“WE will look at this issue in the round and make sure that there’s adequate food supplies,” – this comment from the UK Government’s new Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union in Westminster last week would be laughable if it wasn’t so serious.

Nearly 58 per cent of voters in Clackmannanshire, and over 62% across Scotland, voted to remain in the EU. Yet it appears that, not only are we being hauled out against our will, we are now faced with the prospect of being dragged back to the days of rationing with a ‘no deal’ Brexit looking more likely by the minute.

Of course the irony of a Tory Government promising “adequate food” will, I’m sure, not be lost on the thousands of people it has thrust into the arms of foodbanks in the eight years it has spent in government.

The rollout of Universal Credit has been disastrous, pushing thousands of families into hardship, and leaving many with nowhere to turn. And despite the prime minister’s rhetoric, finding work does not guarantee a route out of poverty, with many of those suffering most actually in work.

It’s a sad reflection on our wealthy society that so many families are pushed into poverty because of vindictive policies implemented by the Tories in Westminster and wreaking havoc in communities throughout Scotland, including in Clacks.

Let us not forget these policies also have the support of the local Tory politicians who regularly offer contributions in this space, but never utter a word of condemnation for the misery their party inflicts.

In the face of this social vandalism, it is heartening that so many wonderful staff and volunteers work around the clock in foodbanks, soup kitchens and community cafes to provide support for those most in need.

The Gate in Alloa is a wonderful example of a community project supporting the victims of these abhorrent policies.

Quite frankly it beggars belief that in 2018 we are discussing stockpiling food, medicines and fuel all to appease the tensions of a party that has been obsessed with arguing about Europe for as long as I can remember.

It is a small mercy that the Scottish Parliament now has control over some social security benefits, and the new bill recently passed at Holyrood means that the heartless, sanctions based mentality has been removed from the devolved benefits. However, with the bulk of welfare powers still lying at UK level it is likely that the UK Government’s punitive measures will be with us for as long as we remain in this union.

I will be holding an advice surgery for constituents in The Gate on Thursday 9th August from 9.30am – 11am, if you have any issues you’d like to raise please come along. No appointments are necessary. If this time isn’t convenient you can call my office on 01786 448 203, drop an email to mark.ruskell.msp@parliament.scot or pop in to my office at 67A King Street, Stirling on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday.