By John Lamont MP
Chaos has engulfed national politics in Scotland and across the whole UK with the sentencing of former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell for embezzlement and the long-awaited resignation of Sir Keir Starmer after his disastrous spell in power.
So I am really looking forward to getting away from all the dramatics of the SNP and Labour at Holyrood and Westminster.
Instead, I will continue to put all of my focus and attention on the issues that matter most to the Scottish Borders and you, the people who live here.
Over the next few weeks, I will be holding my annual summer surgery tour across local communities, towns and villages alongside my colleague Rachael Hamilton MSP.
I hold this advice tour every year because I believe it's important that MPs are accountable and accessible.
These events give me a chance to better understand all the key challenges facing local people, and they give Borders residents an opportunity to raise concerns with me first-hand.
My summer surgery tour is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Each conversation is beneficial and helps me to represent your views in the UK Parliament.
From speaking to local people every day, I already know that many residents are concerned by the rising cost-of-living. Families want to see tax and energy bills come down. They deserve to keep more of their own hard-earned money.
Healthcare is another issue I know matters deeply to Borders residents. Too many people are waiting too long to see a GP or receive NHS treatment. We need more targeted resources from the SNP to deliver faster GP appointments and shorter waiting times so people can get the treatment they deserve when they need it.
I also agree with the growing number of residents concerned by the sheer number of large energy and infrastructure proposals in the Borders. From wind farms and battery storage sites to mega-pylons and telegraph poles, there is a growing feeling that the countryside is under threat and communities are having decisions imposed upon them.
Whatever issue you may want to raise, my team and I will always do our best to help if we can. So please do visit my website for a list of dates and locations for my summer surgery tour. Alternatively, contact my office and my team will be happy to help you find a convenient advice surgery to attend.
