Unlike the Tories, I'm getting on with day job

As I move closer to the second anniversary of my election, my overarching aim of delivering on issues that matter to the Borders has been at the forefront of my mind. From broadband to benefits, from mobile coverage to farm support, I have relentlessly focused on key issues of vital importance to our region. It's an honour to have the opportunity to carry forward this work '“ but sometimes the passions that issues like Brexit or independence give rise to means we overlook welcome progress.So I utterly refute the notion that my support for independence prevents me from progressing day-to-day work on issues that matter to my constituents.For months now Conservative representatives in our region have campaigned on the constitutional question, organising street stalls and, more recently, hosting public meetings. In contrast, I have focused on a range of matters that will make a difference. Let's take the past month as an example.Two weeks ago I hosted a meeting in Galashiels with the National Farmers' Union Scotland president. We agreed a number of actions to ensure Scotland is able to shape its own agricultural policy after Brexit. I also met with the leadership of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation to co-ordinate putting Scottish fishing interests at the forefront of negotiations to replace the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. My leadership on digital in Westminster enables constant engagement with the telecoms sector at a national level.At the start of the month I met with the CEO of EE, Marc Allera, to press the case for better rural coverage in the Borders. I also launched a new investigation that I am leading with the Digital Policy Alliance on UK digital infrastructure. Locally, we've progressed the Borders Digital forum, which is now collaborating with the world's fastest rural broadband provider to solve the urgent problem of poor connectivity. We're now in talks with several communities to launch pilot schemes over the coming year. Then there's Drivewise, currently being spearheaded by Borders