Letter from Parliament - Simon Danczuk MP

Simon Danczuk, Rochdale MP

They say the darkest hour is right before the dawn. Let us hope this is the case with the Co-op after arguably one of the worst periods in its long history. If anyone has heard strange noises this week then it’s most likely to be the Rochdale Pioneers spinning in their graves.

The sad and sorry saga of Paul Flowers is one that’s cast a shadow over a proud history – and there is no doubt that there has to be a thorough investigation into how this man ever found himself running a major bank. But let’s not forget that the Co-op is not about Paul Flowers. It has a membership of seven million people. It’s hugely sad to those members and Co-op communities seeing their good name trashed like this, especially as the Co-op is very much a force for good. It helps members achieve more by working together, sharing profits and rewarding customers, employees and the local community rather than outside investors.

Coming through this scandal will test their mettle, but, by facing up to their challenges and clearing out people like Flowers, I think the Co-op can emerge a stronger movement.

One organisation that has unquestionably emerged as a stronger movement in recent years with full support of the public is the British army. To see communities turn out to proudly line the streets of Rochdale this week as the First Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers returned for a homecoming parade after a six month tour of duty was very moving. Especially as the family of Fusilier Lee Rigby were also in attendance.

We’re all very proud of our soldiers who put themselves in harms way to protect our country, and I’d like to pay tribute here to Councillor Alan McCarthy who, as the Council’s lead representative for the armed forces, works hard for armed forces families in the Borough. His policy in guaranteeing armed forces leavers an interview for jobs advertised with the Council is a welcome step forward in helping integrate soldiers back into civilian life.

Next week I have secured a backbench debate on what the Government can do to encourage and support small businesses. This should be an important Government priority, but sadly it's not. Enterprise and ingenuity is arguably the strongest engine of social mobility in this country – and I want to see more people setting up businesses, support the young entrepreneurs of tomorrow and help them achieve great things for themselves and their communities.