Rowen Speaks Up in House Of Commons

Cllr. Paul Rowen MP

Rochdale's newly elected MP, Cllr. Paul Rowen made his maiden speech in the House of Commons this week, and used the time to stress some of the major issues affecting Rochdale. He talked about the former Turner Brother's site, pledged to continue his campaign to bring Metrolink to Rochdale and spoke of his predecessors in Parliament - Sir Cyril Smith MBE, Liz Lynne MEP and former Labour MP - Lorna Fitzsimmons.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, he said: "It was strange speaking in the House of Commons - after speaking in Rochdale's Council Chamber for 22 years, I was delighted to bring attention to some of the serious issues affecting Rochdale.  One thing that people in Rochdale can be assured of is that this speech will be the first of many, many more.  I will use my role to highlight the things that matter to the people of our town!"

In thanking Lorna Fitzimmons he paid special tribute to her role in securing the future of the Lancashire Fusiliers. "Many people remember how well she marshalled troops and former troops to fight the cause earlier this year when there was a threat to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. I know that many Lancashire Fusiliers are proud of what she did to ensure that the Royal Regiment is still here. I wish her well."

He also praised his political mentor - Sir Cyril Smith MBE - he said: "There is still huge affection for Sir Cyril in Parliament that crosses political boundaries.  I've fielded endless questions from some really prominent MP's about him."  He said in his speech - "I owe him a lot. He is the reason that I got involved in politics in 1972 when, as a 17-year-old, I took part in his famous by-election. This year, almost approaching the age of 77, he came out of retirement and fought for me. He has been a fighter all his life. The town owes him much."

In his speech he also highlighted the transport problems in Rochdale: "I have a leaflet that was produced in 1989 by the Greater Manchester passenger transport authority. That clearly stated: "Metrolink will start running" in Rochdale "in 1992". Sixteen years later, after eight years of Conservative Government and eight years of Labour Government, we are still waiting. I hope that in this session we will see progress on that."

On the major issue of the former Turner Brothers site, he said: "One of the legacies of Rochdale's textile past is the Turner Brothers asbestos site in Spotland, the site of what was once the largest asbestos factory in the world. As we know, that magic mineral has since turned into a killer dust... The Government need to consider giving local authorities greater power to act independently to ensure that developers comply with health and safety legislation. That is vital for the Rochdale site and for sites elsewhere."