorans MP is delighted that both the UK Parliament and the Scottish Parliament have announced that the next Census will now include a question to provide information on whether someone has served in HM Armed Forces. The next Census is currently due to take place in 2021 in England and Wales and 2022 in Scotland.
Poppyscotland and the Legion, who led the campaign, are at the heart of a national network offering a range of support and services to the Armed Forces community. The decision to include the question on the next census will provide Poppyscotland and the Legion, as well as public bodies, local authorities, and other military charities with valuable information to ensure they can best meet the needs of serving personnel, veterans and their families.
It has been estimated that there are 2.4 million veterans currently living in Great Britain, who make up part of a wider ex-Service community that includes their spouses, partners, dependent children and widow(er)s. However, little is currently known about the exact numbers, location and needs of this significant group. Including an Armed Forces question in the next census would provide public bodies, local authorities, and charities with valuable information to ensure they are able to deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community.
Allan Dorans MP commented “ Having a better understanding of the profile and needs of veterans is a key part of making sure our public services are tailored for our Armed Forces community. I welcome this historic change to the next Census to include a question on the Armed Forces.”
Mark Collins, Interim Chief Executive of Poppyscotland, said: “We would like to thank the scores of politicians from across the spectrum at Holyrood and Westminster, several local authorities and our volunteers and supporters who came together to support our Count Them In campaign. I am also grateful to National Records of Scotland for working closely with us throughout the process, from devising potential questions through to testing and considering the outputs.”Charles Byrne, Director-General of The Royal British Legion, added: “This is an extremely proud moment for the Legion. This is something we have been striving towards for many years and it will have a huge impact on service personnel, veterans and their families well into the future, as the outcome will allow us to provide more effective care and support to those who are in need. We are delighted and are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported the campaign”.”
Constituents can find out more about the campaign by visiting the Poppyscotland website, https://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/poppyscotland-secures-census-question-for-armed-forces-community/
‘Count Them In’ demonstrates Poppyscotland and The Royal British Legion’s ongoing work to champion the interests, welfare, and contributions of the Armed Forces community.
Tourism Industry starts to Reopen
From Wednesday July 15th we will see our caravan parks, self-catering apartments and hotels reopen across Scotland as our tourism industry comes back to life after the lockdown caused by Covid-19.
Date added: Thursday September 3rd 2020
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans MP recently visited The Walled Garden Caravan and Camping Park on the Kilkerran Estate between Crosshill and Dailly to meet the owners, Barry and Dorothy Cowan and to discuss the upcoming holiday season. Mr and Mrs Cowan have been carefully following the Scottish Government guidelines for the safe opening of the Park.
Dorothy Cowan said “We will be complying with social distancing; we have installed hand sanitisers throughout our site, and we have installed clear signage with gentle reminders to keep all our holiday makers safe. We will also ensure that we take all our visitors’ details so that we can help with track and trace. We are looking forward to reopening and people visiting us throughout the summer”
Commenting on the Park, Allan Dorans MP stated “Although I was born and brought up near here, I had never visited the Walled Garden until now. I am absolutely amazed at the beauty and tranquillity of the Park set in the stunning Ayrshire countryside. It really is a hidden gem, I am delighted that the Park is now opening and sincerely hope that the hard work put in to upgrading the facilities over the last few years pays off for Barry and Dorothy and they have an outstandingly successful holiday season. It’s been a very difficult time for our tourism industry, and it is great to see our local businesses start to re-open and normality resume”
Ayr MP challenges Boris Johnson on support to veterans at PMQs
AYR’S MP took the case of Hollybush House, a residential treatment centre for veterans, to the heart of Westminster last week.
Date added: Thursday September 3rd 2020
Allan Dorans MP challenged Boris Johnson on what he is doing to support veterans’ mental health and highlighted the case of Hollybush House which is owned by the charity Combat Stress who have been forced to reduce their capacity with many jobs cut at the Ayr site.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP, said: “In this financial year, the UK Government have redistributed funding meant for veterans’ charities.
“That has resulted in severely reduced services from Combat Stress, a renowned mental health charity serving veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
“It has also meant a reduction from 24 to 10 beds in our residential unit in my constituency, and the loss of 50 jobs.
“Will the Prime Minister show his support for veterans’ mental health today by initiating an urgent review of that redistribution of this critical funding, so that we can stop life-changing and often life-saving services being lost?”
The Prime Minister responded saying that Mr Dorans “is absolutely right to raise the issue of veterans and their needs, and that is why the UK Government appointed a Minister for Defence People and Veterans, and a veterans taskforce—a special unit in the Cabinet Office”.
Mr Dorans’ question to Boris Johnson came after the Chief Executive of Combat Stress, Sue Freeth, called on the UK Government to “step-up” to “address the gap” caused by the funding distribution.
Speaking in January she said: “Historically, 40 per cent of our income came from the government.
“These sources of funding have been redistributed and veterans are struggling to get the help they need.
“Now 90 per cent dependent on public donations, we cannot supply a critical service to four UK nations on £10 million per annum when most of the funding is coming from the public and charitable sector funds.
She added: “The government must step up and we are seeking urgent talks to address the gap.”
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Allan Dorans MP and Anneka Rice help launch Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal
Allan Dorans MP and presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Anneka Rice, have joined forces this March to help Marie Curie provide care and support to more people living with a terminal illness.
Date added: Thursday September 3rd 2020
Allan and Marie Curie Ambassador, Anneka, were pictured together with Marie Curie Rapid Response Healthcare Assistant, Lukmon Adeyemi, at the parliamentary event to celebrate the launch of the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s biggest annual fundraising campaign, held every March.
Allan pledged his support to the Appeal and is encouraging local people to donate and wear one of the charity’s daffodil pins to help fund vital care and support for people living with a terminal illness, and their families.
Allan said: “Every five minutes, someone in the UK dies without getting the care and support they need at the end of their life and that is why I am supporting the Great Daffodil Appeal this March. Without your help, Marie Curie Nurses can’t give vital care to people living with a terminal illness and their families.”
Launched in 1986, the Appeal is crucial in raising much-needed funds to enable the charity to continue providing nursing and hospice care, a freephone support line and information for people living with any terminal illness such as terminal cancer, dementia, heart failure, and motor neurone disease.
Anneka says: “I was thrown into a world of utter confusion and sadness when I had to care for two elderly parents, living separately but both with dementia. At the time I didn’t know who to reach out to as I knew nothing at all about the illness. At the time, I wish I’d known about the organisations that exist to help.”
On becoming a Marie Curie Ambassador in 2019, Anneka said: “They are just a brilliant bunch of people, quietly getting on with very, very, important work. We all want to be well-looked after at the end of our lives. Marie Curie need our help, so that they can help more people have a good death. I’m so proud to support them.”
Scott Sinclair, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie, said: “Having the support of Allan Dorans MP and Anneka makes a huge difference to our Great Daffodil Appeal.
“Too many people miss out on the care and support they need. By donating and wearing a daffodil pin in March you are helping us to support more people at the most difficult time of their lives. We want to make sure that everyone affected by terminal illness, wherever they may live, gets the right support, at the right time – whether that is high quality nursing care, emotional and practical support, or fast access to the benefits they need.”
To support the Great Daffodil Appeal, get your daffodil pin from volunteers on high streets around the UK, as well as Marie Curie shops, Superdrug, Savers, SPAR UK, Hotter Shoes and Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group.
To find out more about the Great Daffodil Appeal, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or call or call 0800 304 7025 for more information. To Donate £5 to Marie Curie, text DAFF to 70999.
View this article on The World News website
Waspi Women 4th March 2020
MP Allan Dorans joined over 70 MPs from all parties at an information session at the House of Commons on 4th March organised by the Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI) Campaign.
Date added: Thursday September 3rd 2020
Anne Keen, Co-founder of the Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI) Campaign said:” We were delighted to see Mr Dorans at our event. He clearly understands the plight of women born in the 1950s who were denied several years of the State Pensions they paid into all their working lives. We couldn’t have wished for a better response to our invitations to MPs to attend the Drop-in session. It was quite overwhelming. The support for our campaign for justice was evident. We hope that Parliament will now address the issue as a matter of urgency. Many 1950s women are suffering.”
Allan Dorans MP commented “I have always been and will continue to be a strong supporter for the WASPI women whose pensions were stolen by successive governments. There are over 3.2 million affected in the UK and 6,700 in this constituency alone. I will continue to fight this injustice on their behalf”.