New Government needed to lift fog over our region

ENGLAND is described as the mother of parliaments and envied across the world. That reputation requires constant care. And let’s be honest, last week was less than good and illustrates that this parliament is drifting before a longawaited General Election that can refresh its purpose.

Let’s first remember, however, some of the good it can do. It provides a platform for amplifying causes and pressing local issues. I was lucky enough, for the third time in three months, to win a question to the Prime Minister.

I chose to highlight the continuing problem of power cables over the River Tyne. I told the PM that a KPMG study finds a strong economic case to remove power cables over the Tyne.

But despite my questions to previous Prime Ministers, we are no further forward. This was my third question on the issue to different Prime Ministers since 2020.

I asked if this Prime Minister could finally secure a commitment from National Grid to implement its clear legal obligation and fund this vital work.

I added that this fog on the Tyne is impeding local businesses and puts at risk possible net benefits of up to £1.2bn. Ships cannot use the river to transport vital equipment for the offshore wind industry. Our great river needs action now.

The PM told me he is happy to look into the issue, so no immediate solution there.

Of course, that is disappointing but won’t stop me from continuing to battle for the case in the Commons, however long it takes. No MP expects instant success for their causes.

The parliamentary week took me from the Tyne to the Mediterranean where the continuing crisis in the Middle East is prompting strong views.

MPs have scrutinised many ministerial statements and asked questions on the issue but, as is their right, the Scottish National Party chose it for their opposition debate.

They tried to make things difficult for Labour ahead of a mammoth battle in Scotland where

polls indicate the SNP could lose many seats. The SNP motion was completely inadequate and failed to even mention the Hamas assault on Israel last year in which 1,200 people were mercilessly slaughtered.

Labour’s successful position was comprehensive, careful, and considered. I’m proud to have endorsed a motion that addressed all the key needs of the moment. This included the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

It also urged a diplomatic process to deliver the peace of a twostate solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state, including working with international partners to recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to rather than outcome of that process.

The Speaker selected Labour’s amendment to broaden the debate. There may be another debate in which the SNP’s flawed motion can be backed or rejected this week.

Behind the procedural arguments there is a growing fear that parliamentarians on all sides are being intimidated.

It’s a great shame that an MP has decided to stand down after his office was subjected to an arson attack and that some MPs have been given security to get around. People are entitled to lobby their MPs but I think we should draw the line on demonstrations outside their homes.

The principle of parliamentary democracy is that we elect public representatives rather than delegates. MPs must be able to freely express our views even if they are unpopular with some.

If voters don’t agree with our judgements, they have the right to kick us out at the election.

It is high time for that general election.

The PM can choose to go to the polls as late as next January. But there is a dangerous drift in politics that makes us look like a weak country.

A fresh government is needed to reinvigorate parliament and, hopefully, finally lift the electric fog over the Tyne.

■ Mary Glindon is the Labour MP for North Tyneside.