Letter from Parliament - Paul Rowen MP

The big news this week in Parliament has been the historic victory for the Gurkhas in a vote which the government lost by 21 votes on a Liberal Democrat motion. It was, as Nick Clegg said, the only decent thing we could do. If people are prepared to fight and die for this country why should they and their families not be allowed to settle here?

I was well briefed on the subject because one of my former researchers, James Sharrocks, had gone over to Nepal as a volunteer, learnt the language and worked for the UN helping to broker the peace deal in the country following the abdication of the Nepalese King. James' Dad is pastor of Spotland Methodist church.

The government's defeat is yet more evidence of Gordon Brown's fading credibility among his own party following what many people rightly perceive as a disastrous budget.

Because I was representing the UK at a Council of Europe meeting in Strasbourg I was not able to vote but was "paired" with a Labour MP also attending the meeting. Pairing is the system used by the government and Opposition Whips to enable MPs who have to attend to other extra-parliamentary business without their vote costing the government its majority. My vote for the Gurkhas was in affect balanced by that of a Labour MP who would have voted against.

Last week, just before the budget, I was able to ask the Prime Minister about asbestos in schools. Two teaching Unions during their Easter Conferences had passed motions expressing concern about the presence and safety of asbestos in schools. I asked the PM if he would be willing to meet me and representatives of the Unions to discuss their concerns. He has agreed to do so and I'm grateful for the technical advice of people like Jason Addy who have provided me with a wealth of information about the subject.

Also last week, as Chair of the All Party Light Rail Group, I hosted a meeting with Department of Transport's officials and industry experts on Tram Trains. These are vehicles which can travel on both rail and tram tracks and offer tremendous potential for improving public transport.

I was delighted last week to hear that Sue Verity had been elected Rochdale's Woman of the Year. She is yet another unsung hero who deserves recognition for her work with young people.

This weekend, I am due to attend a dinner hosted by the Rochdale Catenians. Vincent McNicholas is the President and is doing an excellent job.

I'm also attending the reopening of the club rooms at our HQ on Drake Street. Chris Davies MEP is the speaker and over the last few weeks Councillors Peter Rush and Liz Thirsk have worked hard to bring about a transformation.

Next week, on Tuesday, I'm due to ask Justice Secretary Jack Straw about Government plans for further prision privitisation. I oppose this and have been working closely with the local Prison Officers Association at Buckley Hall.

This week, I have been greatful to people like Joan Williams, Tony Coogan, Derek Wiggett, Vivian Coburn, Alan Taylor, Bronek Najduch, Angela Coric and over 200 helpers for their contribution to the European Elections. Their work hard is greatly appreciated and only by voting for the three main parties will we avoid the BNP getting elected in Rochdale.