Press Releases

 

Friends of the Earth Praise MP  9 May, 2008. Friends of the Earth praise local MP for stance on climate Jim Hood MP has been praised by Friends of the Earth for backing calls to beef up the Climate Change Bill, currently being debated in Parliament. Mr Hood has joined over 250 MPs who have signed a parliamentary petition (Early Day Motion 736) calling for the Bill to include carbon dioxide emissions from international aviation and set a tougher 80 per cent target for cutting carbon dioxide by 2050. The Climate Change Bill, due to become law by summer, will set binding targets for cutting carbon dioxide. But there is growing pressure on the Government to strengthen the proposals. Campaigners, scientists, an influential UN report and now MPs are warning that the Bill must be tougher if it is to successfully tackle climate change.  Top of the list of improvements needed are toughening up the overall target to an 80 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2050; and making sure emissions from international flights are included in the Bill. As currently drafted, the Bill requires a 60 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2050, a figure it is widely accepted is based on out of date science.  The Bill also excludes international aviation emissions – a fast growing source of climate changing gases – which could seriously undermine the new climate law. Duncan McLaren, Friends of the Earth Chief Executive said: “We are delighted that Jim Hood MP is supporting calls for a tougher Climate Change Bill. The Bill needs targets that are in line with the latest science, and it must count all of our carbon emissions, not just some bits.  Aviation has to be treated like every other industry and its emissions must be in the new legislation from the start. It is ludicrous for one industry to be ignored and held apart. Having a climate law that doesn’t include our share of international aviation emissions is like having a drink driving law that ignores the effects of whisky.” Jim Hood said: “My own constituents have told me they’re worried about climate change and the Climate Change Bill is a bold and innovative move to address those worries. However, we must ensure the Bill reflects the latest science and listens to the advice of the UN to include carbon emissions from all sectors. The Bill must reduce our emissions by at least 80% by 2050 and include international aviation and shipping in order to show strong international leadership, giving the people of Lanark & Hamilton East and people across the world the chance of a sustainable future.”

Judith Hart Memorial Lecture  6 May, 2008 Robertson lifts Labour at Memorial Lecture   Last Friday evening Lord Robertson of Port Ellen gave the first Judith Hart Memorial lecture to a well attended Parliamentary dinner at the Cartland Bridge Hotel in Lanark.   In a tribute to the memory of one of Labour’s greats and Lanark’s very own, Lord Robertson reminded the 120 guests of the proud history of Lanarkshire for electing outstanding woman MP’s.   The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was top journalist Tom Brown, who masterfully took charge of the evening by introducing the special Guest of Honour who was supported by an array of local entertainers, including a trio of musicians from Holy Cross High, and Lanarkshire’s outstanding after dinner speaker, Lanark’s former Procurator Fiscal, Jim Robertson.   Speaking after what he described as a very special moment in Lanarkshire’s political history,  Jim Hood MP said:   “The guests attending this Memorial Lecture were treated to a par excellence performance from Lord George Robertson at his very best. The title of his lecture was ‘Security in the World’ where the former Secretary of State for Defence in Tony Blair’s Cabinet (1997-99) and Secretary General of NATO (1999-2003),  was able to enthral his audience with his amazing knowledge of security issues confronting the world.”

10p Tax Band  28 April, 2008 10p tax band   Jim Hood MP (Lanark & Hamilton East) commenting on the rebel amendment standing in the name of 45 Labour MP’s said,   “ I was one of the 45 Labour MP’s who supported the Labour backbench amendment last week to give support to the people on low incomes who were not provided for by tax credits and increased tax allowances from the abolition of the 10p tax band.   Young single people and the elderly pensioners aged 60-64 who were disproportionately affected by its abolition will now be properly compensated and the necessary changes to give that relief backdated to the beginning of the tax year.”      Mr Hood added,   “It is to the credit of the Government that they recognised that the abolition of the 10p rate, whilst being part of a tax cutting budget for hard working families, by cutting the 22p band to 20p, did impose unacceptable tax increases of the single low paid and the pensioners aged 60-64.”

MP Urges UK Government to Help Haulage Companies  25 April, 2008. Responding to a call for help from local haulage companies who have been told by their suppliers that they did not know when they would get their next deliveries of diesel,  Jim Hood, Member of Parliament for Lanark and Hamilton East, said:   “Haulage companies in my constituency are facing a potential crisis when their fuel supplies cannot be guaranteed.  The knock-on effect facing consumers is huge.  Petrol stations are already rationing and some are closed.   I have today written to Secretary of State, John Hutton, urging that the UK Government takes immediate and urgent action to ensure continuity of supply of fuel in Lanark & Hamilton East.”

MP meets Scotland’s manager in Westminster   8th April, 2008 Scotland manager George Burley visited the House of Commons last week to meet with Scottish MP’s. Following George Burley’s meeting with the All Party Football Group, Jim Hood MP said, “It was great to meet and talk to the man who will lead Scotland into the next Word Cup. He is a fantastically talented manager and is the right man for this very important job. I took the opportunity to congratulate George on his appointment and for Scotland’s good draw with Croatia in his first game in charge of our National Team. Particularly considering how he had to deal with the late call off of five top players before the game. George Burley has proven himself as an International player, a top club manager and will be great for Scottish Football.”

Gallery News  18 March, 2008. JIM HOOD MP DEFENDS DUTY ON WHISKY.   Responding to an article published by Gallery News, the interactive news service from the House of Commons, on 18 March, 2008, under the heading of “Budget:  SNP urge Scots Labour MPs to vote against the government over the increase in duty on whisky”   Mr. Hood said:   “The whinging nationalists are an embarrassment to Scotland.  Their Justice Secretary argues for increase in the cost of alcohol to stop binge drinking when their Finance Minister calls for cuts in the duty on whisky.  Will they give the duty from whisky from the Barnet formula to the Scottish Whisky Industry?  I won’t hold my breath waiting for that.   “I support the government’s decision to prioritise child and pensioner poverty.  And while the SNP are at it they should give the £34 million they received from Westminster for the disabled instead of diverting it for their pet nationalist agenda.”

2012 Olympics  21 January, 2008   Jim Hood MP (Lanark & Hamilton East) speaking on Tuesday after the Commons voted 357 votes to 9 to agree diversion of funds from the national lottery to the 2012 Olympics Games, said,   “There will be no further diversion from lottery good causes to help fund the Olympics and the lottery distributors will be repaid the additional £675 million, from the profits arising from the sale of land in the Olympic park after the games.”   Commenting on the conduct of Welsh and Scottish National MP’s in the debate, Mr. Hood added,   “This self marginalized cliché of nationalists, portray a disturbing phobia to any Sports project that includes the word British. However, their collective anti Olympic Games approach reached a new low last week when  Pete Wishart  MP (SNP) told the House of Commons, quote, “London stands to gain from the fantastic legacy that the city will receive, i.e. regeneration of the east end, a fantastic new infrastructure and so forth—so it is London that should pay”. end quote. If we substitute the word “Glasgow” for “London” in Wishart’s quote, what does that say about the SNP’s promises to support the Glasgow Commonwealth Games? “

Christmas and New Year Message  14 December, 2007.     This special time of the year can be as much about reflection as it is of celebration. My thoughts are with the Armed Forces and our vital Public Service workers, many of whom will be away from their families at Christmas doing their public duty.  I want to thank the many community voluntary workers and carers whose dedication and compassion make such a difference to those in need of their care.   It can be a sad time for families who have suffered bereavement or break-up during the year. Seeing the old year out and the New Year in, is a time for fresh starts and new resolutions. I look forward to seeing our Armed Forces returning from Iraq and hope my 2008 message will allow me to rejoice in their home-coming.   For children Christmas is a time of great joyfulness and merriment; a time for parents to share in their children’s delight at opening presents on Christmas day. I also want to thank our Church leaders for their tireless work throughout the year and especially for reminding us all of the real meaning of Christmas.

MP Meets Local Celebrity Harry Smith  4th December MP for Lanark and Hamilton East, Jim Hood attended a recent local labour party event in Lanark where the guest of honour was Lanark’s Harry Smith. Harry gave a talk on “My Life with Labour”. Mr. Hood said: “At 91 years of age, Harry is still a youngster at heart, with a twinkle in his eye and as dedicated to his beliefs today as he has ever been. A person who has touched so many of our lives. A lifetime of public service par excellence to the people of Lanark and beyond.” See attached photo - Mr. Hood with Mr. Harry Smith. Karen Gillon MSP, Cllr. Mary McNeill and Cllr. Eileen Logan also enjoyed Harry’s reminiscence.

MP Urges Constituents to Check They Are Getting Working Tax Credits   12 November, 2007 Jim Hood MP is urging constituents to check whether they may be missing out on getting financial help. Thanks to a Labour Government, people are able to claim Working Tax Credits, giving support to individuals on low incomes. Labour’s tax credits are helping 6 million families and 10 million children, with a 97% take-up amongst those with incomes less than £10,000. Working Tax Credits top up income so that an individual without children and working full-time, is guaranteed a weekly income of at least £180 a week. Mr. Hood said: “I urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to claim their Working Tax Credits. These tax credits help those who most need it, and support work where wages are low. I am proud of what Labour has done to provide support for families, and individuals. I want to ensure everyone who can benefit from Working Tax Credits does, so I am supporting the campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to check whether they are eligible. “ Notes to editors: Anyone in Lanark and Hamilton East who thinks they might be eligible for tax credits should call the tax credits helpline on 0845 300 3900 or Jim Hood MP on 01555 673177 for more information.

MP Hails Success of the Child Trust Fund  26 October, 2007. Figures published by the Treasury this week highlight the success of the Child Trust Fund with a total of 3.02 million accounts opened up to 15 September, 2007. 2.36 million accounts were opened by parents themselves and the remainder opened by HMRC on behalf of eligible children. Jim Hood MP for Lanark and Hamilton East said: “The Child Trust Fund gives £250 to children when they are born plus an additional £250 when they reach 7 years. In Lanark and Hamilton East 3,454 vouchers were issued to children born up to 5 April, 2006. 69% or 2,382 vouchers were used by parents to open an account, with the rest of the children (1,072) receiving a Revenue Allocated Account. This is a unique way to help children save for their future, and I encourage parents to use their child’s voucher to open an account. Parents can also consider making additional contributions in order to make the most of the opportunities the Child Trust Fund represents.” If you would like more information about the Child Trust Fund, contact Jim Hood MP’s office in Lanark, or you can view the CTF website at www.childtrustfund.gov.uk

Lanark & Hamilton East MP Tackles Tinnitus with Help from RNID  24 October 2007 Jim Hood donned special ‘tinnitus headphones’ in workplace and home environments at the RNID and Unum conference stand in Bournemouth at the Labour Party conference to find out for himself how distracting tinnitus can be. RNID research reveals that 15 per cent of people have experienced tinnitus, but 70 per cent of GPs surveyed by the charity have never had any training on the condition. RNID, which represents the UK’s 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people, has joined forces with Unum, the UK’s leading disability insurer, to call on GPs to improve the advice and support they give patients with tinnitus and to support people with tinnitus in their efforts to lead a full life, including at work. Jim Hood said: “I was shocked to put on the tinnitus headphones and find out just how difficult it can be to relax at home or concentrate on working with constant buzzing or ringing in your ears. RNID’s dedicated new tinnitus website and helpline are doing a great job to support people with this condition and help them get on with their lives. But we need to do more to improve GPs’ understanding of this condition ” (log on to www.tuneouttinnitus.org.uk ) Brian Lamb, Acting Chief Executive of RNID, said: “Tinnitus can be a debilitating condition for many people, leaving them feeling isolated and stressed – particularly if they can’t access the medical advice they need to help manage it. Unfortunately there is no cure – however, it can be managed with simple techniques and equipment. We’re delighted that Jim Hood has pledged to help tinnitus sufferers get the best care and advice to manage their condition. And if you have tinnitus, you’re not alone – RNID’s new website and dedicated tinnitus helpline provide expert information and tips to help you ‘tune out tinnitus’ and live your life to the full.” Joanne Hindle, Corporate Services Director at Unum, said: “We’re delighted to join forces with RNID and Jim Hood to increase understanding and treatment of tinnitus. We are particularly pleased to help highlight a condition which can have debilitating effects both at work and home, but which can be managed with proper understanding. We would extend the campaign to employers who also need to understand what changes they might make that could support employees with this condition. By working with local health services and GPs, together we can deliver the best care for people whose lives are blighted by this condition." ENDS Photo caption: Jim Hood, MP for Lanark and Hamilton East, experiences how noises inside the ears or head can distract sufferers in workplace and home environments, by wearing ‘tinnitus headphones’ at the RNID and Unum stand at the Labour Party Conference in Bournemouth. Photo credit: Jo Hunt/Mousetrap Media Ltd

"Scotland could become a soft option for paedophiles" Warns MP  17 October, 2007. Lanark & Hamilton East MP Jim Hood warned MP’s in the House of Commons (Tues. 16 October) in a debate on Child Protection from Sex Offenders, that Scotland could become a hiding place for sex offenders fleeing tougher controls in England and Wales, if the Scottish Parliament doesn’t have the same laws. Speaking of his work in his Lanark & Hamilton East where he surveyed 8000 households across the 6 multi member council wards in his constituency, Jim Hood said, “I fear that if we do not have the same controls for sex offenders in Scotland as in the rest of the UK, Scotland could become a refuge and hiding place for sex offenders fleeing tougher controls in England and Wales.” The MP also told the Justice Minister, “I am alarmed to hear that there are differences and that there might not be an agreement before we start legislating to have the same powers of scrutiny on both sides of the border. Can she assure me now that either she or the Secretary of State for Justice will have urgent talks with the Scottish Executive to ensure that we have the same protection for our children both sides of the border?” Note to Editors:      Mr. Hood was speaking to an adjournment debate he secured re “Protection of children from sex offenders”.   Mr. Hood had conducted a consultation survey during the summer recess (See text of Adjournment Debate in “Speeches” page)

Auschwitz Visit "once in a lifetime" MP  13 September, 2007 Jim Hood, Member of Parliament for Lanark & Hamilton East, and students from Lanark Grammar, Hamilton Grammar, and Trinity High School will go on the Holocaust Educational Trust’s regional visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau on the 19th of September. Treasury funding of £1.5 million enables the Trust to facilitate regional visits to Auschwitz, as part of its “Lessons from Auschwitz Project”, for thousands of students each year. Mr. Hood held a Lunch reception in his Lanark office for students and teachers from schools in his constituency who are participating in the “Lessons from Auschwitz Project”. (NB see photo) Speaking after the reception, Mr. Hood said: “The reception was a superb opportunity for me to meet with the students and teachers before our visit to Auschwitz. The Government sponsored educational project provides students with a once in a lifetime experience to see the horrors of the death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. I am looking forward to accompanying them and I am sure that the impact of the visit on the students, teachers and their Member of Parliament will be enormous. -----------End -------- Notes for editors: The Holocaust Education Trust (HET) was established in 1988. Their aim is to educate young people from every ethnic background about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today. HET works in schools, universities and in the community to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust, providing teacher training, an outreach programme for schools, teaching aids and resource material. HET regard one of the earliest achievements as ensuring the Holocaust formed part of the National Curriculum for History. HET continues to play a leading role in training teachers on how best to teach the Holocaust.)

Backing for Tougher Laws on Child Sex Offenders  28 August, 2007   Jim Hood MP is pleased to publish the results of the constituency wide survey on stronger powers to protect children from known Sex Offenders. The MP distributed questionnaires to 8000 homes spread over every community in Lanark & Hamilton East. i.e., 15+% of the electorate.   There were 8 specific questions on tougher new powers to protect children from known sex offenders. There was also a sheet of general questions, e.g., questions on the Child Support Agency, Children’s Trusts, Pension Bill and UK nuclear deterrent.   Commenting on the response to the survey Mr. Hood said,   “The Home Secretary’s 13 June 2007 announcement in the House of Commons unveiling a range of tough new measures to enhance the protection of children from sex offenders was the catalyst that prompted me to consult with constituents to ask if they supported the Government’s tougher new laws. proposals, and to ask if they agreed that I write to the Scottish Justice Minister asking that the Scottish Executive would introduce the same protection into Scottish Law. 97% of replies said YES.   I have written to Mr. Speaker requesting time to debate my questionnaire and its results at the first opportunity when the House returns after the summer recess.

MP Calls for Early General Election  27 August, 2007 Jim Hood MP told his Lanark & Hamilton East constituency at a meeting on Friday evening to get ready for an early General Election.   Mr. Hood said,   “The country is ready for a General Election. The Tories want a referendum to breakaway from Europe and the SNP want a referendum to break up Britain”.    “Cameron who wanted a General Election in June could not win an election inside his party at the moment; Ming Campbell will tell his Annual Conference delegates to go back to their constituencies and pray Gordon Brown doesn’t call a General election.   I will be in Bournemouth supporting the strong calls for a General Election. My message to Gordon Brown will be; “ let the people lance the boil of the breakaway and break up Parties. Go to the country for a mandate to keep a united country and one that is at peace with its neighbours at the heart of Europe”.

MP Welcomes recognition for Bevin Boys  25 June, 2007 Jim Hood, Member of Parliament for Lanark & Hamilton East, has welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister at Question Time on Wednesday 20 June, of a new lapel badge which formally recognises the contribution made by the Bevin Boys.  The Bevin Boys scheme was introduced in 1943 by then Minister for Labour and National Service, Ernest Bevin, in response to an increasing shortage of labour in the coal mining industry during and immediately after World War Two.   Mr. Hood said:   “The sacrifices that were made at home and abroad during that time should never be forgotten and a special Badge is a fitting way to remember the work that the Bevin Boys did to keep the coalfields working.   I will be representing the Scottish Mining Museum on Thursday 28th June, when there will be a Lobby of Parliament to raise awareness of the important role the Bevin Boys played during World War Two and in the post-war reconstruction of the UK.  If you or if you know of anyone who you think could be recognised please get in touch with my constituency office at the Council Offices, South Vennel in Lanark.  Tel:  01555 673177.”   The application process for the new Badge will be introduced towards the end of the year, with a view to awarding the first Badge in March next year to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the demobbing of the last Bevin Boy.  The Badge will be available to surviving Bevin Boys including both volunteers and those who were selected to work down the mines.

Local MP Backs Campaign for UK's 6 Million Carers  11 June, 2007 Jim Hood MP for Lanark and Hamilton East pledges support for Carers UK to bring attention to the UK’s six million carers – people who look after a loved one who is ill, frail or disabled – to help them gain the recognition and support they desperately need.   ‘My Life as a Carer’ is the theme for Carers Week, (11 – 17 June) and a survey of 3,500 carers has revealed the immense impact caring can have on every aspect of their life including, health, finances, career and relationships.    Two out of every three carers (66%) admitted that their personal relationships had suffered as a direct result of caring, with 60% revealing they have little quality time together with their partners. Two thirds (67%) admitted to being financially worse off, with a quarter (28%) unable to support their family properly.  An alarming three-quarters of carers had not had a break from their caring role in the past 12 months.   Carers Week will highlight the services available to help ease the burden of caring and ensure carers lives’ are changed for the better.   Mr. Hood said: “I am delighted to be supporting Carers Week. There are six million carers in the UK, including many in Lanark & Hamilton East.  On top of worrying about a loved one’s needs, it must be terrible if carers themselves feel they have nowhere and nobody to turn to.  I hope that by supporting Carers Week, more of my constituents who are dedicated to looking after someone will find out what services and support are available to them locally.”   Mr. Hood has also signed up to a parliamentary Early Day Motion which calls for an updated and improved National Carers Strategy.

MP Welcomes New Measures in Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill  8 June, 2007   On Wednesday 6 June, 2007 the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions announced new measures to reform child maintenance which will replace the Child Support Agency with the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (C-MEC), a new body at arms length from government with tougher powers to force non-resident parents to pay for their children.   On the introduction of the Bill, Mr. Hood said:   “Non-resident parents who think that they can just choose not to pay for their kids will soon realise that non-payment brings real and lasting penalties.  The new rules under ‘C-MEC’ will be simpler, more transparent and will make it harder to hide income.   Stronger powers under this new legislation will put the needs of the children first and ensure that families and children do not suffer financial hardship when parents split up.  It’s unacceptable for non-resident parents not to support their children.”   Measures included in the Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill will:   Remove the requirement that parents with care on benefit use the CSA (or C-MEC) to establish maintenance payments, giving them more choice over their arrangements; Introduce a swifter and more effective administrative process; Allow C-MEC to take money out of people’s bank accounts when they will not co-operate with other collection methods and when Deduction from Earnings Orders cannot be used; Enforce the surrender of a non-resident parent’s passport or impose a curfew on them if they fail to pay maintenance; Simplify the assessment process by using the latest available tax-year information and, where possible, fixing the award for a year, therefore providing parents with more certainty on the amount of maintenance to be paid; and Using gross weekly income, rather than net, as a basis for calculating a maintenance liability, meaning that less reliance is placed on the non-resident parent’s co-operation, limiting opportunities for non-resident parents to manipulate income to avoid paying, and delivering a faster, more accurate and transparent maintenance calculation process. The Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill also includes measures designed to make payments to all people with Mesothelioma, providing up front financial support.

Jim Hood MP Asks Local Workers "Are you being treated fairly?"  24 April, 2007 Jim Hood, MP for Lanark & Hamilton East, is urging workers to tell him if they have suffered poor treatment at work because they are an agency worker.   The call comes as the Government agrees that it will accept evidence submitted to it detailing ways in which agency workers are mistreated.  This follows an on-going campaign by Labour MPs, including Jim Hood, and leading trade unions to press Government for UK legislation to tackle the abuse of agency workers.   Mr. Hood said:   “I want the workers in Lanark & Hamilton East to tell me about their experience as an agency worker.  For some the flexibility of temporary agency working is a bonus but increasingly I am coming across instances where agency working is the only option on offer and with it comes job insecurity, poorer pay, no holiday and sick pay, and even cases of pay being docked to pay for essential equipment or training.  We have a duty to ensure that every worker is treated equally and I appeal to the people in Lanark & Hamilton East to help with this vital campaign.”   If you are an agency worker and have a story to tell about being paid less than permanent workers doing the same job, have been denied holiday or sick-pay, have been employed long-term as an agency worker but there is no permanent position for you, or had deductions from pay for equipment, transport or accommodation costs, then write to Jim Hood MP at his constituency office:-  Council Offices, South Vennel, Lanark  ML11 7JT  before the middle of May.  The information you provide will be submitted to the Department of Trade & Industry as evidence of the need for protection for agency workers.

Reception at No. 10 Dowing Street  23 April, 2007 23 April, 2007. PRIME MINISTER WELCOMES MP’S HEROES TO DOWNING STREET The Prime Minister held a reception in Downing Street on Monday 16 April, 2007, to celebrate the work of those who make a real difference at the frontline of communities. Jim Hood MP for Lanark & Hamilton East was invited to attend the Reception with two people from his constituency who have made a valuable contribution to community life. Two very deserving constituents - Mr. Frank Gunning and Mr. Tommy Moffat accompanied Mr. Hood to the reception. Mr. Hood said: “I was so pleased to have been able to accompany Frank Gunning and Tommy Moffat to the Prime Minister’s special reception in Downing Street on Monday evening. Both Frank and Tommy have over the years, dedicated themselves to making a difference in the lives of the community they selflessly serve. Both men epitomise everything that is good about public and voluntary service. Last week the Prime Minister said “thank you” and I was delighted to assist him in that acknowledgement”. Frank Gunning has served the Lanark Community Council for more than two decades and is its current Chairman. He is the National Vice-President of the Assoc. of Scottish Community Councils and the Executive Councillor representing South Lanarkshire and Central Scotland. He is also Chair of Lanark’s “William Wallace Heritage Trust” and is active on a variety of other organisations and development groups. Tommy Moffat is the driving force and founder member of “FEBA” an organisation based in Hamilton with a remit to provide ex-service men and women, and their families, with a raft of practical and emotional support to help them cope successfully during the transitional period immediately following their retirement from active service. The programme involves gym and recreation facilities and there are a number of exciting ventures planned over the next year to include hill-walking, ridge scrambling, fishing, sailing, golf. (‘FEBA’ = Forward Edge of the Battle Area) Photo attached : At No.10 Downing Street Left to Right - Tommy Moffat, Mr. Hood and Frank Gunning. (See my Photo Gallery)

MP Welcomes signing of new UN Convention to strengthen rights for disabled people in Lanark & Hamilton East  2 April, 2007 Jim Hood MP has welcomed the UK’s signing of a new UN convention for disabled people.  Anne MacGuire, Labour’s Minister for disabled People, signed the convention on behalf of the UK at a ceremony held at the UN in New York on Friday 30 March, 2007.   The convention marks a significant step forward in ensuring disabled people across the world have the same human rights as everyone else.  It covers aspects such as disabled people’s rights to education, employment and participation in political and public life.   Mr. Hood said:   “I am delighted that the UK is among the first States to sign the convention.  It shows the Government’s commitment to respecting and promoting the human rights of disabled people in Lanark and Hamilton East, in the UK and across the world.   “This will ensure that around 650 million disabled people worldwide will enjoy their human rights on an equal basis with everyone else.  It is the culmination of negotiations which have lasted more than 4 years and benchmarks the UK Government’s own legislation under the disability discrimination Act, which in itself, is the most far-reaching programme of disability rights legislation that any European country has so far put in place.”

MP Hails Historic Agreement in Northern ireland  30 March, 2007 Monday 26th March, saw the coming together of political parties to restore devolved government to Northern Ireland.   8th May has been confirmed for the restoration of devolved Government to Northern Ireland after an historic meeting between the leaders of the DUP and Sinn Fein.   Jim Hood,  MP for Lanark and Hamilton East, said:   “ This is an outstanding achievement between the political parties in Ireland to work together in a devolved Government , bringing peace and stability for the people and the future they want.   “May 8th must be remembered in history -  It is a tribute to the commitment of everyone who has been involved in bringing peace and devolution to Northern Ireland over many years, including all the political parties in Northern Ireland.”

Budget Shows Why Labour is Best for Lanark & Hamilton East  22 March, 2007. Jim Hood MP for Lanark & Hamilton East, has welcomed the Budget unveiled by Chancellor Gordon Brown, as “A budget for Britain’s families, showing Labour is delivering for the people in Lanark & Hamilton East”.   Mr. Hood said:   “The extra £1,835 million for the Scottish Executive is welcome and shows that Labour is making the right decisions for the future, to build on the platform of economic stability while still being able to give more help to families with children and making more resources available for investment.   “It’s good news for families.  Child Benefit will rise to £20 a week over the next three years. The Child Tax Credit element will increase by £150 benefiting 3,100 families and 5,500 children in Lanark & Hamilton East.  The basic rate of income tax is to be cut by 2p to 20p from April, 2008.  Pensioners’ tax allowance will be reformed.  The adult rate of the National Minimum Wage is to rise to £5.52 per hour and Working Tax Credit will increase.   “By simplifying the tax system, increasing support to families and pensions and making work pay, the Budget shows why Labour in Lanark & Hamilton East is best for long term prosperity and fairness to families”

‘Here to Help’ Awards  February 22   Jim Hood, MP for Lanark & Hamilton East, is encouraging young people in his constituency to apply for a Save the Children “Here to Help” award, funded by British Gas. Awards of up to £1,000 are available as well as a small number of grants of up to £3,000 that young people can apply for to improve something in their local community. Mr. Hood said: “This is a great opportunity for young people with ideas to improve their local area. Any young person who knows of a real need in their community and who has a great idea should apply for an award.” Save the Children will look at giving awards for projects involving health, education and the protection of children. The deadline for applications is 23 March, 2007. For detailed information and to submit a proposal visit the ‘Here to Help’ website at http://www.helpyourselves.org.ukor email mailto:helpyourselves@savethechildren.org.uk