THE terrible and tragic events of last week at Westminster were not allowed to interfere with the business of democracy.

We held a minute’s silence for the victims on Thursday and most of us shed a tear as we walked by the spot where brave PC Keith Palmer was murdered. But the terrorists only win if we let them alter our way of life or if we cease to make our parliaments, assemblies and town halls open to the public. I get a steady stream of constituents coming to Westminster either to lobby or to watch debates. I am always happy to secure tickets and show people round. Please come.

A key issue pursued by myself and other SNP MPs last week was trying to end the human catastrophe that is Universal Credit. The full rollout of the new benefits system in Scotland began in East Lothian last March and has now been extended. Far from the glitches and failures being ironed out, there is mounting evidence that matters are getting worse. We are seeing soaring rent arrears, long delays in processing claims, and many people being forced to foodbanks when there is an unnecessary disruption to their payments. It is time Mrs May’s Government got back to the day job rather than spending all its time on Brexit.

Last week I took part in an adjournment debate on Universal Credit Adjournment debates take place in the last half hour of business every day. They allow MPs to raise important subjects that the Government is trying to sweep under the carpet. They have the advantage that a minister has to turn up and answer questions.

Unfortunately, the minister for welfare reform is a certain Lord Henley, who can’t speak in the Commons. A hereditary peer, he is also a Lord in Waiting. What he is waiting for regarding sorting the mess that is Universal Credit remains to be seen. Anyway, we got a junior minister, Damian Hinds. Mr Hinds was all apologies for the dog’s breakfast that is Universal Credit but was painfully unaware of its horrendous impact on the lives of real people.