Letter from Parliament – Jim Dobbin MP

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Jim Dobbin MP

This week, as we remember those who gave their lives in the First World War, the world is in turmoil. For instance, the Middle East situation has escalated at an alarming rate with reports of over 1,000 casualties, including children.

The United Nations’ need, urgently, to find a solution to this danger. The UN must send in an international peace keeping force to help bring protection and calm.

America and the UK, I understand, have both been selling arms to Israel and as such are helping to fuel this war. They both must play a leading role in the peace process, provision of arms plays no part in the negotiation of peace. The world cannot stand by and allow this atrocity to continue.

Sadly, it also looks like the Cold War between the West and Russia has raised its ugly head again. Putin’s bullying tactics in the Ukraine has challenged the West to consider a strategy of sanctions. Of course Russia can threaten to cut off gas supplies to the UK. However, it is my strong view that sanctions must remain an option.

Will there ever be a time when major global disputes no longer exist? Within this climate of power hungry leadership, I doubt it!

I have been saying for some time that the NHS is on the road to privatisation, I am now even more convinced that this is the coalition governments’ aim. The creeping privatisation of the public services is speeding up under this government. Even Mrs Thatcher never went this far. The coalition government has frozen pay rises for public sector workers, has been punitive in its management of the welfare system, is allowing big companies to raise prices for essential services and has dragged its heels with the living wage. Thankfully Labour has made a strong commitment to regulation of services and will strongly back a living wage.

Parliament is now in recess until September and then we have the Scottish referendum. The polls are still predicting a no vote by 60% to 40%. I don’t have a vote as I don’t live in Scotland, but if I had I would definitely vote no. We are better off together.

I must congratulate the organisers of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow . The home countries have done well in the medal table, especially England. The opening ceremony took place at my favourite football ground, Celtic Park. Glasgow is well endowed with sporting arenas. I hope you all enjoyed this major event in the sporting calendar.

I was privileged to attend with Debbie Rush, Coronation Street star, the five year celebration of the Carpet Shop on Queensway and I thank the managing director, Susan Benson for the invite.

Following a very busy surgery at Heywood Civic Centre last Saturday, I joined the vicar, staff and governing body of Saint Gabriel Primary School, Middleton at their summer fair. Liz Leech and a team of volunteer organisers did the school proud.

I then joined the Hospice fundraiser, The Yesteryear Festival at Collop Gate Farm, Heywood. Pity about the rain but it is always a super event.

I am pleased to have been re-affirmed as parliamentary candidate for Heywood and Middleton, for a possible fifth term. I promise to do my best for the constituency.