Congratulations to locals honoured

At least three local residents have been honoured in today's announcement of the New Years Honours List. 'Tracker', (Tom Attenburgh), known to thousands of Scouts and cubs and their families through his work with the Scouting movement; George Kerr, for his work with judo, currently with the Junior Judo Club in West Bowling Street; and Stephen Blackmore, Keeper of the Botanics.

Different areas of contribution to society - but all richly deserving the recognition they have received. (And if I have missed any other North & Leith residents who have been honoured today as well, my apologies!).

Inverleith Park sell-off opposed

I've received a copy of the latest submission from Friends of Inverleith Park against the proposed sell-off of part of the park for housing. It certainly seems a retrograde step to me - Inverleith Park is enjoyed by thousands of people from many parts of the city. I know that the sell-off is planned for an area which is not part of the main park, but it could still be the thin end of the wedge for what in better times could be seen by the Council as a very lucrative development opportunity. I'd be very interested in local views about this.

Time change passes first stage in Parliament

The House of Commons on Friday took the first steps towards changing the clocks, when it gave initial approval ('2nd reading') to a Private Members' Bill on the issue. The proposal if it goes ahead would mean that clocks will go forward so there is an extra hour of daylight in the afternoon (of course, meaning also it will stay dark an hour longer in the morning).

If the Bill eventually goes through all its stages in the Commons and the Lords, it doesn't automatically mean that the change will take place, as the Bill proposes that an independent Commission will be set up to look at all the evidence. The change could only take place if the Commission recommends a go ahead for a trial period - and there will still need to be a final vote in Parliament before the change could be introduced.

I conducted a survey of views in the constituency on the issue. The majority opinion certainly seemed to be in favour, although there were quite a few strongly against. As today's vote is not the final word on the issue, I thought it would make sense for the Bill to go forward to the next stage, but I made the point in the discussion that there has to be a proper examination of the arguments and evidence before any change goes ahead.

The tone of the speech of the Minister replying to the debate suggests that the government is not enthusiastic about the proposal, and although it was prepared to examine the issue further, it wouldn't be supporting the Bill. Governments that aren't enthusiastic have ways of 'killing off' private members' Bills like this! Nevertheless, I am still interested in constituents' views on the issue, as there will be further votes in Parliament on it. For more background information on the arguments for and against, click here.