Update from Linda Gilroy MP: Week ending 5 March 2010
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 09:31, Fri 5 March 2010:
Thought for the Week - Plymouth Marine Science Matters www.lindagilroy.org.uk/marine
On Wednesday I returned to Plymouth to join the Minister for the Marine Environment, Huw Irranca-Davies MP, on a visit to the City. The day started with a visit to the Fish Market at Pinnacle Quay and the Marine Fisheries Agency (MFA) office to meet with local MFA staff. The Minister then visited four of Plymouth's marine science organisations - Plymouth Marine Laboratories (PML), the Marine Biological Association (MBA), the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science (SAHFOS) and finally the Marine Institute at the University, where he took part in a question and answer session. I was very pleased to be able to showcase Plymouth's marine science sector. As the University Vice Chancellor Wendy Purcell told the Minister, Plymouth has probably the most significant cluster of expertise in this field in Europe. Marine science forms an important and exciting part of the City's economy and wider character. We have so much to offer - and I was pleased the Minister saw this first hand.
The Minister was accompanied by Steven Gant, the recently appointed Chief Executive of the Marine Management Organisation. The day was a good opportunity for the Marine Community to engage with the MMO and I know that the Minister and the Chief Executive went away with favourable first impressions - so well done to everyone involved and I look forward to working with you to ensure that Plymouth plays a full role in the work that lies ahead to make the most of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009! It was good to see the coastal path walkers represented in the Q & A audience by Eric Wallis MBE Secretary of the South West Coastal Path Association.
My Week At a Glance
Defence Debate - and RUSI Conference
Monday saw a general debate on defence in the House of Commons. In my speech I talked about welfare issues, the contribution that efficiency savings have made to the defence budget and I compared our record on defence to that of the opposition. You can read my speech here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2010-03-01a.663.1&s=speaker%3A10229#g691.0
I also made an intervention on behalf of civil servants working for the Ministry of Defence. They include clerks, managers, cooks, cleaners, security staff, Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel, dog handlers, engineers, secretaries and so for. They often do not get the press coverage they deserve for the key role they have in supporting our armed forces. Wherever you find military personnel you will also find civilians supporting them - including in Afghanistan.
On Tuesday I attended a conference at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) on the contribution civilians can make to military stabilisation operations. The recent MoD Green Paper and its companion study on the Future Character of Conflict, recognise that the majority of the world’s security threats will involve fragile and failed states over the coming decades. Civilian organisations and individuals have made crucial contributions in conflict and post-conflict contexts for decades, but the scale of their involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan has raised their profile dramatically.
BBC Six Music
I know a number of my younger constituents are concerned about the BBC's plans to axe the Six Music radio station. I have written to Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw, and to BBC Director General Mark Thompson, to convey these concerns and to see their observations. I would be interested to know how many other readers of this email listen to Six music (or Asian Network for that matter - also under threat). Please do drop me a line and tell me why you like them and what I should be saying to the BBC and the Government.
Digital Britain
On Monday I asked an oral question to Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw about the importance of ensuring all corners of the UK have access to next generation digital services as part of the Government's 'Digital Britian' strategy. You can read his reply here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2010-03-01a.652.1&s=speaker%3A10229#g652.8
Michael Foot
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Michael Foot. He was a towering intellectual and a great orator - but also a fundamentally decent man. Even in his nineties he could declaim passionately about the things that mattered to him. His ardent support for Plymouth Argyle across so many decades was an important part of his life
The Wright Stuff
On Thursday the House of Commons voted on the recommendations from the Wright Committee on reform of the House of Commons. I am pleased to confirm I voted in favour of MPs electing chairs of select committees (rather than Party whips) and for the creation of a committee of backbench MPs to have a bigger say in determining the business of the House (at the moment it is mostly controlled by the Government).
Supporting Plymouth's Pubs
I have this week signed up to the Campaign for Real Ale’s Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers General Election Charter. Pubs are local businesses and, like all businesses in Plymouth, I want to support them through the current economic difficulties and help to ensure they are well placed to make the most of the recovery. I also believe pubs play a very special role in community life and form an essential part of British culture. In the age of ‘binge drinking’ it is even more important that there are venues in which responsible adults can drink in a measured and social manner. I am a member of the Parliamentary Beer Group and I regularly meet with representatives from CAMRA and other similar organisations to discuss these problems and look for solutions. I’ve also met with local publicans and small breweries in Plymouth to hear about the specific issues they have. You can find out more at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/pubs
The Importance of Science
On Thursday I asked a question to the Minister for Business about the importance of science to the UK's economic recovery, especially for small businesses. You can read his reply here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04a.1009.7&s=speaker%3A10229#g1012.2
Student Debate
Later this evening I will be attending a general election debate at hosted by students at Plymouth University. I'm looking forward to discussing matters that concern students. Many of them have already told me of the importance they place on issues such as student funding and encouraging people from all backgrounds into higher and further education; the difficulty in finding jobs; the importance of the environment (and tackling climate change); international development; animal welfare; and making our system of government work better. Plymouth has one of the most significant student populations in the country - they make a big contribution to the City economically and in other ways too.
Looking ahead
Next week I am very pleased to be welcoming volunteers from Plymouth Family and Friends of Deployed Units Support Group on a visit to Parliament. I'll also be meeting the Housing Minister to discuss Community Land Trusts (a way of providing affordable housing for local people) and attending meetings on science in Parliament. I am also looking forward to joining Plymouth's Kurdish community in celebrating the start of their new year.
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