Jim McGovern MP today raised the issue of pensions for female carers. In Departmental Questions Mr McGovern asked David Blunkett MP, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is going to take to address the pensions deficit felt, especially by women, who take two gaps in their working life, one to look after their children and the second to become a full time carer.

Jim McGovern today called for the benefits to be gained from the proposed Crossrail project to be spread around the UK and especially to Scotland. The Crossrail project will create a new fast underground line from the West of London to the East.

Jim McGovern MP has today declared support for a major all-party campaign to tackle Climate Change by promoting microgeneration, energy efficiency and other renewable energy solutions by signing House of Commons Early Day Motion No xxx in support of two new Bills.

Jim was a firm supporter of the Crossrail Bill, a project which will provide a major under and over ground rail link between East and West London and will provide major support for the commuter belts both sides of the city. This project will massively help London and should benefit the whole country economically. Jim was keen that the economic benefit to the whole country was emphasised and particularly wanted to discuss the job creation aspect, especially from within the construction industry.

During the election campaign Jim became increasingly aware of the problems women had with the current pensions system which can discriminate them. Jim was talking before the Turner report had been published and expects the issue to be addressed much more fully in the coming year (2006).