As we enter the New Year it is a good time to reflect on a couple of the highs and lows of the past 12 months.
Dexion pensioners
Last year ended on a high note for one set of local campaigners. I congratulate the Dexion pensioners on the successful outcome of their long campaign – finally getting the Government to overturn its previous decisions and restore to them 90% of the value of their pensions. Such a positive outcome could not have been achieved without their dedication and commitment of the campaigners to get fair compensation for the collapse of their pension schemes. I had never been on a demonstration in my life until I joined them on one of their demos a few years ago. When I heard their personal stories I knew that I had to give them my full support. This is a real victory for natural justice.
Hospital
After several nonsensical consultations the future currently looks grim for Hemel Hempstead Hospital. It is obvious to all who live in the area that Hemel needs a proper General Hospital with fully functioning A&E; – especially when you consider the Government’s plans to expand the size of the town by one third.
I pay tribute to the work of the Dacorum Hospital Action Group and all local organisations and people who supported their legal challenge against the decision of the West Herts Hospitals Trust to ignore the results of the consultation. Although the main case was lost, the judge accepted that the Trust was wrong to leave out the option of Hemel Hempstead’s A&E; remaining open in the consultation.
Looking forward
There is still a lot of work to be done in the coming year – I will continue to lobby against the reopening of Buncefield until we know the results of the ‘behind-closed-doors’ inquiry. I will continue to lobby against overdevelopment of the area without the necessary infrastructure. And, of course, I will continue to lobby for Hemel’s hospital. I will not give up until the bulldozers arrive - my view is that whilst the infrastructure is still there all decisions could be reversed should the Government have a change of heart.
Thank you
Again over the past year I have been fortunate to be able to visit many local groups throughout Dacorum. I very much enjoy meeting the many dedicated people who work tirelessly supporting our charities, youth groups and sports clubs. I would like to say a big thank you to all these people for the hard work that they do for our local communities.
Finally I wish all my constituents a Happy and Prosperous 2008.
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