By Colin Beattie, Musselburgh MSP

THE most recent address to the UK from Boris Johnson was unclear, inconsistent and has left many across the country confused.

The UK Government’s approach has led to more questions than answers and is likely to increase people leaving their home, returning to work, and increasing the spread of Covid-19.

At this crucial point in flattening the curve, the actions of the UK Government have been downright reckless. The Scottish Government message remains simple and the same: stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.

The only significant change in policy in Scotland currently is that you can exercise more than once a day, providing it is close to home, and done alone or with your household members.

At this point it is crucial that we remain clear in our message, and do not lift restrictions before the evidence tells us it is safe to do so. Although nobody wants to be in lockdown, the Scottish Government are keeping this measure because it is what we need to do to stop the spread of the virus and stop people dying.

A few weeks ago, the Scottish Government produced the ‘Framework for Decision Making’ which outlines the circumstances where easing the lockdown may be safe.

This can be accessed on the Scottish Government website. The public are also invited to submit thoughts on the next steps the Scottish Government should take on the Coronavirus here: www.ideas.gov.scot/covid-19-a-frame work-for-decision-making

I have ongoing concerns about pollution in the River Esk and I am in discussions with Scottish Water and SEPA in relation to this.

This has been a long-standing issue which has been distressing for many of my constituents.

I firmly believe that sewage should not be going through outflows into the River Esk, as it not only pollutes the river but then also the seawater which it flows into in East Lothian.