Keep up-to-date with Des by finding out some of what he's working on and what he has to say.

Massive Vote Of Confidence in Glacier Workforce

22nd April 2008

Local MP, Des Browne, welcomed the decision by Mahle, the new owners of the Glacier, not only to save the plant but to transfer jobs to it.....To read more, click here

MP in CO2 advice line call

9th April 2008

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Des Browne is calling upon those interested in reducing their carbon footprint to call a new CO2 advice line......To read more, click here

Bevin Boys 60th Anniversary

7th April 2008

The 60th anniversary of the demobbing of the last Bevin Boy has now passed and local MP Des Browne is encouraging former Bevin Boys to apply for a new lapel badge which recognises their contribution.....To read more, click here

MP in Xmas Club Call

7th April 2008

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Des Browne has added his support to a new Christmas club scheme recently introduced by Royal Mail.....To read more, click here

“Claim the tax credits you’re due”, says Des Browne MP

7th April 2008

This week the rates of tax credits increased and Des Browne MP is encouraging local low-paid workers to claim, even if they don’t have children......To read more, click here

Remember To Sign Up and Renew Your Postal Vote

25th March 2008

Sign up to renew your postal vote or risk losing it. That's the message from Kilmarnock and Loudoun's Labour MP, Des Browne.....To read more, click here

Countdown to claim fuel help

25th March 2008

Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs and local MP, Des Browne is urging older people to get their claim forms in the post before Friday, March 28.....To read more, click here

OLD PHONES MEAN NEW HOPE - MP urges support for Oxfam Campaign

25th March 2008

Local MP Des Browne is urging Kilmarnock and Loudoun to help the world’s poorest people – with their old phones.......To read more, click here

Local MP Slams Car Parking

13th March 2008

Local MP, Des Browne, hit out at selfish drivers who park their cars on the pavement of Newmilns High Street......To read more, click here

Nationwide Search For Local Heroes

7th March 2008

Nationwide Building Society has teamed up with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to launch the Nationwide Community and Heritage Awards 2008, inviting the public to nominate people or groups who deserve recognition for community or voluntary work that has made a real difference to people's lives.....To read more, click here

 

MP Urges Local Young Adults To Take Chance To VolunteerAbroad

7th March 2008

Des Browne MP has urged young adults in Kilmarnock and Loudoun to take advantage of a pioneering new government-backed global volunteering scheme.

.....To read more, click here

Don't Miss The Bus On The National Minimum Wage

7th March 2008

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Des Browne is promoting a UK Government 3 month National Minimum Wage campaign to encourage awareness of the national minimum wage and help tackle rogue employers.......To read more, click here

Glasgow Upgrade on Track

26th February 2008

Commuters received good news last week with the announcement that First Scotrail has managed to secure the additional rail carriages  required to provide a half hourly service between Kilmarnock and Glasgow.......To read more, click here

More help needed for first time buyers in Kilmarnock and Loudoun

26th February 2008

The Scottish Government announced a “New Era for Scottish Housing” last month by expanding a scheme designed to help more first time buyers get into the housing market. The shared equity scheme is part of LIFT – Low cost initiative for first time buyers – that allows people to buy homes that are for sale on the open market and is part of a government package to help people who aspire to own their home.......To read more, click here

MP calls upon Council to help Scottish Government heat elderly.

  19th February 2008

Local MP, Des Browne is calling upon East Ayrshire Council to help bail out the Scottish Executive with the massive backlog of installations in its free central heating programme. ......To read more, click here

Women’s Land Army Recognised

12th February 2008

During the dark days of the Second World War, thousands of women worked hard to provide food and timber for the nation. Such work included, felling trees, ploughing fields, harvesting crops and looking after livestock. These are just some of the tasks these women carried out to support their country. For a lot of them, this was the first time they had ever been on a farm, let alone worked on one.......To read more, click here

 

MP delighted by Veterans Extension

  1st February 2008

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Des Browne was delighted by the announcement that eligibility to apply for the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge has been extended to include all those who have served in UK Armed Forces.  The local MP is eager for more local veterans to receiver their badges......To read more, click here

Browne Burns Call

1st February 2008

Local MP Des Browne is calling upon the people of Kilmarnock and Loudoun to make nominations for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award......To read more, click here

Des Browne MP Hails Legacy of Scots Canadians

29th January 2008

Last week local MP Des Browne opened a unique historical exhibition highlighting the achievements of early Scottish settlers in Canada...To read more, click here

Council Tax Relief Extended to all Troops on Operations

29th January 2008

All Armed Forces personnel deployed on operations overseas will now benefit from a tax-free payment on the cost of Council Tax, Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP and Secretary of State Des Browne has announced...To read more, click here

MP: Charter Step in Right Direction

29th January 2008

Consumers sending money to family and friends overseas will gain new safeguards under a new customer charter for money transfer companies...To read more, click here

MP Hails Recognition for Women's Land Army veterans

29th January 2008

Female war veterans can now apply to have their efforts recognised as applications open for a new badge of recognition...To read more, click here

MP Praises Simpler Claims for Older People

15th January 2008

Des Browne MP has praised moves by the Department for Work and Pensions which will soon see older people able to get more help with rent and Council Tax bills without having to send off any forms...To read more, click here

Bosnia and Northern Ireland Commemorations Announced

15th January 2008

Local MP and Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne is giving early notice to veterans in Kilmarnock and Loudoun about 2 upcoming Commemoration services.  The services will mark the contribution made by members of the British Armed Forces to operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Northern Ireland...To read more, click here

MP welcomes Bulgarian Response to BBC Documentary

15th January 2008

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Des Browne was pleased to learn this week that a children’s home in Bulgaria which featured in a BBC documentary is to be closed...To read more, click here

MP In Consumer Warning Over Unwanted Christmas Gifts

8th January 2008

Local MP, Des Browne this week highlighted the work of Consumer Direct advice service...To read more, click here

MP Warns of Wait for First Time Passport Applicants

8th January 2008

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Des Browne, wishes to highlight that members of the public may face a six-week wait to obtain a new passport if they are applying for the first time...To read more, click here

ifs Young Business Writer of the Year 2008

21st December 2007

Local MP Des Browne has called on teenagers in Kilmarnock and Loudoun to take part in a national writing competition organised by financial education charity, the ifs School of Finance...To read more, click here .

MP Puts the Voter First

21st December 2007

Des Browne MP has underlined his commitment to put Scottish voters first as The Scotland Office has launched a public consultation on recommendations arising from the review of May’s Scottish Parliament elections...To read more, click here

 

International Volunteering

  11th December 2007

The Dept for International Development announced last week on International Volunteer day (5th December) that they are to increase efforts by launching 2 new volunteering initiatives: Youth Volunteering and Diaspora Volunteering...To read more, click here


Fresh Talent Preserved Under Points-Based Immigration System

7th December 2007

Local MP and Secretary of State for Scotland, Des Browne has welcomed the changes the new, fairer Points Based System for immigration would bring to Scotland...To read more, click here

MP Visits Local Business

4th December 2007

On Friday of last week Des Browne MP visited the owner and staff of local welding supply business TPS Frontius to congratulate them collectively on an accolade recently bestowed upon the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Tom Palmer...To read more, click here   

Primary School Cheques In

4th December 2007

On Friday Mount Carmel Primary School were delighted to be presented with a cheque for £450 to pay for 4 musical instruments at the school...To read more, click here

MP Acts to Make Justice Speedier in Scotland

26th November 2007

Des Browne MP is delighted justice in courts throughout Scotland will be speedier and more carefully-targeted as a result of legislation taken forward by the Scotland Office last week at Westminster...To read more, click here

Local Pupils go to Trial

  26th November 2007

East Ayrshire MiniTrials kicked off once again on Saturday 24th November with local pupils from across East Ayrshire taking part in the mock criminal trials in the Kilmarnock Sheriff Court...To read more, click here

 

MP Wraps up Christmas Post Deal

20th November 2007 

Des Browne MP has announced that families of soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq are to continue getting free parcel post...To read more, click here

MP Honours Veterans

 19th November 2007

 On Friday Labour MP Des Browne hosted another successful Veterans Badge presentation ceremony at the Air Training Corp hall, Kilmarnock...To read more, click here

Bevin Boys Called up for Award

13th November 2007

Local Labour MP, Des Browne is calling upon all former Bevin Boys to contact him as the Veterans Agency is now accepting applications for the new lapel Badge...To read more, click here

Politicians Meet Mauchline Burns Club to Discuss 2009 Homecoming

13th November 2007

Cathy Jamieson MSP and Des Browne MP met last week with representatives of the Mauchline Burns Club to discuss their plans for the 2008 Holy Fair and a programme events for the 2009 Year of Homecoming – the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.

...To read more, click here

Local Business in Running for Award

 13th November 2007

For the second year running a local Irvine Valley business is in contention for the title of the Best Rural Retailer after being short listed for the Scotland region...To read more, click here

Free Central Heating - NOT UNTIL APRIL 2008!

13th November 2007

The previous Labour led Scottish Executive introduced free central heating for those over 60 as a further measure to reduce fuel poverty for pensioners in Scotland...To read more, click here


Des Browne Hails Successful Commonwealth Games Bid

13th November 2007

Last week’s announcement that Glasgow’s bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games had been successful was greeted with delight by Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Des Browne...To read more, click here

Local MP welcomes Queen's Speech

6th November 2007

People across Scotland will benefit from the Government’s legislative programme announced in the Queen’s Speech today...To read more, click here

Des Browne MP Urges Constituents to Check They Are Getting Thier Working Tax Credits

 6th November2007

Des Browne is urging constituents to check whether they may be missing out on getting financial help...To read more, click here

MP Welcomes Accountants’ Workshop

6th November 2007

Des Browne MP has welcomed the news that a free workshop will take place in Kilmarnock on 13 November that will give accountants a chance to have their say on HM Revenue & Customs' (HMRC) plans for its online services...To read more, click here

MP Launches Bio-Bus

30th October 2007

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Scotland last week launched the UK’s first Bio-buses under a ground-breaking pilot project in Scotland...To read more, click here

We all can do more to tackle climate change

30th October 2007

The impact of climate change is never far from the thoughts of everyone. We are all looking at how to change our habits in our bid to reduce our carbon foot print. Many have changed to energy saving light bulbs, renewed the insulation in their homes, turned down the thermostat of the heating and challenged the amount of packaging used by retailers. But more needs to be done...To read more, click here

3535 Children Get Child Trust Fund Vounchers In Kilmarnock and Loudoun

 30th October 2007

The second annual Child Trust Fund (CTF) statistical report shows that 3535 in Kilmarnock and Loudoun have received £250 to start saving for their future...To read more, click here

Fall in Kilmarnock and Loudoun JSA Claimants

 23rd October 2007

Local Labour MP, Des Browne, has welcomed the news that those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in Kilmarnock and Loudoun has fallen...To read more, click here

Northern Rock Savers to be Allowed to Restore Lost ISA Tax Advantages

23rd October 2007

Local Labour MP, Des Browne has welcomed the Government’s announcement that Northern Rock customers who during the recent financial market disruption withdrew cash from Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) held at Northern Rock – will be able to re-deposit that money into a cash ISA with Northern Rock or any other provider and restore their tax advantages...To read more, click here

 

Wear it Pink

22nd October 2007 

The Breast Cancer campaign is asking everyone to wear pink on Friday 26th October and to donate £2 to assist them to continue to researching the cure for breast cancer...To read more, click here

Show Racism the Red Card

 22nd October 2007

Leading figures in Scottish Football and the public sector trade union UNISON have launched Show Racism the Red Card’s Fortnight of Action. It encourages participation from all sections of Scotland’s communities to celebrate diversity and tackle racism...To read more, click here

MP Calls Upon Local Companies to Apply for Award

 16th October 2007

Local Labour MP, Des Browne is calling upon Kilmarnock and Loudoun businesses to apply for the UK’s most prestigious business accolade - The Queen’s Award for Enterprise...To read more click here.


Des Browne MP Announces Proposals to Increase Compensation

16th October 2007

Local MP and Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne has announced that the MoD has completed its review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme's multiple injury rules...To read more, click here.

Des Browne MP Welcomes Scottish Settlement

16th October 2007

The Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Des Browne welcomed the Comprehensive Spending Review and Pre-Budget Report, saying that the record amounts of public money made available represented a good deal for Scotland...To read more click here.

Elderly Should be Reimbursed by Council

15th October 2007

East Ayrshire Council is one of a number of local authorities who previously charged those receiving personal care at home for food preparation. Guidance previously issued has now been clarified to ensure that no charge for food preparation is made. East Ayrshire Council has not made provision to reimburse those residents who were charged in previous years for this assessed need...To read more click here.

Rights of Title Deeds Ignored

 9th October 2007

Home owners in the Anderson Drive, Burns Road, Braes Court and Hillview Avenue area of Darvel are up in arms that their public open space and children’s play areas are being earmarked for house building. They have enlisted the support of local MP Des Browne...To read more, click here

Des Browne in Crosshouse Hospital Abseil

 9th October 2007

On Sunday Des Browne MP abseiled down Crosshouse Hospital to help raise awareness about the Anthony Nolan Trust...To read more, click here

UK Government Acts to Protect Scotch Whisky

 8th October 2007

The UK Government has announced that the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs will consult on legislation that delivers tighter definitions of Scotch whisky in UK law...To read more, click here

Des & Cathy Welcome Break the Silence Lotto Funding Success

5th October 2007

Break the Silence are celebrating the news that their application for Lottery Funding has been successful to the tune of £9,601...To read more, click here

Carers to Earn More without Losing Out.

2nd October 2007

As of this week, the maximum amount of money that carers in Great Britain will be allowed to earn without losing their entitlement to Carer's Allowance (CA) will rise from £87 to £95 a week...To read more, click here

MP’s Delight over Loan Shark Crackdown.

2nd October 2007

Following the success of a Glasgow pilot anti-loan shark team the UK Government has announced plans to create other teams throughout the rest of the UK...

To read more, click here

MP Welcomes New Leave Entitlement for Workers

2nd October 2007

Des Browne MP, Labour’s MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun has welcomed new leave entitlement which will benefit around 400, 000 workers across Scotland and another rise in the minimum wage that will benefit 110,000 in the region from this week...To read more, click here

 

Des Browne MP Announces Forces Council Tax Relief

 25th September 2007

Defence Secretary and local MP, Des Browne has announced that Armed Forces personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan will benefit from a from a tax-free rebate on the cost of council tax in new measures...To read more, click here

Des Browne MP Highlights Forgotten Pensions

18 September 2007

Local Labour MP, Des Browne wishes to draw attention to findings published by the UK government website Directgov which show that a surprising number of people aren’t keeping track of pensions savings which could make a substantial difference to their retirement income...To read more, click here