MPs Diary June
Taking Violence against Women seriously
Last week I raised in Parliament the reports that Nigella Lawson’s husband Charles Saatchi had gone along to a Police Station and negotiated a caution for alleged assault on his wife, which had been photographed and publicised in the newspapers. I asked whether it was the “norm” for assaults in public to be punished in this way.Only 6.5% of domestic violence incidents recorded by the police result in conviction. What kind of message does it send if an alleged perpetrator can receive a caution in spite of extensive corroborative evidence? If it is the norm, no wonder conviction rates are so low, or is it a question of there being one rule for the rich and famous, and another for everybody else?
Ayr Gaiety Partnership centre stage
I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet recently with board members and directors of the Gaiety Partnership. It is amazing to see what has been achieved by the Partnership and full credit must be given to the Board, volunteers and the local community for ensuring that this valued community asset is up and running again.
The Gaiety's programme is impressive with shows to cater for all tastes including comedy, theatre, ballet, music and film While much has been achieved, along with the backing of the local community, the Gaiety still faces challenges and needs local people to do what they can to support it. The Gaiety is looking for more volunteers and people to join the Gaiety Community where members' subscriptions contribute towards vital restoration work. I would appeal to local people to do what they can to support this vital community asset which makes a massive contribution to the cultural and social life of South Ayrshire and indeed throughout Ayrshire. Contact the Gaiety on 01292 288235 for further information.
Coast Guard staffing risk
Next week, I will be meeting with Transport Minister, Stephen Hammond, to discuss coastguard staffing levels serving the west coast of Scotland. The meeting has been arranged by my Ayrshire colleague Katy Clark MP following Parliamentary Questions which revealed that MRCC Belfast, which took over the responsibility for the west of Scotland’s coast following the closure of MRCC Clyde, has been staffed at below risk assessed levels on 191 shifts so far this year.
Syrian Crisis
I am so angry at the appalling brutality of the Assad regime and the desperate suffering that is being inflicted on the Syrian people. After more than two years of fighting over 80,000 Syrians have died, 1.5 million Syrians have been made refugees - half of whom are children - and 6.8 million people are in urgent humanitarian need.
The scale of this suffering demands an urgent, united international response that addresses the immediate humanitarian needs of the Syrian people and helps to achieve an inclusive political settlement. The UK Government has rightly been at the heart of efforts to achieve this - including by providing £171 million in humanitarian aid - and I hope their focus remains on doing everything possible to bring about a peaceful outcome.
There are no good or easy options to end the violence in Syria. Indeed, there is a real risk that the conflict may widen beyond Syria's borders. A comprehensive peace deal, however, remains the best chance of limiting the bloodshed and the proposed US-Russian peace conference could offer the most immediate opportunity to achieve this.
Arming the Syrian Opposition could lead to further escalation in the violence and increase the possibility of weapons falling into the wrong hands. That is why I do not support the Government's decision to end the EU arms embargo on Syria and why I believe that the Government must ensure that there is further debate in the House of Commons before any decision is taken to send arms to the Syrian Opposition. Many constituents have already contacted me about Syria and I would welcome more of you getting in touch to let me know what you think.
Carers’ Week
Carers’ Week at Westminster saw a backbench debate to raise the profile of the UK’s seven million carers and the challenges they face. Carers are the largest source of care and support in the UK; it is both morally and economically vital that they are supported. I fully support Carers Week which helps to ensure that the work done by carers no longer remains under the radar and that carers receive proper recognition and support for the fantastic work which they do.
The Gala Season
We are now well into the gala season. I would like to pay tribute to all the volunteers who give their time to make these such successful community events. Last month I enjoyed going round both the Maybole Gala and the Girvan Lowland Gathering. Both were great events, well organised, and helped by beautiful sunny weather.
Sandra Osborne MP
Taking Violence against Women seriously
Last week I raised in Parliament the reports that Nigella Lawson’s husband Charles Saatchi had gone along to a Police Station and negotiated a caution for alleged assault on his wife, which had been photographed and publicised in the newspapers. I asked whether it was the “norm” for assaults in public to be punished in this way.Only 6.5% of domestic violence incidents recorded by the police result in conviction. What kind of message does it send if an alleged perpetrator can receive a caution in spite of extensive corroborative evidence? If it is the norm, no wonder conviction rates are so low, or is it a question of there being one rule for the rich and famous, and another for everybody else?
Ayr Gaiety Partnership centre stage
I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet recently with board members and directors of the Gaiety Partnership. It is amazing to see what has been achieved by the Partnership and full credit must be given to the Board, volunteers and the local community for ensuring that this valued community asset is up and running again.
The Gaiety's programme is impressive with shows to cater for all tastes including comedy, theatre, ballet, music and film While much has been achieved, along with the backing of the local community, the Gaiety still faces challenges and needs local people to do what they can to support it. The Gaiety is looking for more volunteers and people to join the Gaiety Community where members' subscriptions contribute towards vital restoration work. I would appeal to local people to do what they can to support this vital community asset which makes a massive contribution to the cultural and social life of South Ayrshire and indeed throughout Ayrshire. Contact the Gaiety on 01292 288235 for further information.
Coast Guard staffing risk
Next week, I will be meeting with Transport Minister, Stephen Hammond, to discuss coastguard staffing levels serving the west coast of Scotland. The meeting has been arranged by my Ayrshire colleague Katy Clark MP following Parliamentary Questions which revealed that MRCC Belfast, which took over the responsibility for the west of Scotland’s coast following the closure of MRCC Clyde, has been staffed at below risk assessed levels on 191 shifts so far this year.
Syrian Crisis
I am so angry at the appalling brutality of the Assad regime and the desperate suffering that is being inflicted on the Syrian people. After more than two years of fighting over 80,000 Syrians have died, 1.5 million Syrians have been made refugees - half of whom are children - and 6.8 million people are in urgent humanitarian need.
The scale of this suffering demands an urgent, united international response that addresses the immediate humanitarian needs of the Syrian people and helps to achieve an inclusive political settlement. The UK Government has rightly been at the heart of efforts to achieve this - including by providing £171 million in humanitarian aid - and I hope their focus remains on doing everything possible to bring about a peaceful outcome.
There are no good or easy options to end the violence in Syria. Indeed, there is a real risk that the conflict may widen beyond Syria's borders. A comprehensive peace deal, however, remains the best chance of limiting the bloodshed and the proposed US-Russian peace conference could offer the most immediate opportunity to achieve this.
Arming the Syrian Opposition could lead to further escalation in the violence and increase the possibility of weapons falling into the wrong hands. That is why I do not support the Government's decision to end the EU arms embargo on Syria and why I believe that the Government must ensure that there is further debate in the House of Commons before any decision is taken to send arms to the Syrian Opposition. Many constituents have already contacted me about Syria and I would welcome more of you getting in touch to let me know what you think.
Carers’ Week
Carers’ Week at Westminster saw a backbench debate to raise the profile of the UK’s seven million carers and the challenges they face. Carers are the largest source of care and support in the UK; it is both morally and economically vital that they are supported. I fully support Carers Week which helps to ensure that the work done by carers no longer remains under the radar and that carers receive proper recognition and support for the fantastic work which they do.
The Gala Season
We are now well into the gala season. I would like to pay tribute to all the volunteers who give their time to make these such successful community events. Last month I enjoyed going round both the Maybole Gala and the Girvan Lowland Gathering. Both were great events, well organised, and helped by beautiful sunny weather.
Sandra Osborne MP