Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin MP

During the global recession and the worst financial crisis in 60 years, the Government was not prepared to let the recession take its course. The priority was to protect homes, jobs and businesses.

If the experience of the Tory recession in the 1990s had been repeated, house repossessions and businesses would have been twice as high.

Now that Britain has officially come out of recession, growth is returning and things are slowly getting better. But, we need to be cautious. I do not want the recovery to be put at risk by making deep cuts now. That would surely wreck the recovery.

The International Monetary Organisations agree with the actions the Government has taken.

To offer £200,000 to the wealthiest 3000 families, the Tories would have to cut Child Tax Credits and Child Trust Funds, the equivalent of 3,500 police from the streets and much more this year.

The only other policy the Tories are clear on is to re-introduce fox hunting. The more Cameron wobbles, the more he is unclear, the more the electorate doubt his abilities.

This week I met with Angela Smith who is the Minister responsible for the voluntary sector. I was present at her meeting with my trade union, Unite as their Parliamentary Representative. The purpose of the meeting was to lobby for more support for the not for profit sector. I have said in previous articles how important this sector is in guaranteeing delivery of services to the public sector. We shall continue to meet ministers to establish increased funding and protect these vital jobs.

I notice crime statistics are down despite the recession and unemployment figures are much lower than in previous recessions.

On the 17 February I attended the launch of Youth Link at Mike Huck’s former restaurant and saw at firsthand how these young people are growing in confidence and desperately want to contribute to society.

In the evening I enjoyed the annual St Gabriel’s Panto, Dick Whittington. It was as hilarious as usual. Congratulations to Billy Sheerin and his team once again.

The following morning I visited Wigwam, based in Green Lane, and promised to lobby Treasury Minister, Stephen Timms on their behalf. Wigwam is major provider of sound systems across the country.

The Middleton Cricket Club sponsorship evening was a great event and I shall sponsor their match on 8 May with pleasure.

Saturday was my monthly surgery day at St Paul’s Norden, followed by another surgery at Castleton Community Centre.

On Friday 26 February I visited Middleton Parish C of E Primary School. Head teacher Brenda Rogerson pulled out all the stops for the occasion. The school assembly and visits round the classroom confirmed my view that children I visit in our schools are benefiting from their education. It belies the description of a broken society portrayed some newspapers. The majority of our young people are confident and well able to progress through further and higher education and into responsible adulthood.

We are nearing the date for the General Election and I expect it will be announced soon.