Every day as an MP, I hear from my constituents and our local businesses about the issues affecting their daily lives.

Listen to this article

One ever-present theme, coming up time and again, is the impact of the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU).

For my constituents in Kilmarnock and Loudoun, in southwest Scotland, from entrepreneurs and small business owners to workers, families, young people, and my former NHS colleagues, the reality has been needlessly more difficult.

Whether it's increased red tape and a lack of co-operation with our closest and largest market, fewer opportunities, a damaged economy or a lack of investment, you’d be hard-pressed to find an area of life that hasn’t been hit in some way. And it’s the same story elsewhere, not just in East Ayrshire or across Scotland, but throughout the United Kingdom: from Darvel to Devon.

But I didn’t come into politics to complain from the sidelines. My guiding principles are a spirit of public service - and a desire to get things done. When you can see a problem  - and have a chance to do something about it - it’s time to roll your sleeves up and get on with the job.

That’s why I’m delighted to take up my new role as Chair of the UK Trade and Business Commission (UKTBC), and start taking action. The UKTBC is a cross-party, cross-industry group of parliamentarians,........

© LBC