We must end need for food banks

There's been a lot of chat this week about what MPs actually do in parliament amidst growing speculation on the number of votes cast by SNP MPs.

- BY PAISLEY AND RENFREWSHIRE SOUTH MP JOHANNA BAXTER

Foodbanks Johanna Baxter MP has been named as chair of the cross-party group to end the need for emergency food parcels

In comparison, I've taken part in more than 300 votes in parliament since being elected as the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South - because I believe that showing up and doing the work matters.

But voting is only one part of the job. There's a whole lot more that goes on behind the scenes in parliament to make a meaningful difference, including my new role as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ending the Need for Food Banks.

This issue really hits home for me, and I’m proud to be working with colleagues from across the political spectrum and the incredible Trussell Trust, who act as the secretariat to the group.

Fixing the root causes of food poverty must be a team effort.