2 weeks Ago
A trade war with the United States isn’t in the interests of people across our community. It puts jobs at risk and threatens a slowdown in the global economy that could have a significant impact on the cost of living. That is why the Government is – as I write this – continuing to negotiate a sustainable trade deal, and to get tariffs lowered.
The work that the Prime Minister and the rest of the Government has been undertaking with US officials over recent weeks has put us in the best possible position to achieve this. Donald Trump has taken action that he considers in the best interests of his country. The UK Government’s actions now must take the same approach – guided by the national interest and delivering economic security for people across our country.
This week I met with Peter Anderson, managing director for transport infrastructure at Amey, to discuss the ongoing issues on Inverclyde’s roads. Amey looks after the trunk road network in Inverclyde and has complete authority over these roads. I wanted to communicate directly to the company the frustration felt by Inverclyde road users at the hold ups that have lengthened and delayed journeys.
In addition to discussing the ongoing works, we discussed future works and adjustments that could be made to Amey'splans to ensure that traffic can keep moving effectively. Following the meeting, Amey have agreed to look at some of their plans again and I’m hoping this leads to changes that reduce the impact on motorists across our area. When I was elected, I was clear that one of my major priorities would be focussing on employment and ensuring there is more work and more opportunities for people in our area.
Every week – both in Parliament in London and at home – I try to meet businesses and investors who might be able to make that happen. This week was no different. Early in the week, I met with CMAL to discuss the disappointing decision not to award the ferry contract to Ferguson’s.
With that decision being made, I wanted to understand future plans from CMAL for buying further ferries. I also met with BAE this week. While not based in the constituency, BAE employ hundreds of people in our area and have also provided fabrication work to Ferguson’s in the past.
With work secured for many years at Govan and Scotstoun – and with further investment in defence on the way – we need to make sure people in our area are well placed to take advantage of the job opportunities in shipbuilding that are available there. Finally, I had a catch up with James Walker Devol to discuss the Government’s plans for an SME Defence Hub, to enable small and medium sized businesses to benefit from the increase in defence investment. I’m hoping as this develops there may be more opportunities for companies from our area.
Last weekend, I held a regular supermarket surgery in Port Glasgow. Meeting people at surgeries and other events is, without doubt, the best part of this job. With April now upon us, I have another round of surgeries and coffee mornings.
This weekend, my monthly coffee morning will be in Houston and later this month I’ll be hosting surgeries in Greenock and Gourock. We’ll also have street surgeries in Port Glasgow, Inverkip and Wemyss Bay. If you’d like to meet me to discuss an issue – or if you need any assistance – please contact the office on 01475 789223.
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