Update from Linda Gilroy MP: Week ending 29 January 2010
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 10:42, Fri 29 January 2010:
Thought for the Week
Figures released this week show the economy has grown in the last three months of 2009, meaning that Britain is officially out of recession. The first thing to say is that although this confirmation of the recovery is very good news, in the forefront of my mind is the fact that many people and businesses in Plymouth will still be feeling the bite. It is right therefore that the Government continues to support them, not least to ensure they are placed on the front foot to make the most from the recovery. From my point of view, supporting Plymouth's growth plans and our key economic sectors remains a major focus of my activities both in Parliament and in Plymouth. The second thing to say, is that this news really does give pause for thought as to where we would be if the Government hadn't taken the action it did. On nationalising Northern Rock, the economic stimulus package, the highly successful car scrappage scheme and the Future Jobs Fund, the Labour Government consistently took the right decisions - each of which was opposed by the Tories.
My Week At A Glance
Afghanistan Visit
Last week I visited Pakistan and Afghanistan with the Defence Select Committee. We were interested to see how preparations were going for the implementation of the McChrystal Report and President Obama's troop surge and to gauge what chance they have of succeeding. We met with our counterparts from the Pakistani Senate in Islamabad, we met with Afghan Vice President Khalili and with the Deputy Governor of Helmand Province. We also met with British commanders at Kanawha and Camp Bastion. My observations and reflections can be found on my website at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/Afghanistan. Our visit came an opportune time, with the London Conference on the future of Afghanistan being held this week. On Tuesday I met with a group of visiting Afghan MPs and also with the commanding officer of 2 Rifles, recently returned from operations in Helmand.
Water Meeting with Prime Minister
Those of you who keep up with my water updates may be aware that on Wednesday I was supposed to be leading a delegation of South West MPs to meet the Prime Minister to continue my long running campaign for fairer water charges. Unforeseen events in Northern Ireland of course have meant that this will have to be postponed until a later date. However this does not mean that I will be letting this issue rest! The Walker Review set out with greater clarity than ever before the effect that the botched Tory privatisation of the water industry had on Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall. Now that this unique problem and its roots has now been officially recognised by the Walker Review and the regulator alike I intend to ensure that it is followed up by action. The focus of the campaign now turns from getting the problem recognised to getting a solution in place.
Enterprise Alliance UK
On Wednesday I attended a meeting of the Enterprise Alliance UK, which has been formed to make the case for all students to learn about and participate in enterprise. The founding members are the Institute for Small Business & Entrepreneurship (ISBE); Enterprise Educators UK (EE UK); and the National Consortium of University Entrepreneurs (NACUE). I wanted to go to the meeting because of Plymouth University's particular focus on the enterprise agenda. Professor David Wheeler, Head of Plymouth University Business School, was present at the event.
The Future of Royal Mail
This week I also had the chance to meet with representatives of the local Communication Workers Union to discuss various issues affecting the work force including pension problems. They gave me a very well presented document outlining their views about the pension deficit and I am writing to Lord Mandelson to draw attention to them and to seek his observations. I know these issues will affect a number of my constituents working at one of the Royal Mail offices and was happy to meet and discuss the various issues. While I am aware of the controversy over the future of Royal Mail it is becoming ever clearer that a Tory government would seek full privatisation.
Youth Parliament
Tomorrow I will be going to lend my support to the Youth Parliament elections for the 11th year! Every year 2 young people from Plymouth are elected to stand as MIPS (Members of Youth Parliament) to represent the thoughts and needs of young people. Last year saw MYPS from across the UK have the chance to come up to Westminster and hold their own debate in the House of Commons – the first time such an event has been allowed to take place there. This shows how far the Youth Parliament has come since the first elections were held in 1999. Doors open tomorrow at the Council House at 12 noon to hear candidate’s speeches with voting open until 7pm with various activities taking place throughout the day – anyone between the ages of 11 and 18 can vote and I would encourage all young people to go along and make sure their voices are heard! You can find out more information on the Youth Parliament on their website http://www.ukyp.org.uk/
Plymouth Argyle EDM
It isn’t often that the worlds of football and parliament cross however this week saw the tabling of an EDM (an Early Day Motion – a one sentence statement made by MPs to make their thoughts on a subject known) celebrating the work of the Football League Trust which has worked to promote major social issues such as health, education, social cohesion and sports participation to more than 1.5 million people in the last 12 months including Plymouth Argyle.
Pig Business: Time for Change
A number of constituents emailed me to ask me to attend a screening of 'Pig Business: Time for Change' a film about environmental and welfare standards in farming. My diary did not allow me to stay for the entire film, but I was pleased to be able to pop in for a short while and speak to some of the representatives. I agree that animal welfare is an important issue and raising standards in farming at both home and aboard has many benefits - obviously for the animals, but also for the producers, consumers and wider environment. Committed to the Hunting Ban I also remain committed to upholding the ban on hunting with dogs. I am alarmed that the Opposition regarding repealing this law as their number one priority - above the economy, above eradicating poverty, above Afghanistan, above tackling climate change.
Looking ahead
I have a very important meeting with Justice Minister Michael Wills on Wednesday regarding the Land Registry in Plymouth. I know many people are worried about the future of this office and I'm keen to ensure the Minister is aware of this concern. Also on Wednesday I'm looking forward to the launch of the UK's Marine Science Strategy and the opening of the restored Victorian chapel at Ford Park Cemetery on Thursday.
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