Update from Linda Gilroy MP: Week ending 23 October 2009
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 09:45, Fri 23 October 2009:
Climate Change
On Wednesday the House of Commons debated how we respond to the challenge of Climate Change. Like many of you I've signed up to the 10:10 campaign to cut my own carbon footprint by 10% by 2010 (for instance I've stopped drinking bottled still water). More importantly, I have voted in Parliament for the Climate Change Act which creates the framework to enable us to reduce this country's carbon emissions by 80% compared to 1990 levels by 2050. This is an ambitious target but we have taken the first step on the road to meeting it - and set an example for other countries to follow. This will enable the Prime Minister to demonstrate this Country's role in leading the global response to climate change when he represents us all at the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit in a few weeks time. In Wednesday's debate I raised some points about Plymouth's own response - such as the Caribbean Carwash Company that washes cars using just half a litre of water! I also expressed my dismay that Conservative controlled Plymouth City Council has not signed up to the 10:10 Campaign - and not only that but that they are selling off our municipally owned, environmental friendly bus company Citybus. You can read my contribution to the climate debate here:
A Busy Day in Plymouth
Back down to Plymouth on Thursday night for a busy weekend around and about in Plymouth. I'm popping up to Derriford for a briefing on the hospital and a chance to raise some of the health related issues that constituents have contacted me about recently. I'm also attending an important briefing on the Submarine Disposal Project. I will be fighting hard to ensure that there is an open, transparent consultation and, most importantly, that the City is well informed before any decision is taken. You can read my position here:
http://www.lindagilroy.org.uk/submarine-dismantling-project
Next week: Marine Bill
Next week the Marine & Coastal Access Bill returns to the House of Commons for its third and final reading after which it should - fingers crossed - be passed into law. This Bill has been under consideration for a very long time and a large number of constituents have contacted me over the years to express their support for marine conservation zones, coastal access and other similar measures contained within it. It is really important that it passes into law without delay so that we can give our marine habitats and wildlife the protection they need. But this Bill is'nt just about conservation. It is also about supporting marine industries and managing the many competing demands we place on our seas and oceans, so it is of great relevance and importance to Plymouth’s own marine sector. I will be hoping to speak in the debate(s) next week - you can find out more background about my work in this area at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/marine
Also on next week's agenda is a meeting about Plymouth's bid to be a host venue for the Football World Cup, a visit to the Royal Marines at Stonehouse, and further meetings about the future of social care which I know for many elderly or disabled people is such a very important issue.
Comments
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Posted by Dr Mark Fitzsimons, 10:04, Fri 23 October 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Dear Linda, Regardless of 10:10 (everything seems to need to sound like 2012 now), the government will not meet any credible targets by allowing airport expansion. To pursue economic growth on the proposed scale and promise significant reductions in grennhouse gases is very misleading. From its past record the government will find ways of excluding inconvenient emissions through trading or a fudged agreement; this is not just a UK government tactic, by the way. The current transport policy simply does not give me confidence that the government is taking the problem seriously.
Posted by roger spettigue, 20:56, Mon 26 October 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Dear Linda, I and my family are extremely concerned about the proposal for a Nuclear Dump in the Dockyard. We do not accept that Radio Active waste should be stored in a city with a population of 250,000. It will be a toxic health risk to our present and future citizens. Plymouth is a beautiful city and has the potential through the dockyard of being a leading advocate of renewable energy e.g. Wind or wave Farm production.Thus maintaining work for the city and tackiling climate change. We are very annoyed that the MOD think they can get away with this. As are MP it would be great to see you on the Protest March on Saturday 31st Oct.We must fight this at all cost and look forward to seeing you leading the demonstaration on Saturday, you will show the people of Plymouth your committment to the health and well being of the people you represent. Roger Spettigue, Lipson,Plymouth