Letter from Parliament

Last week’s Liberal Democrat Party Conference was very busy, I spoke on the conference floor twice, on the downgrading of Rochdale’s A&E and transport – part of my role as transport spokesperson. I’m pleased that my party is now the first to officially call for the re-regulation of buses. Councillor Roger Jones, Chairman of the GMPTE very kindly spoke at a fringe meeting I organised on trams. He talked about why the Manchester scheme is going ahead when others have been scrapped. It quite clear why, because we all stuck together. I hope we can still do the same with the hospital campaign. Jane Nearney who works for the GMPTE and who lives in Middleton was great in helping us send out invitations. I also spoke at meetings organised by the Pakistan High Commissioner, Granada and Friends of Kashmir. I spoke about the role Rochdale played in helping with the earthquake relief in Pakistan, Rochdale Councils Beacon status for community cohesion and the importance of TV and the media to employment in the North-West.

On Friday, just before the start of Ramadan I visited Crescent Radio and was interviewed by Atifia Shah our Youth MP. Crescent Radio is normally on air only during Ramadan but this year it will continue all year round as a fully fledged community radio.  I wish Faheem Chishti and all the team at the Radio Station great success as they hit the air waves.

I also chaired a meeting on proposals for a new Six Form College in the centre of Rochdale. This was attended by Headteachers, Chairs of governors and the head boy and head girl of every school. The comments and involvement of the young people were very enlightening and I asked at the end of the meeting if they would continue the consultation through the school council.

On Saturday 29 September I am hosting a day long conference on Climate Change at the Richmond Hall. It is in my view the single most important issue globally and locally and we all have a part to play. I want it to be an opportunity for individuals, the council and the country to sign up for what we are going to do to halt something which if not stopped will have dire consequences for us all. Councillor Ann Metcalfe who opposed the siting of wind farms on Knowl Moor has agreed to take part so I’m hoping for a lively debate between her and Friends of the Earth. Vince Cable MP,  the Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor will be speaking about Green taxes and Chris Davis MEP on what Europe can do. Come along! It promises to be a lively session and it’s free.  We start at 10am and finish at 3pm.

Finally, I was sad to hear this week of two people who are in hospital; Norman Smith, Cyril’s brother had a nasty fall and is in the Infirmary and Rusa Coric, Councillor Angela Coric’s mum, who is not well. I wish them both a speedy recovery.