GREG MULHOLLAND GIVES MAIDEN SPEECH IN PARLIAMENT
May 26, 2005 12:00 AM
Greg Mulholland, the new Member of Parliament for Leeds North West, today gave his maiden speech in Parliament. In his first opportunity to address the House of Commons chamber, Greg highlighted the important issues faced by his constituents. He also paid tribute to the work of his predecessor, Harold Best.
He welcomed the fact that the former MP - who announced his intention to stand down this year early in the last Parliament - had often rebelled against the Government over issues such as the war in Iraq and university top-up fees. But he added:
"His reputation was not earned in this place, it was earned as a hard working local MP and I intend to emulate him in that and do my best to represent the good people of Leeds North West. Mr Best did not lose the election in Leeds North West and his reputation remains intact, a proud and distinguished one which I am honoured to follow."
Touching on some of the issues which saw him gain the seat on May 5th, he addressed the Government's treatment of older people:
"We still have a pensions system that leaves huge numbers of the poorest pensioners without the money they need to give them even a breadline income. And free personal care is not regarded as a right despite the recommendations of the Royal Commission."
He also pressed the Government to finally make an announcement on the future of Leeds Supertram. He said the A660 was one of the most congested roads in the country, causing unnecessary frustration to motorists and pollution in the local environment. He argued forcefully: "We need the Government to back Supertram and give us a 21st century transport system to suit our 21st century city."
While on his feet, the new MP did not miss the opportunity to welcome the remarkable success of both the Leeds Rhinos and the Leeds Tykes within his constituency in the past year:
"The past year has seen Leeds Rhinos crowned as Superleague champions - winning the Grand Final then going on to win the World Club Challenge against Brisbane Broncos - and in the other code Leeds Tykes lifted the Powergen trophy, so it has been a year of celebration on a number of fronts! Perhaps I should be grateful that, unlike in 1997, the mascot of the all-conquering Rhinos - Ronnie the Rhino - did not put up in the election this time round!!"
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