Letter from Parliament - Tony Lloyd MP

Tony Lloyd MP

Monday I spoke in Parliament in a housing debate centering on making sure the voice of tenants are heard by landlords and housing associations - drawing reference to Grenfell Tower where no-one listened to residents even though people had been asking questions for a long time.

Labour has launched a campaign for sprinkling in every tower block, this is important as we have the seven sisters in Rochdale.

I spoke at a debate on transport organised by northern MPs, mainly Labour but few from other political parties. £13billion is spent across the entire North West compared to £36 billion in London alone.

We need investment in the North, especially in Rochdale. Our train services are not good, we have old trains which are crowded and we need a proper transport network across Greater Manchester where the buses, trams and trains connect. We need to see the government stop thinking of transport policies only being in the South East and London

Tuesday I was at conference on planning for making sure the next generation of housing, roads and infrastructure is adequate for accessing things like hospitals. We have got to make sure we have the skills and planners needed to build and we need serious investment in training.

Wednesday I attended a meeting in Manchester about Cuba where Che Guevara’s daughter, a Cuban Doctor, spoke about how small the world is and the values of investing in things people need like education and health.

I attended a thank you event at the Rochdale Foodbank. It was nice to see all volunteers giving their own time to make sure people in need have that support. The event was attended by some who contribute and local businesses who donate food.

On Thrusday I met consultants at the Victoria breast unit at the Royal Oldham Hospital. There is a higher incidence of women dying of breast cancer in Rochdale and diagnosing it early is a big issue that we have got to tackle.

I attended a church meeting that was held for young people about politics and what each party stands for and how politics works - to help get across the message that politics is for their generation, not just their parents.

Friday I had a meeting with the Pioneer Trust and all the heads of schools collectively discussing their issues, mainly funding and setting ambition. It was useful to hear because I can represent Rochdale’s needs and take them to the government education minister.

I also attended the opening of a soup kitchen within Champness Hall. The trustees have given it as a venue and it was their official opening today.

Sunday is of course Remembrance Sunday and I will be attending the services at Rochdale in the morning and Wardle in the afternoon.