Letter from Parliament

Jim Dobbin MP

At the beginning of December the Prime Minister gave a speech to the Labour Party National Forum making clear the Government’s long term intentions for the foreseeable future which include:

• The building of 3 million affordable homes.
• Ensuring that the huge investment in health is personal to people’s needs.
• Leading the world in binding cuts in carbon emissions to improve the environment.
• Reducing anti social behaviour through neighbourhood police teams.
• Implementing long term changes in transport, energy and planning regulation.
• Supporting the continued creation of highly skilled jobs.
• Increasing apprenticeships and more university places.
• A Bill of Rights for citizenship and responsibilities.
•  Introducing a better system of funding for parliamentary parties. 

The new health centre opposite the fire station in Rochdale is a fine example of his intentions and the development at Kingsway Industrial Park paves the way for local job creation. 

The Prime Minister spoke about his anger at finding that some contributions to the Labour Party were illegal. He is committed to working with the official investigation and stated that openness and transparency are essential for public trust.

All political parties will gain from a fairer system of funding as they have all suffered from funding abuse in recent years.  Last year the Labour Party faced accusations over loans.  The Lib Dems accepted a large donation from someone who was convicted of a serious offence and have still to pay back the £2 million.  The Conservatives are virtually owned by Lord Ashcroft who is pouring millions into marginal seats as I write.  It is therefore in the interests of all political parties and the country that the funding system is cleaned up.

Gordon Brown is determined to do this to rebuild confidence in the political system.  Limiting funding levels should apply throughout the year and not just at election times.  The Prime Minister who has been bedevilled by problems recently, most not of his own making, will I am sure come through stronger in the New Year.

Before we broke up for the Christmas Recess, the All Party Group for Tranquiliser Addiction was able to appoint a part time political researcher to help me as the group’s chairman to lobby the Health Secretary on behalf of all those who are affected by this awful addiction to legally prescribed drugs.  I know many families have been affected by this and they have had very little help in dealing with the tragedy that has ruined many lives.

The weekend of 15 December was very busy.  I had 5 advice surgeries to attend, 1 in Norden, 1 in Castleton and 3 in Middleton. 

In the evening on Saturday we were guests of Rochdale Youth Orchestra at the Gracie Field Theatre.  The new President of the orchestra is Lisa Stansfield and this was her first official concert.  It was a lovely evening and I congratulate the organiser Sue Verity and committee for all their efforts and achievements with the young performers who entertained us so well.

Sunday 16 December was a marathon Carol Service Day.1.45 at the Hospice Carol Service at St Chad’s with a nativity play performed by St Patrick’s School, a new slant on the Christmas story about a hopeless camel that had a lot of trouble getting to Bethlehem but made it in the end.  There were some fantastic performances and a lot of hard work from some very dedicated teachers.  Everyone enjoyed it. 

Then we moved on to St John the Baptist’s at 4 for carols led by Fr Mark Harold and Fr Kevin Tierney finishing with a surprise visit from Father Christmas and after refreshments on to St Michael’s Middleton for the candle light service at 6.30 led by Rev’d Maureen Thorpe.  The Mayor and I read lessons there before returning to St Chad’s for the Civic Carol Service at 8.15.

Immediately afterwards, Pat and I drove down to London for the last day’s legislative programme before breaking up for Christmas. 

I was back in the constituency again for a 10am visit to Newlands Primary School Middleton to watch the Christmas concert.  The pupils put on an impressive show that demonstrated the hard work and dedication of the teachers and pupils. 

In the evening I attended the awards ceremony at St Cuthbert’s RC High School. Congratulations to Mr Wood, staff, students and parents for achieving the school’s best results ever. 

Thursday it was the turn of St Aidan’s, Castleton where Rochdale Magistrates held their Carol Service, an enjoyable evening where I met up with some old friends. 

On Sunday I was at St Luke’s Heywood for the Christmas Service and carols led by the Rev’d Geoffrey Turner.  This was well attended and finished with a glass of sherry and a mince pie.

I’d like to mention the sterling work being done by Cllr Peter Evans and his wife Helen, the Mayor and Mayoress who have attended so many functions, always with the same unfailing good humour and genuine interest in the people they meet.  They are doing a great job for the borough.

My constituency office is closed to 7 January but will continue to deal with urgent calls. Our family will be coming to spend Christmas with us and with 6 grandsons it is always lively.  I was glad that the Queen in her Christmas message mentioned the importance of grandparents, parents and children. 

My wish for you all is a happy and blessed Christmas and a good New Year.