Update from Linda Gilroy, week ending 4 December 2009
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 09:56, Mon 7 December 2009:
Thought of the Week
£78 million Christmas present Plymouth really had something to celebrate this week as the government agreed to bring forward a £78 million investment in Plymouth’s Secondary Schools. The Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme seeks to rebuild, refurbish or refit all schools to ensure a top quality learning environment for our pupils. Plymouth was originally meant to be a part of a wave of investment in 5 years time but after some hard lobbying it was agreed to bring the decision forward. This is a fantastic Christmas present for all Plymouth’s schools.
My Week at a Glance
Visiting Plymouth’s Youth Service
Last weekend I enjoyed a visit Plymouth City Council’s Youth Service to see the fantastic work they are doing across the city. I had the chance to hear how initiatives such as the Streetwise project, and the mobile Skate Park are really making a difference to young people in Plymouth and are helping to combat anti-social behaviour. I also met the people working in the Anti Social Behaviour Unit, the Family Intervention Project and a new programme to tackle families experiencing the most deep seated child poverty.
Marching for Citybus
The weekend saw me march from Plymouth Hoe to the Civic Centre campaigning against the sale of Citybus and urging councillors to see sense on this issue. The march had good turn out and I think really demonstrated how strongly the people of Plymouth feel on this issue – it is very disappointing that we, the citizens of Plymouth, were not given a chance to have this tested out one way or another in advance the ballot box. You can see a video of the march on my website.
Homecoming of 19 Light Brigade
This week we welcomed 19 Light Brigade to Parliament following their return from Afghanistan. It was really interesting to hear their views on the progress they saw while they were out there. I have also welcomed the recent announcement from President Obama to commit an extra 30,000 troops to be deployed in Afghanistan. It is so important to ensure the Afghan government, police and military have the training and capability to take control of their own security. The news from ranks and senior officers who came to the House of Commons was of very positive progress despite the huge challenges they faced during the election period.
Marine Consultation
Four possible areas in the South West have been identified for combination of reef and sea cave features as a part of a Marine Conservation Consultation run jointly by English Nature, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Countryside Commission for Wales.
The consultation has been launched to establish ten possible Marine Special Areas of Conservation and two potential Special Protection Areas in English, Welsh and offshore Waters around the UK. Locally the four possible areas are,
1. Lands End and Cape Bank (Cornwall) 2. Lizard Point (Cornwall) 3. Prawle Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone (Cornwall and Devon coast) 4. Poole Bay to Lyme Bay (Dorset and Devon Coast)
You can read more at: http://www.lindagilroy.org.uk/linda-gilroy-welcomes-marine-conservation-consultation
Developing Plymouth’s future
I yesterday welcomed Digital Minister Stephen Timms to the city. We visited the stunning new housing developments in Millbay and Devonport as I wanted to show him how the Homes and Communities Agency are investing to ensure that these housing schemes aren’t being held up by the recession. These developments really demonstrate how high quality developments can still sustainably provide a mix of social and affordable housing whilst regenerating the area. The work to keep the Plymouth housing programme going provides jobs for the people working on them – as well as work for local people in shops selling furniture and household goods. I think this is an important investment in all sorts of ways – if you have any experience of buying and selling a home which you want to share with me please do get in touch
Looking ahead
I have several water based events coming up! Today I am visiting Princess yachts to celebrate a groundbreaking milestone – the launch of their lifelong learning project. Well done to Unite the Union and to Princess Yachts for being such a forward looking company.
On Saturday I will be travelling back to London to take part in the Wave march supporting a safe climate future for everyone (you can find more information on The Wave here). I am pretty cross about the way in which all the vested interests are surfacing to oppose the important work which needs to be done at the Copenhagen Climate Change negotiations which start on Monday. You can read why here!
I think the long awaited final report of the Walker Review on water charges and metering will be published next week – I have been keeping up the pressure on ministers about this which you can read at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/water
As Parliament begins to wind down for Christmas (only 3 weeks to go!) I will be trying to spend as much time as I can here in Plymouth. Next week I will be holding meetings with Plymouth University students to discuss tuition fees, continuing my meetings with groups and individuals on issues surrounding the Dockyard, and visiting various school and community group Christmas events.
I hope I am not going to be too late for a bit of Christmas shopping tonight when I clear my other emails and tidy up on the weekend lists which Holly, Jane and Janet prepare for me when I drop into the office each week – this time I think I am ahead as I am up and off early to catch that train and join the march in London – look out for my blue gloves!
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