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The Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MPLiberal Democrat MP for Gordon |
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Bruce: Queens Speech fails to deliver for the North East
November 18, 2009 12:00 PM
Commenting on the Queen's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament today (18 November), local MP Malcolm Bruce expressed his disappointment that the Speech did not seek to address what he considers to be the priority areas for the North East.
Commenting Mr Bruce said:
Mr Bruce: "This was the last Queen's Speech before the General Election, and people in the North East will not forgive the Government for any more wasted opportunities"
"With the impact of the recession really hitting home, this forthcoming parliamentary session is the last chance for Gordon Brown to fulfil Labour's broken promises and to help those in need.
"After 12 years in government, Labour has failed to deliver on its pledges of full employment and to end pensioner and child poverty.
"The measures announced in the Queens Speech to tackle bankers' bonuses are needed in the long term, but this is not what is needed to help businesses through this recession. Where are the measures to force the nationalised banks to free up credit to local businesses in the North East?"
"This was the last Queen's Speech before the General Election, and people in the North East will not forgive the Government for any more wasted opportunities."
Top priorities for the North East:
Economy - "with unemployment in Gordon doubling over the last year and with one in five of those receiving Jobseekers Allowance under 25 the Government needs to introduce workable measures in this session which will tackle the effects of the recession, ensure better regulation of the banking system to prevent a repeat of this crisis and help free up credit for local businesses which will stimulate the economy."
Pensioner Poverty - "with one in five pensioners in the North East estimated to be living in poverty, it is clear that Winter Fuel Payments and free TV licenses are not adequate. It is vital that the government now introduces measures to restore the link between pensions and earnings (or prices - whichever is higher). This did not feature in the Queens Speech."
Digital Economy Bill -"Small rural businesses in the North East know from experience the importance of securing access to digital services to the local economy. In its Digital Economy Bill, the Government must ensure that there is a thorough strategy to ensure remote and rural areas have easy access to digital services."
School Bus safety - "In the last parliamentary session I tabled a bill on School Bus Safety calling on the Government to introduce legislation on improving standards for signage, training, reporting of accidents as well as examining other measures to increase bus safety for pupils travelling to and from school such as trials for a no-overtaking rule. I will continue to challenge the Government to support these measures. "
International Development - "my constituents in Gordon are very outward looking and my postbag is regularly filled with letters about the UK's international policies and, in particular, its efforts to tackling global poverty. The Prime Minister promised to legislate to meet and maintain the 0.7% target for government aid spending but has only promised to introduce draft legislation this session. I cannot understand the further delay in introducing this legislation which has the support of the major parties. I do however welcome the long overdue announcement that the Government is to introduce legislation to ban cluster munitions."
Devolution - "Ten years since devolution, the time has come for more powers to be transferred to the Scottish Parliament, as set out by the Calman Commission. I look forward to supporting those proposals which would devolve further powers as outlined by Her Majesty."
ENDS
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