Ann McKechin MP

Government and people: Unite to cut Carbon emissions

Many of you get in touch with me with important concerns about climate change, and I am very determined to help ensure that these voices have an impact on the speed and direction of national and international policy.

However, the large-scale national decisions our Labour Government is taking need to be supported by the actions and considerations of everyone in the whole country.

That’s why the Government has announced plans which will enable people to Act on CO2 by reducing the carbon footprint of their homes, the products and services they buy, and their transport.

You will have free access to Britain’s new Act on CO2 advice line which will provide individuals and families with comprehensive advice on how they can reduce their carbon footprint, and connect people with offers from energy companies and other financial support for going green. The helpline number is 0800 512 012.

We are also toughening up requirements on the energy companies to provide practical help to reduce people’s energy use at home – We believe they have a duty to provide subsidies for energy saving measures and advice on how to reduce your fuel bill.

You can find out much more on how you can save energy, compare product efficiencies, explore grants for CO2 improvements and reduce your fuel bills on the Energy Saving Trust website.

Changing the harmful by-products of an entire economy and the habits of our whole society is perhaps the greatest challenge of our time, and as your local MP I am convinced that this must be a strong united effort between the Government and every one of the people, if it is to work at all.

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Ann asks local workers “are you being treated fairly?”

Glasgow North MP Ann McKechin is urging workers in her constituency to tell her if they have suffered poor treatment at work because they are an agency worker.

The call comes as the Government agrees that it will accept evidence submitted to it detailing ways in which agency workers are mistreated. This follows on on-going campaign by Labour MPs including Ann McKechin and leading trade unions to press Government for YK legislation to tackle the abuse of agency workers - and stop unscrupulous employers using agency staff to drive down the pay and conditions of directly employed workers.

Ann said:

“I want the workers in my constituency to tell me about their experiences as an agency worker. For some the flexibility of temporary agency working is a bonus but increasingly I am coming across instances where agency working is the only option on offer and with it comes job insecurity, poorer pay, no holiday and sick pay, and even cases of pay being docked to pay for essential equipment or training.

The Glasgow North MP appealed for people to come forward:

"Every worker should be treated equally and should have access to essential basic protections. When agency labour is mistreated or being used to undercut the hard fought pay and conditions of the directly employed colleagues, we must challenge this. So I appeal to the people I represent to help with this vital campaign.”

You can contact Ann's office on 0141 946 1300, or via this website using the Online e-Surgery

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Veterans

Did you serve in HM Armed Forces up to and including 31st December 1954?

The veterans’ lapel badge was introduced to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The scheme has now been extended to men and women who served in HM Armed Forces up to and including 31st December 1954. Other groups who served up to 31st December 1954 are also entitled as follows: Cyprus Regiment, Merchant Navy Seamen who took part in military action, Home Guard and Polish Forces under UK Command. Please note, this criteria does not include Veterans who served in Armed Forces of other Countries and who served alongside HM Armed Forces. For example; Canadian Navy, or Royal Australian Air Force. It is regrettable that the badge cannot be issued posthumously. The badge is a survivors’ badge, which is to be worn on civilian attire. The only exception to this is War Widows and Widowers who are getting a War Widows/Widowers Pension.

I want to encourage local veterans to apply for the badge. Already, dozens of veterans from the Glasgow North constituency have been receiving their new Veterans’ Lapel Badges to honour the contributions they have made. I believe that it is very important to remember the sacrifices made by every veteran. These badges will help recognise the invaluable contribution made by veterans and should be worn with real pride.

Any veteran living in the constituency who would like a badge and needs assistance in applying for one, can contact my office and I will be pleased to help.

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