Update from Linda Gilroy MP: Week ending 17 December 2009
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 11:34, Fri 18 December 2009:
Thought for the Week - Efford: A very resilient community.
The last six months have been unimaginably difficult for residents of Efford following the case of Little Ted's Nursery. However, the Community have responded with enormous courage and resolve. Particular mention should go to Kathy Hancock, who runs the Heart of Efford Community Partnership. On Wednesday lunchtime I was able to highlight this in Prime Minister's Questions. I asked Harriet Harman - who was standing in for the Prime Minister who is at the climate conference in Copenhagen - to work with me to ensure that the lessons of the serious case review are fully and speedily learned. I touched on the subject again in my speech in the Christmas recess debate. I also used this speech to look back at some of the other issue that have been on the agenda over the past couple of months including water charges, student fees, affordable housing and schools investment. You can read it here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2009-12-16a.1043.0
My Week at a Glance
Armed Forces Families Centre
On Sunday afternoon I called into the Armed Forces Families Centre at Crownhill for this Christmas Party. It is important in Plymouth that we remember that many of our own will be overseas during the Christmas period. Indeed, I understand their are some twenty two Royal Navy warships and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries away from port at the moment - and not to mention those serving in Afghanistan at this time.
Water Charges
On Monday I met with Chris Loughlin, Chief Executive of South West Water, to hear his company's response to the recent Walker Review of Water Metering and Charging. I also spoke in the debate on the Flooding and Water Management Bill on Tuesday. You can read my speech here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2009-12-15a.835.0&s=speaker%3A10229#g891.0
Copenhagen
On Monday I met with the Prime Minister to discuss the climate change negotiations. We talked about ocean acidification and - following a discussion with University of Plymouth Students Union (UPSU) last Friday - about deforestation and palm oil / soya plantations. I presented him with a copy of the ocean acidification DVD created by students at Ridgeway School. You can see a picture at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/blog I understand a group from Plymouth Marine Laboratories led by Dr Carol Turley is in Copenhagen for the talks.
Visiting Parliament
On Monday Cllr Brian Vincent - also from Efford - led a group from the Thames Gardens Residents Association and the Horseshoe residents association to London for a visit to Parliament.
I am firmly of the view that Parliament belongs to the people and I wish everyone could come here to see first hand how it works and what MPs actually do! I know visiting London can be expensive, but if ever you are up this way then I would be happy to arrange for you to have a tour and to sit in the public gallery. You can even climb the steps of the Westminster Clock Tower and see Big Ben strike noon! The earlier you get in touch the more likely we are to be able to accommodate you - but drop my office a line and we'll see what we can do.
World Cup Glory
I was delighted that Plymouth was successful in its bid to be part of England's World Cup Candidacy. The fact that Football League recognised both what we have to offer already and how we could make the most of such an opportunity is an enormous vote of confidence in the City - especially as we succeeded where other cities like Derby, Leicester and Portsmouth - did not. It just shows what Plymouth can do when we are prepared to work together and put ourselves forward! We must now all get behind the England 2018 bid.
Office Opening Hours
Both my London and my Plymouth offices will be closed from Christmas Eve and will reopen after the Bank Holiday on Tuesday 29 September. You can find out how to get in touch at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/contact and about the various ways in which I can assist at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/esurgery
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