Letter from Parliament - Paul Rowen MP

Paul Rowen MP

Prime Minister’s Question time (PMQs) over the last few weeks has been dominated with the debate about public spending cuts.

The Prime Minister has accused the Leader of the Opposition of planning 10% public spending cuts in the event of a Tory victory.

Under Labour, the Prime Minister claims we can be assured of rising public expenditure in contrast to that planned by the opposition. All this huff and puff charge and counter charge ignores the fact that cutbacks are taking place now.

The announcement last week by Councillor Keith Whitmore Leader of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority that Northern Rail was only to get 132 rather than the originally promised 189 new carriages is proof that cuts are taking place now.

Last year, when the Government announced it was nationalising Northern Rock, as Liberal Democrats we backed the government while the Conservatives opposed the plan. When the Government announced a stimulus plan we disagreed on the detail but back the idea.

At the same time Vince Cable MP warned that we would have to cut some Government programmes to pay for it.

We need in my view an honest and open discussion about what programmes need to be cut. Otherwise we face what is happening now – salami slice cuts across the board leaving everybody dissatisfied.

That is why as Liberal Democrats we’ve publicly said that Trident should not be replaced and ID cards should be scrapped. An honest public discussion from all parties is needed not the yah-boo style politics of PMQs.

This week we have been dealing with the Finance Bill which implements decisions announced in the budget. I backed Frank Field MP’s amendment on the 10p tax band as well as our own amendment on cutting the tax on beer and reducing the tax on Bingo. Though 18 Labour rebels joined us in supporting the 10p tax band it and the other amendments were defeated by the government.

That leaves more than 1.3 million people worse off and more pub and bingo club closures.

Last weekend, I was pleased to open NESTECs 4th African Karibu Festival as well as enjoying an excellent concert at Spotland Methodist Chapel by the Festival Choir.

Councillor Jean Ashworth celebrated her 60th birthday as well as retirement from the Infirmary with an excellent party and on Sunday I had a meeting with our three Milnrow and Newhey Councillors.

I’ve been delighted this week to have the Mayor and Mayoress to dinner at the House of Commons before they went onto the Royal Garden Party.

Last night I was due to speak at a Memorial service for Khisar Shah, a JP, Prison Visitor and very good friend of mine who died suddenly last month. Next week.

I’m involved in the remaining stages of the Borders and Immigration Bill which is being taken through the House by my neighbour Phil Woolas.