Letter from Parliament – Jim Dobbin MP

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Jim Dobbin MP

The party conference season is over and it will be interesting to see what effect each has had on voting intentions over the next few months. Certainly, the political division lines are being drawn and it creates interesting options.

Clegg and the Lib Dems seek the credit for everything , conveniently forgetting they are part of the Government and therefore complicit in every government decision.

David Cameron’s message was about trying to grow prosperity, ignoring his dreadful legacy; the fact that one million young people are unemployed; part-time work is at an all time high; apprenticeships are down by 12%; 200,000 16-18 year olds are not in work, education or training.

Disgracefully, 2/3 of people hit by the ‘bedroom tax’ are disabled. The poverty levels are rising, living standards are going down and right across the public sector services are disappearing. His message is not good news at all.

Ed Milliband spoke passionately about a better Britain he wants to create. He deliberately challenged the energy sector and promised to freeze prices. Immediately the six energy companies shouted foul.

Cameron defended them but then he would since he cosies up to them and they have strong lobbying links to the Government.

Labour will also do something to reduce small business rates and will make the large companies pay a fair share of Corporation Tax.

We also promise to build more council housing and he will scrap the hated ‘bedroom tax’.

The scene is set for an interesting period in the run-up to the next election.

Closer to home, I attended a seminar led by a number of aviation operators. As a member of the Transport Select Committee I found it extremely helpful. The importance of aviation to the North West was debated. I raised the issue of High Speed 2, the planned rail construction. The aviation companies were unanimous in their support for this project as a wealth creator for the North West. It has the support of the North West’s political leaders and businesses. Manchester Airport is obviously crucial to our region and we need to ensure its continued development.

The Hospice launch of its 2014 calendar depicting the many beautiful aspects of the borough was worth attending. From the urban scenes to the south to the rural views of the north, we have much to offer tourists and visitors. Ashworth Valley, Healey Dell, Hollingworth Lake, Birch Village and Birtle are all worth a visit. Our historic buildings, our ancient churches and Edgar Wood architecture are attractions to be proud of.

Committed local charities look after much of our precious heritage and it is them who will suffer under the new lobbying Bill. I voted against it but it has been passed. This is one of the most dangerous and carelessly drafted Bills I have ever seen. It will be ripped to shreds in the Lords; it needs to be re-written.