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Linda Gilroy weekly Update 24/04/09

Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 10:10, Tue 28 April 2009:

Update from Linda Gilroy MP Week ending 24 April 2009

I am always keen to hear what you think on issues and policies - or to try and help you with any problems you may have. Please visit www.lindagilroy.org.uk/contact to find out more.

Thought for the Week

The current economic downturn is the first major global (in source and extent) recession we have experienced since the end of the war over sixty years ago . The response needs to reflect this. Our city and our country will not get out of the recession by cutting back on public expenditure at this stage. We have to 'grow' our way out of it. Otherwise it will be longer and deeper and more damaging. I can remember the last recession in Plymouth with the massive unemployment it brought with it. The help made available now by the Government - together with the measures in Wednesday's budget - are essential for helping businesses, families and individuals weather the storm and ensuring we are on the front foot for recovery. If you are experiencing difficulties due to the current economic climate and would like to get in touch - I may be able help or at the very least bring it to the attention of the government.

My week at a glance

Plymouth's Science Secret: Over the Easter Recess I spent time shadowing Jeremy Goslin, a Plymouth based scientist researching the effects of ageing. This is part of the Royal Society's MP-Scientist Pairing Scheme which is designed to improve our knowledge and understanding of science and help us make decisions about science policy. It was a fascinating day and you can read more about it here. I don't think many people realise the level of cutting edge research which is happening in Plymouth and the links that are being developed with universities and institutions throughout the world. This a major success story for Plymouth and we should be shouting it from the roof tops!

I was delighted to be present at the recent Homecoming Parade for 29 Commando Royal Artillery. It was a wonderful day in which Plymouthians came out in force to show their pride and gratitude. I was very lucky to visit Afghanistan and see some of the fantastic work our service men and women are doing out there first hand.

The Future of Devonport Dockyard: I know many people have been concerned by the recent stories in the local press and the uncertainty is not at all helpful. In Monday's Defence debate I told the Defence Minister Bob Ainsworth to get a grip, pull his finger out and give us the clarity we deserve. Just as the uncertainty is damaging, so too is the negativity - the City must stop talking itself down. There is much about the future of the dockyard which is promising: we are going to become the lead location for all surface ship deep maintenance refits; elements of the Royal Marines will move into the dockyard to create an amphibious centre of excellence; we are the only site in the country capable of refitting and maintain nuclear submarines; and we are the headquarters of Flag Officer Sea Training. You can keep up to date with my work in this area at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/defence

Axe the Beer Tax: Over Easter pubs from across Plymouth Sutton continued to collect signatures in my Axe the Beer Tax Campaign. Last Saturday I had a very interesting meeting with the proprietor of locally based Summerskills Brewery and on Monday I formally presented the petition - with a grand total of 1600 signatures - to Parliament. I was disappointed that there was a rise in the duty on beer on Wednesday budget, but I'm not going to give up on this campaign. I think we need to look at how the distribution of alcohol duty supports responsible social drinking - and support our local pub industry. I am interested in the recent proposal from Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson about relating it more closely to units of alcohol which would probably favour long drinks like beer - and will be meeting with people from the small brewers trade association to discuss this in the near future. Visit www.lindagilroy.org.uk/axethebeertax to keep up to date

With best wishes

Linda

Linda Gilroy MP