Letter from Parliament

Jim Dobbin MP

The most dramatic event in my life since the last article was my visit to the orthopaedic consultant Mr Ali at Rochdale Infirmary last week.  He gave me the good news that I needed a total knee replacement.  I look forward to joining the many bionic people in my constituency with similar problems.  It is good to know at last what the problem has been.  The Palace of Westminster is such a large rambling place and there is so much walking to do every day and all day that you really need two good legs to manage the long and complex routes that are part of each day’s work.

The big political event was the European decision on the Reform Treaty.  The European Constitutional Treaty was abandoned and 26 European countries agreed there was no need for a referendum.  Ireland has to have a referendum because it is required by its own constitution.  The Reform Treaty was ratified in the Commons by a healthy majority.  The Tories called for a referendum despite the fact that they had refused to have one on all the major European treaties including Maastricht during their 18 years in power.  David Cameron will not reverse this decision.  The Lib Dems sat on their hands except the 3 MPs whose seats are under threat. The new Lib Dem leader has had an unhappy week.  It looks like the Lib Dems made the wrong choice and should have gone for Chris Huhne who is much sharper.

As I forecast last week the Council Tax will rise by 3.8% and compares badly with neighbouring Oldham and Bolton who are proposing a rise of 0%.  Rochdale Lib Dem Council received from the Government the best settlement in Greater Manchester.  It is surprising therefore that they are making so many sensitive cuts.  Rumour has it that Adult Care which is being privatised will be in chaos, as I expect the private care services will be unable to cope with the numbers of local cases needing support.  The Lib Dems who have taken this decision have made a huge misjudgement.  Watch the headlines. Meanwhile the bin service chaos and traffic mess continues.

I had a good meeting with Inspector Gary Hall about the recent anti-social behaviour in Middleton.  I understand a number of arrests have been made associated with the recent violent robberies in Alkrington.  Local communities, schools and parents need to support efforts by the police and courts to stamp out this kind of behaviour.  I hear it said there is nothing for young people to do.  I can assure you that there are lots of young people involved in youth activities all over the constituency.  The provision and facilities are there to be used if there is the will.

I met with David Chaytor MP for Bury North to launch a petition in support of extending the East Lancs Railway through Heywood and Castleton and on to Victoria Station Manchester.  The feasibility studies on this possibility are about to begin. 

It was an early start to attend the performance of “Wasted” at Cardinal Langley RC High school to show the dangers of alcohol abuse.  This was followed by a discussion with students and cast and a number of excellent contributions by the young people.  It was a worthwhile exercise, well presented, with serious lessons for everyone. 

Later I visited the Desmesne Community Centre to meet with a group of ex cancer patients.  My constituent Mary Jennings who campaigns nationally and internationally for improved screening services was present and it was good to meet with her again. 

On the same evening I took part in a discussion session on climate change at the All Saints church, Langley, Wood Street.  It was televised and recorded by Christian aid.  I believe it was the first of around 80 interviews with MPs as part of a national campaign by Christian aid.  Father Philip and his interest group led by Mona Davis certainly know and understand the issues. 

At the weekend I spoke at every Mass at St Joseph’s RC Church Heywood against the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.  This Bill has no regard for the ethical implications of the scientific changes it is proposing.  I note that over 100 university professors are calling for a free conscience vote on the Bill.

I was in the Chamber on Wednesday to hear the Prime minister announce that the minimum wage will rise to £5.73 per hour this October. This means that there has been a 60% rise on the original minimum wage since 1999.  I remember at the time some people said that the minimum wage would cost the country 2million jobs.  The reality as we know is totally different.  Nearly one million low paid workers two thirds of them women will benefit from this increase.  The government has also boosted funding for enforcement of the national minimum wage and are planning tougher new penalties for those rogue employers who continue to flout the law in this area.  This will be part of the Employment Bill that is going through Parliament and it has my support.

There will be consequent rises for 18-21 year olds and 16-17 year olds.  I try not to put too many statistics in my newsletter but remember behind every statistic is a life changed for the better.  I was pleased this week to read in an independent report that Sure Start Children’s Centres are having appositive impact on the lives of children and families.  Children it seems behave better and are more independent when they have the benefit of a Sure Start in their area

I’ve seen in my own constituency that they are best placed to help families.  A package of measures will be introduced to support Sure start Centres by creating an outreach team who will provide home visiting for families that find it difficult to access services.