Letter from parliament - Tony Lloyd

Tony Lloyd MP

It was Carers Week this week, and I supported a campaign to prevent violence in the work place in the caring profession. Of course, this is important across all public services and we must have a zero-tolerance policy for violence towards staff, who require their employer’s support.

I also met with a man whose wife sufferers from motor neurone disease at an event in parliament. Despite caring for those we love, sometimes people need a break as it can take a heavy toll on the carer, who work around the clock 52 weeks a year for their loves ones. This is something I will be pursuing with the government.

Lewisham had a by-election this week, and I was down there canvassing. Labour won, which is fantastic.

MPs from the north west had a breakfast meeting with BBC North West about the future of regional broadcast and whether there is enough news about the north broadcast nationally.

There was a lot of discussion about the EU withdrawal bill and the meaningful vote. We need to make sure what comes back is good for the country and towns like Rochdale, with a jobs-first Brexit. MPs from all parties want a proper vote to make sure Theresa May comes back with something good.

Brexit also formed a large part of our discussion when I met with the leader of the Irish Labour Party, Brendan Howlin, and other Labour members to discuss the need for an agreement that won’t see a hard border.

I also met with a blind couple from the Guide Dogs Association, who told me about their difficulties in walking on pavements, something many of us take for granted. If there is a shop sign or road works, or even traffic on the pavement, this can make navigation so hard, and has been raised as a problem in Rochdale, with the prolific signs on the narrow Walk. The government promised four or five years ago to help, but nothing has been heard since. 

I will also be asking Andy Burnham about installing audible signs to our buses for the blind population across Greater Manchester, to aid in locating the right bus stops and hopefully make one thing a little bit easier for them. 

There has been talk about expanding Heathrow airport, which is not really in the interests of Rochdale with being so far away. I believe Manchester Airport, on the other hand, serves more countries than any other UK airport, and is one of the largest in Europe. We need the government to realise there is more to the country than just London and the south east.

I met with an organisation who build and deliver houses that people on a more modest income can afford, which we do need more of.

I attended Eid celebrations at Springfield Park and held my advice bureau.