Tommy Sheppard

Earlier today I finally extracted a commitment from the UK Government to amend clause 11 of the #EUWithdrawalBill during Scottish Office questions. But they can’t say when.

Here's my contribution to the debate in Westminster Hall on the effect of Israeli demolitions on Palestinian communities

Here's my speech from the debate on the #EUWithdrawalBill before we voted on crucial amendments to protect devolution.

I used my Evening News column this month to talk about fireworks following the extreme antisocial behaviour on bonfire night. I've also written to the Minister asking for the UK Government to toughen up licensing laws. And if they aren't willing to do that, devolve power over fireworks to the Scottish Parliament so they can act. Read the full article here.

The EU Withdrawal Bill entered its committee stage this month in the House of Commons.  As it is a constitutional bill it is considered by a committee of the whole house – in other words all MPs consider it in the main chamber. While hundreds of amendments were tabled, only a few are selected for a vote each day. There will be eight days of debate in total, three of which took place in November. On Day 3 I called for the UK Government to think again on the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. Watch my full speech here. Frustratingly the DUP are earning their keep and ensuring the Tory Government haven't been defeated on any votes as yet. Not helped by the Labour Party abstaining on several issues.  The Scottish Affairs Select Committee report on the devolution of powers following Brexit was published last weekend. This report was approved by all parties on the committee (including the Tories) and raised serious concerns about the impact of the EU Withdrawal Bill on Scotland’s devolution settlement. It called for the UK Government to take urgent action to improve the Bill and provide clarity about the implications of their legislation for Scotland. You can read the full report here.I know how difficult it can be to not only keep up with what is happening as Brexit proceeds, but to understand the antiquated political systems that make up the UK parliament. So I am sharing regular updates as the Bill makes its way through parliament on my website - email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you'd like to be added to the mailing list. I’ll be speaking again on Monday on the effects on the Bill on devolution.

I took part in the debate on deafness and had my first go at British Sign Language - something I may well need one day given my own hearing loss. Scotland’s already passed a BSL Bill, it's time for Westminster to follow suit.

A perfect example of not answering the question - illustrating all that is wrong with PMQs.

My take on the budget as part of the debate this week.

So the EU Withdrawal Bill was back in the Commons for Day 3 of the committee stage this week and, as promised, I’m writing to update you on what happened.

Before I talk about the Bill itself, you might be interested in the events of Monday’s Ways and Means debate. Ways and Means is a traditional term for taxes or other charges levied on the public in order to fund Government spending. And while not directly linked to the EU Withdrawal Bill, Brexit transcends everything. In an alternative attempt to get the UK to consider staying in the single market with access to the customs union the Labour MP for Edinburgh South, Ian Murray, had tabled an amendment that was selected for a vote.

I've been trying to get information on this for months. But still no clear answer as to how many civil servants are working on Brexit and how much it will cost.