Letter from Parliament - Tony Lloyd

I would like to extend my public congratulations to the fire and rescue team who did an amazing job battling the fire at the mill on Greenfield Lane. Their bravery is astounding. It must have been a terrifying experience, but I’m pleased there has been no lasting impact on any nearby houses, no juries and no loss of life. Well done Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue.

I was invited to Rochdale Court House with the Mayor and his consort, Mohammed Sheraz to meet young people taking part in the National Citizen Service (NCS) in the school holidays. It was great to learn of the NCS programme and the projects they take part in.

Following the horrific hate crime on the Kasese family in Milnrow, I went to visit them. What happened to them was awful. They are such a lovely family; the exact sort of people you want living in your area. The churches in Milnrow also officially welcomed the family and condemned the racist intimidation of them

Tuesday 14 August saw the celebration of Pakistan Independence day with a flag raising at Rochdale Town Hall, followed by the Mayor’s charity dinner. It was great to raise a lot of money for his charities and see a lot of support for the Mayor.

I met with an organisation concerned with ADHD. Young boys in particular are classed as being ‘naughty’ due to bouts of hyperactivity, when they really have ADHD. This is about helping individuals, and young people do better in school. I want to work with both the health and education services to establish a proper pathway.

It was a joy to see Rochdale looking colourful and bright as I joined the Britain in Bloom judges for their tour around the town ahead of the national contest. I should think most Rochdalians are proud of the work that has been put in voluntarily. Congratulations on all involved for their time: displays across our town and parks look great.

I learnt more about a summer play scheme in conjunction with Link4Life called ‘Fit and Fed’. It ensures each child has one hearty meal a day, and is a real incentive for our local area.

I also met with seniors at Rochdale Infirmary and the age care unit, which was interesting, and was brought up to speed about the latest council information by the leader, Allen Brett.

As the Shadow Secretary for Northern Ireland, I visited Omagh for the 20th anniversary of the car bombing attack which killed 29 people. This is still an unforgivable loss of life.

The Ulster Farmers Union and fishermen met with me to discuss issues surrounding Brexit and the impact it will have on them. I also visited east Belfast, one of the poorer communities, which is similar in circumstance to Rochdale.

Many others and I have also condemned the bonfires which burn in Northern Ireland. Traditionally, the loyalists burn a bonfire on 12 July, whilst the nationalists burn on 15 August. There was a pretty horrible one this year in Derry with the names of murdered police officers, which has been classed as a hate crime. There is no room for this kind of hatred.  

The police chief constable of the Northern Ireland police also told me they are having similar issues with cuts to their budgets, much like we are in Rochdale.

It is no secret that the police have been affected by cuts over the years, and Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle of GMP Rochdale shared his concerns with me.

It is a big wakeup call as crime has been on the increase recently.