Monthly Report for October 2006

Climate Change

I attended a roundtable discussion with no 10 special advisors regarding the Energy Review. Despite this I am still unconvinced that a new generation of nuclear power stations is a good idea, and my view is strengthened by the publication of the Energy Review consultation on nuclear power which notes that no new nuclear power stations could be built before 2021, and that in any event these are not likely to number more than three (about the same amount of power we might get from a modest biomass power programme).

On October 12th I spoke in this session’s first parliamentary debate on climate change.  I argued for stricter carbon quotas for companies trading within the EU and for a carbon trading system to be introduced into the domestic UK energy market. I also spoke in the Green taxes debate, among other things pointing out the severe holes in the Liberal income tax/green tax proposals. (since the Tories have no policy at all on this, it is difficult to do the same to them).

• Energy & Climate Change section
• Debate on carbon quotas
• Debate on green taxes

Transport and waste management

I have also been pursuing the issue of the possible extension of Passenger Transport authorities outside metropolitan areas should revisions to the regulation of bus services emerge, as Douglas Alexander has hinted. I asked an oral question on this subject. I have put down a number of written questions on cofiring of waste in power stations.

I also spoke to local and national media about the take-up of renewable energy by businesses and citizens.  The BBC’s Politics Show filmed my presentation about renewable energy at Labour Party Conference and Radio Solent’s Peter White hosted a discussion between myself and a representative from Friends of the Earth about the threat of climate change.

• Co-firing question 1
• Co-firing question 2

The future of the Labour party

At the Labour Party conference I, along with 10 other Labour MPs, launched a policy document called “New Labour: Rebuilding the Coalition.”  The document sets out what we believe to be the big political challenges for the next decade and how Labour can respond to these challenges in a way that retains the support of the broad coalition that brought us to power in 1997.  The document is still a work in progress and is intended to spark debate.  If you would like to read it and send me comments, the entire document is available on my website in the ‘Articles’ section.

Read "New Labour: Rebuilding the Coalition"

Local Government White Paper

The white paper is to be published in the next fortnight. I have discussed its contents with Ruth Kelly, Local Government and Communities minister, with particular reference to targets and inspections.

Housing

I met with representatives of the National Housing Federation concerning doorstep loans to people with limited income. I will be pursuing this, possibly through an adjournment debate.

Pembroke Court

I am working with councillors in Bevois to look into the closure of the sheltered accommodation in Pembroke Court, run by Anchor Housing Trust.  I held a meeting with residents of the court last week.

Education

I presented Tescos Computer for Schools vouchers to teachers from Shirley Infant School, Redbridge Primary School, Redbridge Community School, St Marks Junior School and Highfield Primary School.  Last year a total of £30,000 was awarded to schools across Southampton.

• Education section
• Read about the event

Democracy and political participation

I spoke at a question and answer session organised by the Later Years partnership entitled “I’m getting older- who should I vote for?”

I visited Bellemoor school to support their ‘Democracy Day’ being conducted in conjunction with Solent Skills Quest.

Crime

I attended the launch of Southampton Safe City Partnership and discussed new approaches the city is taking to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

• Survey on respect in the community
• Campaign to close the M271 footbridge
  
  

Business

I held meetings with representatives of Business Southampton, Solent Synergy Ltd and the Airport Operators Association.

RAF Odiham

I met with RAF personnel at a base near Southampton to learn more about the practicalities involved in their work and the pressures they face.

Legal Aid

I discussed the implications of the Carter Review of legal aid procurement with lawyers from Southampton.