Veterans’ Badge
I have been very pleased with the response to my earlier plea for those who served in the Armed Services to come forward and claim their Veterans’ Badge. It was just because it was proving so popular that the Government extended eligibility last year to all who served at any time up to the end of 1969. Applications can still be made through my Parliamentary Office on 01292 262906 and I would urge any of my constituents who qualify for the scheme to apply and get the recognition they deserve for their invaluable contribution to the nation’s defence. I am arranging for the Rt Hon Des Browne, the Secretary of State for Defence, to present the badges to those who qualify.

Play it again Santa!
It was Christmas again in Maybole Town Hall last Saturday. The hard work of Pearl and her team at the Maybole OAP Association meant another great Annual ‘Christmas’ Dinner and Concert for the old folks. The local councillors, Cathy Jamieson and myself were all hoarse from singing along by the time we were finished. My colleagues in the House of Commons were intrigued at me buying a House of Commons Easter Egg for a prize at the Maybole OAP ‘Christmas’ Dinner raffle in February.

Justice on Pensions
I am delighted that the High Court has recognised that inaccurate information, particularly in the 1995 Pensions Act, did indeed mislead people into thinking their company pension was guaranteed. However, it is a mixed ruling and does not oblige the Government to provide a specific level of compensation. I am pleased, however, that the Government has indicated they will look at this again as I have been repeatedly calling for this. Of course, I welcome the £2.3 billion which has already been provided in financial assistance but it is not adequate and leaves many people out. It is long overdue that the suffering should stop and this gross injustice should be put right once and for all.  I have tabled an amendment to the Pensions Bill as it is important that the Government understands the strength of support for our campaign and that we expect justice to be done.

Son of Star Wars
According to an article in the Economist Magazine, the PM has been sounding out the US to consider siting the so called ‘Son of Star Wars’ missile defence system on British soil. Poland and the Czech Republic are more likely to be the favourites with the US but that is beside the point. I am instinctively opposed to such a proposal and very disappointed that any negotiation should have taken place behind the scenes without any cabinet or parliamentary debate.

A Great Champion for Carrick
Cllr Paul Torrance has been a great champion for Carrick throughout his time as a councillor. At a time when the papers are full of earnest letters from would be councillors standing at the next election, Paul Torrance’s comments in last week’s edition are in a different league. As he is retiring from the Council, he has nothing to gain personally from raising the issue of the Tories’ proposal to cut the Rural Communities Budget and put at risk the future of local projects and the Rural Communities Committee. Everyone with the good of Carrick in mind will be right behind him on this.

Fairtrade Fortnight
Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 26 February to 11 March. Fairtrade products provide us with practical ways to use our purchasing power to tilt the balance in favour of the poor. The Oxfam website is celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight with a ‘Switch your Workplace to Fairtrade’ campaign. You can nominate your employer for a place on the Roll of Honour if they already use Fairtrade tea and coffee. If not you are urged to make your boss do the Fairtrade Blindfold Test. This involves tasting what they use already and then a Fairtrade tea or coffee to see if they can tell the difference. The chances are they will pick Fairtrade as much nicer. You can even download the blindfold from the website. I am glad to say I won’t need to make Tony Blair take the test as our Government brought in Fairtrade products in the House of Commons years ago.