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I have set out below some of my key meetings . In addition to these meetings, I have weekly surgeries and numerous meetings with organisations and people in my constituency. I also meet constituents when they visit Westminster and I attend the Scotland Office, Ministerial and Labour Party meetings in London.  I am Chair of the Advisory Committee on Works of Art and also I am the Labour member on the House of Commons Commission in Westminster and therefore I need to attend their regular meetings.

November 2011

- National Social Entreprise Day 2011 took place this year on Thursday 17 November.  I visited the Remploy factory where an Open Day was held to raise awareness of the work they do. 

October 2011

- Volunteer in a Barnardo's shop, Saturday 28 October.  This year for 'Make a difference Day' I spent a few hours as a volunteer in one of my local Barnardo shops. 

- Energy Action Scotland (EAS).  I visited Catherine Street Community Centre on Friday 7 October to hear about the new energy efficient heating system that had been installed through EAS working with ExxonMobil.  I met representatives of some of the groups that use the centre who explained that the previous heating system was very old and inefficent.  The improvement of the energy efficiency in the centre has brought benefits to all the users.  See the photo here...

- Question Time Event in Portlethen.  I was very happy to be invited to be a member of the panel of Labour politicians at a 'Question Time' style discussion at the Jubilee Hall, Portlethen on Friday October 2011.  Residents from Portlethen and surrounding areas provided a wide range of questions, covering both local and national issues, resulting in an interesting and thought provoking evening.

September 2011

- I attended the TUC Congress in London.

- I arranged for Paul Kenny, General Secretary of GMB, to meet MPs in his new role as Chair of Trade Union Liaison Organisation (TULO).

July/August 2011

- I organised and spoke at the Unions 21 launch event for their publication 'Updating Union Image'

- I met with Remploy in Westminster, to discuss the factory in Aberdeen.

- As Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Fisheries Group, I arranged and attended the AGM of the Fisheries Group in Westminster.

- In Westminster, I attended the meeting on the Cultural Olympiad, see here...

-  I visited Hamewith Lodge, the Southern Cross Nursing Home in my constituency.

- I organised several street surgeries in my constituency and also a pensioners steering group in my office.

- I arranged a meeting regarding the Coastguards.

- I visited residents in Persley Castle Care Home in Mugiemoss Road

June 2011

- I attended the Association of Colleges (AOC) Gold Awards 2011 ceremony in Westminster.  The awards are given to a number of former further education students who have since gone on to excel in their chosen field or profession.  I met with Rob Wallen, Principal, and Pat Cromer and Jim Gardiner, 2 lecturers, from Aberdeen College prior to the presentation.

- As part of the Seafarer's Awareness Week, the pelagic trawler 'Lunar Bow' was moored alongside HMS Belfast on the Thames.  I visited the boat with MPs from the All Party Fisheries Group.

- As Secretary of the GMB Union Group of MPs I chaired the meeting organised to update the MPs on the Southern Cross Healthcare crisis.

- I organised the AGM of the All Party Parliamentary Dance Group, where I was again elected as the Secretary of the Group.

- As Chair of the Works of Art Committee I spoke at the Works of Art/Goldsmiths Reception in Westminster, which marked the completion of the "Granted Access"  project. 

- I met with a number of constituents who were concerned about the Government's NHS Reforms.

- I went to the Skene Square primary school in my constituency to encourage the school pupils to participate in the 'Send my Sister to School' project.

- I attended the Gray's Degree Show at Robert Gordon University.

- I spoke to the Law students at Aberdeen University at their 'So you want to be a lawyer' event.  This event is organised by Reach Scotland, which is a national project funded by the Scottish Funding Council, which aims to increase access to high demand professional areas.

May 2011

- I met many constituents who visited Westminster, either for the tour of the Houses of Parliament or the tour of Big Ben or to attend Prime Minster's questions time. 

- I met with my constituent Amanda Burt who travelled from Aberdeen to attend the Spending Cuts and Disabled People Lobby, which was organised by RNIB.

- I attended the Oil & Gas All Party Parliamentary Group meeting regarding the implications of the Finance Bill for North Sea Oil and Gas.

- I arranged for GMB officers to brief MPs on the pensions cuts proposed by the Government

April 2011

In Aberdeen:

- Offshore Safety Awards ceremony was held in the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel.

- The Scottish Affairs Committee from Westminster launched their inquiry into the Health & Safety system in Scotland from the T&G Offices in Aberdeen. 

In Westminster:

- I spoke in the Finance Bill Second Reading, as I am opposed to the changes the Chancellor has made to the taxation on North Sea Oil and Gas.  See the debate here..

- I met with the Governor of Western Australia, as this region is growing in importance for the North Sea oil and gas industry and many Aberdeen-based companies have set up in the region.

- I sat on the Delegated Legislation Committee: Draft Charities (Pre-Consolidation Amends) Order 2011.

- Trawlermen's Pensions: I met with the investigator from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

March 2011

in Aberdeen:

- I met with the PCS union regarding the Coastguard station.

- I attended the Sheltered Housing representatives steering group meeting.

- I met with one of the students form Robert Gordon College to assist with their dissertation research.  I also met with the Head Teacher and one of the pupils of St Machar Academy and Aberdeen University.

- I visited Taransay Court where I met with the Chair of the residents association.

- I attended the Launch reception of the North East Sensory Services (previously Grampian Society for the Blind) which was held in the Marcliffe Hotel.

- the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group came to a meeting in my constituency office.

- I met with the new appointed Chief Executive and senior officers of Aberdeen City Council.

- I attended the Festival of Colours HOLI in Westhill.

in Westminster:

- I sat on the Fifth Delegated Legislative Committee which considered Draft Offshore Petro Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations.

- Set for Britain is a major scientific, engineering and technology (SET) competition and exhibition in Parliament.  I met with several students from Aberdeen University who were selected to exhibit in the Terrace in Westminster.

- I arranged a tour for the Aberdeen University United Nations Youth and Students Association and met the students afterwards.

- I attended the TUC/NHS reception which was organised to lobby against the Government's cuts to the NHS.

February 2011

in Aberdeen:

- I met with Graham Findlay of the North East Sensory Services (previously Grampian Society for the Blind).

- also I met with CLAN  the charity which helps those affected by cancer.

- I attended the launch of the book 'Black and Green Gold'  which was published by the Balmoral Group.  The book celebrates the achievements of the people in the oil industry in the north of Scotland and considers Aberdeen's future position in the global sector.

- I organised a further public meeting regarding the anti-social behaviour on the Beach Boulevard. 

in Westminster:

- I organised a tour and met students from both Aberdeen University Mooting and Politics/International Societies.

- I attended Remploy briefings organised by the GMB union.

- I attended the TUC UnionLearn Reception and hosted the 'Why Join a Union' book launch meeting.

- I held meetings where I met residents at sheltered housing homes at Lewis and Kingswood Courts.

January 2011

In Aberdeen: 

- I met with Trade Union Officers for our regular meeting, and with the PCS union with regard to the closure of the Passport Office and also I met with the Remploy Aberdeen manager.

- I supported the homeless charity Shelter in their campaign outside M&S.

- I attended the tribute event organised to celebrate the life of Annie Inglis, who dedicated her life to drama in Aberdeen and who founded the Aberdeen Arts Centre.

- My colleague Anne Begg and I met with Maersk, who are one of the largest shipowners in the UK.

In Westminster:

- I attended the British Airways, Unions 21, UK Offshore Oil & Gas Industry  and the National Grid Burns Parliamentary Reception.

- I hosted the STUC reception when the General Secretary and officials came down to meet with my Scottish colleagues in the Trade Union Group of Labour MPs and also the Unions 21 seminar 'Image of Unions' where all key unions were represented.

December 2010

Postal Services Bill: Rally and Lobby of Parliament.  I met with one of my constituents to show my support for the postal workers of Aberdeen.

Remploy: I visited the factory in St Machar Road, Aberdeen.

Works of Art Committee: I have been appointed as Chair of this Advisory Group, which has responsibility for the works of art in Westminster.  I Chaired the first meeting on Tuesday 7th December.

Fisheries Debate: I spoke in Westminster Hall during this annual debate, see here...

I attended the World Aids Day Reception in London on 1st December.

November 2010

Times Higher Awards: Aberdeen University was shortlisted for the Excellence and Innovation in the Arts award.  I attended the ceremony in London.

Fisheries: As Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Fisheries Group I arranged for WWF and Globe to brief the Group on the Common Fisheries Policy. 

Firefighter Rally and Lobby of Westminster: I met with a constituent from Aberdeen to support this lobby of Parliament.


Future Choices:
in Aberdeen gives disabled and able-bodied people choices for their future together.  I attended their fund raising event on 13th November.

All Party Parliamentary Dance Group: As Secretary of this Group, which supports  dance across the UK, I organised the attendance of the Group at the Rambert's Dance Company evening in Sadler's Wells theatre in London.

Aberdeen College Awards Ceremony: I attended these awards at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen. 

October 2010

I attended the reception to launch DanceLive in the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen.

Lawful Industrial Action (Minor Errors) Bill's Second Reading was on Friday 22 October.  As an original sponsor of this Private Member's Bill, I stayed in Westminster for the vote.  Unfortunately, as there were fewer than 100 MPs, the Bill was not passed.

Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association: I arranged for this Group to meet with the All Party Parliamentary Fisheries Group.

July 2010

Oil and Gas UK organised a meeting to launch their Economic Report, which I attended.

BBC Radio 4 are producing a programme on the Piper Alpha accident.  I was interviewed for this programme.

The All Party Parliamentary Fisheries Group needed to be re-established, after the General Election.  I was elected at the AGM to continue as Secretary of this Group.  The Minister for Fisheries spoke at this meeting also.

Dancing on Parliament event was produced by English National Ballet,  the West London Hub for Big Dance, the T-mobile Big Dance Bus, Dance UK, Westminster City Council and supported by Harlequin.  An old red London Routemaster bus came to Westminster, with a stage for performers. I went along to show my interest in dance and to support these organisations. (See the photo on the 'News'  page).

The Big Lottery held a meeting in Westminster to update Scottish MPs about the funding that would be available to Scottish Constituencies, which I attended.

I sent a submission to the Treasury, putting the case for continuance of support for dance.

June 2010

I attended the annual GMB conference in Southport.

Globe (the international legislators organisation) arranged a presentation of 'Marine Ecosystems Recovery Strategy' at the 'World Oceans Day' meeting in Westminster.  As the MP for Aberdeen North and as Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Fisheries Group this was of interest to me.

I hosted the reception, which the TUC organised for newly elected MPs.

I met with the General Secretary of the STUC, Grahame Smith, to discuss issues in Westminster that are of interest to the STUC.

As Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Dance Group I organised the AGM, which is essential to ensure this Group continues the good work it has done these last few years.  The Minister for Culture, Media and Sport attended this meeting.

It was the Emergency Budget on 22 June, which was followed by several debates in the Chamber.

The Subsea UK industry reception was on Wednesday 30 June.  This has become an annual event, which I host.  Both the Secretary of State and the Energy Minister attended and spoke at this event.  With some 40,000 employees, over £4 billion worth of services and products and over 800 companies, the UK subsea industry sector, based in Aberdeen, leads the world in experience, innovation and technology.  (See the photos on the 'News'  page)                           
 

May 2010

I was re-elected to represent the Aberdeen North constituency on 6th May.

Once back in Westminster I arranged meetings with the GMB union, to re-establish the GMB Group of Labour MPs, and also with the TUC.

April 2010 and May 2010

Easter Recess in Westminster was followed by campaigning in Aberdeen up until the General Election on 6th May.

March 2010

All Party Parliamentary Fisheries meeting with GLOBE (the international legislators organisation): as Secretary of the Group I arranged the first meeting where GLOBE had the opportunity to update MPs on sustainable fishing.  This progressed to some further meetings in Westminster and in Brussels, where legislators agreed the Global Marine Recovery Strategy.  See the latest here...

February 2010

Law Mooting Society from Aberdeen University visit Westminster every year.  We arranged a tour for the group of students and then we have a question and answer session.

Aberdeen College were winners of the Edexcel award for Lifelong Learning.  I met with the winning students in Westminster.

Union Terrace Gardens: I arranged a Public meeting in The Citadel in Aberdeen.

Longannet Power Station visit: Oil and Gas UK arranged for us to visit the Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) site.  See further details here...

January 2010

Parliamentary Education launch of 'MP for a week':  I assisted in the preparation for this event and attended the meeting.

Wildlife Trusts' Living Seas Vision Launch: I attended the launch in Westminster.

CWU Lobby of Parliament: I supported the Royal Mail workers who lobbied Westminster.

Burns Supper: I attended the National Grid event.

December 2009
 

Fisheries debate on 1st December: this is the annual debate in Westminster when MPs draw attention to issues of concern for the fisheries industry.

Oil & Gas Energy Meeting in London.

Remploy Open Day in Aberdeen: celebrating International year of the disabled.

I organised and attended the WWF briefing on the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

I met with the Head of Campaign from Digital Radio regarding the Digital Bill.

I attended the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) meeting in the House of Commons, as this group has many interests in Aberdeen.

November 2009

Meeting with the Director of Broadcasting in Parliament, in my role as Chair of the Administration Committee.

Foyer Group meeting in the House of Commons - this is part of the Aberdeen Foyer charity which works to prevent and alleviate youth homelessness and unemployment.

Several street surgeries in my constituency in addition to the normal Friday surgery in my office.

I organised and attended the All Party Fisheries Group meeting where the Scottish Fishermens' Federation (SSF) and the National Fishermen Federation Organisation (NFFO) gave briefings ahead of the fisheries debate (see above).

I attended the Aberdeen Grampian Chamber of Commerce dinner in Greenwich.

I attended several meetings when Ed Milliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change visited Aberdeen.

October 2009

Meeting with residents of Rosewell Gardens sheltered housing on 16th October

Renewable Energy Group meeting in Aberdeen

Subsea UK meeting in Aberdeen

Launch of DanceLive 2009 at the Lemon Tree

National League for the Blind meetings

Several tours arranged for constituents visiting the House of Commons, I met with some visitors.

North Sea Health and Safety debate in the House of Commons. I led this debate on 13 October

CWU Mail Workers lobby in Westminster

Marine and Coastal Access Bill: - As secretary I organised & attended several meetings with the All

September 2009

Offshore Europe Conference: I attended and also arranged meetings in Aberdeen with the Secretary of State for Scotland

Subsea UK meeting

St Machar Academy meeting

Riverbank Primary School meeting

Aberdeen Art Gallery Exhibition

Meeting in Aberdeen regarding compensation for fishermen

Meetings with residents in Kingswood Court, Clifton Court and Smithfield Court

Sheltered housing meetings

Northfield Academy meeting

Aberdeen University Fresher Fair

August 2009

Remploy factory: meeting to discuss progress of factory in Aberdeen

Meetings with residents in sheltered housing in the constituency

Street Surgeries Beach Boulevard public meeting

Northfield Community Day Meeting with BAA

July 2009

Scottish MPs regular meeting

All Party Parliamentary Fisheries Group Meeting with the Minister

Sheltered Housing meetings in the constituency

Street Surgeries

June 2009

Big Ben 150th Anniversary

Carers Week event in Aberdeen

Armed Forces Day Reception

Remploy in Barking

Subsea Reception hosted in Westminster

May 2009

Equality Bill Session

Oil and Gas Helicopter Safety Briefing

Hamish Macdonnell's book launch: Unchartered Territory-the story of Scottish Devolution 1999-2009

British Armed Forces Federation reception

All Energy 09 Exhibition

April 2009

Meeting regarding Trawlermen Compensation Scheme

Radio Interviews Scotland Live broadcast

Memorial Service for the North East Helicopter Tragedy

Calman Commission evidence session

March 2009

Welfare Reform Bill

Scottish Conference

25th Anniversary of the Miners Strike

Launch event – Coalition for the establishment of a Post Bank

NUJ meeting, Future of Local News under Threat

February 2009

Radio interview with Frank Gilfeather regarding Anti Social Behaviour

Meeting regarding the Gaming Machine Industry

January 2009

Labour Friends of Palestine Community Reception at No 10 Downing Street with constituent

Burns 250th Anniversary reception

Opening of OPITO Oil and Gas Academy in Aberdeen

Coroner and Justice Bill meetings

December 2008

Mental Health annual general meeting

Communication Workers Union lobby of Parliament

Big Ben 150th anniversary launch

School outreach meeting with various MPs

November 2008

John Prescott in Aberdeen, various meetings

Fire Brigade Union lobby of Parliament

BP Portrait Award viewing

October 2008

Scottish Wildlife Trust: Celebrating 100 Living Landscapes

Breast Cancer campaign at Parliament

Event: Revolutionising Public Transport

Justice for Columbia meeting in Westminster

10th Anniversary of BBC Parliament

National Pensioners Convention to Parliament

Launch of Parliaments new Education website

Meeting with the Icelandic Ambassador

September 2008

Meetings with voluntary groups

Visits to Sheltered Housing

Complexes Meeting with Council officials

August 2008

Meeting regarding the 3rd Don Crossing

Visits to Sheltered Housing complexes

Community Events

Meeting with Business officials

July 2008

Adjournment debate, Piper Alpha 20th Anniversary

Meeting with Unions

June 2008

Meeting with Jack Straw regarding Prison Officials

Meeting with the National Deaf Children’s Society

Meeting regarding Trawlermen Compensation

Lemon Tree Re-Opening

Equality Representation Conference

May 2008

Association of Colleges Beacon Awards

Second reading of my Offshore Oil and Gas Health and Safety Bill

Briefing regarding Equal Pay and the Equalities Act

Olympic and Paralympics Group Conference

April 2008

Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland Reception

TULO Steering Group on temporary agency workers

March 2008

All Party Group Guide to Disability

Offshore Oil and Gas Industry: Sustainable Development and the Marine Bill

Meeting with the Home Secretary regarding the Counter Terrorism Bill

Meeting regarding the Equalities Commission

February 2008

Meeting with Unions on Agency Workers

Fair Pay Network event

January 2008

Official opening of Aberdeen Benefit Delivery Centre

Veterans Day Reception

Holocaust Memorial Day – special commemorative event

 

 

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