WITH only three weeks to go before we get to the summer recess, unbelievably things are still rather fluid at Westminster.

The All Party Political Groups (APPG) are still being filled and positions on committee and select committee are being appointed.

Before coming to parliament I read a book by Labour MP Paul Flynn, now I am on the same select committee as him. I did take advantage of the situation and got him to sign my copy of his book.

At this moment I am on four APPGs, SNP policy group for the constitution and the select committee for Public Administration and the Constitution. Along with the constituency work and chamber work it makes for a very busy and fulfilling working week.

I know folk love to watch the bobbing up and down and barracking that goes on in the chamber but it’s only part of the week.

It reminds me of the Muhammed Ali quote “The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses — behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights” ….and those lights are bright.

I have written to the Chancellor asking him to consider the damage he is doing by pursuing his austerity agenda, in particular his intentions to make savings from the welfare budget and as a consequence return child tax credits to the level of 12 years ago And on a personal note it was great to get my maiden speech in last week and not so great to still be seeking office accommodation in Inverclyde.

And finally, because of the amount of walking that is required to get around the parliamentary estate I am already on my second pair of shoes. Don’t worry I shall not be claiming them on expenses.