Update from Linda Gilroy MP: Week ending 26 March 2010
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 09:50, Fri 26 March 2010:
Thought for the Week
Sometime yesterday we reached the point at which it was 1000 hours to close of poll on a 6th May election. A lot done - a lot to do...
I sat and listened to Alistair Darling's Budget speech which was measured and thoughtful - steady as you go to ensure that the recovery "in its infancy" is maintained. He reminded us that we called all the right shots from Northern Rock to the stimulus package. The Tories opposed these - in fact called all the wrong shots. If they had been in charge actually making the decisions they talked about we would now be in a depression. So the investment to keep small businesses going, to keep people in work and in their homes, is exactly the right thing to be doing at this stage. Investment in our Universities (establishing the University Enterprise Network sounds like something we should be a part of in Plymouth - The Enterprise University) and the investment in the Science, Technology Engineering and Maths student places make sense. It took long enough to develop the surge of interest there has been in such studies, which are important seed corn of our future economy. As for David Cameron's response - cheap political shots and lack of substance - not the sort of stuff prime minsters are made of. The Tories track record recently as well as in the 1990's makes them a a risky change people cannot afford to take with the continuing uncertain times and challenges that lie ahead.
P.S. I was sitting opposite Ken Clarke, the Tory Shadow Business Secretary and former Tory Chancellor, in the chamber. When Alistair announced the tax avoidance agreement with Belize he gave a hearty laugh - but most of the Tories remained stony faced - I wonder why? Mind you most of my hardworking and tax paying pensioner constituents do not find it very funny that the deputy chairman of the Tory party that aspires to govern us in a few weeks time thinks it's fine to avoid £10 million in tax.
I have recorded a YouTube video about the budget which you can view at http://www.youtube.com/LindaGilroyMP#p/a/u/1/2wYrbWrCq48
My Week At a Glance
How Saving Energy Could Also Save on Our Water Bills!
On Monday I met with representatives from the Energy Savings Trust. I was keen to discuss ways in which energy saving measures can work alongside reducing water wastage. For instance, a huge proportion of heat energy is lost through conventional household water heating systems. So called smart metres are currently being rolled out for energy usage and I would like to see the same kind of technology available for water customers too. I have previously raised this in Parliament, urging the Energy Secretary to discuss the matter with the Water Minister - you can read our exchange here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2010-02-25a.442.3&s=speaker%3A10229#g445.2 I have been campaigning on matters such as fuel poverty, utility regulation and water poverty most of my working life - and you can rest assured that I will continue to press for a fair deal for water customers in the South West. Follow my campaign at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/water
Service Welfare
On Tuesday Kevan Jones, Minister for Veterans and Armed Forces Welfare, accepted my invitation to visit Plymouth. The day started at the RAF & Allied Air Force Monument on Plymouth Hoe, believed to be the only such memorial to commemorate all those allied airmen and women who died in conflicts from the Second World War onwards. Tens of thousands of men and women lost their lives - many young men after only two or three missions. (You can read my speech about the history of the monument at http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2009-06-10b.287.0). The Minister then met with some of the organisers of this year's Plymouth Armed Forces and Veterans Week to hear about their plans and discuss ways in which the public can demonstrate their support for today's armed forces. I was really pleased that Kevan took time at the end of his visit to meet with veteran Lancaster gunner and prime mover of the monument to his fallen comrades, Jim Davis whom we visited at Caan House Retirement Home. Jim has written a fascinating book about his experiences - including some really interesting insights into life in Plymouth as a young boy before the war. As a rear gunner Jim went on 33 missions and his resilient and positive outlook on life combined to help him survive what most did not. At 85 he remains an inspiration.
Devonport Guaranteed work for 15 Years
On Thursday the Ministry of Defence and Babcock Marine finally signed the Terms of Business Agreement (TOBA) concerning the running of Devonport Dockyard. This may sound rather dry and legalistic, but it is actually very important for Devonport because it provides a firm framework for Babcock Marine's fifteen year partnership with the MOD to provide fleet maintenance. This in turn confirms the role earmarked for Devonport under the Maritime Change Programme as the lead yard for deep maintenance on submarines and surface ships by effectively guaranteeing Devonport Dockyard work for the next 15 years. Long complex overhauls are precisely the kind of operations that account for the most jobs. I know from my conversations with representatives from Babcock and the dockyard trade unions that this outcome from Naval Base Review was highly prized. find out more at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/defence
Renewable Energy Directive
I recently received an interesting letter from Lord Hunt of Kingsheath which covers how the UK will implement the Renewable Energy Directive to achieve sustainable biomass use. This of course includes sustainability issues relating to palm oil which quite a few people have contacted me about. If you would like to know more about the UK plan for RED and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil visit http://www.lindagilroy.org.uk/uploads/3cb0cb52-5596-d904-1d4d-2711ce4467f3.pdf
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport - Profile
Last week I recorded a piece for BBC Politics Show regarding the forthcoming general election and why this matters for Plymouth. If you want to have a look it should be available on BBC iPlayer until Sunday here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00rp840/The_Politics_Show_South_West_21_03_2010/ The relevant part starts at around 53 minutes into the programme.
Mental Health
Today I am attending the New Horizons Plymouth Mental Health Conference. The conference will provide an excellent arena for people to share their vision of the city’s mental health needs for the future. As with our physical health, our mental health will vary throughout our lives. Most people during their lifetime will either know of someone who has experienced a mental health problem/illness or will have personal experience of a mental health problem. At long last we’re beginning to break down the stigma towards mental health issues. – mental health is not something to be ashamed of - sooner a mental health problem is recognised, the sooner that support and treatment can be provided.
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