Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin MP

The atmosphere in Parliament is unreal at the moment. There have only been 4 votes so far on the Queen’s speech.

The Scot Nats moved an amendment to get rid of Trident. Labour abstained on what was purely a mischievous vote by the SNP.

However the Lib Dems who have been demanding the end of Trident voted with the Tories in defence of Trident. Where are their principles now? Of course it would have been much more acceptable had there been a proper informed debate on Trident.

I understand that there will be only one day of votes on an opposition motion in the next 2 weeks. It looks like the Con-Dem Government have become remarkably shy about showing their true colours. Some of them seem embarrassed to be in the chamber together.

I raised the issue of our local schools with Mr Cameron at Question Time asking for his guarantee to complete the Council’s Building Schools for the Future programme. He sat on the fence which makes me worry about the future of education. Cuts must be on the way.

Last week’s decision by our Con-Dem government to put the promised new bus station and the Metro Link interchange on the back burner is the start of things to come. I wonder if the Local Con-Dem Council will have the nerve to challenge this decision or will they fluff it.

Sir Alan Haselhurst a predecessor of mine in Middleton and former Deputy Speaker is now a backbencher. I campaigned successfully to have Lindsay Hoyle MP for Chorley elected to that position. He will do a good job in the Chair. Sir Alan also did a good job and was always fair and understanding. He was a competent performer.

I wait to see what select committee places are available and hope to find a place on one. I have continued with my surgeries across the constituency which helps keep me in touch with local issues.

On May 5th I sponsored Heywood Cricket and will continue to sponsor Middleton and Norden Cricket. These clubs do a great job in the community especially with young people.

In the evening I celebrated my old friend John Battye’s 65th birthday. John was Leader of Oldham Council and we both worked together at Royal Oldham Hospital for many years.

On Thursday 10th June I was invited to St George’s Cathedral in Southwark for the installation of Archbishop Peter Smith, formerly of Cardiff. I worked closely with him on the Mental Capacity Bill where his advice was always helpful.

After my Middleton surgery I visited the Summer Fair of all Saints and Martyrs. It’s always a lovely social occasion and it was good to see Canon Philip again who I understand will soon take over as our Rural Dean.