Duncan Hames, MP for Chippenham - Battling on behalf of our services personnel (From Wiltshire Times)

Duncan Hames, MP for Chippenham - Battling on behalf of our services personnel

3:00pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News

In Parliament last week I asked the Defence Secretary to re-examine the discrepancy in payments to those Army personnel who are made redundant after their immediate “pension-point” and those who leave just before.

He acknowledged the difference was substantial. I will continue to press for a fairer deal: those who have served our country deserve better than to miss out because of such a “cliff-edge” effect.

I also contributed to a debate on flood prevention. I argued against the worryingly defeatist attitude that dredging rivers is not worth the effort. Wiltshire has seen repeated flooding lately, and we must continue to do what we can to prevent the loss and damage it brings.

Returning to Wiltshire, I participated in a discussion hosted by Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon called Energy We Can All Afford?

The recently-launched Green Deal means that people can now insulate their homes without having to pay up front, or more than is saved in energy costs.

The Energy Bill before Parliament will simplify energy tariffs, and ensure that companies offer customers their cheapest tariff.

A big crowd gathered in Corsham to congratulate Stephanie Millward on being awarded the Freedom of Corsham.

She certainly deserves it. Stephanie, whose swimming career began with Corsham Swimming Club, won five medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games – more than any other Team GB athlete.

I managed to fit in some door-knocking in both Corsham and Winsley to hear about people’s concerns, which range from the very local to the international.

A keen interest in world affairs was evident from the impressive turnout to Meet the Palestinians in FairTrade Fortnight, held at St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon on Saturday, where we listened to a visiting farmer discuss olive farming in the West Bank.

Before leaving for Westminster on Sunday, I also joined Keep Bradford Green campaigners at the Bradford on Avon golf course on Sunday to repeat our past successful campaigns.

My next surgery will be on March 15 from 11am to 12.30pm at the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham.