MPs have a variety of means where they can raise important issues facing their constituents and the country. These include Early Day Motions (EDMs), which I actively use.
Yet there is now a silly suggestion that EDMs be scrapped. This would reduce the ability of MPs to protect and promote the interests of local people, build cross-party support for good causes, publicise them in the media and promote good work in Blaydon.
For example, I recently tabled a motion congratulating Greenside Primary School in Blaydon on its centenary this year and the framed motion is now displayed in the school. It gives some formal recognition of the hard work of governors, pupils and staff.
Another of my EDMs pushes the Government to do more to bring an end to the tragic impact of the deadly Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy illness on individuals and their families by learning lessons from its better treatment in Denmark.
Last week, I tabled a motion on the controversial issue of smart meters. The Government rightly aims to equip all homes with smart meters by 2020. The installation of 47 million smart meters will be a significant step forward in reducing the UK's energy use and will greatly benefit the fuel poor.
They benefit the utility companies too through significant and recurring savings that far exceed the cost of installation and operation of smart meters by ending the need to dispatch meter readers and estimate bills.
They also cut call centre requirements and provide better ways of managing demand and supply for energy through smart grid applications.
All this is good news but I am working with campaigners who want to make sure that the big six energy companies don't, therefore, pass on any additional cost for the installation and ongoing running of smart meters to the consumer over and above what is already charged in the standing charge for basic metering
My EDM says that the big energy companies should follow the example of smaller energy providers such as First Utility which provide smart meters to their customers free of charge. It is the start of a campaigning drive by myself and others.
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| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |