LAST week saw the publication of our draft independence referendum bill and consultation, in light of a potential hard Brexit.

We need to be clear that all options have to be proposed and examined in these uncharted waters. A hard-right Tory Brexit is very likely to have serious repercussions for Scotland, and it would be foolish – and indeed highly irresponsible – if we did not consider every available opportunity to protect this country and those who live here.

The aim of the consultation is that, in the event that independence is the best or only way to protect Scotland’s interests, the draft bill will be ready for the Scottish Parliament to consider. We mustn’t forget that the Brexit vote was foisted upon the Scottish people by a Tory Government we didn’t vote for, and indeed that two groups of people – 16 and 17 year-olds, and citizens of EU countries who have made Scotland their home – were not allowed to have their say. Please do take part in the consultation at consult.scotland.gov.uk Many of you have contacted me recently regarding the situation with trains, in particular the commuter run through East Lothian. There’s no doubt that the situation has been poor and especially frustrating for those of you left standing on the platform when the carriages are too full.

It seems that these occurrences are being replicated in other areas across the country, which is why I welcome last week’s publication of the Scotrail Alliance’s Performance Improvement Plan. The plan covers the steps to be taken in the short, medium and long terms, including an extra 23 per cent seats across all services by 2019 and an additional 200 services. Next year’s addition of rolling stock to the Edinburgh-Glasgow line is expected to ease pressure on our East Lothian services, and the further steps in the plan will hopefully see a substantial improvement for all who use the trains.

In other transport news, it’s great to see the launch of two weekend night bus services from Edinburgh through East Lothian. Let’s hope the ‘Nighthawk’ will fly you home!