SATURDAY marked the 100th day of this Labour Government.

As with any new government, we have had some teething problems to deal with. However, our focus is on carrying out the hard work required to deliver the important change we promised at the election.

Some of our key achievements in the first 100 days include starting work on establishing GB Energy to provide cleaner and more secure energy and create the jobs of the future; dropping the failed Rwanda scheme and working to develop a fairer immigration system; and announcing the Employment Rights Bill to begin delivery of our new deal for working people.

We have also established the Child Poverty Taskforce, launched a review of the UK’s defence, and passed the Budget Responsibility Act to ensure we can fix the foundations to rebuild our economy. The Prime Minister has also convened the first Council of Nations and Regions, and hosted an international investment summit to focus on maximising opportunities for investment and growth across the UK.

These are all important first steps and will undoubtedly help to bring about tangible economic and social benefits for people in East Lothian and across Scotland.

However, personally, I see the resetting of our relationship with our European partners as one of the Government’s most important changes. Keir Starmer’s recent meeting with the European Commission President, Ursula Von der Leyen, underlined the fresh approach on this crucial issue. The Prime Minister called for closer co-operation on a range of policy areas, including defence and security, migration and economic growth. He clearly demonstrated our determination to move on from the bickering over Brexit and develop a mutually beneficial relationship with the EU.

Overall, while we have made a positive start, our manifesto was based on a five-year Parliament. It is on that timescale we are working to deliver a different, better future, a more prosperous Scotland where everyone is supported to thrive.