THE House of Commons’ brief summer recess is now over but last week, as part of my support for Scotland Loves Local Week, I was pleased to join Martin Whitfield MSP on a visit to The Premium Bakery in Prestonpans.

The Premium Bakery is typical of the kind of excellent local businesses to be found throughout East Lothian. In common with many others, it has faced some difficult challenges over the last few years, not least soaring energy costs and increases in the price of flour. However, it has come through them and continues to provide high-quality baked products to a range of shops and supermarkets. It is also an employer that demonstrably cares about its staff, its place in the community and its impact on the environment, typifying the ‘love local’ message.

I am also grateful to East Lothian Food and Drink for helping set up the visit and for promoting Scotland Loves Local and the work of local producers.

In my role as Trade Minister, I recently met with the CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association. Scotch is exported to over 160 markets around the world and, of course, Glenkinchie is a key part of the industry. I will always promote East Lothian’s world-class food and drink sector.

I was delighted to attend a civic reception for granting Josh Taylor the Freedom of East Lothian. Josh has been an outstanding ambassador for East Lothian, Scotland and his sport. He fully deserves this prestigious recognition of everything he has achieved in boxing, and it was a pleasure to see his family join him as he received the honour.

After the reception for Josh, I joined colleagues from East Lothian Labour Party at Prestonpans Labour Club. It was a welcome chance to say a heartfelt thank you to friends and supporters who worked and campaigned so tirelessly to elect a Labour MP and a Labour Government.