Ten years of Labour in Government
The year 2007 will mark ten years of Labour Government. Ten years on, Scotland is a stronger, fairer, better country in which to live than it was in 1997 and we should never forget it.
Today the Scottish economy has never been stronger- 200,000 more jobs; interest rates stable; record falls in unemployment; living standards across the nation higher than ever before; waiting times in the NHS down; school results up; crime down; Child Benefit up; pensioner poverty and child poverty down; tourism up.
So as we look ahead to the New Year what does 2007 have in store?
Trident Replacement
As I wrote in my column last month I was one of the Members of Parliament who called for a full debate on the future of the Trident nuclear weapons There will now be three months of consultation on the White Paper before MPs are asked to vote on the plans to renew/replace the Trident system. The Cabinet could decide this by itself. However, the Prime Minister has committed himself to a vote by MPs on the plans in March 2007. In the meantime I will be looking at the issues and listening to different points of view. I can provide information on this to anyone who wants to weigh up the pros and cons and I would like to hear the opinions of my constituents on this very important matter, whether for or against.
Northern Ireland
The Government can be really proud of its achievements in helping to bring peace, stability and economic prosperity to Northern Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement remains a very important milestone on that journey. Recent negotiations leading to the St Andrew’s Agreement will hopefully result in the devolved institutions being up and running again by 26th March 2007. Not many people would have predicted ten years ago that we would ever see a Northern Ireland Assembly led by Ian Paisley as First Minister and Martin McGuinness as Deputy but that is a real possibility
Scottish Parliament and Local Government Elections
Through devolution and the Scottish Parliament, a new settlement was reached in the UK where Scotland takes its own decisions on health, education, crime and a host of other issues whilst the UK Parliament continues to take decisions on the economy, defence, foreign affairs, pensions and welfare – the decisions that we need to take together. If we value that settlement and partnership we should vote for it to continue in May. Local elections will for the first time be held under a proportional system called STV and you will be asked to rank candidates 1,2,3 according to your preference. Councillors will also be elected to larger wards each having 3 or 4 councillors.
Iraq
Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett told MPs recently that the progress of our current operation in Basra gives us confidence we may be able to achieve transition of security to Iraqi forces in that province at some point next spring. This did not mean all UK troops would be leaving. The UK has 7,200 troops in the south of Iraq, mostly stationed in and around Basra. There would continue to be a British troop presence in southern Iraq, for the purpose of "overwatch" and training.
The Post Office Network
Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling has published a consultation document on Government proposals for the future of the Post Office Netwok. I very much welcome the decision to replace the Post Office Card Account when the current contract runs out so that people can continue to withdraw benefits from the Post Office. I am very proud that we managed to influence that decision locally with the petition I presented to Government on behalf of thousands of my constituents.
However, I do have concerns about the proposals for rural areas which I raised with the Secretary of State on the floor of the House following his statement. I will be organising another meeting with sub postmasters and mistresses early in the year to discuss the details of the consultation and how best to respond.
Burns an’ a’ that! Festival 2007
From the 23rd to 28th May, Ayrshire will once again be jumping to the best of Scottish inspired gigs, acts, poetry and art thanks to the return of the Burns an’ a’ that Festival 2007. Looking further ahead all sorts of plans are taking shape for the Homecoming Celebrations in 2009.
England catches up with Scotland on Smoking Ban
1 July will see England brought more or less in line with Scotland in terms of a smoking ban in public places. We are already enjoying the benefits of such a ban.
X Factor 2007
Finally I thought I would remind readers that you have until 9 March to apply for the X Factor Auditions 2007. So if the next Macdonald Brothers are out there, please take note.
