Letter from Parliament – Jim Dobbin MP

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Jim Dobbin MP

Last week we heard the sad news of the death of Bob Crow, union leader and Tony Benn, politician. Two principled men who fought relentlessly for the rights of people, regardless of social standing or financial position. They challenged those who ignored the needs of people in a vulnerable position and never lost sight of the fact that we have a collective and individual responsibility for the people in our communities. Neither men were bamboozled by rhetoric that suggests some have the right to more than others. They were both committed to equality for all and supported many people locally, nationally and internationally in working conditions, welfare issues, equal education, access to free health care and anti-war efforts. They will be sadly missed and we can keep their memory alive by continuing the commitment to a fairer society where people do not live in poverty. My condolences go to their families.

In Parliament last week I was able to present my Ten Minute Rule Bill in the Chamber of the House of Commons. As a Labour and Co-operative MP and associated with Rochdale, the home of the co-operative movement, I felt it essential that the mutual model of co-operatives has strong support during these difficult times.

My Bill was designed to ensure Co-operative representation on the Local Enterprise Partnerships that have replaced the Regional Development Agencies. Ten Minute Rule Bills is a Parliamentary tool that helps to keep issues on the political agenda.

I hope to pursue the Bill in discussions with Ministers from the Department of Business and the Opposition Shadow Ministers.

The Co-operative Movement is an international movement that deserves support and certainly growth. It is popular in the U.S.A, Canada, Ireland, Japan and Africa as well as other developing countries.

As we approach the Budget announcement, we can expect more cuts to public sector services. Rochdale Council will be hit particularly hard. The Council has probably exhausted its’ potential for more cuts but will be forced to do so in order to present a legal budget.

I am concerned to note the break up of the National Health Service is speeding up. More and more services are being put out to tender. The Pennine Acute Trust, which serves my constituency, is being particularly ruthless. The Coalition Government is intent on achieving this privatisation before the next election in 2015.

I intend to organise events on dementia sometime in May. Dementia is a growing problem and it is important that support for families through counselling is available.

On Saturday 8 March, I was guest speaker at the National Catholic Teachers Association in Manchester. It provides an opportunity to speak to Head Teachers and listen to teaching concerns on the effect that Government education policy is having in the classroom. Our education system is being undermined by this Coalition Government, as are all public services.

I was happy to have Harriet Barker, a student of Hopwood Hall College, in Parliament last week to celebrate International Women’s Day. Harriet shadowed myself and the Office Administrator, Emily and went to special events with students from all over the country. I am sure that Harriet would have found the experience interesting and we were very pleased that she came to join us. More young people should experience the legislative decision making process.

I note that David Cameron has proposed an extra week’s break from Parliament for MPs -  is this an indication that the Coalition Government is running out of ideas?