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                           <title><![CDATA[MP raising new hospital car parking issues with health board]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has been representing the views of staff of the new Forth Valley hospital at Larbert concerned about new parking proposals which could see staff excluded from the hospital car park.   Mr Banks has been raising hospital parking issues at Falkirk and Stirling Hospitals with the health board for the past two years but has recently received complaints from staff due to be located at the new hospital who have not been given permits to park.   Gordon said &ndash; &ldquo;Staff feel the system to determine eligibility for the permits is...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:43:51</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Ochil & South Perthshire MP taken on cancer patient journey]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Gordon Banks MP showed his support for efforts to beat cancer at a major Cancer Research UK event on cancer treatment in Parliament.    During the 14th July briefing, the Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP heard about the different approaches used to treat cancer patients in the UK and was taken through a range of treatment pathways that a patient may follow after being diagnosed with the disease.    He heard about the importance of diagnosing and treating cancer early and the need for patients to have timely access to world-class treatment.   Gordon Banks...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:30:26</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[First cut might be the deepest for PRI says local MP]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has voiced his concerns at recent reports that Perth Royal Infirmary will no longer be accepting weekend surgical admissions with patients being transferred to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee instead.   Staff shortages are the apparent reason behind the move.   Mr Banks said &ndash; &ldquo;I understand that health boards and other public services are facing budgetary pressures but this move does appear a cut too far.&rdquo;   &ldquo;When cuts directly impact upon patient care and safety then serious questions have to be asked. My constituents in Crieff are already far...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:26:20</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Cutting support for youth jobs is the wrong choice says MP Banks]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[With hundreds of local young people leaving education this month, GORDON BANKS MP FOR OCHIL &amp; SOUTH PERTHSHIRE has urged the Tory &ndash; Lib Dem government not to cut support for youth jobs.    Figures released last month show that youth unemployment (aged 18-24) in the Ochil &amp; Kinross-shire area is now standing at 645 &ndash; almost 2% higher than the national average.   Labour&rsquo;s Future Jobs Fund has created over 15,000 youth jobs in Scotland. But the government is scrapping this help and abolishing Labour&rsquo;s Youth Guarantee of a job or training place for any young...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:22:57</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP exposes Tory confusion on short sentences policy]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks today exposed confusion in the Conservative Party over its policy on the use of short sentences.  At today&rsquo;s Prime Ministers Questions, Mr Banks asked the Prime Minister whether he agreed with his Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke, who wants to see a reduction in the number of short sentences or with his party north of the border who voted today to continue short sentences in Scotland.   Mr Banks said &ndash; &ldquo;The Tories are all over the place on this issue and Ken Clarke&rsquo;s comments must come as a major embarrassment for...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:17:41</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Banks fury as Tory Minister ignores blind cord threat]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks vented his fury last night as his requests for a debate on the strangulation risk posed by looped blind cords was ignored by Conservative Leader of the House of Commons, Sir George Young MP. Mr Banks made the request at Business of the House Questions yesterday (Thursday) and asked for a debate in Government time on the joint communiqu&eacute; released by the US, Canadian governments and European Commission pointing out the threat that looped blind cords played, particularly on young children. Banks has been campaigning for stronger regulation of the window blind industry...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:15:42</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP supports multiple birth EDM]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[In response to an enquiry from the Alloa Advertiser in relation to Early Day Motion 1090 Gordon Banks MP for Ochil and South Perthshire said:   &ldquo;Many of my constituents contact me directly urging me to sign certain EDMs and I always give this serious consideration and respond to my constituents accordingly.   I am not aware of any constituent contacting me regarding EDM 1090 however it is an issue that I have engaged with Ministers on in the past.   Furthermore I have been actively involved supporting constituents locally in securing help and support available from...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:59:46</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Banks makes keynote speech at FMB launch]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Speaking at the launch of the Federation of Master Builders manifesto for the construction industry, Building for Success, in London recently Gordon Banks MP for Ochil and South Perthshire said;   &ldquo;The construction industry is hugely important for Scotland and indeed the whole UK.   In Scotland the construction sector has been decimated in the recent downturn and the failure of the Scottish Government&rsquo;s Scottish Futures Trust is of major concern.   There are many challenges facing the industry at present including increasing mortgage lending and providing adequate finance to businesses.   The industry is a...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:57:41</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Banks shocked and disgusted at Nationalists attack on local jobs]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Speaking following the vote in the Scottish Parliament in which the Alloa based regulator Waterwatch was abolished with the loss of local jobs, Gordon Banks MP for Ochil and South Perthshire said   &ldquo;This is a disgrace.   The SNP in Holyrood have actively voted to cut jobs in Alloa and by their actions also increase the burden of the work this regulator carried out on the taxpayer.   Waterwatch was funded by the water industry and now its reduced role when transferred to the Scottish Public Service Ombudsman and Consumer Focus Scotland will be funded out...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:55:10</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP hails new business start up statistics as great success for Ochil & South Perthshire]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has reacted positively to figures released by the Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers which shows Ochil &amp; South Perthshire amongst the highest areas in Scotland for business start ups registered with banks. The area comes fifth, falling behind city areas such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Gordon Banks said &ndash; &ldquo;These figures are fantastic news for our area and highlight the resilience of towns across the area to support and nurture businesses.&rdquo; &ldquo;Clearly city centres like Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow are always going to figure highly in these statistics but it is a...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:39:40</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Banks attacks proposals to close Waterwatch Scotland ]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Gordon Banks MP today spoke out against the SNP Government&rsquo;s plans to scrap Waterwatch Scotland who are based in Alloa.  An amendment to the Public Services Reform Bill has been tabled by the Scottish Government to close Waterwatch Scotland and have their work absorbed into the Scottish Public Service Ombudsman and Consumer Focus Scotland. This will be voted on next week in Holyrood. Speaking on this issue Gordon Banks said,  &ldquo;This is devastating news for Alloa. Waterwatch employ around 30 people in the area and are the only national public sector body to have its headquarters in Alloa,...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:37:03</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP visits Imagine Alloa to see early stages of totem pole design]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Local MP Gordon Banks was in Alloa on Saturday morning to see the latest addition to the Imagine Alloa project &ndash; a totem pole.  The project have asked members of the local community to come forward to help and contribute to the design of the totem pole which will tell the story of Clackmannanshire.  MP Banks said &ndash; &ldquo;This is another example of Imagine Alloa&rsquo;s commitment to arts and crafts which will leave a lasting legacy for the town. The project will also engage with the local community and highlight the very best skills that Alloa has to...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:28:00</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP speaks out on adverse weather conditions across Perthshire]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Local MP Gordon Banks has offered his assistance to anyone left disappointed by the response to recent adverse weather conditions which blighted Perthshire recently.    Mr Banks said - &ldquo;This has obviously been a difficult time for people in Perthshire with reports of the worst snow ever seen by residents in places such as Auchterarder which resulted in road closures and power failures.&rdquo;  &ldquo;My office has been in contact with Transport Scotland, Scottish &amp; Southern Energy and the local Council in order to be kept updated on the latest developments.&rdquo;    &ldquo;Clearing roads and keeping...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:23:07</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP speaks at ‘Cut the Vat’ event in Westminster]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Ochil and South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks was a speaker at an event organised by the Cut the VAT coalition last week in the House of Commons.  The Cut the VAT coalition, along with MP Banks, believes that reducing VAT from 17.5% to 5% for all maintenance and home improvement works would help the Government achieve its target of cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and that it would further benefit the UK by creating tens of thousands of jobs.  In 2009, the EU changed its VAT directives allowing member states to reduce to 5% VAT on...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:18:49</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP welcomes Government statement on child migration scheme]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks welcomed the statement and apology made by the Prime Minister last week on behalf of the UK Government for it&rsquo;s involvement in child migration schemes up until the 1960s. This involved children as young as three being transported from Britain to Australia , Canada , New Zealand , South Africa and Zimbabwe .  It was hoped that these children, who were aged between three and 14, would have the chance to forge a better life overseas.  MP Banks said -&ldquo;These schemes were misguided and far too many vulnerable children suffered during...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:15:25</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP welcomes revised GDP growth figures]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has spoken out at encouraging news which saw UK growth figures revised upwards from 0.1% to 0.3%. The revised UK GDP figures released on Friday showed that the economy grew by 0.3% in the last quarter of 2009, up from the initial estimate of 0.1% growth. Commenting on the news, Mr Banks said &ndash; &ldquo;These revised figures are extremely encouraging.&rdquo; &ldquo;Whilst the growth is still quite modest and undoubtedly difficult times remain ahead, the economy is moving in the right direction.&rdquo;  "The figures also re-affirm the need to continue supporting the economy....]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:12:51</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Local MP commits to beat Cancer]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Local MP Gordon Banks has joined hundreds of MPs and candidates across the country in signing up to Cancer Research UK's Cancer Commitment, aiming to make UK cancer outcomes among the best in Europe in the next ten years.   Gordon Banks said: "I am delighted to pledge my support for Cancer Research UK &rsquo;s vital campaign. Cancer remains the public&rsquo;s number one fear. With a concerted effort from the next Parliament, we can give hope to the millions of people affected by cancer and their friends and family.&rdquo;   &ldquo;More than one in three people in this...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:10:13</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP disappointed by Government response to Looped Blind Cord Ban appeal]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has been left disappointed by the Government&rsquo;s response to his calls for a Looped Blind Cord ban and the calls made by Alloa Sheriff David Mackie after a recent Fatal Accident Enquiry.  In response to a Parliamentary Question by Mr Banks, Business Minister Kevin Brennan responded by saying &ndash;  The Department has considered seriously all the recommendations made by Sheriff Mackie. We feel his recommendations regarding regulations and labelling are more than adequately dealt with under the Machinery Directive as well as the General Product Safety Directive. The recommendation relating to...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:19:31</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP visits Friends of the Whins cycle project]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Local MP Gordon Banks was with Friends of the Whins last week (Friday) to meet staff and users and to look at how their recent funding award from the Big Lottery Fund is being spent. The project recently received funding of &pound;9,995 from the Big Lottery Fund to allow disabled users to participate in cycling around Clackmannanshire.  The grant will fund a multi purpose hand crank bicycle, a trike with full suspension, a company cycle (no hand crank), a company cycle (with hand crank), a tandem, stabilisers, footplates, handgrips as well as all the necessary safety equipment and insurance....]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:16:53</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP welcomes Pension Reform for millions of workers]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Gordon Banks MP today welcomed pension changes today (12/01/10) that will move millions of workers a step closer to getting a workplace pension for the first time. Final rules for the Labour pensions&rsquo; reform were put before Parliament today. This is the most radical change to workplace entitlements since the introduction of the National Minimum Wage &ndash; for the first time employers of all sizes will be joining employees in paying into a pension scheme. Gordon Banks MP said:  &ldquo;These reforms are vital in giving thousands of people locally the chance to save in a pension, and mean all...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:14:22</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Banks welcomes Government roll out of Smart Meters]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has spoken of his delight at the UK Government&rsquo;s announcement that gas and electricity smart meters would be rolled out by energy suppliers to every home by the end of 2020.  Smart meters are the next generation of electricity and gas meters which will bring about the end of estimated bills and meter readings, and provide customers and energy suppliers with accurate information on the amount of electricity and gas being used. They will also provide the platform for the development of a much greater choice in energy tariffs and services for...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:12:22</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Strathearn Herald Article]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[The long awaited decision on the Beauly-Denny power line was finally announced by the Scottish Government recently and it will impact upon communities across Strathearn such as Crieff and Muthill.  Few can dispute that this power line is regarded as vital to the future of renewable energy transmission in Scotland as the energy created by proposed offshore wind and wave generation plants will have to be transported to the grid. However the way this issue has been handled by the Scottish Government has raised many concerns for residents across Perthshire and leaves a lot to be desired. After the...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:10:25</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Banks calls on the Scottish Executive to introduce Boiler Scrappage Scheme]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Gordon Banks MP for Ochil and South Perthshire today called for the Scottish Executive to follow the lead of the Labour Government and introduce a boiler scrappage scheme. The scheme announced for England in the Pre Budget Report allows for a &pound;400 discount when replacing an old boiler. Gordon Banks said today, &ldquo;The recent announcement by the Scottish Executive that they have not ruled out bringing in a boiler scrappage scheme is not any step forward. This was announced in Westminster in December, why have the SNP Executive taken 6 weeks to do nothing other than issue some ifs, buts...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:07:15</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Banks calls for clear answers from Executive on Beauly-Denny shambles.]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire has written to Jim Mather Scottish Executive Minister for Enterprise , Energy and Tourism calling for clear answers to the many unanswered questions relating to the SNP approval of the Beauly-Denny power line.   Mr Banks said; &ldquo;I have written to the Executive as I am astounded and disappointed at many aspects of the Minister&rsquo;s announcements on this issue. Answers are necessary on the Community Liaison Group and the Environmental Liaison Group, their roles, powers and structures. The public have been led to believe that under grounding in certain areas is...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:04:30</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[City competition announced for Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Lord Mandelson has recently announced that amongst other events, a City competition will be held as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Speaking after this announcement Gordon Banks MP for Ochil and South Perthshire said; &ldquo;This is excellent news as many people have been pressing for City status to be returned to Perth and this provides a great opportunity to argue the strong case for Perth . &ldquo;Perthshire and Kinross-shire are vital contributors to the vibrancy of Perth itself and I will be arguing strongly that the impact of these areas is taken into account and forms an appropriate part...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:00:45</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Gordon Banks MP sees fight for change of Cold Weather Payments monitoring stations pay dividends.]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[In October the Department for Work and Pensions decided after a campaign led by Gordon Banks MP for Ochil and South Perthshire that the Cold Weather Payments monitoring station for a large part of Ochil &amp; South Perthshire was to be moved to a more local base in Strathallan.  The first payments from the Cold Weather Payments system for this winter will be made today 22/12/09 and the areas covered by the Strathearn station will benefit from this action.  Speaking on this issue Gordon Banks MP said; &ldquo;The introduction of a new station at Strathallan gives more accurate...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:58:46</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP urges local authorities to do the ‘right thing’ for war pension recipients]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has urged local authorities, including Perth and Kinross Council in his own constituency, to support recipients of Service Attributable Pensions by implementing Government recommendations to disregard these pensions in the calculation of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.  Under new Government regulations it is now at the discretion of local authorities whether they choose to consider a Service Attributable Pensions in this way. MP Gordon Banks said &ndash; &ldquo;I would urge all local authorities to disregard Service Attributable Pensions in the calculation of these benefits . It is the right thing to...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:55:59</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Local MP commits to safeguard the legacy of Holocaust Survivors]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Last week Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks pledged his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day by signing a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to honour those who perished in the Holocaust.  With 27th January marking the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to give MPs the opportunity to remember those who were persecuted and murdered during the Holocaust - and to support a &lsquo;Legacy of Hope&rsquo;, learning from Survivors&rsquo; experiences to help create a...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:53:12</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Gordon Banks MP thanked for pledging to “do his bit” for British Armed Forces (with picture)]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Gordon Banks MP for Ochil &amp; South Perthshire has been thanked for pledging to do his bit for the British Armed Forces family.   Gordon met with a delegation from The Royal British Legion at Westminster to get behind the charity&rsquo;s call for general election candidates of all parties to support the whole Armed Forces family. He also discussed the Legion&rsquo;s manifesto and the changes that it is calling for.   The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It encourages MPs...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:47:03</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Banks meets SSE to discuss undergrounding of Beauly-Denny transmission line]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil &amp; South Perthshire met recently with representatives of Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) to discuss matters relating to the Beauly-Denny transmission line.   Mr Banks re-itterated his regret that his requests over the past five years for parts of the line to be undergrounded have not been accepted by SSE or the Scottish Government, despite calls from expert planners that the line should be undergrounded.   Mr Banks said &ndash;   &ldquo;I remain extremely disappointed and angered that the expert advice from the reporter was ignored by the Scottish Government. The energy...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:43:48</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Banks attends latest meeting of Coeliac APPG]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[In his role as Secretary of Westminster All Party Parliamentary Group on Coeliac Disease, local MP Gordon Banks led discussion amongst the food industry and health groups on ways to raise awareness of the illness.   The meeting heard presentations from Philippe Rossiter of the Institute of Hospitality and Martin Bates, Craft Guild of Chefs.   After the meeting, Mr Banks said &ndash;   &ldquo;The role of this group is to spread awareness of Coeliac Disease and this remains an important task.&rdquo;   &ldquo;Many people across the UK are diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and numbers are...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:41:44</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Gordon Banks urges constituents to join celebrities and make the global poverty promise ]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[Local MP Gordon Banks is urging people across Ochil &amp; South Perthshire to join celebrities like Davina McCall, Mariella Frostrup, Richard Wilson and Meera Syal by signing up to support a new campaign against global poverty &ndash; on the fifth anniversary of Nelson Mandela's Make Poverty History speech in Trafalgar Square.   In a campaign video released last week, the celebrities invite people to show their support for a new law that would commit the UK to spend 0.7% of national income on development assistance, by signing up at www.GlobalPovertyPromise.com  - where you can also see the video....]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:35:00</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Gordon Banks Welcomes Action to Help Family Budgets]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[16 November 2009 Gordon Banks MP for Ochil and South Perthshire welcomed new rules around Housing and Council Tax Benefits, making working families an average of &pound;20 a week better off. More than 200,000 working families will gain about &pound;1000 a year. From this week, new Government policy means that income from Child Benefit will no longer be taken into account when calculating entitlement to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. This will mean more money for families already getting these benefits and other low income families becoming eligible for the first time. MP Gordon Banks said: &ldquo;This change means...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:07:22</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP disgusted at HBOS overdraft charge proposals]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[16 November 2009 Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has levelled heavy criticism toward HBOS bosses after the company decided to raise charges against customers using an overdraft facility. HBOS customers with authorised overdrafts who use more than &pound;10 of this arrangement each month will be charged &pound;1 per day each day their account remains overdrawn Mr Banks will write to HBOS management to uncover what, if any, consultation was undertaken with customers prior to changing the charging regime . The MP said &ldquo;I am deeply disappointed by this news and HBOS bosses should seek to alter these proposals...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:05:52</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Gordon Banks supports involvement of Royal College of Physicians on organ donation]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[16 November 2009 Gordon Banks MP for Ochil and South Perthshire has backed calls for further examination of methods to boost the numbers of organs available for transplant. The MP for Ochil and South Perthshire said; &ldquo;96% of people say they would accept a transplant if needed but only just over 25% have signed up to donation. "Many more people say they would like to donate but have yet to make the commitment." "I think anything that stimulates discussion and more importantly action on this life saving issue is to be supported." "I continue to support an opt out system...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:04:21</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP highlights the importance of publishing industry]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[16 November 2009 MP and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Gordon Banks held a reception in the House of Commons last week highlighting the benefits of the publishing industry to the UK economy. Publishing in the UK is the largest media sector and the biggest creative industry. Gordon Banks together with MPs started the All Party Parliamentary Group at Westminster to lobby for the industry to ensure it&rsquo;s voice is heard at the heart of Government and this is now well supported by the publishing industry.  The reception held in Westminster last week heard presentations from...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:02:46</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP wants law reviewed on unsecured creditors]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[16 November 2009 Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has this week urged the Government to review legislation on insolvency to ensure that unsecured creditors are given a fairer crack of the whip when attempting to claim money from a liquidated company. Mr Banks, has tabled Early Day Motion 2065 which has cross party support from thirty MPs calling on the Government to carry out a review of insolvency law to explore opportunities that would see a greater return for unsecured creditors. Currently when a company is liquidated the law ensures that the liquidators receive their fees for winding...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:01:25</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP urges Government caution with introduction of paperless VAT returns]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[16 November 2009 Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has urged the Government to proceed with caution when introducing paperless VAT returns in March VAT returns will be paperless from 1 April 2010 for all VAT registered businesses with an annual net turnover of &pound;100,000 or more. Companies will have to submit VAT returns online and make electronic payments. The same applies to all newly VAT registered companies irrespective of turnover. The MP raised concerns about the implementation of these proposals with Treasury Minister Stephen Timms last week in the House of Commons after receiving representation from constituents who...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:00:05</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Flood preparation should be key concern for Scottish Government in Kinross ]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[30 November 2009 Local MP Gordon Banks has called for increased spending to make flood prevention a top priority to reduce the exposure to flooding of residents across Scotland. As the winter weather sets in towns and communities across Scotland are already experiencing the devastating effects of flooding. Due to a tight funding settlement from the Scottish Government, many Councils are complaining at lack of resources with flooding being one area expected to be hit. Kinross is one area badly affected in Banks&rsquo; Ochil &amp; South Perthshire constituency and the MP has been working closely with residents and businesses who...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:58:20</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP joins calls for Perth to be awarded city status]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[30 November 2009 Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has this week joined calls for Perth to be granted city status as part of it&rsquo;s 800 year anniversary celebrations of the granting of the Royal Charter in 1210. The local MP met with Perth &amp; Kinross Provost John Hulbert last week as the pair discussed how best to take the campaign forward. Mr Banks said &ndash; &ldquo;Recognition for Perth is long overdue and I was pleased to join the campaign for Perth to be named a City, especially as the 800th anniversary fast approaches.&rdquo; &ldquo;I will be making representations...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:56:33</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP throws support behind Alloa Community Enterprise in award vote]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[30 November 2009 Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has thrown his support behind Alloa Community Enterprise (ACE) as voting opens for the Social Enterprise Awards 2009 UK Awards. The Alloa based company have already lifted the Large Best Scottish Social Enterprise award. The company won in the category of "operating for over three years and with a turnover of &pound;1million plus". ACE now go on to the UK final in London on December 3rd where voting is open to win the national title. Votes can be cast at http://www.socialenterpriseawards.org.uk/awards_vote.php ACE Limited is a charity registered in Scotland who...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:54:36</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Gordon Banks backs World AIDS Day]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[7 December 2009 Gordon Banks MP today (Tues 1 Dec) backed World AIDS DAY to raise awareness of the plight of the more than 33 million people around the world living with HIV.  Every day, over 6,000 people become infected with HIV and over 5,000 people die from AIDS. An estimated 1.9 million people were newly infected with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa last year, bringing to 22.4 million the number of people living with HIV. Around 14 million children have been orphaned due to AIDS. Douglas Alexander, Labour&rsquo;s International Development Secretary, said: &ldquo;Gordon has been a passionate campaigner on...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:51:01</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP welcomes Clackmannanshire Hospital opening]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[07 December 2009 Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has expressed his delight at the recent opening of the new Clackmannanshire Hospital in Sauchie. Mr Banks said &ndash; &ldquo;I am delighted that the new hospital is now fully open and benefiting patients in our county. The project has been delivered on time and on budget and that is certainly good news.&rdquo; &ldquo;Investment over the last ten years by the previous Executive at Holyrood has seen this county transformed with the return of the railway, the new bridge, new schools and now this new hospital.&rdquo;...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:49:34</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Gordon Banks MP Welcomes Support For Local Service Families]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[07 December 2009 This week Gordon Banks MP for Ochil &amp; South Perthshire attended a meeting in the Prime Minister&rsquo;s office, at the request of former Defence Minister Des Browne MP, to discuss support for local service families with the Army Benevolent Fund. Gordon Banks MP said: &ldquo;We highly value our service families and I believe they should all know about the support that the Army Benevolent Fund can provide. The Army Benevolent Fund is dedicated to supporting these families now, and for years to come.&rdquo; &ldquo;It is important that relationships between Members of Parliament and this fantastic organisation are...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:48:14</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP Supports Ending Violence Against Women on White Ribbon Day]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[07 December 2009  On November 25, the United Nations&rsquo; Elimination of Violence Against Women Day and White Ribbon Day, Labour MPs including Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks united in their support to end violence against women. The White Ribbon Campaign, the largest international organisation targeting men to work towards ending male violence against women, was present at Westminster to photograph Labour MPs wearing their white ribbons. Gordon Banks MP said, &ldquo;Parliamentarians enter parliament in order to make their community a better place. There is no more important way to do this than by working to eliminate violence...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:37:17</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP attends Alva Academy's St Andrew's Day Celebrations]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[14 December 2009 Local MP Gordon Banks was in Alva last week meeting teachers and pupils who organised the school's St Andrew's Day celebrations and attending a special assembly. Speaking after the event, Mr Banks said "St Andrew's Day was an appropriate day for the school to recognise the achievements of many of its pupils." "I have a huge personal connection to Alva Academy as both my children and wife attended the old school so I am pleased to see so many talented individuals being rewarded in such a way. &ldquo;The fact that the Fund Raising Committee were able to...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:33:29</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP meets Partnership for Renewables to discuss renewable energy schemes in Clackmannanshire]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[14 December 2009 Local MP Gordon Banks met with representatives of Partnership for Renewables in London last week to discuss the company&rsquo;s plans for renewable energy production at Forthbank in Alloa. Partnership for Renewables was established by the Carbo Trust to work with public sector bodies to develop renewable energy projects to both the public sector and local community. They are currently working on a project in Alloa which could create up to four wind turbines at the Forthbank amenity site. If the turbines are built they could power the equivalent of almost 85% of all the households in Alloa....]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:31:43</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[MP welcomes new BBC transmitter in Crieff]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[14 December 2009 Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has welcomed news that the BBC has built and fully installed a new transmitter in Crieff which will carry the BBC's digital radio services to a further 7,500 people in the Strathearn area. Mr Banks said - &ldquo;For several years now certain areas of the Crieff area have had very poor reception for both TV and radio signals and it has been an issue which I have been working on since my election." "Sadly it has not been an issue which can be resolved quickly and residents will continue to...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:44:55</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Banks returns to Diageo for update ]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[14 December 2009 Following his meeting in July with Diageo management, Gordon Banks MP for Ochil and South Perthshire again met with the company last week to be updated on the company&rsquo;s future plans. During the meeting Mr. Banks was able to discuss the planned new investment for a new Cooperage at Blackgrange as well as raise issues such as brand protection of Scotch Whisky, the current economic climate and the potential impact that minimum pricing could have on the business. After the meeting Gordon Banks said; &ldquo;I have been a regular visitor to Diageo over the years and felt...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:43:40</pubDate>
                           
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                           <title><![CDATA[Carers speak up for their Rights to MP]]></title>
                           <description><![CDATA[14 December 2009  Carers from across Perth &amp; Kinross had the opportunity to speak up for their rights as part of National Carers Rights Day last Friday. The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre (Perth &amp; Kinross), a service which is part of the charity PKAVS, hosted an awareness-raising event for local politicians.  Ochil &amp; South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks was on hand to hear carers' views about financial entitlements and suport and respond to concerns. Representatives from Welfare Rights and the Department of Work and Pensions were also in attendance to advise carers on how to maximise their...]]></description>
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                           <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:41:11</pubDate>
                           
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