Those of a certain generation will remember a booklet and public information film series called ‘Protect and Survive’. 

The material, produced by the UK Government, was designed to give people practical advice for surviving a thermonuclear war.

Handy tips included whitewashing windows and guidance on how to construct a fall-out shelter from an internal door and a mattress. 

Also included was advice on what foods to stockpile to see you through the ensuing nuclear winter.

With next year marking the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, we’ll all be able to mark the occasion in true Cold War-style as the UK Government begins issuing households with guidance on what to do in the event of ‘No Deal’ Brexit next March. 

Two years of ducking and covering from the UK Government have meant that there is now a real prospect of the UK crashing out of the European Union without a deal. It’s long been known that such an event would be a catastrophe for jobs and do unprecedented damage to the Scottish economy.

Now the UK Government has been forced to recognise that a No Deal Brexit could lead to shortages of food and medicine. 

It’s time for the UK Government to get their act together, admit that there is no such thing as ‘good’ Brexit and rule out a hard Brexit.

As for the Scottish Parliament, it is now at the midpoint of its long summer recess. During recess periods, no official business takes place in the Parliament, such as debates or committee meetings. However, this does not mean that MSPs are on holiday for two months.

My constituency office has been open for business as usual. I’ve also been holding my regular surgeries around Renfrewshire South, including new supermarket surgeries that I hope to roll out to all parts of the constituency.

I’ve also been continuing to assist my constituents on a range of issues, from housing to health. As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything I can help you with.

Many constituents have commented on the weather this summer, which has been one of the driest and warmest on record in Scotland.
While it makes a welcome change from months of grey skies and drizzle, it’s clear that this exceptional weather is not unique to the UK.

Several fires are ablaze in the Arctic Circle and dozens of people have tragically lost their lives due to wildfires in Greece. Similar extreme events are occurring across the globe.

It seems hard to believe that, only a few months ago, the country was grinding to a halt under the ‘Beast from the East’.

Unfortunately, extreme weather is forecast to become increasingly common as the effects of human-made climate change have an impact. 

In Scotland, the SNP Government introduced world-leading climate legislation a decade ago. Now the Scottish Government has introduced new legislation to go even further. 

Along with continued support for renewables, energy efficient buildings and electric car infrastructure, it’s clear that we are all doing our part in Scotland to fight global warming. Let’s hope other countries, such as the USA, continue this fight too.