IT WAS a busy time last Wednesday as International Women’s Day took place and UK Chancellor Philip Hammond revealed his Budget.

While listening to the Chancellor’s speech, I was shocked that there was absolutely no mention of the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign, which affects up to 3,800 women in Renfrewshire.

This is a topic that I have written about many times before. I have also held many debates on this in Parliament but the government has still refused to act.

Even as the Chancellor was giving his speech, the WASPI women were out in force outside Parliament, calling for change.

I was very flattered to be asked to speak at their demonstration and was extremely grateful for the warm reception I received.

The government will soon realise that these women will not be going away without a fight.

It’s good to talk

I recently held my regular surgery at the McKillop Institute, in Lochwinnoch.

I stage a surgery there on the second Saturday of every month, from 10.30am to 11.15am.

Following that, I have a surgery in Howwood between 11.15am and 11.45am.

If there is ever anything you need, please come along and myself and my staff will do everything we can to help.

I also hold surgeries at a range of locations across the constituency on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.

Even if you can’t make it to a specific surgery, you can always call my office on 0141 571 430 or drop me an email at mhairi.black.mp@parliament.uk and we will get to work on whatever issue you have.

After my most recent surgery at the McKillop Institute, I was able to stop by the Fairtrade Coffee Break to meet members of Lochwinnoch Fairtrade Group and hear about all the brilliant things they are doing to make sure everyone receives fair compensation for the work they do.

Police plans

Last week, I met with Police Scotland to discuss the future of Lochwinnoch Police House. We had a very informative meeting about this issue, and Police Scotland were very forthcoming.

The plans have yet to be finalised but the police are clear that they will not have a use for the building in the future.

The good news is that they would love to see the property being used by a local community group.

Unfortunately, no-one has approached them with any proposals to use the building this way.

If no suitable proposals are brought forward, I have been advised that Police Scotland are likely to sell the property.

If you would like to have your say on this matter, please contact my office by email at mhairi.black.mp@parliament.uk and I will pass your comments on to Police Scotland.

I think it’d be brilliant to keep this building in community hands and I will offer any support I can to any suitable proposals the people of Lochwinnoch put forward.