eNewsletter – March 2014

Read my award winning eMagazine for March 2014

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Ian Murray MP’s award-winning eMagazine for January/February 2014

Welcome to the new look eNewsletter
Over recent weeks, much of the political debate has been dominated by the referendum. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a lot going on locally across South Edinburgh and in Westminster on things that matter to you.

I hope you like the new look and feel of my regular update. Do let me know if you have any feedback. I’m always looking to improve how I keep constituents up-to-date on my work as their Member of Parliament.

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Crime Spike

It is of huge concern that we have had a recent spike in crime, in particular around Fairmilehead, as well as the Grange/Newington ward. I have been working closely with the police and the local Fairmilehead Community Council on this issue. I’d urge all residents to be viligant and make sure properties, garages and gardens sheds are made secure.
Read more

Local Shops – At the Heart of Our Community
Last month, I met with local Edinburgh retailer Dennis Williams at the Association of Convenience Stores’ (ACS) Heart of the Community reception to celebrate the important role that local shops play in our communities. Read more

Planning Updates
Since the start of the year, activities on the various planning proposals across the constituency have gathered pace.
You can read a synopsis of recent developments by clicking here.

Guide Dogs UK – Taken For A Walk
I had an absolutely fascinating morning with Inca (pictured) and the Guide Dogs UK team. Having the opportunity to walk with a blindfold with the assistance of both Inca and a stick brought home the everyday challenges that those with visual impairments face.
Read more

From Frontbench to Lab Bench
I swapped legislation for a lab coat, when I visited Dr Stuart Gilfillan at the King’s Buildings campus, University of Edinburgh as part of a unique ‘pairing’ scheme run by the Royal Society. I was shown the detail of the planned Higgs Centre for Innovation, which is due to open in 2016.
Read more

Success at the Open Door
Congratulates to the Open Door on the charity’s recent success with the Bank of Scotland Community Fund. I was delighted to hear that you will benefit from the Fund and I know you will be able to put it to good use so that you can continue to provide excellent services in our community.

Sandra Dixon, Manager at the Open Door emailed me with her thanks to all those constituents who supported thee bid:

“Dear Ian – It was fantastic to win the award and I believe this to be largely down to you support. Could I ask you to send an email through your data base thanking everyone that voted for us and inviting any to come along and see what we do, they will be made most welcome.”

***STOP PRESS***

It’s just been confirmed that the House of Commons will hold a debate on the badger culls next week on March 13th. This issue has created a huge amount of interest from hundreds of constituents. I will attend the debate and hope to make clear to the Minister that people across Edinburgh South opposed this misguided policy and that Ministers must look at a new strategy to control any spread of TB.

The £ in your pocket
Last month, I secured a Westminster Hall debate on the subject of the currency in Scotland after 2014. In a heated debate, my clear point was that Scotland should continue to use the pound as part of a strong and successful United Kingdom. It is also becoming increasingly clear that the SNP’s plans, as stated in the White Paper, just don’t add up.
Read more

PMQs
Back in January, I was drawn in the ballot for Prime Minister’s Questions. I pointed out to David Cameron that the wages of people in Edinburgh South are not matching the everyday costs of living and whilst growth in the economy is welcome, it’s because we are seeing the wrong type of growth driven by property speculation.
You can watch my question and the reply by clicking here.

Men Utd – Transfer Deadline Day Signing
I’m backing Prostate Cancer UK’s ‘Men United’ campaign and was delighted to be their latest signing. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is predicted to be the most common cancer overall by 2030.
Read more

We are ‘Beer Champions…’
I was delighted to receive a special award for my work in helping local publicans. I was presented with the new ‘Beer Champion’ award by All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group.
Read more

I also recently closed the debate on Pubcos. You can watch my contribution by clicking here

Clean Up Cruelty
I was delighted to be presented with a certificate by BUAV – the organisation campaigning to put an end to animal experiments – for using only BUAV-certified products for cleaning my constituency office. Read more

2nd Class Service?
Royal Mail is hiking up prices well above the rate of inflation yet again following hikes of over 30 per cent in stamp prices less than two years ago. I warned that the decision to privatise Royal Mail could result in significant price increases. Consumers will question whether privatised Royal Mail has any interest in maintaining its vital letter delivery service in the future. Read more

TTIP – EU/US Trade
As Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment, I spoke in the debate on the new trade treaty between the EU and US – the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership or TTIP – which is currently being negotiated.
Read more

Consumer Rights Bill
I close the Second Reading debate of this Bill in the House of Commons. The Coalition is offering little to help hard-pressed consumers through this legislation and we believe they should go much further.
Read more

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Liberton High School Fair

318 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh

Sunday 23rd March from 11am to 2pm
Entry £2 Incl. refreshment and under-18s free
Profits from this fund raising will support good causes for LHS pupils.
For more information or details on table hire please contact:
liberton_pta@yahoo.co.uk

Falcon Bowling and Tennis Club Open Day
Sunday April 27th
The Club are always looking to welcome new members! They are particularly keen to increase Bowling membership and have held a number of events. These have included summer evening bowls parties and in the past year we even attracted two groups of bowling tourists – from Austria and Sweden.
If you would like further information, please contact Eveline Traynor, Hon. Secretary via email: f alconclub@hotmail.co.uk

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