Letter from Parliament - Tony Lloyd MP

Tony Lloyd MP

I met with Shine - education project working with children in low income families. They have moved from London to north England so I met them to discuss them working young people in Rochdale.

I had a meeting about the campaign to bring a high speed rail system up to Manchester so that Rochdale is not forgotten and gets its fair share.

I met with the Transport Secretary to ask, in light of the ongoing M60 restrictions, when will we see traffic moving again.

I met Defence Secretary about threats across the country, things like cyber security, the NHS cyber attack, the poisoned spy in Salisbury. I asked what steps are being taken in response.

I attended a debate after the Grenfell Tower disaster. Residents up and down the country have been told that they have to contribute towards costs of removing cladding and replacing with something more suitable It is not fair people who have bought can now be asked for money to sort out the cladding.

I went to meet the Justice minister as sexual abuse cases need priority. I met with a woman who was raped two years ago and her case is only just coming to court. It’s wrong that the court process is part of the trauma people go through.

I met with Air Vice-Marshall Johnny Stringer to talk about the challenges that Royal Air Force faces and role they play.

I raised the issue in Parliament of the seas as there are more acidic greenhouse gases affecting the oceans and coral reefs. There is a need for international action to make sure our seas are sustainable for the future.

A damming report on children’s mental health delays to proper treatment, shows that sufferers have to be in crisis before they will be referred properly. We have got to make sure our GPs have access to proper mental health professionals. If first line isn’t there, sufferers can be in trouble. If mental health issues are picked up when people are young can make all the difference to that person as an adult. One in four suffer mental health issues in England and we need proper treatments.

I went to KYP for national apprenticeship week. They were showcasing their opportunities for apprentices. Some people recognise this is better for them than university or doing nothing.

Sunday I will be attending a charity event.