January Newsletter - Alan Gemmell MP
January Newsletter
Jan 30, 2026
Welcome!
This month saw the introduction of Labour’s Warm Homes Plan – the biggest investment in home upgrades in British history – which will help cut energy bills, tackle fuel poverty and make homes warmer and more affordable.
I’ve been raising local priorities in Parliament, supporting constituents through casework, and engaging with organisations across Ayrshire. This newsletter includes updates on recent parliamentary work, the reopening of Prestwick Post Office, and welcoming the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra to Parliament.
As always, my focus remains on representing our area effectively and making sure constituents can access support when they need it. If you would like to raise an issue or arrange an appointment, please email me at alan.gemmell.mp@parliament.uk
Casework Wins
Helping a Local Business access Funding
A local resident was having issues contacting their local Business Gateway to access grant funding for their business. We managed to arrange an appointment for them.
Sorting a DWP Issue
A constituent contacted us about a concern that their paperwork had been lost within the DWP and that they were going to lose their benefits. My team contacted the DWP to clarify that it was an administrative error and the issue was resolved.
Parliamentary Update
Farmland Inheritance Tax
Just before Christmas, the UK Government announced changes to inheritance tax on farmland following concerns raised by the farming community. The threshold level for Agricultural Property Relief will rise from £1 million to £2.5 million, with spouses able to pass on up to £5 million in assets—an important and welcome change for family farms. Thank you to families across the constituency for welcoming me to your farms over the past year and engaging with me on this issue.
Warm Homes Plan
Labour has launched the Warm Homes Plan, the biggest investment in home upgrades in British history. The plan will target support at low-income households to help lift up to one million families out of fuel poverty, expand access to clean energy upgrades such as insulation, heat pumps and solar power, and strengthen protections for renters by ensuring homes are safe, warm and affordable.
Upgrading homes is one of the most effective ways to cut bills for good, yet home insulation installations fell by over 90% between 2010 and 2024. This Labour government is acting to tackle the affordability crisis by cutting £150 from energy bills from April and delivering record investment to bring bills down permanently.
Parliamentary debate on Arctic Security
Following the Foreign Secretary’s statement to the House on Greenland and wider Arctic security, I asked:
I thank the Foreign Secretary for setting out the UK’s position that the future of Greenland is for the people of Greenland and the Danes to decide. It is not right that one of our closest and oldest allies is threatening us with economic sanctions, so I have two questions for the Foreign Secretary. First, how will she explain to the US Administration our interests and our actions at this time, and stop the sanctions and resolve the situation? Secondly, building on the excellent question asked by my hon. Friend Dame Chi Onwurah, might the Foreign Secretary take an interest in the Franco-British fast jet replacement programme and a company called Aeralis, so that we do not have to rely on an American solution?
View the transcript of the debate
Meeting with Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry
I met Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry alongside Lilian Jones MP, Member of Parliament of Kilmarnock and Loudoun.
We discussed defence procurement opportunities creating growth and jobs in Ayrshire, as well as bringing Aeralis, the British replacement for the Red Arrows, to Prestwick.
I raised Ambitious Ayrshire with the Secretary of State for Scotland in the House of Commons
Constituency Update
Prestwick Post Office Update
Post Office have confirmed that New Prestwick Post Office will reopen on Thursday 19 March 2026 at 1pm, following its earlier closure. The branch will operate from a new location at Life Style Express, 153 Adamton Road South, around 800 metres from the previous site. Core Post Office services will continue to be available, and the premises will offer level access, an automatic door, a hearing loop and space for wheelchair users. Residents are also being invited to share views on access arrangements before plans are finalised.
Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra visit Westminster
I was pleased to meet members of the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra during their visit to Westminster last week. Orchestra members come from Ayrshire. It was great to hear about their recent Spanish tour and their plans for Canada next year. You can find out more about the orchestra and see highlights from their performances online.
Local Opportunities
Each month we share new funding opportunities and information that might be of interest to community groups in the constituency. If you’d like us to include an update from your organisation, please email me at alan.gemmell.mp@parliament.uk.
Don’t let pension scammers screw up lives.
Pension scams remain a serious risk and can wipe out years of hard-earned savings. Be cautious of unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, or offers that seem too good to be true. Taking time to check information and report anything suspicious can help protect your pension and your future.
Learn more from the Pension Regulator
Surgery Bookings
I hold weekly surgeries across the constituency. Please email alan.gemmell.mp@parliament.uk if you would like to book an appointment.