At Westminster last week, as the fight for pension justice continues for women born in the 1950s who have had their retirement age increased with little or no warning, I put to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Gauke MP the real reason why the UK Government has refused to correct this injustice. It is because in the wake of the Brexit vote, a weakening pound combined with declining bond yields has increased the public-sector pensions bill by a hefty 30% to £1.8 trillion over the last year. To put that in perspective, the increase in liabilities is 40 times the annual budget of Scotland’s entire NHS!

It is because of such UK Government ineptitude that WASPI women are being treated with such callous disregard. Indeed, the response from Mr Gauke – such as it was – demonstrated this all too clearly when he refused to even comment on the Brexit consequences for public sector pensions.

The Brexit shadow also loomed over the demise of Monarch airlines when I responded to the Secretary of State for Transport’s statement on Monday afternoon. The weak pound significantly increased running costs for this airline which in turn deterred potential buyers who may have saved it.

On Tuesday, I participated in a debate on the huge implications for consumers when the UK leaves the European Union (EU). Many of the rights we consumers enjoy are protected by EU law. Whilst the UK Government insists that all EU laws will be translated into UK law when the UK leaves the EU, there is a fear that consumer rights in Europe citizens will continue to evolve whilst UK consumers are left behind with fewer rights. Given that the Secretary of State for Trade Liam Fox MP said he is “completely relaxed” about lowering standards for food safety, this could pose real problems in the future.

This was followed by an emotional debate commemorating Baby Loss Awareness Week, which culminated in Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day on Sunday 15 October. I am hugely encouraged by the actions of Shona Robison MSP, Scotland’s Health Secretary, to ask the Crown Office to consider conducting Fatal Accident Inquires when babies are lost at full term. This is a radical move and, I believe, would do much to further reduce stillbirths in Scotland.

I also participated in a debate opposing cuts to Royal Mail Delivery Offices, which would reduce this vital service further. We can all recall the Post Office closures imposed by the last Labour Government, followed by Royal Mail privatisation by the Lib Dem/ Tory Coalition government. This public asset was sold off much below its market value and its continuing decline is of great concern. However, Royal Mail must be open about its plans and reveal the true scale of any proposed cuts and job losses. The Universal Service Obligation, I fear, may be under threat and this must be resisted.

On so many crucial issues I will continue to speak up for my constituents at Westminster.