17th January 2008

Dear Sir

Richard Caborn MP tells the Star (11 January) on nuclear power "This is the renaissance - the energy renaissance - and we need to be part of it.". Is this a local MP fulfilling their expected role of sticking up for a local company (Forgemasters) that wants to profit from the government going for nuclear power ? Or the new Non Executive Director of the AMEC(UK), Washington Group(USA) and Areva (France) alliance bidding for the £5 billion Sellafield clean up effectively lobbying on their behalf ?

Strong Ministerial representation for Sheffield can bring benefits for the city. The post Ministerial gravy train boarded recently by Richard Caborn and David Blunkett just brings frustration for constituents and conflict of interest situations. The Guardian reports that Richard Caborn's new role is thought to have a salary of up to £96,000 a year. David Blunkett has declared an annual salary of £25000 to £30000 as Chairman of the international advisory committee of Entrust Inc, a US company that hopes to provide software for UK ID cards.

Many are outraged by the nuclear decision while public opinion is strengthening against expensive and ineffective ID cards. A normal protest route is to write to your MP but what is the point for Central and Brightside residents in these circumstances?. If MP's want to take well paid jobs with big corporations they should stand down from their current job. This isn't going to happen anytime soon but is it too much too ask to be fully informed on all occasions where there may be a conflict of interest ?

Yours Sincerely

Eamonn Ward

Sheffield Green Party