Albert Owen MP
Westminster Matters 10th March 2008
I have met both local and national representatives and Coastguard workers and I fully support members of the Coastguards who took part in industrial action. Often referred to as our fourth emergency service, they deserve greater recognition for their duties and I hope the MCA management are able to resolve this genuine grievance.
I attended a number of events to celebrate Fairtrade fortnight, including the local event at Amlwch involving many young children from the Island. It is important that they are made aware of the whole concept of fair trade. I support and, once again, pay tribute to the local churches and chapels for their concerted efforts through the Trade Justice Movement in campaigning for a better deal and an end to exploitation of the poorest producers.
I welcome the fact that the County Council have settled on a council tax below inflation for next year, despite the lowest settlement from the Assembly in decades. Since my election I have felt it can and should be delivered and not just in the run up to County Council elections.
Few subjects stir emotions more than Europe, especially when whipped up by hostile sections of the British media. The EU (Amendment) Bill before the Commons is just that, an amending Treaty, but is being used by those with entrenched views as a political tool. I have tried to deal with it in its proper context, and believe that the EU of twenty seven nations needs such an amending treaty to function more efficiently and bring benefits to its members including the UK.
In the constituency I held an advice surgery in Beaumaris and attended the North Wales Tourism Partnership event to celebrate Welsh week as part of the tourism promotion. I finished the week off watching Wales win the Triple Crown and the dream of a Grand Slam is just a week away.
