Mike Crockart gives Maiden Speech to the House of Commons

9 June 2010

Edinburgh West MP Mike Crockart made his maiden speech to the House of Commons yesterday during a Queen's Speech debate on the economy.

The maiden speech traditionally praises the constituency and the member's predecessors and must be given before a member can make any other contribution to the House.

Mike spoke at length about the many valuable assets that Edinburgh West offers, such as the historic villages of Corstorphine and Cramond, the Edinburgh Zoo and th great sense of community throughout Edinburgh.

Mike said: "From the groups conducting community litter picks in South Queensferry or on Cramond Beach, to those fighting to protect the integrity and boundaries of Corstorphine Hill; the Carrickvale Community Centre providing services to both older and young or the Gylemuir Community Association - there are already thousands of people active in improving their communities all over Edinburgh West."

However, he added that "in my constituency many are heavily dependent on financial services - whether in banking at RBS headquarters at Gogarburn or Lloyds Banking Group, in pensions and life assurance at Aegon or asset management at JP Morgan. So whilst understandably many of those working in the sector fear the banking reform which must surely come, they should be reassured that the aim of that reform is to make their jobs more secure, not less. I will be working with my right honourable friend from Twickenham (Vince Cable) to ensure that this happens."

A full copy of Mike's speech can be found at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm100608/debtext/100608-0018.htm#10060865000040