Update from Linda Gilroy - Week ending 8 May 2009
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 11:17, Fri 8 May 2009:
Update from Linda Gilroy MP
Week ending 8 May 2009
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My week at a glance
Devonport Decision
This week saw the announcement on the Maritime Change Programme. Despite the best efforts of a small group who seem determined to talk Plymouth down, from my discussions with trade unions, business leaders and naval commanders it broadly seems to be good news for the dockyard, good news for the naval base and good news for Plymouth. The announcement confirmed that we will become the lead site for all surface ship and submarine deep maintenance - which will see the dockyard workload increased as Rosyth will be fully occupied building the carriers. It is precisely these kind of long term, complex refits that account for the most jobs. We will also remain home for the amphibious ships and Royal Marines currently based at Turnchapel and Poole will be relocated into Devonport which will turn us into the centre of excellence for amphibious warfare. We will also remain home to the four Type 22 frigates and, for at least the next five years, the seven Type 23 frigates. I will be campaigning for Plymouth to remain home to them after those five years - together with elements of the Future Surface Combatant Programme. You can read more at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/defence
Ghana
As well as local issues, I get a lot of emails and letters from constituents about international development. On Wednesday the President of Ghana came to Parliament to speak with MPs and - in between meetings on the dockyard - I was interested to hear his thoughts on the direction of his country and Africa as a whole.
Community Regeneration
Today I met with the Devonport Regeneration Partnership. They were recipients of £50 million of Government funding as part of the New Deal for Communities Programme. This money not only helped bring down the dockyard wall but has also been used to invest in the local community through housing, education and social projects. We had a very good discussion about how they can carry on the good work once the initial funding period comes to an end.
Plymouth Business Centre
Tonight I'm going to the Chamber of Commerce Dinner where I will be listening to the views of Plymouth's business leaders on how we are weathering the economic downturn and what more can be done to support business and employees and to ensure we are on the front foot for the recovery.
Women
On Saturday morning Alison Seabeck MP and I will be holding a joint women's listening panel with invited women from all walks of life in Plymouth. We will be hearing and discussing their views - not just on matters relating to equality but on all areas of policy.
Looking ahead
Depending on Parliamentary business, I'm hoping to spend part of next week visiting Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. In August 2007 they signed a ten year partnership with the University of Plymouth which i will be hoping to learn more about. I am also looking forward to celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Combat Stress on Tuesday.
You can keep up with news during the week at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/news
With best wishes
Linda Gilroy MP
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