Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP

| Edinburgh South West

Role in Parliament

As the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South West, my job is to represent the people, organisations and businesses in my constituency as effectively as possible.

I spend my time between Edinburgh and London but in addition I travel across the country as part of my Ministerial responsibilities.

During the week I will hold many meetings at the Treasury Department. We discuss current issues, how Bills are proceeding and many other matters. I also meet many people from outside Government.

I attend meetings of the Cabinet at 10 Downing Street which are held weekly. I attend the House of Commons either to answer ministerial questions, contribute to debates or to listen to Prime Minister’s Question Time, for example.

During the week, I will often visit places the length and breadth of Britain.

Here in Edinburgh, I hold advice surgeries most Fridays where my constituents come to speak to me about problems and concerns.

I am also invited to attend many events and visit local organisations in the constituency and I try to get to as many of these as possible at the weekends. I also spend many hours answering constituents’ letters and emails.

Constituents email and write to me about a wide variety of matters all of which I read and try to respond to as quickly as possible.

Since the set up of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, constituents are sometimes unsure which matters to contact me about. Many policy areas have been divided between the two parliaments. Those that remain at Westminster are known as reserved powers and those that are now the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament are known as devolved powers.

Sarah Boyack MSP represents constituents in Edinburgh Central and David McLetchie MSP represents those in Edinburgh Pentlands.

Parliamentary convention prevents MPs from helping those who do not live within, or have a demonstrable interest relating to, their constituency. If you are unsure over whether I'm your MP, you can use the "Check whether I'm your MP" link on the right.

Speeches

Alistair darling speaking

for HM Treasury click here

Chancellor of the Exchequer

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House of Parliament

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