The official website of David Cairns, a Labour Member of Parliament for Inverclyde http://davidcairns.com Thu, 16 July 2009 14:15:11 GMT Fri, 02 March 2007 11:28:50 GMT Voting in the May elections will be safer and more secure than ever thanks to the reforms brought by the Westminster Government, so says Inverclyde MP David Cairns. Measures to safeguard postal votes and encourage people to join the electoral register were outlined during a well attended and vigorous debate in the House of Commons in which over 500 MPs voted. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?020320071128 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?020320071128 Fri, 02 March 2007 16:35:54 GMT Inverclyde's cash strapped Victim Support has turned to local MP David Cairns to try and ensure that the funding for their vital work continues. Service Area Co-ordinator, Liz McCue, needs a crucial £5,000 grant from Inverlcyde Council if the organisation is to keep going, and she hopes that David's support will help her secure the money from the Council when their Grants Committee meets later this month. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?020320071635 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?020320071635 Sun, 11 March 2007 14:49:06 GMT More than 110,000 hard pressed workers across Scotland are set to benefit from an increase in the Minimum Wage announced by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, the Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP. The Minimum Wage will go up from £5.35 per hour to £5.52 per hour in October — and over 2,000 Inverclyde employees will be better off as a result. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110320071449 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110320071449 Wed, 14 March 2007 20:28:30 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns is welcoming new proposals announced by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton, to fast track Government compensation for everyone diagnosed with mesothelioma. Currently only people who receive Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit are eligible for state compensation under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers Compensation) Act 1979. The new proposals will break that link. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?140320072028 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?140320072028 Wed, 21 March 2007 17:14:03 GMT David Cairns MP today welcomed the Budget unveiled by Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, as a Budget for Britain's families, showing why Labour is best for Inverclyde. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?210320071714 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?210320071714 Mon, 26 March 2007 17:48:37 GMT Kind hearted employees at British Energy raised £200,000 for Help the Hospices during 2006/2007, after it was nominated as their charity of the year. The cheque was presented at the Scotland Office in London where Inverclyde MP and Scotland Office Minister, David Cairns, was on hand to accept it. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260320071748 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260320071748 Fri, 30 March 2007 18:27:27 GMT Trainees attending a Port Glasgow retail course got a welcome boost when Tesco announced that they will guarantee 20 of them jobs, once their new superstore opens in the town later this year. There had been fears that locals could lose out on the employment front because the new Tesco Extra was not designated as a Regeneration Store but, after pleas from Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire, the shopping giant relented and promised to reserve some jobs for local people. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300320071827 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300320071827 Tue, 03 April 2007 08:30:26 GMT David Cairns, Labour MP for Inverclyde, is backing the USDAW union campaign to promote respect for shop workers. The union is working in partnership with a number of retailers, including Tesco, to make sure that shop workers are treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030420070830 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030420070830 Tue, 08 May 2007 15:27:15 GMT The Veterans' Lapel Badge has proved so popular, that the Government is extending it to cover personnel who served in the Armed Forces up to December 1984. Previously, only those who served to 1969 could claim the badge, but now service personnel who were in Northern Ireland and the Falklands will also be eligible. The badge was first introduced in 2004 for veterans of the two World Wars and, to date, over 400,000 veterans nationwide have claimed their medal. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?080520071527 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?080520071527 Fri, 11 May 2007 16:34:36 GMT Balancing work and life can be hard for carers but, thanks to a new law which came into force recently, they now have a right to request flexible working. Inverlcyde has about 600 people who combine full-time work with caring for someone more than 20 hours per week — no easy task. But help is now at hand in the shape of the Westminster Government's Work and Families Act. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110520071634 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110520071634 Thu, 17 May 2007 14:23:24 GMT Expectant mums throughout Inverclyde are set to benefit from the UK Government's recent decision to increase statutory maternity pay by another three months, bringing the total amount of paid maternity leave up to nine months. This is good news for the 800 women in Inverclyde who give birth to babies every year. Not only will the increase in paid maternity leave be a welcome boost to family finances, but it will give mums more time to bond with their babies before returning to work. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170520071423 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170520071423 Sat, 26 May 2007 08:00:15 GMT Local MP David Cairns is looking forward to working with Inverclyde Council's newly appointed top politicians. Provost, Michael McCormick, and Council Leader Stephen McCabe were confirmed in their posts at the recent meeting of the full Council, and Inverclyde's Labour MP is keen to work closely with them over the coming years to ensure that regeneration forges ahead. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260520070800 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260520070800 Sun, 10 June 2007 14:18:18 GMT Well-known Port Glasgow company, McLaren Packaging, have been praised by local MP David Cairns for their contribution to Inverclyde's economy during a debate in the House of Commons. David paid tribute to McLaren's investment and training strategy, which is keeping them at the forefront of their industry and helping them to expand into new areas. The Westminster debate was entitled "The Economy of Central Scotland" and, speaking in his role as Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, David stressed the vital importance for areas like Inverclyde to attract and sustain medium-sized companies like McLaren's. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?100620071418 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?100620071418 Fri, 22 June 2007 08:19:08 GMT Inverlcyde MP David Cairns recently visited Allied Vehicles in Possilpark, Glasgow. The company specialises in the development and assembly line manufacture of a range of wheelchair accessible vehicles, and David went along in his capacity as a Scotland Office minister. He was given a tour of the main production and development areas of the plant by Allied Vehicles chairman, Garry Facenna, and Managing Director, Paul Nelson. He also met employees and was briefed on new product lines including accessible taxis and electric-powered vehicles. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220620070819 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220620070819 Wed, 27 June 2007 18:33:18 GMT As part of his Scotland Office remit, Inverclyde MP David Cairns visited Dounreay to learn more about one of the most complex nuclear decommissioning projects in the UK. David was given a tour of the 140-acre site and received an update on progress from staff. Commercial work at Dounreay stopped in the late 1990s, and it is now widely regarded as a pioneer project for environmental restoration of nuclear sites. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?270620071833 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?270620071833 Fri, 13 July 2007 15:46:18 GMT Lenovo's decision to move out of Inverlcyde and set up in Paisley has been blamed on the slow pace of regeneration. And Inverlcyde MP David Cairns has warned that more must be done to ensure that business are provided with suitable accommodation, otherwise other companies could follow suit and new businesses will just pass us by. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130720071546 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130720071546 Sun, 22 July 2007 18:39:31 GMT Thanks to the Bank of Scotland, the Auchmountain Community Resource Centre now has a brand new fee-free cash machine. The company is taking party in the UK government's financial inclusion scheme aimed at ensuring that everyone can have access to free cash machines, no matter where they live. The Auchmountain Community Resource Centre was chosen, not only because it's well used by people in the East End, but also because there are no free ATMs in the surrounding area. The ATM is clearly labeled, so anyone using it will know straight away that there are no charges. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220720071839 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220720071839 Wed, 25 July 2007 18:02:14 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns gave a warm welcome to the Secretary of State for Defence's announcement that significant sections of the navy's massive two new aircraft carriers will be build on the Clyde at the Govan shipyard. The work will be carried out by BAE systems and it will safeguard thousands of shipbuilding jobs for years to come. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?250720071802 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?250720071802 Thu, 26 July 2007 10:40:45 GMT Greenock's Nicolson Street Post Office is on the move into WH Smith's in the Oak Mall, and Inverclyde MP David Cairns is determined to see that older and more vulnerable customers don't lose out. Crown Post offices like Nicolson Street lose vast amounts of money each year and, with fewer and fewer people using them, the only way they can remain viable is to move into shops and supermarkets. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260720071040 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260720071040 Thu, 26 July 2007 19:16:11 GMT Hot on the heels of the announcement that the Clyde is to benefit from building two new aircraft carriers, comes the news that the Clyde Naval Base at Faslane is to remain open. Des Browne, the Secretary of State for Defence, revealed that the base has emerged unscathed from the recent Ministry of Defence Review of Britain's naval bases and it will continue in operation for the foreseeable future. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260720071916 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260720071916 Fri, 03 August 2007 19:20:26 GMT Speaking at the Phoenix Community Health project's open day Inverclyde Labour MP David Cairns said: "The Phoenix Community Health project is really important to Inverclyde. Our poor health record and a low life expectancy are well known. Phoenix work with some of the most disadvantaged in our community to try and help them lead healthier lives. They are making a real difference to the health of many people. Their new offices are much larger and have better facilities, so they will be able to provide far more support to the groups they are working with. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030820071920 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030820071920 Wed, 22 August 2007 14:33:30 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns has travelled to Edinburgh to meet with Scottish Post Office Director, Julie Morrison, to discuss the proposed move of the Nicolson Street branch to WH Smith. The meeting took place on Wednesday 8th August at the Scottish HQ of the Post Office in Edinburgh. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220820071433 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220820071433 Mon, 24 September 2007 08:52:56 GMT Thousands of Inverclyde workers will see an increase in their holiday entitlement at the start of October when the UK Government's new rules on annual leave kick in. From the 1st October full time employees working a five day week will see their right to annual leave rise from 20 to 24 days. Part-time workers will also see a pro rata rise. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?240920070852 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?240920070852 Fri, 28 September 2007 08:34:10 GMT Latest business start ups figures paint a bright picture for Inverclyde and show that more people than ever before are striking out on their own. According to figures produced by the four main Scottish Clearing Banks, 99 people decided start their own business during the three months from Mach to June this year - an increase of 34 on the 2006 figure, and one of the largest increases in Scotland. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?280920070834 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?280920070834 Fri, 28 September 2007 08:38:18 GMT Low paid workers in Inverclyde are set for a cash boost on 1st October when the National Minimum Wage rises to _5.52 per hour. All adults over 22 are entitled to the increase, no matter where they work, and any employers who don't pay up will be breaking the law. Workers can get confidential advice from the National Minimum Wage hotline on 0845 6000 678. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?280920070838 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?280920070838 Wed, 10 October 2007 10:15:32 GMT Inverclyde Labour MP David Cairns welcomed Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling's public spending plans announced in the Commons this week, and says that thousands of local people will benefit as a result of the changes made by the Chancellor. In addition to this the Chancellor has also allocated the highest ever amount to the Scottish Executive, which more than doubles the amount of money that can be spent on schools and hospitals since the Scottish Parliament was created in 1999. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?101020071015 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?101020071015 Sat, 20 October 2007 11:12:10 GMT September unemployment figures show a dramatic fall in the number of Inverclyde people out of work and claiming benefit. 219 people came off the dole queue last month, and local MP David Cairns says this shows that Inverclyde's regeneration strategy is beginning to pay off. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?201020071112 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?201020071112 Mon, 22 October 2007 12:36:06 GMT Local Labour MP David Cairns has welcomed the Council's new four year Corporate Plan and says it points the way to a brighter future for Inverclyde. The plan, approved by the Council earlier this month, outlines their vision for improving services and regenerating the area. The plan stresses the need to continue with the current regeneration initiatives which will require a renewed focus on jobs and skills. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?221020071236 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?221020071236 Thu, 25 October 2007 21:23:57 GMT The 2007 Scottish Poppy Appeal was formally launched by local MP and Minister of State at the Scotland Office, David Cairns. The event took place in the Scotland Office's Dover House headquarters in London and was attended by MPs of all Parties, members of the House of Lords and the President of Poppy Scotland, Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin KCB, CBE MA. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?251020072123 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?251020072123 Mon, 29 October 2007 18:31:04 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns will be representing Her Majesty's Government at Scotland's national Remembrance Sunday event in Edinburgh, in his official capacity as Minister of State for Scotland. After laying a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance near Edinburgh Castle, David will attend a service in St Giles' Cathedral along with Scottish Church leaders and members of the armed forces. David will be represented at the traditional memorial service in Inverclyde by Cllr Iain McKenzie, Depute Leader of the Council, who will lay a wreathe on David's behalf at the war memorial in the Well Park. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?291020071831 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?291020071831 Wed, 31 October 2007 10:12:51 GMT Inverclyde Labour MP David Cairns is the fifth best MP in the UK when it comes to answering emails, according to a survey by the "Write to Them" website. The independent website is run by a charitable organisation and helps people all over the country get in touch with their MP. All constituents have to do is type in their postcode and their message, and the site automatically sends off the email. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?311020071012 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?311020071012 Thu, 01 November 2007 11:40:22 GMT Inverclyde's Labour MP David Cairns is urging local parents to open a Child Trust Fund account for their babies after new figures show that only 66% of vouchers issued to Inverclyde parents are cashed, compared to the national average of 75%. All new parents get a Child Trust Fund voucher worth _250 from the Government to open an account which can then be topped up. Parents who forget don't lose out entirely because the Revenue Service will open an account for them, but it is better for individuals to open their own accounts so that they can pick the best one for them and alert other relatives who may wish to contribute. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?011120071140 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?011120071140 Thu, 08 November 2007 14:28:01 GMT Inverclyde Labour MP David Cairns is urging constituents to check their pay slips to ensure they are not missing out on financial help from Working Tax Credits. Labour's Working Tax Credits are already helping over 3,900 people low paid families in Inverclyde and, thanks to changes made in the budget, many will see their take home pay boosted by another _175 per year. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?081120071428 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?081120071428 Thu, 15 November 2007 10:47:24 GMT Port Glasgow's regeneration needs to step up a gear and focus on bringing more jobs and leisure facilities to the area. That's the verdict of the town's Labour MP, David Cairns. The Tesco Extra and the new houses at the Kingston Dock show the town's on the right road, but David thinks that the pace of change needs to pick up so that more local people can feel the benefits of regeneration. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?151120071047 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?151120071047 Thu, 15 November 2007 11:27:42 GMT Figures just released by the Office of National Statistics show that the number of Inverclyde people in work is continuing to rise. The claimant count has fallen by 145 since last month, and is 581 less than last year, equivalent to a 25% reduction in unemployment in the last twelve months. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?151120071127 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?151120071127 Thu, 29 November 2007 12:12:46 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns has singled out Port Glasgow Butcher Drew McKenzie for praise during a debate in the House of Commons. David was responding to a debate about economic regeneration in his capacity as Minister of State for Scotland. He told MPs about the regeneration of Port Glasgow currently underway and pointed to the importance of making sure that the existing town centre does not suffer as a result of the arrival of the new Tesco store. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?291120071212 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?291120071212 Wed, 05 December 2007 15:43:34 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns is on a mission to make sure that the area's 17,000 pensioners get their Winter Fuel payments before Christmas. The Pension Service say that the payments should be out by 16th December, but David is taking no chances and wants anyone who hasn't already got their heating allowance to call the Pension Service helpline on 08459151515. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?051220071543 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?051220071543 Thu, 06 December 2007 19:57:15 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns is teaming up with Strathclyde Police to urge anyone hitting the party scene this year to leave their car keys at home. The UK Government's campaign against drink driving is already in full swing with TV, radio and cinema adverts and David hopes that it will persuade more people than ever to think twice before getting behind the wheel of their car after a Christmas night out. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?061220071957 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?061220071957 Thu, 13 December 2007 12:28:23 GMT Disabled people in Inverclyde could soon be in line for more help when looking for work, thanks to a review by the Department of Work and Pensions. Ann McGuire MP, the UK Minister for Disabled People, launched the consultation at the start of December and she is adamant that employment services for disabled people must improve.The consultation runs until 10th March 2008, and Labour's Inverclyde MP David Cairns is urging local people to have their say: http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131220071228 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131220071228 Fri, 21 December 2007 12:27:26 GMT Inverclyde's Labour MP David Cairns has welcomed the news that leading building company, Carillion, may set up a training academy in Inverclyde. The company specialise in training young people for the construction industry, and David says that the pace of regeneration in Inverclyde over the next few years means that we are ideally suited for the firm's first Scottish venture. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?211220071227 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?211220071227 Wed, 09 January 2008 14:47:35 GMT Inverclyde's Labour MP David Cairns wants local organisations to apply for grants of up to _120,000 from the new Equality and Human Rights Commission. The newly formed organisation which includes the Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission has grants of over _10 million to give away to groups which tackle discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender and race. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?090120081447 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?090120081447 Fri, 11 January 2008 09:12:05 GMT David Cairns MP will be joining schools and churches throughout Inverclyde by taking time out to mark Britain's eighth Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday 27th January. David has already signed the Book of Commitment, which was placed in the House of Commons so that Members of Parliament nationwide could pledge their support for the annual day of remembrance. The Book honours not only those who died, but those who risked their lives to save people from persecution. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110120080912 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110120080912 Mon, 04 February 2008 09:37:54 GMT Could a company in Inverclyde win the coveted title of 'Best UK Business'? Local Labour MP David Cairns definitely thinks so and he is encouraging firms in Inverclyde to enter this year's Manufacturing Excellence Awards. Dubbed the Oscars of the business world, the competition is sponsored by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and is free to enter. A _20,000 prize of free business advice is on offer to the winner and entries close at the end of February. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?040220080937 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?040220080937 Thu, 07 February 2008 10:46:16 GMT Plans to modernise and extend Greenock Town Centre have received a warm welcome from Inverclyde's Labour MP David Cairns. At a recent meeting Oak Mall manager, Phil Chapman, filled David in on the details of exciting new plans for _17 million worth of modernisation and improvements. Changes on the cards include a new glass fronted entrance at West Burn Street due for completion before Christmas, an additional 45,000 square feet of retail space linking Hamilton Gate with Dalrymple Street and parking for 300 plus cars. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?070220081046 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?070220081046 Wed, 13 February 2008 19:18:45 GMT During the dark days of the Second World War, hundreds of women from Inverclyde worked hard to provide food and timber for the nation. They were members of the Women's Land Army and Women's Timber Corps, better known as Land Girls and Lumber Jills. Many worked on surrounding farms, while others went further afield ending up felling timber in the Highlands. The war couldn't have been won without them, and now their efforts are being acknowledged with a special badge from the UK Government. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130220081918 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130220081918 Wed, 13 February 2008 19:23:01 GMT At the moment customers can cancel a contract within 7 days if they are cold called by a salesman. But if you arrange for someone to come to your house, you don't have the same rights. Inverclyde Labour MP David Cairns doesn't think this is fair and that's why he's backing the Government's proposal to extend the same protection to everyone. The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is consulting on the proposals right now, and David wants local people to get in touch and tell them what they think. You can find out more at www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page44191.html and responses can be sent by letter or email. Closing date for the consultation is 22nd April. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130220081923 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130220081923 Mon, 03 March 2008 10:30:08 GMT During this Fairtrade Fortnight (25th Feb - 9th March) Inverclyde MP David Cairns is urging local shoppers to buy Fairtrade goods whenever they can. Goods bearing the distinctive blue and green Fairtrade logo guarantee that workers and producers in the developing world are getting a fair price for what they make, and are not being exploited. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030320081030 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030320081030 Mon, 03 March 2008 10:43:01 GMT Inverclyde MP and Scotland Office Minister, David Cairns, was on hand for the Scottish launch of the UK Government's National Minimum Wage campaign. Centre stage was a specially kitted out National Minimum Wage tour bus, which will be travelling to more than 30 towns and cities across the UK, offering free help and advice on the Minimum Wage. The black and red double decker is instantly recognisable, with its catchy slogan £5.52 are you on board? emblazoned on the side. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030320081043 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030320081043 Thu, 06 March 2008 10:18:17 GMT Sign up to renew your postal vote or risk losing it. That's the message from Inverclyde's Labour MP David Cairns. Changes to the rules on postal voting mean that everyone with a postal vote now has to confirm their date of birth and provide a signature, if they want to continue voting by post in future elections. 8,000 of Inverclyde's 61,000 voters are registered to vote by post and David wants to ensure that they don't lose out. Completed forms need to go back to Renfrewshire Joint Valuation Board by 11th April. Anyone who doesn't will have their postal ballot cancelled although of course they will still be able to go along to a polling station to vote in person next time there is an election. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?060320081018 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?060320081018 Wed, 12 March 2008 15:33:48 GMT The budget is good news for Inverclyde's 17,000 pensioners who are set to benefit from increases in the Winter Fuel Payment. Local Labour MP David Cairns is pleased the Chancellor is helping older people keep warm in winter and says that the increase will make a real difference to Inverclyde pensioners. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120320081533 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120320081533 Thu, 13 March 2008 10:30:05 GMT Almost 2,000 people in Inverclyde are due to benefit from a rise in the National Minimum Wage set to come into force in October. The new rate for adults will be £5.73 up from £5.52, 18-21 year old will also see an increase from £4.60 to £4.77, while for 16-17 year olds the rate will rise from �3.40 to �3.53. Local Labour MP David Cairns has given the news a warm welcome and says it will make a real difference to many people working in Inverclyde�s shops, offices and factories. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130320081030 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130320081030 Thu, 13 March 2008 10:39:23 GMT The UK Parliament's Information and Technology Committee is launching a competition for primary schools throughout the length and breadth of Britain. The 2008 Make IT Happen contest calls on schools to show how they would change an aspect of their local community using modern technology. One lucky Scottish school will win �1,000 and, if they make it through to the UK final, they could be in line for a cash prize of �4,500. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130320081039 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130320081039 Fri, 14 March 2008 14:29:02 GMT More help is at hand for Inverclyde jobseekers looking to go back to work, thanks to two new initiatives from the UK Government. The JSA 50+ Campaign reaches out to older jobseekers and encourages them to take up an interview with a personal adviser at the local Jobcentre; while the National Jobsearch Campaign is aimed at all JSA customers who have been unemployed for more than six months and offers a Job Kit containing advice on interviews, CVs and filling in application forms. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?140320081429 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?140320081429 Wed, 19 March 2008 10:28:11 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns is calling on more local retailers to sell Fairtrade goods. A recent meeting of the Fairtrade Committee (photo) heard that the area is still falling just short of the target number of outlets needed to get Fairtrade status for Inverclyde. Now David wants to enlist the help of local people to persuade shops, cafes and restaurants to carry Fairtrade branded items. Goods carrying the Fairtrade logo guarantee that workers in the developing world are not being exploited. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?190320081028 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?190320081028 Wed, 26 March 2008 14:30:41 GMT The Bevin Boys are the latest wartime heroes to receive a special badge of recognition from the Government for their efforts during the Second World War. The Bevin Boys scheme was introduced in 1943 by the then Minister for Labour, Ernest Bevin, in response to a shortage of workers in the coal mines. The scheme ran from 1943 to1948 and involved recruiting some 48,000 men to work in the pits providing fuel for the nation. So if there are any surviving Bevin Boys out there in Inverclyde, all they have to do is call David�s Parliamentary office in Greenock on 798120 and he will arrange for them to get their badges. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260320081430 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260320081430 Thu, 17 April 2008 15:55:20 GMT Age Concern has launched a More Money in Your Pockets campaign to help older people claim their rights. And it's a campaign which Inverclyde Labour MP David Cairns is happy to back. Age Concern think there are about 200,000 older people in Scotland missing out on one kind of benefit or another, and for some pensioners this could mean a shortfall of thousands of pounds a year. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170420081555 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170420081555 Thu, 17 April 2008 16:02:00 GMT The McLean Museum received an unexpected gift when Inverclyde MP David Cairns presented it with a portrait of one of his predecessors, Hector McNeil. Mr McNeil was the MP for Greenock from 1941 till his death in 1955 and is widely credited with bringing IBM to the area. The portrait used to hang in the old Keir Hardie House in Greenock and, when it closed, local Labour Party member Anne Kane looked after it. Sadly, Ann died, and her estate contacted David to ask if he would like the picture. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170420081602 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170420081602 Sun, 18 May 2008 11:56:14 GMT Families in Inverclyde received a boost when the UK Government announced plans to extend the right to request flexible working. Currently only parents with children under six have this right. But now plans are afoot to extend the age to sixteen, in a bid to ensure that parents have the opportunity to balance their work and family life. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?180520081156 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?180520081156 Sun, 18 May 2008 12:32:32 GMT If you are fed up seeing bad driving on Inverclyde's roads, here's your chance to do something about it. The Department of Transport is consulting on changing the way we learn to drive and they are looking for your views on how we can create careful drivers. The consultation runs till 8th September and you can have your say by logging on to www.dsa.gov.uk/learningtodrive. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?180520081232 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?180520081232 Wed, 21 May 2008 15:03:07 GMT News that employers and unions have reached agreement on new rules for equal treatment of agency workers has been welcomed by Inverlcyde Labour MP, David Cairns. The next step is for the UK Government to talk to its European partners about how to implement this as part of the European Agency Workers� Directive, when the European Council meets in June. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?210520081503 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?210520081503 Thu, 22 May 2008 14:44:02 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns has welcomed the news that the Ministry of Defence is set to sign a £4bn deal to build two new aircraft carriers. The Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne MP, has given the go-ahead for the two companies involved, BAE Systems and VT Group, to form a joint venture company and, once this is done, the formal contract will be signed. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220520081444 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220520081444 Mon, 09 June 2008 15:53:51 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns is lending his support to the local Carers' Centre during this year's Carers' Week, which runs from 9- 13 June. The theme for 2008 is Carers can't afford to be ill. Inverclyde Carers' Centre is running a full programme of events over the week covering everything from stress management, to legal advice, to information on short breaks. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?090620081553 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?090620081553 Thu, 12 June 2008 15:26:01 GMT It was a school visit with a difference when Inverclyde MP, David Cairns, went along to meet pupils at Scared Heart Primary in Larkfield. The school is the only one in Inverclyde with UNICEF's Level 1 Rights Respecting School Award and the children were keen to quiz David on how politicians promoted the rights of children in the UK and the developing world. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120620081526 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120620081526 Thu, 12 June 2008 19:49:41 GMT Local MP David Cairns helped the Port Glasgow Golf Club's charity event go with a swing when he went along to support their fundraising day for the Cardiomyopathy Association. Cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscles and, although in most people it does not affect the quality of their life, it can cause sudden death in a small number of cases. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120620081949 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120620081949 Mon, 16 June 2008 15:55:50 GMT Inverclyde MP and Scotland Office Minister, David Cairns, visited the local Volunteer Centre to join in the celebrations for National Volunteers' Week. The Dalrymple Street centre was buzzing with more than 40 volunteers, befrienders and members of the public, all keen to talk about volunteering in Inverclyde. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?160620081555 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?160620081555 Thu, 26 June 2008 10:36:55 GMT Defence jobs at the Govan and Scotstoun shipyards could be at risk if Scotland leaves the United Kingdom warned Inverclyde Labour MP, David Cairns. He raised the issue after the publication of the all Party Scottish Affairs Committee report into "Employment and Defence in Scotland". http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260620081036 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260620081036 Mon, 30 June 2008 15:59:11 GMT Top Inverclyde businessman, Owen Quinn, was the guest of MP David Cairns at a recent Downing Street reception thanking entrepreneurs for their contribution to the economy. Owen has overseen the expansion of Blairs at its Baker Street site, so he knows a thing or two about running a successful business. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300620081559 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300620081559 Thu, 03 July 2008 08:37:42 GMT Inverclyde's Labour MP David Cairns has given a warm welcome to the news that over £600,000 of Lottery funding is to be invested in two local projects. The money is split between Stepwell Consultancy Ltd and Inverclyde Council on Disability. The announcement follows the Big Lottery Fund�s decision to invest in developing innovative, health living projects that will improve the lives of people across Scotland. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030720080837 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030720080837 Thu, 03 July 2008 14:30:34 GMT News that the contract to build the two new aircraft carriers has now been sign by the MOD was given the thumbs up by Labour's Inverclyde MP, David Cairns. The contract is worth £3 billion and will guarantee jobs and for Inverclyde workers in the Govan shipyard until 2016. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030720081430 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030720081430 Fri, 04 July 2008 12:00:12 GMT UK Government plans making it simpler for Credits Unions like the Tail o' the Bank and the Port Glasgow Credit Union to expand have been welcomed by Inverlcyde Labour MP, David Cairns. Under the new proposals local credit unions will find it easier to attract new members and they will also be able to offer more attractive rates to borrowers. And, for the first time ever, they will be able to pay interest to savers. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?040720081200 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?040720081200 Thu, 31 July 2008 10:02:50 GMT SIt's now 10 years since the Labour Government first voted to introduce the National Minimum Wage, and Inverclyde MP David Cairns is looking back on the progress made during the last decade and calling for rogue employers who con staff to be exposed. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?310720081002 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?310720081002 Tue, 05 August 2008 12:48:43 GMT A group of young people from Quarriers have joined the Campaign to End Child Poverty. And over the past few months, they've been busy contributing towards consultations and meeting together on a regular basis to share their views. They also wrote their thoughts about child poverty on a large block which has a letter on one side. Blocks from other organisations will eventually come together to spell out �End Child Poverty�. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?050820081248 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?050820081248 Mon, 11 August 2008 12:44:18 GMT Renfrewshire Joint Valuation Board, who look after the voters' roll, are starting their annual update of the electoral register. They want people who are not registered to vote to join the electoral roll, and they've hired twenty five temporary canvassers to knock on the doors of unregistered voters over the next few weeks. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110820081244 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110820081244 Fri, 15 August 2008 14:30:06 GMT Drivers who kill while using a mobile phone or putting on make-up face up to five years in jail under laws which have come into force across the UK. A new offence of causing death by careless driving toughens the penalties for motorists who kill because they were "avoidably distracted". This includes fiddling with a car stereo, texting on a mobile phone, adjusting a satellite navigation system or reading a map. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?150820081430 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?150820081430 Fri, 05 September 2008 12:07:29 GMT Most pensioners get their Winter Fuel Allowance automatically, but local MP David Cairns wants to make sure that those who are over 60 and not getting the state pension or any other social security benefit don�t miss out. These are the people who have to apply and, if they register before 19th September, they will be guaranteed their money in time for Christmas. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?050920081207 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?050920081207 Mon, 15 September 2008 14:17:00 GMT Pressure to keep the Greenock Custom House open is mounting as Inverclyde MP David Cairns meets with Customs bosses next week. Following on from his detailed submission to the Customs consultation, David is now meeting with Paul Smyth, Head of Communications, in a bid to convince him that Customs jobs should stay in Greenock. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?150920081417 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?150920081417 Sat, 20 September 2008 11:43:46 GMT Inverclyde pensioners Harry and Christine Paul are delighted that BT has waved £184 in repair charges, after Inverclyde MP David Cairns stepped in to fight their corner. The phone company had originally demanded payment for coming out to fix faulty equipment in their home. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?200920081143 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?200920081143 Tue, 23 September 2008 13:15:42 GMT Sexual exploitation of young woman and girls trafficked into Britain is a growing problem and that's why Inverclyde's Labour MP David Cairns is backing the international Stop the Traffik campaign. There are around 4,000 victims UK wide and the Scottish Association of Chief Police Officers estimate that, although Scotland has less than 9% of the UK population, it accounts for more than 13.5% of cases. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?230920081315 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?230920081315 Tue, 30 September 2008 17:26:56 GMT Saving up Tesco's Computers for Schools vouchers really paid off for five Inverclyde primaries when they became the lucky recipients of printers, scanners, microscopes and digital cameras. Pupils from St Gabriel's, Ravenscraig, St Joseph's, Earnhill and Moorfoot all went along to Tesco's Dalrymple Street store to pick up their schools' prizes from local MP, David Cairns. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300920081726 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300920081726 Tue, 30 September 2008 17:36:05 GMT When Inverclyde Carers held their AGM, they decided to ask local MP David Cairns along to talk about the benefits the UK Government provides for carers. Inverclyde has over 8,000 carers and a recent study estimates that they provide around £141 million a year in unpaid care. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300920081736 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300920081736 Wed, 01 October 2008 12:41:08 GMT Thanks to a grant from Heritage Lottery Scotland, young people in Inverclyde will get an opportunity to become involved in producing a heritage trail stretching along the riverside from Port Glasgow to Gourock. Project workers at The Trust's 7 — John Wood Street have been awarded a Lottery grant of £23,800 to help youngsters produce a trail highlighting the impact of shipbuilding and related industries on communities and families in the area. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?011020081241 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?011020081241 Thu, 02 October 2008 18:06:30 GMT New rules came into force this month giving consumers greater protection when buying from door-to-door salespeople. The UK legislation was brought in after consultations showed that people were being increasingly pressurised into signing up for things like driveways, conservatories and new double glazing. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?021020081806 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?021020081806 Thu, 02 October 2008 18:15:55 GMT The National Minimum Wage has gone up again and 90,000 workers in Scotland are set to benefit, some 2,000 of them in Inverclyde. The rate rose to £5.73 per hour for workers aged 22 and over, £4.77 for 18-21 year olds and £3.53 for those aged 16 and 17. The rises came into effect at the start of October, and employees should see the benefit in their salaries at the end of the month. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?021020081815 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?021020081815 Mon, 13 October 2008 08:44:14 GMT News that NATO is to allow its troops in Afghanistan to attack opium factories has been given a warm welcome by local MP David Cairns. Up until now counter-narcotics operations have been carried out by the Afghan forces, while NATO soldiers concentrated exclusively on eradicating the poppy crop. NATO's change of heart means that poppy production can be targeted from field through to factory, which will make life much more difficult for those engaged in the opium trade. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131020080844 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131020080844 Wed, 15 October 2008 15:51:12 GMT Congratulations to St Ninian's Primary School, Gourock, who have won the Scottish round of UK Parliament’s prestigious Make IT Happen competition. Gourock MP David Cairns wrote out to primary schools throughout Inverclyde inviting them to take part and, not only did St Ninian’s take up the challenge, their entry was so good they were crowned Scottish champions at a special awards ceremony in the House of Commons. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?151020081551 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?151020081551 Wed, 22 October 2008 14:27:39 GMT Following on from his detailed submission to the Customs consultation, Inverclyde MP David Cairns kept up the pressure to save the Greenock Custom House during a meeting with the newly appointed Customs Minister, Stephen Timms MP. The encounter took place in Mr Timms’ office at HM Treasury in the heart of Whitehall. And during the hour long meeting, Mr Cairns made it clear that he believed that Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) posts should stay in Inverclyde. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?221020081427 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?221020081427 Thu, 13 November 2008 10:27:41 GMT MP David Cairns is joining forces with Brake, the road safety charity, to urge people in Inverclyde to take care during Road Safety Week. Brake wants people across the UK to stop and imagine the shock waves caused in a community when someone dies or is severely injured in a road traffic accident. They are trying to persuade drivers to change their driving behaviour so that the carnage on Britain's roads comes to an end. Road Safety Week runs from 10th to 16th November 2008 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131120081027 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131120081027 Thu, 13 November 2008 10:34:23 GMT Letters telling Inverclyde’s pensioners that their Winter Fuel Allowance is on the way are dropping though the doors of the area’s 17,000 senior citizens. This year payments have increased to help cover higher energy bills and pensioner households with someone over 60 will see their allowance rise from £200 to £250. While households with an OAP over 80 will get £400, instead of the £300 they received last winter. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131120081034 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131120081034 Thu, 13 November 2008 14:47:00 GMT News that the Post Office is to keep the contract for paying benefits and pensions though its own Post Office Card Account has been warmly welcomed by Inverclyde MP David Cairns. Over 600 people, mostly pensioners, wrote to the local MP asking for the Post Office Card Account to be kept and David is delighted that the Government has listened to them. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131120081447 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131120081447 Sun, 16 November 2008 17:20:01 GMT Inverclyde's mums and dads are being urged to open Child Trust Fund Accounts for their children by local Labour MP David Cairns. Parents of all newborn children receive a £250 voucher from the UK Government to invest for their child's future, but recent figures released by HM Treasury show that only 65% of parents in Inverclyde remember to invest their voucher, as opposed to 75% nationwide. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?161120081720 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?161120081720 Sun, 23 November 2008 17:43:32 GMT Inverclyde MP, David Cairns, received a helping hand from one of the younger members of his local constituency as part of National Youth Week, a Prince’s Trust’s initiative set-up to tackle the negative perceptions of young people. Alex Lee, an S4 pupil at St. Columba’s High School and a member of The Trust’s xl programme, spend the day shadowing Mr Cairns learning about the role of an MP and the issues that affect local constituents. He attended constituency appointments with the MP and also helped out in the office. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?231120081743 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?231120081743 Mon, 24 November 2008 19:20:56 GMT David Cairns, Labour MP for Inverclyde, today welcomed the Pre-Budget Report (PBR) and hailed it as a real help for people and business in these tough times. The 2008 PBR set out ways to help families and businesses through the tough times caused by the global credit crunch. The Chancellor outlined measures to help people and put money into the economy now, so that we come out the other side of this stronger and sooner. Then, once the economy is growing again, action will be taken to tackle the public finance problems caused by the credit crunch, in a way that is fair to all. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?241120081920 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?241120081920 Tue, 25 November 2008 20:08:43 GMT The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced in the Commons today that the Port Glasgow Jobcentre would remain open. The Port office was among 25 throughout the UK saved from closure, so that they could help people who lose their jobs because of the global credit crunch get back into work. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?251120082008 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?251120082008 Thu, 04 December 2008 13:20:53 GMT Although Scotland has its own Parliament, the laws passed in Westminster continue to have a profound effect on everyday life north of the border. The recent Queen’s Speech contained eleven new Bills, all of which will have implications for people living in Scotland. And, according to Labour MP David Cairns, some of these Bills will make a real difference to Inverclyde. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?041220081320 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?041220081320 Thu, 04 December 2008 13:25:55 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns has roundly condemned the news that HM Revenue and Customs has decided to go ahead and move jobs from Greenock to Glasgow. The MP put in a detailed submission to the consultation earlier in the year, outlining why the jobs should be retained at the Greenock Custom House, and he is convinced that the current decision is a mistake. As well responding to the consultation on the future of Inverclyde's Customs' jobs, David also wrote several letters to HMRC, met senior officials at their London HQ, had several meetings with the Greenock staff and met with Treasury Minister, Stephen Timms MP. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?041220081325 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?041220081325 Fri, 05 December 2008 15:50:10 GMT As the holiday season approaches, David Cairns MP is backing the UK Government’s Christmas Drink Drive campaign and urging festive drivers to leave the car at home, if they are going to indulge in their favourite tipple. Hard hitting adverts warning people not to drink and drive over the holiday period are already running on TV, and David is supporting the THINK! campaign, aimed at raising awareness of the devastating consequences of drink driving. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?051220081550 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?051220081550 Tue, 16 December 2008 16:30:17 GMT Scottish Power has become one of the first energy companies to respond to the UK government's demands to reduce bills for vulnerable customers. From January next year pensioners over 60 will be able to qualify for a special social tariff which the company estimates could save some households as much as £200 per year. To be eligible for the new rates pensioners must be in receipt of certain benefits such as housing benefit, attendance allowance or pension credit. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?161220081630 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?161220081630 Wed, 17 December 2008 15:52:11 GMT When local Labour MP David Cairns discovered that some pensioners were missing out on their full winter fuel allowance, he teamed up with the Greenock Telegraph and asked people to contact him for help. The campaign was so successful dozens of pensioners phoned David’s office, and almost £4,000 has been reclaimed for Inverclyde's senior citizens. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?171220081552 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?171220081552 Sun, 21 December 2008 17:45:17 GMT When Christopher Hennan and Paul McMillan from St Stephen’s took part in the schools’ Question Time challenge earlier this year, they never imagined that it would lead to a trip to Downing Street and a meeting their MP. After Question Time the boys attended an event run by the Institute for Citizenship and they then selected the Port pupils for their Young Citizens' Action Project. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?211220081745 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?211220081745 Mon, 22 December 2008 13:33:48 GMT Drug users in Inverclyde will have to take up treatment if they want to claim benefits under new plans being backed in parliament by Labour MP David Cairns. In return for their benefits, addicts will be given help to get clean and get back to work — and it’s help they will be expected to take. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?221220081333 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?221220081333 Tue, 23 December 2008 16:20:19 GMT Inverclyde's Labour MP, David Cairns, has welcomed the news that credit card companies have signed up to the Government’s new set of “fair principles”. This means there will be an end to overnight hikes in credit card charges and borrowers struggling to repay their debts over the festive season will get a needed breathing space. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?231220081620 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?231220081620 Mon, 12 January 2009 13:39:26 GMT Last week’s plummeting temperatures triggered a £25 Cold Weather Payment for 7,000 of Inverclyde’s most vulnerable pensioners. The Cold Weather Payment, which the UK Government has trebled from £8.50 to £25, is paid out whenever the average weekly temperature at the Bishopton weather station falls to 0C or below for seven consecutive days. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120120091339 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120120091339 Sun, 25 January 2009 17:11:23 GMT Each year over 800 babies are born in Inverclyde and every one of them receives £250 from the UK Government’s Child Trust Fund. And Children from low income families earning less than £15,750 per year get £500 to help them build up a nest egg for later in life. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?250120091711 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?250120091711 Tue, 27 January 2009 10:51:23 GMT Inverclyde Labour MP David Cairns showed his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day by signing a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to honour those who perished in the Holocaust. As in previous years, Holocaust Educational Trust placed the Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to give MPs the opportunity to pledge that they will uphold the memory of the Holocaust and oppose hatred today. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?270120091051 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?270120091051 Fri, 30 January 2009 13:49:03 GMT A survey of betting shops in Inverclyde by the Community Union has produced shocking findings. Four out of five employees suffered verbal abuse last year and a further one in five was the victim of physical abuse. Inverclyde has 20 betting shops, giving it one the highest concentrations of bookmakers per head of population anywhere in Scotland. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300120091349 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300120091349 Thu, 05 February 2009 14:11:14 GMT It might seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas, but that’s just what Inverclyde MP David Cairns is asking local school children to do. He’s written to schools in the area inviting them to take part in the competition to design a Christmas Card celebrating Big Ben’s 150th birthday. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?050220091411 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?050220091411 Fri, 06 February 2009 11:37:58 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns has been to see for himself the work that Key Enterprises are doing to help local people back into work. The organisation, which moved last year from Ravenscraig Hospital to a specially adapted site at the Fort Matilda Industrial Estate, specialises in helping those with mental health problems get ready for work. Currently they have over twenty people on their books but they are hoping that they might be able to expand and take on more recruits. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?060220091137 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?060220091137 Mon, 16 February 2009 11:53:20 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns has seen for himself the work that British Armed Forces are doing in Afghanistan during a recent visit to the country. David was part of a Parliamentary delegation that visited Kandahar and Camp Bastion in the southern province of Helmand, where British forces are fighting the Taliban. The visit began with a journey in an R.A.F. C17 Transporter and involved night-time transfers from one camp to another in darkened Hercules aircraft, due to the risk of mortar attacks. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?160220091153 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?160220091153 Thu, 19 February 2009 10:32:22 GMT Goods carrying the distinctive blue and green Fairtrade logo will be getting pride of place in Inverclyde’s shops during this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight (23rd February - 8th March. The Fairtrade movement helps ensure that farmers and producers in the developing world get a fair price for what they sell and are not exploited. Its cause has been taken up worldwide and there are groups promoting fair trade in countries as far flung as Canada, Australia and the USA. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?190220091032 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?190220091032 Tue, 10 March 2009 09:09:11 GMT More help is on the way for Inverlcyde Jobseekers, who could be in line for a grant of up to £300 to help them get ready for work. The £10 million nationwide package was unveiled by Jim Murphy MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland, and local Labour MP David Cairns says it is good news for Inverclyde jobseekers. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?100320090909 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?100320090909 Thu, 12 March 2009 13:46:22 GMT MP David Cairns is joining forces with consumer groups to highlight the problem of silent telephone calls, which cause misery for thousands of consumers. Silent calls are caused by automated calling systems known as diallers which are often used in call centres. If there are not enough customer service advisers to handle the numbers of calls the dialler makes, it can result in a silent call. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120320091346 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120320091346 Mon, 23 March 2009 13:10:39 GMT Changes to the Welfare Reform Bill, backed by Inverclyde MP David Cairns, mean that over 20,000 blind in the UK will be entitled to receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance. Currently, they can only claim the lower rate and this change in the law will be worth an additional £29 per week to those who qualify. The extra money will allow them greater freedom to get out and about socially and help them find work. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?230320091310 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?230320091310 Thu, 26 March 2009 15:29:40 GMT New mums in Inverclyde are in for £190 cash boost from next month, thanks to a new Health in Pregnancy Grant being introduced by the UK Government. Starting in April mums, who are at least 25 weeks pregnant can claim the grant by simply filling in a form which they can get from their midwife or doctor. The new grant won’t affect Tax Credits or benefits and it’s available to everyone. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260320091529 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260320091529 Fri, 27 March 2009 16:37:29 GMT Over 300 pupils from local schools entered the contest to design a Christmas Card to celebrate Big Ben’s 150th birthday. The competition was fierce, but one lucky winner has now been selected from each age group, and local MP David Cairns is personally delivering the winning entries to the House of Commons selection panel. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?270320091637 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?270320091637 Mon, 30 March 2009 15:14:02 GMT Inverclyde workers, who travel to the Govan and Scotstoun shipyards, are celebrating the news that the yards have secured a 50% increase in the construction work they will be doing on the UK’s two new aircraft carriers. They will now build two major sections of each ship instead of one. The additional blocks were originally destined for Barrow, but the yard is busy with submarine work and couldn’t complete the order in time. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300320091514 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300320091514 Wed, 08 April 2009 15:32:03 GMT St Francis Primary School in Port Glasgow is one of the many Scottish schools creating a Tree of Life as part of their Lenten fundraising project. Every class in the school is taking part and, whenever £1 is raised, another colourful leaf is added to the tree. So by the time it came to Easter, the generous boys and girls had raised over £400 for SCIAF1. The money will go towards planting trees in the developing world and ensuring that poor people can have a better standard of living. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?080420091532 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?080420091532 Mon, 25 May 2009 08:31:40 GMT Every year trade unionists, politicians and clergy gather in Clyde Square to commemorate Workers’ Memorial Day. It serves to remind us of the thousands of people who have been killed, injured or made ill through their work. But the day currently has no official recognition. Now that’s all set to change as James Purnell MP, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, launches a formal consultation on marking the day - and there are already calls to make it a public holiday. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?250520090831 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?250520090831 Fri, 29 May 2009 16:01:42 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns is backing the Thalidomide Trust’s campaign for more compensation for those who affected by the drug. David recently met Trust members in Westminster and he is supporting local thalidomide sufferer, Stuart McLeod, in his bid to get help for people who have the condition. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?290520091601 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?290520091601 Tue, 09 June 2009 07:33:19 GMT Local Labour MP David Cairns is no stranger to TV interviews but his latest visit to STV in Glasgow was a little different. This time he was there to talk to about their business and see round the new studios at Pacific Quay, on the south bank of the River Clyde. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?090620090733 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?090620090733 Thu, 11 June 2009 15:16:59 GMT The campaign for safer working conditions for the people employed in Inverclyde’s 20 betting shops stepped up a gear when Labour MP David Cairns met with the Employment Minister, Pat McFadden MP at his office in the Department for Business in Westminster. David presented the Minister with a survey of local betting shops carried out by the Community Union, in which a staggering 80% of workers said they had suffered abuse. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110620091516 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110620091516 Thu, 02 July 2009 09:21:52 GMT Local Labour MP, David Cairns, has welcomed a £1.7billion boost for Jobcentre Plus aimed at reducing unemployment in the UK but is calling for more to be done to help unemployed, over-50s get back into work. Figures for the past year show that unemployment rates amongst people aged 50 plus have risen faster than for any other age group, and that those wishing to find new jobs have only a 1 in 5 chance of returning to work within 2 years of becoming unemployed. David is backing calls, lodged in a Parliamentary motion by fellow MP Bob Spink, to put measures in place to help tackle unemployment amongst older people. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?020720090921 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?020720090921 Fri, 03 July 2009 15:15:39 GMT Inverclyde Labour MP, David Cairns, is backing a campaign to reduce gas and electricity bills for those using pre-payment meters. Energy customers who use pre-payment meters are expected to pay as much as £340 per year more than those using online methods of fuel payment. David is backing calls from his Inverclyde constituents for the immediate introduction of regulation that would bring the fuel costs of these customers in line with other consumers and is supporting a Parliamentary motion put forward by his fellow MP, Mark Lazarowicz. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030720091515 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030720091515 Mon, 06 July 2009 12:35:40 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns is supporting the new Government White Paper, A Better Deal for Consumers, which was published this week. It’s aimed at helping those in financial difficulty and building consumer confidence during the economic downturn. The report sets out measures to provide help for those in debt, such as a ban on unsolicited credit card cheques and putting in place a new Consumer Advocate to champion the rights of customers. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?060720091235 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?060720091235 Wed, 08 July 2009 14:00:15 GMT Inverclyde Labour MP, David Cairns, met with Keith Woods Technical Director of Highcross Funds, the multi-national property firm, on Wednesday at the House of Commons to discuss the latest plans for the development of the Spango Valley site. The talks followed the announcement of proposals from Highcross for the creation of a business and industrial park on the 60acre site first developed by IBM in Greenock, who will continue to occupy part of the site. The commercial centre will be known as Valley Park and is set to be the second largest of its kind in the country. Highcross are set to release detailed proposals over the coming weeks. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?080720091400 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?080720091400 Mon, 13 July 2009 15:34:59 GMT The Labour Government has launched a consultation on new laws that will make it illegal for companies to deny jobs to trade union members because they are on secret blacklists. The consultation document contains draft regulations that will stop these lists from being compiled and sent to companies. The UK Government took action after the Information Commissioner reported in March that 40 construction firms had subscribed to a database so that they could vet their workers. The database was later closed under data protection law. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130720091534 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130720091534 Mon, 13 July 2009 15:39:46 GMT The new Elizabeth Cross, which is being granted to families of the armed forces killed while serving their country, has been given a warm welcome by Inverclyde MP David Cairns. This is the first award to be named after a reigning monarch since the George Cross in 1940. It is a tribute to the sacrifices made by the armed forces and will be available to all the families of those killed in action or by terrorists since 1948: eight thousand families in the UK are currently eligible. Any Inverclyde families wanting to claim the award should call 0800 085 3600. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130720091539 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130720091539 Mon, 13 July 2009 15:45:06 GMT Inverclyde Labour MP, David Cairns, is pledging his support for the British Special Olympics Summer Games being held in Leicester later this month. The event, running from 25th-31st July, will bring together 2,700 athletes from 19 Olympic regions across the UK to compete in a variety of sporting contests. The Special Olympics movement was established in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy – the sister of John F. Kennedy – to provide sports training and competition opportunities to adults with learning difficulties. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130720091545 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130720091545 Tue, 14 July 2009 09:25:42 GMT Inverclyde MP David Cairns has tabled a Parliamentary Motion slamming a move by the EU to abolish the traditional Watt measurement and replace it with the “Lumens”. The century old measure of light is called after Greenock’s world famous inventor, James Watt. David’s motion has attracted cross party support and has already been signed by over 30 MPs. The move to abolish the Watt was first suggested in the EU Energy-using Products Directive (2005) but it is only now being introduced and, if not stopped, is due to be implemented by September 2010. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?140720090925 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?140720090925 Thu, 16 July 2009 14:09:59 GMT Inverclyde MP, David Cairns, has shown his support for a Parliamentary motion praising the role of the retail sector in creating local jobs. As the largest private sector employer in the UK, the industry has created more new jobs in the past 5 years than any other part of the economy, something which is particularly important during the current economic downturn. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?160720091409 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?160720091409 Thu, 16 July 2009 14:15:11 GMT Inverclyde MP, David Cairns, is urging the Government to do more to encourage volunteers to join the thriving Scout movement. The UK Scout movement, which celebrated its centenary in 2007, currently has a waiting list of 30,000 boys and girls and this is set to grow over coming years. More adult volunteers are urgently required to fill leadership roles in order to open up Scouting opportunities to more youngsters. David is helping to raise the profile of the issue by supporting the Parliamentary motion lodged by fellow MP, Bob Russell. http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?160720091415 http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?160720091415