THIS week, I had an opportunity that very few MPs are given so early in their Parliamentary terms: to host my own debate in Westminster Hall.

Speaking on the cultural and economic benefits of the Edinburgh International and Fringe Festivals, this was an excellent opportunity to take stock and reflect.

Just over 100 days ago, I was elected to serve Edinburgh East and Musselburgh. One month later, I found myself not only the local MP, but also an MP representing the cultural capital of the world, as the festivals returned to Edinburgh for August.

Every August, Edinburgh hosts around 4,000 shows that attract an audience of 3.5 million and over 300 venues across the city, ranging from the Usher Hall to basement comedy clubs. It is a phenomenon, truly unique and exceptional in scale – a remarkable achievement that, I would argue, stands alongside the efforts made to host the Olympics or the World Cup. And Scotland has the privilege to host every year!

The constituency’s cultural gems are not confined to the city centre, also encompassing the fantastic grassroots programmes held in Musselburgh. Yet Musselburgh’s own cultural hub, The Brunton, is left closed.

Years of Scottish Government cuts to council budgets have left their mark, with cultural venues being forced to close as a result. Whether it is The Brunton in Musselburgh or the People’s History Museum in Edinburgh, action is needed.

I was pleased to hear the Government respond in this debate and agree with me that a renewed relationship between the Scottish and UK Governments, and both of those and local governments, is the only way to address this crisis. Local authorities, and the services they provide across all sectors, must be respected.

Also to mark 100 days since the election, I was pleased to launch my newsletter. This will provide regular updates on my work both across the constituency and in Parliament. Please email me at chris.murray.mp@parliament.uk with ‘Newsletter’ as the subject if you would like to subscribe.