DOUGLAS CHAPMAN returned to Westminster this week as the re-elected MP for Dunfermline and West Fife. 

He joined a group of 35 SNP MPs at a press call following last week’s General Election, along with party leader Nicola Sturgeon.

The former Rosyth councillor was re-elected to the constituency by a majority of 844 votes in what was described as a “tight” race with Labour, after he had won the seat in 2015 with a majority of more than 10,000.

After the event on Monday, he reiterated his determination to continue working hard to ensure West Fifers’ voices are heard at Westminster.

Mr Chapman said: “I am delighted to be re-elected as MP. I love the job and its challenges, knowing that I am ultimately helping the people of West Fife. This week, my team in Dunfermline are busy welcoming constituents and we will always do our best to listen and assist anyone who comes to us.”

Asked for his thoughts on the election result, he added: “We know how hard it is for the SNP to win a Westminster election when too much of the media focus is on the Tories, Labour and even the Lib Dems.

“That said, I know that we now have to redouble our efforts to make sure everyone here understands just how much the SNP Scottish Government protects Scotland from the worst of Tory cuts.

“Despite the Prime Minister saying only she would provide strength and stability, we are now in the situation where the UK is going into the Brexit negotiations in the weakest position possible – the UK is the laughing stock of Europe.

“Labour worked hard to make sure sitting SNP MPs lost their seats by encouraging people to vote Tory. Not only did the SNP win the election with 35 MPs being returned, but had we not lost the MPs we did, there would have been a Labour Prime Minister in No 10, not a Tory one.

“That’s one of the greatest examples of turkeys voting for Christmas that I’ve seen in all of my political career.”

Mr Chapman can be contacted at douglas.chapman.mp@parliament.uk, or in the constituency office on 01383 730073.