The Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MP

The MP for Gordon Malcolm Bruce has called on the PM to assure that the future of Aberdeen's air links will not be threatened as a result of the sale of BMI to the British Airways group.

Mr Bruce who had discussions with BAA Aberdeen in Westminster on a range of issues last week said that the prospective sale of BMI to IAG (British Airway's parent company) means it is unlikely that BA will in future maintain all existing BMI flights to London, particularly to Heathrow, and this could have an impact on competition for Aberdeen passengers wishing to take any ongoing international flights, given the terminal restrictions at Heathrow.

Malcolm Bruce, MP for Gordon has welcomed the release of the first Cold Weather Payments of the winter, issued after the weather station that calculates when payments should be made was changed.

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that the first period of 7 consecutive days of freezing temperatures has been recorded at a new weather station at Aboyne, triggering the release of Cold Weather Payments for constituents in West Gordon.

Malcolm Bruce, Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon, is to seek a meeting with First Bus Aberdeen to discuss proposed changes to the Number 5 bus service.

The MP, whose constituency covers Bridge of Don, is concerned that a move to hourly services in the evenings will affect local residents who use the bus to visit Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, or get to work at Tesco Danestone or ASDA.

Nations emerging from conflict are inherently more fragile, have high levels of poverty and are at great risk of falling back into war. These are the prime reasons why more UK aid is going to precisely these countries. It is inherently risky and in many cases cannot be achieved without the presence of the United Nations.

Welcome for new Inverurie maternity unit

Having heard the proposals of NHS Grampian to review maternity services across Grampian I am impressed that it has been conducted on the basis of how to improve the service at the same cost.

This has been a contentious issue all the years I have been an MP and even when I was a candidate in the 1970s.

Malcolm Bruce, Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon, has paid tribute to Tarves resident Arthur Watson, MBE, who died on Saturday (14^th January).

Commenting, Mr Bruce said:

"I have known Arthur Watson ever since I first became involved with the Liberal Democrats in the Gordon area. He was latterly the Honorary President of Gordon Liberal Democrats - a measure of the esteem in which he was held by local party members, as well as a small recognition of the considerable service he rendered over the years. I was privileged to have him propose me as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Gordon in 2010.

Malcolm Bruce, the MP for Gordon has given his support to a campaign from Citizen's Advice Scotland that is aiming to help people cut their fuel bills.

The 'Big Energy Week' campaign which runs until the 21st January

aims to combat rising fuel bills which are stretching household finances by offering consumers practical advice on reducing their fuel bills and seeks to ensure that they receive all the financial support to which they are entitled. There is also a new website - www.bigenergyweek.org.uk - which is full of tips on how to cut energy bills.

Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon Malcolm Bruce has called on Nicola Sturgeon MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing to reconsider her stance on charging for car parking at ARI.

Responding to Mr Bruce's letter asking her to rethink her blanket ban and allow ARI to make its own arrangements, the SNP Health Minister stated that it is ..."the duty of NHS Boards to manage their car parking appropriately", whilst failing to acknowledge that the Scottish Government's policy means that hospitals must take money out of their clinical budgets to deal with on-site parking.

During a statement to the House of Commons, the Secretary of State for Scotland and Scottish Liberal Democrat, Michael Moore MP announced that the UK Government is prepared to change the law so that the Scottish Parliament can hold a legal referendum on independence and how it is now to consult the people of Scotland on the best way to facilitate a legal, fair and decisive referendum.

New Year fireworks for uncertain 2012

Another Christmas has passed - this time refreshingly open - compared with the snow and ice of last year. I know my children missed snow and sledging but our visitors all came and went without any travel problems and we were able to get out and about without slipping and sliding everywhere.