Identity Cards
I had no problem voting for ID Cards. In a rapidly changing world we face increased threats to our communities from the crime of identity fraud and attacks on our national security. I believe it is the duty of Government to do all it can to protect our country from such threats if it is done in a manner consistent with our cherished freedoms. Both the Tories and Liberal Democrats were prepared to use the un-elected House of Lords in an attempt to frustrate the Bill becoming law.

Pensions Robbery
I challenged the Prime Minister at Question Time over his rejection of the findings of the Ombudsman in favour of full compensation to those who lost their company pensions. I also raised the matter on the floor of the House after the Secretary of State’s statement. I have since held a Pensions Summit in Westminster attended by MPs. Trades Unions and representatives of those who lost their pensions. As a result I have put down an Early Day Motion calling for compensation which is attracting widespread support from MPs.
 
Endowment Mis-selling
Continuing my campaign to win compensation for those who were mis-sold endowment mortgages by Scottish solicitors, I was successful in securing an adjournment debate on the issue. I have followed this up with a meeting with the minister and have had strong support from my colleague John McFall, the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee.

Consultations
There are a number of consultations currently being undertaken by Government Departments and I am consulting localy before responding:
International Development Policy Review; DTI’s Energy Review; Welfare Reform Green Paper and The National Pensions Debate

Digital Switchover
Following representation from constituents in the Girvan area about  TV reception, I met with the Chief Executive of Digital UK in Westminster. Generally speaking, the digital switchover will bring great benefits when it starts in 2008 but with it comes a certain amount of confusion and public anxiety. The Government intends providing extra help and support to people over 75 and those with severe disabilities and I welcome this. I have been invited to host a meeting in the south of the constituency to look at these issues further

Post Office Card
Following the Department for Work and Pensions announcement that it intends to close the Post Office Card Account in 2010; I have signed a Parliamentary Motion to the effect that  such a strategy is both wrong and shortsighted and will inevitably lead to the loss of much of the Post Office network. I recently held a meeting in Ayr Town Hall for all those involved in running post offices within the constituency and am currently visiting post offices in the Carrick area to discuss this further.

Fairtrade Fortnight
The Government has given more than £1 million to the Fairtrade Foundation to help promote and extend its fairtrade mark, now on over 1500 products in the UK. By buying such products as coffee, tea, fruit, and chocolate, shoppers are helping farmers and other producers earn a decent living and obtain good healthcare and education. I was delighted to take the opportunity of the recent Fairtrade Fortnight to congratulate all the local individuals and groups who support Fairtrade activities and make a real contribution towards helping poor people help themselves out of poverty.