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<title>David Cairns MP</title>
<description>The official website of David Cairns, a Labour Member of Parliament for Inverclyde</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com</link>
<lastBuildDate>Fri, 04 July 2008 12:00:12 GMT</lastBuildDate>

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<pubDate>Fri, 02 March 2007 11:28:50 GMT</pubDate>
<title>"YOUR VOTE IS SAFER AND MORE SECURE" SAYS DAVID CAIRNS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?020320071128</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?020320071128</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 March 2007 16:35:54 GMT</pubDate>
<title>VICTIM SUPPORT DESERVES HELP FROM INVERCLYDE COUNCIL</title>
<description>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 &pound;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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?020320071635</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?020320071635</guid>
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<pubDate>Sun, 11 March 2007 14:49:06 GMT</pubDate>
<title>INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE WILL BENEFIT THOUSANDS IN INVERLCYDE</title>
<description>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 &pound;5.35 per hour to &pound;5.52 per hour in October &mdash; and over 2,000 Inverclyde employees will be better off as a result.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110320071449</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110320071449</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 14 March 2007 20:28:30 GMT</pubDate>
<title>NEW LAW WILL GIVE HOPE TO MESOTHELIOMA SUFFERERS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?140320072028</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?140320072028</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 21 March 2007 17:14:03 GMT</pubDate>
<title>BUDGET SHOWS WHY LABOUR IS BEST FOR INVERCLYDE</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?210320071714</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?210320071714</guid>
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<pubDate>Mon, 26 March 2007 17:48:37 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MP ACCEPTS CHEQUE ON BEHALF OF HOSPICE MOVEMENT</title>
<description>Kind hearted employees at British Energy raised &pound;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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260320071748</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260320071748</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 30 March 2007 18:27:27 GMT</pubDate>
<title>PORT TESCO GUARANTEES JOBS TO TRAINEES</title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300320071827</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300320071827</guid>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 April 2007 08:30:26 GMT</pubDate>
<title>TREAT OUR SHOP WORKERS WITH RESPECT SAYS MP</title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030420070830</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030420070830</guid>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2007 15:27:15 GMT</pubDate>
<title>POPULAR VETERANS' BADGE EXTENDED TO FALKLANDS CAMPAIGN</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?080520071527</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?080520071527</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2007 16:34:36 GMT</pubDate>
<title>HUNDREDS OF INVERLCYDE CARERS GET RIGHT TO REQUEST FLEXIBLE WORKING</title>
<description>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 &mdash; no easy task. But help is now at hand in the shape of the Westminster Government's Work and Families Act.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110520071634</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110520071634</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2007 14:23:24 GMT</pubDate>
<title>INCREASED MATERNITY PAY FOR INVERCLYDE MUMS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170520071423</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170520071423</guid>
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<pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2007 08:00:15 GMT</pubDate>
<title>"PUT JOBS FIRST" MP'S MESSAGE TO NEW COUNCIL</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260520070800</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260520070800</guid>
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<pubDate>Sun, 10 June 2007 14:18:18 GMT</pubDate>
<title>PORT GLASGOW BASED MCLAREN PACKAGING PRAISED IN COMMONS DEBATE</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?100620071418</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?100620071418</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 22 June 2007 08:19:08 GMT</pubDate>
<title>ALLIED VEHICLES INCREASE PRODUCTION OF WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE CARS</title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220620070819</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220620070819</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 June 2007 18:33:18 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MP HEADS NORTH TO SEE DOUNREAY DECOMMISSIONING AT WORK</title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?270620071833</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?270620071833</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 July 2007 15:46:18 GMT</pubDate>
<title>SLOW PACE OF REGENERATION BLAMED FOR LENOVO MOVE</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130720071546</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130720071546</guid>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 July 2007 18:39:31 GMT</pubDate>
<title>AUCHMOUNTAIN COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE GETS CHARGE FREE ATM</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220720071839</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220720071839</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 July 2007 18:02:14 GMT</pubDate>
<title>DOUBLE JOB JOY FOR CLYDE SHIPYARDS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?250720071802</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?250720071802</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 July 2007 10:40:45 GMT</pubDate>
<title>SAFEGUARDS DEMANDED FOR POST OFFICE MOVE</title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260720071040</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260720071040</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 July 2007 19:16:11 GMT</pubDate>
<title>FUTURE OF FASLANE SECURED</title>
<description>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.  </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260720071916</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260720071916</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 August 2007 19:20:26 GMT</pubDate>
<title>PHOENIX COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT SPREADS ITS WINGS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030820071920</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030820071920</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 August 2007 14:33:30 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MEETING WITH PO CHIEF TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF NICOLSON STREET BRANCH</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220820071433</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220820071433</guid>
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<pubDate>Mon, 24 September 2007 08:52:56 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MORE HOLIDAYS FOR HARD PRESSED INVERCLYDE WORKERS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?240920070852</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?240920070852</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 28 September 2007 08:34:10 GMT</pubDate>
<title>INVERCLYDE DOES THE BUSINESS FOR NEW START UPS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?280920070834</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?280920070834</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 28 September 2007 08:38:18 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE BOOST FOR LOW PAID WORKERS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?280920070838</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?280920070838</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 10 October 2007 10:15:32 GMT</pubDate>
<title>CHANCELLOR'S SPENDING PLANS ARE GOOD NEWS FOR INVERCLYDE</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?101020071015</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?101020071015</guid>
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<pubDate>Sat, 20 October 2007 11:12:10 GMT</pubDate>
<title>FALL IN UNEMPLOYMENT SHOWS REGENERATION IS BEGINNING TO DELIVER RESULTS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?201020071112</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?201020071112</guid>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 October 2007 12:36:06 GMT</pubDate>
<title>KEEP FOCUS ON SKILLS AND JOBS, CAIRNS TELLS INVERCLYDE COUNCIL</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?221020071236</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?221020071236</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 25 October 2007 21:23:57 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MP LAUNCHES SCOTTISH POPPY APPEAL</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?251020072123</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?251020072123</guid>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 October 2007 18:31:04 GMT</pubDate>
<title>REPRESENTING THE UK GOVERNMENT AT EDINBURGH REMEMBRANCE DAY EVENT</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?291020071831</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?291020071831</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 31 October 2007 10:12:51 GMT</pubDate>
<title>SURVEY SHOWS MP IS ONE OF THE BEST FOR ANSWERING EMAILS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?311020071012</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?311020071012</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 November 2007 11:40:22 GMT</pubDate>
<title>REMEMBER TO OPEN YOUR CHILD TRUST FUND ACCOUNT </title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?011120071140</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?011120071140</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 08 November 2007 14:28:01 GMT</pubDate>
<title>CLAIM YOUR WORKING TAX CREDIT IT'S YOUR RIGHT</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?081120071428</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?081120071428</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 15 November 2007 10:47:24 GMT</pubDate>
<title>PICK UP THE PACE OF REGENERATION IN THE PORT</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?151120071047</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?151120071047</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 15 November 2007 11:27:42 GMT</pubDate>
<title>EMPLOYMENT IN INVERCLYDE IS MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?151120071127</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?151120071127</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 29 November 2007 12:12:46 GMT</pubDate>
<title>PORT BUTCHER PRAISED IN HOUSE OF COMMONS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?291120071212</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?291120071212</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 05 December 2007 15:43:34 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR WINTER FUEL PAYMENT</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?051220071543</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?051220071543</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 06 December 2007 19:57:15 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MP BACKS XMAS DRINK DRIVE CAMPAIGN</title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?061220071957</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?061220071957</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 13 December 2007 12:28:23 GMT</pubDate>
<title>DISABLED SET FOR BETTER EMPLOYMENT SERVICES</title>
<description>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:</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131220071228</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?131220071228</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 December 2007 12:27:26 GMT</pubDate>
<title>CONSTRUCTION COLLEGE WOULD BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?211220071227</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?211220071227</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 January 2008 14:47:35 GMT</pubDate>
<title>LOCAL GROUPS URGED TO APPLY FOR EQUALITY FUNDING</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?090120081447</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?090120081447</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 January 2008 09:12:05 GMT</pubDate>
<title>HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY IS IMPORTANT TO US ALL</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110120080912</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?110120080912</guid>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 February 2008 09:37:54 GMT</pubDate>
<title>INVERCLYDE FIRMS CAN COMPETE WITH THE BEST</title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?040220080937</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?040220080937</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 07 February 2008 10:46:16 GMT</pubDate>
<title>PLANS FOR GREENOCK TOWN CENTRE INVESTMENT </title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?070220081046</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?070220081046</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 February 2008 19:18:45 GMT</pubDate>
<title>LAND GIRLS' CONTRIBUTIONS TO WAR EFFORT RECOGNISED</title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130220081918</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130220081918</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 February 2008 19:23:01 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MORE PROTECTION FOR INVERCLYDE CONSUMERS ON THE WAY</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130220081923</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130220081923</guid>
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<pubDate>Mon, 03 March 2008 10:30:08 GMT</pubDate>
<title>LOCAL RETAILERS URGED TO STOCK FAIRTRADE GOODS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030320081030</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030320081030</guid>
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<pubDate>Mon, 03 March 2008 10:43:01 GMT</pubDate>
<title>DON'T MISS THE BUS ON THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030320081043</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030320081043</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 06 March 2008 10:18:17 GMT</pubDate>
<title>REMEMBER TO SIGN UP AND RENEW YOUR POSTAL VOTE</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?060320081018</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?060320081018</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 12 March 2008 15:33:48 GMT</pubDate>
<title>BUDGET IS GOOD NEWS FOR INVERCLYDE?S 17,000 PENSIONERS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120320081533</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120320081533</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 13 March 2008 10:30:05 GMT</pubDate>
<title>RISE IN MINIMUM WAGE GOOD NEWS FOR INVERCLYDE WORKERS </title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130320081030</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130320081030</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 13 March 2008 10:39:23 GMT</pubDate>
<title>LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS INVITED TO ENTER PARLIAMENT?S NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY CONTEST</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130320081039</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?130320081039</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 14 March 2008 14:29:02 GMT</pubDate>
<title>JOBCENTRE CAMPAIGNS WILL HELP PEOPLE BACK INTO WORK</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?140320081429</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?140320081429</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 19 March 2008 10:28:11 GMT</pubDate>
<title>FAIRTRADE STATUS DEPENDS ON MORE LOCAL RETAILERS COMING ON BOARD</title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?190320081028</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?190320081028</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 26 March 2008 14:30:41 GMT</pubDate>
<title>EFFORTS OF WARTIME ?BEVIN BOYS? RECOGNISED</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260320081430</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260320081430</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 April 2008 15:55:20 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MP URGES PENSIONERS TO CLAIM THEIR BENEFITS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170420081555</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170420081555</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 April 2008 16:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
<title>HECTOR MCNEIL?S EFFORTS BROUGHT IBM TO GREENOCK SAYS CAIRNS</title>
<description>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. 
 </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170420081602</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?170420081602</guid>
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<pubDate>Sun, 18 May 2008 11:56:14 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MUMS AND DADS TO GET NEW FLEXIBLE WORKING RIGHTS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?180520081156</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?180520081156</guid>
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<pubDate>Sun, 18 May 2008 12:32:32 GMT</pubDate>
<title>NEW DRIVING TEST WILL MAKE INVERCLYDE?S ROADS SAFER</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?180520081232</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?180520081232</guid>
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<pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2008 15:03:07 GMT</pubDate>
<title>MORE PROTECTION ON THE WAY FOR AGENCY WORKERS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?210520081503</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?210520081503</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2008 14:44:02 GMT</pubDate>
<title>CARRIER DEAL GOOD NEWS FOR INVERCLYDE WORKERS</title>
<description>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.
 </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220520081444</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?220520081444</guid>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 June 2008 15:53:51 GMT</pubDate>
<title>INVERCLYDE'S CARERS DESERVE TO BE LOOKED AFTER</title>
<description>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.
 </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?090620081553</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?090620081553</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 12 June 2008 15:26:01 GMT</pubDate>
<title>SACRED HEART PRIMARY QUIZ MP ABOUT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120620081526</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120620081526</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 12 June 2008 19:49:41 GMT</pubDate>
<title>PORT GLASGOW GOLF CLUB RAISES ?3,500 FOR CARDIOMYOPATHY</title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120620081949</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?120620081949</guid>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 June 2008 15:55:50 GMT</pubDate>
<title>LOCAL VOLUNTEERS DO A MAGNIFICENT JOB</title>
<description>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.</description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?160620081555</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?160620081555</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 June 2008 10:36:55 GMT</pubDate>
<title>INVERCLYDE WORKERS? JOBS AT RISK IF SCOTLAND LEAVES THE UK</title>
<description>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?.
 </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260620081036</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?260620081036</guid>
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<pubDate>Mon, 30 June 2008 15:59:11 GMT</pubDate>
<title>TOP INVERCLYDE BUSINESSMAN VISITS DOWNING STREET</title>
<description>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.
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<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300620081559</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?300620081559</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 July 2008 08:37:42 GMT</pubDate>
<title>LOCAL PROJECTS SET TO BENEFIT FROM ?600,000 LOTTERY WINDFALL</title>
<description>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.
 </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030720080837</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030720080837</guid>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 July 2008 14:30:34 GMT</pubDate>
<title>AIRCRAFT CARRIER CONTRACT WILL HELP SECURE INVERCLYDE JOBS</title>
<description>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. </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030720081430</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?030720081430</guid>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 July 2008 12:00:12 GMT</pubDate>
<title>NEW LAWS TO HELP CREDIT UNIONS EXPAND</title>
<description>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.
 </description>
<link>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?040720081200</link>
<guid>http://davidcairns.com/news/data/?040720081200</guid>
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