A message from Brian Whittle MSP:
"We are living in unprecedented times.
Politics as we know it has quite rightly been suspended as we pull together to tackle the COVID 19 threat. The Devolved Governments are working closely with the UK Government to deliver the most effective solutions for the nation. At Holyrood we are standing resolutely in support of efforts the Scottish and UK Governments are making. There is no room for party politics.
I am constantly feeding concerns raised by constituents to the relevant Cabinet Secretary or Minister to ensure that they have the fullest picture of what is happening on the ground. I know all MSPs and MPs from all parties are doing the same.
Every effort is being made to highlight where support is most needed and to ensure that it is offered as quickly as possible. I have been telephoning as many organisations and businesses as I can to get a picture across the area and assure them that we are working to get solutions in place.
Decisions by governments are being made with the best expert and scientific data available at the time. Of course, there are no guarantees that every choice that’s made will be the right one, but that’s true of every decision any government makes. However frustrating and concerning the situation might be, it is important to recognise that our Governments are working flat out to contain the threat.
We are in this for the long haul and have to recognise that communities are essential in developing local solutions. It is so heartening to see and hear how so many communities are pulling together to find the best way forward for them - people from all walks of life prepared to chip in and help those in most need. It will be communities who deliver the solutions.
However, for all those positive acts, some people are still making choices that hinder efforts to protect everyone from the worst effects of this outbreak. Panic buying is a self-fulfilling prophecy – the shelves aren’t empty because of too little supply, they’re empty because suddenly people are buying absurd quantities. Before you buy three months’ worth of anything, remember the people who aren’t in a position to do the same.
I urge everyone to follow the guidance being issued by the Scottish and UK Governments. Both Governments are working every day to create more capacity in the National Health Service but every one of us has a role to play in keeping the pressure on medical services as low as possible and protecting the most vulnerable in our society.
If any organisation, business or individual with whom I haven’t managed to speak to yet needs advice or assistance please feel free to contact my office on 01563 544 399 or email at [email protected]
My website will be updated with the latest information and advice – www.brianwhittle.org.uk
Stay safe and look after one another."
Brian Whittle MSP
South Scotland Region
