A Busy Term Ahead
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 08:00, Mon 12 October 2009:
Parliament returns from recess on Monday and I'm prepared for a busy and varied schedule over the next few months.
My priorities for Plymouth remain supporting local people and businesses through the economic downturn and ensuring we are well placed to benefit from the recovery, particularly by being ahead of the curve in responding to the need for a highly skilled workforce and the development of a ‘green collar’ job market.
Another big focus for me over the next few months will be the Social Care Green Paper. Our population is steadily getting older so now is the time to address some important questions about how we pay for care and support in later life. The Government has set the agenda on this issue with the recent Green Paper and I want to know what my constituents think.
I am also looking forward to the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit.
A large number of constituents have written to me about this and the Prime Minister has decided to personally lead the UK delegation, which demonstrates how important this is to the Government too.
I will also be keeping up the pressure on my campaigns for fairer water charges, for more affordable housing and against the Conservative Council’s unnecessary and damaging plans to sell Citybus.
Forthcoming events include:
This week I am contributing to the Heads Up online forum, which attempts to engage young people with democracy, government and politics. Members of the forum are currently discussing climate change. The forum can be found at http://www.headsup.org.uk/
On Wednesday 14 October I have secured an adjournment debate regarding Plymouth Citybus. The debate will take place in Westminster Hall at 4pm and can be watched live via http://www.parliamentlive.tv/
On Thursday 15 October there will be a general debate in the House of Commons on defence policy. I am hoping to raise matters relating to operations in Afghanistan, the work of the Defence Committee and Plymouth’s defence sector.
The last week of October will see the 3rd reading of the Marine & Coastal Access Bill. I have been involved with the Bill for the earliest stages and was a member of the committees which scrutinised the draft text and considered detailed amendments. I'm now hoping to contribute to the final debates before the Bill receives Royal Ascent. More details can be found at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/marine
As the consultation into the interim findings of the Walker Review of Water Metering and Charging closes, I will be pushing for the final conclusions to reflect the particular difficulties that water customers in Plymouth and the South West face. Updates and background to my campaign – including my submissions to the Walker Review – can be found at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/water
I will also remain busy with the Defence Committee. Current inquiries include the Comprehensive Approach, Readiness and Recuperation, the Contribution of ISTAR to operations, Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2008-09 and Defence Equipment. Further details can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/defence_committee.cfm
My placement with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme nears completion with a further opportunity to study at the Defence Academy Shrivenham in November and a meeting with the new First Sea Lord. Background details can be found at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/afps
Best wishes
Linda Gilroy MP
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