Letter from Parliament: Tony Lloyd MP

Tony Lloyd MP

Labour had some very good results in the local election, although I was very disappointed to see Neil Butterworth lose his seat. He knew Milnrow and Newhey very well, but the electorates’ decision is final.

I held my advice bureau on Monday due to being called into Parliament last Friday, and met with the Acting Principal of Rochdale Sixth Form College about their financial pressures and how we can continue to offer the best possible future for Rochdale’s young people.

Speaking of financial pressures, I also met with Howard Street Nursey, which is only guaranteed funding until 2020 -  not too far off. Funding helps their young children with life chances they otherwise wouldn’t have.

Karen Bradley, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I discussed the government promise of no hard border for Ireland, and I had a briefing with the deputy commander for allied air command about Britain’s air defences.

Windrush remains a large political topic, and we have to make sure this is never repeated. This could happen with the Pakistani, Kasmiri and Banglasdeshi communities in Rochdale, and these people have contributed here all their lives. It is not fair, right or legal and has been disgracefully handled by the government.

I also attended the opening of a new Chinese institute in Manchester as China’s economy is set to be one of the largest in 20 years. I’m very keen to examine how far we can bring this to Rochdale as this also encourage the learning of mandarin, which will be vital in the future.

I paid my respects at the memorial at Rochdale fire station for those who died during the course of duty. Whilst it does not happen very often, it does happen as they go forward into the face of danger and risk. We must never forget this and the price they pay, and they surely deserve our thanks.

 This weekend I will be supporting Rochdale in their final game of the season and I hope their Spanish visitor will enjoy the game.