I WAS fortunate to be invited to the Young Farmers’ Agri-Innovation event hosted by the Watson Family at Laigh Tarbeg Farm, Ochiltree.

The family run a modern business utilising industry leading practices which are always of interest to me as a member of the Science and Technology Committee.

A variety of representatives from businesses serving the farming community were present to participate in workshop sessions and panels.

That same day I was invited to Dam Park, Ayr for the football match between Whittletts Victoria and St Roch’s.

On my return to Westminster, following a ballot, I had the opportunity of a lifetime to listen to the Queen’s Speech from a seat in the House of Lords and two of my staff observed the pageantry of the royal procession.

After this Ceremonial Opening of Parliament By Her Majesty The Queen, Members debated in the Chamber the content of the Queen’s Speech.

I spoke on the Debate relative to the climate emergency, reiterating my interest in environmental issues, emphasising the importance of “a cleaner, greener future that the planet and the generations to follow richly deserve”.

I did not return to the Constituency prior to attending the rare Saturday sitting of the House of Commons and on the Friday afternoon I took a very brief break from my preparations for that sitting to visit the Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London.

In an exhibition area set aside to inform visitors about the First World War, I was amazed to come across a Government poster featuring a cameo of Robert Burns and an excerpt from his works and on another floor whilst viewing an informative film, on the formation of the NHS, Ayrshire’s Ballochmyle Hospital was mentioned.

The IWM is thought provoking in relation to the past and causes one to reflect on the future.

Proceedings in Parliament on the October 19 opened with the Statement by the Prime Minister on the new deal agreed with the European Union, the Rt. Hon.

Michael Gove MP closed emphasising the importance of being democrats and respecting the verdict of the people in the 2016 Referendum.

Then the amendment to withhold approval of the Withdrawal Agreement unless and until implementing legislation by Sir Oliver Letwin was moved and approved which is believed will prevent any attempt at crashing out without a deal.

The European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons and will be our focus for several days.