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Hear from Your MP

Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 11:06, Tue 22 March 2011:

WELCOME!

Here’s the latest edition of my regular newsletter.

LIBYA

A number of residents have been in touch about the ongoing situation in Libya. The Prime Minister made an emergency statement to the House of Commons on Friday, while MPs had an extensive debate on the situation in Parliament yesterday. You can read the text of the debate at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110321/debindx/110321-x.htm.

British servicemen and women are working alongside partners to enforce the resolution passed by the United Nations. It is vital that the Libyan people are safe from the violence of Gaddafi’s regime, and his murderous attacks on his own people.

PLANS TO PRIVATISE BLOOD SERVICE

There has been understandable anger to the suggestion that the Government may wish to privatise parts of the NHS’s blood and transplant service. Many Bristol South residents give blood regularly – it’s something that people do to help others, not for their own gain. Because donors are donating for free, it seems incomprehensible that this selfless act should ever involve private companies out to make a profit. To join the campaign against the Government’s plans, please do visit: http://action.unitetheunion.com/page/s/BloodMoney.

LEGAL AID MEETING

I recently met with representatives of local advice organisations to discuss their concerns about the Government’s plans to reform legal aid. I am extremely worried by the proposals which will see most social welfare cases taken outside the scope of legal aid. It is clear that legal aid support demonstrates very effective value for money for the tax payer. For example, for every £1 of legal aid expenditure on housing advice, the state potentially saves £2.34 and for every £1 of legal aid expenditure on benefits advice the state potentially saves £8.80. The savings the Government hopes to make by cutting the legal aid budget will be completely outweighed by increased costs elsewhere to the public purse.

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT

I met with Fairtrade Ambassador and five time Olympic gold medallist, Sir Steve Redgrave, in Parliament in a bid to break the record for the world’s longest bunting. The world record attempt is to mark this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight and to highlight the Fairtrade Foundation’s ‘Great Cotton Stitch-Up’ campaign - a drive to end unfair European cotton subsidies. West African cotton producers are some of the poorest farmers on the planet and yet, last year, had to compete with EU farmers who received over £600m in subsidies - the equivalent to Estonia’s entire EU contribution. Behind this campaign is a serious message to end unfair European cotton subsidies and to make trade fair. That’s why I am supporting this bid, so we can help some poorest cotton farmers in the world make a decent living from their work.

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA

I was treated to a performance of The Tiger Who Came To Tea at Hartcliffe Children’s Centre last Friday. The performance celebrated the end of a week dedicated to reading. It’s so important that children find out about the magic of reading and story-telling as early as possible. The performance was a fun adaptation of a classic children’s book which has enthralled young people for generations. I hope the children enjoyed it as much as I did!

THUNDERBOLT STEPS

I know that many Totterdown residents use Thunderbolt Steps as a useful short-cut onto Bath Road and then on into the centre. Unfortunately the steps have fallen into some disrepair. I contacted the Council several months ago to ask them to take action to keep the steps safe, clean and well lit. I know that the Totterdown Residents Environment and Social Action group have also been on the case. Unfortunately the Council have finally written back to me to say that, while they agree that action needs to be taken, they have no plans to resolve the problems because of funding shortages. I will continue to work to convince the Council to change their minds and ensure that the steps are safe for everyone to use.

ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have any queries about these issues, or have a question you would like to ask about anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Just email primarolod@parliament.uk, phone 0117 909 0063 or write to me at PO Box 1002, Bristol, BS99 1WH.