The Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MP
Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon
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The Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MP Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon |
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| The Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MP | <info@malcolmbruce.org.uk> | 4th September 2010 |
20 Most Recent Press ArticlesSeptember columnWritten by Malcolm Bruce on Sat 28th Aug 2010 ========================================================================================================== Tour raises a variety of issues ========================================================================================================== For the 28th year running I have been engaged in my tour around Gordon constituency and in spite of pretty mixed weather I'm glad to say that quite a number of people have taken the time and trouble to come and talk to me. They have raised a whole variety of issues. There been some questions seeking verification or reassurance on government policy or my views on it. There have been the usual variety of personal problems which people would like me to help with. There has also been a number of transport issues. It appears that the fares structure on ScotRail is unpredictable and in some ways unfair. Leaving aside special offers, there have been times when, for example, the return from Inverurie to Inverness is cheaper than Huntly to Inverness. I've also been told that a return for Huntly to Dingwall can be cheaper than a fare from Huntly to Inverness. This doesn't take account of booking fares online or in advance. Of course, I understand that special deals are just that but it appears that people getting on trains where there is no ticket office and people who have no easy access to the Internet are being disadvantaged. It is a case of to those that have shall be given, while those that have not finish up paying more. In addition to that, there been a number of complaints about inconvenience or downright unhelpful connections at Aberdeen. In a number of cases trains arriving from the south get in with insufficient time to make the connection unless you have local knowledge and nothing to carry. I will of course be making representations on these issues. Given my campaign to improve the rail service and the fact that more people are using the rail network than ever before I do sometimes wonder if these are anomalies or deliberately designed to deter people from using trains. Certainly, the changes in the frequency of services between Inverurie and Aberdeen have led to a dramatic increase in passenger numbers. I have no doubt in my mind that the potential for switching more people from road to rail is very substantial if the investments and services are provided. So I'm very pleased that people have given me useful information which I'm happy to make good use of. Apart from taking up specific issues, I have had the opportunity to visit local schools and shops and see how they are doing and what changes have or are taking place which will affect local communities. I do of course visit all parts of the constituency all year round but this concentrated tour I find invaluable. ========================================================================================================== The North Sea needs a future not a fight ========================================================================================================== The North Sea is continuing to show that even in its maturity it has the capacity to yield significant commercial reserves of oil and gas. The latest announcement by Wintershall over fields containing between 60 and hundred million barrels of oil off Aberdeen in the wake of a previous discovery by Encore oil of a potential 300 million barrel field reinforces the importance of the North Sea and the expertise and critical mass of capability and services located here in the north-east. While I absolutely agree that we must use the next few years to increase the efficiency of energy use and to diversify away from fossil fuels into a variety of renewable sources, it is probably true that the world will continue to have about 25 years of oil and gas -- which has been the case for the last 75 to 100 years. It is predictable, but more than a little depressing, that the SNP continues to argue the case for independence based on oil and gas reserves. The case for the union is not just an economic one. Trade investment, and economic links between Scotland and the rest of the UK are so deep and so strong that it would be crazy to base our future on one industry, however important, which does have a finite life. But the relationship between Scotland and the UK is built on more than money. It is based on a shared history both in relation to each other and the rest of the world and ties of blood and social interconnection. More to the point, in my travels round the constituency I certainly detect disillusion and disappointment with the achievements of the SNP government and little appetite for independence or indeed the rather whingeing confrontation between Edinburgh and London Indeed, I can think of nothing more likely to damage investment in the North Sea oil and gas than any serious concern that a stand-off between Scotland and the rest of the UK and the long drowned out dispute over who controls North Sea Oil and gas resources was in real prospect. Perhaps it is because the SNP know that support for them in independence has fallen away that they feel able to make what would otherwise be provocative statements. Meanwhile for the rest of us, the priority is to ensure we maintain the momentum of our activities and get the infrastructure necessary to sustain our industry for the future and the SNP would be better at using powers they have to deliver on funding for infrastructure and public services which are more directly under their control and responsibility than North Sea oil and gas resources. ========================================================================================================== Pay freeze better than no job ========================================================================================================== It is disappointing that local government unions appear to be paving the way for strike action over their current pay dispute. I completely understand that workers in the public sector, not all of whom are well paid, will find a freeze on their pay painful. Nevertheless, it is clear that local authorities are facing very severe constraints and if they have to pay increases in wages and salaries it will not only mean that they cut services but they will have to make many more of their workers redundant which will cause further compromises. I have always argued that in the long run public sector workers are entitled to share in improvements in the national wealth and indeed that they do make a real contribution to economic activity and growth. However, if we are to bring the public finances into anything like balance, we really do need to rationalise and it is surely better to be in work with pay frozen than out of work. It is, of course, good to see the British economy returning to growth in the last quarter at an unexpectedly high level. However, the point about our structural deficit is that it is the gap between revenues and expenditure by the public sector which normal increases in growth cannot fund. That means even if we sustain good growth for the next year to we will still have two rein back public expenditure to the point where it is in balance with revenues. I do believe that there is a belief that the UK can weather the storm and get back to something like normality and I hope that is true. However, if we do not face reality then we will be doomed in the long run to repeat the mistakes of the past. Most of our trade is with the European Union where Germany is certainly growing well but the UK also has significant economic relationships with the United States and the high structural unemployment there is causing concern that the American economy could be heading for a double dip recession. I hope this is not the case and that the strategy of holding back public sector pay with a corresponding reductions in public sector employment will lead to an offsetting increase in jobs in the private sector and a return to prosperity for everybody whether they work in the public or private sector. ========================================================================================================== Climate change debate doesn't justify criminal action ========================================================================================================== I very much wish the authorities of Aberdeen airport success in attracting new operating airlines and routes to the north-east. Our airport, as I've often said in this column is of crucial importance to the local economy. It was an ironic juxtaposition that had the announcement of the pursuit of new routes with the verdict and sentence of the perpetrators of the break-in at Aberdeen airport by Plane Stupid. As the chairman of the International development committee over the last five years and a long-standing promoter of a balanced green energy policy I do not need perpetrators of civil disobedience and disruption to make me appreciate the reality of climate change and the need for positive action to tackle it. That is, for example, the reason I campaign for high-speed rail links. We also need to reduce the number of non-essential plane journeys, by using electronic communications, video links etc and sourcing more goods and services locally. However, if we put a blanket ban or severely restrict air travel we will damage key sectors of the economy such as food and drinks trade -- especially whisky -- and also tourism and hospitality. Of course, environmental campaigners are entitled to take a more radical, fundamentalist view but I do not believe causing delays, disruption and danger to attract attention to their arguments is justified. Although the fines were modest, the trial could potentially give the airport a case for civil action if they wish to pursue it which would cost the protesters dear and may be an effective deterrent. I certainly would regard it as pretty disappointing if it was taken as a green light to repeat the offence and cannot believe the courts would not take a different view of a second break-in or similar action of this kind ENDS
August ColumnWritten by Malcolm Bruce on Mon 16th Aug 2010 ========================================================================================================== Chance to meet on my 27th summer tour ========================================================================================================== In the next couple of weeks I will be travelling around Gordon on my 27th annual summer tour. I do this every year at this time and the locations at which I'm stopping have been advertised in the local press and posters have been displayed at appropriate locations. Of course, I regularly hold surgeries throughout the year at my constituency office in Inverurie and at other locations across the constituency, but this gives me a chance to reach every corner of the constituency. It may appear that the time at each stop is quite short but I have found out from experience that this works fairly well. Sometimes I do have a queue or even a delegation but I catch up fairly quickly and nobody is kept waiting for more than a few minutes, if that. Appointments are not necessary but if you want to check where I will be at any given time or to let me know that you will be looking out for me please phone (01467) 623413 or (01339) 889120. I am happy to receive representations on any issue or to take up specific concerns so please feel free to come along. If the timings do not suit you but you still would like to consult me then phone either of the numbers above and I will arrange for an alternative appointment. The itinerary also gives me a chance to drop by some of our local schools, shops, post offices or other businesses and find out what has happened or changed over the last 12 months. It gives me a chance to check on the state of the roads, the harvest or any other developments. So if you have time to meet up with me on my rounds I will be more than pleased to see you. ========================================================================================================== Challenges for a new school year ========================================================================================================== The schools have now gone back after the summer break (and I always try to make sure my summer tour starts after the holidays). We have a new intake of Primary Ones; last year's Primary Sevens are taking on the challenge of their first year at secondary school and teachers are facing up to the new curriculum. A new school year is also an appropriate time to focus on safety. I am still campaigning for national, high profile electronic signing and other safety systems for school buses. Given the number of young people that suffer death or injury on our roads I am also very strongly in favour of campaigns to make youngsters aware of the risks of driving beyond their experience or ability and also to encourage passengers not to encourage or indeed allow the kind of driving that has caused too many tragic accidents. With three primary schoolchildren of my own, I take a keen interest in the varied activities of the different ways that schools approach learning. Generally speaking, I find the atmosphere in our schools to be positive and stimulating and the environment is usually happy and content. I have also been pleased to welcome a number of school visits to Westminster over the past year. ========================================================================================================== Investment needed to justify rail fare hikes ========================================================================================================== It has been reported that rail fares, which have been set in the past to increase by 1% above inflation may rise by two or 3% above at a time when inflation itself is expected to peak at 5% -- which is pretty high for recent years. This is apparently because the Department for Transport is seeking to reduce its budget and calculates that above inflationary fare increases may presumably reduce the subsidy they pay to the rail operators. I hope however that proper consideration will be given to the effect of such increases. For example if it discourages people from using the railways then the revenue savings to the Department may not materialise. I think most people who have chosen to commute to work by train, for example, have made a calculated decision and, presumably, therefore, are unlikely to switch back to using their car given that fuel prices are also set to increase. I have to say, as far as the north-east is concerned, it would be more acceptable to face up to these increases if we had had the investment in upgrading and improving services that we have been promised and for which I, for one, am consistently campaigning. I cannot for the life of me see why the Scottish Executive or Transport Scotland have been unable to come up with a positive response to the call for a new station at Kintore, let alone make progress on the promised Crossrail commuter link between Inverurie and Stonehaven. Similarly, it will be disappointing if the coalition government continues with the Labour government's designation of the East Coast mainline as stopping at Edinburgh for investment purposes while running to Aberdeen for franchised services. I have already raised this issue in Parliament and will continue to argue to press the case for a commitment to rail investment for the north-east. ========================================================================================================== Local plan's vision needs infrastructure backing ========================================================================================================== Over the next few weeks the final stages of consultation over the local plan will be carried out. In spite of the current uncertain economic situation it is of course quite right for local planners to take a positive view of future development. In that context, there are very significant development plans for Huntly, Inverurie Kintore and for the corridor north of Aberdeen, through Ellon to Peterhead, and for the Bridge of Don. Of course, these proposals will be controversial but they do show a positive vision for future developments in our region and they need to be backed up with a corresponding commitment from government. I have said many times in this column that the north-east makes a huge contribution to the Scottish and UK economy and for that to continue we need to get the necessary infrastructure in terms of our ports, airport, road, rail and telecommunications. If we don't have the vision for ourselves we cannot expect authorities elsewhere to back us up. By the same token, given the contribution we make and the positive shape of our development plans, we are entitled to look to governments in both Edinburgh and Westminster, notwithstanding the present economic constraints, to ensure that we can continue to make the brilliant contribution to UK plc that we have done to date. ========================================================================================================== All parties face lively conference debates ========================================================================================================== September will see Parliament return for two weeks and then break for the conference season. Labour are in the throes of their leadership contest which has seen them compete in a pretty negative frame of mind. It will need to come out of its denial for the state of the economy and re-invent itself for the future. The Conservative conference will no doubt reflect the fact that they are pleased to be back in government but raise questions as to why they couldn't win the election outright and find themselves in coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The Liberal Democrats, who gather in Liverpool this year, will no doubt be wanting to present the positive liberal achievements of the coalition, reassure their supporters that this really is a partnership government in which Liberal Democrats have a real and positive input, and from the delegates point of view, will focus on how the party can continue to maintain a distinct identity and develop new and liberal policy ideas for the future. My own activity in the conference will focus mostly on international development issues. There will be a debate on our new international development policy paper at the start of the conference. There is cross-party consensus on the UK's determination to achieve the UN commitment of 0.7% of GNP in overseas development assistance by 2013 but scope for real debate as to how this can best be achieved. Hitherto, 90% of UK bilateral development assistance has gone to the poorest countries in the world but with China and India graduating to middle-income status but still accounting for more than half the world's poorest people, we need to decide whether we should maintain this concentration. Of course by definition middle-income countries have a greater capacity and responsibility to help her own poor and the poorest countries, for whatever reason, cannot really deliver poverty reduction without outside assistance and maybe should get the lion's share. Nevertheless, if we can co-operate with modest assistance to countries like China and India it may be that we can help reduce poverty faster than if we leave them to their own devices. And they indeed can become effective development partners in poor countries applying their own experience. The floods in Pakistan are an example of the demands made on developed countries at times of disaster and crisis. We should of course help as much as we can and the UK is taking a lead. Nevertheless, the vision for long-term development strategy is to enable countries to help themselves both in terms of disaster prevention and rapid response whilst in no way limiting the world's willingness to step up to the plate when catastrophe strikes. ENDS
Summer 2010Written by Malcolm Bruce on Tue 3rd Aug 2010 ========================================================================================================== BP should look to home ========================================================================================================== BP is suffering a major public relations and commercial disaster as a result of the blowout and subsequent catastrophic leak in the Gulf of Mexico. It is threatened with a ban on future activity within the USA and its US petroleum distributors are urging it to revert to the Amoco brand as sales of BP have plummeted up to 40 per cent. The company, of course, operates in the USA under a more relaxed licensing system than operates in the North Sea and will; no doubt, in due course cite its US contractors in any litigation it faces. Nevertheless, it is a salutary lesson for any company that presides over a disaster. I wonder if the US media make any connection with Occidental, which was, of course, the operator of Piper Alpha and still operates in the USA and the Middle East but not, of course, anywhere in Europe. To the extent that any blame attaches to BP for the Gulf of Mexico disaster then the company must carry the can but being the UK's flagship with a good reputation here the company might well be wise to reconsider its future commitment to the UK Continental shelf where it will not face the same prejudice and vilification that it is experiencing in the USA. US companies operating in the UK sector will be very sensitive to their exposure should anything go amiss. ========================================================================================================== Milliband attack on Cameron does not undo his Indian faux pas ========================================================================================================== David Milliband has chosen to attack David Cameron's criticism of Pakistan's role as a base for terrorists during his recent visit to India but I can't help feeling that this may have been coloured by Mr Milliband's own diplomatic debacle when he visited India as Foreign Secretary. The whole UK relationship with the subcontinent is fraught with difficulties. The abandonment of the Jewel in the Crown in haste in 1947 was a human disaster for millions. Historians have spilt millions of words analysing the events, the options and the outcomes. The facts remain that Pakistan was essentially a British creation and its border with Afghanistan is only, I believe, to this day recognised by the UK and Pakistan. There remains the unresolved issue of Kashmir and the promised but undelivered plebiscite. All these issues make it easy to make a diplomatic faux pas in either country. Nevertheless, it is an objective fact that Pakistan has so far failed to make a success of its democracy or its economy while India is flourishing and moving into middle income status albeit with more of the world's poorest people than sub Saharan Africa. The UK has an obligation, as well as a national self interest, to help Pakistan graduate to stability and prosperity but seeing Labour and the Tories having a spat over it is childish and will not impress anyone outside the UK and not many inside. ========================================================================================================== Variations on communications for deaf ========================================================================================================== Having spent some holiday time with my grown up deaf daughter in the past week I have had a chance to discuss different aspects of communication. I have experimented with voice recognition software to see it if can effectively subtitle my side of the conversation. It was useful for some technical or complicated subjects but in other ways a bit stilted and one sided. I think the software producers could do better if they thought of the technology as a tool for hearing to deaf communication rather than inanimate dictation for office purposes. At the same time we found a lot of similarities in the signs in French sign language and BSL in spite of separate development. There are a lot of differences but my daughter could definitely understand a deaf French person better than an English speaking hearing counterpart who did not understand French. There are, also, significant regional variations with British Sign Language. The beginners course I attended in London had different signs in a number of areas from those used by the deaf community in Scotland -much the same as the spoken language in effect! ========================================================================================================== Scottish Water's future could benefit customers ========================================================================================================== I hope Scottish Water does not become some kind of totem of left of centre political correctness rather than the focus of discussion of the best way to handle public goods. I opposed the privatisation of water having only complained about the way gas, electricity and telecoms were privatised rather than the fact that they were. However, I subsequently judged that water privatisation in England, while it created some anomalies such as the sale of water assets to state owned French companies, but did lead to significant investment in water infrastructure which led to more reliable supplies and better quality - although there were disruptions along the way and, of course, charges went up - but that would have happened anyway. At the same time Scottish Water lagged behind in both investment and quality and still does. One village in my constituency has been blighted for years by the inaction of Scottish Water. However, it has seemed that water provision in Scotland could be a role model for an alternative form of ownership namely a mutual owned by its customers. It could then be freed from the shackles of the public sector be allowed to borrow and yet still be subject to the will of the users if its services. Substantial resources would be released for reinvestment in other hard pressed public services at a time when they desperately need it. To refuse to consider this would be thrawn to the point of ideological stupidity. ========================================================================================================== Liberal Democrats take responsibility for fairness ========================================================================================================== For the next few months all the political focus is likely to be on cuts - how much damage will they do? - What will be the impact on poor people? - Will there be a double dip recession? Will the private sector make up for jobs lost in the public sector? - How can we ensure that we will emerge stronger at the end of it? A dip in the polls and a barrage of criticism from opposition parties and the right wing press are focussing on the role of the Liberal Democrats, It is clear to me that it was our responsibility to try and make a success of the coalition and to bring a uniquely Liberal dimension to it. This is precisely what we are trying to do. That is why, among many other measures the government is introducing, the income tax threshold is being increased by £1000 on the way to being raised to £10,000 by the end of this Parliament. That is why the state pension will be increased by the highest of earnings prices or 2.5%. That is why Working Families Tax Credit is increased by £150. It is also the case that, as there been no basis for a coalition we would had a second election in June. The suggestion that somehow there could have been a Conservative minority government without the co-operation of Liberal Democrats had no basis. If every party voted against the Queen's Speech then a second election would have followed. If Liberal Democrats had abstained it would have allowed a minority Conservative Government with no Liberal Democrat policies or influence. So Liberal Democrats would have got the blame. We would have an uncertain Government trying to manipulate issues to secure outright victory at the earliest opportunity and no long term commitment to tackle the country's problems. It is easy to criticise but most Liberal Democrats understand we have to use our responsibilities to help create a more Liberal society in which Government live within their means but tax and benefits are fair based on need and ability to pay. ENDS
July Column (1)Written by Malcolm Bruce on Wed 7th Jul 2010 Tarves pharmacy raises questions for local health services ========================================================================================================== I share the local community's concern at the decision to give the go ahead for a pharmacy in Tarves. The local GP practice has indicated that the loss of their prescription income could prejudice the services it offers. Of course, there are plenty of GP practices that offer outreach surgeries and do not prescribe but make use of the local pharmacy. Increasingly too, pharmacists are giving advice to people reducing the pressure on the GPs for minor ailments. However I had hoped that the GPs clear assertions that a new pharmacy might prejudice the service they provide would be thoroughly examined and tested yet it appears they were not taken into account at all. Only time will tell if people are better or worse off as a result of this decision. ========================================================================================================== Different holidays strain the diary ========================================================================================================== The school holidays have begun and the usual juggling of my diary between my parliamentary duties and fitting round my children's holiday activities. I mention this not as special pleading for MPs but because I know the wide gap between English and Scottish holidays presents many families in Gordon with difficulties as they have close family ties both sides of the border. For many Scots families of course the first half of July presents an opportunity to get away before holiday resorts are too crowded and when shoulder prices apply and good luck to them. It seems crazy however for there to be such a mismatch throughout the school year. I understand Aberdeenshire revert next year to taking the first two weeks in April regardless of the variable dates of Easter. Schools throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland have a half term week at Whit. Most schools have an October half term but the particular weeks vary across the UK It would be possible to have more co-ordination without completely changing the school holiday patterns. ========================================================================================================== Liberal Democrats crucial for fairness in a tough budget ========================================================================================================== The coalition Government has set itself on a five year course to tackle the UK's huge deficit, bring the public finances which have been savaged by Labour back into the black and re-balance the economy between the public and private sectors. Of course this is hugely challenging but it should lead to a stronger, fitter and more competitive economy. The Liberal Democrats have had a strong input into the coalition programme to ensure it is radical, reforming and fair. Labour had acknowledged it would have made £50 billion of cuts but refuses to provide any detail of how they would be applied. The coalition are looking for a further £30 billion and have already identified more than £6 billion and will report in the Comprehensive Spending Review on October 20. Departmental cuts of between 25 and 40 per cent are being sought with Health and International Development exempt. Even deeper cuts would be required if the proposed VAT increase was not included. Thanks to the Liberal Democrats there are substantial measures in the budget to help those on low and middle incomes starting with a £1000 uplift in the income tax threshold, the restoration of the earnings link for pensioners supported by the triple lock to ensure pensions will rise next year by whichever is the highest of earnings, prices or 2.5% and £150 a year boost for working families tax credits. In addition capital gains tax is increased to 28 per cent, there will be a levy on banks and a number of other tax changes ensure the greatest contribution comes from the highest earners. Cuts in corporation tax and special help for new small businesses including new procurement rules will help boost the private sector and coupled with other measures create new jobs. The reform of benefits to which Labour was committed but has not delivered is designed to ensure that those most in need receive their entitlement but that others are helped off benefits into work. I pledge to monitor this closely on behalf of my constituents and will take up any genuine cases of hardship brought to my attention. The budget is tough but thanks to the Liberal Democrats I believe it is fair. ========================================================================================================== Full speed ahead on political reform ========================================================================================================== Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has lost no time taking forward his proposals for the reform of Parliament. Liberal Democrats are committed to campaigning for a genuinely proportional system of elections. Nevertheless, most of us recognise the need to compromise to make progress on reform and the alternative vote would be a step in the right direction. At present MPs are elected by first past the post on unequal sized constituencies and the number of MPs has grown on each boundary review to its present size of 650. What is now proposed is that apart from Orkney and Shetland and the Western Isles no constituency should vary more than 5 per cent from the agreed quota for a House of 600 MPs provided it is not larger than the largest current constituency which is Charles Kennedy's. Labour opposed this claiming it is gerrymandering. If anything it reverses some of the gerrymandering from which Labour has benefited. Labour then claims that there are 3 and half million unregistered voters who should be included before any changes are made. However, boundaries can only be based on the numbers registered. Labour did not address this issue in 13 years and the new Government is giving it priority. ========================================================================================================== Oil and gas bullish future ========================================================================================================== Oil and Gas UK published its economic report this week and it presents a bullish picture. The industry still delivers 94 per cent of the UK's oil demand and 68 per cent of gas demand. Capital investment is expected to rise towards £6billion this year and total spend by the industry last year was £12.3 billion and tax contributions are expected to reach £9.4 billion this year. In addition the industry made a £27 billion contribution to the balance of payments, exports of £5 billion and supported 440,000 jobs across the UK. Gordon supports more oil and gas jobs than any other constituency and it is clear that oil and gas activity and the growing offshore renewable energy sector are set to play a key role in our economy for the foreseeable future. This makes completion of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, a commuter rail service from Inverurie to Stonehaven with new stops at Kintore and Altens even more essential. The revitalisation of the city centre to make it feel like a 21st century oil capital within a historic city is also required. Aberdeen and the North East is a great region in which to live and work but it requires continued investment if we are to maximise the revenue it contributes to Holyrood and the Exchequer.
June ColumnWritten by Malcolm Bruce on Thu 10th Jun 2010 Clegg launches reform challenge ========================================================================================================== The new Government is now launched with the Queen's Speech duly read, debated and voted on. It is an ambitious programme not only in terms of legislation but also in terms of executive commitment. Nick Clegg, as Deputy Prime Minister, is in charge of a political reform agenda which is far reaching, ranging from electoral reform for Westminster, an elected House of Lords, recall of misbehaving MPs and legislating for fixed term Parliaments. There are also proposals to implement the Calman Commission proposals devolving further powers to the Scottish Parliament. The Labour Party is surprisingly nit-picking on these issues given they claimed to be in favour of them in Government - but it may be just because in thirteen years they failed to deliver. The committee to progress House of Lords reform meets next week charged with consulting over draft legislation to be published before the end of the year. There is to be a reduction in the number of MPs and a re-drawing of boundaries with recognition that geography should be taken into account. That may lead to some larger urban constituencies to allow for smaller remote constituencies such as Orkney and Shetland and the Western Isles. As usually is the case with boundary reviews, Gordon is about on quota but that won't stop the boundary commission chopping it up to accommodate neighbouring constituencies. The Opposition are getting very agitated about the proposal to require 55% of MPs to vote to dissolve Parliament for an early General Election. The thinking behind this is to prevent one party from unilaterally calling an election and hence to end the discretion of the Prime Minister to call an election at any time of his choosing. It does not prevent a Government from losing a confidence motion by a single vote but this does not have to precipitate an early election. Nick Clegg confirmed however there would be a mechanism for calling an election if the alternative is a deadlocked or stalemate Parliament. I get the impression that the wider public are quite supportive of the coalition and wish it to work. Much of the national media and the Opposition will do their darndest to discredit it. ========================================================================================================== Canada model to secure public engagement on cuts ========================================================================================================== On the executive side, the Government is preparing a far ranging strategy to cut the terrifying deficit it has inherited. It is to pursue what is described as a 'Canadian' strategy following the example of Canada when it set out to cut its deficit by securing widespread consultation and consensus. There is growing recognition across the country of the need to do this but understandable apprehension as to how it will apply. The Liberal Democrats have secured agreement that some of the savings will be re-applied to assist the more vulnerable and unemployed. At the same time the Government is committed to the Liberal Democrats' tax reform proposals - raising the level at which people start paying tax and ensuring taxes fall more fairly on the basis of ability to pay. The Scottish Parliament has been exempt from the first round of cuts as the budget was already set. However, it would seem sensible for the administration in Edinburgh to start finding savings as soon as possible as it will otherwise mean deeper cuts later. ========================================================================================================== Sorrow at departure of David Laws ========================================================================================================== I was really sorry about the sudden departure of David Laws from the Government as he is a good friend I know well and was already proving himself to be a brilliant minister. I first met David when he volunteered to advise me when I started out as the Party's Treasury spokesman in 1995. At the age of 28 David had retired from a successful career in the city. He has a double first in Economics and Economic History from Cambridge and for five years he occupied a desk in my office and was an enormous help to me. With his help I was able to expose the irresponsibility of Kenneth Clarke refusing to grant independence to the Bank of England and manipulating interest rates for political benefit but economic damage. After the election of the Labour Government we exposed a £5 billion black hole in Gordon Brown's first budget and the damage of implementing Tory spending plans which Ken Clarke admitted to me were 'for the birds'. He fought Folkestone in 1997 before being adopted to succeed Paddy Ashdown in Yeovil in 2001. He ploughed much of his own money into his campaigns and gave up paid employment altogether for two years to secure election in Yeovil. I assumed David was gay but equally knew that, close as we are, it was never something he wanted to acknowledge or discuss. He had a difficult relationship with his parents who were divorced and I suspect it was 'coming out' to them which was his greatest inhibition. The trouble with the whole House of Commons expenses debacle is that it has evolved in an incoherent and unplanned way. Apart from the uncertainty of determining at what point a relationship becomes a partnership, renting from a partner or family member was only ruled out in the last two or three years. To regularise his claim would have required David to move out or to declare his partner which would have forced him to reveal his sexual orientation which he felt unable or unwilling to do. The end result is an MP who has real talent and made a great commitment to public service has been 'outed' in two senses. He accepted responsibility and resigned but I question whether the rules on expenses, which no out of town MP can manage without, should be applied in such an intrusive fashion. ========================================================================================================== My pitch to reinforce Aberdeen's energy role ========================================================================================================== I made my first speech of the new Parliament in the Queen's Speech debate on energy and environment day. It gave me an opportunity to highlight the crucial role and potential that Aberdeen and the North East still has to play in the energy sector. The Secretary of State, Chris Huhne, visited Aberdeen in his first week and I was able to reinforce what he had learned, namely that the cutting edge technology associated with getting more oil and gas out of the North Sea is also relevant to developing offshore renewable technology. I also made the point that Aberdeen's underdeveloped infrastructure could compromise future development and lead to jobs and investment going abroad. Although it is the responsibility of the devolved administration to deliver on transport infrastructure and essential services, the UK government could be directly affected by its failure to do so in terms of lost jobs, investment, exports and tax revenue. I will continue to press this issue with Ministers including Mike Moore, our Scottish Secretary. ========================================================================================================== Delighted to be back in Chair of International Development Committee ========================================================================================================== I am pleased that, unlike its predecessors, this Parliament has wasted no time establishing Select Committees and electing the Chairs and members. I am especially delighted to have been returned to the Chairmanship of the International Development Committee which I had the honour to chair throughout the last Parliament. It will be interesting to be in this role with my own party now in Government rather than opposition. I consider it especially significant as International Development is one of the few ministries without a Liberal Democrat Minister. All parties are committed to raising our aid contributions to the UN target of 0.7% over the next three years but taxpayers will need reassurance, at a time of cuts or freeze across all other departments that our development assistance is really delivering. It is the role of the International Development Committee to hold the department and the international agencies we fund to account on this and I will certainly be applying myself strenuously to the task.
May column (2)Written by Malcolm Bruce on Wed 26th May 2010 Coalition Government makes a promising start ========================================================================================================== For the first time in most people's memory Britain has a coalition government setting out a five year programme of reform and reconstruction. Together the two parties attracted nearly sixty per cent of the vote- more than any single party government has ever come close to. In Scotland the combined share was 36 per cent, representing more votes than the minority SNP administration secured three years ago. The reason for pointing this out is to dispel the argument that somehow the coalition lacks legitimacy or a democratic mandate. The developments that followed the election on May 6 took a number of twists and turns. The legacy of the Thatcher years still show deep scars in Scotland and many people resented that Liberal Democrats and Conservatives should even talk to each other let alone form a coalition. However, many people have since told me that they welcome the outcome and acknowledge there is a very strong Liberal Democrat flavour running right through the Government in terms of both policy and personnel. This is not a Conservative Government. It is a Liberal Democrat / Conservative coalition and that is something very different. The first priority of the new Government is to start tackling the UK's record and unsustainable deficit. This will not be easy but I hope and believe a broad based coalition will tackle it more fairly and sensitively than a one-party Government could ever hope to achieve. Already it has been agreed that a proportion of the savings will be set aside to protect jobs and help those on low incomes. The first round of cuts has already been announced. At this stage Scotland is facing only half the level of cuts England will endure and can defer them until next year. Unsurprisingly the SNP administration, which has shown itself to be financially populist but incompetent, has chosen to take this option meaning deeper and more painful cuts later will be inevitable. Nevertheless in spite of the deficit reduction, there is good news for Scotland in the new Government's plans. Raising the tax threshold level to £10,000 starting next year will benefit almost everyone in Scotland. The transfer of additional powers to the Scottish Parliament including access to borrowing and income tax revenues will provide flexibility and accountability. Priority to helping the unemployed and those on low incomes will help and stopping child detention for immigration purposes will end the scandal of Dungavel. Scotland stands to benefit from support for green energy and home energy efficiency and I for one welcome the commitment to invest in high speed rail and scrap the third runway at Heathrow. Of course the coalition must be judged by results but it has got off to a good start. ========================================================================================================== New Energy Minister checks out Aberdeen's key role ========================================================================================================== I was delighted to accompany the new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne, on his visit to Aberdeen last week as he emphasised his appreciation of the key role the North East plays in the UK's energy future. Chris visited the All Energy Exhibition and saw the impressive new technology on display and the exciting crossover between offshore oil and gas and offshore renewable which offers bright prospects for the future of our region. For this to be fully realised we need a tax regime that encourages exploration and development for oil and gas and an electricity market that reflects the costs associated with marine renewables, In addition, we need the onshore infrastructure to support development including the completion of the long overdue road and rail links. My colleagues and I will make sure that Chris and other Government ministers are fully apprised of this and will press them to make the right response. ========================================================================================================== Laurencekirk success points way for Kintore ========================================================================================================== I was interested, but not surprised, to note that Laurencekirk Station has achieved almost double the forecast passenger numbers in its first year of operation. This is now the normal outcome of new rail developments and makes me frustrated that Transport Scotland insists on judging new rail investment proposals against much more conservative business plans. Since Dyce station was re-opened 20 years ago it has exceeded forecast numbers and I have no doubt that Kintore will do the same. The Laurencekirk example is further pressure for the go ahead for Kintore. ========================================================================================================== Algy leaves an unfillable gap ========================================================================================================== I was sorry to hear this week of the passing of Algy Watson, a founder Baillie of Bennachie and an enthusiast for all things connected with our mini-mountain. I was glad to be at a tribute to him and James Mackay a few years ago and to offer him support when he stood for the council. There were so many events at which Algy could be relied on to be present and his absence will leave an unfillable gap. ========================================================================================================== Time for Union over Terrace project ========================================================================================================== The controversy over the proposed redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens passed another hurdle last week with the approval in principle by Aberdeen City Council. There is a long way to go before any scheme for redesigning the centre of Aberdeen can be concluded especially in the present financial climate when public funding is in short supply. The city council can certainly not afford to make any significant contribution. It is unfortunate that the proposals degenerated into a conflict between ACSEF backed Sir Ian Wood and the Peacock Arts proposal. If the final outcome is to work then it will need a much wider base of popular approval and that is what any of the designers contributing to the development of the idea need to bear in mind. ========================================================================================================== Residents impatient over flood relief ========================================================================================================== Aberdeenshire Council presented its preliminary findings on a flood relief scheme for Huntly at a public meeting I attended this week. The council have, with remarkable speed produced a consultant's report on the best way to prevent a recurrence of the floods that shocked the town last November. Understandably, local residents want reassurance that they will not suffer such a life threatening disaster again. The council explained to me that the cost of the scheme estimated at around £1 to £1.5 million would probably be justified given the damage threatened by any future flooding. However, it will take time, and residents will need to make their own arrangements making use of the advance warning scheme to determine what action to take if new floods threaten. It is to be hoped that the process will be taken forward as quickly as possible.
Post-election column (May)Written by Malcolm Bruce on Tue 11th May 2010 ============================================================ Thank you and election anaylsis ============================================================= I am delighted to have been re-elected as MP for Gordon after one of the longest, most volatile and gruelling election campaigns I have undertaken. I want to thank most sincerely the many people who gave me a truly warm welcome - especially those who voted for me but also those who did not but nevertheless wished me well. Given the SNP's claim that they were going to win the seat I was naturally pleased to secure a majority of getting on for 7000. The national leaders' debates set the campaign alight but people told me it made them confused and uncertain - especially as to whether their vote should be determined by local issues and who best to represent them or by backing the party they felt most affinity to at a national level. What was outrageous to me was when the BBC told viewers that even when the Liberal Democrats were in the lead in the polls and Labour in third place the voting system would ensure that Labour got the most seats and the Lib Dems the least. This helped turn what looked like it was going to be a dramatic change election into an old fashioned tribal response of people voting against what they feared rather than for what they hoped. So people voted Conservative to get Labour out or (especially in Scotland) Labour to keep the Tories out. In the event I believe the normal practice of tactical voting did not help as Labour voters believed they were better placed and the SNP was declaring Gordon a target seat. Only Conservatives seemed to accept that they couldn't win. In the event, although the SNP increased their vote they failed to mount a strong challenge. Labour exploited the difficulties faced by the City Council in the part of the constituency which falls within the city boundary. This helped the Labour vote hold up in spite of the fact they vehemently oppose the Third Don crossing which is so important to residents living north of the Don. ============================================================ A better deal for the North East ============================================================= Right across the constituency I found people concerned and angry that in spite of the massive contribution we make to the national economy we are not getting the fair funding we need if we are to keep delivering economic growth, jobs, exports and tax revenues. Aberdeen's title as Europe's oil and gas capital belies the fact that we have no by-pass, no Third Don crossing, no commuter rail services, severe pressure on schools, health services and other essential public services. It is my job, along with MSPs and councillors, to intensify the campaign for fair funding for the North East so that we can continue to make an invaluable contribution to the British economy. It is in the national interest that London and Edinburgh listen and act if they want to secure the economic future our area offers. In Kintore there is strong support for a station and I will keep up the pressure for this to be taken forward as I will to resolve the bottleneck at Inveramsay. Of course, these are matters for the Scottish Parliament but they are important for our area's economic efficiency and the contribution we make to the UK economy. ============================================================ What next? ============================================================= I am of course disappointed that the promised surge in Liberal Democrat support which might have delivered 100 or more seats did not materialise. Ironically, the result was still a Parliament where no party has an overall majority. This gave the Liberal Democrats real influence but without the bargaining strength the polls had appeared to forecast. Nevertheless, I have been engaged in a series of discussions where we have approached the result in a constructive spirit to ensure strong and stable Government which delivers as much of Liberal Democrat policies as we can secure and enables us to tackle the UK financial and economic crisis. Instead of a minority Conservative Government able to impose much of its own agenda we have a coalition Government which will deliver much of what I campaigned for including tax cuts, green jobs, support for schools and political reform. I believe it will provide a fair society and be good for Gordon and Scotland. ENDS
Read "Post-election column (May)". April Column- election specialWritten by Malcolm Bruce on Tue 6th Apr 2010 ============================================================ Election finally called ============================================================= Gordon Brown has finally run into the buffers and been forced to call an election on May 6. At the moment the outcome is one of the most unpredictable for many years. The media imply it is because the gap separating Labour and the Conservatives is narrowing. In reality it is because fewer people are supporting either of them than ever before and from the reaction I am finding on the doorsteps people are really weighing their votes carefully. Locally, issues will focus, as usual on schools, hospitals, transport issues and business rates and the future opportunities for the North East economy. Nationally it will inevitably centre on the budget deficit and the implications for spending on key services and possible tax increases. The Conservatives have pledged not to implement the Government's national insurance increases for next year. This is of course popular as no-one likes a tax increase but it takes £24 billion out of the Government's revenue projections over the next four years for which the Conservatives have not identified any offset. They have said there will be no VAT increase and implied it will be paid for out of unspecified public spending cuts. These will not only prove unpopular when they are known but could undermine the recovery as it takes money out of the system and is likely to increase unemployment. I would very much hope the proposed increases can be avoided but that can only be justified when the means of closing the £24 billion gap has been clearly identified, ============================================================ Leaders' debates new feature ============================================================= Of course all of this will be thrashed out in the Leaders' debates which for the first time will be televised and give the leaders of the three main UK parties the chance to explain their priorities and try and convince voters that they offer the best way forward. If the conversations I have had are anything to go by, a lot of people are disinclined to trust any one party's judgment and would prefer to see more realistic discussion and potential agreement among the parties, Meanwhile Parliament has to finish off the business outstanding before it is dissolved on Monday. Among these is the Digital Economy Bill which is proving controversial in its proposal to disconnect people from the internet if they are suspected of downloading material illegally (i.e. without payment). This looks like a sledgehammer to crack a nut and it is to be hoped that a more sensible way of tackling piracy can be achieved - not least because the sight of huge multinational corporations piling in to individuals may not be a pretty one. ============================================================ Transport issues highlighted ============================================================= The transport issues that I believe will be highlighted locally include the Inveramsay Bridge. What progress is being made if any to resolve this bottleneck and associated detours? From the enquiries I and Alison McInnes MSP have made, the answer is little or none. When will work start and finish on the delayed Western Peripheral Route and the Tipperty section of the A90? I am pleased that at long last the planning process has started towards a Third crossing of the River Don and linked with it relief to the congestion on the Haudagain roundabout.. Meanwhile, why is there so little progress on a commuter rail service between Inverurie and Stonehaven and why on earth can't we proceed with a station at Kintore now?. Over the year upgrades and improvements have been made to our roads and rail services but there is still much more to be done and progress is too slow. The situation has been exacerbated by the long and severe winter which has caused the disintegration of road services all over the region and gives hard pressed local councils a real headache. Nationally, the question is do we have the vision to set a new high speed rail link in motion between London and Scotland and tying in the North East? ============================================================ North East's key contribution to national economy ============================================================= The contribution the North East makes to the Scottish and UK economy deserves a degree of recognition that it has not been given by the Labour Government or the SNP administration. We need tax policies that ensure we continue to explore for and develop the oil and gas reserves that remain to be recovered from increasingly challenging locations. But we also need to recognise that if we are to continue making a disproportionate contribution then our local authorities need the necessary finances to sustain our infrastructure and services. Freezing the council tax has proved a populist measure that restricted local flexibility means more central control and means that business rates and other taxes are diverted away from the North East never to be seen again. I have campaigned for a genuinely local income tax so that local services are financed by locally derived taxes to a greater extent and are less dependent on government grants that do not come the way of North East councils as generously as elsewhere. ============================================================ Inverurie wood pellet plant could mean more jobs than paper ============================================================= News that a wood pellet plant on the site of the paper mill in Inverurie has been evaluated as a viable investment obviously gives a boost to the prospects of the already diverse and resilient economy of the area. The plans for the site are ambitious and forward looking. The 260 construction jobs, and up to 130 permanent jobs associated with the biomass plant offer a real boost for the local economy. In addition, there is great potential for former paper mill workers to be re-employed. I was also pleased to note that there is scope for further industrial development at the site, possibly including a data storage facility. If this potential is realised, it is quite possible that the site could employ more people than the paper mill did. I particularly welcome the decision to re-open the railhead, which will be environmentally beneficial and adds to the attractiveness of the site for other users. I hope that the relevant procedures on planning and environmental approvals can move forward, so that work can begin in the near future.
Read "April Column- election special". March column (2)Written by Malcolm Bruce on Thu 25th Mar 2010 Local businesses look to rates relief ========================================================================================================= Rating revaluations are never popular. Coming in the middle of the deepest recession in living memory they are especially unwelcome for any businesses. . Revaluations are supposed to take account of the real growth of the economy, but in the interval between the time the assessors were making their evaluation and the valuation being determined, businesses have been severely squeezed. While many local businesses tell me they are weathering the storm and the North East is faring better than many parts of the country, business conditions are difficult. A number of pubs and hotels have recently closed and some businesses have gone into liquidation. Local authorities report a sharp decline in the number of planning applications - an indication of a slow down. The rates bill is based on the valuation multiplied by the rates poundage which, until the Conservative Government took central control, was determined by the local council. It does not necessarily reflect in any way the performance of the business. At the last revaluation and, currently in England, the Government introduced transitional relief to allow companies to adjust to their higher bills. So far the administration in Scotland has refused to do so. However, they are under pressure and should respond. ========================================================================================================== BA strike will have long term effect ========================================================================================================== As the North East is more dependent on air travel than most other parts of the UK, the strike by BA cabin crew is particular disruptive. It ruins planned holidays and disrupts business schedules. What also happens is that people move to other carriers who work hard to hang onto them or they find ways of doing business without flying and sometimes conclude they can reduce the number of flights they take in future. Either way, the airline not only loses the revenue it would have received during the period of the strike but suffers a hangover of lost business. I have certainly travelled more frequently with BMI and Flybe and in many ways find them more congenial than BA. At a time when many people are facing a threat to their job or income, it is difficult to understand why BA staff is prepared to take such strong action over changed staffing rotas. Certainly, BA ground staff have almost disappeared without the same furore although many I know felt aggrieved at the way they were dispensed with. It is true that the management style is somewhat macho but all airlines are fighting for survival. Perhaps the impending merger with Iberia is colouring the attitudes of both parties to the dispute. As far as I know Iberia does not have anything like the same pay and conditions as BA. If the second strike goes ahead then it seems likely that BA will suffer long term damage that will harm the business and the staff prospects. ========================================================================================================== Post election budget is what will bite ========================================================================================================== A budget produced only weeks before a General Election is more window dressing than substance. The question most people fear to hear answered is what is it all going to cost us in the medium term? There are confused and contradictory figures about public finances in terms of tax revenues and the scale of contingent liabilities being underwritten by the taxpayer. There are hopes that the nationalised banks will turn round and give the Treasury a profit. Nevertheless most people recognise that there is to be a day of reckoning and are concerned that it will require savage cuts in public spending or tax increases or, most probably, both So it is budgets that follow the General Election that will have the most bite. A surprising number of people have commented to me that the country's finances are too serious to be left to one political party. Usually that is followed with a comment something like "Labour got us into this mess. I have no idea what the Tories would do and Vince Cable and the Lib Dems have been right all along". The serious point is that there needs to be some cross party discussion and agreement if we are to reach decisions that are fair and command public acceptance even if they are painful. That is why Nick Clegg is warning that if one party wins the next election and imposes a partisan agenda there might not be the necessary degree of public consent to implement it. ========================================================================================================== International Development Committee has influenced Government ========================================================================================================== Nearly five years ago I had the privilege to be elected to the chair of the International Development Committee which monitors the work of the Department. Last week we signed off our last three reports of the Parliament allowing me to reflect on the committee's work over the past five years. I know, because DFID has told me, that the committee has had a significant influence on the department's water and sanitation strategy and nutrition strategy. We provoked a reassessment on their commitment on Burma and a rethink on China. The engagement with the World Bank changed while we were taking evidence on the topic and in many other areas we have had an influence on the department's thinking. I believe our success was achieved by pursuing a non partisan style. There were few if any party political disagreements. If anything differences were within parties. We also wanted the department to succeed in its overall aim of pursuing policies that reduced poverty. In that respect we have been a challenging friend rather than a fierce critic and that has been the spirit in which our criticisms or recommendations - based, as they were, on the evidence we received and what we saw and heard with our own eyes and ears when visiting countries and talking to local people. It has been a very rewarding privilege and one, I know, of great interest to many people in Gordon. ========================================================================================================== Defence and budgets lose touch with reality ========================================================================================================== I realise it is difficult, nay impossible, to make the case for breaking up the United Kingdom at a time when we are in the deepest economic hole any of us can remember and for which we will need a huge collective effort to climb out. Nevertheless I cannot understand how the SNP can suggest that the Scottish budget must escape unscathed if measures are to be applied across the UK to attack the huge deficit to which Scottish banks have contributed in no small measure. Of course we should make a case for Scotland's special needs to be taken into account so that recession is not made worse. Having strenuously opposed the Lloyds TSB takeover of HBOS I would like to 'bring the Bank of Scotland home' - just as I was disappointed when TSB which started in Aberdeen was gobbled up. Losing genuine savings banks contributed to our present problems. By the same token I cannot understand how the SNP can credibly demand there be no cuts in conventional defence spending in Scotland while opposing not only the nuclear submarine bases, but membership of NATO and any deployment of forces from the Scottish bases. To defend the bases it seems necessary in logic to have some connection with UK defence strategy or at least recognise where Scotland's interests coincide with the rest of the UK and with NATO (of which Norway is such a committed member). There is an honest case for independence as there is an honest case for the union but lets keep in touch with reality.
March column (1)Written by Malcolm Bruce on Thu 11th Mar 2010 Time for Government to help us tackle our costly fuel bills ================================================================================ Last week I had the opportunity to lead a debate on home energy efficiency and fuel poverty addressing a wide range of issues raised with me by constituents. Given the recent long spell of cold, snowy weather people have been understandably concerned at the high cost of fuel which disadvantages people living in Gordon not just because we have colder, longer winters than average but also because we have many hard to treat homes and many that do not receive a gas supply. Older, solid wall houses and the early timber framed homes comprise as much as half our housing stock. Such homes face a double whammy. They are hard and expensive to keep warm; and they cannot be easily or cheaply insulated. Energy companies have a responsibility to promote energy efficiency and insulation but they are not subject to detailed requirements so they take the easy option. They offer loft and cavity wall insulation, neither of which is of any or much use to these properties. There is a lack of good technical solutions and those that do exist are expensive. A co-ordinated programme could give us better, more affordable ways of tackling the problem and substantially reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Added to these problems, a constituency like Gordon has a high proportion of homes that are off the gas main. On average these cost one third more to heat than those on gas - relying on oil, LPG, solid fuel or electricity. I suggest that energy companies should be obliged to prioritise these homes in their energy efficiency programmes and the government should consider giving such properties access to grants and low cost finance to upgrade to more efficient modern technologies such as micro generation, heat pumps and renewable sources. In a cold winter the fuel poor - defined as those who spend more than 10 per cent of their income on fuel - may qualify for cold weather payments but only if they are on qualifying benefits. On top of that the weather stations chosen to determine the temperatures that trigger the payment of cold weather payments are singularly inappropriate. The area of Gordon round Alford gets cold weather payments based on Braemar, which has triggered 8 times this year. Yet the area round Lumsden and Rhynie which I can personally testify has been as cold and snowy as Alford is based on the Dyce weather station which has only paid out four times this winter. My recommendation is that the base weather station for the Huntly area should be changed to somewhere more appropriate and, in addition, that as a start, pensioners living off the gas main should qualify automatically for cold weather payments. Fuel bills for everyone living here on the North East will always be well above the UK average and this year more so than ever. Government support should be designed in ways that help us more too. ================================================================================ Moving core samples to Notts is insane ================================================================================ I am in the middle of making representations to stop the removal of drilling core samples from Gilmerton in Edinburgh to Nottinghamshire. These 175,000 samples have been built up over decades and are used by academics and industry in evaluating the geology of the North Sea for future development. This will be relevant for recovery of the substantial reserves that still remain to be recovered from our continental shelf. Removal is estimated to cost £4.3 million to save an estimated £200,000 a year. But this saving will be worthless if, as is likely, the cores are irretrievably damaged and costs to universities and companies rise. This may reduce the amount of oil and gas we recover by hundreds of millions and compromise the necessary evaluation for carbon capture and storage schemes. I believe this proposal is insane and should be reversed. ================================================================================ Zuma must lead on Zimbabwe ================================================================================ Zuma must lead on Zimbabwe Last week I attended a private meeting with President Zuma during his state visit to Britain. He has the honour to be President of a multi racial South Africa. Of course his first priority is to tackle poverty and injustice in his own country. But as a member of the G20 South Africa has a responsibility to provide leadership in the world and across the African Continent. According to well conducted polls Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party has the support of between 10 and 12 per cent of Zimbabweans. Having visited Zimbabwe last month I can tell you that were there to be a free and fair election in Zimbabwe irreversible change would be delivered. I believe that many more enlightened former adherents of ZANU-PF could be part of the change. Zimbabwe could become an economic engine of growth and recovery for the whole of southern Africa. But this will only happen if South Africa stands up for the basic rights of Zimbabweans to choose their own destiny. After all they have more Zimbabwean refugees than any other country and have more to gain from a democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe. President Zuma needs to understand that when he asks for the lifting of sanctions, which only apply to the leaders of Mugabe's regime and not the people or the economy, that there has to be progress towards fulfilling the obligations Mr Mugabe entered into with the inclusive government and which he has consistently flouted. ================================================================================ Dispelling digital switchover myths ================================================================================ Consultations are taking place across the North East about the forthcoming switchover to digital TV which takes place for our area in September. I have been astonished to hear of people throwing their old TV sets away because they think they need to get a new flat screen HD set. This is, of course not the case. I have a set that is more than thirty years old which I have switched to digital simply by connecting a Freeview box through the video recorder. Similarly, I have heard people requesting a digital aerial. There is no such thing. For most people simply by connecting a digi box to their set will enable them to convert. For people on benefits there is special help available so I would urge people not to panic just follow the advice available. ================================================================================ Vince challenges Alex over future budgets ================================================================================ Alex Salmond has written to Alistair Darling, George Osborne and Vince Cable asking them not to cut the Scottish budget. Vince tells me he has replied telling him that the Liberal Democrats will be laying out plans for tax and spending for each year of the next Parliament in our manifesto and he has assured Mr Salmond that Liberal Democrat plans would not reduce the Scottish budget but in fact increase it. However, he also added that Mr Salmond acknowledged in his correspondence that from 2011-12, the public sector will face several years of fiscal austerity in Scotland, as well as the rest of the UK. Justifiably, Vince points out that the Liberal Democrats have led the way on coming up with a credible and rational plan to deal with the deficit. He went on; "It's time that other parties displayed the same openness and honesty with the British people. To that end, I have asked Mr Salmond if he will follow our lead and set out how the Scottish government intends to meet higher budget controls in the coming years". Answers on a postcard? 8 March 2010
February Column (2)Written by Malcolm Bruce on Thu 25th Feb 2010 Hoping for ambitious promotion of 'iconic' mill site ================================================================================ It is encouraging that a feasibility study for biomass fuelled development of the site of the Inverurie paper mill has indicated its potential viability but this is still some way short of the comprehensive redevelopment of this iconic site. Most people in Inverurie were understandably saddened at the closure of the mill and the inability to find a future in papermaking which has been part of the local economy for 150 years. Yet Inverurie has proved resilient in the face of economic change. More than 40 years after the closure of the loco works the Inverurie economy is more diversified than ever - although we still haven't got the former site fully integrated into the present and future. I hope we will not be speculating about the site of the paper mill for decades. The site has great potential to attract modern development to the town and be a beacon of modern development. I very much hope that the consortium and present owners of the site will be in a position to start marketing its potential in the fairly near future to coincide, let's hope, with an economic upturn and the eventual construction of the Aberdeen Western peripheral route that will put the site in a strategically strong position, minutes from the airport, on the railway and well connected to the fast road routes to the south. ================================================================================ Union Terrace gardens - let's get the right answer ================================================================================ As the Gordon constituency includes the northern part of the city I have been following the debate about the development of Union Terrace Gardens with a close interest. In any case those who live in the shire have a keen interest in the development of Aberdeen even if they do not take a direct part in it. Until recently it seemed that alternative proposals were divisive and that may still prove to be the case. The problem is the Peacock proposal for an arts centre built into the Union Street end of the Gardens and tiered down into them seems to contrast sharply with the alternative proposals to raise the whole site to the Union Street, Union Terrace level. Funding does exist for the more modest Peacock proposal whereas the more ambitious proposal requires tens of millions of pounds to be found in spite of the offer of £50 million from Sir Ian Wood. What would be the worst outcome would be for the Peacock proposals to founder and the raising of the gardens to fail to get the necessary funds in the present climate. The Peacock proposal would provide street level access down to the gardens which would otherwise disappear under concrete. I hope a good compromise can be arrived at but it must be one that works and is affordable. It is ironic that SNP ministers say they might be able to make a contribution when they have refused to review the city's funding formula or even meet civic leaders to discuss it. ================================================================================ Flood prevention challenge for Huntly ================================================================================ I had a useful meeting with Aberdeenshire Council officials for an update on the aftermath of the major flooding in Huntly at the beginning of November. Having been flooded in my own home a few years ago I can relate to the misery of those residents affected last year and know that it takes many months to dry out and refurbish properties. Nevertheless, it seems to me that the council have done a good job in finding accommodation for 27 displaced households and offering other forms of support and keeping them informed of progress towards their eventual return home. At the same time the council has not been idle in evaluating what could be done to prevent the same thing happening again. There is no doubt that the Deveron reached record levels last November and it may not reach that level again for a long time. Nevertheless, the prediction of more extreme weather patterns clearly requires an assessment of what steps would be required to stop the same thing happening again. This could include building up the river bank where it burst, provided that doesn't risk displacement flooding somewhere else. Work has already been carried out dredging and clearing the path of the Meadow burn and it may be that new culverts and bunds may help. SEPA have also put on place a flood warning system to alert people at risk if there is any flood threat. Clearly all of these options need to be evaluated and costed and that is what is going on now. As everyone knows Aberdeenshire suffered flood damage across the whole area from the Bervie Braes above Stonehaven to the Pennan cliffs and bridges and roads across the area, including most recently the listed bridge at Keig. Nevertheless council officials are working to assess the best way forward and in due course the council will have to assess proposals and work out priorities. I hope when that is complete there will be a clear plan for Huntly. ================================================================================ Iraq knocked Afghan mission off course ================================================================================ The current heavy NATO offensive in Afghanistan with its growing list of British casualties and civilian deaths is clearly bringing into question our continuing engagement. It is right to remember that the original engagement in Afghanistan was supported by the United Nations and entrusted to NATO. It was knocked badly off course by the decision by George Bush, backed by Tony Blair (and almost all the Conservative party) to invade Iraq without international support or authorisation. Had that not happened it is likely that NATO's original mission in Afghanistan would have been accomplished by now. At the time of the original action in Afghanistan NATO had the overwhelming support of the majority of the population weary of the civil war, the Soviet occupation, the Mujahadeen and the Taliban. That goodwill has diminished, although it was still quite strong when I visited the country two and a half years ago. We cannot stay indefinitely or even for very much longer but immediate withdrawal, although it might be popular, would be damaging and would nullify the sacrifices made by Afghans and NATO allies. The Afghan army is two thirds of the way to taking over the military tasks of NATO. The police have much further to go to win trust. Development is happening in terms of education, health care and the development of livelihoods but it needs to go further and faster. I believe that is the best way to enable the majority of the people of Afghanistan to take control of their own destiny and reduce the risk of terrorism and instability across the region. But time is short. ================================================================================ Bullying - real issue or election froth? ================================================================================ I am not sure what to make of the accusation of bullying in the Prime Minister's office other than note that it is the kind of personal stuff that seems to come into play when we get close to a general election. The National Bullying Helpline's founder Christine Pratt did not cover herself in glory by saying there were calls to the service from Downing Street but that they did not apply to the Prime Minister and appeared vague and non-specific. Also given that the whole point of the helpline is to protect those being bullied and preserve the confidentiality of the parties what did she think she was doing blabbing to the national media? No wonder one of her patrons promptly resigned and another, Anne Widdecombe, followed suit. Few can doubt that Gordon Brown is a brooding and obsessive personality. That he might lose his temper comes as no surprise either. I think we should move on and concentrate on the substance of politics rather than just the personalities. 22 February 2010
February Column (1)Written by Malcolm Bruce on Tue 23rd Feb 2010 Train usage makes the case for more rail services ========================================================================================================== The phenomenal increase in the number of people using the trains in the North East should surely persuade the recalcitrant Scottish Government of the case for backing the long promised Crossrail commuter link from Inverurie to Stonehaven. Over many years I have campaigned for extra trains and stations securing Sunday services and the re-opening of Dyce station and increased frequency and shorter journey times. Since it was re-opened Dyce station has always exceeded expectations and this year has increased by 68 per cent and Inverurie is up by about 50%. Yet ministers and Transport Scotland have so far failed to embrace the case for a new station at Kintore and for commuter services to Aberdeen and have questioned the viability of the proposals on the basis of unrealistically low forecasts of usage. Compared with the massive costs of road upgrades, rail represents a valuable investment in infrastructure which eases road congestion and pollution. Faced with frustrating hold-ups on the airport roundabout and the Haudagain it is no wonder people are switching to rail, Thousands more would, I have no doubt if a more frequent service was available. ========================================================================================================== Refreshing climb down by First Bus ========================================================================================================== Also focussing on public transport I was delighted that First Bus responded to public pressure to withdraw proposals to end the Number 5 bus link between Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Dubford in the Bridge of Don. This route was developed with grants from the Scottish Executive and Aberdeen City Council and appears to have been well used judging by the storm of protest that plans to axe it triggered. As the protest gathered momentum, First Bus initially offered a reduced service but then a complete climb down. I organised a public meeting which Aberdeen First Bus chief executive, Bob Dorr, agreed to attend. I give him credit for acknowledging to the meeting that he had got it completely wrong and that more people appeared to be using the service than their records showed. He undertook not only to maintain the service but to work with the local community to develop it increasing the number of buses deployed on the route from 8 to 9. This was very refreshing and what could have been a lynching turned into a very constructive meeting and genuine thanks to Mr Dorr. Since buses were deregulated there has been concern at the apparent conflict between commercial interests and public service. The competition authorities are currently reviewing bus operations in the UK on the grounds that bus services receive subsidies for particular routes to the tune of £1.2 billion a year yet do not always appear to meet the users' needs. For a commercial public service provider to move from slash and burn to compromise to complete reversal over a period of four weeks based on a well focussed campaign by users is refreshing and I hope we will see more of this in future. ========================================================================================================== Zimbabwe - on the cusp of change? ========================================================================================================== The International Development Committee which I have the honour to chair made a visit to Zimbabwe last week which gave us a fascinating insight into that strife torn country since the inclusive government was established ten months ago. This came about after the elections which were clearly won by the then opposition Movement for Democratic Change who were denied their victory by the violence and obduracy of Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF. Under pressure from South Africa a Government of National Unity was formed. Most of the levers of power remain with Robert Mugabe who stole the Presidency. Morgan Tsvangirai was given the new job of Prime Minister and ministries were divided between ZANU and MDC. This is, to say the least, an uneasy arrangement. Our committee's mission was to evaluate the UK's $100 million annual aid programme in terms of delivery and assess whether it could contribute to a positive change for the better. One thing we quickly established was that the replacement of the hyper inflated Zimbabwe dollar with the US dollar has allowed a degree of normalisation of the economy and set in train some recovery. The cities of Harare and Bulawayo are in remarkably good shape and the shops are well stocked with goods of all kinds. The problem for most Zimbabweans is that they live in rural areas, poor and traumatised and can only take minimal advantage of these improvements - although remittances received in dollars or other hard currencies are of more value than they were before. The other benefit of this situation is that it has allowed donors such as the UK and NGOs to deliver real improvements in basic services. We saw well run functioning hospitals delivering a range of treatments and drugs thanks to UK assistance and that of others. We also saw orphan and vulnerable children who had been displaced by ZANU brutality getting catch- up intense education and moving into primary schools offering them a real chance for the future and if the programme can be maintained helping Zimbabwe avoid the disaster experienced by South Africa with a generation of lost children. So what is our verdict? Well we still have to take further evidence and deliberate on what we have seen and heard but I can confirm that our aid is reaching the poor and needy and making a difference, although we need to know more about the cost of delivery. As far as the politics is concerned, we did meet Morgan Tsvangirai in his garden and found him upbeat and resilient. He believes the political process has reached the point of no return. Others are less sanguine and the sad truth is it could go unpredictably in almost any direction. Nevertheless, the present arrangement is definitely delivering improving conditions for most Zimbabweans albeit from a low base. Support for ZANU-PF has fallen to around 10 per cent. If credible elections were to be held then real change would be secured. However as long as Mugabe controls the army, police and security services, that is unlikely. ========================================================================================================== Who'll allow local taxes for local services? ========================================================================================================== One of the issues of the forthcoming General Election is likely to be central control versus local decision making. In spite of having delivered devolution Labour has proved a highly centralising party like the Tories before them. This has not stopped them presiding over an unprecedented financial crisis and, although, spending on the NHS has increased dramatically and waiting times have been reduced there is still a great deal of waste and distortion and worrying increase in hospital infections. The Tories are planning to impose radical changes in education on English local authorities whether their communities want it or not. The SNP has been even more centralising - freezing the council tax and imposing centrally determined targets on class sizes and free school meals reducing local councillors' discretion to determine the best priorities for local people. I am in favour of some redistribution from rich to poor both in terms of individuals and communities. Nevertheless I believe local people should have more say in local decisions. Here in the North East we make a huge contribution to the economies of Scotland and the UK yet too much of our taxes go elsewhere. That is why I favour the return of local business rates to local councils and a fairer local tax system which makes us less controlled by central government in Edinburgh or London. We should as far as possible have local taxes for local services not as determined by ministers with a political agenda driven from elsewhere. ========================================================================================================== It's colder inland from Dyce ========================================================================================================== The cold weather we have experienced since Christmas raises again the thorny issue of cold weather payments. I accept that the trigger has to be based on some weather centre but using Dyce certainly means that many communities inland from the coast suffer lower temperatures than Dyce records which would qualify them for cold weather payments if based on a more appropriate centre. Malcolm Bruce 9 February 2010
January Column (2)Written by Malcolm Bruce MP on Mon 25th Jan 2010 **************************************************************************************************** After the devastation, where next for Haiti? **************************************************************************************************** The scale of death and destruction caused by the Haiti earthquake is almost unprecedented and has shocked the world. Development Economics Professor Paul Collier is absolutely right when he says the challenge is not about getting Haiti back on its feet because the country has never been on its feet. Decades of brutal dictatorship has left Haiti impoverished and without the basic infrastructure of a functioning state. That is why the United Nations has such a presence in the country and they too suffered the destruction of their own headquarters and loss of life. There clearly was some chaos in this situation when the airport and seaport were both seriously damaged. It was ironic that hoards of the media managed to get to the island when relief supplies were having difficulty getting in and out of the airport. However, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander assured me that the airport which could only handle three planes a day at first had quickly increased it to over 100 and secured refuelling supplies. The United Kingdom does not have a particularly close relationship with Haiti which after all is a francophone country which looks to the USA, France and Canada as its key development partners. The UK's immediate response therefore was to send in the equipment and expertise that we had best suited to saving lives and securing the means of life. As always the British public have responded generously to the emergency appeal by the leading charities and NGOs. It is worth stressing that the UK Government, apart from delivering direct assistance of £20 million is a major contributor to the United Nations and the European Commission. It is sensible that the United States should take the lead being a near neighbour with the necessary resources. In the longer term there needs to be an administration for Haiti which is accountable to the people and is led by the Government of Haiti and the UN and key donors. The task is to build the basics of a functioning state from scratch and learn how the international community can best respond to this kind of situation as, in spite of recent reforms, the United Nations is not ready to take on the role by itself. **************************************************************************************************** Rededication celebration for Ellon Parish Church **************************************************************************************************** I was delighted to attend the service of re-dedication of Ellon Parish Church last Sunday. I have had a long association with the church over the years and see it as an effective and active part of the Ellon community through the popular Kirk Centre and its leading role in making Ellon a Fair Trade town. Now, after major refurbishment the church has made itself a focal point. Gone are the old wooden pews to be replaced by comfy chairs, under floor heating and computer controlled lighting and sound systems. The church is warm and welcoming and ready to be even more engaged with the community, through its many organisations and its basic approach of opening the door to all comers. I am sure there will be many and varied well attended activities in the building in the future and I wish it well. **************************************************************************************************** What does the future look like for Digital Radio? **************************************************************************************************** The Government is trying to get its Digital Britain Bill through Parliament before the election. One aspect of the bill, which is generally supported, is generating some controversy. The Government has declared that they intend to switch to Digital Radio in 2015 which means that all radio stations broadcasting on DAB will cease broadcasting on FM which will be reserved for small local stations. This presents a number of problems. The overwhelming majority of radios, in the UK, including those in cars, are analogue. Digital is almost certainly the future but if local stations are left behind on FM they may find it difficult to survive. One idea is to have a tuning system that seeks for all available stations - digital and FM, so that the user does not have to switch between the two sources - but this does not yet exist. The concern is that some time in the future FM may disappear and with it the local option unless we opt for what is known as DAB+ a much more advances system that could accommodate all radio stations - although there is still a cost to switching to digital that smaller stations may not afford. In the North East we are well served by a plethora of local commercial stations. The BBC, which offers 24 hour local services to many parts of England does not offer that service in Scotland and are not a player in local radio. I am writing to all our local commercial radio stations to seek their opinion as to how the changeover will affect them to ensure that the North East does not lose out when the switchover happens. Of course the TV switchover happens next year but it is becoming clear that radio may not be quite so straightforward. **************************************************************************************************** Gordon Highlander veteran receives Normandy honour **************************************************************************************************** I was delighted to have the opportunity to present the Normandy Bar medal to local World War Two veteran, Mr Jim Glennie last week.
Mr Glennie was a private in the Gordon Highlanders who landed in France on D-Day, June 6 1944 but he was unable to travel to France for the 65th anniversary of the invasion last year. I wrote to ask if Mr Glennie could be given the medal, as he wasn't able to attend the ceremony, and the Normandie Memoire Association asked if I could present the medal on their behalf, which I was honoured to do. It is a small token of appreciation from the people of Normandy to those who fought to liberate them in 1944 and commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Normandy landings. We should never forget the sacrifice and courage of those like Mr Glennie who fought for freedom on D-Day. ENDS
January Column (1)Written by Malcolm Bruce MP on Mon 11th Jan 2010 **************************************************************************************************** Weather - why are we surprised by it? **************************************************************************************************** The weather has clearly been the dominant feature of the news at the start of the year - not least, of course, because it has affected the whole of the UK not just the North East. For me the main challenge was getting to Huntly Rotary Club for their meeting on Monday 4 January through serious snow. It has been a tradition since the war for the Member of Parliament to speak to the club on the first meeting of the New Year. The meeting has never been cancelled and I have never missed it so it was a matter of honour to get there. Discretion being the better part of valour however, my wife and I were pleased to accept the kind offer of overnight hospitality rather than drive back into the weather. So may I offer our sincere thanks to the welcome hospitality of our generous hostess? Returning the next day we were pleased to follow ploughs clearing the road to Rhynie and astonished at criticism being levelled at the driver by one vehicle who failed to appreciate the dedication from early hours or have the patience to follow the plough which saw us through to Rhynie a few minutes later. I had time to call into the shops and learn first hand about the poor post office service these communities were experiencing and the frustration at the lack of fresh milk delivery. The roads were, after all, open. Of course, the weather had other effects in travel disruption and school closures which led to a chorus of complaints from many quarters - not all of them fair or thought through. We had several bursts of heavy snow over a few days which adds to the challenge of keeping the main roads open and, although many local pavements were ploughed it clearly was a matter of prioritising. Similarly, the decision to close schools obviously caused disruption especially to those families with working parents. However, the roads were treacherous for school transport and had the schools been kept open and there been accidents involving school buses or teachers travelling to or from their work, there would have inevitably been complains about that too. The City was particularly badly hit as it experienced more snow than usual and lower temperatures. There may be a debate as to how much the city should invest in snow clearing equipment that would be rarely used - but I have been reminded in recent days that in other counties - Canada and France have been mentioned - it is a legal requirement for property owners to clear their own frontage. This raised another issue in the national debate as some shop keepers claimed that if the cleared their frontage and someone fell and was injured they would be held liable. If this is true then it is nonsense provided the clearing is done with reasonable diligence. **************************************************************************************************** Cadbury - might be a better bet independent **************************************************************************************************** I am currently engaged in a fellowship programme with Cadbury and the Industry and Parliament Trust. The aim is to give MPs insight into corporate business and in return give them a feel for how MPs and Parliament operate. I have worked in the past for corporate business (as a buyer of cosmetics and toiletries for Boots). However I was interested in getting an up to date exposure. I chose Cadbury because of its Quaker background that made it a model employer in the past and which still gives the company a culture that is more in tune with my idea of business. This was a feature of other chocolate companies such as Fry's (now part of Cadbury), Rowntree's (sadly now part of Nestle) and Terry's. The characteristic was also shared with soap-makers Lever Brothers. Where Levers built Port Sunlight model village for its employees, Cadbury build Bournville. When I started the fellowship the bid to take over the company had not been launched by Kraft. As Cadbury had just disinvested itself of Schweppes to concentrate on becoming an even better chocolate, candy and gum company it would be ironic if it found itself sucked into an American conglomerate. The company argues that it's strategy as an independent will increase its margins and enable it to grow its market share - and that this is already in evidence. I would hope that our city slickers who determine the outcome of these bids will consider this case and reflect on how overbidding has brought down RBS and cash now may be no substitute for better profits in the future. Money talks of course but just grabbing the cash without considering the longer term is what has helped get us into our current economic mess. It is not the best way out of it. There is also talk of Italian chocolate maker Ferrero Rocher entering the fray possible with US company Herschey. That would be a better fit for Cadbury's strategy as a chocolate maker bit I can't help hoping that Cadbury is given the time to prove that its strategy can deliver. **************************************************************************************************** Royal Mail - total failure to deliver **************************************************************************************************** My visit to local post offices reinforced my dissatisfaction with the service Royal Mail is providing to our rural communities. We had a well attended public meeting in Rhynie in which the local community spelled out clearly their disbelief that Royal Mail could deliver an adequate service on the basis of the proposed out reach service. I put in a detailed submission on the basis of this evidence and other feedback from the local communities. The experience of the past year has proved us right. The portable equipment does not like being moved and has failed at least four times. Due to technical problems or weather the service has been cancelled at short or no notice more than once. This is not a criticism of the local staff but of the lack of adequate support by Royal Mail. Both the shops at Rhynie and Lumsden could offer a better service more reliably but were never given the chance to do so. Similarly in Udny Station a good service was provided from the village hall until the postmistress retired. Now elderly claimants are expected to wait in the snow outside a van in the car park of the pub. This is no service. Royal Mail say they are hoping to find a new postmaster to take over the service for Newburgh and Collieston following the current one's resignation. I hope that is so but I expect this kind of disruption will become the norm rather than the exception if this is the way Royal mail are offering the service. I have demanded that they carry out a full review in the light of this catalogue of failure across Gordon. **************************************************************************************************** Devolution - institutions before personalities **************************************************************************************************** The turmoil surrounding Northern Ireland first minister Peter Robinson and his wife Iris shows the importance of institutions above personalities. The couple have made their politics around an uncompromising brand of Presbyterianism that has now turned round to bite them at a crucial time for the Province. There are those on both wings of the debate who oppose power sharing and will use this situation to try and end it - bringing the risk of a return to the troubles that many worked so hard to end. That must not be allowed to happen. Peter Robinson has stood aside temporarily but if he cannot answer his critics and rally his party quickly he will have to make way for someone who can and soon. 11 January 2010
Malcolm Bruce MPWritten by January (1) on Tue 29th Dec 2009 **************************************************************************************************** By-pass welcomed but overdue and still to be delivered **************************************************************************************************** I believe the majority of people in Gordon will welcome the long delayed announcement of the go-ahead for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, but will still want to know where the money is coming from, especially for hard pressed local authorities' contributions. More to the point is how long it will take to build and open as it will make a huge difference to many businesses located north and west of the city whose major markets are down south. I am sympathetic to the argument that just building another road does not solve traffic problems and the AWPR does not solve the problems of the Haudagain roundabout, a third Don crossing, the Tipperty section of the A 90 or the Inveramsay Bridge. All these road improvements are necessary and justified for the traffic growth that has taken place but we must build in public transport options. It is a tragedy that when the Deeside and Buchan railway lines (and the Kemnay - Alford spur) were closed the wayleaves were not protected as they could now be brought back into use. Nevertheless, there is no excuse for not proceeding with the investment in commuter services and new stations at least between Inverurie and Stonehaven especially if it was integrated with connecting dedicated bus services. Over the years, I have campaigned for transport improvements under a succession of different administrations and my experience is that it takes cross party support and sustained local pressure and always takes longer that seem reasonable. The present SNP administration is no different and it would do well to remember that the proposals for the route came from our local transport body Nestrans which includes representatives of local councils and businesses. In addition to that it was the previous administration that gave the commitment in principle and identified the line of route which the road will follow. It will continue to require active monitoring and pressure to ensure it is completed as proposed and the other essential transport improvements are not forgotten. **************************************************************************************************** Airline collapse calls for new get you home scheme **************************************************************************************************** The collapse of Globespan disrupted many people's travel arrangements in the run up to the Christmas period. It is clearly disappointing to lose the routes the airline had developed out of Aberdeen. It would also make for a bleak Christmas for the staff of the airline many of whom found out about the collapse from the media rather than the management. The sad reality is that Globespan was operating on the margins and had been known to cancel services and routes at short notice. It clearly required a rising market to succeed and in the economic recession failure was perhaps inevitable. It is only unfortunate that its demise could not have been managed in ways that did not let so many people down so suddenly. Of course, I hope that other airlines might pick up some of the routes and the staff but that may be a little forlorn in the present climate. What concerns me in all this is the refusal of the Government or Civil Aviation Authority to support a levy and compensation scheme for ticket only purchases. This is something I have been calling for for some years and I will raise it again when the House returns. The collapse of airlines without warning happens all too often and the authorities need to be better organised to manage it in ways that limit the damage and disruption. **************************************************************************************************** Thanks again to my card designers **************************************************************************************************** Once again I want to thank all the schools that took part in my Christmas card competition. The standard of entries on the theme of a Christmas song or carol was particularly high this year. For the fifth year in a row Braehead School in Bridge of Don produced a prize winner - actually this year two second and equal third along with Kennethmont. The overall winner, however, was Emma Power from Kintore Primary with a delightful picture of carol singers under a lamp post. By pure serendipity, the day I presented Emma with her prize was also her tenth birthday (and her twin sister's, of course). So, thanks to the young artists and their teachers for making such a difficult choice from really well designed cards. **************************************************************************************************** Leaders' debate novel but still choice is local **************************************************************************************************** The agreement between the broadcasters and main party leaders to allow for televised debates during the General Election that must take place within the next six months caused quite a bit of comment over the holiday period. I have slightly mixed feelings about it as we only have one vote and that is cast for our local MP and it will be a sad day if Presidential style 'beauty contests' take over from choosing the best local representative. After all, in countries with Presidential systems, voters have separate votes to decide their local parliamentary representatives, as distinct from the vote for President. However, I can see that the leaders' debates will add interest to the election and give people a chance to assess the leadership qualities of the main contenders to head a Government. Of course people have had a chance to judge Gordon Brown as Prime Minister but there are questions to be asked of Nick Clegg and David Cameron. On the basis of polls so far, Nick Clegg, stands to gain as people get to know him better. He has also made it clear that he wants to be Prime Minister and believes that the Liberal Democrats have the best people, ideas and policies to lead the country. David Cameron is presenting himself as almost the Prime Minster in waiting, but again, polls and anecdotal evidence suggest that people are not sure about his policies or his personal qualities. Other parties may complain but it seems reasonable that the parties that are fighting seats right across the UK and have the base to form a Government should be treated differently from those who are fighting a limited number of seats or have yet to prove their ability to win seats in Parliament. I do not believe a legal challenge will work or should stop the broadcasts. Of course, it might prove a useful publicity stunt for some parties but ultimately the judgment will be in the ballot box not the courts. **************************************************************************************************** Royal Mail lets down post offices again **************************************************************************************************** It is disappointing but not surprising that as a New Year starts we continue to have serious complaints about the functioning of our local offices. I continue to receive complaints that by the service provided by the new outreach post office at Rhynie and Lumsden falls short of the communities' needs - as was predicted it would. Folk in Udny Station are not happy since the service efficiently provided in the hall moved to a mobile van in the pub car park after the retirement of the sub post mistress - not least because it can involve waiting out in the cold and that is no place for anybody these frosty days. The resignation of the sub post mistress in Newburgh has left the village and Collieston with no service at all until a replacement is found and that won't necessarily prove easy. The fact is that Royal Mail has run down the services provided by sub post offices to the point that they are not viable and the cost of maintaining them keeps rising. It is a familiar refrain from the post offices I visit across the constituency that for many the pay received for the work required is hardly worth it. I will be challenging Government and Royal Mail to review what they are offering or admit that they are knowingly squeezing the smaller offices out of business while pretending to support them. These are vital social services and post masters and mistresses should be properly rewarded and the community decently served. Happy New Year Finally, I'd like to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. 29 December 2009
December column (2)Written by Malcolm Bruce MP on Mon 14th Dec 2009 **************************************************************************************************** School children and posties together for Christmas
**************************************************************************************************** In the run up to Christmas I have been getting into the seasonal spirit visiting sorting offices busy with Christmas mail and presenting certificates and book tokens to the winners of my Christmas competition for schools. The overall winner was Emma Power of Kintore, who also celebrated her 10th birthday on the day I thanked her for her charming design of carol singers. The runners up were of a high standard too. Second place went to Sarah Ross of Braehead School in Bridge of Don (which has provided a prize winner for the last five Christmases) with a very lively Rudolph. Braehead also produced the joint third placed entry designed by Carly Main of a figgy pudding for "We wish you a Merry Christmas". Caillay Campbell of Kennethmont was third equal with an original Holly and Ivy design. The card with Emma's design will go out to over 800 people and the runners up are printed on the back so people can see how high the standard was. This is of course the busiest time of year for Royal Mail and our local posties and I visited Huntly and Bridge of Don sorting offices to thank them for their efforts on our behalf. I know how much people value the daily visit of the local post men and women and they are naturally anxious about the future of the service. We all know that the last mile is the most important and if Royal Mail loses too much business to competitors who are not obliged to provide a universal service we could all lose out. At the very least, other providers of postal services must pay a realistic rate for the last mile delivery. We already know that the North East is being classed as remote by some suppliers and charging extra for delivery - even when they are using Royal Mail. We must stay vigilant to keep the service we need. So Merry Christmas to our talented primary school children and hard working postal workers. **************************************************************************************************** Friends look to re-open Leith Hall
**************************************************************************************************** After the angst and misunderstanding surrounding the future of Leith Hall I am pleased that a Friends of Leith Hall group has now been formed to work with the National Trust for Scotland to help secure the re-opening of the hall and the retention of its really valuable and interesting memorabilia. This is likely to involve upgrading the flats within the hall and possibly some other properties on the estate to provide long term income. I also hope that the hall itself will find a more varied role for the community which protects its heritage but brings it to life as the centre for many and varied events which enable people to enjoy the atmosphere and character of the house. I have been more than happy to give this positive development my support. **************************************************************************************************** My message to PM - work with insurers to fund flood prevention
**************************************************************************************************** People who are being forced to spend Christmas away from their own homes due to flooding will be anxious to know how Government is going to act to prevent future flooding of the kind we have experienced recently. Changing weather patterns are likely to mean more events of the kind we have experienced with record recent rainfall. That's why I challenged the Prime Minister in the House of Commons, not only to secure a deal to fund climate adaptation measures in the poorest and most vulnerable developing countries but also to explain how he intends to bring together Government and the insurance industry to pay for flood prevention and adaptation measures here in the UK. Headlines focussed understandably on those who were flooded out but others had a narrow escape and Aberdeenshire Council reports many roads and bridges suffered substantial damage which will necessitate extensive repairs. **************************************************************************************************** SNP learn a hard lesson on schools **************************************************************************************************** The failure of the SNP's commitment to deliver on education - especially on class sizes led to the dramatic sacking of the Education Minister when it became apparent that the opposition parties would not back down on their motion of no-confidence. This time the previous bluster of threatened resignation of the whole administration was called. Smaller class sizes may well be desirable but such a commitment can only be delivered with more investment in teachers and classrooms and this has not been forthcoming. Threatening to centralise the administration of education was the last straw for many. It accords with the desire of the SNP to take control of many things in Edinburgh to the disadvantage of areas like the North East. It remains my view that education services and priorities are best delivered locally within overall national guidelines. When the administration wills change that costs money it must provide the means or accept that it is up to each authority to make its own priorities according to their assessment of needs. After all they are democratically elected too. **************************************************************************************************** Blair's Iraq venture costs us dear in Afghanistan ****************************************************************************************************
I found pretty strong local reaction to Tony Blair's admission that he would have sought to invade Iraq even of there had been no weapons of mass destruction. NATO with the backing of the United Nations went into Afghanistan to remove a Government that was hosting the Al Q'aeda terrorists who had launched the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. Most people in Afghanistan - and especially women and girls - welcomed the removal of the Taliban and hoped for the rebuilding of the country, Unfortunately under the influence of a pre-determined neo Conservative strategy the United States decided it wanted to launch an attack on Iraq to secure regime change, despite the fact that there was no connection between Iraq and the 11th September attacks. This was opposed by many European countries and a substantial tranche of public opinion in the United Kingdom. I and all my Liberal Democrat colleagues voted against the invasion of Iraq - not because we held any brief for Saddam Hussein but because we saw no cause, little international support and the need to finish the job in Afghanistan. Apart from attracting huge opprobrium on Britain as the USA's accessory to a probably illegal war, it has prevented us from achieving stability and adequate progress in Afghanistan. The Prime Minister's visit to the front line may be the right thing for him to do but his problem is that public opinion shows lack of support for our engagement at a time when our forces feel that they are making progress in spite of understandable concern back home over casualties. Were it not for the invasion of Iraq we would probably have achieved our objectives in Afghanistan by now - something Tony Blair never seems to consider. **************************************************************************************************** Bus safety - room for Holyrood and Westminster to act together
**************************************************************************************************** I am pleased that the Scottish Parliament continues to take an interest in school bus safety which I have been promoting through my school bus safety bill. I was asked to give evidence this week to the Parliament's petitions committee along with local campaigner Ron Beatty. Attention focuses on the 'No overtaking' rule which I believe still has merit although it is controversial. However, there are other measures over which there is wide agreement that we could do more to promote. These include a commitment to standardise three point safety belts in contract school buses. In addition, Aberdeenshire and some other authorities are looking to develop new electronic signage for school buses. This is commendable but it would be helpful if there was co-ordination to develop the best common approach. The Scottish and UK Parliaments could and should work usefully together on these.
**************************************************************************************************** BA strike could destroy strikers own jobs **************************************************************************************************** The decision by BA staff to vote to strike over the holiday period looks like an act of wanton self-destruction. Other airlines may not be able to cover the entire shortfall but BA is already uncompetitive and haemorrhaging money. This could hasten its demise meaning there will be no jobs to negotiate pay and conditions for. 14 December 2009
December Column (I)Written by Malcolm Bruce on Thu 3rd Dec 2009 **************************************************************************************************** High Speed rail a must for development ****************************************************************************************************
The Government is currently taking advice on proposals for a high speed rail link from London to what is referred to in metropolitan circles as "The North". At the moment this appears to stop at Manchester. However, I have recently had an opportunity to brief consultants advising the Transport Secretary, Lord Adonis, and make the case for a high speed line to Scotland. I can think of no investment that would do more to reduce regional disparities and encourage more balanced development across the UK. In reality Manchester already has a fast rail link so it is only by building a completely new line up the spine of Britain that we can have the capacity and development potential that could transform our economy. The distance from Paris to Marseille is roughly equivalent to the distance between London and Aberdeen yet the journey time in France is just over three hours compared with seven and a half hours at best for the London- Aberdeen route. Such a development does not come cheaply but in reality I believe we cannot afford to deny it. If we are going to switch more freight from road to rail and more passengers form air to rail then we will need more capacity than the current network provides and we need it to be high speed. **************************************************************************************************** Inept administration failing North East **************************************************************************************************** The new financial settlement for Scottish Councils is clear proof that the Scottish administration has mishandled Scotland's finances. Finding themselves unexpectedly running a minority administration the SNP launched a series of populist initiatives including abolishing bridge tolls, freezing the council tax, pledging free school meals, smaller class sizes and free prescriptions for all. This has proved unsustainable. Promises such as abolishing student debt were abandoned as never deliverable but other commitments are running into the long grass. Times are difficult and blaming London won't wash, not least because sadly the UK Government has had to find billions to bail out Scotland's biggest banks. The world has changed and ministers will have to change too. Instead of imposing the delivery of one party's unaffordable manifesto promises ministers should allow local authorities to answer to their own electorates and set the priorities within straightened circumstances that best meet the needs of their own communities. Beware too the trick of top slicing local government funding and then handing out targeted largesse for political benefit. Local Government needs access to its own tax base to reduce its dependence on centrally controlled grants that are not allocated fairly to councils in the North East. **************************************************************************************************** Independence obsession has no mandate **************************************************************************************************** The constrained economic times in which we are living make the SNP's obsession with an independence referendum a waste of time and money for which the party has no mandate and has no doubt been the main contributor to the collapse in its support.
The SNP are of course entitled to campaign for independence - that is the sole reason for their existence. However, it is not entitled to impose its minority views against the wishes of the majority. But what, in my mind undermines the SNP's pretence to be a serious political party is its refusal to engage with others on reforming the constitution in ways which give Scotland more autonomy within the United Kingdom but are then happy to bank the reforms when they emerge. The SNP boycotted the Scottish Convention and have done the same with the Calman Commission. They were happy then to support the devolution settlement and now they are happy to accept the transfer of further powers over laws and taxes. I believe the Scottish Parliament should have access to a share of taxes raised in Scotland. This gives the Parliament a stake in growing the tax base - and punishes failure to do so. But I see no reason why we should be forced to have a costly and distracting referendum on independence when the clear majority of voters have voted for parties that believe that Scotland's future lies within the United Kingdom. The only rider to this is the position of the Conservatives which looks like a throwback in time. Vote Conservative and they will offer a better reform. We've heard that before and we know what happened, which makes you wonder why the Government won't bring forward the legislation it says it wants. **************************************************************************************************** Climate change deal needed at home and abroad **************************************************************************************************** World leaders start gathering next week in Copenhagen to see if they can hammer out a deal to tackle climate change. There have been some encouraging noises in recent weeks - notably from China and the United States two of the most key players. Nevertheless as everyone - large and small countries alike - have to agree it seems more likely that Copenhagen will set out the principles rather than deliver a legally binding agreement in one go. Developed and emerging economies are the biggest contributors to climate changing emissions yet the biggest victims are the poorest countries who are likely to be opposed to an agreement that doesn't provide them with substantial new funding for adaptation measures and allow them to grow using green technology where possible but without the constraints legitimately put on the main polluting countries. Floods in the United Kingdom, in Cumbria on an unprecedented scale but also here in Aberdeenshire are clear signs of climate change. The floods followed record rainfall. This makes the case for a domestic UK climate change fund as, clearly, more resources will be need to deal with flood damage to roads, bridges and property and for new flood prevention measures. **************************************************************************************************** North East must keep up with digital age **************************************************************************************************** As we move further into the digital age the North East faces in the coming months the need to prepare to switch-over to digital television.
Many of us have already done so, for example, through Sky, Freeview, Freesat and other similar digital providers. Those who haven't will need to do so before the analogue signal is switched off in 2010. The reassuring fact is that any TV can receive digital and no special aerial is required although it may need adjusting or in some cases replacing. Parts of Scotland have already gone digital and it seems to have gone quite smoothly. For some people a help package is available and more information can be obtained by phoning 08456 505050.
November Column (II)Written by Malcolm Bruce MP on Tue 17th Nov 2009 **************************************************************************************************** Saving Aberdeen Met Office vindicated
**************************************************************************************************** My recent visit to the Met Office in the Aberdeen part of my constituency really vindicated the cross party campaign I led to keep the operation here when the Met Office were planning to move most of it to Exeter. In fact the operation is now larger than it was four years ago when the cuts were mooted and the Met Office has clearly acknowledged the value of having Aberdeen as a major outreach operation, which it is supporting and expanding. The local knowledge cuts both ways. We are likely to receive better and earlier weather warnings and the Met Office will get useful information from the North of Scotland. The Aberdeen Office has now built up significant commercial business and confirms that the recent flooding is connected with climate change which gives us more frequent sustained heavy rain than we are used to. It also appears that Scotland's steady rise above sea level is set to reverse meaning that coastal flooding may become more widespread in the future.. So, clearly, we will need to consider this information when planning new flood defences. **************************************************************************************************** Parliament needs reform not headlines **************************************************************************************************** The Queen's Speech is more than usually an empty exercise this year with only 70 Parliamentary sitting days available before there must be a General Election. I have often fantasised that the Queen one year would arrive at Parliament and announce "This year my Government will introduce no new bills and will repeal 50 existing Acts of Parliament".
So much of what we do in Parliament is debating laws proposed by Government to placate the tabloids and give the impression of doing something. In reality, Parliament would serve the national interest better if it passed fewer laws and considered them more carefully. In terms of determining and controlling the budget the UK Parliament is one of the weakest in the world and MPs could certainly improve the process - and probably reduce waste - if they had more say in determining spending priorities. More and more people are turning away from the main parties. Less than a quarter of the electorate voted for the Labour Government at the last election. All the signs are that more people will vote for parties other than Labour or Conservative at the next election and fewer will bother to vote at all. So we would be better reforming not just the pay and expenses of MPs but the number, system of election, accountability of the executive and passing of power down to citizens and communities. It won't happen and Labour and Conservative will enter the unholy conspiracy of the two party system - blatantly revealed by Ken Clarke last week when he said that it would be better to have another Labour Government if the Tories could not win an outright victory. In other words let's keep the Buggins turn winner takes all system. It won't wash. The system is under intolerable strain and will reach breaking point in the next few years if it is not reformed. For Labour to be credible any attachment to reform comes too late and the Tories have no real interest in anything that doesn't give them the possibility of untrammelled power. **************************************************************************************************** Aberdeen/Heathrow slots must be kept ****************************************************************************************************
Reports that BMI may consider selling some of their Heathrow slots to help pay off their losses do not bode well for the North East. While it may appear that BA faces competition on the route, BMI operate much smaller planes which means that flexibility is reduced and the number of cheaper seats is also fewer - hitting people paying their own fares to keep in touch with family and friends in the south. Heathrow slots are valuable property - the more so if they are used for international flights with a large payload. Yet they are invaluable to the people and businesses of the North East and neither BAA or Heathrow operators should, I have argued, be allowed to sell to the highest bidder. The fact that BMI, now owned by Lufthansa, has not given any assurance regarding the future of the Aberdeen slots only adds to the concern. At the same time as these slots are under review the Government has heaped uncertainty onto the East Coast Mainline. Currently in public ownership it is being allowed to increase fares, has no incentive to invest and within a short time scale will be franchised back to a private operator. A better option would be to keep it as a public franchise for five years with a clear strategy to win passengers from road and air. As it is, it seems likely for people booking their journey a month or more ahead it will be cheaper to fly - if the landing slots are still available, of course. **************************************************************************************************** Scorn on Brown undeserved - but we need a clearer message **************************************************************************************************** Gordon Brown did not deserve the rough handling he got over the letter he wrote to Jacqui Janes and the subsequent phone call - covered exploitatively and shamefully by the Sun With only one eye it is well known that he finds it hard to write clearly but the fact that he writes personally to the next of kin of every soldier killed in action is not a cynical ploy and there is no doubt that every death of a British soldier he has to read out in the House of Commons affects him personally.
The truth is we are more deeply mired in Afghanistan precisely because we invaded Iraq arousing suspicions among Muslims everywhere as to the motives. According to polls conducted in Afghanistan the majority of the Afghan people want the NATO forces to stay and help give them security. Most of them, and especially the women and girls, do not want the Taliban back. In spite of the casualties there are signs of success in training a competent Afghan army capable of dealing with the Taliban. What Gordon Brown does not explain well is that Afghanistan is much more than a military operation but one where international aid, including the UK's, is making a difference across Afghanistan delivering schools, health and some livelihood opportunities. Nevertheless, this is undermined by the corruption that surrounds Kharzai. Aid and development may have to find other ways of reaching the people than through the corrupt parts of Kharzai's government. This may explain why Afghanistan is one of five countries through which the re-branding of British development assistance will be channelled - in the shape of "UK Aid" which could help more of the Afghan people understand the support Britain is giving them cross the country. **************************************************************************************************** Glasgow has no by-election heather to fire ****************************************************************************************************
The Glasgow North East by-election was never likely to set the non-existent heather on fire in that poorest part of Glasgow. Nevertheless, the fact that, on a low turnout, there was a swing to Labour was a little surprising and a certain damper on the SNP which has seen its support decline sharply in the past year - in Parliamentary and council by-elections and recent opinion polls. The Liberal Democrats have not been active in this area, especially as we respect the convention of not contesting the Speaker. However, the nature of our support is that is it is spread unevenly so that we have a record of not performing well in by elections where we have a weak base but still winning parliamentary seats at the following election. The SNP now have to recognise that it is harder to live on hype when you have a record to defend - and always blaming someone else wears thin as an excuse. So Labour's win is not sensational but a return to form which makes the next election harder to call than ever. ENDS
November column (I)Written by Malcolm Bruce MP on Mon 2nd Nov 2009 **************************************************************************************************** Local flooding testimony to climate change… **************************************************************************************************** The severe flooding across the North East following on flooding only two weeks before is testimony to the fact that we are living through climate change. Of course, we have had rain and floods before, but, generally, the North East benefits from being in the lea of the Cairngorms and we do not often experience rainfall of this intensity, closing roads and raising the flow of our rivers so much that they reach record or near record highs. I have every sympathy for the residents of the Meadows who had to be evacuated as the waters rose - a situation that had been put on standby only weeks before. **************************************************************************************************** But my activities focus on global dimension **************************************************************************************************** Councils and Government have to make a constant review of the measures we need to adapt to the effects of more severe weather events. The Meadows is close to the Deveron on land that has been known to flood and it may be that more flood relief measures will need to be considered. It is ironic that I have had a major focus on climate changes issues in the past week, having spoken in a debate in the House, taken part in a legislators' forum hosted in Copenhagen by the Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, and organised by GLOBE, of which I am an office bearer, and seen for myself the retreating glaciers and growing melt lakes in the Himalayas. The Parliamentary debate focuses on the 10-10 campaign in which people and organisations are encouraged to sign up to reduce their emissions by 10 per cent by the end of 2010. I am undertaking to it myself as are many organisations. A Liberal Democrat motion called on Government and Parliament to join in, which the Government chose to oppose on weak and spurious grounds. The Minister claimed that the Government had taken steps to achieve greater cuts over a longer time scale which clearly implies a ten per cent reduction could be achieved by the end of next year if it applied itself to it. However, disappointingly the Government seemed unwilling to allow Labour MPs to support the case for Parliament giving a lead. A few honourably defied their whips, but sadly not enough to carry the day. At the weekend I attended a forum of legislators from 20 countries - ranging from Canada and the USA through Brazil to China, India, South Africa and Europe There is growing agreement on some of the principles needed to secure international agreement on tackling climate change. However the Prime Minister played down the likelihood of agreeing a treaty and funding mechanism at the Copenhagen summit next month. Nevertheless, the Environment Minister, Connie Hedegaard, who is leading the negotiations, made the fair point that the money required by 2020 was far less than the rich nations have committed in the past year to tackling the financial crisis. I made the point (as a member of GLOBE) that the poorest people in the poorest countries were the biggest victims of climate change which they had done nothing to cause yet they had to agree any deal at Copenhagen or thereafter. The Prime Minister agreed that without finance for adaptation and the rich countries taking the lion's share of emission cuts they could not be expected to sign up and the process would founder. As part of the International Development Select Committee's visit to Nepal and Bangladesh to report on the Department for International Development's substantial programmes in these two countries I had an opportunity to view the retreating glaciers in the Annapurna Range in the company of Nepalese climate change specialists who were able to point out the glacial retreat and the growing size and number of melt lakes. Climate change is happening now and the effects are being felt down river from the Himalayas in Bangladesh, where cyclones, severe floods and rising sea levels are threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions. These are the victims - not the perpetrators - and we have an obligation to help them with technical help and resources to adapt to climate change while changing our own behaviour to try and prevent the worst outcomes of incontrollable change if we cannot take action to stop and avert the extreme consequences of rising sea temperatures. *************************************************************************************************** Shell job losses cause a tremor ****************************************************************************************************
News of further job losses at Shell will send a tremor through the North East economy. It is as a result of the company's poor performance and is world wide rather than reflecting on the particular prospects of the UK Continental Shelf. Shell is not the only operator and the oil majors who pioneered the early development of the North Sea are reviewing their priorities. There are other companies who want to apply their enterprise to squeezing more oil and gas out of the UK. However, they rely on securing investment funding from the financial markets, exposing them to the effects of the credit crunch compared with large companies which have financed development form their internal resources. That makes it more important that it uses its leverage on the banks to lend more and maintains a tax regime that encourages investment. *************************************************************************************************** Taking on the BNP beats promoting them **************************************************************************************************** The participation of the BNP in Question Time may have done wonders for the programme's ratings but didn't necessarily reflect to the BBC's credit or serve the interests of balance TV debate. The programme was inevitably a stitch-up for which Nick Griffin was not well prepared and which, with one or two exceptions he stumbled through. It is worth recording that the BNP did not increase their vote in the Euro elections. It was just that the fall in the Labour vote enabled them to gain two seats. The only way to deal with the BNP is to tackle them head on as Liberal Democrats have done in Burnley where Labour has been routed. The BNP need to be exposed as racists whose approach will only inflame, and, in particular, highlighting the suggestion that immigrants could be sent home is a lie and a deception. Millions of them are British citizens and this is their home. Yes we need a fair and balanced immigration policy and cannot open our borders unconditionally and we also need to engage the concerns of poor working class whites and help them raise their life chances. But promoting community resentment and strife with dishonest and offensive policies will only aggravate the problems rather than addressing them. *************************************************************************************************** Scottish suspension bridges in Nepal - information anyone? ****************************************************************************************************
I came across a very interesting local link in Nepal. The first trail suspension bridges in that country were built in Aberdeen at the turn of the last century. About 20 were shipped out and most of them are still in use and look remarkably like the Cambus O' May bridge. I haven't yet had the chance to know exactly who designed and built the Nepalese bridges but our local ones were designed by James Abernethy. I would be very interested to know if anyone has the history of the Nepal bridges - who designed and built them etc as a new programme is going ahead, partly financed by the British Government to build bridges using similar techniques but enabling them to carry vehicles and not just pedestrians. 2 November 2009
October Column (II)Written by Malcolm Bruce MP on Mon 19th Oct 2009 **************************************************************************************************** MPs are switched onto climate change - roof protesters take note ****************************************************************************************************
You couldn't make it up. The House of Commons returns after a 13 week recess to find Greenpeace protesters on the roof of Westminster Hall calling for strong action on climate change but reinforcing how poor security is around the Palace of Westminster. As a former President of Globe International and Chair of Globe UK and still active vice president and vice chair, I will affirm that some MPs around the world are really working to push for strong international targets on climate change. Indeed, we will be seeking international agreement this week on a text supported by legislators from more than 20 countries including China, India, European nations and the Americas to press for strong concerted action at the Copenhagen summit in December. The real challenge will be to persuade Europe and America to accept tough targets while accepting that the emerging economies have head room and the poorest countries - often the biggest victims of climate change - are given the help they need both in technology and resources. I was in at the beginning of the Globe Legislators Climate Change forum having co-chaired the first one with Joan Ruddock in London in the run up to Gleneagles. Since then it has gone from strength to strength and secured support from more and more Parliaments, multilateral organisations, businesses and academic institutions but being beholden to none of them. It is cross party and requires broad representation so that its coherence continues beyond any one Government. I am also looking to what actions I can take personally to reduce my own carbon footprint although for individuals to deliver, it requires government not just to set targets but to follow the targets up with practical policies to bring them about. **************************************************************************************************** Megrahi enquiry needed - not just in Scotland **************************************************************************************************** There was also an element of déjà vu about the fact that Foreign Secretary, David Milliband, chose to make a statement on the release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi - almost as if he wanted to put his version of events on record. It didn't add anything to the sum of human knowledge.
Reaction to the affair has been mixed and a little confused. Some - especially in the USA - are furious that a convicted terrorist has been release at all. Others, including some of the British relatives of the Lockerbie victims do not believe that Megrahi was the perpetrator and therefore believe his release is justified. Certainly I pressed on Milliband the concerns that Megrahi withdrew his appeal the day before MacAskill's drawn out announcement of his decision to release him on compassionate grounds - in spite of the fact that for compassionate release he wasn't required to do so - although, as I understand it, to serve out his sentence in Libya under the Return of Prisoners agreement he was required to have no appeal outstanding. As Megrahi was charged to have perpetrated the atrocity with others none of whom have been brought to trial there are many who wanted an appeal to bring more evidence to light. This in my view justifies a full enquiry something, Milliband insisted, was a matter for the Scottish authorities - yet this was an international crime making an inquiry of relevance to anyone who believes that justice has not been done and the real terrorists have got away, if I may use the phrase, 'Scot-free'. **************************************************************************************************** NATO must back women of Afghanistan ****************************************************************************************************
Another statement on a sensitive international subject was made by the Prime Minister on Afghanistan. There is little doubt that the growing casualty list of British service personnel is making more people uneasy about our engagement in Afghanistan. It is worth recording that although Britain is taking a major share of the engagement and responsibility, other countries - notably Canada, Denmark and Estonia are not shirking theirs and, indeed, proportionately, the Danes have suffered the hardest. This NATO engagement is quite different in character and intent from previous incursions in Afghanistan by the British, Soviets and Americans. This is not an attempt at subjugation but a mission to try and build an effective state rather than a lawless and dangerous piece of territory that can destabilise the whole region and beyond. That is why my question to the Prime Minister concentrated on the role of women in rebuilding Afghanistan. The United Nations Resolution 1325 specifically recognises the importance of women in preventing conflicts and post conflict reconstruction. Yet President Karzai, who originally had five women ministers, got rid of all but one and she was the Minister for Women. Accordingly, I asked the PM in his discussions with President Karzai and Dr. Abdullah what steps did he take to ensure that women will have a significant presence in any new Government, however it is formed, at both a national and a local level and that they will have access to secular courts of justice rather than having to rely on sharia? I am afraid the answer was disappointingly evasive. If we are to continue to expect the British people to back our involvement in Afghanistan we are entitled to know, not that we are trying to create Western style democracy, which is pure fantasy, but that we expect basic human standards. That includes a clear recognition that women are essential to the process of rebuilding Afghanistan and that we certainly cannot go on pumping lives and money into a country that is not only corrupt but believes marital rape and wife beating are acceptable norms.
**************************************************************************************************** Tories Met office plans threat to Aberdeen and our troops **************************************************************************************************** Four years ago I was heavily involved in a successful campaign to keep the main Met Office activities in Aberdeen. It was not easy nor a foregone conclusion but there was cross party support and we were able to present persuasive economic and political arguments to win the case. Now the Conservatives say that if they were to win the election they would privatise the Met Office throwing the whole thing into confusion and uncertainty once more. This is, of course, a bigger issue than just Aberdeen. The Met Office comes under the Ministry of Defence and our armed services depend on its super computer forecasting. Could we really expect our forces to go into action, or even training for action without having control over the weather forecasting service which may be crucial to the outcome? **************************************************************************************************** RNID trustee role ends but not the music **************************************************************************************************** For the last six years I have been a trustee of the RNID (Royal National Institute of the Deaf) and this comes to an end at the AGM next month. The board at its last meeting and the Scottish Advisory group which I have been chairing latterly both were kind enough to give me a presentation.
That was quite unnecessary as it is a service I have been happy to provide and which has given me more insight and some influence over services and campaigns for deaf people. I will continue to work with the RNID and other deaf charities, including the National Deaf Children's Society of which I am an honorary vice president, in my capacity as chair of the all party parliamentary group on deafness. Last week I took part in an interesting visit to the Ear Institute which is doing interesting basic research into the causes of deafness and possible ways of preventing or reversing its onset. Seeing how the key nerves that provide hearing wear away with age (or exposure to excessive noise, some medical conditions and some drugs) makes me very conscious of the need to look after our hearing and the huge benefit we would get if we could delay the ageing effects (which are more pronounced in men than women). It gives real edge to the RNID's award winning campaign 'Don't lose the music' which warns of excessive noise from music in clubs, discos and i-Pods - something that many rock stars are only too aware of. ENDS
Archive of earlier Press Articles.
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