LAST Monday was a day of arrival in the House of Commons, along with a much bigger group of 37 Scottish Labour MPs.

One of our first meetings was at 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, where we were joined by Labour Scottish leader Anas Sarwar.

I was encouraged that the Prime Minister emphasised the Government’s commitment to Scotland. As Anas Sarwar said after our meeting: “Scottish Labour’s 37 fantastic MPs will put Scotland’s voice at the heart of our Labour Government.”

I have to admit, however, that a real highlight of the visit for me was getting to meet Larry the Downing Street cat for the first time, although in a very cat-like fashion, I am not sure he was equally impressed!

It was then over to Parliament for the election of the Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. It was a Parliamentary occasion that all MPs were required to attend, with 412 Labour MPs sitting crammed on the Government benches, with many, including myself, left standing. This was an important ceremonial and formal election to allow Commons business to begin. It was also enjoyable to be back in the Commons Chamber with my Labour colleagues.

Next for me was my ‘swearing in’. It was a great personal pleasure and a real privilege to take the oath as the new Member of Parliament for Lothian East.

Now that the week’s ceremonial obligations are complete, I am getting down to work to deliver on the mandate for change I received from the voters of Lothian East.

Along with newly appointed Scottish Government ministers Michael Shanks and Kirsty McNeill, I immediately began that work in my role as Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade.

This includes focusing on the issues that matter most to our community, not least our local economy and investment.

I’m already working with my team to take forward the changes that our community expects to see in the months and years ahead.