Westminster Report - 23rd May 2025
A summary of key debates, questions, and decisions shaping the week ahead in Westminster, along with a look back at the previous week's business and my contributions in Parliament.
This week’s newsletter is a shorter one, with Parliament now in recess for Whitsun and my time spent in the constituency. While there have been no major debates from me in Westminster, there have been several important announcements from the UK Government.
From a new UK-EU agreement to support British businesses, to a strong statement from the Foreign Secretary on the crisis in Gaza, and significant investment in defence and energy jobs, this week has seen continued national activity across a range of vital issues.
I write two regular newsletters: one focused on what’s happening in Parliament and the other covering updates from the constituency, so you can stay informed on the issues that matter both nationally and locally. I hope you find this informative.
Chris Kane, MP for Stirling and Strathallan
🚨Upcoming Coffee Morning Event☕
I hold regular coffee morning events across the constituency. Have a local issue? Come along and let me know what matters to you.
Upcoming Event Details
📅 Date: Friday, 20 June 2025
🕙 Time: 15:00
📍 Location: Balfron
This week in Government:
On Monday, the Prime Minister announced that the UK had secured a new agreement with the European Union to support British businesses, back British jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets. Extensive negotiations over the last six months have led to the third major deal struck by the Government in as many weeks, following the US and India deals. I released an article on my website discussing the details of the agreement and how it will benefit constituents. You can read the article here.
On Tuesday, the Foreign Secretary provided an update to the House of Commons with regards to the conflict in Gaza. The statement sets out the UK Government’s clear and unambiguous condemnation with regard to the blockage of aid. The Foreign Secretary has also confirmed that trade talks with Israel are to be suspended.
I fully recognise that the scenes from Gaza over the last few weeks have been intolerable to many constituents, and I both recognise and share the anger and frustration expressed to me. I am glad to see the Government ramping up its condemnation of Israeli Government actions. I appreciate everyone who has contacted me about this issue. I have continuously highlighted the level of concern of constituents across Stirling & Strathallan to colleagues within Parliament and will continue to do so.
On Wednesday, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced that over 260 workers from the Grangemouth Refinery have received 1:1 skills support from Forth Valley College to support their transition into new, high-skilled jobs, with 184 workers already beginning training. This comes from the Government’s £10 million guarantee to provide new skills support that will help the site’s workers into good, clean energy jobs, as well as supporting new energy projects in the region.
On Thursday, the Department for Business and Trade announced 700 jobs had been created as defence firm MDBA expands their site to work on cutting-edge missile system manufacturing technology. This comes just days after the Government signs new Security and Defence Partnership with the EU that will boost defence procurement opportunities for UK.
This week in Parliament:
Whilst not in Parliament this week, I attended various meetings and events in the constituency, such as the Doune & Dunblane Schools Cricket Festival. You can read more about my work in Stirling & Strathallan in my May Constituency Report, which will be available on 2nd June.
Next Week in Westminster
Parliament is on recess next week, with the Whitsun Recess starting today, 23rd May and the House resuming on Monday, 2nd June.
As such, there will be no Westminster Report next week.
That’s all for this week. There have been a number of key developments from the Government, from international agreements to local job creation that will have a real impact across the UK and here in Stirling & Strathallan. You can continue to follow my work in the constituency via my report on the 2nd June, or on my social media platforms.
Thank you for reading, and as always, if there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who might find it useful.
Until next time,
Chris Kane,
MP for Stirling and Strathallan