Letter from Parliament

Jim Dobbin MP

I find it rather cynical of the Lib Dems making an issue out of police numbers when they can’t deny that there are greatly increased numbers of police officers on the ground and increased police support officers in every police command.  They fail to tell the people that the tough measures to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour have not received their support. They have repeatedly tried to block these measures and would deprive the police and local authorities of the powers to take on vandals and bullies.

They have opposed tough action on yobs who are blighting the lives of hardworking families.  The Lib Dems are against using powers to break up teen gangs, opposed to sending young teen criminals to court, oppose jail sentences for drug possession, would legalise the sale of cannabis, oppose the use of DNA records that are helping to crack old crimes and convict dangerous offenders.  Come on Lib Dems – start protecting decent law abiding people instead of protecting the minority who harass and break the law.  I find the decision to rename the Queen Elizabeth School in Middleton bizarre and the hasty ballot of the school’s pupils leaves me confused as two of the names on offer are Bishop’s Academy (Bishop who?) and Spirit Academy (Holy Spirit? Spirit Level?) Can someone explain the logic of these two names? Of course no opportunity was given to choose the existing name.

The school under its present Head has progressed tremendously and I accept that but that does not give any individual, even the head teacher, and the right to take an executive decision of this importance.  I urge Middleton people to oppose this insensitive action.  The school was making good progress as a Queen Elizabeth.

Last month Pat and I had a few days break at the beginning of the half term.  We went to Gunston Hall outside Great Yarmouth where the theme for the week was line dancing. We enjoyed a nice peaceful few days. Talking of dancing I went along to Heywood Civic to watch the display of dance by the Miss Joanne School of Dance.  There was a real show of talent across all the age groups and it was good to see so many young people enjoying a worthwhile hobby and learning a skill that will last all their lives.  In the evening it was Puss in Boots, the St Gabriel’s Pantomime in Castleton and as usual the cast were hilarious.  Billy Sheerin the producer has contributed greatly over so many years in Castleton and both events highlighted the positive input that many young people make in their local communities and the dedication of the adults who give of their free time to encourage youngsters.

On Tuesday 20 February as well as an entire day of committee meetings at the House of Commons I had a 30 minute meeting with David Chaytor MP for

Bury North and Patricia Hewitt, the Secretary of State for Health to discuss her decision to review the restructuring of the local health services by an independent panel. It was of course announced the following day. You may not be aware that the government has announced 30% increase in funding for hospitals to enable modernisation of buildings, purchase new equipment, and buy land for expansion.

I have attended two meetings to discuss the issue of Trident replacement.  One involved the Trade Unions involved who were arguing on behalf of employees based mainly around Barrow in Furness.  The second was a meeting chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy where Bianca Jagger was the guest speaker.  This meeting argued against Trident.  My own view at the moment is against replacement and I feel that the money would be better spent on conventional forces and existing systems.

Before Prime Minister’s Question Time on Wednesday 21st, I met Sarah-Kate Templeton, a Sunday Times reporter to brief her on my Palliative Care Bill and other life issues.  In the afternoon, I had to chair my European Scrutiny Select committee.  This committee examines up to 1000 pieces of European Legislation each year, as you can imagine this is quite an arduous task. Thursday morning at 9.15 I attended a press conference with Baroness Ilora Finlay, an expert in Palliative Care, who is introducing a Bill similar to my own in the House of Lords.  We await progress on both.  I drove home on Friday and went straight to Middleton Cricket club sponsors function.  UI sponsor a cricket match in Middleton, Heywood and Norden each year.  I chose to sponsor the game on 3 June.

I complete this week with a surgery in Heywood Civic Centre.  My casework is heavy and I appreciate the hard work and patience of Cllr Colin Lambert, Cllr Alan Godson in the Heywood office and Pat in the London office.