As the year draws to a close many across the North will be reflecting on 2011 and what it meant for them as well as looking ahead to 2012. In the first in a three part series, Stuart Andrew gives a personal reflection on his year as Member of Parliament for Pudsey. Next week will be the turn of Rachel Reeves, Labour MP for Leeds West and the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
For me there have been many ups and downs over the last year but what strikes me most is that, despite all the gloom and doom, we are so fortunate in this country that so many people do so many wonderful things for their communities, for charities and for our country. As a Member of Parliament I get a privileged insight into this work.
One local issue which I have been involved with and which exemplifies this commitment from so many has been the campaign to save the Children's Heart Unit at Leeds General Infirmary. As part of a national review there is a recommendation to reduce the number of centres to increase expertise in the field. This principle I wholly support but I am deeply concerned that the Leeds unit only appears in the least favoured of the four options, implying that it is likely to close.
In Parliament I was glad to secure two debates on the issue and it was a moment when I think Parliament was at its best. MPs from all parts of the country and all political parties united to express our concern about the impact the review would have. I only hope that those making the decision will listen to the thousands of voices from across the region.
Transport is an issue that has long vexed many in my constituency and the lack of investment in Yorkshire over the years is clearly evident. I have been keen at every opportunity to highlight our need and was delighted that in the Autumn Statement the Chancellor announced that funding will be provided to secure new rail stations at Apperley Bridge and Kirkstall Forge, which should contribute to reducing congestion on local roads. In addition, I have been elected as the co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on High Speed Rail, a project that, in my view, is crucial if we are serious about dealing with the problem of overcrowding on our main routes and bringing better links between our major cities.
Not long after being elected, I was contacted by a constituent who is suffering from ovarian cancer. She invited me to a reception in Parliament so that we could discuss the issues surrounding this disease and the serious lack of awareness of the symptoms that exists amongst women. It reminded me that I never knew my own grandmother due to this disease and I was pleased to secure a debate in Westminster Hall, following which a cross party delegation met with the Minister and pressed the need for a Government led awareness campaign.
Earlier this year, a number of parents of children with autism invited me to a meeting at which they were discussing taking advantage of the Government Free School. I managed to secure a meeting with the Minster for Schools and these inspirational parents, who presented a very compelling case. We were all delighted when the application was successful and we can look forward to this much needed school opening in Pudsey soon.
On a lighter note, a real high for me this year was to see businesses, schools, community groups and individuals in Pudsey coming together to raise thousands of pounds for Children in Need. What made the whole event even more enjoyable was that the BBC agreed to my request to hold the regional and part of the national coverage in Pudsey. It was truly wonderful to welcome Pudsey Bear home.
The low points during the year have been when we have been faced with making extremely difficult decisions in order to fix the terrible deficit which we inherited. Countries which have not dealt with their deficits have seen their interest rates rise, causing misery to mortgage holders and businesses, making it more crucial that we don't head in the same direction.
Another incredibly difficult decision came as Parliament debated a referendum on the EU. Prior to the election I had called on the previous government to honour its pledge to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. During the election I was asked at a hustings how I would vote if this issue arose in Westminster. I answered by saying that, as someone who believed in democracy, I would support it. It was therefore with a heavy heart that I had to vote against the Government, but I felt it was crucial that I honour the pledge I had made.
Looking to the future, I hope that we will be successful in our campaign to save Leeds Children's Heart Unit. It would be a wonderful result and a clear indication that the review team has listened to the consultation.
I will continue to support the plan to construct a high speed rail link and will be leading an inquiry on this very issue through the APPG. Looking at wider transport issues, I will continue to lobby the Government to ensure that our area receives its fair share of any funding that is available and will continue to stress the need for the Northern Hub project which will help to increase capacity on our rail network locally, and also improve journey times across the North of England.
2012 will be a very special year, with the Olympics and Paralympics coming to London. This will be a fantastic opportunity for the UK to showcase itself across the world and it is important that our region shares in the benefits that these games will no doubt bring.
Finally, and by no means least, 2012 will also be the Queen's diamond jubilee. It is incredible to believe that Her Majesty has been on the throne for 60 years. She has served our country with great dignity and I wish her a very happy year of celebration.
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