Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin, MP

Jim Dobbin MP

Despite the obvious problems facing the people of this country and indeed the whole world as we begin to cope with the results of a global recession, I still feel full of hope and some optimism. Lessons will be learnt from the mistakes that have been made. There must now be a new ethical dimension to economic investment by the big financial institutions and more control by the world’s governments. Despite the criticism, our government’s strategy is correct. To do nothing is not an option. The tax payer is propping up the banks through this difficult period and that must never be forgotten. We are entering a new world of opportunity which should benefit the next generation as technology and science move forward. Challenges that face us are immense but not insurmountable.

As we live longer health quality, educational opportunity and security must be right at the top of the government’s agenda. Climate change and energy supplies are fundamental to our future well being. That is why the investment by the government in health and education in particular is crucial and there have been unprecedented levels of investment in both priority issues.

Modern living has brought with it difficult challenges for society and in particular for family life. Some of the boundaries of the past have been eroded. If I have one wish for this New Year it is for boundaries to be re-established so that the family becomes the fulcrum of modern living once again and that means engaging with change and the modern face of change but at the same time including a moral and ethical ethos to the new world order. The new, faster communication advances need to be embraced but also regulated, the threat of international terrorism has to be addressed and security strengthened.

Anti-social behaviour and drug crime needs to be eradicated.

Parents and guardians need to accept responsibility for their children’s behaviour and be aware that they will be held to account. They need to know where their children are and what they are doing and teach respect for law and order. I do not advocate a return to the past, that would be impossible, but because new changes are developing in society we need to re-establish a family structure in a more responsible manner. My contention is that through these difficult months ahead, something better must emerge. Everyone from individuals, families, business, trade unions, society and government must pull together and I am hopeful we will pull through.

These are my hopes for the New Year in 2009 and beyond when the prayer expressed in the carols we sing at Christmas, “Peace on Earth and Good Will to all men” becomes a reality that we practise every day.

On Monday 15 December I was invited by the Prime Minister to No 10 where he hosted a reception for faith leaders. There were representatives from all the different faith groups and in his address he highlighted the challenges facing this country and the world, especially the levels of poverty existing in Africa. He is passionate in his determination to eradicate poverty in this country and abroad and will use his influence with other world leaders to move in that direction. He is already recognised by health charities for his efforts to finance the eradication of disease through the International Finance Facility which has provided thousands of vaccines against disease in poor countries. It was a very positive experience and I felt privileged to be there.

A number of North West MPs met with North West representatives of the Communications Unions. They were lobbying against the partial privatisation of Royal Mail. We promised to approach the Government on their behalf. I was pleased that Des Carney, a CWU rep and a Heywood constituent, was present. It was good to see Des again.

I attended the Rochdale Magistrates’ Carol Service at St Aidan’s Church in Castleton on 18 December. It is always a pleasure to meet them on this annual occasion. The Mayor and Mayoress and I visited Middleton Pop Stars for a demonstration by local talented youngsters. Anne Marshall and her colleagues do a tremendous job with these young people and deserve all the help and support they can get.

Sunday 21 December saw Pat and I attending a carol service at St John’s R.C. Rochdale, one at the Salvation Army citadel and finally St Michael’s Middleton where I read a lesson. By the end of the day we were word perfect and we both enjoyed the Christmas spirit evident at all three services.

The remaining days before Christmas were spent preparing for the family Christmas when all 7 grandsons and their parents converge. Pandemonium but great fun when they are all together.

We went to Veena’s Restaurant in Heywood for our Christmas lunch. Farooq always makes everyone feel at home and it was very child friendly. The food was superb and catered for all tastes so it was voted a great success. Now that they have all returned to their respective homes it is quiet but peaceful!

The constituency office is closed until 5 January.

My staff and I wish all constituents a Happy and Peaceful New Year.