Update from Linda Gilroy MP, week ending Friday 30 October 2009
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 09:16, Mon 2 November 2009:
Hopefully the overview below will give you a flavour of some of the work I have been undertaking in Parliament and Plymouth this week. You can also keep up to date at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/news
Best wishes
Linda Gilroy MP
Territorial Army
I was very concerned to hear the suggestion that Territorial Army (TA) training may be cut back. I have met many reservists on my visits to operations throughout the world, including Afghanistan, and I know what an important role they play, not least in serving as a link between the armed forces and the civilian sector. Earlier this week along with other MPs I met with Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell to let him know just how important we feel the TA is and I also attended a debate on the subject. That is why I am delighted the Prime Minister has announced that the TA budget will be ring fenced - and there will be no cut backs to weekly TA training nights. It just does to show that Parliament does work and that Parliamentarians in Government, Opposition and all parts of the House care about the Territorial Army and reserve forces. To find out more about my work for Plymouth's Defence Sector visit www.lindagilroy.org.uk/defence
Climate Change Conference
On Tuesday I attended a conference on climate change organised by Lord Stern, the author of the Stern Review into the Economic of Climate Change. This was a seminal document that highlights the damage that climate change could do to our economy - but also the potential that "green collar" jobs can provide. This opportunity that I strongly believe Plymouth can pursue given our expertise in marine science and the strength of our higher education sector.
Women & Conflict
A fascinating meeting on Tuesday about women and security. The involvement of women in post conflict situations is vital to reconstruction and creating stable states. In developing countries we know that for every year a women is educated it adds to the likelihood that her children will survive infanthood and grow to be adults, contributing to economic activity and stability. There are so many other ways too that women add to the peace and stability efforts - and their voices need to be heard more strongly. The United Nations Action Plan is one which the UK government strongly supports with deeds as well as words . There is an All Party Group which brings people together to support these efforts - and we heard from DFID, the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence about how they are playing their part in bringing this about.
A Boost for Affordable Housing
On Thursday the Government announced over £2 million to kick start housing development in Ker Street, Devonport. This is excellent news on several fronts: for Plymouth's affordable housing market; for the continued regeneration of Devonport and as a demonstration of the Government's support for local business during the present economic difficulties. You can read more about the announcement here.
World Cup Bid
On Wednesday I attended Parliamentary Reception to promote Plymouth's bid to be a host venue for Britain's 2018 World Cup bid. I'm right behind this bid as its a great way to showcase our City, to promote the benefits of sport and exercise and to attract tourists, investment and lasting legacy benefits. You can read more about the bid - and pledge your support - at http://plymouth-worldcupbid.ning.com/ - and by the way it is really important to the bid's success to do this - we know the FA are looking at popular support as a key criteria in their selection - so let's support Plymouth in this enthusiastically!
Marine Bill
This week has seen the third and final reading of the Marine & Coastal Access Bill. This legislation seeks to manage the competing demands placed on our oceans. I know from the scores of emails, postcards and letters I have received from constituents that people in Plymouth are really supportive of this Bill and especially the idea of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). I made several contributions to the final debate where we discussed various amendments and you can read these, together with my final speech on the Bill, at http://www.lindagilroy.org.uk/marine-bill-complete-final-stages
The Bill has now gone for Royal Assent - and once the Queen gives her assent , it will become an Act of Parliament, enshrined by law. This protection for our seas is long over due - and voting for the Bill was one of my proudest moments as an MP. To celebrate I took to the seas on Friday for a boat trip of the coast around Plymouth with scientists from Plymouth Marine Laboratories.
Royal Marines
The Royal Marines - largely based in Plymouth and the South West - have been at the forefront of operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere in recent years. That is why I was privileged to be invited to their mess dinner on Thursday night at Stonehouse Barracks. I was keen to hear their insights on current operations, equipment and welfare issues.
Looking ahead
Next week I will be splitting my time between London, Plymouth and Wiltshire, where I am hoping to spend time at the Defence Academy Shrivenham discussing contemporary strategic issues with senior military personnel, including nuclear non-proliferation. This promises to be insightful and is relevant to both my role as a Plymouth MP and as a member of the Defence Committee. This visit is part of my attachment with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, of which you can find out more at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/afps
I' m also hoping to have further discussions about Anna Walker's Review of Water Metering and Charging - needless to say I am continuing to drive home the arguments for fairer prices for customers in the South West. See my Fairer Water Charges campaign page for more details - www.lindagilroy.org.uk/water
Commenting on this message is now disabled.