Update from Linda Gilroy MP: Week ending 12 February 2010
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 09:53, Mon 15 February 2010:
My Week at a Glance
Talking Buses
I have been contacted by a constituent regarding the "Talking Buses" campaign. The charity Guide Dogs is campaigning for a change in the law to make audio and visual information – including audible announcements of the next stop and final destination – available on board every bus and scheduled coach service in the UK. This will enable blind and partially-sighted people to use buses with confidence, and improve the experience of bus travel for all passengers. I think this is a great campaign - and I will be looking for opportunities to show my support.
Your vote – your choice!
Thank you to everyone who has posted comments on my discussion forum or emailed or phoned me to tell me what you think. On Tuesday I voted in favour of giving everyone a chance (through holding a referendum early in the next parliament) to decide whether to stick with the current system of first past the post - or to switch to the alterative voting system - which means every MP would have to command 50%+ of the vote through first or later preferences by ranking 1,2,3 etc order of preference.
Future Energy Needs
On Tuesday I attended a meeting of the Parliamentary Group for Energy Studies where we heard from former Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks about our country's energy security needs. I have known Malcolm for over 30 years - the first time I met him was at an Age concern Conference when he had just published a book on Older People and cold weather - and the need for warm homes. Neither he nor I have stopped campaigning to improve things since then! On this occasion he was talking about the report he has recently done for the Prim Minster on the right mix of energy sources which we will need to ensure that the lights – and the heating – remain on.
Motor Neurone Disease
Also on Tuesday I took part in an inquiry being held by the All Party Group on Motor Neurone Disease. I know this is a devastating disease and have been contacted by constituents who are affected themselves, or who have close friends or relatives who have been. It was very moving hearing from someone who has been diagnosed with the disease, a carer, and a volunteer. The group will be producing a report with recommendations about how services can be improved. Judging from that session there are quite a few things that could be done better - some which do not need a lot of money could be done quite quickly.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
On Wednesday the results of a review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme were announced. The lump sum award for the most serious injuries now stands at £570,000 - double what it was before 2008 - and is accompanied by a guaranteed yearly income for life, which will be increased to reflect the lasting effect of more serious injuries, likely promotions and extended retirement ages. It is only right that we support those injured in the course of duties for their country. I am particularly glad the Review consulted widely, especially with service and ex-service charities and organisations, together with current injured service personnel and their families. I have visited Headley Court and commitment by staff, and the resolve and fortitude of patients, is remarkable.
Employment - Backing Young Britain
On Wednesday I returned to Plymouth to accompany employment Minister Jim Knight on a visit to the City. He attended a breakfast event at Derry's Cross encouraging local employers to sign up to the Government's backing Young Britain programme to offer young people a job, apprenticeship or internship. This is part of Labour’s Young Person ' s Guarantee, under which every young person who is unemployed for six months will be guaranteed the offer of a job, training or work experience, supported by up to 470,000 opportunities over the next 15 months.
We then visited the Jobcentre Plus on Exeter Street to meet some of the frontline advisers who help those who have found themselves out of work to get back into employment. We also had the chance to speak to some of the centre’s users to chat about how they find the Jobcentre’s services and what could be improved.
We also talked with Plymouth A4E so that the Minister could see the work they are doing to help people in Plymouth.
Government Commitment to Devonport Dockyard
Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell was in Plymouth on Thursday to visit Devonport Dockyard and Naval Base. He also spoke to representatives from the workforce. He was keen to underline the government's continued commitment to Devonport. He spoke of how the Green Paper sets out how the need for the kind of flexibility offered by the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines will continue to be in demand over the coming decades. In answering questions he said that the MOD will shortly formally complete its long term partnering agreement with Babcock which includes the sale and running of the dockyard. This will be another important step forward. Defence is about adapting to change and dealing with unknowns - but we are now in a position where we can have a very good idea of the future shape and strengths of our defence sector. We need to build on this . To talk ourselves down, and write off this very important sector of our economy for no good reason, doesn’t do us any good. We should be confident of what we have to offer - and talk up the reasons why we are essential to 'future navy' and ‘future Babcock Marine'. If we don’t do that - who else will do it for us?
You can view a video of me talking to the Minister here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GauUtHz3Mc&feature=player_embedded
Another Busy Friday
Today I'm meeting with the new director of Development at Plymouth City Council to discuss how plans for Plymouth’s many regeneration projects are progressing. I'll also be visiting Plymouth Refugee Action to catch up on the work they are doing.
Looking Ahead
Next week is half term recess. Contrary to what some seem to think this is not a holiday for MPs. It is a chance to spend longer than a snatched weekend back home in Plymouth, to get out and about to meet with individuals, groups and organisations. I have a busy week of engagements planned including the Police Activity Day, meeting with parents at local schools, sharing some time with some of Plymouth's hard working trade unionists, and chairing the Regional Economic Task Group meeting in Exeter in my role as Assistant Regional Minster for the South West. Most of all, I'm looking forward to attending Plymouth Argyle's Armed Services Day at home Park on Saturday!
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