It is a good thing that democracy and parliament had its say. I welcome the approach of a Prime Minister who consults and listens, even though the nature of the events of the 21 August forces the Coalition government to move with some speed. As Matthew Parris put it in today's Times, "Cameron has struck a blow for democracy."
I think he is right.
A few further brief points to make.
If you want to understand my decision read the blog posts from earlier in the week, the motion, and the speech. My good mate Colonel Bob Stewart very kindly came up to me after the debate and said, "thanks for putting me right" as to the exchange we had in the debate.
The effect of the Iraq conflict and the decision of Tony Blair to take us into Iraq on the back of the dodgy dossier and the 45 minutes claim hung over the debate on Thursday. Many voted against any action because of past issues.
That Ed Miliband changed his mind midweek and withdrew his support for a very measured and step by step approach starting and ending at the UN, with a further parliamentary vote to follow, is regretful but that is his choice, albeit is regretful that he chose a path that was not the UK speaking as one.
For those who have any doubt as to the legality of what was proposed, read online the published Attorney Generals guidance.
For those who doubt the fact of Assad's actions in killing hundreds then read online the independent Joint Intelligence Committee report. The evidence is overwhelming.
The fact of Russia objection is purely strategic and tactical. It has nothing to do with the merits or actions of Assad.
I keep coming back to the point that the Arab countries envy our parliamentary democracy. The Coalition government asked the question if we wanted a road map taking in the UN and a second
vote. The parliament said no and the government has accepted that. That is an end to the matter. Other countries may proceed. Our role, even via the UN is minimal now. As I explained in the speech the UN is almost powerless in these circumstances.
Saturday, 31 August 2013
Cycling debate is on Monday in House of Commons
How would you improve cycling in Northumberland?
The evidence for promoting cycling is overwhelming, but we will need effort to be made to redesign our streets, and communities, with greater emphasis on cycling being part of the community transport plan. We need to be 'Cycle-proofing' our roads, streets and communities, focusing on safety for cycling with huge benefits from improving public health, reducing congestion and curbing emissions to be gained from reaching the goals of the Get Britain Cycling report ( the target is 10% of trips by 2025).
The Government has responded positively to many of the Get Britain Cycling inquiry’s recommendations, but whilst funding is required we need to ensure that local authorities follow suit. They also need guidance, professional training and regulatory freedom to allow the introduction of high-qualitycontinental-style cycle facilities. Low speed limits like the one I have campaigned for in Wylam will be key. Some Government departments are not contributing to the improvement in conditions for cyclists.
Cycling is an issue that crosses departments in central and local government. It starts with the transport budget but it also affects education, local government, housing and regeneration, tourism, sport, and most importantly health. It is also far cheaper than driving in these difficult economic times.
On Monday and beyond I shall be making the case locally and nationally that this is a long term investment that is win win on so many levels. But we will need local leadership and councillors willing to embrace the idea.
I would welcome all thoughts for how we can improve Northumberland's cycling in whatever way - simply email me and/ or contact your local parish or county councillor. There are really simple things we can do from more bike racks, to designated trails, school safety lessons, and health awareness, with wider issues like the design of housing estates and new roads / improvements needed to address this in a bigger way.
Countries like the Netherlands and Denmark lead the way and there is no reason we cannot follow. But locally we are starting from a very low base.
The evidence for promoting cycling is overwhelming, but we will need effort to be made to redesign our streets, and communities, with greater emphasis on cycling being part of the community transport plan. We need to be 'Cycle-proofing' our roads, streets and communities, focusing on safety for cycling with huge benefits from improving public health, reducing congestion and curbing emissions to be gained from reaching the goals of the Get Britain Cycling report ( the target is 10% of trips by 2025).
The Government has responded positively to many of the Get Britain Cycling inquiry’s recommendations, but whilst funding is required we need to ensure that local authorities follow suit. They also need guidance, professional training and regulatory freedom to allow the introduction of high-qualitycontinental-style cycle facilities. Low speed limits like the one I have campaigned for in Wylam will be key. Some Government departments are not contributing to the improvement in conditions for cyclists.
Cycling is an issue that crosses departments in central and local government. It starts with the transport budget but it also affects education, local government, housing and regeneration, tourism, sport, and most importantly health. It is also far cheaper than driving in these difficult economic times.
On Monday and beyond I shall be making the case locally and nationally that this is a long term investment that is win win on so many levels. But we will need local leadership and councillors willing to embrace the idea.
I would welcome all thoughts for how we can improve Northumberland's cycling in whatever way - simply email me and/ or contact your local parish or county councillor. There are really simple things we can do from more bike racks, to designated trails, school safety lessons, and health awareness, with wider issues like the design of housing estates and new roads / improvements needed to address this in a bigger way.
Countries like the Netherlands and Denmark lead the way and there is no reason we cannot follow. But locally we are starting from a very low base.
Friday, 30 August 2013
Haltwhistle Academy will go ahead 1st September!
Wonderful news that Haltwhistle Academy has got the go ahead from Liz Truss, Education Minister, after huge effort from Mike Routledge, and all his governors. I am a huge supporter of the Haltwhistle Middle and First Schools. It is well led with outstanding teachers, parents and governors. I genuinely believe that the team of teachers, governors and pupils will take the school from strength to strength - particularly as they now will run their own show, without interference from the Local Authority. The obstacles put in the way of this school taking itself out of Local Authority control defied belief, but I am just very pleased that this school now has control of its own destiny.
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