Letter from Parliament – Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin MP

Councillor Colin Lambert, who has run my parliamentary constituency office in Heywood for the past seventeen years, lost the leadership of the council in unfortunate circumstances. It is recognised across the borough that he had been a strong leader and gave it some real direction. He had the respect of council staff, trade unions and the business community. He also had cross party support. He did not deserve to be ousted in this way. I know he has had a huge number of phone calls recognising his contribution.

The Queen's speech, which sets out the Coalition Government's plan, was a non-event. The shortest speech in over sixty years. Labour will support the Pensions Bill and the Child Care Bill. I was pleased to see the Bill against Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery. However, the rest of the speech only tinkered with legislation and offered little else. Even the Recall of MPs Bill was weak and will make it difficult for constituents to get rid of their MPs if they break the law. The privatisation of the NHS will continue under the Coalition Government, some houses will be built but not nearly sufficient. The energy companies will not be regulated and the banks have escaped tighter controls. The rents in the private housing market will continue to rise. It’s no wonder that the percentage of votes was low at the recent election.

I hope that my party will learn from this election and present a manifesto at the end of July that offers the people of this country some hope for a fair society. That is a basic wish of people and certainly possible.

The naming of a street in Middleton, in memory of Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell DC Victoria Cross, on 27 May was attended by the people of Middleton and his close family. The Lancashire Fusiliers Veterans Association were on parade to add a dash of colour, music and marching to this important occasion. The entire event was well organised by Lauren Mason who manages Middleton Township office.

Sunday 1 June was a beautiful sunny day for my sponsorship of Heywood Cricket Club against Werneth. The clubs deserve support for their contribution to the local community and their support for young people.

It was also a pleasure to celebrate the birthday of my good friend Dean Sherrif. Dean celebrated with a coffee and cakes day at Thrum Hall Methodist Church. I enjoyed meeting up with some old friends.

Parliament is back in session until 22 July, when it again goes into recess for the summer break.

As I have said a number of times, I have never experienced such an empty legislative programme in all my years in politics.