Queen's Speech:

LAST Wednesday the Queen came to Parliament in order to open a new Parliamentary session outlining the Government's legislative programme for the forthcoming term.

The Queen's Speech included 15 new bills with the thrust of the new legislation being concentrated on crime.

Law and order is an important issue and the need to reduce the level of, and fear of crime in our community is paramount.

Bills to tackle juvenile crime, seize the assets from convicted criminals and toughen sentencing on car crime are some of the new measures to be introduced. This comes just months after the Home Secretary announced a three year package with an extra £10 billion being invested into the police force.

If new stringent measures are to be introduced then more police officers have to be employed to enforce the law.

Other measures included in the Queen's Speech covered health and education, home buying. A Bill will also be put forward giving MPs a free vote on a ban on hunting with hounds. Given the overwhelming support amongst the public and Members of Parliament for a ban this is probably the best opportunity we have of actually enforcing a ban on hunting with hounds.

Minicom telephones:

The use of telephones at railway and bus stations is an essential service and individuals with hearing difficulties should have access to them. With the technology available in the form of Minicom telephones, I think railway and bus companies should work with the telephone companies to install Minicoms at railway and bus stations.

I have tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons forwarding this view. It has attracted support from MPs of all the main political parties and I intend to campaign so that people with hearing difficulties are not excluded from such a basic and essential service.

Tatton Community Centre Fair:

I was delighted to be invited to open the Tatton Community Centre Christmas Fair. It was well supported and as always the welcome was second to none.

Every time I go there, more and more facilities appear to be available for people of all ages and this is down to the dedication of volunteers.

Unfortunately Tom Watson, chairman of the group, could not be with us due to ill health. We wish him well and hope to see him back to full fitness soon.

Rural White Paper Launch:

The Government recently launched its Rural White Paper and Patricia Hewitt MP, Minister for Small Business and E-Commerce, came to Bishop Rawstorne Language College to launch it in the North West.

The Rural White Paper covers a range of issues affecting rural communities, including farming, small business, transport and schools. This is the first major study of rural affairs, and there are many rural issues in this area, such as transport, which clearly have to be addressed. The Government has already begun to tackle this with the 10 Year Transport Plan which will witness an extra £180 billion invested in our public transport system.

Rural communities are important and I will continue to represent their interests in Parliament.

Inskip League:

The Inskip League held their Christmas party and it was with great pleasure that I joined members of the group last week.

The Inskip League helps disabled people and the event provided an opportunity to meet friends and enjoy a meal.

The excellent work carried out by the league is only possible due to the dedication of those who run the organisation and special thanks must go to Ted and Rose Rees for organising the event.