Jim McGovern MP took the opportunity of Question time in Parliament to grill the Pensions Minister Stephen Timms MP over the Government’s plans for pensions and to push for a better deal for Dundee’s pensioners.

Jim McGovern MP today wrote to the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Adam Ingram MP requesting an urgent review of the decision to prevent the Black Watch from wearing the Red Hackle in ceremonial dress.

In a short debate on cash machines Jim was able to raise problems felt by his constituents who disapprove of fee charging cash machines especially as these tend to disproportionately effect the poorest in Dundee. Both were part of a wider debate and a broader campaign which Jim has been actively involved in during his time at Westminster.

In Questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Jim pre-empted the Hutton Report which was widely linked to recommend the return between the basic state pension and earnings. This is a policy Jim strongly supports. In his opinion the Labour Party has increased the amount of money going to pensioners above and beyond the rate of earnings. However, the future is an unknown and having the earnings link laid down in statute will surely guarantee a better future for all pensions.

Jim McGovern MP today expressed outrage at the decision of BBC Scotland to go ahead with the broadcast of a programme dealing with the death of Dundee resident John Paul Lammond. This is despite never receiving, or trying to obtain, the permission of Mr Lammond’s family. Mr Lammond’s family have actually contacted the BBC to express their objection but this has been ignored.