Jim speaks in debate on the Future of Town Centres
On Tuesday Jim contributed to the debate in the House of Commons on the Future of Town Centres and High Streets. The debate followed the publication by Mary Portas into the problems faced by High Streets in Britain. Jim, who was until recently the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group, can be seen speaking from 16:30:22 in the video below;
To see the report from the All Party Small Shops Group that Jim refers to, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/15_02_06_highstreet.pdf
Families with children hardest hit by Government cuts
The latest report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) shows that spending cuts imposed by the Tory/Lib Dem government will impact most on families with children.
The report, released this month, shows that a couple with two children will be £1,250 a year worse off by 2015.
The study looked at the changes to tax credits and benefits and the introduction of the 'Universal Credit'.
Families with children will see a fall in income of 4.2% to 2015 compared with just 0.9% for couples without children.
Labour's Shadow Minister for Women and Inequalities, Yvette Cooper, said: "David Cameron and his cabinet are completely out of touch with the pressure on families across Britain.
"This independent research is a damning verdict on the Conservative-led Government's policies for families and children.
"It shows that families with children are being hit more than four times harder than the average household and it leaves David Cameron's promise to be a family-friendly Government in tatters.
"The Government is taking more from children than from the banks. Women and children are paying the highest price and it isn't even working - with £158billion more borrowing than planned as a result of the coalition's failed economic policies."
The report also showed that non-working lone parents will lose more than 12% of their income on average - equivalent to £2,000 a year.
Jim said: "This is exactly what we've come to expect from the Tory/Lib Dem Government - letting women and children bear the brunt of the financial crisis while letting the bankers get away with it.
"It's hurting ordinary people up and down the country and it's clearly not working."
FRIDAY JANUARY 6, 2011
The report, released this month, shows that a couple with two children will be £1,250 a year worse off by 2015.
The study looked at the changes to tax credits and benefits and the introduction of the 'Universal Credit'.
Families with children will see a fall in income of 4.2% to 2015 compared with just 0.9% for couples without children.
Labour's Shadow Minister for Women and Inequalities, Yvette Cooper, said: "David Cameron and his cabinet are completely out of touch with the pressure on families across Britain.
"This independent research is a damning verdict on the Conservative-led Government's policies for families and children.
"It shows that families with children are being hit more than four times harder than the average household and it leaves David Cameron's promise to be a family-friendly Government in tatters.
"The Government is taking more from children than from the banks. Women and children are paying the highest price and it isn't even working - with £158billion more borrowing than planned as a result of the coalition's failed economic policies."
The report also showed that non-working lone parents will lose more than 12% of their income on average - equivalent to £2,000 a year.
Jim said: "This is exactly what we've come to expect from the Tory/Lib Dem Government - letting women and children bear the brunt of the financial crisis while letting the bankers get away with it.
"It's hurting ordinary people up and down the country and it's clearly not working."
FRIDAY JANUARY 6, 2011
Constituents make their voice heard to protect cheques
After a huge public outcry, the planned abolition of cheques has been scrapped - they will remain in use as long as people need them.
Jim wrote to the Payments Council - a body made up of major UK banks - to oppose the scrapping of cheques after being contacted by concerned constituents.
It was announced yesterday that the plan has been shelved and the target of 2018 for the closure of cheque clearing has been cancelled.
Learning of the news, Jim said: "I'm very relieved as will be many of my constituents, particularly the older population who seemed most concerned.
"Cheques are a tried and trusted method of payment and, as the Payments Council has learned over the last few months, people do not want to see them abolished."
An alternative, paper-based method of payment to replace cheques had been worked on since last year with the aim of having a concrete proposal in September this year.
However, the Payments Council has concluded early that this would not be the best option and that retaining the cheque is a better approach.
Richard North, chairman of the Payments Council, said: "It's in the DNA of the Payments Council to consult and listen to all those people who actually make payments and use cheques.
"We have concluded we should reassure customers that the cheque is staying."
WEDNESDAY JULY 13, 2011
Jim wrote to the Payments Council - a body made up of major UK banks - to oppose the scrapping of cheques after being contacted by concerned constituents.
It was announced yesterday that the plan has been shelved and the target of 2018 for the closure of cheque clearing has been cancelled.
Learning of the news, Jim said: "I'm very relieved as will be many of my constituents, particularly the older population who seemed most concerned.
"Cheques are a tried and trusted method of payment and, as the Payments Council has learned over the last few months, people do not want to see them abolished."
An alternative, paper-based method of payment to replace cheques had been worked on since last year with the aim of having a concrete proposal in September this year.
However, the Payments Council has concluded early that this would not be the best option and that retaining the cheque is a better approach.
Richard North, chairman of the Payments Council, said: "It's in the DNA of the Payments Council to consult and listen to all those people who actually make payments and use cheques.
"We have concluded we should reassure customers that the cheque is staying."
WEDNESDAY JULY 13, 2011
Jim backs calls for a ban on wild animals in circuses
On Thursday June 23, Jim spoke in the lively debate in the House of Commons on the use of wild animals in circuses. Animal welfare is an issue that Jim has repeatedly campaigned on and he supported the cross party motion calling for a ban on using wild animals in circuses. Previously, the Tory/Liberal government had rejected calls for a ban, instead proposing a licensing scheme - a policy that was condemned by animal welfare experts. Thankfully the motion was carried and now the Government should put together plans for a complete ban.
To see Jim's speech skip to 16:18:13 on the video below.
To see Jim's speech skip to 16:18:13 on the video below.
Jim campaigns against unfair changes to pensions
Jim is backing Age UK’s campaign against Government plans which will see thousands of women waiting longer for their state pension.
The Tory/Liberal proposals will see a wait of two years longer than promised under the Coalition agreement – yet another broken promise by this Government.
Many constituents in Lewisham and Bromley have contacted Jim protesting against the changes. They are some of the 330,000 women who will be worst affected.
Jim said: “These proposals will hurt thousands of hard-working women who believed their retirement was just around the corner.
“Many are being forced to wait up to two years longer and stand to lose up to £10,000 as a result. It is unfair to expect them to postpone their retirement plans.
“Working longer is not an option for many of this age group with the caring responsibilities and health problems they face.
“These women are also anxious about how they will make ends meet if these proposals go ahead. After paying into their pensions all their working lives they don’t deserve a delay to their state pension.”
In its current form the Pensions Bill intends to bring forward equalisation of the State Pension Age to 65 to 2018, instead of 2020 as previously planned. Pension Age for both men and women will then increase to 66 by 2020. All women born between 6th April 1953 and 5th April 1960 will be affected by the changes.
State Pension Age will be increased for 2.6 million women, but 330,000 women across the country will be hit hardest, having to wait between 18 months and two years longer for their state pension.
Jim has also signed Early Day Motion 1402 to reverse the changes which break the Coalition Agreement’s pledge to hold off speeding up the equalisation of the State Pension Age.
FRIDAY MAY 27, 2011
The Tory/Liberal proposals will see a wait of two years longer than promised under the Coalition agreement – yet another broken promise by this Government.
Many constituents in Lewisham and Bromley have contacted Jim protesting against the changes. They are some of the 330,000 women who will be worst affected.
Jim said: “These proposals will hurt thousands of hard-working women who believed their retirement was just around the corner.
“Many are being forced to wait up to two years longer and stand to lose up to £10,000 as a result. It is unfair to expect them to postpone their retirement plans.
“Working longer is not an option for many of this age group with the caring responsibilities and health problems they face.
“These women are also anxious about how they will make ends meet if these proposals go ahead. After paying into their pensions all their working lives they don’t deserve a delay to their state pension.”
In its current form the Pensions Bill intends to bring forward equalisation of the State Pension Age to 65 to 2018, instead of 2020 as previously planned. Pension Age for both men and women will then increase to 66 by 2020. All women born between 6th April 1953 and 5th April 1960 will be affected by the changes.
State Pension Age will be increased for 2.6 million women, but 330,000 women across the country will be hit hardest, having to wait between 18 months and two years longer for their state pension.
Jim has also signed Early Day Motion 1402 to reverse the changes which break the Coalition Agreement’s pledge to hold off speeding up the equalisation of the State Pension Age.
FRIDAY MAY 27, 2011
Jim tells the Tory/Lib Dems: "Cut crime, not police"
Jim joined Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Wednesday to argue against the Tory/Lib Dem cuts to frontline police.
The 20 per cent cuts to police budgets imposed by the current government will see less police on the streets of Lewisham West and Penge - at a time when residents are asking for more.
When Labour left office there were record numbers of police on our streets - a 33,000 increase in uniformed officers since 1997.
But Tory/Lib Dem cuts will see around 1,000 frontline officers axed from the Met Police force alone.
Jim said: "The Tory/Lib Dem government are going too far and too fast with their cuts to public services.
"They say that they want to cut back office staff but they don't realise that a lot of these roles enable police officers to get on to the streets.
"Experts have said that a 12 per cent cut in funding is the most that could be made while seeing police numbers maintained but the government is pushing too far with 20 per cent - it will undoubtedly make people feel less safe and will make it harder to cut crime."
FRIDAY APRIL 1, 2011
The 20 per cent cuts to police budgets imposed by the current government will see less police on the streets of Lewisham West and Penge - at a time when residents are asking for more.
When Labour left office there were record numbers of police on our streets - a 33,000 increase in uniformed officers since 1997.
But Tory/Lib Dem cuts will see around 1,000 frontline officers axed from the Met Police force alone.
Jim said: "The Tory/Lib Dem government are going too far and too fast with their cuts to public services.
"They say that they want to cut back office staff but they don't realise that a lot of these roles enable police officers to get on to the streets.
"Experts have said that a 12 per cent cut in funding is the most that could be made while seeing police numbers maintained but the government is pushing too far with 20 per cent - it will undoubtedly make people feel less safe and will make it harder to cut crime."
FRIDAY APRIL 1, 2011
Jim speaks on Libya
On Monday March 21, Jim took part in the debate in the House of Commons regarding the unfolding situation in Libya and Britain's involvement in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1973.
To see Jim speak, skip to 17.06.38 on the video below;
To see Jim speak, skip to 17.06.38 on the video below;
Government forced to abandon forest sell-off
After a huge public outcry, the Tory/Liberals have abandoned their appalling plans to sell off Britain's forests.
Many Lewisham West and Penge residents joined the chorus of dismay across Britain at the plans outlined by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Jim wrote to Secretary of State Caroline Spelman MP on behalf of the constituents who contacted him, asking the government to think twice about their plans.
Thankfully, Mrs Spelman has now performed a U-turn and blocked the sell-off. She told the House of Commons on February 17: "I have taken a decision to end the consultation on the future of the public forest estate, and I take full responsibility for that.
"I am doing so because it is clear from the early responses to the consultation that the public and many hon. members are not happy with the proposals we set out.
"I am sorry we got this one wrong."
Jim said: "I'd like to thank the huge numbers of people who contacted me regarding the government's plans to flog off the nation's wildlife and forest land. Thankfully, we made this Tory/Liberal government see the error of its ways and we have managed to protect our forests for the public to whom they rightfully belong."
A full transcript of Mrs Spelman's climb-down in the Commons can be found here;
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110217/debtext/110217-0002.htm#11021765001418
MONDAY 21 FEBRUARY, 2011
Many Lewisham West and Penge residents joined the chorus of dismay across Britain at the plans outlined by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Jim wrote to Secretary of State Caroline Spelman MP on behalf of the constituents who contacted him, asking the government to think twice about their plans.
Thankfully, Mrs Spelman has now performed a U-turn and blocked the sell-off. She told the House of Commons on February 17: "I have taken a decision to end the consultation on the future of the public forest estate, and I take full responsibility for that.
"I am doing so because it is clear from the early responses to the consultation that the public and many hon. members are not happy with the proposals we set out.
"I am sorry we got this one wrong."
Jim said: "I'd like to thank the huge numbers of people who contacted me regarding the government's plans to flog off the nation's wildlife and forest land. Thankfully, we made this Tory/Liberal government see the error of its ways and we have managed to protect our forests for the public to whom they rightfully belong."
A full transcript of Mrs Spelman's climb-down in the Commons can be found here;
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110217/debtext/110217-0002.htm#11021765001418
MONDAY 21 FEBRUARY, 2011
Jim attacks the Government's NHS plans
Jim spoke against the Tory-led Government's Health and Social Care Bill in its second reading in the Commons on Monday January 31.
See the video below and skip to 18:10:20 to see Jim speak.
See the video below and skip to 18:10:20 to see Jim speak.
Tory/Lib Dem take "massive gamble" with cuts
Jim Dowd MP's reposnse to the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review:
"The Government’s cuts are a huge gamble, full of short-term measures that will create a false economy and the cuts are similar to those implemented by Ireland that sparked a slump back into recession within four or five months.
"Clearly the issue of the deficit reduction needs to be addressed but the best way to do that is through growth - with the Tory/Liberal proposals the economy will not be able to grow.
"It will have a massive impact on Lewisham, Bromley and South East London as a whole - other than retail we have no significant private employers in Lewisham and Bromley meaning these public job cuts will hit hard.
"The Government argue that people can simply go and find jobs in the private sector but there is little or no evidence that people can do this – many private companies are shedding jobs too.
"The cuts to the police budget will also have a damaging effect. The claim that just civilian and back office staff will be affected is simply not the case – it will have a huge impact on the numbers of officers on our streets.
"The Tory/Liberal ministers seem to forget that these civilian workers do work that makes it possible for officers to be out and about.
"It is clear this Government have taken a massive gamble with people's lives and people's jobs. These cuts will not just be numbers on a spreadsheet, they will begin affecting everyone very soon and my Labour colleagues and I will continue to fight against this Government's reckless measures."
"The Government’s cuts are a huge gamble, full of short-term measures that will create a false economy and the cuts are similar to those implemented by Ireland that sparked a slump back into recession within four or five months.
"Clearly the issue of the deficit reduction needs to be addressed but the best way to do that is through growth - with the Tory/Liberal proposals the economy will not be able to grow.
"It will have a massive impact on Lewisham, Bromley and South East London as a whole - other than retail we have no significant private employers in Lewisham and Bromley meaning these public job cuts will hit hard.
"The Government argue that people can simply go and find jobs in the private sector but there is little or no evidence that people can do this – many private companies are shedding jobs too.
"The cuts to the police budget will also have a damaging effect. The claim that just civilian and back office staff will be affected is simply not the case – it will have a huge impact on the numbers of officers on our streets.
"The Tory/Liberal ministers seem to forget that these civilian workers do work that makes it possible for officers to be out and about.
"It is clear this Government have taken a massive gamble with people's lives and people's jobs. These cuts will not just be numbers on a spreadsheet, they will begin affecting everyone very soon and my Labour colleagues and I will continue to fight against this Government's reckless measures."
