What Oor Willie Did Next

Poetry plea

2009-12-14T12:51:00.001Z

I wanted to share this little poem that I received from a constituent...

Dear Mr Rennie

Please make an appeal

Go go to Gordon

Secure the best deal

For all of the people

Who you represent

We cannae hae less

than 30 percent.

On Copenhagen

The Future depends

All eyes are all watching

The World is agog

Turn back the tide

We're fed up with smog

Cut the emissions

We all can breathe Free!

Today is the Future

Our World's destiny

St. Dunstan's

2009-12-06T10:00:00.000Z

I joined Derek O'Rourke and his team at the Co-op in the Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Dunfermline to help promote their fundraising effort for the St. Dunstan's charity.

St. Dunstan's wants an independent future for blind ex-Service men and women. For almost a century, it has been giving invaluable physical and emotional support to blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women. With the help of their unique expertise, experience and comprehensive range of services, they enable them to lead independent fulfilling lives.

Carers' Right Day

2009-12-05T17:09:00.003Z

As part of the nationwide Carers' Right Day I set up my stall on Dunfermline's High Street and was overwhelmed by the demand for information and support for the cause. A couple travelled from Glenrothes to lend their support.

I heard story after story about the difficulties that carers face including on finance and respite care.

Carers are entitled to just over £50 per week carers allowance and now a new pension credit. To find out more log onto Carers UK website.

Government slipping on carbon capture

2009-11-09T19:19:00.004Z

Energy Secretary Ed Milliband refused to back the critical 2014 carbon capture pilot deadline today in the House of Commons. This could have signficant consequences for Longannet Power Station and the battle with climate change.

To explain, 2014 is the date which the government set for the establishment of the carbon capture demonstration project. That date was set so that the technology could be rolled out across all coal fired power stations by 2020 which is a crucial date for meeting the government's objectives on cutting carbon emissions and for the battle against climate change.

So if the pilots are not set up by 2014 we won't meet the 2020 deadline - it's that tight according to experts. That's why today's refusal to back the 2014 deadline is so concerning. It wasn't as if Ed Milliband did not understand what he was being asked as he was asked twice - once by the Tory front bench and once by me.

Why did he refuse to back the date, I hear you say. Well it's because E.on, who owns Kingsnorth in Kent, have said they don't plan to build their new coal fired power station there until 2016 - well after the carbon capture deadline. The Government have been bizarrely wedded to Kingsnorth for some time and they seem determined to push it through at any cost, even if it means missing their climate change targets.

As the MP for Longannet Power Station, Kingsnorth's only rival in the competition, you'd expect me to back Longannet but it's more than pork barrel politics that interests me here. My fear is that the Government may allow Kingsnorth to derail the whole project and set back the UK's efforts on climate change.

I’m also worried that any further delays to the competition, which has already been delayed several times, could delay investment at Longannet. Carbon capture and storage has huge potential locally, particularly as the Forth Valley is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in the UK, with Grangemouth, Mossmorran, Cockenzie, and in particular Longannet.

I've written to the Energy Secretary to appeal to him to stick to the deadlines his Government set itself.

A retreat for miscarriage of justice victims

2009-11-07T12:35:00.000Z

I had a very productive meeting to explore the establishment of an all party parliamentary group on miscarriages of justice.

Paddy Hill, Gerry Conlon, Vincent McGuire and John McManus joined MPs to discuss the setting up of the group and the creation of a retreat to provide medical, social and financial support and advice for miscarriage of justice victims on release from prison.

I have been working with MOJO (Miscarriage of Justice Organisation) on this issue for some time and am in discussion with the Justice Department on the development of a business plan for the retreat.

Reisgnation on nuclear submarine disposal programme

2009-11-07T09:00:00.000Z

A government adviser has resigned in protest at the sacking of a colleague from the MOD advisory group which is deciding how to dispose of the UK's decommissioned nuclear submarines. Peter Lanyon says his position is no longer tenable as his views and those of his sacked colleague were not being considered. Dr Jane Hunt, a specialist in Environmental Projects at Lancaster University was sacked from the advisory group of the Submarine Dismantling Project and has now resigned from its steering group. In a letter to the project Dr Hunt said that the MoD is adopting a "decide, announce, defend" approach and feels she must resign as a member of the Steering Group as her membership implicity condones the actions of the MoD.

The UK has 27 nuclear submarines, of which 8 decommissioned subs are being stored at Devonport in the South West and 7 at Rosyth in Scotland waiting to be dismantled. The project has to decide how to deal with the radioactive and non-radioactive hazardous wastes in the short and long term.

Below is the text of her resignation letter.

3^rd November, 2009

To: All Members of the SDP Steering Group

I have been saddened and disappointed by the path that is being trodden by the SDP. During the ISOLUS consultations there appeared to be a genuine attempt by the MoD to engage with public concerns and to manage the project with a degree of openness and transparency. Since that period, the MoD has increasingly abandoned this approach, has failed to implement its commitments both in relation to its responses to earlier consultation and to the Advisory Group, and has exhibited a growing reversion to ‘decide, announce, defend’.

Some examples of this are:

· The Advisory Group has been repeatedly presented with MoD decisions with little or any opportunity for comment. When the Advisory Group has given advice, this has often been ignored, or when apparently accepted, not implemented. Information on the MoD progress and project developments has not been provided to the Advisory Group in a timely fashion which would enable scrutiny, comment and advice.

· Most recently, the MoD announced at the July Advisory Group meeting that they were starting the process of selecting potential sites. I reminded the MoD they had previously agreed to involve the Advisory Group in the process of site selection, most particularly in determining the criteria to be used. This, I believe, would have led to a more robust and defensible list of potential sites, as well as being good practice. The MoD said they would take account of this agreement. At the next meeting, without any further communication with the Advisory Group, the MoD announced two possible dismantling sites and made clear there was a list of potential storage sites. They did not provide a rationale or explanation for their decision.

· Commitments given to the Advisory Group – such as the adoption of peer preview – have not been implemented.

· Commitments in response to previous consultation recommendations are similarly not being implemented; it is also clear that strong public preferences are also being ignored. For example, the influence of industry on the selection of sites is apparent: there are other viable sites for dismantling, despite strong public rejection of industry influence on decision making. There are numerous commitments contained in the MoD’s responses to consultation which the MoD have not implemented.

· A Ministerial statement confirmed that the Advisory Group’s remit included scrutiny of the project. It has been impossible for the Advisory Group to properly fulfil this role, as we have not been provided with sufficient information or involvement.

The apparent lack of respect that the MoD has for the Advisory Group and its advice seems to be manifested in the poor management and servicing of the Group, which range from lack of consideration of facilities for the disabled to late and inadequate paperwork to poor and inaccurate note-taking.

The role of the Advisory Group, despite its Terms of Reference, appears to be to add credibility to the Project rather than being any genuine attempt to seek and consider advice. The Project can make no claim to good governance, and the legitimacy of its decision making is seriously undermined , when its Advisory Group is continuously sidelined in the way that it has been.

It seems my own advice is uncomfortable for the MoD and therefore ignored and seen as trouble making rather that what it is: a genuine attempt to improve the governance of the project through fair and honest consultation and open and transparent decision making. The MoD seems to have no proper understanding of what these terms mean in practice and it appears they are unwilling to learn. The current trajectory of the SDP is, in my opinion, leading it towards increasing problems in this domain.

The MoD have made it impossible for me to advise the Steering Group appropriately as I have been excluded from membership of the Advisory Group and its consultation sub group.

Given that the MoD is reneging on previous commitments taken in response to consultation, is failing to properly elicit and consider expert advice, and is adopting a ‘decide, announce, defend’ approach , I do not feel I can continue as a member of the Advisory Group, as my membership implicitly condones the actions of the MoD. I therefore submit my resignation to the Steering Group.

Yours sincerely

Jane Hunt (Dr)

North Queensferry Primary School visit the Commons

2009-11-06T15:30:00.000Z

I had a great time with the pupils from North Queensferry Primary School who visited London this week.

They were bright, enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoying their visit to Parliament.

Carnegie and Duloch Primary Schools Catchment Review

2009-11-06T12:24:00.003Z

This is the text of a letter from Donna Manson to parents, carers and other interested parties regarding the catchment review for Duloch and Carnegie Primary Schools:

"Public Consultation on the rezoning of the catchment area for Carnegie Primary School and Duloch Primary School

The result of the public consultation regarding the three options for rezoning the catchment area for Carnegie Primary School and Duloch Primary School will be discussed by the Education & Children’s Services Committee on Thursday 12^th November at 10.00am.

A copy of the full committee paper and appendices can be found at www.fifedirect.org.uk/committtees

Once you have accessed this site, you should scroll down the calendar to the 12^th November and click on Education & Children’s Services Committee. At the bottom of this page you will find the committee report and appendices.

The recommendations, to be discussed by the committee, are as follows:

1. In the light of the results of the public consultation, to approve Catchment Option A (catchment split at Trondheim Parkway)

2. To agree to dual catchment arrangements continuing at Duloch Primary School

I will write to you again on Friday 13^th November informing you of the outcome of the committee’s discussion and provide you with further information regarding P1 enrolment procedures for August 2010 intake.

Yours sincerely

Donna Manson

Area Education Officer"

Housing debate at the Scottish Lib Dem Conference

2009-11-02T12:03:00.003Z

On Saturday I made a plea for more funds to be provided for the construction of more rented homes in Fife. At the Scottish Federation of Housing Association's Meeting at the Lib Dem Conference I cited my regular advice surgeries and office calls as evidence that there is a great need.

The housing waiting list in Fife is long and it's not getting shorter. Big families in small overcrowded homes combined is a common feature.

In particular there is considerable demand for suitable accommodation for elderly people with special needs. The council are unable to keep up with the demand for adaptations to homes and elderly people resent the declining warden service for sheltered accommodation.

Another common problem is the rented accommodation trap. Working people on low incomes who are desperate to avoid homelessness often accept private lets that they cannot afford. As a result they run down their savings to keep up with the payments but when they have run out they face eviction and homelessness - but this time without any savings.

The SNP recently cut £4.6m from Fife's housing capital budget because they reckon we have sufficient homes already. I have been pressing them to reverse this cut. Just how can they say we have enough!

My speech on the TA

2009-10-29T11:26:00.003Z

For the first time ever, I had the Defence Secretary on his knees. Before his speech, he was begging for forgiveness, but unfortunately it was only for the fact that he has to leave early for an appointment at 5 o'clock. I forgive him if he leaves, but I am sorry that he will miss the brilliant speech that I am about to give...

Read the rest of my speech on the Territorial Army at TheyWorkForYou

I knew there must have been some benefits to Gordon Brown as Prime Minister!

2009-10-29T09:00:00.001Z

I received this letter from Fife Police regarding the survey of residents that they conducted which shows that residents believe that crime has dropped in the village thanks to extra police presence to protect the Prime Minister.

Even though crime levels were not very high before most North Queensferry residents appear to feel safer thanks to the PM. I'm glad there is at least one benefit to having Gordon Brown as Prime Minister! So many people can't wait to see the back of him.

There are clearly some concerns about the vehicle stop points and the carrying of guns which the police are conscious of. It's helpful that the police undertook this listening initiative. It shows they are sensitive to local opinion.

Camdean Primary School visit Westminster

2009-10-28T10:38:00.003Z

Pupils from Camdean Primary School in Rosyth visited Westminster on Tuesday as part of a week long visit to the city.

They enjoyed an official tour of the Palace followed by a talk from the education department and finally from me.

Afterward they went for a whistle stop tour of the central London.

Update on new Carnegie Primary School construction

2009-10-27T18:30:00.001Z

The following information is intended to provide a brief synopsis of the progress to date on the construction of the new Carnegie Primary School in the east of Dunfermline.

"All members of the Fife Council team working on the project are cognisant of the challenging timescale to open the school for the new academic term August 2011.

The new Carnegie Primary school is being procured and will be constructed by a contractor appointed under a traditional single stage design and build contract.
Initial 'expression of interest' tenders were invited with an advertisement in the Official Journal of the European Journal (OJEU)
31 'expression of interests' were received.
Of the 31 submissions, a preferred shortlist of 5 contractors was reached with formal tender invited in July 2009.
Over the past 3 months, design work has been undertaken by the contractors, responding to the Council's tender document, brief and vision for the new school.
Of the 5 shortlisted contractors only 4 decided to submitted formal tender returns on 23 October 2009.
The Fife Council team are currently evaluating these detailed tender documents, with a recommendation of the preferred contractor to be made to the Building Fife Future Project Board in December 2009/January 2010.
Upon selection of the preferred contractor, detailed design for the school will commence.
Work to construct the school is programmed to start in May 2010.
At this present time the Fife Council's Education and Property Services team are satisfied that the project is on programme to be completed by end of July 2011 and open for the new academic term August 2011."

Mystery owner sought for Culross house

2009-10-21T09:00:00.004+01:00

I'm on the hunt for the owner of an abandoned home in the centre of the historic village of Culross. The issue of ownership was raised with me by neighbours who were concerned about the condition of the home. However, investigations at the Land Registry revealed no clues as to ownership. Now I'm appealing to you to help with the hunt.

Families throughout West Fife are desperate for a home so to leave this one empty is a calamity. The eighteenth century two storey stone built terraced house is an integral part of the historic village. It’s a lively community and to add another family to that life would be fitting.

Do you know who owns this house?

Dunfermline Building Society: NO ANSWERS

2009-10-20T12:29:00.004+01:00

I'm not impressed with the response from the Government and the Financial Services Authority to the Dunfermline Building Society Inquiry. Neither addressed the fundamental question:

"If the management and board of the Society were so reckless why didn't the FSA identify this and act?"

Instead they duck and dodge, providing lots of noise and detail but no clarity.

I think the Scottish Affairs Select Committee should send the Government's response back and tell them to try again.

Treasure in Inverkeithing

2009-10-20T10:00:00.000+01:00

As a child I was fascinated by treasure and discovery, frequently undertaking quests in the countryside.

Well recently I had the opportunity to hand out some treasure to nursery children in the form of book chests. Fife Council's Bookstart scheme aims to entice young children into the habit of reading.

Entertained by Aiken Drum at Inverkeithing's Civic Centre children from Inverkeithing, Aberdour and Beanstalk nurseries the children each received a selection of books in their own special treasure chest.

A brush with the law at Pitreavie Playgroup

2009-10-07T09:00:00.002+01:00

A bustling, vibrant playgroup at Pitreavie Playing Fields was my visit this morning. Led by parents this chairity received a glowing report from the inspectors.

Take a look for yourself... www.pitreavieplaygroup.com

Puppy walkers on the march

2009-10-05T22:16:00.003+01:00

Today I joined the South Fife puppy walkers for a Coffee Morning in Crossford Scout Hall. There were lots of puppies and working guide dogs...waiting to meet me!

To find out more log on to www.guidedogs.org.uk

Rosyth to become 'nuclear graveyard' - UK, News - The Independent

2009-10-05T09:00:00.000+01:00

Rosyth to become 'nuclear graveyard' - UK, News - The Independent: "Mr Brown said: 'We will not allow the Rosyth area to be frozen by nuclear dumping or becoming a nuclear graveyard. The Government proposals cannot be allowed to go ahead.'"

This is not a report from today, but fifteen years ago - twelve of which Labour have been in charge! It's about time the Prime Minister used his power to remove these seven nuclear submarines from Rosyth Dockyard.

Talk Matters - confidential counselling service

2009-10-04T17:18:00.004+01:00

I was delighted to be asked to open the new Talk Matte rs premises at Dickson House in Elgin Street, Dunfermline a couple of weeks ago. Talk Matters is a confidential counselling service available for people in Fife with a wide range of problems including anxiety, anger, stress, depression or bereavement.

CLAUDE - Clear Audio Systems

2009-10-02T08:06:00.005+01:00

Following news that the RNID criticised the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for their lack of facilities for deaf customers, I was invited to meet CLAUDE Clear Audio Systems.

The Fife company provides advice and supplies the full spectrum of audio equipment so that the 15% of the population that have hearing difficulties are not excluded.

The company made contact with me after I kicked off a campaign to improve the service offered by call centres to their deaf customers.

I'll now be contacting the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to get the two together.

Visit to North Queensferry Primary School

2009-10-01T08:28:00.006+01:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of discussing politics and the challenges of the world with a vibrant and intelligent group of young people. Primary Six and Seven at North Queensferry Primary School refreshingly engaged.

The pupils had been learning about how Westminster works and had ran their own election with imaginative policies and eye catching election gimmicks.

Teachers Cara Biseker and Isla Gaze had successfully inspired their pupils and had cunningly influenced their pupils to promote a pay rise for teachers in their manifestos.

I'm looking forward to Primary Seven visiting Westminster in November. I'm sure they'll love it.

Scotash - promoted by the government worldwide

2009-09-28T09:05:00.003+01:00

Scotash is a vibrant and growing company in West Fife that takes ash from Longannet Power Station and turns it into cements and grouts saving on quarrying, cement energy costs and landfill for the ash. It's won so many awards for innovation and the environment that I can't keep count.

They are such a hit that the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has decided to promote Scotash on all its 167 websites throughout the world. The only others to receive this special treatment are Bodyshop, Unilever , BAe Systems and the Co-op.

By way of example, the Botswana link attached

http://ukinbotswana.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-uk/environment/working-with-industry

Rosyth nuke subs - we need answers

2009-09-21T12:00:00.001+01:00

For twenty five years we've had redundant nuclear submarines in Rosyth Dockyard. Yet despite endless promises about future disposal they are still with us and look set to remain there for many years to come if the latest news is of significance.

Two top advisers have been sacked in what seems to be a deep dispute in the team taking forward the planned disposal programme.

I've taken up the matter with the MOD and want answers. Above all else what's vital is that we put an end to this endless deliberation of the options. One sub has already developed three holes in the ballast tank. The community has been patient and tolerant of these subs but that patience is being tested now. The MOD should not take Rosyth for granted.

No slash and burn but planned cuts

2009-09-20T11:57:00.005+01:00

Planning to save rather than slash and burn cuts is what Nick Clegg has set out at the Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth. And today it's the turn of the central bureaucracy which is far too top heavy. His proposals include cutting the number of MPs to 500 from 638.

On the wider programme of saving we, all politicians, must not stick our heads in the sand and pretend that life has not changed. The country's debt is rising - fast - and any party that pretends otherwise is not being real.

That's why Nick is right to set out now that cuts - some deep - will be required to make the books balance. By doing it this way, in advance, we can seek the support of those who know best, those who run the services, about ways to reduce spending in an organised and structured way that protects the services that matter most and ditches those that don't make sense.

Too often we make last minute, slash and burn cuts. What Nick has set out is a sensible way to proceed. Of course the Conservatives are wrong to propose cuts now when economic recovery is the priority but cuts will be needed in future as the fruits of that recovery will not be sufficient to cover the debt as Labour pretends.

Take a look at Better Politics for Less and Vince Cable's pamphlet.

Culross deserves empty homes from National Trust for Scotland

2009-09-19T12:00:00.000+01:00

I can understand why the National Trust for

Scotland

are having a tough time if Culross is an example of how they manage their affairs.

Almost from when I was first elected I have been urging the Trust to make available for rent the empty homes they own in the small village of Culross on the banks of the River Forth.

Four properties have been left empty for years whilst many people languish on the housing list. They promised two years ago that it was being dealt with and said they were considering refurbishing them for holiday lets. Yet nothing, absolutely nothing, has been done and now the natives are getting restless - I'm with them.

Every week I get a string of people seeking my assistance to secure a home of their own to rent and as the weeks go by I feel increasingly frustrated that not only has the Scottish Government cut Fife's house building budget by £4.6million but now one of Scotland's biggest charities has homes that are already built but refuse to release them.

I think it's now time the Trust handed over the properties to a housing association. They are desperate for homes to let out and am sure would bite their hand off for these properties.

T in the Park cleaners update

2009-09-18T15:38:00.001+01:00

I've only just received this email from Big Day Out. It seems we may be getting somewhere with Easywaste and Big Day Out agreeing to mediation.

The mediation needs to be quick so that the cleaners get paid next week.

*BIG DAY OUT LTD*
PO Box 25341
Glasgow
G2 5XS

18th September 2009

Mr Willie Rennie MP
Dunfermline and West Fife Constituency Office
2nd Floor
1 High Street
Dunfermline
KY12 7DL

Dear Mr Rennie

Thank you for your letter of 16th September.

As you are probably aware we are in dispute with Easywaste, who were the waste management contractor for this year's T in the Park.

There were major failings in Easywaste's delivery at the event which resulted in both ourselves and Perth and Kinross Council having to take significant remedial action in terms of additional resource all at the expense of Big Day Out Ltd.

Without exaggeration, the problems caused by Easywaste's poor delivery could well have brought about cancellation of the event which would have had catastrophic consequences.
Fortunately Tayside Fire Brigade, Perth & Kinross Council and other contractors worked co-operatively with us and we were able to continue with the event.

As you would expect, we were not prepared to pay the full contract price to Easywaste, however, they feel that this should still be paid. We have made an offer to them which goes beyond what we think a legal settlement would result in as we want to ensure that those individuals that did work are paid in full, however, it seems that Easywaste still wish to make their projected profit in addition to that.

Through our legal team we suggested mediation which was rejected, however, Easywaste's recent actions, including blaming the nonpayment of their staff on ourselves through public meetings and talking to the Daily Record, seem to have backfired on them, not least because it is their legal responsibility to pay the individuals regardless of any dispute with us.

After the recent coverage in the newspapers it would appear that they are now prepared to consider mediation and our lawyers hope to progress this as soon as possible.

It is of serious concern to us that individuals working at T in the Park have not been paid, however, we need Easywaste to come to the table to make this happen.

Best regards.

Geoff Ellis
*Festival Director*

T in the Park cleaners left out of pocket

2009-09-18T13:48:00.003+01:00

Many of my constituents have not received their pay for the hours spent cleaning up after T in the Park.

This is the letter they have received from their employers Easywaste Solutions which informs them that because they haven't been paid then the employees won't be paid.

So the workers lose out because the bosses of Easywaste and Big Day Out can't reach an agreement.

Below is the story from the Daily Record today.

I've been onto the company to ask for the immediate payment of the wages.

Workers who cleaned up T in the Park site left out of pocket as firm refuses to pay up

Sep 17 2009 By John Ferguson

HUNDREDS of workers who cleaned up after T in the Park demanded their wages at an angry meeting last night.

Easywaste Solutions employees lived in tents for up to five weeks while tidying up after the music festival.

But boss Lloyd Gailey is refusing to pay them because he is in a dispute with festival organisers Big Day Out.

One worker, Robert Simmons, 33, said: "I feel completely humiliated.

"We spent weeks up there grafting to make sure the festival site was returned to its original state.

"We were sleeping in tents in the pouring rain for weeks to get the job done. Now we are left with nothing.

"It is a disgrace. My family are going to suffer because of this. I am a bricklayer by trade but I was made redundant a few months ago and I took this job on because I was desperate for cash."

Dad-of-two Robert was one of dozens of workers who met Easywaste boss Gailey yesterday to demand payment.

He said: "Quite a few were unemployed and signed off getting benefits for the period of the job, so they are now being left with absolutely nothing.

"I understand that Easywaste have an issue with Big Day Out but I don't see why that should affect us. I made an agreement to work for Easywaste and I would expect them to honour that.

"They are a big company and they can afford to pay my wages."

Some workers on a rate of £6 an hour are due more than £1500 after working at the site in Balado, Kinross, for five weeks.

But Gailey, 48, said: "We have not been paid what we are owed by Big Day Out and so we cannot pay the workers.

"Lots of these guys were unemployed anyway so this was just a wee extra for them."

A spokeswoman for Big Day Out insisted: "Easywaste did not fulfil the terms of their contract and a significant resource was diverted to other suppliers by Big Day Out to rectify this situation.

"We hope the contracts that these individuals have with Easywaste Solutions will be honoured."

Referendum would be reckless

2009-09-07T12:00:00.001+01:00

Psephologists will tell you that it all depends on the question. Phrasing can deliver widely varying responses to pollsters.

Who would reject a land of milk and honey? But if that land of milk and honey were to come at a high price the respondent may choose an alternative.

That's why I wasn't surprised that, in response to a question from Brian Taylor on Reporting Scotland, most voters said they would like to have their say on Scotland's future. However, this was rather amateur journalism (unusual for Brian) as he should have tested opinion by giving respondents a range of options to prioritise like tackling the recession, improving the nation's health, raising standards in education or even tackling scourge of drugs in addition to the question on a referendum on independence.

Politics is all about priorities and choices and to isolate Scotland's independence issue from all others is not living in the real world. That's why Tavish Scott was right this week.

To indulge in a month or, more likely, six month referendum campaign on Scotland's constitutional future in the middle of this country's worst recession in decades would be, at best, a distraction, or, at worst, reckless. Scotland's Government and Parliament would be paralysed and unable to devote sufficient time and resources to creating jobs and business.

I personally would always rate an independence referendum reckless or a distraction as there will always be something more important and, what's more, a majority of the voters backed parties who agree but the argument is even stronger in the current economic climate.

Until pro independence single issue parties, like the SNP, can convince a majority of voters to back them that won't change. If we were to concede that crucial democratic point the door would be open to referendums on a full range of subjects supported by minorities and we would would face demands for frequent repetitions of the independence referendum.

I simply don't understand why the minority SNP think they have the right to impose their priorities on the majority. They claim to be democrats after all.

Sunday Mail - come on don't rip off our kids

2009-09-06T17:19:00.000+01:00

I've got one unhappy 12 year old at home today. After my morning ramble up the hills this morning I dropped into Kinnesswood store to collect the Sunday Times and Sunday Mail.

My 12 year old son was delighted to see the special offer in the Mail for a FREE Star Wars toy emblazoned on the front page. Yet when he tried to redeem the voucher and collect his FREE toy he was told he was three hours too late.

In fact there we only sufficient toys to last 30 minutes - one box. Apparently the shop assistant has faced lots of angry children - and parents - today. It was hardly her fault but she was on the front line.

If the Sunday Mail values its brand it should immediately ensure that all stores have sufficient FREE toys to meet demand. And because today's vouchers are only valid for today they should accept these vouchers throughout this week.

Come on Sunday Mail - don't rip off our kids.

Come and hear Chris Huhne MP

2009-08-31T12:40:00.002+01:00

Come and hear

Chris Huhne MP

Shadow Home Secretary and Lib Dem Leadership contender at the

Dunfermline Liberal Democrats Annual Dinner

Friday 11^th September

Pitfirrane Arms Hotel, Crossford

Tickets at £25 are available from the Lib Dem office on 01383 841700 or email info@dunfermlinelibdems.org.uk

“A former financial journalist, who went on to make a fortune in the City, Chris Huhne has made much of the experience he gained before becoming an MP in 2005. He has certainly never lacked ambition.”

BBC website

Chernobyl children from Ukraine

2009-08-31T09:13:00.003+01:00

One of the first groups of Ukrainian children from Chernobyl to visit the UK in years was hosted in Dunfermline over the summer.

I've been working with the Chernobyl charities to persuade the UK Government to waive the VISA charges for these and thousands of other children. The Government don't charge Chernobyl children from Belarus but seem to think it is acceptable to charge for Chernobyl children from Ukraine.

After a positive meeting with ministers in July I've heard nothing despite numerous calls. These charges are big sums for the charities but are peanuts to the Government. The charities have scraped sufficient funds together this year to bring over children from Ukraine but it is not sustainable in the long term.

Scrapyards - from dirty and polluting to saviours of the environment

2009-08-25T12:00:00.002+01:00

I've paid a visit to the car scrapyard in Inverkeithing - UPULLIT which is owned by Copart

I visited them to discuss issues surrounding the implementation of the government's car scrappage scheme and also how they are contributing to the reduction of waste to landfill through their operations at the site.

With hundreds of cars for sale in parts or whole this is a significant business for West Fife and makes a valued contribution to the reduction of waste which has an impact on the environment.

I was impressed by the strict health and safety measures and the dedication to make this a thriving business.

Landfill tax changes could hit carbon capture

2009-08-24T12:00:00.003+01:00

In the last budget the government sneaked out a proposal to increase landfill tax on PFA (power station ash) from £2.50 a tonne to £40 a tonne (up to £72 by 2012/13).

The industry is very concerned that this may have an impact on the financial viability of coal power generation at a time when another arm of government is seeking to make the sums add up on carbon capture technology. It is estimated that the proposal alone could increase electricity generation from coal by 5-10%.

The Treasury say that there are now alternative/commercial uses for PFA but the market has been extensively exploited (see Scotash) and it is doubtful there is more capacity.

The consultation is available at

http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/Budget2009/bud09_landfill_tax_964.pdf

See document page 19 and 20 and paragraph 3.8 in particular.

In addition indigenous coal is higher ash than imported thereby incentivising power generators to import more coal to save on landfill.

Therefore, the UK coal industry will be disadvantaged by

The desire to raise more tax

Indigenous coal being higher ash than imported coal

Deep mined coal being higher ash than UK surface mined and imported coals.

Rather than helping the environment this tax could damage if it.

It seems to be a simple case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing.

My fourth summer tour starts tomorrow

2009-08-23T19:22:00.002+01:00

With around sixty stops in six days I start my fourth Summer Tour of the constituency tomorrow. to bend my ear in person come and join me at any of the following locations...

Monday 24th August
8.45 - 9.10am - Masterton Primary School (outside school gates)
9.25 - 9.55am - Ali's Mini Market, Thane Place, Dunfermline
10.15 - 10.45am - John Connelly Court, Dunfermline
11.05 - 11.35am - Hanover Court, Kilmartin Way, Dunfermline
12.10 - 1.10pm - Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Dunfermline
2.10 - 2.40pm - Seath House, 5 Transy Place, Dunfermline
2.55 - 3.30pm - St. Leonards Primary School, Dunfermline (outside school gates)
3.45 - 4.15pm - Whitelaw Court, Whitelaw Place, Dunfermline
4.30 - 5pm - Halbeath shop, Dunfermline
5.15 - 6.15pm - Touch Community Centre, Dunfermline

Tuesday 25th August
8.45 - 9.10am - Hill of Beath Primary School (outside school gates)
9.25 - 9.55am - Friary Court, Inverkeithing
10.10 - 10.55am - Crossgates Post Office
11.10 - 11.50am - Dalbeath Crescent shops, Cowdenbeath
12.10 - 1.10pm - Kingseat Post Office
2.10 - 2.40pm - Wilma's, Brock Street, North Queensferry
2.55 - 3.30pm - Inverkeithing Primary School (outside school gates)
3.45 - 4.15pm - Fraser Avenue, Inverkeithing
4.30 - 5pm - Deas Road, Inverkeithing
5.15 - 6.15pm - Inverkeithing Post Office, Main Street

Wednesday 26th August
8.45 - 9.10am - Saline Primary School (outside school gates)
9.25 - 9.55am - Saline Post Office
10.10 - 10.40am - Steelend old shop
11 - 12noon - Sivewright Court, Kirk Street, Kincardine
12.10 - 1.10pm - High Street, Kincardine
2.10 - 2.40pm - Culross Post Office
2.55 - 3.30pm - Crombie Primary School (outside school gates)
3.45 - 4.15pm - Newmills Post Office
4.30 - 5pm - Co-op, High Valleyfield
5.15 - 6.15pm - Spar, Cairneyhill

Thursday 27th August
8.45 - 9.10am - Townhill Primary School (outside school gates)
9.25 - 9.55am - Co-op, Townhill Road, Dunfermline
10.05 - 10.35am - Nethertown Broad Street, Dunfermline
10.45 - 11.15am - Newsagent, Forth Street, Dunfermline
11.30am - 12.15pm - Shops, Turnstone Road, Dunfermline
12.30 - 1.10pm - Co-op, East Baldridge Drive, Dunfermline
2.10 - 2.40pm - Wellwood Shop
2.55 - 3.30pm - Oakley School Campus (outside school gates)
3.45 - 4.15pm - Blairhall Post Office
4.30 - 5pm - Carnock Post Office
5.15 - 6.15pm - Robertson Road shops, Dunfermline

Friday 28th August
7.30 - 8.30am - Ferry Toll Park and Ride
8.45 - 9.10am - Camdean Primary School, Rosyth (outside school gates)
9.25 - 9.50am - Spar, Sherbrooke Road, Rosyth
10 - 10.45am - Calum MacDonald Court, Admiralty Road, Rosyth
11 - 11.55am - Post Office, Hilton Road, Rosyth
12.10 - 1.10pm - Co-op, Castlandhill Road, Rosyth
2.10 - 2.40pm - Queensferry Road/Park Road junction, Rosyth
2.55 - 3.30pm - Duloch Primary School, Dunfermline (outside school gates)
3.45 - 4.15pm - Co-op Pharmacy, Hospital Hill, Dunfermline
4.30 - 5pm - Post Office, Limekilns
5.15 - 6.15pm - David Sands, Duncan Crescent, Dunfermline

Saturday 29th August
9.30 - 10.30am - ASDA, Halbeath
10.45am - 12.15pm - Dunfermline High Street

Super Carriers – refits in France?

2009-08-21T09:50:00.011+01:00

The Ministry of Defence is seriously considering turning its back on Rosyth dockyard and awarding the contract for the refit of our new super carriers to yards in France, Spain or Holland.

A letter I received from the Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell confirms other confidential reports I have received. It reads as follows:

“As part of the development work, a range of options to establish the best value for money solution are being examined; these naturally include undertaking the work in UK dockyards such as Rosyth.”

Only “include”!

To even consider foreign yards when we have top notch facilities and a highly skilled workforce that is perfectly capable of doing the work on our doorstep only confirms that the MOD has lost its marbles.

We’ve already invested £50million in Rosyth Dockyard so that it can take the carriers, which will be the biggest ships in the Royal Navy.

The MOD number crunchers seem to think that by no longer supporting a yard they will cut their costs but whilst this may look good on a balance sheet it will not be good value for money.

This is the MOD that thought it was good value for money to spend an extra £1billion on the carriers without creating one extra job or any additional capability just to stay within the treasury’s annual spending limits.

Rosyth is the logical place, in fact the only place in the UK, to refit the carriers in future and the Labour government must tell those MOD officials to rule out foreign yards now.

(Pics: Top is Nazaire in France; 2nd is Rosyth; 3rd is Navantia Ferrol in Spain and 4th is Cherbourg in France. The letter is below.)

ASDA 24 Hours - but not really

2009-08-18T17:04:00.001+01:00

I'm puzzled as to the ASDA definition of 24 hour opening.

One of the highlights of our successful Stockton on Tees holiday was the ASDA which was a stone's throw away from our camp site (the one with the top notch showers). It proclaimed 24 hour opening but as we battled our way with the kids through the bucketing rain we couldn't work out why the masses of Stockton we not taking advantage of this fantastic opportunity. The car park was empty - not a sole to be seen.

The answer? 24 hours didn't really mean 24 but only 14 and on a Sunday only 6. Or did it only apply to the cash machines? Do ASDA work on constantly switching time zones?

I can tell you we are only just recovering from the unfulfilled expectations. ASDA - we need answers.

www.asda.co.uk

Stockton on Tees - a wasted opportunity

2009-08-18T13:54:00.002+01:00

Former industrial areas can be transformed into attractive tourist
spots. Look at Glasgow's riverside and Leith. Liverpool is another that
has transformed with restaurants, conference facilities and more.

After a week camping in beautiful Northumberland I dragged my young
family to Stockton on Tees to a camp site that received an enthusiastic
review from Dom Jolly. For a couple of days we planned to use this site
as a central location for day trips to North Yorks, Hartlepool Maritime
Museum, the cinema and bowling.

The Caravan Club camp site was pristine with first class showers. The
cooling towers, sewage works, overhead flight path and motorway didn't
put us off too much (!) although it was quite a contrast with Hadrian's
Wall country.

What was truly disappointing was how millions of pounds of investment in
the development of the Tees barrage and riverfront had been wasted.
There were new bridges, walkways and the creation of a permanent high
tide for the full gamut of water sports.

This was a real opportunity to turn a depressed town into a bright
attraction. Yet when we visited there few boats and canoes in the water,
walkers on the bridges and walkways or foodies in the few pubs and
restaurants.

Instead the river was full of rubbish, the walkways were full of weeds
and the only wildlife I saw was a rat.

The investment had been a fine one but come on Stockton get your act
together.

FSA mute commentators

2009-08-01T18:55:00.003+01:00

If admitting mistakes is a crucial step in the healing and learning process then the Financial Services Authority will never heal nor learn. They are supposed to be the guardians of our financial sector but have failed to admit their part in the demise of Scotland oldest and biggest building society - the Dunfermline.

There are strongly competing claims about whether the Society could have been saved earlier this year.

The advocates for survival claimed that the over stringent capital adequacy requirements combined with the short sited Treasury which didn't recognise the society's importance to confidence in the 'safe' mutual sector meant it was sacrificed. They point to the recent West Bromwich solution as the model that could have been adopted for the Dunfermline.

The Treasury believed that the society would not have been able to service any injection of capital and was not sufficiently important to the financial sector to warrant an investment of public funds to keep it an independent Scottish mutual. They also point to the partially failed IT system which cost the society dear with millions being written off.

To me it's quite clear that the damage was done between 2005 and 2007 when the society diversified into more risky ventures including commercial lending, buy to let mortgages and second hand mortgages. Yet all this was done with the knowledge and acceptance of the Financial Services Authority.

In fact the FSA recommended the services of an independent expert to review their commercial lending portfolio. I assume, because it is not said, that the FSA were satisfied with outcome of that experts report because no action/recommendations were made following the report. That's when the damage was done - and yet the FSA was just a blind observer and mute commentator.

The society's management admitted their mistakes, not just as some means to deflect any further criticism but because they truly cared for the institution that they devoted many years of their lives to and wanted to explain what went wrong.

The Scottish Affairs Select Committee report into the break up of the society is a good report. It would have been even better if it had also taken evidence from members and staff from the society and senior executives like Peter Weanie who was a driving force behind the more risky strategy. But it was a good report none the less and should help members, staff and the wider community understand what happened so we can learn and move on with the Nationwide.

JT

2009-07-27T09:09:00.000+01:00

For many years a jovial ex miner called JT would enjoy his early morning constitutional from Lochore, where he lived, along the coal road to Kelty road end. Most mornings my son, Alexander, and I would join him on the short trip to the school bus at the end of the road.

JT always had a new tale to tell, a colourful anecdote or a bit of political commentary. He would speak to everyone - whether he knew them or not. A friendly face. He never failed to cheer up my morning.

Last week JT Murphy passed away, at the ripe old age of 94. Like so many I'll miss him. <<JT.JPG>>

The world has changed

2009-07-23T15:23:00.004+01:00

Thanks to Labour's mismanagement and the world economic crises the public finances here in Britain have been devastated. That's why everything we wanted to do when the public funds were available will not be possible to do now that they are not.

Of course we can reallocate budgets, cut waste and ditch projects that we don't need but funds are now tighter so we need to make choices. Labour and the Tories may wish to try to fool voters but the Lib Dems will be straight about what needs to be done.

Fresh Start for Britain builds on Nick Clegg's successes of recent months. It sets our our values and principles in a way that I am confident people will warm to. It promotes our desire to make this country a fairer, safer, greener place and stronger in the world. Take a look - it'll be worth your time.

SNP academic snobbery

2009-07-20T19:12:00.001+01:00

I'm fed up with snooty people like the SNP's candidate for Glasgow North East, David Kerr, belittling the achievements of those of us who were educated at Paisley (now West of Scotland Uni) and Glasgow Colleges (now Glasgow Caledonian Uni).

It's far too easy to run us, and those institutions, down without recognising what we and they achieved and continue to achieve.

I am proud to say that I was educated at Paisley, where I secured my degree in biology, and at Glasgow, where I secured my diploma.

The institutions have a good reputation for their partnerships with industry and for improving the life opportunities of thousands of people of all ages and from a wide diversity of backgrounds.

In fact I would argue that Paisley and Glasgow Colleges gave a bigger lift or added value to their students than those institutions that Mr Kerr thinks are only worthy of any consideration.

Now I'm not seeking a battle with the ancients. I have worked closely with academics and management from their science departments and have the greatest respect and admiration for their achievements. It's people like David Kerr that give the ancients a bad reputation. All I'm asking is for a bit of mutual respect.

Trident - initial gate delayed

2009-07-17T13:20:00.000+01:00

It's good news that the Government has decided to delay the initial gate decision on Trident until after the Non Proliferation Talks next year. It'll help to give those talks a chance.

We had strongly criticised the Government's rushed decision on Trident in 2006. We said that the big decisions should be delayed until after the NPT talks - actually in 2012 - 2014 at maingate.

However, what this does show is that the Government are either playing fast and loose with their timetable or it was never that tight anyway.

It calls into question Labour's original proposition on Trident. What can we believe now? There must be a full debate on Trident and soon. We are at a crossroads and we need to openly debate the choices.

Labour MP thinks Scotland gets "shed loads" of money

2009-07-14T19:36:00.003+01:00

It's clearly the prevailing view amongst Labour MPs in England that Scotland gets enough Government money or "shed loads" as Rob Marris, MP for Wolverhampton South West, put it today in Treasury Questions.

If it were true I could take the criticism from him, but it's not. Scotland doesn't get shed loads just a fair share considering our circumstances. However, we need to reform the Barnett formula with a system that reflects the needs of different parts of the UK. We also need a new funding arrangement for the Scottish Parliament that includes raising more of our own money.

But if Rob Marris and his Labour colleagues were to recognise the debilitating effect the construction of the new Forth Crossing is having on the development of our transport network in Scotland perhaps they would take a more enlightened view.

We've already had the SNP refusing to consider the use of all the tools in the box which has not only created a huge amount of uncertainty about the funding of the vital new Forth crossing but has also caused fury in other parts of Scotland where they see the SNP refusing to fund their essential transport projects. I'm disappointed that the SNP has put narrow ideology ahead of the transport infrastructure needs.

The solution is actually quite simple. If the UK refuse to help fund the new crossing, despite their previous commitments to do so, and the SNP refuse to set aside their ideological opposition the UK Government should give the Scottish Parliament borrowing powers. Calman has proposed it. Everyone agrees it should happen. We just need Westminster to act - and fast. Perhaps Rob Marris might even help!

"River Forth Crossing (UK Government Assistance)

9. Willie Rennie (Dunfermline and West Fife) (LD): What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive on UK Government assistance for the construction of a new crossing over the River Forth. [286199]

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Stephen Timms): My right hon. Friends the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Secretary of State for Scotland met the Scottish Finance Minister in March to discuss financing for a new Forth bridge.

Willie Rennie: I warmly welcome the acceptance that the UK Government should help the Scottish Government to fund this vital new crossing, but when will the Government come forward with real new money to help to pay for the bridge? Will they also consider speedily bringing in new borrowing powers for the Scottish Government, so that they can spread the cost over a number of years, as has been proposed by the Calman commission?

Mr. Timms: I am glad to recognise the importance of the second Forth crossing, and to support the importance of its construction. Funding, however, is a devolved decision, and this is a matter for the Scottish Executive to determine. My right hon. Friends offered flexibility to help within the economic framework applying to the UK as a whole, and I hope that that flexibility will allow the project to proceed.

Rob Marris (Wolverhampton, South-West) (Lab): Can my right hon. Friend assure me that the Government will hold firm on this? Scotland already gets shedloads of extra money under the Barnett formula. It is entitled to raise its own taxes, and this Government should stand firm against this bridge, for which it wants even more money.

Mr. Timms: My hon. Friend makes a forceful point. Let me simply say that this is an important project, but it needs to be carried out within the economic framework applying to the UK as a whole. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor has just set out some of the Government’s constraints and objectives in relation to the public finances over the next five years, and this decision needs to be made within that context."

Web monitoring - value for money?

2009-07-14T18:28:00.004+01:00

I'm attempting to ascertain the value of all this internet monitoring that the Government is sponsoring. A constituent and expert has told its ineffective and therefore a waste of money. Here's the answers to the questions I have posed. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I should approach this issue?

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2009-07-09a.282033.h&s=speaker%3A13712#g282033.q0

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2009-07-09a.282032.h&s=speaker%3A13712#g282032.q0

ZDNET UK News Website has covered the issue.

Government exploiting 'can do' ethos of armed forces

2009-07-11T13:09:00.001+01:00

The armed forces are proud that they can overcome almost insurmountable challenges in the most extreme circumstances. That can do approach is something we should be especially proud of.

But because the Government are starving our forces of the equipment they need they are turning that 'can do' ethos into a 'make do' burden.

Instead of helicopters to transport our troops across hostile territory in Helmand they have to make do with trucks.

Instead of properly protected armoured vehicles the troops have to make do with snatch landrovers.

Instead of safe surveillance aircraft the troops had to make do with Nimrods draped with aviation fuel and exposed hot air pipes.

When will the Government realise that if we ask our troops to do a job, they will need the proper tools to do the job?

The death of each and every serviceman over the last ten days has been an individual tragedy. We don't know the details of how these brave servicemen died but if it was because they had to 'make do' then the government must be brought to book.

If we are going to do a job, we must do it properly and safely. We owe that to our soldiers, sailors and airmen who put their lives on the line for us.

Carbon capture must get he go ahead before the general election

2009-07-09T11:41:00.002+01:00

I've just tried to seek assurances from Ed Milliband, Energy Secretary, that the Government's carbon capture competition will not be delayed again and the result will be announced before the General Election.

The competition has already slipped by one year and there are fears it may slip again and get caught up in the general election.

Longannet Power Station is a strong contender for the competition to demonstrate that the whole technology process can work on an industrial scale.

The Energy Secretary refused to give me an assurance that result would be announced by the General Election only committing to speedy process.

A big week for Chernobyl children

2009-07-06T13:34:00.001+01:00

This week I will be joined by Victor Mizzi, Linda Walker and Brian Bennett at a meeting with Home Office Minister, Phil Woolas, and Foreign Office Minister, Ivan Lewis, to seek to persuade them to waive the fees for Visas for Chernobyl children from the Ukraine.

For years the Chernobyl charities have been focussed on Belarus as it was comparatively simple to operate there as opposed to Ukraine.

However, Victor and his colleagues discovered Ukraine again after the difficulties with presidential decree forbidding travel from Belarus for much of the last year.

But the Government here refuse to waive the visa charges for Ukraine even though they are free for Belarus. This has costed the charities a small fortune which is money they cannot afford.

Hence the meeting with the Ministers. They are smart people, I am sure they will see the merits of the case.

Unite Criticises Lib Dem MP over Aircraft Carrier Contract

2009-07-01T14:20:00.003+01:00

Quite astonishing! I simply cannot understand how UNITE has the nerve to defend Labour's staggering mismanagement of the public finances. Delaying the carriers by up to two years has cost the nation an additional £1billion but has not created one single extra job or any improvements to the carrier.

I want Rosyth to have a long and strong future but that future will be threatened by reckless decisions like this.

Instead of attacking me for standing up for the dockyard and the workforce, UNITE should be telling their friends in the Labour Party to stop frittering away taxpayers money.

This is not made up by the defence companies. The Defence Procurement Minister confirmed the £1billion with me on Monday evening. They knew the likely price when they made the deicison to delay.

Unite Criticises Lib Dem MP over Aircraft Carrier Contract

Unite the Union reacted with dismay after yesterday's 'predictable' responses to the
future of the MoD aircraft carrier contract after a leaked document suggested a
£1BN hike in cost to build the two vessels.

The ranks of the ill-informed, including Willie Rennie MP who claimed that Labour are 'busting the bank', responded after a leak emanating from lead contractors for the construction of the two aircraft carriers. Alliance Management Board (AMB), suggested the possibility of 400-500 redundancies after the projected cost rose from £4BN to £5BN over the last year.

However Unite, who have substantial membership at both the Rosyth and Clydeside yards which will undertake work on a significant bulk of the contract, have hit back suggesting that the likes of the Lib Dem Member for Dunfermline & West Fife have missed the point completely.

Unite National Officer for Aerospace and Shipbuilding, Bernie Hamilton said, "When will these people realise that AMB's 'leak' is designed to do one thing and one thing only and that is to force the Government to agree to the increase in costs wanted by the employers (Carrier Alliance) for the extension to the in-service dates.
Those of us actually involved in the industry understood that the agreement to extend the build programme, to create a better payment schedule for the Government, would come at an increased cost.

Predictably employers know only one way to force a Labour Government into meeting their demands on costs and that is to publicly threaten hard working families and their future employment.

Mr Rennie and others have bought this leak hook, line and sinker and in their desperate efforts to make themselves look relevant to the electorate they have shown themselves to be political novices. "
ENDS

% rise!

2009-07-01T12:59:00.005+01:00

At Prime Minister's Questions today Gordon Brown triumphantly told the Chamber there would be a 0% rise in spending. Is 0% a rise?! Desperate not to say cut, reduction, decline, diminution, decrease or anything that implies a lower level of spending than now, he was forced into modern form of Newspeak.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Gi7qqvRlY0

Yet, the more than this battle of the cuts with the Tories continues the longer the debate on the real decisions will be denied. That debate needs to be about what rather than if. Nick Clegg has offered up serious suggestions like ID cards, trident replacement and tax credit revision. Yet the others refuse to discuss or debate. They need to start acting like leaders rather than followers.

If we don't have a debate on these issues now with the public they will be denied the opportunity to express their view about what should go. If the decisions and debate are delayed until after the election the public will be left out of the debate.

David Cameron and Gordon Brown need to understand that this debate is not about them and what party advantage they can gain from the turmoil. It's about the shape of our country and its public services.

Value for money is out the window

2009-06-30T11:45:00.001+01:00

The Government has not denied that the cost of delaying the aircraft carriers by up to two years is one billion pounds. In fact a senior Labour minister admitted this last night to me. That's a twenty five per cent increase in costs.

The decision the MOD faced was either to cancel other defence contracts or delay the carriers in order to adhere to annual spending limits. Therefore value for money has been sacrificed in order to mop up after Labour's mismanagement of the public finances and the expensive Iraq war.

Yet, the delay, and the resultant cost increase, also has consequences too as future equipment contracts will not now proceed.

So Labour are busting the bank now so that it will be impossible to pay for the essential equipment for the future.

Robert Peston and the Aircraft carriers

2009-06-29T21:33:00.001+01:00

It was obvious that costs would rise when the Labour Government delayed the carriers contract. The Government were warned. Yet, the scale of the rise, if Robert Peston is right is staggering.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8125449.stm

However, if Britain wants to project force in far flung parts of the world it will need these carriers. Likewise if we want to provide humanitarian aide to similarly remote nations the carriers will be required.

I will be quizzing Ministers about these reports. We deserve answers - as do the workforce.

Crombie munitions depot

2009-06-29T15:49:00.001+01:00

A few months ago I was effectively warned off making a fuss about the future of the Crombie munitions depot in West Fife. The warning came from a senior DSDA (Defence Storage and Distribution Agency) official who tried to reassure me that the depot potentially had a bright future.

I've not heard from the man since despite subsequent announcements that staff levels were to be cut to 26 then 15 from 43.

Now I'm not arguing that efficiencies should not be made but I am seeking a plan, leadership and fair treatment for the staff. Yet this munitions depot (bombs and the like) is being run down in a chaotic manner. The DSDA and the MOD could learn a few things from Shaggy and Scooby.

Three years ago the Minister agreed the Future Report on Crombie (FROC), the the Treasury announced DSDA could be privatised and the recent announcement is a straight forward treasury driven cut.

I say announcement but they didn't even bother to tell me about the latest cut - I heard from an anonymous source.

Courier report

2009-06-29T11:25:00.003+01:00

There's a nice little report in the Courier today on the coal race.

My main opponent in the race, Labour Councillor Willie Sullivan, needs more sponsors. Please give if you can.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship on Youtube

2009-06-28T16:40:00.001+01:00

Take at look at the coal race on youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B97_JSPLBx8

The coal race

2009-06-27T15:45:00.001+01:00

My back is aching but it's purely self inflicted. I ran the Scottish Coal Carrying Championship today for the third time. One hundred weight of coal in a sack on your back for one km is a bit of masochism but it's good masochism.

Willie Sullivan, Labour councillor and good friend friend, ran the race for the first time. I beat him to the line but only just. Another victory for the Lib Dems over Labour!!

Driving instructors bill sails through third reading

2009-06-26T13:17:00.001+01:00

My bill to introduce the power to suspend driving instructors has sailed through its third reading today.

The bill ensures that learner drivers are protected from those convicted of sexual offences but have not yet been removed from the register of approved driving instructors.

The bill will now be guided by my old boss Lord Paul Tyler through the House of Lords before it hopefully receives Royal Assent.

A good day's work.

A boost for the Chernobyl childrens' campaign

2009-06-25T20:15:00.006+01:00

Today the campaign for free visas for Chernobyl children from Ukraine received a big boost today with coverage on the BBC.

The Prime Minister has promised me a meeting with the Home Secretary to discuss why these children are being disadvantaged.

The Chernobyl childrens' charities will be joining me to make the case. It's peanuts to the Government but a fortune for the charities.

John Bercow can speak

2009-06-22T22:27:00.001+01:00

John Bercow's acceptance speech was as reassuring as it was eloquent.
Reassuring, as it is clear that he will be a reformer and reform is what
the House of Commons needs. And eloquence is what he'll need to bring
the opposing forces to a conclusion on reform and to communicate that
conclusion to the public.

I voted for Alan Beith in the first two ballots as he is a straight man
who would have been fair. But when Alan dropped out I voted for John
who represented a new generation.

I don't envy his task but he has the talent to deliver.

Saluting the armed forces

2009-06-22T16:49:00.002+01:00

My MSP colleague Jim Tolson and I joined Terry Fowler from the Royal British Legion to officially raise the special Armed Forces Day flag at the City Chambers in Dunfermline today.

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to salute the men and women of our armed forces both present and past.

Thanks to many factors including the war in Iraq there has been a fear that the reputation of our armed forces has suffered. Hence the reason that Labour established the special day.

Yet I think the reputation of the armed forces remains strong and it is the Labour Government that people clearly hold responsible for the war.

Torryburn Multi sports court

2009-06-21T16:29:00.008+01:00

Stepping in at the last minute I officially opened Torryburn Primary School's multi sports court on Saturday. I joined Jim Tolson for a game of short tennis. The school has grown in strength in recent years. It's great to see them doing so well.

Scrapping Trident is spot on

2009-06-17T18:34:00.003+01:00

Nick Clegg's announcement about Trident today is spot on. The world has changed since the height of the cold war. No longer do we need a full blooded Trident system that covers all eventualities no matter how unlikely those eventualities may be.

We need a comprehensive defence system that deals with foreseeable risks. To dole out for a hyper expensive Trident system when the public finances are in a mess and our troops on the ground are in desperate need of more helicopters and the right kit would not be right.

Trident fan Tory MP Julian Lewis and I engaged in a debate on BBC Radio Northampton today. His position is a counsel of despair - he wants Trident forever because, he says, he can't predict what's round the corner. He's made up his mind that we're keeping Trident. He's scuppering the Non Proliferation Talks next year before they have even begun.

That doesn't mean that we won't support some form of nuclear deterrent just not a gold plated one. We need something that's appropriate. I also want Britain negotiate our nuclear weapons away in next year's talks and the position taken today will significantly help the preparations for those talks by putting our nuclear deterrent front and central.

Chernobyl Children at PMQs

2009-06-17T14:04:00.003+01:00

I snuck in at number nine on the order paper to quiz the PM on Chernobyl children. I highlighted the anomaly that means Chernobyl children from Belarus who have recuperative holidays here receive free visas yet Chernobyl children from the north of Ukraine don't. That's the case even though the contamination in the north of Ukraine can be even worse than that in Belarus.

The PM agreed that I should have a meeting with the Home Secretary to discuss the issue. I am sure they will see the benefits of free visas for all Chernobyl children so that even more can benefit from holidays here.

http://www.ccll.org.uk/

http://www.chernobyl-children.org.uk/

Bill passes committee stage

2009-06-17T11:02:00.002+01:00

At breakneck speed this morning my Driving Instructors Bill passed its committee stage.

In forty-five minutes we covered all seven clauses, two schedules and twenty six government amendments.

Michael Connarty, Greg Knight and Robert Goodwill asked some very valid questions about dealing with malicious complaints, how serious the case would need to be before it required suspension and re-entry onto the register.

The Bill received unanimous support. It's a good example of cross party cooperation.

The Bill now goes for Report and Third Reading on Friday 26th June.

Another hurdle overcome for driving instructors bill

2009-06-15T22:51:00.001+01:00

In two short debates this evening Parliament gave approval for the Money Resolution and the Ways and Means Resolution for my driving instructors bill.

Those who have been listening carefully will know that my bill will bring in a power to suspend driving instructors convicted of sexual offences and the likes whilst their removal from the register is considered.

The resolutions allow for the funding of a compensation scheme for those who wrongly suspended and to enable a charge to extend the scheme to trainee instructors.

The Bill now goes to committee on Wednesday.

Iraq inquiry must be in public

2009-06-15T17:29:00.001+01:00

So much for Gordon Brown's grand democratic renewal programme. It lasted for just five days.

Today the PM announced a secret Iraq inquiry to be led by five establishment figures which will take until after the next General Election to report.

This is the old politics designed to sweep this colossal error - to invade Iraq - under the carpet.

The PM must change his mind.

Living off the land

2009-06-15T14:55:00.004+01:00

My Saturday nights have not been wild since I was a student through in Paisley - even then they weren't that wild. But last weekend instead of touring the pubs and clubs I spent a beautiful evening collecting wood with my good neighbour Duncan.

You see Duncan has installed a - what seems like an industrial sized - wood burner in his garage to heat his house and water. It's so big I reckon it could heat the street. This wood burner is hungry and swallows up large quantities of trees.

We would have collected the wood if we had spotted the swamp before it was too late. An hour later and with the help of the farmer and his tractor we started upon our task. I suspect we'll be back though as there's lots more to chop and his burner is still hungry.

So much for living off the land.

Scottish SPCA HQ Dunfermline

2009-06-15T09:34:00.002+01:00

Dunfermline and West Fife is increasingly seen as an alternative to Edinburgh to base your business.

In the last ten years we have seen literally thousands of people from the capital opting for the pleasures of the ancient capital.

Now businesses are following suit with Taylor Wimpey and now the Scottish Society for the Protection of Animals siting their HQs here.

I had the pleasure of visiting the latter's new HQ in Halbeath on Friday. The modern offices are ideal for their animal rescue hotline, fundraising, marketing, education and PR functions.

Their inspectors save thousands of domestic, farm and wild animals from harm and danger every year. Their vets and staff in their centres look after, rehabilitate and rehome thousands more animals.

All this - and more - is paid for by fundraising. They receive no Government support.

They are very welcome in Dunfermline.

It's just like the 90s thanks to Ken

2009-06-14T20:04:00.001+01:00

From afar I loved the Tories ripping out each others innards in the Maastricht Treaty battles of the 90s. The colourful suited eccentrics against the grey John Major characterised the trench warfare that was all consuming for the Conservatives.

Thanks to Ken Clarke the Tories are heading straight back there. He let slip today that if Ireland says yes the Tories won't hold a referendum. What's changed is that the centre of gravity of the party is now firmly in the Euro sceptic camp. So I suspect Ken and his Euro sensible colleagues will have more of a difficulty in winning this fight.

How odd it would be if the Tories ended up contesting the next General Election on a platform of no referendum when they, falsely, criticised the Lib Dems on the issue as recently as last week. And especially since the Lib Dems advocated a real (in/out) referendum. How odd.

Open air opera at Culross

2009-06-11T13:18:00.010+01:00

Last Sunday it was a delight to enjoy a post election bit of culture at the Abbey Gardens in Culross.

In glorious sunshine we enjoyed The Marriage of Figaro in the garden of Charles Bruce's home as part of the Culross Festival.

The festival organisers deserve plaudits for the quality of this annual festival.

Coal carrying - will I again?

2009-06-11T11:44:00.008+01:00

I'm tempted to endure the pain that will surely follow from taking part in the annual Scottish Coal Carrying Championships in Kelty later this month. I'm tempted as I hear that my good friend and Labour Councillor Willie Sullivan is training for the event.

Avid followers of the race will know that I was runner up in 2003 and third in 2006. So I've got a reputation to defend. We've just started beating Labour in West Fife and I'd rather that didn't change even if it means carrying a hundred weight (56kilos) for 1 km along Kelty Main Street again.

The race takes place at 12.15pm in Kelty on Saturday 27th June. For more information contact Michael Boyle, 23 Westcroft Way, Kelty, 01383-831782 / 07715304798.

Much anticipation - I should have known better

2009-06-11T11:26:00.002+01:00

After three years in the Commons you would think I would have learnt not to get too excited about reports of radical reform proposals from this Government. This week we had the prospect of electoral reform. Perhaps, just maybe, at last, a death bed conversion - but no just a promise to think about it from our conservative, defender of the establishment PM.

The Tories and Labour were united for a brief paragraph. United in condemnation of change. Determined to defend their in built advantage. I suppose I shouldn't criticise them for defending a system that has padlocked their grip on power for decades.

Apparently PR gave us the BNP. Apparently it had nothing to do with those who voted for them. No it was all because of the system!

I'll not get my hopes up again in a hurry.

Not a bad Euro Campaign result

2009-06-08T20:20:00.001+01:00

It is increasingly apparent that our vote and performance at each election is robust. We don't seem to suffer from wild declines like Labour and the Tories. It's a tribute to our solid work to convince voters of the merits of our team and approach.

Just like the locals where we increased our share of the vote to 28%, we've increased the number of seats in the European Parliament.

In key marginals we did especially well taking the lead in a whole host of seats where we are hoping to win at the General Election.

What is especially satisfying is that we fought the campaign on a pro European ticket and, despite what the sceptics say, we didn't suffer. If there had been a clearer focus on the range of relevant and crucial European issues I am confident we could have had a stimulating debate and benefited significantly as a result.

Time for a General Election

2009-06-03T17:01:00.001+01:00

Although Gordon Brown was on reasonable form today at Prime Minister's Questions he certainly had to be to cope with the storm that is raging around him.

The Westminster village loves the chatter on who's up and who's down but the crisis in the cabinet and the crisis in the parliament on expenses has created a massive policy and leadership vacuum.

Issues like GM motors, the ongoing failure of the banks to lend, the growing levels of unemployment and the many serious European issues have been left on the sidelines by the Government.

The Government will be hamstrung by its internal disputes and parliament by the expenses scandal until we have the cleansing process of a general election.

That's why I'll be joining my colleagues in the aye lobby next week on a motion of no confidence in the Government.

And I would argue that many Labour MPs will be tempted by the thought of an election too. Many have simply had enough, can't see any way forward for this government and want to take their chances with the voters.

Let's get on with it.

Whil

Reformers, internationalists and some nice coverage too

2009-06-02T21:08:00.003+01:00

We have, at long last, had some good press this week. The Guardian Editorial today reported "The case for supporting the Liberal Democrats is now very strong."

Polly Toynbee came out in support today too writing: "On the economy or crime co-operation, "stronger together, poorer apart" is a good Lib Dem pro-EU slogan. They best deserve the vote of every pro-European on Thursday."

The Observer extolled the virtues of the Lib Dems on Sunday: "This Thursday's vote is being held in a uniquely febrile climate. It should be about Europe; it will be about the expenses scandal. On both counts, it is a moment to reward the principled consistency of the Liberal Democrats."

And to top it all a poll in the Sunday Telegraph putting the Lib Dems on 25% - ahead of Labour. Not that I pay too much attention to polls but it's nice to have a good rating all the same.

We've been working hard to get our message across about the necessity for international cooperation and reform. We are internationalists and reformers after all. Let's hope it pays off on Thursday.

Longannet Carbon Capture

2009-05-31T09:18:00.001+01:00

From a posh Marquee in the middle of Longannet Power Station the Carbon
Capture Mobile Test Unit was officially launched on Friday.

The Unit will show what could be done to reduce carbon emissions from
our coal fired power stations which can be extremely damaging to the
environment.

It's the first time the technology has been tested on a coal fired power
station in Europe.

With easy access to the North Sea Oil Fields and a huge aquifer,
Longannet is ideally sited. And as the station is the third biggest in
Europe there would be plenty bang for the buck - the reduction in carbon
emissions for the investment made could be considerable.

The real challenge is to reduce the amount of energy used in the process
of capturing the carbon. There is some way to go yet but this is a good
start.

European Arrest Warrant

2009-05-26T18:20:00.003+01:00

I find it staggering that the Tories and UKIP would rather let robbers, fraudsters and even killers go free rather than work with our European neighbours on tackling crime. It's difficult to believe that they didn't support the European Arrest Warrant.

They are putting dogma before our safety.

Ed Davey was right on Radio Four's Today programme to criticise the Tories and UKIP for this.

Take a look at the Lib Dems' European Election website for more information.

Delight for Ghurkas

2009-05-21T20:54:00.002+01:00

Gordon Brown has done the decent and honourable thing by granting Gurkhas, who've served for at least four years, the right to live here if they choose.

In a week when Parliament has not covered itself in glory this decision will go someway to restore that reputation.

Nick Clegg has skilfully managed the campaign in Parliament with the outstanding support of Joanna Lumley and Councillor Peter Carroll outside Parliament.

Chris Rennard to stand down as Chief Executive

2009-05-21T13:18:00.001+01:00

Chris Rennard has changed the Liberal Democrats out of all recognition. From a party with only a few MPs he has turned us into an effective fighting force across the UK.

I'm sad that he has decided to stand down as Chief Executive of the Party in the summer but am very grateful for all he has done for us.

He'll still be around - helping us to win over and over again.

No apology from the regulators then

2009-05-20T20:26:00.004+01:00

The Financial Services Authority, Bank of England and the Treasury appeared before the Scottish Affairs Select Committee today in the first evidence session for the Dunfermline Building Society inquiry.

Despite effective probing from MPs Ian Davidson and Alistair Carmichael about why they failed to spot and stop the "reckless decision making" at the Society, they said they had done nothing wrong.

If Society was so reckless surely they should have stepped in to put an end to end. But they didn't. This another example of the failure of regulation.

Tories would rather let criminals go free than work with Europe!

2009-05-20T20:13:00.004+01:00

Lib Dem Chris Huhne has just launched a new set of post cards and leaflets for the European Election Campaign. They show that the Tories put dogma before our safety with their ideological opposition to Europe.

They are so opposed to working with our European neighbours that they would rather let criminals go free. They would scrap the European Arrest Warrant that has led to the speedy extradition of thousands of criminals across Europe.

Forth crossing funding

2009-05-18T09:09:00.002+01:00

In my adjournment debate this evening at 10pm I will be begging (yes begging) the Government to step in, reach an agreement and resolve the current uncertainty over the new Forth Crossing.

The SNP Government in Scotland has been in power for two years now but despite the bridge being a priority they haven't settled the funding issue. The Scottish Futures Trust hasn't raised a single penny. They seem more interested in another bust up with Westminster that securing Scotland's premier transport artery.

If the SNP are so determined to use this as a political football I have no option but to seek direct support from Westminster who have already accepted the principle of direct support but have not come forward with new money yet.

Deep Sea World

2009-05-15T23:57:00.003+01:00

When it first opened in the mid nineties Deep Sea World at North Queensferry was attracting massive crowds - up to five thousand a day. The queues were so long it took staff an hour to walk from one end to the other to entertain the waiting visitors.

During my visit yesterday I discovered that special world below the Forth Bridge hasn't lost its appeal. That underwater moving walkway still sparks the imagination and the Centre is constantly evolving with new exhibits.

But what shone out was the contribution that the staff make to the experience. From when I first walked through the front door when all three assistant smiled a warm welcome to Gerry the manager enthusiastically showing me his centre liking a doting father I could tell that the staff would do their very best make this Deep Sea World special for each and every visitor.

www.deepseaworld.com

Driving instructors bill makes progress

2009-05-15T23:57:00.001+01:00

I'm immensely grateful to MPs Alistair Burt, Jim Fitzpatrick and Chris Chope for their support today. If it wasn't for them my Driving Instructors Bill on the power to suspend driving instructors convicted of serious offences would have failed to get its Second Reading.

It's very unusual for Presentation Bills to progress without debate on Private Members Business. The Government and Official Opposition regard it as standard practice to object and it only takes one MP to object for a bill to fail to proceed.

Last month when my Bill was up for consideration it received an objection but thanks to Alistair, Jim and Chris the path was cleared today and it received no objection at the end of business at 2.30pm.

The Bill now goes to Committee for detailed consideration before returning to the floor of the House.

I've been at this for two and a half years following the sexual assault of one of my constituents by her driving instructor. Even after conviction he was allowed to continue teaching for six weeks before he was finally barred.

If the Bill passes all its stages the Driving Standards Agency will have the power to suspend immediately.

Good landlords hit by housing benefit changes

2009-05-13T19:57:00.001+01:00

In response to my question on Monday Work and Pensions Minister Kitty Usher dismissed the concerns of landlords who are getting stung by the changes to the housing benefit rules.

The changes mean almost all tenants now receive their housing benefit instead of it going direct to the private landlord. That is a good principle as it technically empowers tenants but too many are preyed on by loan sharks and other creditors leaving them vulnerable. The result is that landlords are left to carry the can and many are simply refusing to take on housing benefit clients as a result.

I fear for the effect on homelessness if too many good private landlords leave the sector.

We need a more sensitive system that ensures tenants and landlords do not lose out. The minister says councils have the discretion to reintroduce direct payments before the eight week deadline for non payment of rent but a fraction earlier is not sufficient. The trigger period needs to be much, much earlier than that.

I will continue to argue the case with the minister.

Tory isolationists

2009-05-12T18:58:00.002+01:00

There was a good story in the Independent on Sunday setting out our approach to the European Election Campaign on crime and Europe. It's certainly worth a read.

The Tories have really got a lot of explaining to do on their isolationist approach. They seem so obsessed about distancing the UK from Europe that they are prepared to make our country less safe in the process. Dogma over safety.

Launching the European Election Campaign

2009-05-12T13:46:00.002+01:00

Today's launch of the Lib Dem European Election Campaign was feisty and upbeat. We set out the dangers of isolating Britain from our European neighbours.

Nick Clegg, Andrew Duff and Sarah Ludford were on top form, confidently setting out why a Tory vote would be a wasted vote in the European Elections. Their decision to cut themselves off from the mainstream of European politics by leaving the EPP group means they will have little say in the future direction of Europe.

The trio also set out why the Conservative isolation policies would make Britain a less safe place to live. The Tories are opposed to working together with other countries on justice matters like the European Arrest Warrant that has led to the speedy extradition of thousands of suspected criminals across Europe.

Finally, Nick was strongly dismissive of Labour. Stating that they are finished he argued that if Gordon Brown can't even make friends with his own cabinet it's not a surprise that he can't make friends with our neighbours in Europe.

All in all a good day.

http://europe.libdems.org.uk/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8045245.stm

Nelson's of Culross

2009-05-08T22:07:00.001+01:00

Councillor Gerry McMullan and I ventured out onto Blair Mains Farm at Culross to get a taste of the soon to be famous ice cream made by the Nelson's from milk produced by their own cows.

After only two years on the go the business - and its tasty ice cream - is already making a mark in the local area.

www.nelsonsofculrossicecream.com

Jim and Alex - please kiss and make up

2009-05-06T21:58:00.004+01:00

In Scottish Questions today I challenged the Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy to reach an agreement with Alex Salmond on the funding of the replacement Forth Road Bridge. This saga has been dragging on for too long and is in danger of affecting investment and jobs.

The UK Government has accepted in principle their responsibility to assist yet have not offered real, new money - only funds that were already coming to Scotland. The SNP also need to explore all methods of paying for the crossing instead of simply blaming London. They haven't raised a single penny from their Scottish Futures Trust for the bridge.

I fear that Alex Salmond and Jim Murphy are letting their political differences get in the way of finding a solution to this vital project for Scotland. Their stubbornness is damaging.

Here's the extract from Scottish Questions:
River Forth (New Crossing)
6. Willie Rennie (Dunfermline and West Fife) (LD): What the outcomes were of his recent discussions with the Chief Secretary of the Treasury and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in the Scottish Executive on funding for the construction of a new crossing over the River Forth.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Jim Murphy): I want to see the new crossing over the River Forth built. We had a constructive meeting on 4 March and identified a number of ways of dealing with the funding of a new bridge.

Willie Rennie: I thank the Scottish Secretary for that answer. People in Fife are getting exasperated by the failure of the Scottish Executive and the UK Government to reach an agreement on this. The £1 billion that has been offered is not new money, and not a single penny has been raised by the Scottish Government to pay for this bridge. I know that the Scottish Secretary and the First Minister aren't best buddies, but can they please kiss and make up and sort out this problem before it has an effect on Scottish jobs and Scottish investment?

Mr. Murphy: I know that the hon. Gentleman has been campaigning for this bridge for some time, as have my hon. Friend the Member for Glenrothes (Lindsay Roy) and others in Fife. We had that meeting, and we offered a package of support of up to £1 billion for the new Forth road crossing, including £500 million as consequentials from Crossrail. I am disappointed, and I think all of Scotland will be disappointed, that the Scottish Government at the moment refuse to accept this offer of unprecedented support for this Forth crossing, but despite the opposition, the offer still lies on the table.

The First Delegated Legislation Committee

2009-05-05T18:11:00.001+01:00

The First Delegated Legislation Committee isn't usually the most riveting experience but today it was an opportunity to press the Treasury Minister on the Dunfermline Building Society.

Today, there were three orders for consideration and the government were seeking the approval of the House of Commons for its decision to break up of the Society.

I asked when the approx. 150 members of the Society's final salary pension scheme will receive assurances on their pensions as the scheme has been put into administration. The Minister, Ian Pearson, wasn't able to give me any public assurances but agreed to write to me with a detailed public response soon.

I also wanted to know if the quality of service provided to the housing associations from DBS Ltd - the bridge bank for the social housing loan book - will be maintained at a high level. As the loan book is currently being sold there is a danger the quality of service will be diminished through that process. The Minister took the message.

Finally, I asked about the potential for the administrators, KPMG, to milk the fees for the service they are providing for the commercial loan book put into administration. The minister indicated he was sympathetic. We'll see if any action is taken.

I was disappointed with the insubstantial nature of the Minister's responses but hopefully the issues I raised will be taken on board.

Muir Dean Opencast Coal Mine

2009-05-05T11:41:00.004+01:00

Last week I visited the opencast coal mine at Muir Dean, Crossgates for the first time.

I was shown the mine operations, the safety measures, the temporary water treatment process, the development of the permanent treatment process and the mound.

I relayed the results of my quick survey of local residents who were concerned about the blasting and the water levels. ATH were surprised about the blasting and agreed to feed that into the safety process. They had experienced no difficulties with the water levels and encountered no subsidence as a result of any change.

I want to hear from local people about their experiences of the site.

The Gurkhas

2009-05-05T11:30:00.003+01:00

I was delighted by last week's vote on the Gurkhas. Parliament did the decent thing. But the battle continues as we need to make sure the Government accepts the will of Parliament and brings forward a package that gives settlement rights to the Gurkhas.

I've received a big response from local people who hold the Gurkhas in high regard.

Afghanistan and Pakistan

2009-05-04T22:32:00.001+01:00

I backed the government's previous strategy on Afghanistan and the new one seems OK too. But the real problem has been, and will continue to be, successful delivery of that strategy.

Many people I speak to don't believe we should have troops there and equate Afghanistan with Iraq. I opposed the invasion in Iraq but support our effort in Afghanistan. We need to prevent Al Qaeda from using Afghanistan for training cam. If we don't we'll find that we will have more terrorist attacks in the UK.

Part of the solution in the country is in the hands of the other countries in the region like Iran, Russia, China and even India. Yet the PM's statement today didn't even mention those countries.

I will continue to quiz the government on Afghanistan and Pakistan as the pace of improvement is not good enough.

Fife - a centre of energy excellence

2009-04-29T20:28:00.001+01:00

Iberdrola, the owners of Scottish Power, are world leaders in energy generation especially wind power. They have pledged to establish a centre of excellence for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology at Longannet if the power station is successful in securing government backing for a CCS plant.

That would be a huge boost for Fife and would be complementary to the energy park being developed in Methil and would give the Kingdom a central role in developing new energy technologies.

My full speech is available on www.theyworkforyou.com

Gurkhas

2009-04-29T19:53:00.001+01:00

The Gurkha vote in Parliament today was a victory for common decency. To win by over twenty votes was a pleasant surprise.

To me it was a simple issue the Gurkhas put their lives on the line for our security. I therefore believe they have the right to live here.

In a Parliamentary debate led two years ago by Bob Russell MP we edged the Government in the right direction but they refused to budge on the right to live here.

I raised the issue in Parliament several time and again last week when there were indications that the Government were preparing for a shabby response to the successful court case.

Nick Clegg identified this as a moral issue and he was right to give these brave people his backing.

The universe is too big to think about

2009-04-22T19:56:00.001+01:00

I prefer not to think about the universe as the whole thing is too much to contemplate. A new pair of fell shoes is a much better choice for brain energy. The numbers that the Chancellor was spitting out today were much too big to contemplate - 175 billion pounds of debt and more - so he opted to talk about the minutia instead. The trouble is that I can get away with not thinking about the universe whereas the Chancellor doesn't have that luxury with the economy.

Now, don't get me wrong, some of the minutia was important but that stuff should not have been centre stage. There was no great vision of a new world in the budget. Instead it was a hotch potch of different measures, worthy enough in their own right, but insufficient to get the passions raised.

If we expect the public to put up with the pain they'll want to know the gain first.

I was pleased by the coal carbon capture news that will enable up to four demonstration schemes to proceed. It means that Longannet Power Station has a great chance to show what it can do. It could turn Longannet it Scotland's green power house.

I was, however, very disappointed that the Chancellor didn't stump up the necessary funding to replace the Forth Road Bridge. The SNP failed to raise a single penny for it but I fear that Westminster may fail too.

Alton Towers

2009-04-21T13:27:00.004+01:00

Over the recess I spent a few days with the family in Alton Towers (www.altontowers.com). Plummeting down the vertical ride that is Oblivion is the best way that I've found to forget about Westminster.

I'm glad I've got two boys in different age groups because it means I have an excuse to go on the full range of rides from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory through to Nemesis.

The expression on Stephen's (4) face as we tore around on the Run Away Train was the a mixture of joy and extreme fear. It was only when he started to laugh did we realise he wasn't going to cry. Alexander (12) coolly took everything in his stride but Nemesis tested that to the limits.

The waterpark at the hotel was the best I've experienced with huge volumes of water gushing in all directions.
Despite the poor information systems in the park and the painfully slow service in Flambo's Feast restaurant in the Splash Landings Hotel it was a great break.

International Fire Rescue Association

2009-04-05T19:53:00.003+01:00

As Honorary President of the Rosyth based International Fire Rescue Association I take every opportunity to see them off on their latest mission. On Friday a team of four set off for Bosnia with another van full of fire fighting and school supplies. They will also be training the local rescue services.

This is a great service the Association provides. I was told that donated equipment that went out to Bosnia last year was used to save children from a fire in an orphanage. Quite literally all of this donated equipment is helping to save lives.

On the PM's patch

2009-04-03T18:19:00.003+01:00

It’s wonderful to see a business expanding during the recession. I was pleased to be asked to officially open Water Coolers Scotland’s newly expanded premises at Kelty – in the PM’s patch – today.

It's a great business that supplies water coolers to businesses and the public sector across Scotland. With twenty seven employees it's a business that I am sure will continue to grow.

Save the honey bee

2009-04-03T09:17:00.002+01:00

Last night I attended the West Fife Beekeepers Association to discuss the plight of the honey bee which has seen a dramatic decline. Since the winter of 2007 there has been a 30% reduction in the population of domestic honey bees due to the varroa destructor mite.

Scottish bee farmers run up to a quarter of the UK’s commercial bee hives and also make up a significant portion of the UK’s amateur beekeeping population. Yet despite their importance, Scotland only has four bee inspectors to investigate cases of disease outbreak.

The Western honey bee plays a vital role within the planet's eco-system, pollinating 70% of the food that we eat and contributing over £165 million per year to agricultural output. Put simply, fewer bees will mean less pollination, a decline in plant life and a huge blow to animal life.

I am pressing the Scottish and UK Governments to work together to tackle this problem. I also want to see a significant increase in funding to research new treatments and see more people qualified to treat bees.