Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin MP

I attended a memorial service to celebrate the life of the late Lord Ashley who was Jack Ashley MP and overcame his deafness through determination and moral strength.

Jack chaired the All Party Parliamentary Disability group in Parliament for over 40 years. Jack along with Alf Morris MP now Lord Morris fought for an improved quality of life for all forms of disabilities. Alf Morris was the first Minister for the Disabled in the late 60’s and early 70’s and much of his and Jack’s legislation has had world-wdie recognition.

It’s disappointing too that the government are on course to change a raft of measures against disabled people. The cuts to disabled people's benefits now outstrips the amount of money the government are taking from bankers. By the end of this parliament, cuts to disability benefits will be 40% more than the amount taken from the banks. These policies will drive people into poverty and their carers to breaking point.

Remploy factories, and there is one based in Heywood Distribution Park, are to suffer huge cuts. These factories perform some heroic work programmes by people with a disability. The cuts policy for Remploy workers is in chaos and the government should reverse this decision.

The Government are performing u-turns nearly every week. We have had u-turns on the ‘pasty-tax’, the ‘charity tax’, the ‘caravan tax’ and the ‘skip tax’, the ‘3p increase in petrol’, the ‘forest sell off’; the only u-turn they haven’t done is the £40,000 tax cut for his millionaire cabinet and millionaire friends.

We have a double-dip recession made in Downing Street and still no Plan B.

Recently we have even seen massive cuts to our armed forces with the disappearance of some of our most famous army regiments. Cameron and Osborne’s grasp of economics is pretty juvenile.

The Government decision to vote out a proposal by Ed Milliband to have a judge led enquiry into the banks will come to haunt them. Labour will work with the parliamentary enquiry but will continue to demand proper independent scrutiny of the banks. Osborne was forced to withdraw his ill thought out remarks about Ed Balls and Labour’s involvement. He made the claim with no evidence.

This week we have been dancing to the tune of the Lib Dems’ infatuation with the House of Lords Reform. I agree reform is necessary but should not be a priority at this time of economic downturn.

Elderly people living in 3 bedroom social housing are to be hounded out or have huge rent increase imposed. This bunch of millionaires have no idea how ordinary folk live and don’t even care. This policy is outrageous and cruel. 

I took part in a debate about euthanasia in the Emmanual Centre in London. It was packed and the majority consensus was against. I then spoke at the celebration of the life of Phyllis Bowman in Westminster Cathedral. Phyllis was an icon of the pro-life movement and highly respected across the U.K. and indeed the world.

On Wednesday 4 July, I chaired the debate in Westminster Hall, the second chamber. The big debate was on civil aviation in the UK.

In the afternoon, I chaired a legislative committee to introduce new systems of voting on mayors and police commissioners. These debates are always a challenge but I enjoy chairing them.

On Friday 6 July, I spoke at a public meeting in Manchester on asbestosis and mesothelioma and the need for clearer compensation rules. It was well attended by victims of the disease.

Saturday 7 July, I had my usual Heywood Civic Centre Surgery.

The weather had improved and allowed me to enjoy some time at the Darn Hill Festival so ably organised by Cartwheel Arts. I then sponsored Middleton Cricket in the afternoon. We are always made very welcome by the club and its officials.

In the evening I enjoyed a superb concert in the Town Hall at the invite of Sue Verity, the musical director of Rochdale Youth Orchestra.

Sunday the 8 July, I attended the 150th Anniversary of St. Martin’s Church, Castleton Moor. Again, a wonderful constituency event in a beautiful reconstructed building. The parishioners are obviously very proud of this building. A successful event. Well done to Sister Frances and Mrs Alison M Knott.

Can I end by congratulating Elizabeth Milne, who was awarded the M.B.E. for services to the community, it is well deserved. Her husband, Roger, was the Head of the Council Committee Services when I was Council Leader.

It cheers me up when I return from the chaos of Westminster Politics to the sanity of my constituency.