Tony Lloyd’s reaction to the Coalition government’s legislative programme.

Business of the House: Afghanistan (Troop Levels) (26 Apr 2012)
Tony Lloyd: It is not obvious that the political process has made the same progress as the military one. In that context, does President Karzai have the capacity to deal with the issues that the Secretary of State has mentioned today, such as corruption, and allow more people to be reintegrated? In any case, does he have the capacity to have proper dialogue with his previous political opponents? Without a political solution there will be no long-term capacity for peace.

Tony Lloyd MP had his lung function tested to see how his result compared with someone with Cystic Fibrosis to highlight the devastating impact of the disease for Cystic Fibrosis Week 2012. The event, held on 25 April and organised by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust indicated to parliamentarians first hand how Cystic Fibrosis damages the lungs. The average lung capacity for an adult with Cystic Fibrosis is just 65.1% compared to someone without Cystic Fibrosis that would achieve results of 80% or more. Tony achieved 85% on his spirometry test.

Tony said: “Having my lung function tested has shown me how much more effort people with CF have to make just to take a breath. It highlighted to me just what a battle it is living with this condition that claims two young lives a week. I hope as many people as possible take part in an event in their area during CF Week to help to raise awareness and fundraise for research and support for CF.”

More information about Cystic Fibrosis Week, which runs from 29 April to 5 May and events going on can be found at www.cfweek.org.uk

Photo © Georgie Scott/Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Oral Answers to Questions – Prime Minister: Leveson Inquiry (25 Apr 2012)
Tony Lloyd: The Culture Secretary did not answer the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson). Will he be very precise and tell the House now, because this is important evidence, whether he knew of the exchanges between his special adviser and Mr Michel? Did he know of the contents of those exchanges?

Clause 1 — Lord Chancellor’s functions
Surrogate Parents (Leave, Pay and Allowance Arrangements) Debate

Tony Lloyd: The Secretary of State made great play of the ACPO definition of domestic violence, but if the test is about protecting the vulnerable I must say that the definition is very legalistic. The experience of lots of women—the 230 women who leave home every week because of violence—is not always packaged in the way allowed for in the proposed legislation. Does he accept that many women will fall outside the definition and will not be able to get legal aid?

Tony Lloyd and Labour council candidate Laura Booth are pictured outside Hazel Grove police station and campaigning in the local area.

Young volunteers celebrated in style at the Greater Manchester Youth Network Youth Volunteering Celebration Event on Saturday 31st March. The event was opened by the Lord Mayor of Manchester and was organised to celebrate the positive contribution young volunteers had made in the city over the past twelve months. The night consisted of award presentations that were handed out by Tony Lloyd MP and entertainment by young performers including Manchester youth dancing troupe Universal Connection.

GMYN’s Managing Director, Alex Fairweather said “It was fantastic that we had this opportunity to showcase the huge contribution young volunteers in Manchester have made over the past twelve months. We are very proud of our involvement with youth volunteering and we will continue to promote the positive changes young people make to their local and wider community.”

Tony is pictured with Councillor Phillip Bethell, Simon Danczuk MP and local campaigner and candidate Richard Farrnell outside Kirkholt Police Office.

Ed Miliband was in Salford to launch Labour’s local election campaign, concentrating on crime and anti-social behaviour. Yvette Cooper made clear Labour’s commitment to oppose comments made by the present government that antisocial behaviour should only be tackled after five separate complaints are received.