Evening Star Column - 24th January 2012

A "warm welcome to the new Ipswich Star and Felixstowe Star. My very first article for the Evening Star was just a year ago and credit to the Evening Star for 126 years. Of course, I am fully expecting the new Stars to continue bringing local news and views as well as campaign on the issues that matter to local residents.

Congratulations are due to everyone at Felixstowe Community Hospital on their excellent review by CQC. I am sure all users of the hospital will be delighted. This review strengthens the case for keeping community hospitals.

I spoke up for our port on two occasions in Parliament last week. The first was in a debate when a group of Southampton MPs were complaining that legal action concerning their planning application brought by Hutchison Ports was a commercial spoiler. The fact is that the Southampton port did not do the proper assessment and when the MMO decided to give consent anyway, I would have been astonished if our Port had not intervened. Of course, Hutchison won its case. The point of this is that companies should expect consistency from the Government and its agencies. If there is a desire for less regulation, it should apply across the board. I used the analogy of football rules applying to one club and not their rivals. Uproar would ensue! I also spoke in the main debate on Ports, asking for careful consideration of joining up policies on rail and roads, as well as much more careful consideration of marine conservation zones.

Finally, after visiting retailers on Hamilton Road, I enjoyed an afternoon of bingo at the Palace. My select committee is doing an inquiry on gambling at the moment and I raised the issue of inconsistent tax rates with the Treasury Minister, Chloe Smith. Bingo pays 20% while betting shops pay 15%. There seems to be no reason apart from history. The Minister used to work for a consulting firm who recently produced research to show that by bringing down the rate, the Government would get more revenue. I had a warm welcome on Saturday and saw it was well-priced entertainment but it also provided a friendly community. People travelled from Woodbridge and it was good to see that companionship across the tables. I didn't win but I am sure I will be back another time."

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