Update from Linda Gilroy MP: Week ending 20th November 2009
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 11:36, Fri 20 November 2009:
Thought for the Week
Wednesday was the Queen's Speech to Parliament which is a tradition steeped in history and symbolism. However, it also has an important practical value too, because it isn't actually a 'speech', rather it is a list of Bills and laws that the Government plans to introduce in the new Parliamentary year. It therefore gives a good indication of the Government's priorities in the run up to the General Election. This year's Queen's Speech is focusing on continuing to support people and businesses through the downturn and locking in the economic recovery - and this means supporting people in their jobs or helping them look for work. It outlined how we can continue to improve our schools and other life long learning opportunities. Further measures will keep us reforming and renewing public services and in particular to support older people and those who care for them with a new National Care Service to compliment the NHS. This builds on the achievements of the last 12 years which have seen massive investment in healthcare to cut waiting times, increase the numbers (and the pay) of doctors and nurses and rebuild or expand many of our hospitals.
My Week at a Glance
Citybus Campaign Continues
Last Saturday I called in at Southway shopping centre to support a protest there against the sale of Citybus. There is a big march planned for November 28, leaving the Hoe at 11am - I will be there and I hope others will join the staff, bus users and council taxpayers to stop the sale (which is due to come before the City Council on Nov 30). You can read the background to my Save Citybus campaign at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/citybus
Animal Welfare
A number of people have emailed me recently on a range of animal welfare issues, including food labelling, chicken welfare and Japanese whaling. I have written to the Minister in order to convey the strength of feeling on these issues and to seek an update on his Department's policies. It is great to know that so many people in Plymouth are willing to stand up for animal welfare.
Better Government
Following on from the expenses issue there has been lots of talk about what's gone wrong and how we can restore trust between voters and their representatives. This in turn has raised issues about what MP's are for and how we can make our democracy and government work better. I've recently sent out a newsletter on this subject - if you would like me to send you a copy please let me know. I have also created discussion forums on my website on three important subjects:
(1) What kind of electoral system should we have? http://www.lindagilroy.org.uk/proportional-representation
(2) How should we reform the House of Lords http://www.lindagilroy.org.uk/lords
(3) What kind of role do we want for our MPs? http://www.lindagilroy.org.uk/mps
I'd really like to hear what you think - so please do post your thoughts!
Support for the Armed Forces
The first annual report on the Service Personnel Command Paper was published on Thursday. The report charts the progress that has been made including the delivery of improved welfare and conditions for service personnel, their families and veterans. For example the government have doubled the compensation paid for the most serious injuries; extended eligibility to affordable housing schemes; opened up access to free further education for Service leavers; improved the immigration arrangements for families of Foreign and Commonwealth personnel; and taken steps to ensure that Service families retain their places on NHS waiting lists when they move. Other measures will be delivered in the coming months, such as the MOD’s affordable home ownership pilot scheme. The report also highlights areas where we may need to do more, such as ensuring that veterans receive priority treatment under the NHS when entitled to it, and that childcare arrangements meet the requirements of Service families.
A Busy Day in Plymouth
Arriving home in Plymouth from London last night, I have a full day planned tomorrow which I'm very much looking forward to, including a breakfast event at Plymouth Job Centre Plus, to hear about how government, business and voluntary organisations can help people - especially young people and those hit hardest by the recession - into work.
I will also be having a regular meeting with the chief of police and popping into Tesco's to present the equipment for schools and clubs which their pupils, staff, volunteers and members have collected vouchers for. At the end of the day I will be attending the monthly meeting with my constituency party. Over the weekend I hope to pop into the Mock Bar Trails for Schools in Plymouth, to the Diwali Eid celebrations in the Guildhall - and then when I have done some work to support my Party's work to keep in touch with voters on Sunday, I hope to have lunch with some of the people supporting the Plymouth Islamic Centre. The big question is will I have time to fit in a visit to the gym before I head back for London on Sunday afternoon to prepare speeches for next week and spend an hour or so preparing for the Defence Committee quizzing the Secretary of State next Tuesday?
Looking ahead
Next week there will be a series of debates on each area of policy outlined in the Queen's Speech. Monday will be Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Development and I will be hoping to raise matters local to Plymouth's own defence sector and on wider issues, such as Afghanistan. I am also hoping to follow Tuesday's debate on climate change and environment closely and have applied to speak in this debate. You too can follow these debates either through the Parliament website or BBC Democracy Live. The rest of the week includes discussions with the water regulator Ofwat, meetings with medical representatives to discuss care for dementia suffers and a catch up with Plymouth Area Business Council.
PS.............
I've been spending Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings telephoning people who live in my constituency in order to keep in touch with their views, concerns and ambitions. Many people have been telling me what they think about sorting out MPs expenses, the future of the dockyard and and more affordable housing. They also let me know difficulties they might be having with local and national government services such as pensions, benefits and rubbish collections. If you have problems with any of these please let me know and I might be able to assist. You can read more about how I may be able to help by reading my online E-Surgery at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/esurgery
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