Parliament resumed work in Westminster this week after the summer recess.

The recess gives MPs a welcome opportunity to catch up on everything going on across our constituencies. For me, that means getting around Stirling and Strathallan, visiting groups and organisations and refreshing my first-hand knowledge of what is happening across the area.

You return to Westminster with those conversations fresh in your mind and a much better sense of what is working, what isn’t and what people actually want Parliament and Government to concentrate on.

This return has been a little different.

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As MPs have been getting back to work, Andy Burnham has, unusually, been starting work as both a parliamentarian and Prime Minister.

Andy is hardly a stranger to the Commons, having been an MP from 2001 until 2017. But after almost a decade away, Tuesday was his first appearance at the Dispatch Box as Prime Minister.

It is normal for Ministers to make statements when Parliament returns. Government doesn’t stop for the summer, so there is invariably plenty to report back on.

What was unusual was that this time the catch-up came from a new Prime Minister. The Prime Minister stood up just after 3.30pm and, over almost three and a half hours, answered 125 questions from all sides of the House.

My first impressions were good.

Watch as I was one of the 125 to ask a question to the Prime Minister on Tuesday.

There was plenty of substance. The Prime Minister talked about practical action on the cost of living, support for Ukraine and his determination to move political and economic power away from the centre and closer to communities.

That theme continued on Wednesday when Louise Haigh, the new First Secretary of State, set out plans for what the Government is calling “rewiring the state”.

Some of the proposals are specifically about England, but the broader ambition is interesting: a stronger centre of government where one is needed, but fewer decisions unnecessarily controlled by Whitehall and more power exercised closer to communities.

Andy’s strong start continued at his first Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.

I had a good vantage point, sitting behind the Prime Minister and slightly off to his right (or to your left if you were watching on television).

There is actually a little bit of an art to choosing where to sit in the Commons. Some MPs like to occupy roughly the same seat every week. I tend to move around. I do, however, have a particular liking for the seats immediately beside the middle aisle, for the deeply unstatesmanlike reason that they come with an armrest.

There is another consideration which you won’t find in Erskine May. The padding on the famous green benches isn’t wearing away at quite the same rate everywhere. After a couple of years sitting on them, you learn that some seats are considerably more comfortable than others.

From Wednesday’s relatively comfortable vantage point, what I mostly saw of our new Prime Minister was the back of his head.

That changes how you experience PMQs. Watching on television, you see every facial expression and reaction. Sitting behind the Prime Minister, you find yourself judging the performance much more by what you can hear; the answers themselves, the confidence of the delivery and, importantly, the reaction they produce around the Chamber.

Andy’s style is noticeably different from Keir’s.

Opposition MPs often accused Keir of not answering their questions and, on occasion, the Speaker appeared to share their frustration. I didn’t always accept the premise. Sometimes the Opposition simply didn’t like the answer they got. But there was certainly no danger of that accusation on Wednesday.

If anything, the Speaker had the opposite problem. Andy was answering questions at such length, that PMQs was overrunning and the Speaker was encouraging him to speed things along.

It was also fascinating watching Kemi Badenoch adjust.

For nearly two years, her approach to PMQs has been honed around Keir; his style, how he responds, where she thinks she can put him under pressure and how best to construct her follow-up.

Suddenly she is facing someone completely different.

Andy is more conversational and seems to enjoy the back-and-forth of the Commons.

Watching their weekly PMQ interactions develop will be interesting.

It is very early days. Governments are ultimately judged on what they deliver, not their first few appearances at the Dispatch Box.

But there is an energy and optimism around Westminster this week that is difficult to miss.

After a summer spent back in Stirling and Strathallan, I’m refreshed and ready to get back into Westminster politics and policy, and there is certainly plenty to get on with.

In this edition, you’ll find updates from recent visits across the constituency, including community support projects, heritage sites, local charities, recovery organisations and small businesses, as well as information on upcoming events and how to stay connected with my work. I hope you find this month’s roundup helpful and informative as we move back into a busy period at Westminster.

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

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☕️ Upcoming Coffee Morning Event ☕

I hold regular coffee morning events across the constituency. Have a local or national issue? Come along and let me know what matters to you.

Upcoming Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, 26th September 2026

📍 Location: Cowie

Click here to register now!

🌟 Stirling & Strathallan Superstars 🌟

This month, I was delighted to present three Stirling & Strathallan Superstar Awards to outstanding local organisations whose dedication, creativity and community spirit continue to strengthen our constituency.

Recyke‑a‑Bike was recognised for transforming cycling into opportunity — providing affordable bikes, expert training and inclusive support that improves wellbeing across our communities. Through recycling, skills development and outreach, the team is helping build a greener, fairer Scotland where everyone can ride, learn and thrive.

The Dunblane Centre was celebrated for creating a living tribute to those forever remembered and forever touched by the events of March 1996. Sustained by dedicated volunteers and trustees, it offers a welcoming space for all ages, providing vital social, creative and fitness opportunities that honour the dignity and positivity which define the community.

The Bannockburn House Trust was awarded for leading the UK’s largest community buyout, saving one of Scotland’s most significant 17th‑century houses from decline. Driven entirely by volunteers and members, the Trust continues its remarkable restoration work while opening the estate for tours that share its stories, craftsmanship and history with the wider community.

🌟 Nominate a Superstar 🌟

This is a community-driven award, with superstars nominated by you. Nominate a Stirling and Strathallan Superstar today by heading to my website: www.chriskane.net/superstars

📮 Stirling’s New Post Office

Last month I had the pleasure of officially opening Saras Stationery & Gifts, which now hosts Stirling’s Post Office in the heart of the city centre. Restoring Post Office services locally is a welcome boost for residents and businesses alike, ensuring people can continue to access essential services close to home. If you are in the city centre, I would encourage you to stop by and see the new space for yourself.

🎙️ Community Radio Roundtable

A couple of weeks ago, I visited Trossachs Radio in Callander for a round‑table discussion on the challenges currently facing community radio. I met with representatives from Trossachs Radio, Stirling Community Radio and Cinematictrax to hear directly about the pressures local stations are experiencing. We spoke about the imminent closure of Heartland FM after 34 years, ongoing funding barriers, and concerns that online‑only stations are not recognised by Ofcom as “true” community radio — preventing them from accessing the Community Radio Fund despite serving local audiences and providing essential information. Stations also raised issues around licensing, digital coverage in rural areas, and the need for a stronger, more coordinated voice for Scotland’s community broadcasters.

⚔️ Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre

I visited the Battle of Bannockburn to meet with the National Trust for Scotland team and hear more about their plans for the site’s major redevelopment. The visitor centre has now closed to allow for a £3 million upgrade, with work beginning later this year and reopening expected in 2028. The project will modernise facilities, improve sustainability and update the visitor experience to reflect the significance of Bannockburn’s history. While the centre is closed, limited access to the Rotunda will remain available and the grounds will stay open to visitors. It was helpful to discuss the scale of the redevelopment, the improvements planned, and how the team will continue engaging with the community throughout the project.

👨🏻‍🌾 Callander Area Men’s Shed

I recently met with representatives from the Callander Men’s Shed to discuss the progress of their project and the role it will play in supporting wellbeing across the community. The group outlined their plans to create a welcoming space where men can come together to share skills, volunteer, socialise and support one another — helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation while strengthening community connections. We also spoke about the development of the shed, future aspirations for the project, and how I can continue to offer support and advice as their work moves forward.

🐴 Lunar Eclipse Therapy Horses

I recently revisited Lunar Eclipse to catch up with the team and hear how their work has been progressing since my last visit. We spoke about their current activities, the ways they continue to engage with the community, and their plans for the months ahead. It was a valuable opportunity to see how the organisation is developing and to discuss how I can support their ambitions as they move forward. We also filmed a short video during the visit, which will be shared on my social media channels in the coming weeks.

🟠 Maggie’s Forth Valley

I revisited Maggie’s Forth Valley to meet with Centre Manager Yvonne to discuss the support the charity provides to people affected by cancer throughout Stirling & Strathallan. The visit offered a valuable insight into the emotional, practical and psychological help available to individuals, families and carers, and how Maggie’s works alongside NHS cancer services to address the wider impacts of a diagnosis. We also spoke about rising demand, the challenges facing cancer support services, and Maggie’s ambition to ensure specialist support is available at every major cancer hospital across the UK.

🥇 Forth Valley Recovery Olympics

I recently met with representatives from Active Stirling and the Forth Valley Recovery Community to discuss their partnership supporting people in recovery across the region. We spoke about this year’s 10th Anniversary Recovery Olympics, a landmark event celebrating recovery, wellbeing and community through sport, and the wider challenges facing those affected by addiction locally. The discussion highlighted the importance of visible, stigma‑free recovery spaces and the value of continued collaboration between community organisations and local services in strengthening support across Stirling & Strathallan.

Casework Update 📬

In July, my office responded to over 700 emails and letters, closing nearly 100 individual constituent cases. The top topics included: local government, housing and planning, and transport. My priority remains to respond to individual cases first, but please continue to let me know what matters to you by getting in touch.

If you have an issue you would like to raise with me, click here and fill out the form.

That’s all for this month’s constituency roundup. I issue two newsletters: a weekly roundup of what is happening in Westminster when Parliament is sitting, and a monthly roundup of what is happening within the constituency. As well as a weekly blog about issues that matter to me.

In the meantime, you can keep up to date with my activity on social media, and if you need help or advice, contact me here.

Please share this newsletter with anybody in Stirling and Strathallan you think would benefit from keeping up to date with my work representing constituents both at home and in London.

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Until next time,

Chris Kane,
MP for Stirling and Strathallan

I turned 50 earlier this month.

Among the presents I was lucky enough to receive through the post was… my bowel screening kit.

Not exactly a couple of tickets to an REM concert or a gold-plated pen…but, on reflection, probably one of the most important ‘gifts’ anyone who has already survived for five decades could get.

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Whether ultimately it ends up simply offering peace of mind or is a chance to detect cancer at as early a stage as possible and minimise invasive treatment, the screening programme is a life-changing and even life-saving process that was not available to many previous generations.

Breast screening and cervical smear test programmes have also proven vital for many women in the fight against cancer.

For men, however, who have traditionally been notoriously bad at divulging or discussing any aspects of their health or ill health, prostate cancer awareness is something we must still take control of on our own behalf.

There is no envelope landing on the mat, no reminder letter, and indeed no guarantee that when you do request a PSA test or assessment that this will automatically be set in motion.

With that in mind, when I recently hit the big Five-O, I made a point of requesting a PSA test from my doctor.

It is important to note that a PSA test is not a prostate cancer screening test and can even produce false positives, but it can be one of a number of indicators of the disease.

For many its results can at least set them on the path of further investigation to detect prostate cancer or rule it out.

There are arguments for and against rolling out routine PSA tests. Some caution that the system may become overwhelmed and incredibly labour intensive or that it may result in men receiving invasive treatments needlessly for slow growing cancers which may otherwise never have been discovered in their lifetime.

Equally, however, there are men who, without that initial indicator of an elevated PSA result, might not have discovered their more aggressive prostate cancer until invasive treatments were the only option, or indeed until there was no option.

That debate will no doubt continue, although I would certainly advocate for a national screening programme.

In the meantime, however, I’ve chosen to go down the route of making my own choice on the matter by requesting a PSA via my GP.

Whether or not your GP is immediately open to setting that in motion, at the very least it is an opportunity for an engaged discussion on the pros and cons of the tests, what else to look out for, what PSA readings indicate – and what they don’t.

If your informed opinion – or even your gut feeling – is that you still want to gave one carried out, but your GP is less than willing, then you need to feel empowered to disagree and politely push the issue. Take control because, until there is an official screening programme, no one else will.

For those who unfortunately do embark on a journey with cancer, of any kind, I would wholeheartedly encourage them to engage with the wonderful charity Maggie’s.

In my own constituency of Stirling and Strathallan, the Maggie’s Centre at Forth Valley Royal Hospital has proven to be a godsend for people who have received a cancer diagnosis – and for their families and friends.

Calming not clinical, it is a wonderful space with knowledgeable people, all geared up to providing what is needed – be practical advice and financial guidance, information about your condition which is dispersed at a pace tailored to you, reassurance or peer support, or just a peaceful oasis away from treatments.

The charity is marking its 30^th anniversary, but continues to grow, with the ambition to have a centre in all 60 NHS cancer hospitals in the UK.

Their wish is to ensure that everyone diagnosed with cancer, as well as their family and friends, can access their life-changing emotional and practical care.

Of course, the wish of all of us is that one day we all live in a world that is cancer free.

But until that day, all of us have to take back whatever control we can from this disease, whatever that may be.

Recently, a constituent in Doune wrote to me about the cost of travelling by bus into Stirling. A return journey can now cost them more than £12.

For someone making that journey regularly for work, college or appointments, that quickly becomes more than an irritation. It can start to limit your choices.

Across Stirling and Strathallan, particularly in our rural communities, whether buses are affordable and reliable can determine whether people can realistically access jobs and services.

Which is why I have been looking rather enviously at what is proposed south of the border.

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The UK Labour Government has announced that single bus fares across England outside London will be capped at £2 by January 2027.

It recognises that affordable public transport isn’t a problem confined to one town or region. It affects communities everywhere, so the Labour Government is acting across every postcode in England.

In Scotland, responsibility for bus policy rests with the Scottish Government. Earlier this year in their election campaign, the SNP pledged to cap bus fares at £2. However, they have yet to confirm when this will be rolled out nationwide. So far, their approach has been much more limited, with capped fares only being piloted in the Highlands.

People in communities across Stirling and Strathallan are entitled to ask: when will it be our turn?

I want the Scottish Government to match the ambition being shown elsewhere and set out when it intends to make bus travel more affordable across Scotland.

But fares are only part of the problem.

A £2 bus fare is great, but the bus also needs to tun up when you need it. The timetable needs to fit people’s lives and the services need to connect. Above all, buses need to take people where they actually need to go.

My constituency doesn’t fit neatly into one region. Strathallan sits in Perthshire. Communities such as Strathblane naturally have strong connections towards Glasgow. Any sensible approach to transport has to recognise these different patterns of travel. But for a large part of the constituency, the region is Forth Valley, and I think there may already be a workable solution that has been identified.

The Forth Valley Connectivity Commission was established in 2021 to look at how better connectivity could support the future of the area.

One of its three big recommendations was to create a safe regional active travel network integrated with a reliable, low-carbon bus system.

I think an important word there is regional.

People don’t live their lives according to council boundaries. Someone might live in Doune and work in Falkirk. Someone in Clackmannanshire might work at the University of Stirling. Businesses recruit across the region and people travel across it every day for lots of reasons

This is where buses stop being simply a transport issue and become part of our economic infrastructure.

You can invest in skills and regenerate town centres, but you don’t get the full benefit if people struggle to use them.

Connectivity turns investment into opportunity.

The good news is that the Connectivity Commission has already taken a pretty good stab at answering what a better-connected Forth Valley could look like.

Its recommendations are ambitious and won’t all be easy to deliver. But we shouldn’t overlook how ambitious it was for Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk Councils to come together, across political and administrative boundaries, and commission this work.

Delivery will require persistence and cooperation across the public and private sectors. But the potential rewards are huge: better access to jobs and education, a bigger pool of workers for employers, stronger town centres and more opportunities shared across the region.

And in Forth Valley our councils should build on the ambition they showed in asking the Connectivity Commission to look at the problem and begin the difficult work of delivering its suggestions.

I would encourage people to read the Commission’s work for themselves and let me know what they think.

If we could sort out the buses, it would unlock so much more.

And that leads to a bigger question: what would happen if we started thinking about Forth Valley not simply as three council areas sitting alongside one another, but as a regional economy with shared opportunities?

I’ll come back to that in a future blog.

For those not lucky enough to have tuned in thus far, the fun slot features two MPs going head-to-head by pitching three fun facts about their areas before Ed asks some follow up questions and picks a winner.

My only question was...’Only three...where to begin?’...

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🎙️ Listen to my Times Radio interview

As I tried to narrow things down drastically, the process flooded my brain with all sorts of trivia, nostalgia, history, fact – and possibly even fiction - which at some level has combined to make Stirling and Strathallan the diverse, fascinating, unique constituency those of us lucky enough to live here know it to be.

Ed’s ‘It’s a Knockout’ challenge alone reminded me that almost exactly 50 years ago this summer around 22,000 people flocked to King’s Park to watch a Stirling team take on Edinburgh and Linlithgow in TV’s own ‘It’s a Knockout’, watched at home by an audience of millions. Well known for its fun obstacle courses and chaos, the show was must-see viewing of the time.

One fact I did pick for Ed’s show was that Stirling and Strathallan is home to the world’s oldest football, the world’s oldest international football trophy and the world’s oldest curling stone.

The football is almost 500 years old and was discovered hidden inside the walls of Stirling Castle. The curling stone dates from 1511 and is the oldest ever found. Both are on display at The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, while the football medal is on display at Stirling Castle.

And, of course, I was delighted to watch the football itself being piped off from The Smith on its way to Miami for the World Cup earlier this summer.

Stirling and Strathallan can lay claim to plenty of sporting history and success, however.

While St Andrews may be the ‘home of golf’, Stirling’s King’s Park was initially a private royal estate where James IV used the grounds as a golf course, making it one of the earliest recorded places the sport was played.

And the golfing credentials of Gleneagles – including hosting the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup – go without saying.

We can boast plenty of sporting legends. On the tennis front, Andy and Jamie Murray need no introduction. In football, we are proud to lay claim to none other than Scotland and Leeds United legend Billy Bremner, while former Evertonian Duncan Ferguson is another homegrown talent . In the world of horse racing, we have jockey Willie Carson. The University of Stirling meanwhile has produced such talents as Scotland’s most decorated Olympian, swimmer Duncan Scott – with many more stars having emerged during the recent Commonwealth Games.

My passion for history has no doubt been cultivated thanks to growing up in a constituency steeped in it – and nurtured by the endless nuggets of new discoveries that are still made thanks to the enthusiasm of people such as local archaeologist Murray Cook.

Stirling and Strathallan is home to the only working church in the United Kingdom, outside Westminster Abbey, ever to crown a British monarch. In 1567, the infant James VI was crowned in Stirling’s Church of the Holy Rude. He later became James I of England, uniting the crowns of Scotland and England.

While many across the pond have found themselves invigorated this summer by the swish of our kilts and the skirl of our pipes, Lord Vaizey’s show was also a great opportunity to remind everyone that Stirling and Strathallan is also the home of tartan.

After the Jacobite uprising, tartan was banned across much of the Highlands. The only people allowed to wear it were soldiers in the British Army, and the only company allowed to make it was William Wilson’s weaving mill in Bannockburn.

Wilson collected samples of tartans from across Scotland and kept them in a pattern book. Eighty years later, when King George IV made tartan fashionable again, clans came looking for their old designs - and Wilson’s descendants could produce lost records.

Politically, I follow in the footsteps of a daunting list of constituency representation that includes one Prime Minister, the father of a Prime Minister, two Secretaries of State for Scotland, a Secretary of State for War, a Father of the House of Commons and a Leader of the House of Lords. In my lifetime, we have had Harry Ewing, the godfather of devolution; Michael Forsyth, who brought the Stone of Destiny back to Scotland; and Dame Anne McGuire, who as Minister for disabled people signed the first human rights charter of the 21st century on behalf of the United Kingdom at the United Nations.

While mediaeval history and stunning scenery are synonymous with the area, mining is a hugely important part of its past – and one that is particularly important to my own family and many others.

Farming also plays a major role in the constituency, producing everything from beef to dairy and from sheep to pumpkins. For many years, the River Forth was also Europe’s premier oyster fishery. Over 30 million oysters were harvested each year in the early 19th century, but overfishing caused a collapse and the Forth oyster was declared extinct in 1957. Issues such as overfishing and sustainability are studied in great depth at the University of Stirling’s international centre for aquaculture, the largest of its kind in the world. It was also a researcher from the institute of aquaculture who discovered in 2014 that the Forth oyster was still alive, with two of them growing in the river.

Talking of water...the Lake of Menteith is the only body of fresh water called a ‘lake’ in Scotland.

And entrepreneurial spirit is also seen in the likes of Highland Spring in Blackford, near Gleneagles, one of the world’s largest producers of bottled water.

In future, Stirling and Strathallan expects to see its already strong arts and culture sector further strengthened by Stirling Studios. The £20 million investment is creating a film and TV studio that will be the largest in Scotland.

Small and large screen connections with the area, however, are already many and varied. Doune Castle, for example, is known as a filming location for such diverse offerings as fan favourite Outlander and cult movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but our towns and villages have hosted locations for everything from Taggart and Karen Pirie to Peter Kay’s Car Share.

Kay famously filmed an episode of the comedy at Blair Drummond Safari Park which saw characters John and Kayleigh get swarmed by monkeys and accidentally kidnap a stowaway macaque. The macaques, however, are well used to stealing a scene – and a handbag – as they were originally ‘banished’ to Blairdrummond from Gibraltar after their antics became increasingly disruptive. Rather than embark on a cull, the authorities shipped 30 of them off to the Stirlingshire safari park in 2014 where they are now settled in and part of a conservation programme.

In the early 1970s, Hollywood megastardom found its way to Stirling in the form of Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner. The couple apparently stayed in the Bridge of Allan area while Wagner was filming episodes of World War II drama Colditz at Stirling Castle. Locals have claimed to have encountered one or both stars everywhere from hairdressers to pet shops.

While the Oscar-winning movie Braveheart was not filmed here, this area is without doubt at its heart and soul – a fact recognised by Mel Gibson when he chose to premiere the film at the University of Stirling’s Macrobert Centre in 1995. Not only did the event attract Hollywood glitterati – including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Gibson himself – it also paved the way for a tourism boom that endures to this day.

For many years, however, Stirling and Strathallan was home to the late great Dame Diana Rigg during her marriage to local landowner Archie Stirling.

Dame Diana was a very active - and the first female - Chancellor of Stirling University from 1998 until 2008 and generally was an involved member of the local community.

With regard to famous faces, those who have stepped across the threshold of the Gleneagles Hotel are too numerous to mention, suffice to say they range from royalty to sporting legends and Oscar winners to statesmen.

When the world-renowned hotel first opened in 1924, however, it was its dining room which attracted public attention. It was entirely powered by electricity and featured such hi-tech as a 4,000-dish-per-hour washing machine, an automatic potato peeler, an electric egg boiler, and an indoor tank that kept fresh trout alive for guests.

During World War II, it served as a military hospital and later a rehabilitation centre for severely injured coal miners before its eventual transition to a globally renowned golf resort.

Speaking of WWII, Adolf Hitler’s deputy Rudolf Hess is believed to have been treated at Buchanan Castle, west of Drymen, after he was injured while parachuting into Scotland as part of a failed peace mission in 1941. He would spend the rest of his life under arrest.

Stirling’s Armed Forces heritage, of course, is never forgotten, and is honoured by the dedication of The Royal British Legion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum and others.

The founder of the SAS, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir David Stirling is proudly commemorated with a statue near his ancestral home between Doune and Dunblane. Plaques close to the memorial are also inscribed with the names of members of the SAS Regiment who have died in service.

RAF Squadron 43 was also founded in Stirling in 1916 and at the end of World War I Stirling became the Headquarters of the Royal Airforce in Scotland and based in the Station Hotel.

Scotland’s first heavier-than-air flight also took place in Stirling when the intrepid Barnwell brothers built and flew an aircraft in the shadow of the castle. A monument to their endeavours stands in Causewayhead on the outskirts of the city.

I would be delighted to hear from constituents about their own favourite facts about Stirling and Strathallan – particularly those which may be news to us all...

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In this edition, you’ll find updates from recent visits across the constituency, including local education and skills providers, community support organisations, cultural projects and healthcare services. You can also read about my latest coffee morning and how to stay informed about upcoming events. I hope you find this month’s roundup helpful and informative as we begin a busy summer of constituency work.

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

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Summer Recess ☀️

Parliament rose for Summer Recess on 16 July, and I am now working full‑time across Stirling & Strathallan until Parliament returns on 1 September. This period is always a valuable opportunity to spend extended time in our communities, listening to local priorities and meeting the people and organisations who make our area thrive.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be touring the constituency, visiting businesses, charities, community groups and local projects. These visits help shape my work in Westminster and ensure your concerns are heard at a national level.

If your group, organisation or business would like to arrange a meeting, you can get in touch by filling out the form on my website.

Auchterarder Coffee Morning ☕️🌅

Last month, I hosted my Auchterarder Coffee Morning as part of my regular programme of events across the constituency. These sessions provide an opportunity for residents to raise both national and local issues directly with me, and they continue to play an important role in shaping my work during summer recess.

If you would like to view upcoming coffee morning dates or sign up to attend a future event, click here to view on my website.

Forth Valley College 👷

Last week, I met with Kenny from Forth Valley College as part of my ongoing engagement with local education and skills providers. Colleges play a vital role in Scotland’s education and skills network, helping people gain the qualifications and experience that shape our future workforce. Ensuring they have the support needed to remain sustainable is essential for protecting Scotland’s long‑term skills base.

Start Up Stirling 🟪

Last week, I met with Start Up Stirling, who run mobile foodbanks across the Stirling area to ensure people who might otherwise go without are able to access food and essential items. Their work continues to play a vital role in supporting households facing hardship.

While no community should have to rely on foodbanks, the commitment of Start Up Stirling’s staff and volunteers ensures that help is available when it is needed most.

During our meeting, we discussed current donation levels, the pressures facing local households, and the wider causes of poverty that continue to drive demand for emergency support. These conversations are essential in understanding the challenges people are experiencing and the sustainability of services that many rely on.

Auchterarder Picturehouse Art Crew Exhibition 🖼️

Last month, I visited the Auchterarder Picturehouse Art Crew exhibition at Aytoun Hall. The summer showcase highlighted the impressive work of local artists across a range of mediums, with all proceeds supporting the ongoing project to restore Auchterarder’s historic Art Deco Picturehouse.

Strathcarron Hospice 🩵

Last month, I revisited Strathcarron Hospice to speak with staff about the challenges currently facing palliative care in Scotland and the wider healthcare system. Strathcarron continues to provide exceptional support for people at the end of their life across Forth Valley and beyond, and the dedication of its staff and volunteers remains central to the care they deliver.

During our discussion, we spoke about pressures on palliative care services, the complexity of meeting rising demand, and the wider factors affecting patients and families who rely on specialist support. These conversations are vital in understanding how services can be sustained and strengthened for the future.

Stirling County Rugby Club 🏉

Last week, I met with Stirling County Rugby Club President Ryan Fletcher to discuss the club’s continued growth since the Covid-19 pandemic. It was encouraging to hear how Stirling County has gone from strength to strength, both on and off the pitch, with playing and membership numbers rising steadily. The club’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and it continues to play an important role within the local community. I also had the opportunity to see my advertising board at the club in person for the first time.

Casework Update 📬

In July, my office responded to over 750 emails and letters, closing 175 individual constituent cases. The top topics included: local government, health services and medicine a. My priority remains to respond to individual cases first, but please continue to let me know what matters to you by getting in touch.

If you have an issue you would like to raise with me, click here and fill out the form.

That’s all for this month’s constituency roundup. I issue two newsletters: a weekly roundup of what is happening in Westminster when Parliament is sitting, and a monthly roundup of what is happening within the constituency. As well as a weekly blog about issues that matter to me.

In the meantime, you can keep up to date with my activity on social media, and if you need help or advice, contact me here.

Please share this newsletter with anybody in Stirling and Strathallan you think would benefit from keeping up to date with my work representing constituents both at home and in London.

Share

Until next time,

Chris Kane,
MP for Stirling and Strathallan

We’ve made one of the greatest constitutional contributions in modern British politics, and we should be proud of it.

Labour recognised that power should not be hoarded in Westminster and had the courage to establish the Scottish Parliament.

Devolution was Labour’s achievement.

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We shouldn’t shy away from that, and we certainly shouldn’t allow others to define it. We should champion it and we should build on it.

When the Scottish Parliament was reconvened in 1999, there was an expectation that devolution would not stop at Holyrood but would build stronger systems of local government. Donald Dewar put it best in his first speech to parliament: “A Scottish Parliament. Not an end: a means to greater ends.”

“A Scottish Parliament. Not an end: a means to greater ends.”

- Donald Dewar, First Minister of Scotland (1999-2000)

The first phase of devolution moved power from London to Edinburgh.

The second phase, transferring power from Holyrood to local councils, never came.

Scotland’s experience has also shown us that devolving power is only half the task. If you don’t also build and maintain the connections between local government, Holyrood and Westminster, you simply replace one form of centralisation with another.

As a former council leader, I saw that first hand. Whatever political party we came from, there was a shared frustration in local government that we were seen by Holyrood as another organisation to be managed rather than as a genuine partner in delivering change.

As Labour shapes the next generation of devolution across England, we should recognise that devolution is not a destination but a journey. It was never meant to be frozen in time. Every stage should learn from the last, every part of the UK should learn from the others, and every generation should have the confidence to keep asking whether power is in the right place. Devolution should never become an ideology in itself. It should remain a practical means of delivering better government.

That, to me, is the real constitutional challenge facing Scottish Labour. It is not about revisiting the arguments of the past, nor do I believe the answer lies in a drift towards separatism, either as a nation or as a political party. Our next contribution to the constitutional debate should be to finish the devolution job we started.

It is about every decision being taken at the right level, with local government, Holyrood and Westminster each respecting the other’s role and working together as equal partners in serving the people. That is the opportunity before Labour in Scotland today.

As a party, we are embarking on a Leadership contest to decide who should lead us into this next chapter. I will be supporting Michael Marra.

I believe he has the ideas and experience to shape the next chapter of devolution, the professionalism and temperament to bring our party together, and the determination to lead us through the challenges ahead.

Our next electoral task is to return Labour council administrations across Scotland in 2026 and then we’re onto a General Election at some point before 2029.

I believe Michael can lead a Scottish Labour Party ready to govern Scotland in the spirit of a devolution settlement that is always learning, always evolving and always focused on improving people’s lives.

That is why I want to see him enter Bute House in 2031 as First Minister, leading a government making power work better for the people of Scotland.

The Tartan Army may be having a well earned rest after taking the skirl of the pipes across The Pond to the World Cup, but it can still be heard this summer across my constituency – and across Scotland.

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I was delighted to be able to speak at Westminster earlier this month to highlight the highland games season, particularly the many gatherings across my constituency, including Blackford; Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre; Bridge of Allan; Killin; and Stirling.

None of these fabulous events - which celebrate Scottish culture, boost local economies and bring communities together - would be complete without Scotland’s remarkable pipe bands.

It was an honour to be allowed by the Speaker to highlight the talented young musicians of Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band and their tutors, Chris Gibb, Andrew Wallace and Chloe Taylor, for everything they are doing to nurture the next generation of pipers and drummers and to thank all local volunteers who do so much to ensure the success of all the games, which also contribute so much to our culture, heritage and tourism.

Beyond my own constituency, bands from across the country – and the world – will be packing the crowds into Levengrove Park in Dumbarton this Saturday (July 25) for the Scottish Pipe Band Championships.

And dozens of bands will also be heading to the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green on Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15. The two-day event features over 8,000 pipers and drummers from across the globe competing for the ultimate title.

Just two years ago, Stirling marked the 100th anniversary of Millhall Pipe Band who, though only in existence for 11 years, won not just one but THREE world championships in that time.

It is a remarkable story of a talented group of miners and musicians.

The Millhall coal pit was established in January 1904 and the creation of the new village of Fallin quickly followed. Coal production began in 1905 and continued at Millhall until 1958 and at Fallin until 1987.

Millhall Village consisted of two parallel rows of miner’s cottages and never exceeded 150 people. David Beresford, a winding engine man at the pit, taught bagpipes to the local boy scouts who were enthusiastic and eager to play. The Millhall Boy Scout Pipe Band were formed in 1911, but disbanded at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

It was the precursor, however, to the champion Millhall Pipe Band.

In 1919, George Donaldson MacDonald came to live and work at Millhall. Born in Dunoon in 1885, he lived in Stirling as a boy and served as Pipe Major of the Royal Scots during the war. George resurrected the Millhall Pipe Band, drawing pipers and drummers from around the area, with a juvenile pipe band established along the road in Fallin to ensure a pipeline of talent, and George himself as Pipe Major.

Peter Philiban was a Millhall miner and a piper. Interviewed by the Stirling Observer in 1977, he said

Each of the band members wore the Hunting Stewart tartan, a Prince Charlie doublet (a silver-faced blue tunic), Gladstone collar and bow tie, and a blue and white diced Balmoral cap speared with a Golden Eagle’s feather.

There is a huge social and competitive element to Pipe Bands. The biggest event in the piping calendar is the World Pipe Band Championships. Affectionally referred to as ‘the Worlds’, they’ve been held annually since 1906. Run by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, today they’re held on Glasgow Green and can attract upwards of 35,000 spectators and 200 bands from Scotland and around the world. Until 1947, they were part of the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon. Pipe Major MacDonald promised his band they would compete there when they were up to standard - and the attraction of a free weekend away from the pit was motivation enough for some to practice.

From 1920 there followed a series of good and even top results and in 1924 it was time to play in their first World Championship.

After beating rivals and encumbents the Clan MacRae Society Pipe Band into second place, they returned from Cowal just before midnight to a rousing welcome from around 1000 people, the news of their success having travelled to Stirling before them.

In 1925, Millhall were pipped to first place by old rivals Clan MacRae - but secured victory over them for a second time in 1926 by a narrow margin - despite many new faces in the band.

The band were presented with their trophy by the world famous entertainer Sir Harry Lauder, a former coal miner himself, who was no doubt happy to be recognising a pit band as the world champions.

Their late night return to Stirling on that occasion was greeted by an estimated 1500 people.

After placing third in 1927, 5th in 1928 and 2nd in 1929, Millhall returned to winning ways in 1930, winning their third championship with 92 points!

The news was displayed in the front window of the Stirling Observer by 7pm and even on the screens of local cinemas before the evening performances - to be greeted by cheers from audiences. Despite constant rain, crowds of 4000-5000 people gathered at Stirling’s railway station to welcome the band from the 11.30pm train and carried members on their shoulders before the victors were treated to a hastily arranged, late night civic reception at the Municipal Buildings.

It was a remarkable turn around for the band that had started 1930 in a perilous financial state, coming close to folding. Stirling Town Council stepped in and helped raise enough funds to purchase new outfits for the band.

Within weeks of winning, Pipe Major MacDonald was on the move. During the First World War, he’d been the Pipe Major with the 7th Royal Scots. In 1930, he was offered a full time role as the Pipe Major with the 8th battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, based in Dunoon. It was a move back to where he born. George remained in Dunoon until his death in 1961.

Within a year of the Pipe Major’s departure, the Millhall band had folded. In December 1933, the ‘Stirling Highland Pipe Band’ was formed ahead of the 1934 season. Five years after Millhall formed, they were competing for the world championships - and five years after Stirling Highland formed, they were broken up by the pipers heading to war.

Mining was a reserved profession, meaning most miners were not called up to fight. This led to a few miners from the glory days of Millhall to form a wartime ‘home guard band’ who entertained locally through the war years. But in the post war years, the enthusiasm for the band dwindled. They did stagger on for a few years, at one point wining the World Third Grade Championship, but never again did they approach the elite heights of Millhall.

Today the proud tradition of piping is, however, alive and well in Stirling.

The Royal Burgh of Stirling Pipe Band was formed in 1977 and is still going strong today.

Piping for Under-18s is well served with the ‘Stirling and District Schools Pipe Bands’.

Around the Stirling District, there are pipe bands including the ‘Doune Pipe Band’, while the ‘Pipes and Drums of Queen Victoria School’ in Dunblane has the distinction of being the oldest school pipe band in Scotland, and the Strathendrick Pipe Band are based in the west of the district.

If you enjoyed reading about Millhall Pipe Band, you can check out my earlier blog on them, written in 2024

I also reflect on my work in Parliament, including a defence and security visit to NATO and my contribution to the Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment Debate, where I highlighted some of the outstanding organisations and volunteers across Stirling & Strathallan.

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

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Last week in Government:

On Monday, the Government announced a major expansion of support for small businesses to help unlock billions of pounds in additional finance. The reforms include expanding the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme, which is expected to support an extra 12,000 businesses each year and facilitate £2 billion more lending annually by 2028/29. Ministers said the measures will help businesses invest, grow and create jobs, while boosting innovation and economic growth across the UK.

On Tuesday, the Government launched a new £60 million Innovation Fund to help disabled people and those with health conditions move into work. Businesses, charities and other organisations will be able to bid for funding to test new approaches to employment support, with an expert panel including Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson helping to assess proposals. Ministers said the fund will support innovative solutions, break down barriers to employment and form part of the Government’s wider £3.5 billion package of tailored work support.

On Wednesday, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) called for stronger protections for the 1.5 million UK households that rely on heating oil to warm their homes. The watchdog recommended new regulations covering pricing transparency, cancellations, support for vulnerable customers and access to independent dispute resolution. The CMA also announced action to secure compensation for around 1,700 customers whose heating oil orders may have been cancelled in breach of contract. Officials said the proposals would help ensure households are treated fairly and better protected during periods of price volatility and supply disruption.

On Thursday, the Prime Minister visited Kyiv for his fourth trip to Ukraine since taking office and met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the visit, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion and discussed efforts to achieve a lasting peace. The two leaders also condemned recent attacks on Kyiv and reflected on the close partnership between the UK and Ukraine. Ministers said the UK would continue to stand firmly alongside Ukraine and support its long-term security and prosperity.

On Friday, the Government announced that the UK-India Free Trade Agreement has officially come into force, marking one of the most significant trade deals in modern UK history. The agreement will reduce or remove tariffs on the vast majority of goods traded between the two countries, making it easier and cheaper for businesses and consumers to buy and sell products. Ministers said the deal is expected to boost trade by £25.5 billion a year in the long term, supporting jobs, investment and economic growth in both the UK and India.

Last week in Parliament:

On Monday to Wednesday, I took part in a parliamentary visit to Paris and Brussels focused on defence and international security. The programme included briefings from the British Embassy in Paris, NATO Headquarters, the UK Delegations to NATO and the European Union, and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). The visit provided valuable insights into the work being carried out by UK diplomatic and military personnel overseas, the challenges facing NATO and European security, and the importance of international cooperation in supporting peace, stability and collective defence.

On Thursday, I took part in the annual Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment Debate, which gives MPs the opportunity to speak on a subject of their choosing. The debate is held in memory of Sir David Amess, who was renowned for using it to champion the people, charities, businesses and community groups that made a difference in his constituency. In that spirit, I used my contribution to recognise some of the incredible organisations and volunteers across Stirling & Strathallan whose dedication strengthens our communities and improves lives. While it was impossible to mention everyone, it was a privilege to highlight just a few of the many local groups that make our constituency such a special place. Click here to watch the full speech.

This Week Coming in Westminster:

As of Friday last week, the House of Commons is on Summer Recess. The House will next sit on 1 September 2026.

Over Summer Recess, my Westminster Report will not be released; however, I will still be releasing my weekly blog and Constituency Reports.

While the House is not sitting, I will be hard at work in the constituency, meeting with constituency organisations, attending events and hosting engagement sessions.

If you would like to invite me to a constituency event, click here to fill out the form.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s update. I’ll continue to keep you informed on the work I’m doing in Westminster and across Stirling and Strathallan.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or issues you’d like to raise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who might find it useful.

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Until next time,

Chris Kane

Member of Parliament for Stirling & Strathallan

The debate is named in honour of Sir David Amess, who was tragically killed in 2021. Sir David was well known for using the SummerAdjournment Debate to champion the people, community groups, charities and businesses that made a difference in his constituency.

In that spirit, I was pleased to take part in this year’s debate and use my contribution to recognise some of the incredible organisations and volunteers who help make my own constituency of Stirling and Strathallan such a special place. While it was impossible to mention everyone, it was a privilege to highlight just a few of the many local groups whose work strengthens our communities and improves lives every day.

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My full speech reads:

Much has rightly been said about Sir David Amess’s enthusiasm for using this occasion to celebrate the people and organisations that make our communities stronger. Many Members will recognise that some of the communities facing the greatest challenges often have the biggest hearts.

In my constituency, that spirit has been embodied by Fallin Community Voice, which was set up in 2022 with a simple ambition: to bring life back to the heart of the village. In just a few years, its volunteers have created a thriving community garden, helped deliver the Grub Hub community food project, and brought Christmas lights back to Fallin. Their work has helped renew community pride, and it is no surprise that they have been recognised at this year’s Inspire Volunteering Awards.

A few miles along the road, the Cowie Rural Action Group has spent many years quietly improving village life. From the Wee Club, which brings older residents together each week, to community projects including the village skate park, the Cowie Rural Action Group has shown what can be achieved when local people work together.

One of the best and, dare I say, most out-of-the-box ideas in my constituency began when someone looked at an old red telephone box and refused to accept that it had reached the end of its useful life. The Balfron phone box food exchange has transformed that familiar landmark into a source of practical support for local people, while reducing food waste at the same time. It is a simple idea, but often the simplest ideas can be the most effective.

In Strathallan, I want to recognise PKAVS in Auchterarder. I visited the charity last summer and was reminded of the extraordinary contribution that unpaid carers make every day. For more than 50 years, PKAVS has provided practical support, respite and, just as importantly, somewhere to listen.

I want to recognise a campaign that shows why community action matters. Last year, after a determined seven-year campaign led by Sarah Heward, the Tyndrum Infrastructure Group and its partners, a Changing Places toilet opened at the Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum. It filled a significant gap in provision and is a lasting reminder that determined local campaigners really can change lives. That message was brought home to me by Quinns, a remarkable young constituent from Bridge of Allan who lives with a rare genetic condition. His mother wrote to me and said:

“We are dependent on Changing Places toilets to give Quinns the same life experience as any other child his age.”

Inspired by their own experiences, Quinns and his sister Anita have become proud advocates for more Changing Places toilets, and have helped other families by raising awareness of just how important these facilities are.

Across my constituency, volunteers are quietly making life better every single day. The Friends of Plean Country Park care for one of our best-loved green spaces, while the Friends of Kings Park look after the historic park beneath Stirling castle. The volunteers at the Bannockburn and Eastern Villages Sports Hub have created a place where the community comes together. At the University of Stirling, volunteers organise a parkrun every Saturday morning, bringing hundreds of people together through exercise and encouragement.

In Fintry, the community sports hub continues to transform village life, and local volunteers have opened a wonderful museum that celebrates the village’s history. In St Ninians, the Mayfield Centre and its much-loved library continue to bring people together through books and community events. In Strathblane, residents refused to put up with a dilapidated library and raised the money to build a new one. In Braehead, the Crawford hall has remained at the heart of the community for over 30 years, while Braehead community garden has helped people to reconnect with food growing for more than a decade.

At the top of the town of Stirling, Cowane’s Trust has been helping those in need since 1637. In Riverside, Action in Mind provides life-changing mental health support, and in Causewayhead, Recyke-a-bike gives unwanted bicycles a second life, while helping people to gain access to affordable transport. Across the constituency, organisations such as Valley Renewables Group in Carron valley and the Callander Community Development Trust are generating renewable energy to provide a sustainable income that can be reinvested directly in local communities.

I have mentioned some of the organisations in my constituency. I do not have time to mention them all, but it has been a privilege to place on record my thanks to a few of the volunteers, charities and community champions who make Stirling and Strathallan such a special place.

Parliament may be in recess, but my constituency work continues across the summer recess. If your group or organisation in Stirling and Strathallan would like to engage with me, click here to get in touch.

⬇️ Watch the full speech here ⬇️

I also highlight my work in Parliament, including meetings with media leaders, promoting our Highland Games and pipe bands, and raising a Point of Order on the Dunblane Tragedy.

Finally, I look ahead to the key debates and business coming before Parliament in the week ahead.

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

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Last week in Government:

On Monday, the Government announced a package of reforms to strengthen political finance rules and prevent foreign money influencing UK elections. The measures include a new timebound cap on large political donations from people who have recently moved to the UK, tougher checks on company donations based on post-tax profits rather than revenue, and new transparency requirements for election candidates. Ministers said the reforms will help close loopholes in the current system, ensure political donations come from legitimate UK-linked sources, and strengthen the integrity of British democracy by protecting elections from foreign influence.

On Tuesday, the Government launched a new £12 million Local News Fund to support the long-term sustainability of local journalism and help news organisations reach new audiences. The funding will provide grants of up to £125,000 for local newspapers, websites, television and radio outlets to invest in digital innovation, new technology and multimedia services. A further £1 million will be used to tackle so-called “news deserts” by helping to establish or revive local news services in communities that currently lack dedicated coverage. Ministers said the programme will support trusted local reporting, strengthen communities and help secure the future of local journalism across the UK.

On Wednesday, the Government announced that children aged 8 and over will now be able to use UK eGates when travelling with an adult, provided they are at least 120cm tall. The change is expected to allow around 1.5 million more children to use eGates each year, helping families pass through border control more quickly and easily. Ministers said the measure will improve the travel experience for families, reduce waiting times at airports and ports, and support the wider use of technology to streamline border crossings while maintaining security. It is likely to be welcome news for many families heading overseas during the summer holiday season.

On Thursday, the Government announced that 50 UK Government-funded 4G masts are now operational across some of Scotland’s most remote communities through the Shared Rural Network programme. The upgrades have improved mobile coverage across more than 1,900 square kilometres of rural Scotland, including parts of the Trossachs in Stirling and Strathallan. Ministers said the investment will help residents, businesses and visitors stay connected, access online services and improve safety by making it easier to contact emergency services in areas that have traditionally suffered from poor mobile signal.

On Friday, the Government launched a consultation on new measures to reduce the appeal of vaping to children and young people. The proposals include introducing plain white packaging for vapes, restricting flavour names, limiting devices to standard colours, and keeping vaping products out of sight in shops. The plans would also extend plain packaging requirements to all tobacco products and introduce additional health warnings and quit-support messages. Ministers said the measures are designed to protect children from nicotine addiction while ensuring vaping products remain available as a tool to help adult smokers quit.

Last week in Parliament:

On Tuesday, I visited Global’s headquarters in London as part of an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Media visit. During the session, we met with journalists, editors and broadcasters to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the media industry, including the future of commercial radio, digital broadcasting and the changing ways people access news and entertainment. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from one of the UK’s largest media organisations about the role the sector plays in informing audiences and supporting public debate.

On Thursday, during Business Questions in the House of Commons, I highlighted the start of the Highland Games season across Stirling & Strathallan, with events taking place in communities including Blackford, Balquhidder and Lochearnhead, Bridge of Allan, Killin, Strathyre and Stirling. I paid tribute to the Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band and their tutors, Chris Gibb, Andrew Wallace and Chloe Taylor, for their work in developing the next generation of pipers and drummers. I also called for a debate on the importance of Highland Games and pipe bands to Scotland’s culture, heritage and tourism, while recognising the many volunteers whose hard work helps make these events such a success each year. Click here to watch my question.

On Thursday, I raised a Point of Order in the House of Commons following comments made by the Member for Great Yarmouth about the Dunblane Tragedy. I made clear that describing the events of 13 March 1996 as “one murder” diminishes the appalling reality of what happened, when sixteen children and their teacher, Gwen Mayor, were killed. I spoke about the dignity, compassion and resilience shown by the Dunblane community in the aftermath of the tragedy, and the role their courage played in securing some of the strongest firearms laws in the world. It was important to place on the parliamentary record the need to remember the victims with the accuracy, respect, and compassion they deserve, while reaffirming the cross-party commitment to safeguarding the measures established in response to that terrible day. See below for a full statement which I published on social media.👇

This Week Coming in Westminster:

Each sitting day begins with MPs questioning a government department. Next week at the despatch box are Ministers from the Home Office (Mon 13), the Department of Health and Social Care (Tue 14), the Scotland Office (Wed 15) and the Department for Transport (Thu 16).

Questions to the Prime Minister (PMQs) are on Wednesday at noon.

Constituents are welcome to visit Parliament whenever in London. You are able to arrange a free tour of Westminster by contacting me. Visit this page on my website to find out more.

Debates

On Monday, MPs will debate the Immigration and Asylum Bill at Second Reading. The Bill is expected to set out the Government’s plans for reforming the UK’s immigration and asylum system, with Members considering its overall principles and objectives rather than the detailed wording of individual provisions. The debate will provide an opportunity for MPs to scrutinise the Government’s approach, raise concerns on behalf of constituents and discuss the potential impact of the proposed changes before deciding whether the Bill should proceed to the next stage of parliamentary consideration.

On Tuesday, MPs will consider the remaining stages of the Representation of the People Bill. Having already completed earlier scrutiny in the House of Commons, the Bill will return for Report Stage and Third Reading, providing Members with an opportunity to debate and vote on any final amendments before deciding whether it should proceed to the House of Lords. The legislation is expected to focus on matters relating to the UK’s electoral system and democratic processes, with MPs examining its potential impact on voters, elections and the administration of the franchise throughout the United Kingdom.

On Wednesday, MPs will take part in an Opposition Day debate, during which the Official Opposition will bring forward a motion for consideration by the House. Opposition Days provide an opportunity for opposition parties to set the parliamentary agenda and challenge the Government on issues they believe require scrutiny or action. The subject of the debate had not been announced at the time of writing, with Members expected to debate the motion and vote on any proposals put before the House.

On Thursday, MPs will take part in the Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment Debate. Named in honour of the late Sir David Amess MP, this annual debate provides Members from across the House with an opportunity to raise a wide range of issues of importance to their constituents ahead of Parliament’s summer recess. MPs may speak on local campaigns, national policy matters and individual cases, allowing a broad range of subjects to be brought before the House before parliamentary business pauses for the summer break.

Ten Minute Rule Bills, Adjournment Debates & Westminster Hall

Backbench MPs can introduce a Bill under the Ten Minute Rule, delivering a short speech to the House. Bills are rarely opposed and are added to the list of Private Members’ Bills, but are unlikely to progress further due to time constraints. Adjournment debates take place at the end of each sitting day, allowing MPs to raise issues. An MP applies for a debate, and the Speaker selects one topic. A Minister responds, but no votes are taken. These debates enable MPs to highlight concerns and press for action. Longer adjournment debates also occur in Westminster Hall during the week. Click here to find out what is scheduled for the coming week.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s update. I’ll continue to keep you informed on the work I’m doing in Westminster and across Stirling and Strathallan.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or issues you’d like to raise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who might find it useful.

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Until next time,

Chris Kane

Member of Parliament for Stirling & Strathallan

The cardinal sin for any child has always been to utter those immortal words to their parents...

In adulthood many of us will deny the very thought even having crossed our minds in our early years – choosing simply to believe we belonged to a generation that was equipped to make our own entertainment from next to nothing. To play outside from dawn til dusk whether rain, hail or shine. To occupy ourselves with everything from making a tent from an old sheet and a washing line. To build a rickety treehouse from where to sit and read a book.

There is a degree of truth in that.

Yet, if we’re honest, nostalgia creates its own rose-coloured spectacles.

At some point most of us felt at a loose end, particularly over the longer summer holidays.

Whether we opted to voice that feeling to our parents usually depended upon the parents...

Whether our own parents felt the pressure to come up with the goods in the way we often feel today is probably another topic of debate.

But I suspect they did, albeit it was a slightly different world in terms of options, outlook, opportunities and even mobility.

What is certainly true, is that the financial pressure of providing certain kinds of experiences has always felt quite crushing for many families, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis.

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Helping Families Make Summer Memories

It is one of the reasons the UK Government introduced the Great British Summer Savings scheme this year, a UK-wide temporary VAT reduction on some family activities, running from June 25 until September 1.

Because VAT is reserved to Westminster, the scheme applies automatically in Scotland despite Scotland’s separate tax powers.

During this period, VAT on certain family‑focused goods and services has been cut from 20% to 5%. The reduced rate can cover children’s meals sold in restaurants from a dedicated children’s menu, children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, exhibitions, shows and concerts, and admission tickets for all ages to attractions such as theme parks, water parks, fairs, circuses, museums, heritage sites, planetariums, nature reserves, botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, farm attractions, soft play centres, indoor bounce parks and observation attractions.

Many outlets – including in my own constituency of Stirling and Strathallan - are happily passing those savings on to families by embracing and promoting the scheme, which is intended to both lower the cost of family days out during the school summer holidays while increasing footfall for leisure businesses.

For some families it just may make the difference between deciding to have a day out or not at all.

Making the Most of What Stirling & Strathallan Has to Offer

Admittedly my constituency is more fortunate than most in terms of variety and wealth of opportunities for activities, whether free or those which come with a cost of some sort - relevant or otherwise to the scheme.

Many of the towns and villages I represent are either within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park or on its doorstep, but its wonders filter well beyond its official borders.

The outstanding beauty is of course a draw for people across the area, the country and even the world – bringing its own challenges – but the opportunities it offers to families, whether holidaying in hotel accommodation, a day’s bike hire or simply an afternoon of paddling in the loch, are undeniable.

Closer to the City of Stirling, those of us lucky enough to have always called it home, have enjoyed having its castle watch over us since birth – and while it is one of the most popular attractions in Scotland, as locals we don’t always take advantage of the chance to visit as often as we might. Yet when we do, we are reminded of its rich history and atmosphere – not to mention that of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders which has a museum within the castle walls.

If at the very least you want to tire your children out – what better way than to have them climb the more than 240 steps of the Wallace Monument, while learning some history along the way.

Blair Drummond Safari Park is among attractions which is taking part in the Government’s Summer Savings Scheme. From lions to giraffes and camels to rhinos, an adventure playground, amusement rides and even a dinosaur feature, it’s well worth a visit.

Next door to the safari park, Briarlands Farm is also taking part in the scheme. From jumping pillows to football golf; tractor and trailer rides to archery; petting sessions for guinea pigs and rabbits, and opportunities to feed animals in the farm park; and more....

Catering to kids – big and small – always makes for an even happier day out.

Perthshire Railway Garden in Auchterarder offers a chance to see a variety of vintage model trains – including none other than Thomas the Tank Engine - rolling through a picturesque woodland - as you stroll through a scenic path.

A gem of Callander, our ‘gateway’ to the Highlands, is the Hamilton Toy Museum & Collectors Shop – one of the largest privately owned toy collections in the UK. Showcasing almost two centuries of toy collecting by the Hamilton family, anyone who has visited will defy you to go there and not be flooded with childhood memories – and lots of questions from your kids.

In Stirling, the Smith Art Gallery and Museum is showcasing its role as the home of the World’s Oldest Football as part of a range of free family activities. Over the summer, children can drop in to design their own football, boots or player, pick a book and read a fun football story. There’s also a museum football trail to find hidden mini footballs, a garden scavenger hunt, art workshops and a football themed Magical Museum session for ages 0-6 years. The football itself has been on loan to the World Cup in the United States - but we look forward to “football coming home”... (not in that way).

A Summer of Fun Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune

One resource we should all be making full use of is our local libraries.

Rain or shine, local libraries are an absolute wealth of activity, information, knowledge and even fun all year round.

And they are an invaluable – and free to access - resource over the school break. Across Stirling and Strathallan, these facilities are offering everything - from the chance to sit in a corner and get lost in a great story to taking part in arts and crafts, music events and much more.

When you’ve exhausted the opportunities available within libraries – if that’s possible – they will also be a hub of information for lots more events and activities going on across their communities.

Stirling and Perth and Kinross councils are also offering activities throughout the holidays, including Stirling’s Play in the Park scheme, which takes outdoor play to local parks and outdoor spaces.

But why wait for a scheduled activity. Taking children to a local park will keep them busy.

Auchterarder Public Park, for example, has become a focus of community-led activity with a modern play area and more.

And Plean Country Park at the other end of my constituency offers 89 hectares of woodland and open space for walking and exploring, as well as play equipment.

Any activities with little or no outlay are, of course, especially welcome when money is tight and school holidays are long.

Something for Everyone This Summer

In Stirling’s Thistles Shopping Centre, families can enjoy free Pit Pat Golf throughout July and early August, along with Alba Playtime sessions and the Wolf Pack Kids Club.

Vue Stirling is also offering discounted children’s cinema tickets for family blockbusters over the summer.

And the MacRobert Arts Centre at Stirling University features films and more on its own programme.

Go Ape Aberfoyle delivers for thrill-seekers with a high-ropes adventure among the treetops, including two of the longest zip wires in the UK and a new axe-throwing experience.

And check out Active Stirling activities within The Peak leisure centre as well as its outdoor adventure days, such as kayaking and gorge walking.

It is worth remembering that many local churches also host summer clubs and family activities, so check them for additional events.

I’m always happy to hear of other ways across the constituency to keep our young people busy and interested.

But if all that doesn’t work...there’s always the sheet and the washing line.

I also outline the main business coming before Parliament this week, including debates on national security, defence readiness, pressures facing the NHS and other issues selected by MPs. Read on for a summary of the latest developments from Westminster and what to expect in the days ahead.

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

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Last week in Government:

On Monday, the Government announced a major expansion of its Youth Guarantee programme, including a new £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for employers who hire eligible young people aged 18 to 24 who have been out of work for six months. Ministers said the scheme could help up to 60,000 young people into employment over the next three years, while almost one million young people will receive more intensive support through Jobcentres. The initiative forms part of the Government’s wider drive to tackle youth unemployment, improve access to training and apprenticeships, and ensure more young people can move into work, education or skills development.

On Tuesday, the Government announced a £15 billion increase in defence funding as part of a wider £298 billion Defence Investment Plan aimed at modernising the Armed Forces and strengthening national security. The package includes investment in next-generation fighter jets, drones, artificial intelligence, munitions production and the UK’s nuclear deterrent, alongside measures to improve military readiness and defence capabilities. Ministers said the plan will help ensure the Armed Forces are prepared for emerging threats while supporting British industry and creating tens of thousands of skilled jobs across the UK.

On Wednesday, the Government announced welfare reforms to the Motability scheme designed to save taxpayers £1 billion by 2030 while maintaining support for disabled people’s mobility and independence. The changes introduce VAT on advance payments for new vehicle leases and Insurance Premium Tax on new agreements, following earlier measures to remove luxury vehicles from the scheme. Ministers said the reforms will ensure better value for taxpayers while continuing to provide eligible disabled people with access to cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs through the scheme.

On Thursday, the Government introduced the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which includes new measures requiring asylum seekers who are later able to do so to contribute towards the cost of the accommodation and support they received while their claims were being processed. Under the proposals, eligible individuals will make repayments through a flat-rate charge once they have sufficient means, with outstanding contributions needing to be settled before they become eligible for permanent settlement. Ministers said the changes are intended to reduce costs to taxpayers and form part of wider reforms to create what the Government describes as a firmer and fairer asylum system.

On Friday, the Government announced a new agreement between Defence Medical Command and the United States Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences to strengthen cooperation in military medical education, training and professional development. The Memorandum of Understanding will provide new opportunities for UK medical personnel to access specialist training, participate in joint programmes and develop alongside their American counterparts. Ministers said the agreement will help improve the readiness of military healthcare professionals, strengthen the sharing of expertise and enhance the ability of UK and US forces to operate together on future missions.

This Week Coming in Westminster:

Each sitting day begins with MPs questioning a government department. Next week at the despatch box are Ministers from the Ministry of Defence (Mon 6), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (Tue 7), the Northern Ireland Office (Wed 8) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Thu 9).

Questions to the Prime Minister (PMQs) are on Wednesday at noon.

Constituents are welcome to visit Parliament whenever in London. I am able to apply for a very limited number of tickets each month to watch PMQs from the Public Gallery above the Commons. Visit this page on my website to find out more.

Debates

On Monday, MPs will consider amendments made by the House of Lords to the National Security (State Threats) Bill. The legislation aims to strengthen the UK’s ability to respond to hostile activity by foreign states, including espionage, foreign interference and other threats to national security. Members will debate the changes proposed by the Lords and decide whether to accept, reject or amend them before the Bill can complete its passage through Parliament.

On Tuesday, MPs will take part in an Opposition Day debate, during which the Official Opposition will bring forward a motion for consideration by the House. Opposition Days provide an opportunity for opposition parties to set the parliamentary agenda and challenge the Government on issues they believe require scrutiny or action. The subject of the debate had not been announced at the time of writing, with Members expected to debate the motion and vote on any proposals put before the House.

On Wednesday, MPs will take part in two Backbench Business debates selected by the Backbench Business Committee. The first will focus on UK rearmament and war-fighting readiness, with Members expected to discuss the UK’s defence capabilities, military preparedness and the resources required to respond to emerging security challenges. This will be followed by a general debate on corridor care in the NHS, where MPs are likely to examine the growing use of hospital corridors and other unsuitable areas for patient care, as well as wider pressures facing health services and potential measures to improve patient outcomes and capacity across the NHS.

On Thursday, MPs will take part in two Backbench Business debates selected by the Backbench Business Committee. The first will focus on a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, with Members expected to discuss the UK’s trading relationship with settlements considered illegal under international law and the implications for foreign policy, international law and human rights. This will be followed by a debate on the impact of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), where MPs are likely to examine how legal action can be used to deter journalists, campaigners and others from scrutinising matters in the public interest, and consider whether further protections are needed to safeguard freedom of expression.

Ten Minute Rule Bills, Adjournment Debates & Westminster Hall

Backbench MPs can introduce a Bill under the Ten Minute Rule, delivering a short speech to the House. Bills are rarely opposed and are added to the list of Private Members’ Bills, but are unlikely to progress further due to time constraints. Adjournment debates take place at the end of each sitting day, allowing MPs to raise issues. An MP applies for a debate, and the Speaker selects one topic. A Minister responds, but no votes are taken. These debates enable MPs to highlight concerns and press for action. Longer adjournment debates also occur in Westminster Hall during the week. Click here to find out what is scheduled for the coming week.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s update. I’ll continue to keep you informed on the work I’m doing in Westminster and across Stirling and Strathallan.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or issues you’d like to raise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who might find it useful.

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Until next time,

Chris Kane

Member of Parliament for Stirling & Strathallan

Government and society are “navigating a storm”.

The speed of change within our media landscape is accelerating – much of that due to rapidly expanding technology and numerous alternative means of accessing information.

It would be naive at best to think this is a pace of change we can slow down.

The most we can expect to do is ensure we steer our way through as best we can.

In doing so, however, we must preserve what’s most important to us and leave no soul behind.

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HAVING YOUR SAY

The UK Government has now published a Green Paper called ‘Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media’.

Green Papers set out considerations and ideas – and I would urge everyone to take a look and contribute their thoughts. Your feedback can help to shape the strategy going forward.

This particular Green Paper acknowledges the ‘fundamental challenges’ being experienced in the media. This includes in television, which for decades has commanded a place in virtually every living room across the land – with terrestrial TV channels at its very heart.

Times, however, are changing. The prevalence of global streaming services, video sharing platforms and social media companies has seen people increasingly getting their news from other than traditional sources – or even not at all. More people watch TV through broadband than an aerial.

Ensuring you aren’t disinformed is now as important as being well informed

As the Green Paper acknowledges, domestic broadcasters, including our own public service media, are “fighting to be seen and heard in an increasingly competitive and fragmented market”, with people – if they are accessing news – increasingly sourcing this online...and not always from trustworthy providers.

In the ongoing battle against disinformation, it is ever more vital that we strengthen the foundations of our traditional media institutions.

The UK Government’s approach is not to try to halt inevitable change but to “put technology in our service, not us in its”, with the Green Paper setting out a plan to ensure that high quality, trusted media – especially TV – continues to be at the heart of our democracy for generations to come.

That must include ensuring no individual is cut off and left behind in the process.

The Green Paper proposes a managed, staged transition away from digital terrestrial television (DTT) - Freeview and aerial-based broadcasting—towards internet‑delivered TV (IPTV) “with connectivity improvements and audience support at the centre”.

Freeview signals are safe until at least the end of 2034 – there is a commitment to keeping DTT until at least that date – but with the suggestion of a possibility that this may have to be extended to 2044 if it was to transpire it could not be achieved without casualties.

A full move to internet‑based TV by the end of 2034 is the Government’s preferred option - but it depends on the UK’s broadband being good enough everywhere.

Think catalyst for improvements and don’t accept casualties

What none of us should do, however, is make the mistake of getting hung up on dates ahead of concrete action and looking at what is a realistic timetable for an achievable transition and satisfactory outcome for all.

Simply giving Freeview a stay of execution is not the answer. While sooner rather than later is preferable and everyone must work towards that, the focus and the main goal needs to be that satisfactory outcome and how it can be achieved.

Rural, low‑income and vulnerable households absolutely should not become casualties.

The urgency of the situation needs to be used to best advantage as a catalyst to help them catch up with digital connectivity.

And that commitment must encourage and give the industry confidence to invest for the good of all.

Speeds must be good enough for live TV; costs need to be affordable – no one should be forced into an expensive broadband package; and older people, those with disabilities and low-income households will need help with new equipment, broadband upgrades and clear guidance on how to use internet-based TV.

These are all aspects which are acknowledged by the UK Government – and there is an expectation that the industry itself will need to step up.

Delaying feels safe – but it merely kicks the can down the road.

Yet the replacement must be genuinely universal, reliable and resilient.

The target should be to achieve both as soon as possible.

Connecting in a crisis speaks to the heart of rural resilience, including when accessing trusted news

In a time when advancements in technology have the capability of strengthening rural resilience in a host of ways, the failure to ensure they are implemented and that pace keeps up only risks making our more remote areas feel even further removed than ever before.

Switching off a national broadcast system before the alternative is as robust as the thing you’re dismantling speaks to the very heart of that.

Beyond that, when everything runs through broadband, what happens when that fails? In a heatwave, a storm, or a national emergency, how do you tell people what’s happening if the very system you rely on is the one that’s gone down?

In times of crisis, broadcasting is also hugely important.

Netflix going down may mean you have to live without your favourite drama – but even the most otherwise disinterested among us cannot live without news during a significant major event.

Prominence - the last bastion protecting fact from fiction?

A subtle but hugely important aspect of broadcasting which also needs to be protected is prominence. For example, if you are a Sky customer, you will notice the BBC – the nation’s public service broadcaster – must legally be given precedence on list of viewing channels regardless. Were we to switch off digital TV and move entirely online, should we fail to protect that prominence, we run the risk of drifting towards the American model where it could be argued that broadcasting is a commodity sold to the highest bidder. Prominence may become our last remaining lever of public control over the medium in the interests of truth and trust.

Since the 1920s the attitude has been that the airwaves have belonged to the public, albeit broadcasters could tap into that. The BBC’s mission was, and is, primarily to inform, educate and entertain – in that order.

Most streaming platforms reverse that order – entertainment first, education occasionally and informing more rarely.

There is no getting away from the fact that producing news is expensive, and inevitably if we left it entirely to commercial streamers, we’d lose something fundamental.

I tend to think of it as being like ‘libraries and bookshops’. Both are valuable. Both enrich communities. But they serve different purposes. Libraries exist to provide universal access to information and education. Bookshops exist to sell entertainment and some education, but they don’t sell newspapers. If every town had only bookshops, we’d lose something vital. The same is true of broadcasting. We would and should be up in arms at the idea of shutting down a medium we take for granted without ensuring the replacement protects the public interest.

We could even make another analogy....and please bear with me. Public toilets were once everywhere – until they weren’t. Yet only later did we realise the social cost. Now, as any local councillor across the land will tell you, lack of public toilets remains a constant in their inbox – and while efforts to provide alternatives are ever increasing, it’s unlikely the clock will ever be turned back enough to satisfy everyone. Should you make mistakes with this new transition, there will be no going back.

Broadband is arguably as essential to modern life now as power, water and the air that we breathe

If Britain is serious about switching off transmitters, then broadband must be treated as a utility — like electricity or water — something no household can be left without. Universal broadband shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be a national guarantee. The switch‑off could even be the catalyst that finally forces us to deliver it.

Skills and scrapheaps: Protecting one helps to avoid the other

And one final point: resilience isn’t just about access. It’s about repair. If the future of broadcasting depends entirely on broadband, then the ability to fix outages must be faster and more reliable than it is today.

Things have come a long way since the 1930s when my grandfather established our family’s electronics store in my constituency – something I acknowledged when I spoke on this subject in this House of Commons.

But it is more vital than ever that we ensure engineers and businesses are equipped and ready to meet the challenge.

In terms of the environment, as my own constituents have already raised with me, we also must find better ways of repairing, recycling and reusing the equipment we have if we are to avoid a growing pile of obsolete technology.

A Digital Future That Leaves No One Behind

The transmitter network will be switched off. The question is not whether, but when — and we must have the courage to insist that the replacement is genuinely universal before we pull the plug.

We can and must embrace the future – but we can and must do so while protecting the principles that have served us for the last century.

In this edition, you’ll find details of my upcoming coffee morning, the latest Stirling & Strathallan Superstars, updates on local postal services, and highlights from projects and people I’ve been meeting across the constituency. Read on to find out more and how you can get involved.

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

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☕️ Upcoming Coffee Morning Event ☕

I hold regular coffee morning events across the constituency. Have a local or national issue? Come along and let me know what matters to you.

Upcoming Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, 18th July 2026

📍 Location: Auchterarder

Click here to register now!

📮 Stirling Post Office Update 📮

Last month, it was announced that a new operator has now been appointed to take over local Post Office services ahead of the current branch in the Thistles closing on Saturday, 11 July.

The Post Office will reopen at a new location, Saras Stationery and Gifts, 15 Dumbarton Road (FK8 2LQ), with services expected to start on Tuesday, 18 August 2026. The premises will be fully refurbished to create a modern combined Post Office, stationery and gifts shop.

The new branch will include three serving positions, helping ensure people can continue to access key services locally. This is welcome news, especially given the concerns many had about losing postal services in the city centre. Thank you to all who contacted me about their concerns.

While the relocation has been confirmed, the Post Office is still encouraging people to have their say on the move. Click here to have your say.

🌟 Stirling & Strathallan Superstars 🌟

This month, I was delighted to present two Stirling & Strathallan Superstar Awards to outstanding local businesses making a real impact in their communities.

Over The Bridge was recognised for transforming the former social club into a vibrant, welcoming community pub at the heart of Bridge of Allan. Thoughtfully restored, it now provides a space for connection, events and everyday gatherings, championing local pride, accessibility and a renewed sense of community spirit.

Milk & Honey Ice Cream was celebrated for building a thriving artisanal brand, growing from a lockdown hobby into a celebrated Stirling success, known for small‑batch craftsmanship, creative flavours and a commitment to quality.

🌟 Nominate a Superstar 🌟

This is a community-driven award, with superstars nominated by you. Nominate a Stirling and Strathallan Superstar today by heading to my website: www.chriskane.net/superstars

⚽️ World’s Oldest Football ⚽️

This month, I visited The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum to see off one of our city’s most remarkable historic treasures, the world’s oldest football, as it begins a special journey to the United States ahead of the World Cup. Discovered during works at Stirling Castle in the 1970s, the ball had been hidden behind 16th-century panelling dating back to the time of Mary Queen of Scots. It was on display in Miami ahead of Scotland’s match against Brazil,

Whilst the Scotland team are now heading back after not getting out of our group, it was fantastic to see a proud piece of Stirling’s history head across the Atlantic.

📬Helping Constituents – Casework

In March, my office responded to nearly 2,500 emails and letters, closing 130 individual constituent cases. The top topics included: social security & pensions, and energy, utilities & environment. My priority remains to respond to individual cases first, but please continue to let me know what matters to you by getting in touch.

If you have an issue you would like to raise with me, click here and fill out the form.

That’s all for this month’s constituency roundup. I issue two newsletters: a weekly roundup of what is happening in Westminster when Parliament is sitting, and a monthly roundup of what is happening within the constituency. As well as a weekly blog about issues that matter to me.

In the meantime, you can keep up to date with my activity on social media, and if you need help or advice, contact me here.

Please share this newsletter with anybody in Stirling and Strathallan you think would benefit from keeping up to date with my work representing constituents both at home and in London.

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Until next time,

Chris Kane,

MP for Stirling and Strathallan

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

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Last week in Government:

On Monday, the Government set out plans for a “new deal for young people”, aimed at expanding opportunities beyond a traditional university route and boosting youth apprenticeships. Ministers announced action to tackle poor‑quality degree courses while shifting more funding towards high‑quality technical and vocational pathways. The proposals include incentives for employers to take on young apprentices and a wider effort to reverse the decline in apprenticeship starts. The Government says the reforms will give young people clearer choices, improve career outcomes, and ensure education and training better reflect the needs of the modern economy.

On Tuesday, the Government announced new measures to tackle illegal deforestation linked to products sold in the UK, including everyday items such as coffee, cocoa, palm oil and rubber. Under the proposals, businesses will be required to carry out due diligence on their supply chains to ensure imports are not contributing to illegal forest clearance. The plans aim to protect vital ecosystems, reduce carbon emissions and improve transparency for consumers. Ministers say the changes will strengthen environmental standards while supporting global efforts to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

On Wednesday, the Government announced that more than £100 billion of private investment has been secured in clean energy since it came to office, highlighting strong growth in the UK’s low‑carbon economy. The funding supports projects across offshore wind, nuclear, hydrogen and electricity networks, aimed at boosting energy security and creating jobs. This includes around £13 billion of investment linked to projects in Scotland, particularly in offshore wind and battery storage. Ministers say the investment will help accelerate the transition to cleaner energy while strengthening the UK’s long‑term economic resilience.

On Thursday, the Government announced that the Food Standards Agency has moved its website onto the GOV.UK platform, creating a more streamlined and accessible service for users. The transition brings food safety guidance and information into a single, consistent system alongside other government services, improving accessibility while enhancing efficiency and security. While not headline news, the change reflects a wider effort from this Government to modernise public services, reduce costs, and ensure better value for taxpayers by simplifying how people access essential information online.

On Friday, the Government announced the creation of a new expert taskforce to strengthen the UK’s response to the security risks posed by climate change and nature loss. Bringing together leading figures from the military, academia and the security sector, the taskforce will assess emerging threats, identify gaps in preparedness, and provide recommendations to improve national resilience. Ministers highlighted the growing impact of climate-related risks on global stability, supply chains and domestic security, with the initiative aimed at ensuring the UK is better equipped to anticipate and respond to future challenges.

Last week in Parliament:

On Monday, I joined my Labour colleagues in Westminster Hall to welcome Andy Burnham as he took his place as the new MP for Makerfield. You may have seen the widely shared selfie of Labour MPs marking the occasion – here was my behind‑the‑scenes view of the photo.

On Tuesday, I met with Lucy Davidson from the University of Stirling during her visit to Parliament as part of the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme. It was great to catch up and hear about her experience of the programme, which brings teachers into Westminster to deepen their understanding of how Parliament works. Initiatives like this play an important role in strengthening democratic engagement, with participants going on to share their knowledge with students and colleagues back in their local communities.

I also met with pupils from Balfron High School during their visit to Parliament, catching up with them in Westminster Hall. I spoke about my role as an MP and answered their questions, and it was great to see such strong interest in how Parliament works from young people in our area.

On Wednesday, I attended a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Canada, where we heard from the Canadian High Commissioner, Bill Blair, on Arctic security. The discussion focused on the evolving strategic importance of the Arctic, including the impact of increasing geopolitical competition and the opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the UK and Canada. It was a valuable session, bringing together Members to explore how both countries can work more closely together on shared security and defence priorities in the region.

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This Week Coming in Westminster:

Each sitting day begins with MPs questioning a government department. Next week at the despatch box are Ministers from the Department for Work and Pensions (Mon 29), the Ministry of Justice (Tue 30), the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (Wed 1) and the Department for Business and Trade (Thu 2).

Questions to the Prime Minister (PMQs) are on Wednesday at noon.

Constituents are welcome to visit Parliament whenever in London. I am able to apply for a very limited number of tickets each month to watch PMQs from the Public Gallery above the Commons. Visit this page on my website to find out more.

Debates

On Monday and Tuesday, MPs will take part in an Estimates Day debate, focusing on government spending across a number of departments. Subject to the agreement of the House, discussions will centre on the Cabinet Office in relation to security and resilience, the Northern Ireland Office, and the Home Office and Ministry of Justice with a particular focus on criminal justice. These debates allow Members to scrutinise how public money is being allocated, question Ministers on priorities and performance, and examine whether resources are being used effectively to deliver key public services and ensure national security.

On Wednesday, MPs will consider the Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill, with all stages of the legislation taken in a single day. This Bill is expected to set out changes to how energy and vehicle use are taxed, with a focus on supporting the transition to cleaner technologies while managing costs for households and businesses. Members will debate the proposals vin detail, table and vote on amendments, and ultimately decide whether the Bill should proceed. Discussion is likely to centre on balancing environmental objectives with fairness and affordability for motorists and consumers.

On Thursday, MPs will take part in two Backbench Business debates on topics selected by the Backbench Business Committee. The first will focus on commonhold and leasehold reform, including the regulation of property managing agents, with Members expected to discuss proposals to strengthen protections for homeowners and improve standards in property management. This will be followed by a debate on access to further education, where MPs are likely to highlight opportunities and challenges facing learners across the UK, and consider how access can be improved.

Ten Minute Rule Bills, Adjournment Debates & Westminster Hall

Backbench MPs can introduce a Bill under the Ten Minute Rule, delivering a short speech to the House. Bills are rarely opposed and are added to the list of Private Members’ Bills, but are unlikely to progress further due to time constraints. Adjournment debates take place at the end of each sitting day, allowing MPs to raise issues. An MP applies for a debate, and the Speaker selects one topic. A Minister responds, but no votes are taken. These debates enable MPs to highlight concerns and press for action. Longer adjournment debates also occur in Westminster Hall during the week. Click here to find out what is scheduled for the coming week.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s update. I’ll continue to keep you informed on the work I’m doing in Westminster and across Stirling and Strathallan.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or issues you’d like to raise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who might find it useful.

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Until next time,

Chris Kane

Member of Parliament for Stirling & Strathallan

Madame Arlette Gondrée was just four years old when British airborne troops arrived in the early hours of 6 June 1944. Her family’s café, Café Gondrée, became one of the most famous locations of D Day, sitting beside the bridge captured by British forces shortly after midnight.

Earlier this month, more than eighty years later, I sat in a room in her house that looks much as it did during the Second World War, listening to her stories of growing up in a place forever linked to one of history’s defining moments.

I had travelled to Normandy for the D Day commemorations, attending services at both the Normandy Memorial and Bayeux War Cemetery alongside parliamentarians, veterans, military personnel and representatives of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Royal British Legion.

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The Long and Winding Road

Normandy is a deeply memorialised landscape. Wherever you go, there are reminders of what happened there. Museums, memorials, cemeteries and preserved sites ensure that the events of June 1944 remain part of everyday life.

As I listened to Madame Gondrée, I found myself thinking about home. I grew up in Bannockburn, another place whose identity is closely linked to a famous battle. Although separated by more than six centuries, both communities understand how a single moment in history can shape how a place sees itself and how it is seen by others.

History can sometimes feel distant. Sitting in that living room beside Pegasus Bridge, it felt remarkably close.

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We’ll Meet Again

Meeting veterans at the Normandy Memorial who had fought in the Second World War was a humbling experience. One of them was centenarian Henry Rice, who, more than eight decades after the D-Day landings, continues to share his experiences with younger generations.

It was also a personal moment for me. My grandfather, Eric Ewing, landed in Normandy as a soldier with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Standing on the same coastline, it was impossible not to think about the journey made by his generation and the sacrifices they were asked to make.

One unexpected encounter was meeting the son of Bill Millin, the legendary piper who famously played the bagpipes as Lord Lovat’s commandos came ashore on Sword Beach, before marching inland to Pegasus Bridge to relieve the troops who had captured and held the bridge since midnight. I am certain that the sound of Bill Millin’s pipes reached Café Gondrée on that remarkable day.

The original pipes Bill carried on D Day are now preserved in Normandy. Bill’s son had brought his father’s civilian bagpipes to the commemorations, and, during the visit, a serving soldier asked whether he could play them.

Standing in Normandy, I could not help but wonder whether I was hearing something remarkably similar to the sound that a four year old Arlette Gondrée heard on the day her world changed forever.

History suddenly felt not only alive, but connected.

Heroes

In this, Armed Forces Week, I have been reflecting on those experiences and on the extraordinary contribution made by our Armed Forces, both past and present.

Over the past two years I have been fortunate to take part in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, spending time first with the Royal Navy and then with the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command.

When most parliamentarians join the scheme, they expect to learn about ships, aircraft, weapons systems and military capability. Of course, you do learn about all of those things. But the real lesson is something much simpler. The greatest strength of our Armed Forces is not the equipment. It is the people.

The privilege of the scheme is not simply seeing military capability up close. It is gaining an insight into a unique community, its traditions, values and way of life.

One of the experiences that has stayed with me most was visiting HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane and meeting submariners involved in the Continuous At Sea Deterrent. Listening to them describe spending months underwater without surfacing, separated from family and friends while carrying out one of the nation’s most important responsibilities, gave me a renewed appreciation of the sacrifices that service personnel make on our behalf.

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You’ll Never Walk Alone

Those experiences have also reminded me that Armed Forces Day is not only about those who wear uniform.

It is about military families too.

My wife’s father served in the Royal Air Force and she spent much of her childhood moving between bases around the United Kingdom and abroad. Behind every serving member of the Armed Forces is often a family making sacrifices of their own, adapting to postings, deployments and periods of separation.

Supporting our Armed Forces is not simply about remembrance. It is also about ensuring that today’s service personnel, veterans and military families receive the support they deserve.

Stand By Me

One of the most important principles underpinning that support is the Armed Forces Covenant. At its heart is a simple idea: those who serve, or have served, and their families should be treated fairly and should not face disadvantage because of their service.

That sounds straightforward, but in practice it requires constant attention.

Military life often requires families to move at short notice, sometimes across different parts of the United Kingdom. A posting from England to Scotland, or vice versa, means navigating entirely different systems for healthcare, education or public services.

If we are asking families to move wherever the country needs them, then schools should be ready to support children arriving mid term, medical records should move seamlessly between health systems and public services should work together rather than expecting families to start from scratch every time they relocate.

The Armed Forces serve the whole United Kingdom. Supporting them requires joined up thinking across the whole United Kingdom too.

We have made progress, but there is still more to do.

Supporting veterans can begin with something surprisingly simple: recognising who they are.

Many veterans never think to mention their service when speaking to their GP, local council or even their Member of Parliament. Yet that single piece of information can sometimes make a real difference. There are organisations, support networks and services designed specifically with veterans in mind, but they can only help if they know someone has served.

The Times They Are A-Changin'

This year’s Armed Forces Day comes at a significant moment.

Senior military leaders have warned that the world is becoming more dangerous and less predictable. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, cyber threats and growing international tensions have forced us to think again about defence and national security.

For many years, defence felt distant from everyday life. Increasingly, it no longer does.

That does not mean we should become fearful. But it does mean we should think seriously about what service, resilience and national security mean in modern Britain.

Armed Forces Day reminds us of something important. The security we enjoy is not an accident. It depends on people who choose to serve, often at considerable personal sacrifice.

Armed Forces Day is also about recognising service.

It is about the veteran sharing memories of events that changed the world. It is about the submariner preparing for months away from home. It is about the child growing up in a military family and adapting to yet another move. It is about the communities that support them all.

It is also about memory. The stories preserved by families. The names carved on memorials. The traditions passed from one generation to the next. The lessons that history teaches us if we are prepared to listen.

The Sound of Silence

As communities across the country mark Armed Forces Day, I hope we take a moment to reflect on that service, remember those who came before, support those who serve today and thank all those who stand ready to protect us tomorrow.

In my own constituency of Stirling and Strathallan, with our long military history and enduring connection to the Armed Forces, that feels particularly important.

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Stirling and Strathallan - our military connections

One of the things that stayed with me after returning from Normandy was its extraordinary sense of place.

History is not confined to museums. It is written into the landscape itself. It is there in the bridges, the villages, the cemeteries and the memorials. The people who live there are not simply surrounded by history, they are its custodians, preserving those stories and passing them on to future generations.

As the Member of Parliament for Stirling and Strathallan, I often think that part of my responsibility is to do something similar.

An MP’s job is, of course, about dealing with the challenges of today. But it is also about understanding the place we represent. Every constituency has its own character, shaped by its people, its geography and its history.

Just as Normandy’s landscape tells the story of D Day, our own landscape quietly tells the story of generations of military service

Castle on the Hill

Stirling is the recruiting home of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, whose history is inseparable from that of the city itself. Their ceremonial home at Stirling Castle remains one of the most visible reminders of our military heritage.

Less well known is Stirling’s connection to the early history of aviation. During the First World War, an airfield operated below Stirling Castle and was home to the formation of both 43 Squadron and 63 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. The town was also home to aviation pioneers Frank and Harold Barnwell, whose work helped shape the future of flight. The first successful heavier than air flight in Scotland took place using an aircraft they designed and built in Stirling.

In Auchterarder, you can learn about Flight Lieutenant Alastair “Sandy” Gunn. A Spitfire photo reconnaissance pilot during the Second World War, he flew some of the most dangerous missions of the conflict, gathering intelligence over occupied Europe and the Norwegian coast. After being shot down and captured, he became one of the participants in the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III and was among the fifty officers murdered by the Gestapo after recapture. Today, a memorial garden in the town helps ensure that his story, and the values it represents, are not forgotten.

Stirling can also claim a connection to one of the most famous names in British military history. Sir David Stirling, founder of the SAS, was raised at Keir House near Dunblane. Today, visitors can see him memorialised at the SAS memorial on the road to Doune, his memorial overlooking the landscape where he grew up.

Highland Cathedral

The story of Scottish regiments cannot be told without the sound of the bagpipes. In Stirling, George MacDonald returned from service in the First World War and found work as a miner in the Polmaise Colliery at Millhall. He started a works bagpipe band and within five years, they would be the most successful in the world, winning three World Championships. The pipes have long been a symbol of courage and identity on the battlefield, carrying Scottish music and tradition wherever Scottish soldiers served.

I wrote about the Millhall Pipe Band a few years ago: read about it here.

One Day Like This

More recently, Stirling hosted the national National Armed Forces Day event to Stirling in 2014. Thousands of people gathered in the City Park Events Field as the country turned its attention to our city.

I can still remember looking up and seeing the Red Arrows flying above Stirling Castle. It was one of those moments where the setting, the occasion and the spectacle combined to create a memory that stays with you.

The Typhoon display was equally unforgettable. The sight of the aircraft twisting and turning above the city was impressive enough. The sound was something else entirely. You did not simply hear it. You felt it.

That same weekend also marked the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. I attended the Drumhead Service at midnight before joining the celebrations at Bannockburn Live the following day. Stirling’s military past and present seemed to come together over a single extraordinary weekend.

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One of the things I enjoy most about representing Stirling and Strathallan is learning more about the place and the people who have shaped it.

Every community has stories worth telling. I’m sure there are many more local military stories to tell. Share them with me for another Armed Forces Day article next year.

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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

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Prime Minister’s Resignation

As I am sure you are aware, Keir Starmer announced this morning that he will resign as Prime Minister, setting out a timetable for a leadership contest to choose his successor.

During his time in office, he delivered the most significant expansion of workers’ rights in a generation, led the fastest-growing economy in the G7, and guided the United Kingdom in a period of global uncertainty. I know that the Prime Minister will continue to work on behalf of all of us in his last weeks in office, and he leaves with my thanks for his service to this country.

Last week in Government:

On Monday, the Government announced that almost 180 new Youth Hubs will be established across Great Britain to support young people into work, education and training. Backed by a £2.5 billion investment, the expansion aims to ensure that every young person can access tailored employment support within their local community. The hubs bring together careers advice, skills training, and mental health and housing support in accessible settings such as sports clubs and libraries. This rollout includes new provisions in both Stirling and Perth and Kinross, helping to strengthen opportunities for young people across our area.

On Tuesday, the Government announced plans to expand access to plug-in solar panels, with major retailers including B&Q, Currys, Amazon and Lidl supporting efforts to bring the technology to more UK homes. The initiative aims to help households reduce energy bills by generating their own electricity through low-cost, easy-to-install panels, which can be used in outdoor spaces such as balconies. Alongside this, a consultation has been launched to ensure the safe rollout of the technology. Ministers say the plans will help make renewable energy more accessible while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting progress towards net zero.

On Wednesday, the Government confirmed that major leisure and hospitality businesses will pass on savings to families as part of its “Great British Summer Savings” scheme. Companies including Merlin Entertainments, Nando’s and Cineworld have agreed to reflect a temporary VAT reduction in their pricing, helping to lower the cost of children’s meals, entertainment and family attractions. Ministers say the scheme will make days out more affordable over the summer while increasing footfall for businesses, supporting both households and the wider visitor economy.

On Thursday, the UK Government joined international partners in welcoming a breakthrough agreement between the United States and Iran, aimed at easing tensions and promoting greater regional stability. In a joint statement with allies, leaders highlighted the importance of swiftly implementing the agreement and making progress towards a long-term diplomatic settlement. The statement also emphasised the need to safeguard global economic stability, including the reopening of key shipping routes. It reaffirmed the shared commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation while supporting peace and security across the region.

On Friday, the Government set out new plans to use public procurement to strengthen national security and economic resilience, with updated guidance encouraging departments to prioritise UK-based suppliers in key sectors. Ministers highlighted the importance of building more secure and resilient supply chains in response to recent global shocks, alongside confirming that £5 billion in government contracts have already been awarded to British firms since March. The measures form part of the Government’s wider Industrial Strategy, aiming to support jobs, drive innovation, and ensure the UK is better prepared to meet future economic and security challenges.

Last week in Parliament:

Last week, I met with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall MP, to discuss the proposed social media ban. This is an ambitious and important step to protect young people better online, addressing growing concerns around safety, well-being, and exposure to harmful content. I strongly welcome the Government’s leadership on this issue, which reflects the need to ensure that children can grow up in a safer digital environment. Getting this right will be crucial in supporting families and giving young people the protections they deserve in an increasingly online world.

On Wednesday, I attended a parliamentary event hosted by the cancer charity Maggie’s, marking 30 years of providing free, expert support to people with cancer and their families. Held in the House of Commons, the event brought together individuals with lived experience, specialist staff, and the charity’s Chief Executive to share insight into the impact of their work. It also outlined plans to expand access to services, strengthen links with the NHS, and ensure more people across the UK can benefit from the emotional, practical and psychological support Maggie’s provides. With a Maggie’s centre located next to Forth Valley Royal Hospital, I know how valued this support is for many people across Stirling and the wider area.

On Thursday, I attended a parliamentary briefing with senior Defence officials focused on the people policies that support our Armed Forces. The session brought together representatives from across Defence, including the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, pay and allowances, families and welfare, and recruitment and retention teams. It provided an opportunity to discuss key issues such as the service complaints system, support for personnel and their families, and the challenges around recruiting and retaining skilled staff. These are vital issues in ensuring those who serve, and their families, are properly supported.

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This Week Coming in Westminster:

Each sitting day begins with MPs questioning a government department. Next week at the despatch box are Ministers from the Department for Education (Mon 22), the Treasury (Tue 23, the Women and Equalities Office (Wed 24) and the Cabinet Office (Thu 25).

Questions to the Prime Minister (PMQs) are on Wednesday at noon.

Constituents are welcome to visit Parliament whenever in London. I am able to apply for a very limited number of tickets each month to watch PMQs from the Public Gallery above the Commons. Visit this page on my website to find out more.

Debates

On Monday, MPs will consider the remaining stages of the Armed Forces Bill. This legislation provides the legal framework underpinning the UK’s Armed Forces and is regularly updated to reflect evolving needs. During these final stages, Members will debate and vote on amendments before deciding whether to approve the Bill in its current form. Discussion is expected to focus on support for service personnel and their families, including accommodation, welfare provision, and protections within the Armed Forces Covenant, alongside ensuring the military remains well-equipped to meet current and future security challenges.

On Tuesday, MPs will take part in an Opposition Day debate, allowing the Official Opposition to set the agenda and bring forward a motion on a topic of their choosing. These debates provide an important opportunity to scrutinise the Government’s record, highlight alternative approaches, and focus attention on issues of public concern. While the specific subject will be confirmed nearer the time, Members from across the House are expected to contribute, setting out differing perspectives and pressing Ministers to respond on the issues raised.

On Wednesday, MPs will debate a series of motions relating to taxation and the UK’s long-term climate commitments. The first debate will focus on approving Ways and Means resolutions connected to the taxation of energy and vehicles, with Members expected to consider how fiscal measures can support the transition to cleaner energy while balancing costs for households and businesses. This will be followed by a debate on a number of climate-related statutory instruments, including the Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026 and associated regulations covering international aviation and shipping and credit limits under the Climate Change Act. Discussions are likely to centre on the UK’s progress towards its emissions targets, the role of different sectors in reducing carbon output, and ensuring a credible and achievable path to net zero.

On Thursday, MPs will take part in Backbench Business debates on Windrush Day 2026 and the diagnosis and treatment of PANS and PANDAS. The first debate will provide an opportunity to recognise the contributions of the Windrush generation and reflect on the progress made in addressing the injustices they faced, with Members expected to highlight ongoing work to ensure fairness and accountability. The second debate will focus on awareness, diagnosis and access to treatment for PANS and PANDAS, rare paediatric conditions linked to sudden onset neuropsychiatric symptoms, sometimes following infection, with MPs raising concerns from affected families and calling for improved understanding and support within the healthcare system.

Ten Minute Rule Bills, Adjournment Debates & Westminster Hall

Backbench MPs can introduce a Bill under the Ten Minute Rule, delivering a short speech to the House. Bills are rarely opposed and are added to the list of Private Members’ Bills, but are unlikely to progress further due to time constraints. Adjournment debates take place at the end of each sitting day, allowing MPs to raise issues. An MP applies for a debate, and the Speaker selects one topic. A Minister responds, but no votes are taken. These debates enable MPs to highlight concerns and press for action. Longer adjournment debates also occur in Westminster Hall during the week. Click here to find out what is scheduled for the coming week.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s update. I’ll continue to keep you informed on the work I’m doing in Westminster and across Stirling and Strathallan.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or issues you’d like to raise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who might find it useful.

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Until next time,

Chris Kane

Member of Parliament for Stirling & Strathallan

Rural communities by their very nature have been exemplars of resilience for centuries.

Even today, self-sufficiency and the ability to function and survive - both in the short and the longer term - is an ever-present consideration for every village and household within our more remote areas.

But distance - or challenge - shouldn’t mean ‘going it alone’.

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Understanding Rural Resilience Today

Stirling and Strathallan is a geographically vast constituency – and predominantly rural in nature.

While that brings many obvious benefits to all of us lucky enough to live within its boundaries, for those residing within our outlying - or even less urban - communities it can also pose ongoing and often specific challenges.

Remote or rural, however, is not necessarily defined by geography and distance, but by connectivity and availability and parity of services.

Rural resilience depends on demographic balance, strong local identity, and the ability to adapt to economic and social pressures. The relationship between urban and rural areas is increasingly interdependent: rural communities rely on urban centres for employment and services, while urban areas depend on rural regions for food, energy, recreation, and environmental stewardship.

Key pressures include the need for generational diversity, ensuring young families, working‑age adults, and older residents can all remain in rural areas, and how to attract and retain new residents.

Housing expansion must also be matched with school capacity, transport, employment opportunities and public services.

Balancing Growth with Community Character

There is also the challenge of how to retain the character and essence that makes these communities so attractive to live in and to visit, whilst ensuring they have the sort of infrastructure to make them viable into the future.

While the specifics may change, however, the requirement for navigating that fine balance and the broader factors is not new.

The ability of communities to remain vibrant, sustainable, and socially cohesive hinges on many ongoing strands – many of them well outwith their own control.

The Rising Cost of Energy in Rural Areas

Most recently we have seen the conflict in the Middle East impact heavily on heating oil prices affecting rural and off-gas-grid households across Scotland including, not surprisingly, this constituency.

While only around five per cent of Scottish households use heating oil as their main heating source, the impact is most deeply felt in rural communities, where homes are not connected to the gas network and have no protection from Ofgem’s price cap.

It is an issue I and my office continue to raise at every level.

I have been advocating for stronger regulation of the heating oil market and many of my constituents in Stirling and Strathallan were faced with huge spikes in costs as heating oil costs more than doubled following the US attacks on Iran. I submitted a direct Parliamentary Question on their behalf asking what discussions had taken place with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on potential reforms to improve consumer protection in the sector.

In response, ministers confirmed that they are working closely with the CMA, which has launched an urgent investigation into the heating oil market following widespread reports of price spikes, cancelled orders and poor consumer experiences.

Ministers are meeting regularly with the CMA and will work jointly to assess the findings of the ongoing market study, which is due to report later this month. Crucially, they confirmed that the outcome will be used to develop options to strengthen consumer protections if required.

The response also made clear that the CMA “will not hesitate to take action” if companies are found to have breached consumer protection law.

It is particularly important that there are real consequences if companies have not treated customers fairly, and that any gaps in regulation are addressed quickly. For many households, especially in rural areas, heating oil is essential — so the market must be fair, transparent and properly regulated.

Partnership working between the UK Government and the Scottish Government is also crucial to fully address wider issues around fuel poverty in rural areas.

It cannot be right that where for the majority of households across the UK there is an energy price cap and policy designed to protect people from shocks, that households dependent on oil are not afforded similar protections. We know that in rural areas there are more vulnerable and elderly people and that the housing stock is older and harder to insulate. It is therefore no surprise that fuel poverty is higher in rural areas. However, to address the issue we need a partnership approach, with specific targeted action.

The CMA is expected to publish its findings later this month, with the potential for further action or reform depending on the outcome. I will continue pressing for improvements and will update constituents once the review is published.

Innovation, Energy and Digital Connectivity

In general, there also needs to be much more innovation around energy, and I believe that local communities have a vital role to play, both in boosting their own resilience, but also potentially generating funds for wider community activity.

More details can be found at:

Community energy investment to build community wealth and power - GOV.UK

Great British Energy funding boost for Scottish communities - GOV.UK

Many of our own rural communities have already developed the capability to capitalise on renewable energy for themselves and for their urban neighbours. Stirling and Strathallan is home to a growing legion of community activists who have been garnering expertise in the field in recent years and sharing that knowledge more widely.

Energy is by no means the only element pivotal to the resilience of our rural areas, however.

In today’s modern world, the speed of which technology is developing means being left behind is not an option.

However, some of our rural households are already lagging on the communications and digital resilience front through no fault of their own.

It is vital that every single person enjoys the ability to connect with the wider world. This is not only crucial in an emergency or crisis but also for the everyday if the lifeblood of our rural communities is to be sustained.

In October last year, Storm Amy showed just how vulnerable residents in our rural areas can be – even in one of its largest communities.

Power cuts left some, including Callander, without electricity or mobile signal for long periods of time.

Because BT had moved customers from traditional copper landlines to its new internet-based Digital Voice system many households were unable to make or receive calls, even in an emergency.

I immediately called on BT to strengthen the rollout of the Digital Voice system. The system has real potential to improve call quality and reliability in normal condition. However, there has to be a robust back up plan for when the power goes out...and not merely one which expects all constituents, other than those designated as vulnerable, to pay around £150 for a battery backup system for just one hour of service during a power cut. In such areas lack of power goes far beyond mere inconvenience – it could be a matter of life or death in an emergency. My team and I are also continuing to press on this issue as in this modern age it is simply not good enough to leave communications to chance for anyone, no matter where they live.

I want all those companies tasked with ensuring such connectivity to consider everyone living in our rural communities as a priority and not as an afterthought.

Transport, Housing and the Future of Rural Communities

Reliable and affordable transport is also a critical enabler of rural life, without which communities cannot function and risk becoming isolated, shrinking their access to essential services and to economic opportunities.

Poor links between our rural and urban centres can have a huge impact on businesses in both – not only shrinking potential custom and footfall but also impacting the ability to employ a reliable and broad workforce.

Making it easier for potential workers to commute across the length and breadth of the constituency is vital if we are to create the sort of conditions necessary to create sustainable jobs.

In areas such as hospitality this supports tourism and the livelihood of villages and communities, while in the care sector a reliable workforce helps people to remain in their own homes or close to their friends and family, whether that is in Aberfoyle or Cowie.

Ensuring solid transport connections between health services, whether that is the village medical centre or Forth Valley Royal Hospital, for patients, visitors and staff, is also part and parcel of enabling residents across all communities to be well served. Consistency of care and proximity to familiarity has a major role in a person’s health.

Availability of health services is also key to any community, urban or rural, and can be particularly challenging and dependent on a host of outside factors. I am keen to encourage improved and forward-thinking ways of providing such services in more remote areas wherever possible and to hear more from both clinicians and patients in that regard.

Providing affordable homes for people in rural communities is also essential to their sustainability – reducing the need for people to feel forced to move away from the villages they have grown up in, something which also has additional implications for urban accommodation.

Through the planning system, organisations such as Rural Stirling Housing Association work with partners including Stirling Council and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority to identify and develop sites for properties, ensuring more people can stay, contribute and help their communities thrive. Housing developments must always be sensitive to the surroundings and environment while still meeting demand and it can be a tricky balance to ensure the character of a village is not negatively impacted or that pressure is not put on its facilities and services – but finding the right formula in consultation with locals pays dividends both for the immediate community and those further afield.

I will continue to champion all these issues and more at every opportunity.

Rural resilience is something which is of importance to us all, regardless of where we live, particularly in a constituency such as Stirling and Strathallan.

As your MP, it is firmly in my sights.

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

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Last week in Government:

On Monday, the Government announced the launch of an independent review into access to banking services across the UK, alongside a public call for evidence. Led by Richard Lloyd OBE, the review will examine the impact of declining in-person banking provision on communities, businesses and vulnerable customers. Individuals and organisations are invited to share their experiences before 20 July, with findings set to inform recommendations to the Government later this year. Ministers have made clear they are prepared to act, including through legislation, if evidence shows people are being left behind.

On Tuesday, the Government confirmed that Armed Forces personnel will receive a 3.6% pay rise, marking the third consecutive year of above-inflation increases. The award, backdated to April, recognises the dedication and professionalism of service personnel, with average salaries rising and starting pay boosted for junior ranks. The announcement forms part of wider efforts to improve recruitment and retention, alongside investment in housing, childcare support and specialist pay. Ministers say the increase reflects the vital role of the Armed Forces in keeping the UK secure at home and abroad.

On Wednesday, the Government outlined plans for new laws to crack down on criminal activity operating through high street businesses such as vape shops, barbers and nail salons. The measures will give police and local authorities stronger powers to shut down premises for longer while investigations are carried out, helping to prevent rogue operators from reopening. Backed by additional funding and a wider national enforcement effort, the proposals aim to tackle organised crime, protect legitimate businesses, and ensure safer, more secure local communities.

On Thursday, the UK Government joined international partners in announcing the creation of a new International Peace Fund for Israelis and Palestinians. The initiative, agreed alongside Australia and Canada, will provide support for peacebuilding efforts, including grassroots dialogue, cooperation between communities, and the strengthening of civil society organisations. The government confirmed the UK will contribute initial funding to help establish the programme, which aims to support a long-term, negotiated two-state solution. Ministers said the fund will complement existing diplomatic and humanitarian work while helping to build the foundations for a lasting peace.

Last week in Parliament:

On Tuesday, I attended a parliamentary breakfast with the Natural Source Waters Association, where I met representatives from across the sector, including major local employer Highland Spring. The session provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the role the industry plays in supporting rural economies, promoting sustainable water stewardship, and contributing to UK manufacturing and public health. It was particularly encouraging to hear how businesses connected to our area are helping to drive healthier choices and investment in communities, while contributing to growth and sustainability nationwide.

On Wednesday, during Scotland Questions, I asked what steps are being taken to ensure Stirling has the skills, infrastructure and support needed to maximise the opportunity presented by the planned Film Studio. This development has the potential to create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen Scotland’s screen sector. While funding has been secured, it is vital that both the UK and Scottish Governments work together to ensure our local community can fully benefit—from skills and training to transport and wider infrastructure—so that this opportunity delivers long-term growth for Stirling and the wider region. Click here to watch my full question.

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This Week Coming in Westminster:

Each sitting day begins with MPs questioning a government department. Next week at the despatch box are Ministers from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Mon 15), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Tue 16), the Wales Office (Wed 17) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Thu 18).

Questions to the Prime Minister (PMQs) are on Wednesday at noon.

Constituents are welcome to visit Parliament whenever in London. I am able to apply for a very limited number of tickets each month to watch PMQs from the Public Gallery above the Commons. Visit this page on my website to find out more.

Debates

On Monday, MPs will take part in a Backbench Business debate on NHS dentistry, providing an opportunity to highlight growing concerns around access to services and patient waiting times. Members are expected to discuss the challenges facing NHS dental provision, including workforce pressures, funding arrangements, and the availability of appointments in local communities. The debate will allow MPs to share experiences from their constituencies and press the Government on what further action is needed to improve access and ensure patients can receive timely, affordable care.

On Tuesday, MPs will consider the remaining stages of the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill. This legislation aims to strengthen the UK’s ability to protect critical infrastructure and essential digital services from cyber threats, building on existing security frameworks. During these final stages, Members will debate and vote on amendments before deciding whether to approve the Bill in its current form. The discussion is expected to focus on improving resilience across key sectors, ensuring robust safeguards are in place, and supporting organisations to respond effectively to an increasingly complex cyber landscape.

On Wednesday, MPs will consider the National Security (State Threats) Bill as it progresses through all of its Commons stages in a single day. The legislation is designed to strengthen the UK’s response to hostile state activity, including espionage and interference, by updating existing laws and introducing new powers for enforcement agencies. Debate is expected to focus on balancing stronger national security protections with civil liberties, as well as ensuring the UK remains resilient to emerging threats in an increasingly complex global environment.

On Thursday, MPs will take part in Backbench Business debates on the infected blood compensation scheme and the potential merits of a full ban on fracking. The first debate will focus on ensuring fair and timely compensation for those affected by the infected blood scandal, with Members expected to press for clarity on delivery and long-term support. The second debate will consider the environmental, economic and energy security arguments around fracking, allowing MPs to set out differing views on whether a complete ban should be put in place across the UK.

Ten Minute Rule Bills, Adjournment Debates & Westminster Hall

Backbench MPs can introduce a Bill under the Ten Minute Rule, delivering a short speech to the House. Bills are rarely opposed and are added to the list of Private Members’ Bills, but are unlikely to progress further due to time constraints. Adjournment debates take place at the end of each sitting day, allowing MPs to raise issues. An MP applies for a debate, and the Speaker selects one topic. A Minister responds, but no votes are taken. These debates enable MPs to highlight concerns and press for action. Longer adjournment debates also occur in Westminster Hall during the week. Click here to find out what is scheduled for the coming week.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s update. I’ll continue to keep you informed on the work I’m doing in Westminster and across Stirling and Strathallan.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or issues you’d like to raise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who might find it useful.

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Until next time,

Chris Kane

Member of Parliament for Stirling & Strathallan