Wednesday May 29th 2024
Midlothian's current MR Owen Thompson, SNP.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Midlothian’s MP has welcomed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a General Election on July 4th.
SNP MP Owen Thompson criticised the Tory government for delivering “only Brexit, hardship, austerity, and economic chaos,” expressing that his constituents and the people of Scotland have endured 14 years of “abject failure.” Thompson emphasised that now is the time for Scotland to choose independence, citing the ongoing neglect by unionist parties.
Mr. Thompson has pledged to fight the upcoming election based on what he says is his record of standing up for the people of Midlothian during the cost-of-living crisis. First elected in 2015, he lost to Labour in 2017 and then was re-elected in 2019. Thompson has been a prominent advocate on several critical issues. He has campaigned to end poverty, combat energy price hikes, and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Additionally, he has sought justice for miners convicted during the 1983-1984 Miners’ Strike, championed for Veterans compensation rights in seeking a complete root and branch reform of Veterans UK, and campaigned on behalf of business and those excluded from any financial support from the Government during the pandemic.
Amongst other key issues Owen Thompson also called for a minimum of £10,000 in compensation for WASPI women, criticising the Government for failing to commit to any compensation figure for the 2.6 million women across the UK who have lost out on pensions. He also strongly attacked the two-child benefit cap supported by both the Conservatives and Labour, describing it as inhumane, especially during the current cost-of-living crisis when many families are struggling, and has hosted numerous cost-of-living events, bringing together various charities and organisations to improve financial assistance for struggling households.
He was among the first Westminster MPs to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The SNP has consistently urged the UK government and parliament to do more to secure a ceasefire, including ending arms sales to Israel. In February, Westminster blocked a debate and vote on an SNP motion calling for an immediate end to these arms sales.
Commenting Owen Thompson MP said, “As we head towards the dissolution of Parliament and into an election it is important to note the hypocrisy from unionist parties in continuing these austerity cuts and in refusing to pay workers a real living wage, and only highlights why voting SNP is essential to protect workers’ rights as hardworking people across Scotland are struggling to make ends meet.”
“The UK government’s inaction has also extended to the international stage, where both the Tories and Labour have failed to recognise Palestine and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We in the SNP have repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to arms sales to Israel, standing up for human rights where others have faltered.”
“The people of Scotland deserve better than the indifference shown by unionist parties. This upcoming election is a pivotal moment for Scotland to choose independence, reject the years of Brexit-induced hardship, austerity, and economic chaos, and ensure that our priorities are no longer sidelined.”
“The latest Tory out of touch ideas on National Service are so far removed from the needs and aspirations of young people today beggars’ belief. Instead of mandatory service, I will be focusing on investing in education, mental health support, and creating opportunities that empower our youth to thrive, not forcing our young people into rigid programs to stunt their growth and development.”
“I am committed to continuing my work for the people of Midlothian, and the time is right for Scotland to take control of its destiny. I look forward to further engagement with the electorate in the constituency in the coming weeks.”
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