The Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MP

August Column

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Time to catch up

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The Parliamentary recess is as usual heralded by a flurry to complete reports and for Government to clear its desk.

I have always favoured a shorter summer recess but that experiment has now been abandoned. Of course the recess is time for a family holiday but it is also busy with summer tour, visits around the constituency and party conferences - and constituency correspondence continues as usual.

The House of Commons sits for around 34 weeks of the year for four days a week which makes juggling home, constituency visits and Parliament a regular challenge. The recess is at least a time when MPs can take more control of their diary and catch up in a variety of ways.

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Millions face hunger and hardship

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As Chairman of the International Development Committee I have been trying to complete a number of reports - on development co-operation, among donors and recipient countries - the World Food Programme - and humanitarian and development assistance in the occupied territories of Palestine.

Soaring food prices have been a real challenge to the very well focused World Food Programme. Not only have prices shot up but securing supplies and meeting the needs of a growing number of hungry people has hugely strained the resources that are based on appeals.

The agency has understandably asked for more flexible funding to enable them to buy ahead and get better prices and I have called on our own Department for International Development to meet this need in the way we provide funding as many other EU countries have.

The Americans insist in providing food aid in kind which, although the WFP will not refuse it doesn't meet the need appropriately in many cases.

Many of the hungry people of the world are surrounded by food but are just too poor to buy it. They may not need food handouts but cash and vouchers to use in local markets.

Our report on Palestine focused on using the opportunity of the present cease fire to relieve the intolerable humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since Hamas violently seized control of the territory the local people have been effectively under siege, facing food and water shortages and pollution threats to their health. It is to be hoped that the truce will allow supplies to get through.

On the West Bank there is the prospect of new economic development and investment following the donors' conferences in Paris and Bethlehem. Welcome as this will be it is compromised by the paralysing restrictions on movement and access that affect the whole of the West Bank that have increased this year.

There is a suggestion that Palestine economic development zones could be created with their own access routes. This could help to legitimise the occupation and create a sort of parallel universe with Jewish settlements having their own dedicated routes and Palestinian ones having a similar pattern. Yet all of these are on territory that would be the sovereign area of a Palestinian state.

If peace is to be achieved Israel must have security and Palestine must have economic development in their own land. For that to happen the split between Hamas and Fatah will need to be bridged.

For there to be any serious negotiations to start or a deal to be possible Hamas will have to sign up for the principles of recognising Israel, renouncing violence and abiding by previous agreements. Nevertheless, it seems that exploratory talks could be countenanced to set out how to move forward.

Even Tony Blair told me at a seminar last week that talking to Hamas through Egypt was odd and that he was sure many people were and would be talking to Hamas.

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City crisis requires united action

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The financial difficulties facing the City of Aberdeen present an awesome challenge. It is hard to see how we have got to such a serious situation but it is clear that the roots of the problems go back through several administrations to re-organisation 17 years ago.

It is also clear that the funding formula does not give Aberdeen a fair slice of the cake. For example we remit far more on business rates to Edinburgh than ever comes back. In addition the high taxes paid by our citizens are not reflected in the funding for the city.

The city council clearly has to review its priorities and there are painful cuts to make but it is important that all parties share responsibility for where we are and what needs to be done and to call for a fair funding deal as well.

As I represent part of the city I have written to all the parties calling on them to unite to tackle the challenge and avoid party political point scoring. I hope they accept this in good faith on behalf of concerned citizens. It also affects people living in the shire who use the city's facilities or commute into town for their work.

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Olympic athletes seek glory - including the deaf

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We will shortly be into the three weeks of the Beijing Olympics. The run up has been marked by controversy over Tibet, smog and the tragic earthquake that struck China a few weeks ago. The Chinese will want more than anything to avoid trouble and put on a show.

The athletes will want to be at their best and put on their peak performance. Gordon will be wishing Inverurie swimmer Hannah Miley well in her bid for gold. We will also be cheering on Aberdeen's Neil Fachie who will be competing shortly afterwards in the Paralympics as part of the track and field team.

I was lobbied recently on behalf of deaf athletes who have limited support being disadvantaged for the main games but ineligible for the Paralympics. They have to raise their own funds to compete in the Deaflympics which the UK does not support and cannot even get funding for their own physiotherapist. I am delighted that my request for sponsorship drew a positive response from Norwich Union meaning that the British team will now have the support they need for the World Championships in Turkey this September.

At all levels we should do more to support our athletes but we should also recognise that none of them get to international standards of competitiveness without the most daunting sustained dedication over years and the support of friends, family and coaches.

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Glasgow East - disaster for Labour but no mandate for independence

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The last act of the political calendar before parliamentary politics was suspended was the Glasgow East by-election.

Labour who faced this unexpected by-election appeared to have found the best candidate in the worst circumstances.

The election is about choosing an MP for an area that suffers more deprivation than most. Cheap slogans in a by-election won't change that.

The SNP as challengers have beaten an anti-Labour drum and played down the independence agenda. Their unexpected victory will no doubt boost their confidence but the mood of the electorate seems to be for anyone who can beat Labour and the SNP would be unwise to assume this is a mandate for independence.

Labour seem to be clinging to the view that the public are disaffected by high oil and food prices and worries about housing and jobs - which they are - and that somehow, if the economy picks up over the next 18 months then their support will return. This looks like wishful thinking.

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Sad passing of a great Liberal

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I was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of my friend and colleague Russell Johnson who was MP for Inverness for 33 years from 1964 until 1997 when he retired and went to the House of Lords.

Russell was a predecessor of mine as Leader of the Scottish Party and later President - the role I have now.

I was also a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe which Russell served on for many years serving as President of the Assembly, a high honour in which he acquitted himself with distinction.

He had a habit of sending postcards to friends as he travelled round Europe and I received sometimes two a week reporting on his activities. In spite of collapsing a few months ago and being diagnosed with leukaemia he was on medication and continued to travel. He was in Paris when he died.

Russell Johnston was a great European and a great Liberal. He believed Europe, was the champion of Liberal values and dedicated his life to spreading belief in a society based on tolerance, understanding and opportunity for all.

All over Europe the name of Russell Johnston was recognised with respect and affection. He was truly an international Liberal. I shall miss him.

ENDS