Update from Linda Gilroy MP: Week ending 8 January 2010
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 09:58, Fri 8 January 2010:
Thought for the Week
Politically 2010 will be dominated by the general election. Needless to say I will be heavily involved in that campaign - but in the meantime my work on your behalf goes on. The economy is steadily improving, but we must ensure that those who need help continue to get it. You may have heard about the Government's new boiler scrappage scheme, which is modelled on the very successful car scrappage scheme.
At the end of last year we had made good progress on the issue of water charges when the Independent Review of Metering the Charging highlighted the special case of the South West. I will be pressing the regulator and ministers - including Gordon Brown - to take this forward without delay.
Turning to the environment, many people were disappointed by the failure to reach a more concrete agreement on climate change at Copenhagen. It is essential that we work to ensure the agreement that did emerge is made to work and that we keep pressing for further action. In particular I am keen ensure the work that marine scientists in Plymouth are doing to highlight the issue of ocean acidification is heard.
And of course we mustn't forget the vital and challenging work our armed forces are doing on our behalf in Afghanistan and elsewhere. I am looking forward top seeing some of this first hand through further visits this year with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme and the Defence Committee.
Last, but not least, I would like to wish you all a very happy New Year!
My Week at a Glance
It's Snow Laughing Matter...
Having spent Christmas in Plymouth I was disappointed to hear I had missed out on the snow on my return to Parliament. I am glad to hear that the gritters were out in force and most of the main roads around the city centre were clear. I hope everyone is making sure they keep warm during the cold snap – and remember if the temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, being below zero degrees for seven consecutive days you may eligible for a cold weather payment. To find out if this applies visit this website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Inretirement/DG_10018668
Importance of Retail
On Wednesday I met with representatives of British Retail. It may surprise you that more people in Plymouth Sutton are employed in this sector than any other. I wanted to hear their view on how shops and city centres were faring. I was also able to tell them about Plymouth and the success of Drake Circus and they went away delighted to have heard a positive story. We also of course discussed the challenges facing retail stores arsing from the internet - and the importance of the skills agenda, which will be the topic at the next meeting of the All Party Group on Retail.
And all that Jazz
I attended the annual performance of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra NYJO at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club on Wednesday evening. They gave an excellent performance of a new piece interpreting the Dickens Christmas Carol story - their best yet. As penance for having an evening of enjoyment I joined colleagues at a meeting of the All Party Group on Jazz early the next morning to discuss what we can do to encourage more jazz on radio - watch this space!
Port of Plymouth
Today I am meeting with representatives of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce to discuss how we can respond to the Government's consultation on the National Planning Statements on Ports. Last year Parliament passed the Planning Reform Act, which is designed to make the planning process easier for people to engage with, as well as ensuring it is fit to meet the challenge of forthcoming major infrastructure projects, such as those associated with renewable energy. At the centre piece of the Act are 'National Policy Statements' which set the broad definitions and principals upon which planning decisions are made. Plymouth is a true waterfront city and with our experience across a range of maritime activities I know we have a useful contribution to make to the consultation.
A Busy Weekend
On Saturday I'm dropping into a meeting of the Plymouth Dystonia Society Support Group (Dystonia is neurological movement disorder), followed by an early return to London on Sunday in order to visit the London Boat Show. I am the Labour vice President of the Maritime Industry Society. A "must visit" stand will of course be Princess Yachts. I'll be interested to hear how this major Plymouth employer is faring during the economic recovery and how I can continue to support them.
Looking ahead
Next week the Defence Committee will be looking into defence procurement and we will be quizzing Lord Drayson, the minister responsible for preparing for the next strategic defence review. I also hope to meet the Afghan ambassador, attend a meeting of the Parliamentary Motor Neurone Disease Group and I will also be hosting a meeting of the Parliamentary Water Group in which we will be hearing from Lord Smith, Chairman of the Environment Agency about the problems of flooding and its relationship with water supply.
Footnote
I heard from quite a few people with their views on the incomprehensible actions of colleagues calling for a secret ballot on the leadership of our Party.
The selection of a new Leader in our Party involves the whole of the Party and its constituent membership and bodies - so not a very practical or cost effective use of our time - and in my view totally unnecessary as I had no hesitation in immediately emailing in reply to the authors of this ridiculous suggestion.It came in the middle of what the BBC referred to as the most polished performance by the Prime Minster at his weekly question time yet.
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