Every month our local MP reports back to party members on his activities. Ian Mearns’ Parliamentary Report from 1 September 2011 is now available on our website.
Topics covered this month include constituency visits, the boundary review and local campaigning.
August Parliamentary Report
As it has been the Parliamentary summer recess, this month’s parliamentary report does not include any Westminster business.
Constituency Business
I visited the North East Regional Youth Work Unit that is based in Design Works, Felling. The Unit has over the past 20 years or so developed a huge array of projects in support of young people and the work around youth participation is of particular note.
I was invited to visit Walkerview, Felling to meet and chat to residents and the care staff. It was lovely to meet all the residents and listen to their concerns and a recurring theme emerged; that Walkerview was well regarded by its residents.
I attended the Labour North boundary review meeting, where those present were given the official timetable and were informed that the provisional recommendations from the Boundary Commission will be published this month.
I spoke to a group of young people and answered an array of questions at a National Citizen Service event, where we discussed citizenship; the democratic process and my own route into politics.
I was pleased to attend the official opening of the Japanese Friendship garden at Saltwell Park and also attended the evening reception at St Mary’s Church to celebrate the twinning link with Komatsu.
I popped in to the annual summer Flower Show at Gateshead Central Nursery in Lobley Hill.
I attended the Launch of the Tyneside Irish Festival at the Allied Irish Bank this week.
I also was invited on a tour of International Paint Ltd. in Felling. It is the largest single Private sector employer in the Borough and their Research and Development unit is at the forefront of protective coatings technology worldwide. The R and D function employs nearly 300 scientific and technical support staff who are working at the cutting edge of paint coatings and fire protection materials that are being developed to protect structures and their occupants from the ravages of fire. The Gateshead plant could arguably be one of the crucial nerve centres of a business that employs 55,000 people worldwide wide turnover of in excess of £12 Billion pounds.
Campaigning
This week I have campaigned in Dunston and Teams, Windy Nook and Whitehills and Deckham. I am hoping to campaign regularly with local councillors; therefore, if you could let me know your availability, we can certainly arrange some door knocking or leafleting.
Ward Visits
I attended Deckham/Bridges, High Fell and Saltwell ward meetings this month.
EDMS and Parliamentary Questions
If you would like to see the EDMs I have signed and the questions I have submitted please visit http://www.parliament.uk/
