I SPENT Saturday meeting with local businesses to discuss issues arising from the UK Budget.

As I said in my last column, I am always eager to hear feedback on the Budget or other UK Government issues, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.

I also met with my former parliamentary colleague Davie Hamilton, a former miner who used to represent the Midlothian constituency. He has been campaigning on another matter addressed by the budget: the reversal of the historic pension injustice affecting hundreds of former coalminers across the UK.

Rachel Reeves announced in the Budget that more than 100,000 former miners, including hundreds in East Lothian, would now receive £1.5 billion of money kept from their pensions.

On Sunday, I was honoured to participate in Haddington’s Remembrance Sunday service and parade. The attendance at both was excellent and it is particularly encouraging to see so many young people involved. I know that communities throughout East Lothian go to great lengths to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. I want to thank everyone who helps to organise these vitally important events.

The future of the Brunton Hall is another local issue that has been raised with me in recent weeks. While The Brunton is not in my constituency, many people have told me how passionately they feel about the theatre it has housed for so long. It has played a vital role in supporting opportunities for local people to participate in the arts and entertained countless audiences over the years.

I have already raised the future of the Brunton site with the council’s leadership. While recognising the financial challenges facing all councils, I am keen to see progress made as quickly as possible. I share the view expressed by other local representatives that arts provision must be maintained in Musselburgh and will continue to work with colleagues towards that goal.