10/09/10 - Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article

This week I secured my first Westminster Hall debate, for which I chose the subject of ‘The Future of Library Provision’. I set out a proactive case for supporting our vital community libraries, through enhancing the book stock, opening times and library environment, and seeking to share services and costs with other services to meet the local community’s needs. Whilst the debate focused on the national picture, I was able to highlight our excellent local library service, in particular the examples of the new Central Library and the fantastic move for the Old Town library into the Arts Centre.

One of the biggest challenges you face as an MP in Westminster is securing an opportunity to raise and highlight an issue, so I was very pleased to have been drawn out of the hat for this 30 minute slot. The time is split evenly between myself and the relevant Minister who responds – so in effect it’s your 15 minutes of fame!

Having secured the slot, a huge amount of work goes into making sure that you use your opportunity to full effect. Having been notified of the date of the debate before the Summer Recess I had plenty of time to prepare. So I visited libraries to meet with library staff and users, library campaigners and representatives from national organisations to gather ideas and suggestions to put into my debate. I also used my own experience having been the Lead Member on Swindon Borough Council for four years covering Libraries. This included the time of the new popular Central Library being built and opened. My speech was continuously redrafted as we met with new people who offered an alternative view. As with any issue you can’t please everyone, but you can make sure you have done comprehensive research to put forward informed ideas.

As the date of the debate gets closer you are contacted by other MPs who request to be able to join in so they can raise their own concerns or ideas. For my debate, I took interventions from Robert Buckland (South Swindon), Andrew Stephenson (Pendle), Andrew Percy (Brigg & Goole), Duncan Hames (Chippenham) and Esther McVey (Wirral West). The interventions were extremely useful as they brought forward their own experiences from their constituencies to support my case. After our 15 minutes, the Minister then must respond to all the points raised and thankfully he was very supportive – the need to support and enhance community libraries was highlighted.

Of course, that’s not the end of the story. The debate was a very effective way to give the issue a higher profile, but the challenge now is to ensure the community gets the right library service for the 21st century.