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Municipal roads are letting us down

John Redwood (Wokingham)

I have watched with concern  as Council highways departments have spent much money and time making our roads worse. Motorists and business drivers have to pay huge sums in taxation. There is the taxation on a new vehicle, road fund duty to take a vehicle on the roads, there is the 55% of the fuel price that goes in taxes to the state as fuel duty and VAT, and  the taxes on insuring and maintaining the vehicle. The original idea that motoring taxes pay for the roads has long since been supplanted by spending much of the traveller and transporter  taxes on anything but roads.

Local authorities do not seem to see the roads as a necessary service to taxpayers where they should  constantly consider the ease of safe use of the highways by the taxpayers. Most people need to use roads for good purposes. Van drivers need to get to their next client. Delivery drivers need to get food to the shops and medicines to the surgeries and hospitals. Parents need to drive young children to school in safety. Emergency vehicles need to get to accidents and disasters. Many workers need a car or van to get to their place of employment because of their hours and or the location of their work and home. Few people live in walking distance of a station with an employer in walking range of another station down the line. Few people can do the weekly shop from a bicycle or bus. Buses and cycles too need roadspace.

Years ago when I was a member of a County Council I found then there was a wish to restrict use of the roads by some officers rather than a wish to provide additional capacity and safer freer flowing junctions. Traffic lights were often preferred to roundabouts. More recently Council after Council has set about narrowing roads, removing lanes, creating artificial barriers and bollards to restrict flow, cutting  traffic light green phases on busy roads, changing kerbs and painted lines, creating more special zones. They often take out parking spaces and raise the charges, leading to more vehicles circulating looking in vain for a parking place. Many streetscapes now are a slalom course festooned with many menacing signs. Large sums are spent on aggressive kerbs,with b fancy blockwork for carriageways.

All this undermines business productivity, limiting the number of calls someone can fit in. It adds greatly to business costs and therefore to prices of services as the self employed and businesses need to recoup the increased cost of transport and parking.  It adds to the stress on drivers and can make roads and junctions less safe, as with the country roads where now one way is occasionally blanked out  by bollards forcing vehicles to use the wrong wide of the road to progress. It gives many Councils a bad name and leads the public to be more hostile to all the taxes they have to pay. A council only provides two services to every household, the roads and the refuse collection. If both are damaged and made worse people form a bad impression of the Council as a whole.

Today we see too many roads full of unrepaired potholes, and too many streets narrowed or under road works designed by the Council, against the driver. Too much money is spent on making roads less available and too little on better roads away from pedestrians and homes to allow people and businesses to get about in a sensible way. Coming into work yesterday my optimistic sat nav once again underestimated the time it would take by 17 minutes, not allowing for the all the delays created by Councils through roadworks that many of the public do not want performed.

Griston Planning Application – Update

George Freeman (Mid Norfolk)

18 March 2024
Griston Planning Application – Update

Breckland Council’s Planning Committee last week refused permission to an application that would have transformed the light, community-focussed Coughtrey Industrial Estate into a site focussed on much heavier industry – just meters from residential houses.

This is great news – and shows the power of the local MP, local councillors and the community all working together to make the voice of rural communities heard.

To find out more about the case, as well as my work with the community to raise the very serious concerns of local residents, please scroll below for my previous webstory updates.

UPDATE - 20 February 2024

We all want to see vibrant local businesses providing important employment opportunities and boosting our local communities.

However, this must not come at the unreasonable expense of Mid Norfolk’s precious rural quality of life or the sustainability of our country roads and local services.

That’s why I continue to take seriously the very real concerns of local people in Griston (and surrounding villages) regarding proposals to transform a light, community-focused light industrial unit into one much more focussed on heavy industry – just meters from residential houses.

Further to my recent site visit to meet with concerned parish councillors and residents in Griston, as well as my formal submission to Breckland Council (who’s Planning Committee will determine the three applications in question), I have also today written to the Secretary of State to ask what more can be done to protect rural villages like Griston and ensure the National Planning Policy Framework does not encourage inappropriate heavy industry in our rural communities.

See my letter below.

Rest assured, I will continue to work with local councillors and community groups to speak up on behalf of and support my Mid Norfolk towns and villages when faced by wholly inappropriate and/or unsustainable applications.

To find out more on my work on this issue to date, please scroll down below.

To find out more about my wider ‘Planning and Protecting Our Rural Landscape and Heritage’ campaign, please visit my campaign page here.

UPDATE - 13 February 2024

We all want to see vibrant local businesses providing important employment opportunities and boosting our local communities.

However, this must not come at the unreasonable expense of Mid Norfolk’s precious rural quality of life or the sustainability of our country roads and local services.

That’s why I met with local residents in Griston recently to discuss in greater depth widespread local concerns at proposals to transform a light, community-focused industrial unit into one focussed on heavy industry — just meters from residential houses.

See my video above.

Having already written to the leader of Breckland before Christmas to make my opposition to the proposal clear, I very much understand why the proposals are of such concern to the local community – and will continue to do everything I can to help make their voices heard.

I will also be flagging the case to DLUHC ministers as an example of why we must ensure rural communities have a strong voice when applications for inappropriate heavy industry are brought forward in their area.

The proposals here would make much more sense down at the industrial park at Snetterton, not in the heart of small rural village.

To find out more information on my work supporting Griston villagers on this issue, please click here

My formal submission to the Breckland Planning Process can be seen below.

CLYDEBANK BLITZ: COMMEMORATING THE 83rd ANNIVERSARY

Martin Docherty (West Dunbartonshire)

March 13th & 14th are important dates in the history of Clydebank, as we commemorate the Clydebank Blitz where Luftwaffe aircraft bombed the town which caused massive devastation and the loss of over 528 souls.

I was privileged to attend a service in the Blitz Chapel in Kilbowie St Andrew’s Parish Church to mark the 83rd anniversary of those terrible nights as well as attend a service at the Blitz Memorial in Old Dalnottar Cemetery, Clydebank which was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at Solidarity Plaza.

“Never in the modern history of these islands has such an evacuation taken place, and it took place from no vast metropolis, but from a relatively modest burgh in the west of Scotland, home to 48,000 Bankies.”

Blitz Memorial Service 2024

Photos courtesy of Stewart Robertson Media.

It is clear to me that Frank Hester’s 2019 comments, as reported, were racist. Diane Abbott and I disagree greatly on most issues, but the idea of linking criticism to her race is appalling. It is never acceptable to conflate someone’s views with the colour of their skin. I have never met Mr Hester, but I welcome his apology and believe that individuals do deserve second chances. MPs have a difficult job balancing multiple interests – often under threats of […]
18 March 2024
Dunne welcomes £800k to decarbonise Shropshire social housing

Over £800,000 of funding to upgrade Shropshire’s social housing stock to become more energy efficient has been welcomed by South Shropshire MP, Philip Dunne.

Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing, which manages Shropshire Council-owned homes in Bridgnorth, Oswestry and Shrewsbury, will receive £812,000 from the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund provides grants to bring up to standard a significant amount of social housing stock currently below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C. The funding can provide free upgrades to tenants’ homes including insulation, double glazing and the installation of heat pumps. The improvements could help tenants save as much as £400 a year on their energy bills.

Up to 8,800 social homes will benefit from free upgrades to make them more energy efficient and cheaper to run as part of the latest £80m top up funding from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. The funding will also support 1,300 jobs in the UK’s retrofit industry.

This builds on the funding allocated in Wave 2.1, which provided £778 million in March 2023 to deliver energy performance improvements to around 90,000 social homes.

Almost half of all homes in England are now rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C or above, up from 14% in 2010.

Mr Dunne said:

“Upgrading our social housing stock brings multiple benefits – from cheaper bills for tenants and warmer homes, to fewer emissions and less wasted heat. So I am very pleased the government has given STAR Housing £812,000 to improve their housing stock in Shropshire, which will help bring properties up to EPC C ratings.

“Given the built environment is responsible for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, it is important we act now to improve energy efficiency, and targeting grant support towards social housing will also help the most vulnerable with their bills.”

 

Monthly Update - March 2024

Damian Green (Ashford)

As we approach Easter and (hopefully) Spring, I have been busy following up a number of concerns people expressed in my recent survey. I have fixed to talk to Primark about any prospects of them coming to Ashford, I have asked the Rail Minister about international services to and from Ashford, and…

Ocado Group

Victoria Prentis (Banbury)

It was brilliant to visit Ocado Group’s fulfilment centre in Bicester with Rupert Harrison recently. We met Chief Reputation Officer David Shriver and Senior Operations Manager Nigel Morrison onsite who showed us both around their cutting-edge warehouse. Ocado use some of the most advanced…
The Government have protected the Triple Lock, introduced in 2011, and will uprate the State Pension by 8.5 per cent in April 2024 in line with average earnings growth, meaning pensioners will receive up to £900 more a year. Indeed, from 1 April 2024, we will have increased the basic State Pension…

Anne Marie's Weekly Column

Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot)

A quiet week in Westminster following the budget excitement last week but one full of important announcements. On Tuesday the Prime Minister came out in favour of building new gas-fired power stations to ensure the country’s long-term energy security. While of course the government remains as…

Replacement plaque installed at the Melville Monument

Deidre Brock (Edinburgh North and Leith)

A replacement plaque was installed this morning (March 18) at the base of the Melville Monument in St Andrew Square.

Happy St Patrick’s Day

Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central)

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Weekly Column

Brendan Clarke-Smith (Bassetlaw)

Family members of police officers, firefighters and other public servants who have died in public service will be recognised by a new emblem. The Elizabeth Emblem, which is conferred by His Majesty The King, is a national form of recognition awarded to the next of kin of police officers,…

Anne-Marie presses Transport Secretary on the A1

Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Berwick-upon-Tweed)

On the day the Chancellor sets out our Plan for Long Term Growth, it was the perfect time to sit down with the Transport Secretary to keep up the pressure to dual the A1 in North Northumberland! It was fantastically encouraging to hear from him that the Govt remains rock solidly behind the project…
After months of meetings in Beverley, Hedon and Parliament, Graham Stuart MP is very pleased that KCOM has taken the first step towards sharing its broadband infrastructure to reduce the number of telegraph poles in Beverley and Holderness. It was announced yesterday that KCOM has sent a…

Celebrating Our Commonwealth Diversity

Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish)

This week we marked Commonwealth Day, an opportunity for us to come together as a family of nations, and celebrate our shared history, and united future.

2024 also marks the 75th anniversary of the Modern Commonwealth, created to allow for India to move to a republic system, paving the way for modernisation and allowing other states to become republics and rejoin.

The Commonwealth, despite the vast distances between us, and the rich cultural diversity of member states, unites us in a shared vision of development, democracy, and peace.

The past of the Commonwealth is of course rooted in the British Empire, and we should never seek to shy away from difficult conversations about our history.

But it is today a thriving community of nations, working together for the common good.

Whilst some suggest the relevance and impact of the Commonwealth is beginning to wane, if we look around our communities in Greater Manchester, that could not be further from the truth.

We are lucky to live in a richly diverse city, where people with heritage from all around the world have come to settle here, raise a family here, and contribute to the fabric of our communities.

Whether it is Caribbean communities, South-East Asian communities, or African communities, they all play their part in the richness of society and make Manchester, and our own borough of Tameside, the places that they are.

Their very presence here is rooted in the shared history of the Commonwealth, and the continued close ties between the UK and member states ensures positive relationships and ever deepening cultural ties.

Such a part of Mancunian society has our Commonwealth heritage become that it is woven into the very fabric of what makes Greater Manchester great.

Just look at the Curry Mile (or its new rival Stockport Road in Longsight and Levenshulme) as one example.

A rich wealth of cultural diversity that shows the very best of our diverse communities, yet totally interwoven in the fabric of what people think of when they think of Greater Manchester.

Whilst our touchpoints with the Commonwealth as an institution might be rare, the impact it has on our community, and our day to day lives, is very tangible.

I look forward to continuing to engage with and celebrate the rich diversity that the Commonwealth family has brought us and will always be a champion for it.

The post Celebrating Our Commonwealth Diversity appeared first on Andrew Gwynne MP.

Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats & Ferrets) Bill

Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills)

It was good to see animal charities including Cats Protection and Dogs Trust in Parliament recently to support the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats & Ferrets) Bill. 

Knowing of the amount of interest from constituents on this matter I continue to support closing the loopholes in our animal welfare laws that allow cruel puppy and kitten smuggling. 

The Bill coming forward for debate on 15th March in Parliament has a vital role to play in helping tackle the illegal import of puppies and kittens, stopping the import of animals with cruel and unnecessary mutilations, and I will be following its progress through Parliament. 

The independent Committee On Climate Change recognises that we will need unabated gas in the electricity market right up until 2035 and beyond, and more widely that even in 2050, 25% of our energy needs will come from hydrocarbons. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is exactly the right way…

2024 SPRING BUDGET: HOUSEHOLDS WORSE OFF UNDER THE CONSERVATIVES

Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North)

Last week the Chancellor delivered the 2024 Spring Budget. Catherine responded by calling out the government’s failed pre-election plea as the tax burden continues to rise and households continue to be worse off under the Conservatives.   Commenting on the Budget, Catherine said: “Fourteen years of Conservative governments have left us with Rishi’s recession, downgraded […]

THE MP for Weston, John Penrose, has been speaking in Parliament about the importance of improving the dentistry situation for his constituents.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 5, Mr Penrose said that he was delighted to hear about last month’s NHS Dentistry Recovery Plan, which involves targeted funding to encourage dentists to work in areas which historically have been difficult to recruit to.

Mr Penrose heard how dental activity as measured by courses of treatment increased by 15 per cent from the previous year in the MP’s local integrated care board area. 2.5 million additional appointments across the country are also expected to follow.

Speaking to the Weston Mercury, Mr Penrose said: “We have a record number of qualified dentists but the vast majority are choosing to go into private practice rather than the NHS. It is causing a problem in NHS dentistry across the whole country.”

Local Update

Chris Grayling (Epsom and Ewell)

Dear Constituent

I am writing to update you on a couple of local issues.

M25 Closure

Firstly I wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of the closure of the M25 this weekend. This is part of the ongoing work at Junction 10, between the A3 and the M25. This is the first of several such closures this year, and this time it is the section between the A3 and Chertsey which is being closed.

Full details of the closure plans and the proposed diversions are on the National Highways website here:

https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-east/m25-junction-10/

Although the diversions are not in our immediate area, there is likely to be extra congestion, so you may want to leave extra time for any journeys that you take.

Crowding South Western Railway

A few people have contacted me about the level of crowding on South Western Railway, especially at Ewell West, Stoneleigh and Worcester Park in particular, which are the last stations to have no alternative train routes. SWR did introduce extra semi-fast trains in the evening peak last year to help the situation and I am now pushing them to do the same again in the morning peak.

The new trains, which are 10 coaches long, will help, but my understanding is that these are being delayed because of a dispute with the drivers’ union.

I have also met the Southern team to push them again to reinstate the half-hourly Victoria service from Ewell East. There is no obvious reason why this stopped. I will keep you posted on any progress with this.

I hope you are keeping well.

Best wishes

Chris

The post Local Update appeared first on Chris Grayling.

Liz speaks at TUC Pensions Conference

Liz Kendall (Leicester West)

It was a pleasure to speak at the TUC Pensions Conference in London today.

After fourteen years of failure, the Tories have run out of road. They are no longer the Party for pensioners. Labour will be.

You can read my speech in full here.

In the speech, I outlined Labour’s commitment:

For future pensioners – we will have a relentless focus on creating more, better paid jobs in every part of the country; helping people get work and get on in their work; and championing decent second pensions for all, so everyone can prepare for their retirement with confidence.

And for current pensioners – we are on your side.

Labour is determined to once again be the Pensioners Party.

We will never play fast and loose with the economy, or put the nation’s financial stability at risk.

We will tackle the cost of living crisis and work tirelessly to give you the security in retirement you need and deserve. You have worked hard for this country and we’ll never stop working for you in return.

The post Liz speaks at TUC Pensions Conference appeared first on Liz Kendall.

MP Uses Budget Speech to Attack Tory Inequalities 

Alex Cunningham (Stockton North)

Animal welfare legislation

Nia Griffith (Llanelli)

Animal welfare is an important issue for many local people.

I recently attended a drop-in event held by FOUR PAWS, RSPCA (England & Wales), Cats Protection, Dogs Trust and Battersea about the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats & Ferrets) Bill and will be supporting its proposals when it comes before MPs for its Second Reading this Friday.

“I am delighted that the Chancellor has announced another cut to National Insurance this month. He cut it from 12% to 10% last year, and now he has cut it by another 2% as part of his Spring Budget, which 27 million workers will benefit from. This Government is showing that, unlike Labour, Conservatives do …

Councillor David Mellen will not seek re-election as the Leader of Nottingham City Council in May 2024.

Every year, the majority Labour Group of councillors have the chance to choose the person they want to be Leader of the council. Councillor Mellen has been Leader since May 2019.

In those five challenging years he has overseen many changes and difficulties in Nottingham. These have included the Covid 19 pandemic, a Conservative Government that continues to reduce council funding, Brexit, recession, high inflation, the collapse of ‘intu’, the closure of Robin Hood Energy and the imposition of a government-appointed Improvement Board.

However, these challenges have been matched by successes such as the opening of the new Nottingham Central Library, plans for a renewed Broad Marsh development including a new city centre park, several hundred new council houses, support for people into employment, education, or training and a successfully reopened Nottingham Castle. Councillor Mellen has also led the push for a devolved Combined County Authority in the East Midlands and championed a reading scheme that has delivered thousands of free books to children in Nottingham.

It was this record of delivery, alongside the openness and accountability of past mistakes, that David and his colleagues put to the electorate last May; winning 62% of the vote, returning 51 out 55 Labour Councillors and making Nottingham a Tory free zone for the first time in its history.

Spring Budget 2024

Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe)

On 6 March the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, delivered the Spring Budget, setting out his ambition to back the hard-working people of this country. We know that times have been difficult over the past few years. The crisis in Ukraine and the impact this has had on worldwide fuel and food costs, have […]

Beaconsfield Rugby Club's Minis Festival

Joy Morrisey (Beaconsfield)

Fantastic to attend the Beaconsfield Rugby Club’s Minis Festival yesterday! It was an incredible day filled with pure love for the game of rugby. Thank you to everyone at Beaconsfield Rugby Club for organising such a brilliant event and well done to the young players who battled through the mud and…

Statement on the Israel-Hamas war

Royston Smith (Southampton, Itchen)

I have been contacted by many constituents over the past months who have expressed their concerns about the terrible war between Israel and Hamas. Large numbers of Palestinians are suffering in Gaza and we must do all we can to bring an end to this awful conflict. The Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, has been clear [...]

The post Statement on the Israel-Hamas war appeared first on Royston Smith MP.

Royal Mail Recruitment

Jon Cruddas (Dagenham and Rainham)

Royal Mail Recruitment Ione
It is rare for a Private Member's Bill to capture public attention but the House of Commons debate on the 1st March on the prohibition of conversion practices produced moments of high emotion and parliamentary drama.   The bill was proposed for concerns that gay or trans identifying people might be…

Let's work together to Boost the Borders, says John Lamont MP

John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk)

By John Lamont MP In my book, the Borders is already the best place in the country to live and work. But our communities would still benefit from improvements to our public services and our economy. That’s why I recently launched my Boost the Borders plan to focus attention on the things that…

John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne)

John calls for a “reset” in school uniform costs

John Healey says there needs to be a “reset” in the relationship between parents and schools when it comes to uniform costs.

It’s as the Labour Party announced plans to reduce the cost of buying school uniforms, potentially saving families hundreds of pounds as children return to school for the new term.

Labour will limit the number of branded items that parents are forced to purchase in future by strengthening existing guidance on the cost of school uniforms.

John Healey said: “It’s wrong that parents are having to shell out hundreds of pounds to kit out their kids for the new school term as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit household budgets.

“The cost of school uniform has risen by 30% in the last three years, with parents now spending an average of £422 a year on secondary school uniforms and £287 on primary uniforms with costs driven up by branded items.

“That’s why Labour will limit the number of branded items families must buy saving them money on spiralling uniform costs.”

The Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021, introduced by Labour MP Mike Amesbury, forced schools to review their uniform policies to see how they can be made more cost-effective by keeping branded items “to a minimum”.

Schools were expected to review policies to ensure they were compliant with the guidance by September last year. Nearly half of parents surveyed by the Children’s Society reported, however, that policies had not been updated.

The Children’s Society polled 2,000 parents across the UK in May about their annual uniform costs, claiming that parents of secondary school children faced the highest expenses for various clothing items, including:

  • Coats and bags averaging £75 per child annually
  • Sports shoes and boots for PE amounting to an average £63 per child per year
  • School shoes coming in at £62
  • Blazers costing £46
  • Skirts and dresses costing £46
  • Jumpers and ties amounting to £40

The Opportunities of Distance Learning

Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree)

In the modern era, distance learning has become a transformative force in education, democratizing access and enabling lifelong learning. With the advancement of technology, opportunities for students around the world have expanded, breaking down geographic and financial barriers that can be shifted a bit with the power of https://casinossinlicencia.org/ . In this article, we will explore the multifaceted possibilities of distance learning, its impact on different demographic groups, and answer common questions related to this mode of education.

Advantages of Distance Learning

  • Accessibility: Distance learning makes education accessible to people regardless of their geographical location. It allows students in remote areas to access quality education without the need to relocate.
  • Flexibility: It offers unparalleled flexibility in terms of scheduling, allowing learners to balance their studies with work, family, and other commitments.
  • Diverse Learning Materials: Online platforms provide a wealth of resources, including video lectures, interactive simulations, and forums for discussion, catering to different learning styles.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Often more affordable than traditional education, distance learning reduces or eliminates costs associated with commuting, accommodation, and course materials.
  • Personalized Learning: Technology enables personalized learning experiences, allowing students to learn at their own pace and tailor their study paths according to their strengths and needs.

Impact on Different Demographics

  • Working Professionals: Enables career advancement and skill development without the need to take a career break.
  • Rural Students: Provides access to quality education and specialized courses that might not be available locally.
  • International Students: Offers the opportunity to gain qualifications from foreign institutions without the need for international travel.
  • Lifelong Learners: Facilitates continual education and personal development, regardless of age or prior qualifications.

Challenges and Solutions

While distance learning offers numerous opportunities, it also presents challenges such as isolation, self-motivation, and the digital divide.
Challenges:

Limited Engagement:

  • One of the primary challenges in distance learning is maintaining student engagement. Without face-to-face interaction, students may feel disconnected from the learning process, leading to decreased motivation and participation.

Technological Barriers:

  • Not all students have access to the necessary technology or reliable internet connection required for distance learning. This digital divide exacerbates disparities in education and hinders equal opportunities for all learners.

Lack of Social Interaction:

  • Traditional classrooms facilitate social interaction among students, fostering collaboration and peer learning. In distance learning, the absence of physical presence can result in feelings of isolation and loneliness, impacting overall well-being.

Time Management:

  • Managing time effectively is crucial in distance learning, as students must balance their studies with other commitments. Without proper time management skills, learners may struggle to meet deadlines and stay organized.

Solutions:

Interactive Learning Platforms:

  • Utilizing interactive learning platforms with features such as virtual classrooms, discussion forums, and multimedia content can enhance student engagement. These platforms simulate the classroom environment, encouraging active participation and collaboration.

Access to Technology:

  • Schools and institutions must ensure equitable access to technology by providing devices and internet access to students in need. Additionally, offering technical support and training sessions can help students navigate digital tools effectively.

Incorporating Social Activities:

  • Integrating social activities into the curriculum, such as group projects, online forums, and virtual events, promotes social interaction among students. Creating a sense of community within the virtual classroom fosters a supportive learning environment.

Time Management Strategies:

  • Educators can support students in developing effective time management skills by providing clear schedules, setting realistic expectations, and offering guidance on prioritizing tasks. Encouraging self-discipline and regular breaks can also help students maintain a healthy balance between study and other activities.

Table: Comparison of Distance Learning and Traditional Education

FeatureDistance LearningTraditional Education
LocationAnywhere with internetFixed physical location
Scheduling FlexibilityHighLow
CostGenerally lowerHigher
InteractionVirtualIn-person
Learning PaceSelf-pacedFixed

Innovations in Distance Learning

Advancements in AI and VR are enhancing distance learning, providing immersive and interactive experiences that can replicate or even surpass traditional classroom settings. AI tutors offer personalized assistance, while VR simulations create realistic environments for practical learning.

The Future of Distance Learning

The future of distance learning is promising, with ongoing innovations making education more accessible, engaging, and effective. It is likely to continue evolving, complementing traditional education and opening new avenues for lifelong learning.

FAQ

Can distance learning replace traditional education?

  • Distance learning is not a one-size-fits-all solution but offers a viable alternative for many. It can complement traditional education, providing more learning opportunities.

How do students stay motivated in distance learning?

  • Setting clear goals, maintaining a regular study schedule, and engaging with online communities can help students stay motivated.

Are distance learning qualifications recognized by employers?

  • Yes, many employers recognize and value distance learning qualifications, especially from accredited institutions.

Can distance learning cater to practical subjects?

  • With advancements in technology, such as VR and simulation software, distance learning increasingly accommodates practical subjects.

Distance learning represents a significant shift in the way we approach education, offering flexibility, accessibility, and personalized learning opportunities. As technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for distance learning are bound to expand, making education more inclusive and adaptable to the needs of a diverse global population.

The post The Opportunities of Distance Learning appeared first on Berger.

Rushanara Ali MP Intervention on Spring Budget 07.03.24

Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow)

We’ve had £27 billion in government tax increases last year and £19 billion in Tory tax rises due to come into effect after the general election.

Nigel’s March Budget Special Newsletter

Nigel Mills (Amber Valley)

Dear Constituent,

Budget Special Newsletter:

Yesterday, the Chancellor set out the Spring Budget, which I generally welcomed. I was pleased to speak in the cebate held after the announcement, which you can read here or watch back here.

Below is also a recap of some of the key measures announced by the Chancellor, as well as what they mean for residents and businesses in Amber Valley. 

Have your say – Budget survey:

I’ve also set up a survey for you to let me know your thoughts on the Budget announcements, which you can fill in here

Economic update:

Steady economic progress continues to be made by the Government. Interest rates are coming back down from their peak. Inflation was halved towards the end of last year and is expected to fall below 2% in a few months. Wages are rising faster than prices, which means we can more easily maintain or improve our standard of living.

Thanks to the healthy state of the British economy, the Chancellor was able to build on the measures which he announced in his Autumn Statement. Indeed, the theme of yesterday’s Budget very much remains supporting businesses and rewarding hard-working people. With respect to the former, fewer small businesses will pay VAT and full expensing for businesses is going to be extended. As for the latter, Taxes have been cut again, which will benefit 29 million workers: the personal tax rate is now the lowest since 1975. Indeed, the Autumn Statement and Spring Budget together deliver cuts totalling £20 billion.

I am pleased that the Household Support Fund is being extended again. In addition, the Chancellor’s support for families continues: the Chancellor has widened the child benefit net and reiterated his commitment to guarantee working parents of two-year-olds in England access to 15 hours of free childcare.

Other measures include:

Further Cuts to National Insurance & Tax Reform:

  • Having already cut Employee National Insurance from by 2% in the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced another 2% cut yesterday. From April 2024 onwards, the rate will be 8% and the average employee will have an additional £450 a year in their pocket. Compared to this time last year, an individual on £35,400 will receive a tax cut of over £900.
  • Self-employed National Insurance rates – which affect 2 million people – have also been cut by 2% – from 8% to 6%. This will save the average self-employed person on £28,000 over £650 compared to last year when combined with scrapping the requirement to pay Class 2 National Insurance Contributions announced at Autumn Statement.
  • Due to these cuts, the personal tax rate for the average British worker is lower compared to that of workers in the US, France, or Germany.
  • While I welcome all of the above, the Chancellor’s announcement indicated that he would like to make the tax system simpler – by abolishing National Insurance completely when we can afford it. In the Budget Debate, I proposed that we could transfer the National Insurance burden onto Income Tax so that there is a single type.

Business Support Measures

  • Small businesses are key to our high streets and local economy. The Chancellor is increasing the VAT registration threshold for small businesses from £85,000 to £90,000 – the highest threshold across the EU and OECD. This allows small businesses to focus on other priorities, such as hiring new staff to help grow the economy.
  • The Chancellor also announced that draft legislation will be introduced within weeks to extend full expensing to assets for leasing at some later date – a £10 billion tax cut.

Child Benefits and Childcare

  • The Spring Budget continues to support parents. The Chancellor committed to assessing the High-Income Child Benefit Charge – a consultation will be launched to decide whether the child benefit should apply to collective household income rather than on an individual basis. As I said in the Chamber, I look forward to this consultation.
  • For now, the High-Income Child Benefit Charge threshold will be raised from £50,000 to £60,000. The top of the taper at which the benefit is withdrawn is raised to £80,000. This will support 500,000 families, who will each save £1,260.
  • The Chancellor has also guaranteed funding rates to nurseries and pre-schools for the next two years to deliver the Government’s expanded free childcare pledge. This will enable an extra 60,000 parents to enter the work force over the next four years.

Cost of Living Support

  • As I mentioned in my contribution to the Budget Debate, I know that cost of living is a very important issue.
  • The Household Support Fund has also been extended for another six months. £500 million will be available to help struggling households with essentials, such as food and utilities.
  • As the Chair of the APPG on Universal Credit, I was pleased to see that the maximum period for Universal Credit budgeting advances has been extended from 12 to 24 months.
  • In addition, many have written to me expressing concerns about alcohol and fuel duties. As such, I am pleased that the alcohol duty freeze has been extended until February 2025, alleviating pressure on the hospitality sector.
  • Additionally, the Chancellor has maintained the 5p cut to fuel duty – freezing rates for the 14th consecutive year. In effect, this saves the average car driver around £50 per year.

NHS Reform and Investment

  • I receive lots of emails about the funding, quality, and efficiency. I share your concerns: we need not only a properly funded NHS, but an efficient one too that is able to deliver high quality care.
  • As such, I hope you will join me in welcoming the Chancellor’s £6 billion investment into the NHS. Just under half of this amount will go towards boosting everyday services, maternity care, and getting waiting lists down – one of the Prime Minister’s five pledges. The other £3.4 billion will be used to improve the productivity of the NHS – better technology will be implemented to make the ways of working more efficient.

You can find the Budget in full here.

An Update from Parliament in the lead up to the Budget:

Unlocking the Opportunities of East Midlands Infrastructure Event

On 20th February, I sponsored an event in Westminster which brought together local authority leaders, MPs, experts, and businesses to discuss benefits and opportunities of investment in the East Midlands. This part of the UK has such a diverse economy, mature supply chains, and is home to a number of academic institutions – it simply does not deserve the little investment that it receives. At the event, it was noted that a good transport network plays a key role in productivity – it can foster trade relationships, move business freight, and makes it easier for workers to commute. Indeed, I called for ministerial support on 2 key schemes: the Midland Main Line Electrification and A46 Newark Bypass.

Grassroots Sport Facilities

I’m happy to hear the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has provided Amber Valley with nearly £900,000 for grassroots sport facilities. Around two-thirds of this will go towards a new 3G pitch and pavilion upgrade for Sleetmoor United, while one-third will fund a new pavilion for the Charles Hill Sports Complex.

Dental Provision

From your emails and phone calls, I recognise that dental provision is a key issue in Amber Valley. I therefore welcome the £200 million Dental Recovery Plan, which will benefit those who have not had a check-up in two years.

Funding for Local Authorities and the Cost of Residential Placement for Children in Care

In the House of Commons Chamber earlier this week, I asked the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, Michael Gove, what steps he is taking to help ensure the financial sustainability of local authorities. I was pleased with his response – that authorities will receive £64.7 billion for 2024-25. I also raised with him the fact that the cost of residential placement for looked-after children is too high for Derbyshire County Council. I am glad he agreed – it is private equity firms that are operating like ‘bandits’. Mr Gove assures me that action will be taken by his Department, I await the outcome of these efforts. You can find the full debate here.

Street Watch:

As always, if there are any street repairs in your area, such as potholes, pavement repairs or broken street lights, you can report these issues and concerns to me quickly and easily here so I can ask for the repairs to be investigated and addressed.

GDPR and privacy notice:

Data laws changed with the introduction of the new GDPR legislation: you can find my office’s privacy policy here and, if you don’t want to receive these emails anymore, you can unsubscribe here.

Get in Touch!

As always, you can contact me by hitting the ‘reply’ button on this email, or you can ring my office on 01773 744341.

Twitter and Facebook

You can also follow me on Twitter @NigelMills and like me on Facebook here to stay up to date with news and events in Amber Valley throughout the month.

Yours sincerely,

Nigel

Promoted by Nigel Mills MP, of Unicorn House, Wellington Street, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3EH.

The post Nigel’s March Budget Special Newsletter appeared first on Nigel Mills MP.

In December, the Government announced significant changes to their house building planning policy, giving new powers and freedoms to local planning authorities, such as Basingstoke and Deane, through changes to the national planning policy framework. These changes allow local authorities to vary…

Lapse that saw women suffer

Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak)

Back in 1995, the Tory government legislated to equalise the state pension age by progressively raising the age at which women would qualify to 66. The changes didn’t come into effect until 15 years later. Unfortunately, the Dept of Works and Pensions failed to formally notify, as required by law, many of those affected. This gave rise to the Waspi Campaign (Women Against State Pension Inequality.) I’ve met them many times over the years. Last week in parliament, I met with them again.

There’s about 3.6million women, born in the 1950s, who have lost out. At least 4,540 live in my Selly Oak constituency. They don’t object to equalising the pension age, but to that failure to advise those who would be affected, resulting in adverse financial consequences, damaging the health of many and in some cases the loss of their home. Many of these women are now approaching old age amid a cost-of-living crisis and substantially reduced circumstances.

The Ombudsman has upheld their complaint but is still to make recommendations about compensation. The government is not legally obliged to accept his proposals. It could choose to ignore him and has shown little interest so far. About 270,000 women have died since the campaign was launched 9 years ago. With one dying every 13 minutes, there is a pressing need for the government to act quickly but it could well be left for an incoming government after the next election. It might cost around £36 billion, not the kind of money you find down the back of the settee and I bet the Chancellor won’t be setting anything aside for it in next month’s budget.

These women deserve to be compensated. I hope my colleagues in the shadow Treasury and DWP teams will sit down with them soon and, at least, agree a system of phased payments so that we get help, in the first instance, to those who need it most. Perhaps, based on factors like age, health, income, and levels of loss.

Waspi women deserve justice, but I suspect it’s just one more mess Labour will need to clear up.

Evennett urges for action on tackling obesity

David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford)

Rt Hon Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, held a Westminster Hall debate yesterday (27 February) to raise the importance of tackling obesity. Sir David commented that “obesity is a major public health problem and a global concern” and that “tackling obesity requires a cross-party…
The Conservative Government is sticking with the plan to reallocate £36 billion of HS2 funding into long-term local transport improvements – benefitting more people, in more places, more quickly. The £4.7 billion Local Transport Fund is the latest part of this plan being delivered. £120,824,000 is…

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The post Bocoran Slot Gacor Gampang JP Hanya Di Fire138 appeared first on Chrisleslie.

Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP, Angus MacNeil has seized on newspaper reports today where the Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar has said that he will stand up to Sir Keir Starmer for Scotland.

Commenting Angus MacNeil said:

“Labour have never been very good at standing up for Scotland.  Indeed, Labour are not even standing up for Gaza at the moment despite the murder and genocide of 27,000 people, 15,000 of whom are children. 

“The fact that Mr Sarwar is now saying that he will stand up to Starmer for Scotland indicates that Starmer will not be good for Scotland at all.  This is a departure because whenever I see Mr Sarwar, he is usually following on behind Sir Starmer. 

“The problem for Labour is that they know they take orders from Westminster and whether it is Labour locally or Labour at Holyrood level they don’t stand up for Scotland.  On Wednesday, the few Labour MPs from Scotland can at least stand up for those still alive in Gaza suffering starvation disease and likely Israeli caused famine, by voting for a ceasefire.

“Standing up for Scotland or standing up for anybody clearly is not in Labour’s DNA.”

ENDS

From the famous Barnsley Markets to our award-winning parks and green spaces, I find myself continually captivated by the unique character of our Town and the beauty it contains. Yet, among the many characteristics that contribute to Barnsley’s charm, often overlooked are the diverse dialects that colour our conversations.

  • The pandemic put huge pressure on the NHS, but the Conservative Government has made good progress on its priority to cut waiting lists, virtually eliminating waits of over two years and cutting 18 month waits by over 90 per cent from their peak – but there is more to do.
  •  That is why Matt has welcomed the Pharmacy First approach, meaning 108 pharmacies across Lincolnshire will be able to treat common health conditions without patients needing to see a GP, freeing up to 10 million GP appointments a year as part of the Conservative Government’s Primary Care Recovery Plan.
  •  By sticking to the plan, the Conservative Government will continue to make progress on improving access to primary care and cutting NHS waiting lists, helping patients to receive the treatment they need more quickly.

 

Matt Warman MP has welcomed the launch of the Conservative Government’s Pharmacy First approach, helping patients across Boston & Skegness to receive care more quickly through better use of our community pharmacies.

108 pharmacies in Lincolnshire have signed up to Pharmacy First so far, which enables pharmacists to utilise more of their medical skills and training. This will mean that patients across Boston & Skegness can receive treatment for seven common health conditions from their local pharmacy without the need to visit a GP or have a prescription.

Their pharmacist will be able to help with conditions including sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. Following the assessment, the pharmacist can then supply the prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals, to treat the problem.

The new Pharmacy First approach will not only speed up access to essential care for patients, but also help to reduce pressure on local GP services by directing people to more appropriate places to be treated. Backed by up to £645 million, 95 per cent of pharmacies across England have opted-in so far, meaning that patients will be able to receive care more quickly without the need to wait for a GP appointment.

The Pharmacy First approach builds on the other measures outlined in the Primary Care Recovery Plan last spring, including tackling the 8am rush by giving GPs new digital tools and providing more GP staff and more appointments.

In combination, the Primary Care Recovery Plan aims to free up 10 million GP appointments a year by next winter, and give the public more choice in where and how they access care.

The Conservative Government has made strong progress on improving access to primary care including meeting its manifesto pledge to deliver 50 million additional GP appointments since 2019 and recruiting record numbers of doctors and nurses for the NHS.

By sticking to the plan, the Government is delivering on the Prime Minister’s pledge to cut NHS waiting lists, delivering more care in the community and ensuring that patients receive the care they need, when they need it.

 

Commenting, Matt Warman MP said:

“The pandemic put huge pressure on our NHS services here in Boston & Skegness and as we continue with our recovery, it is essential that patients receive the care they need quickly and easily.

“That is why I am delighted that the Conservative Government has launched the Pharmacy First approach, using the skills of our pharmacists to treat more people in the community without the need for a GP appointment – speeding up their own care as well as reducing pressure on local GP services.

“At least 108  pharmacies have signed up to Pharmacy First across Lincolnshire ensuring that the local people can access care.

“We are sticking with the plan to improve access to care and cut NHS waiting lists, delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority so that that everyone can access the treatment they need.”

 

Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins MP said:

“I’m determined to deliver faster, simpler, fairer access to care for patients, and the expansion of Pharmacy First will mean patients can get treatment for common conditions without needing to see their GP first.

“This is good news for patients and good news for the NHS. It will free up millions of GP appointments per year and mean that patients can get quick and effective treatment from their local pharmacy.

“As four in five people live within a 20-minute walk of a pharmacy, for many seeing their local pharmacist will be the easiest option – so this initiative will have real benefits for patients and help cut NHS waiting lists.”

Highland Energy Rebate Launch

Drew Hendry (Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey)

In Defence of Our Chalk Streams

Kit Malthouse (North West Hampshire)

I spent a fascinating morning at Sparsholt College talking all things chalk streams with locals, experts and scientists, all of whom are focussed on our precious rivers. Convened by the Vitacress Conservation Trust, this annual event is an important forum for us to examine progress on the health of these world renowned waterways. Sadly we were told that the Trust is to be wound up as Vitacress cuts back its funding – which is a big blow. I am in discussion with the Chair to see what can be done to save it.

My team and I have done a lot of work on our local rivers and their ongoing protection. The Anton, Test, Pilhill Brook, Bourne Rivulet have all been on our work schedule and I’m pleased to say progress has been made. There is of course still lots to do, but given how globally significant they are, I will make sure their welfare is a priority concern.

My Weekly Round-up

Christina Rees (Neath)

I attended the National Marine Parks (NMP) Parliamentary launch event. The Blue Marine Foundation (BMF) and 12 partners launched a National Framework and Guidance to support the evaluation of NMPs which offers a common purpose, objectives, and principles, for NMPs to evolve in Britain. The BMF partnership’s vision for NMPs is that they could fulfil a role in re-connecting people with sea and deliver more coherent conservation to benefit nature and coastal communities. Over 80% of people across England, Scotland, and Wales believe it is crucial to protect our ocean, but over 50% perceive the health of the marine environment as poor. The BMF partnership has scoped areas across Britain and found there is an appetite to explore introducing NMPs from Dorset, Argyll, to Pembrokeshire. Read the reports here.

I attended the APPG for Christians in Parliament Chapel service with my dear friend Baroness Anita Gale, which is open to all parliamentarians and staff. The Reading was Psalm 130, and Reverend Mark Harris delivered his interpretation of this Psalm.

As vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Coalfields Communities, I attended the meeting to welcome the Minister for Levelling Up, Dehenna Davison MP, so that members of the APPG could ask her questions on our APPG Report “Next Steps in Levelling Up the Former Coalfields”, which we launched in Parliament on 12th June 2023. Specifically, recommendations 1, 2, 9, 10, and 12, which you can read here. The Minister confirmed that the next round of Levelling Up funds would be round 3, reflecting previous rounds, and application bids should be shelf ready to go with no conflict in community input and vision. Representatives pointed out that the round 2 bidding process was very complicated with lots of forms to complete, and it should be simplified. Round 2 had built up expectations in councils that their bids would be approved, councils had spent lots of money to formulate bids, which were rarely granted, and there was a lack of private sector support. Also, when a bid was successful it has to be spent in 18 months, which I pointed out is a very short timeframe compared with former European funding which allowed 7 years, with the option of a 3-year extension. And the financial settlement provided to Wales is not enough to level up the coalfield communities in Wales. The APPG was very well attended by MPs and Peers, plus representatives from Coalfields Communities, including: Trade Unions; Councillors; and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

As vice-chair of the Climate Change APPG, I attended the roundtable discussion with Dr Steve Pye, Associate Professor at UCL, who spoke about what climate science says about phasing out oil and gas production and his research focusing on net zero pathways, energy system decarbonisation and securing UK energy independence; Tessa Khan, CEO Uplift, provided an overview of the state of UK oil and gas policy, and how transitioning away from oil and gas production can also tackle issues around energy security, and the cost of living crisis; Louise Borrows, Climate and Energy Lead For the Beyond Oil and Gas Coalition (BOGA), who was on a secondment to the Cabinet Office for COP 26 and was joint head of the energy campaign for the UK’s COP Presidency Year. She led the delivery of multiple projects including ending fossil finance, no new coal, methane, and directing the Presidency’s approach to gas, and she successfully cemented and led the “Glasgow Statement” signatories as a government coalition for change; and Darren Proctor, National Secretary of RMT Union, spoke about worker’s views on moving away from oil and gas and how a just transition can happen. See upliftuk.org

The APPG for Steel and Related Metal Industries received an update on the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) from TRA officials: Edward Smith, Investigator; Timothy Sharp, Lead Investigator; and Katherine Newton-McGee, Head of Investigations. The members of the APPG questioned the TRA officials on: how the TRA is reviewing the safeguards, what are they doing and how can steel producers and users contribute to the review; and what are the timelines for the review. The TRA has instigated the review regarding the extension of the UK steel safeguards beyond 30 June 2024 covering the 15 product categories that are currently subject to the measure. The maximum they can be extended is another two years to June 2026, and it is vital that this will be the outcome of the review. UK Steel will be presenting evidence to the TRA, and engaging with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the best outcome is achieved. The TRA preliminary determination will be published in February 2024, and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade will make the final decision by 30 June 2024 on whether to maintain the safeguards for another two years. MPs asked the TRA officers how the economic injury would be assessed, in the context of EU safeguards and whilst US S232 tariffs remains in place. Removing UK safeguards would lead to a huge influx of diverted imports from countries that face much lower energy costs, and benefit from subsidies and other unfair competitive advantages.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the leading dementia research charity in the UK working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose, and prevent dementia. Almost 1 million people are living with dementia in the UK today. One in two of us will be directly affected in our lifetime, either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. We are at tipping point. New ways of diagnosing the diseases that cause dementia earlier and more accurately like blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease are showing promise. New treatments that can affect the course of Alzheimer’s disease could be available in the UK in just a few months’ time. New insights are showing how we can reduce the prevalence of dementia in the first place by addressing factors that affect our brain health. I support the charity’s recommendations: to set up a UK cross-governmental strategy for the prevention of ill health to address the health and lifestyle factors that affect our risk of developing dementia; invest in the current diagnostic pathway to make it fit for purpose and fit for the future; ensure new dementia treatments are available on the NHS as soon as possible; and establish the UK as a world leader in dementia research. Contact Alzheimersresearchuk.org 

Western Gateway held a Parliamentary reception to celebrate the launch of its Western Gateway 2050 Rail Vision published earlier this year. The Vision is transformational – connecting local communities at risk of being left behind; deliverable – building on a pipeline of schemes already underway; investable – ready for the public and private sector to enhance communities and add at least £34bn to the UK economy by 2030. The Western Gateway APPG co-chairs Jess Morden MP and the Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland MP introduced and closed the event. Katherine Bennett CBE, Chair of the Western Gateway, said that the vision is not about asking the UK Government for instant investment, or building a new high speed trainline, it’s a long-term vision supported by cross-party leaders and the Western Gateway APPG, because the region has huge potential to deliver the UK’s sustainable and net zero future economy and unlock a greener, fairer, future. We heard from guest speakers: my dear friend Baroness Debbie Wilcox, who as the former Leader of Newport Council and former leader of the Welsh Local Government Authority who was instrumental in setting up Western Gateway; Huw Merriman MP, UK Government Rail Minister; Louise Haigh MP, Labour Shadow Transport Secretary; Stephen Morgan MP, Labour Shadow Rail Minister; Council Leaders within the Western Gateway Region; and representatives from Transport for Wales, Network Rail, and GWR. Read the vision report here.

I was honoured to deliver the second reading at the annual Service of Thanksgiving for Victory in The Battle of Britain in St David’s Church Neath, which was organised by Neath & Swansea Branches of the Royal Air Force Association (Neath 617 Branch). The first reading was delivered by Louise Fleet CStJ, JP, the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan and the congregation listened to the usual, thought-provoking sermon by our wonderful Avon Nedd Ministry Area Leader, The Reverend Canon Lynda Newman. After the service, we gathered at the Memorial Gates, Gnoll Grounds, to place wreaths in memory of those service people who gave their lives to achieve peace in the world, and play the Last Post, before a minutes’ silence, and Reveille. We Will Remember Them.

As vice-chair of the APPG on Restorative Justice (RJ) I was honoured to be at the launch of our APPG Investigation: Implementing restorative practices in education, health, and social care report authored by our Advisory Board. The report was introduced by the Advisory Board Chairman, and CEO of the Restorative Justice Council, Jim Simon. The investigation focused on the current implementation and impact of restorative practice in non-judicial settings across the UK. The findings and subsequent recommendations are based on the reported experience of restorative practitioners working in education, health, and social care who embraced the opportunity to contribute evidence of their successes and pointed out improvements that could be made. The APPG calls on UK Government to use this report and its recommendations to shape future public policy and develop a cohesive strategy for the long-term implementation of restorative justice. Read the report here. Jim and our APPG chair Elliot Colburn MP will be meeting the UK Government Justice Minister, Ed Argar MP, on 12th September to discuss our report, the benefits of implementing restorative justice, and the Victims and Prisoners Bill. After the meeting they will fully brief the members of the APPG on the outcome of the meeting. Jim outlined details of the first annual Northern Ireland RJC Conference in Belfast on 14/15th September on which he will report back to the next APPG in October. There will also be an APPG Parliamentary Drop In event on 30th October in the Thames Pavilion which will highlight the work of RJC in education, health, social care, and the devolved nations.

I joined the online meeting of the APPG for Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to hear evidence from voluntary organisations, including: Gingerbread; women who have been let down by the CMS; and MPs who receive so much casework from constituents who are suffering because the child maintenance payments that have been agreed following the split up of partners in a relationship, are not being paid by the relevant partner towards the upkeep of the children. The children, and parent who has custody of the children, are struggling to survive without the maintenance payments that they are owed. The CMS was set up by the UK Government in December 2012. There is a £20 application fee, unless the parent or child is a victim of domestic abuse, or the applicant parent is under 19 years old. There are two methods of payment: Direct Pay which can be chosen by either parent with agreement of the other, there is no collection fee; Collect and Pay, whereby the CMS calculates the amount of maintenance due and collects it from the paying parent, and pays it to the receiving parent, but there is a 20% fee for the paying parent on top of the maintenance payments and 4% is taken off the maintenance paid to the receiving parent. In the interests of fairness, the DWP should consider removing the 4% charge from receiving parents. Since set up in 2012 there is £547.9 million in unpaid arrears, i.e 8%. In the last quarter, to March 2023, of UK Government statistics, £237 million was due by Direct Pay, but the DWP does not measure how much of this is unpaid. £72 million was due by Collect and Pay of which £22.9 million was unpaid. In my Neath constituency my excellent and diligent staff have resolved many CMS cases, mostly where the paying parent has disputed the amount of maintenance they have been asked to pay, stating that they can’t afford the payments, and so lapse into arrears, and are not able to make up the arrears amount. The receiving parent raises this with the CMS, and the paying parent is placed on direct payments taken from their wages, but this is not possible if they are paid in cash. If the paying parent receives a below 25% wage increase the CMS will not trigger a change of circumstances to increase the payments. Also, if the paying parent is receiving benefits, they are obliged to only pay the CMS minimum of £7 per week.

I was pleased to support the WI Week of River Action Parliamentary launch event, which kicked off their new Clean Rivers campaign which seeks to tackle river pollution and to promote the designation of more bathing waters. The WI will endeavour to raise awareness of the ecological state of the UK’s rivers and draw public attention to the importance of clean rivers for people and for wildlife in their communities.

I attended another APPG Christians in Parliament Chapel service with my friend Baroness Anita Gale. The Reading was from Mark 1:14-15, and there was a talk by Paul Woolley, CEO of The London Institute of Contemporary Christianity, entitled “Growing confidence: Recovering the Gospel as Good News”.

I supported UNICEF’s launch calling on the UK Government for a Baby and Toddler Guarantee as part of its Early Moments Matter campaign to support families with young children to ensure that babies and toddlers have the best start in life across the UK. UNICEF’s latest research reveals the pressures families with young children are under and how the cost-of-living crisis is impacting children. YouGov polled parents and guardians of at least one child aged 0-4 years old living in Great Britain. Poll findings for Wales (National average in brackets): 79% said the cost of living has negatively impacted their family lives (78%); 65% have struggled with their mental health (61%); 67% believe it’s harder to be a parent now than their parents’ generation (70%); 66% are worried about their child’s future life chances (66%); 55% can’t afford to give their child the life they want (50%); 44% had less time to read, play, cook healthy meals than last year (37%).

I dropped into the ABTA The Travel Association and UK inbound event on potential solutions to improve youth mobility between the UK and Europe. Tourism is a vitally important soft power and a global success story for the UK and youth mobility whether for education, work or travel, makes a significant contribution to both the UK economy and in Neath where in 2019, over 241 jobs were supported by the inbound tourism sector and over 300 jobs were supported by the outbound tourism sector. The youth and student travel market sees 25 million travellers per year; young travellers support over 265,00 jobs in the education sector; and the outward-bound travel industry is worth more than £37.1 billion a year to the UK economy, 1.8% of GDP, supporting 526,000 jobs across the UK. Therefore, it is important for the UK Government to work with the UK tourism industry to reinvigorate youth mobility through expansion of the Youth Mobility Scheme, development of collective passports, and digitisation.

As a vice-chair of the Show Racism the Red Card APPG, it was an honour to attend a meeting with parliamentarians, to promote the 9th annual Wear Red Day #WRD23 which will be held on Friday 20th October 2023, organised by the wonderful Ged Grebby, Founder of Show Racim the Red Card, who works full time to stamp out racism at all levels of society. Racism is abhorrent and I was proud to wear my Show Racism the Red Card red t-shirt and stand in solidarity with campaigners.

As a former chair of the APPG for Sport I supported my dear friend Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, the chair of Sport Wales, who hosted a parliamentary event to strive to make the UK the most active nation in Europe. The event was organised by Active Partnerships; CIMSPA; Sport for Development Coalition; Sport Recreation Alliance; Local Government Association; UK Active and the Youth Sport Trust. Currently, the UK is the 11th most inactive nation, and the 3rd highest spenders on healthcare costs associated with inactivity. The sport, recreation, and physical activity sectors’ leading bodies are urgently calling on political parties to commit to making it easier for people to play, move, and be active in any way they choose by ensuring that sport, recreation, and physical activity is accessible and affordable to everyone. We can build a future where: all children are given the best possible start, gaining habits and skills to manage their physical and mental wellbeing, living longer and healthier lives; preventing and improving community health leads to significantly less pressure on NHS and other public services; our streets and communities will be safer, happier, and greener places to be; our economy will be boosted by a healthier workforce that increases productivity and lengthens people’s employment. Turning this vision into reality will not be easy, and will take time, but we believe it can and must be done. We urge the current and future governments to put sport, recreation, and physical activity at the heart of national policy making working closely with the sector and devolved governments of all the Home Nations on a programme of reforms including: building a common evidence base of the benefits to drive better funding; more and better targeting investment to create modern sustainable places and spaces to be active to drive up participation unlocking the power of sport for social good. It was a lovely surprise to meet Emily Reynolds, National Programmes Director, Youth Sport Trust, who is from Glynneath and the daughter of my dear friend Gerry Reynolds. Emily has worked for Youth Sport Trust for over 8 years and was deputising at the event for her CEO, Ali Oliver, who unfortunately couldn’t attend, otherwise our paths may never have crossed, and I would not have had the wonderful opportunity to meet Emily, who I am sure will become a close friend too. Read “Unlocking the Potential” 

I attended the Asthma + Lung UK transport policy Parliamentary event called “putting the brakes on toxic air” and received a briefing on the Cleaner Travel Access Fund (CTAF). We heard that polluting vehicles are fuelling toxic air and the climate crisis, and millions of people are breathing unsafe levels of air pollution. 97% of the UK’s 33 million cars still run on petrol and diesel, releasing pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide into the air. Road transport is responsible for nearly 50% of all nitrogen oxide air pollution. There is no safe level of air pollution but tens of millions across the UK are breathing levels of air pollution that are against the law. Babies, children, pregnant women, older people, and those with existing lung conditions are more vulnerable. Air pollution is costing the NHS and Social Care services millions every year and contributes to up to 43,000 early UK deaths every year. The least responsible for air pollution are often the most exposed. The poorest people live nearest busy roads and worst air pollution levels are in ethnically diverse neighbourhoods, but there is less car ownership in these groups. The CTAF is a scrappage scheme of £777 million aimed at people on low incomes and those whose mobility is affected by long term health conditions to swap their polluting vehicles in exchange for a £3000 grant per household to use public transport, buy active travel, or put towards an electric vehicle.

I attended the Parliamentary launch of a report by the Women’s Budget Group, funded by the Community Justice Fund entitled Gender Gaps in Access to Civil Legal Justice. We listened to guest speakers: Rt Hon Emily Thornberry MP, Labour Shadow Attorney General; Dr Zubaida Haque report author; Isabel Langdale, Project Manager Women’s Homelessness, Homeless Link; and Pamela Fitzpatrick, Director of Harris Law Centre, discuss the findings of the report and what needs to happen to close the gender civil justice gap. The report drew on survey data collected from 115 organisations and services across England and Wales, and explores the gender disparities in accessing civil legal justice, and the pressing needs, barriers, and adverse impacts faced by women. The discussion focused on the types of civil law issues women seek help for, from employment law to family and immigration law, the consequences of the changes in scope including the LASPO Act 2012, and the solutions to help women from all backgrounds. Key findings from respondents include: 85% said vulnerable women are unable to access civil legal aid, 77% said a major consequence of the legal aid changes is women reaching crisis point of problems escalating before they receive legal help or advice, 48% reported domestic violence as a key issue, the most widespread employment law issue is pregnancy/maternity discrimination, and the reduced scope of what is covered by legal aid plus the reduced amount of legal aid available disproportionately affects women. The report’s recommendations included: more research into the impact of LASPO 2012; improving access to legal aid for employment law, thresholds and time limits should be increased; intervene with support sooner to avoid litigation and keep cases out of tribunals; better legal training for solicitors, and embed this in GPs/housing/homelessness/services, and food banks; improve general public legal education at a local level; and more cross-sector collaboration to build on expertise and knowledge and facilitate referrals to legal advisers. Read the report www.wbg.org.uk

I attended a very important event organised by One Million LivesR;ipple, and Make A Difference Media, held during Suicide Prevention Week. One Million Lives is a free mental health check to help you understand how you are currently coping and provide suggestions for building resilience. Checking is important even if you feel well because the sooner you check the earlier you can make changes to stay well. Alice Henry lost her brother Josh in November 2020 to suicide. Josh had been searching for suicide techniques on the internet. Alice set up R;ipple which is a free digital resource for parents, schools, and charities that discreetly intercepts harmful internet searches and signposts to 24/7 free mental health support. Make A Difference Media provides a global learning space for employers looking to embed preventive strategies that will have a sustainable impact on workplace wellbeing, culture, and environment. We learned how vital language matters to avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes about suicide. For example: we must not say commit or committing suicide, because this implies it’s a sin or a crime, rather we should say died by suicide or lost their life to suicide. We must not say you’re not going to do anything silly are you, because you want to show you are not dismissing or making fun of how they are feeling, rather we should say have you been thinking of killing yourself. We must not say successful or unsuccessful suicide, because this implies that suicide is an achievement or something positive, rather we should say lived through a suicide attempt.

I was privileged to be granted a Westminster Hall Debate about Sepsis by Mr Speaker on 13th September which is World Sepsis Day. I began my speech with a tribute to Dame Cheryl Gillan, who tragically died in April 2021. I was extremely surprised and honoured to be asked by Dame Cheryl to take over from her as chair of the Sepsis APPG when she stood down in March 2021. It was a shock to me and most parliamentarians when Dame Cheryl died only a month after I took over as chair. Why did Dame Cheryl choose me? It could be that when I became a member of the APPG in 2017, Dame Cheryl and I had a cup of tea because she wanted to listen to my Sepsis story. I am one of the very fortunate people who contracted Sepsis (in August 2013), and survived. I owe my life to my friend Jen Smith who kept taking me back to the NHS when I didn’t improve after many weeks of not being diagnosed with Sepsis, and the consultant surgeon at the Heath Hospital, Dr John Jones, who correctly identified Sepsis and operated immediately to save my life. I have done my very best to chair the APPG but I have had enormous help from Sarah Hamilton-Fairly and Dr Ron Daniels of the UK Sepsis Trust. Sepsis is a global health concern, and it occurs when the body’s responses to infection causes injury to its tissues and organs. It is not known why some people develop Sepsis in response to infections, whereas others do not. My source of Sepsis remains a mystery. Sepsis is often referred to as the “silent killer” because of its ability to strike swiftly and unexpectedly. In the UK 245,000 cases are reported every year, leading to over 48,000 deaths, and the leading cause of avoidable deaths – more than breast, bowel, and prostate cancer combined. Around 40% of people who develop Sepsis are estimated to suffer physical, cognitive and/or psychological after-effects. Most recover after a few weeks but others develop Post Sepsis Syndrome. One of the biggest challenges is early diagnosis because Sepsis can mimic other common illnesses, with similar symptoms, such as fever, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion, and extreme pain. I suffered with most of these symptoms plus a swollen face, so I was diagnosed with toothache and mouth abscesses. The UK Sepsis Trust has worked tirelessly to educate health care providers and the public to improve early detection. Their “Sepsis Six” care and treatment pathway has been implemented in 96% of hospitals across the UK and in 37 other countries to ensure rapid and effective treatment. But there is confusion amongst clinicians because the Sepsis NICE Guideline NG 51 has not been updated since 2016, despite being scheduled for updated publication in June 2023, and which now conflicts with the position statement from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. I asked the UK Government Under Secretary of State for Heath and Social Care , Maria Caulfield MP, who was responding to my debate, to tell the House: the publication date for the updated NG 51; the model and implementation date for Martha’s Rule, which would give families a right to a second diagnosis, advocated by Martha’s grieving parents because Martha tragically died from Sepsis; if her UK Government would replicate the 10 million Swiss Francs (£9 million) of state funding announced by the Swiss Government for implementing Sepsis improvement over a 5 year period; and would she meet with me, Dr Ron Daniels, and Sarah Hamilton-Fairly to discuss setting up a National Sepsis Register, because unlike data for heart attacks, strokes and cancer, Sepsis data is imprecise, and relies on coded administrative data, rather than granular, clinical, data of patient level registries. The Under Secretary said that The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care was meeting Martha’s family later that day, and she will update members on the outcome and how Martha’s Rule will be implemented; since 2017 the National Institute of Health and Social Care has funded 14 Sepsis research projects with a combined value of £27 million but stressed that further applications would be welcomed; and that she will meet me and anyone I want to bring with me. Before being elected to Parliament in 2015, the Under Secretary was an NHS nurse for twenty years, specialising in cancer research, and I am optimistic that she really understands the issues surrounding Sepsis. On World Sepsis Day we remember those who have lost their lives, and those whose lives have been affected by Sepsis.

I attended the APPG for Drugs, Alcohol and Justice to discuss the role of the voluntary sector in drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. The meeting was so well attended that we need to find a bigger room in Parliament to hold future meetings. We heard from guest speakers: Jess Mullen, CEO, Collective Voice; Dr Roya Vaziri, Medical Director, Humankind; and Michelle Foster, Founder and CEO, The Basement Recovery Project. All speakers described the treatment and recovery projects they have been successfully running, and the parliamentarians and stakeholders had the opportunity to make comments or question the speakers.

MP Marks Wellbeing Week

Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth)

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Marks Wellbeing Week

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams marked World Wellbeing Week this week by calling for people’s wellbeing to be a key objective of Government, and not just economic growth.

The theme of 2023’s world wellbeing week is anxiety.

Before being elected as the MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, Ms Abrahams was a public health consultant focusing on health inequalities and Chair of an NHS Trust.

Debbie Abrahams MP said:

“World Wellbeing Week is a chance for policymakers to reflect on the centrality of wellbeing in policy decision-making. For too long, policies have chased economic growth at all costs, without considering the importance of the wellbeing of people. Most importantly, we must focus on the equity of this wellbeing – being working 3 jobs while still being poor, cold and hungry will clearly not contribute to people’s wellbeing.

“This year’s theme is anxiety, which is particularly relevant given last week’s rise in interest rates. Constituents across Oldham East and Saddleworth have been in touch with me to express their anxiety about the impact of this on their household finances, and how for many this has increased their anxiety.

“The World Wellbeing Movement has set a challenge to Governments but also local authorities, businesses, schools and individuals to think ‘beyond GDP’ as a success measure, and to look at what gives us fulfilment and enjoyment – our relationships, our green spaces and so on. I hope you can join this movement to a greater enjoyment and fulfilment.”

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Member of Parliament for Beckenham, Bob Stewart, has welcomed the Government’s £48 million investment through the Skills Investment Fund, boosting the rollout of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and equipping students from all backgrounds with the high-quality, higher-level skills needed to…

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New Hospital in Sutton Confirmed

Paul Scully (Sutton and Cheam)

I am delighted to write and tell you that local NHS leaders have confirmed plans for a new hospital to be built in Sutton and to upgrade facilities at St Helier. This represents a £500 MILLION plan that will not only build a brand new state of the art hospital near to the Royal Marsden by 2025, but ALSO invest AT LEAST £80 MILLION into upgrades at St Helier.

The new specialist emergency care hospital, just a few minutes from St Helier, would treat the sickest 15% of patients, those normally arriving by ambulance. This larger specialist team would be available 24 hours a day to diagnose what is wrong with patients more rapidly, start the best treatment faster, and help patients recover more quickly. St Helier and Epsom Hospitals will remain open 24/7, with updated and improved facilities, providing all the other services that they currently do.

My children were born at St. Helier so healthcare provision in Sutton has been an issue that is a very personal one to me. Ever since being a councillor in Carshalton, some 14 years ago, I have been campaigning for a solution that protects the future of St. Helier whilst ensuring that Sutton residents have access to the very best treatment in cutting edge modern healthcare facilities. I believe that this decision can finally put to rest the political arguments so that we can get on with doing what’s best for residents across the whole of the borough of Sutton.

With this plan, the refurbished St Helier Hospital is here to stay providing the majority of local health services, and the sickest patients will get state-of-the-art treatment in the brand-new specialist emergency hospital right here in our area.

You can find out more about the plans, including the answers to some frequently asked questions at the NHS’ website: www.improvinghealthcaretogether.org.uk. You can also contact them at hello@improvinghealthcaretogether.org.uk, or get in touch with me with any queries.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROPOSALS

Why is this being done?

To improve the care that we receive. As St Helier’s buildings continue to age over time, it’s necessary to upgrade our healthcare facilities to improve outcomes. Surviving illness and recovering quickly is the number one priority.

Is St Helier closing?

No, quite the opposite. St Helier is here to stay with a multi-million-pound improvement package.

Is a new hospital being built?

Yes. A new specialist emergency care hospital will be built in Sutton, in addition to improving St Helier hospital.

Is St Helier getting an upgrade?

Yes. At least £80 million of the funding promised will go towards improving the facilities at St Helier hospital.

Who developed these proposals?

For the first time, we have a plan that was developed by local clinicians, not national bureaucrats or politicians. Local healthcare professionals made the case for funding to deliver this improvement, which has been rewarded with a £500 million investment. Sutton Council also supported the proposals last year.

Will I have to travel outside my area for services now?

At the moment, if you have a stroke or heart attack you will be taken past St. Helier to be treated at St. George’s. This plan means that we will still be able to treat people within the local area, not moving more services away from Sutton.

Will we still use St Helier?

Yes. From 2025, Epsom hospital, St Helier hospital and the new hospital at Sutton will all have a 24/7 Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) (which already treats the vast majority of people going to St. Helier in an emergency). Under the plans, 85% of services will remain at St Helier. Both Epsom and St Helier hospitals will still have a 24/7 UTC.

Diagnostic tests, such as MRI, x-ray or ultrasound, the heart problem diagnosis unit, the dialysis unit, Croft Ward (which takes care of patients who are stable but not ready to leave hospital), the eye care unit, the gastroenterology unit, and so many more services are staying put at Epsom and St Helier hospitals.

What about bed numbers?

The NHS have calculated that they will need the same number of beds as they do now.

What about A&E?

Unlike previous plans, which saw A&E diverted away into Tooting, A&E is now staying right here in our Borough at the new hospital. Most of the time you will still use St Helier for matters requiring immediate medical attention like broken limbs or cuts. Major trauma cases needing a blue light ambulance transfer will be treated in Sutton at the new state-of-the-art hospital next to The Royal Marsden.

What about maternity services?

Maternity services have also been protected and kept locally. Post-natal and ante-natal care are staying put at Epsom and St Helier hospitals, and births will take place in the brand-new maternity unit at the new hospital in Sutton built to the very latest healthcare standards. Women need the very best care and facilities when giving birth, and the new plans will provide that.

Where will children services be provided?

Most children will continue to receive care and treatment in the same place as they do now. Care for children who need to stay in hospital overnight – as a result of a serious illness or complex problems – will be treated at the new specialist emergency care hospital. This includes children’s surgery.  

What will happen until the new hospital in Sutton is built?

All services will continue to be carried out at Epsom and St Helier hospitals until such time the new hospital in Sutton is ready for patients.

Where will the new hospital be built?

After consulting residents, patient groups and healthcare professionals, the decision was taken to build a brand-new specialist emergency care hospital in Sutton. This will be combined with the necessary infrastructure and transport links to ensure the site of the new hospital is accessible to all that need to use it.

For more facts, and to find out what this multi-million-pound government investment in our local NHS will mean for you and your family, visit the following website: www.improvinghealthcaretogether.org.uk/faq.

Reflecting on Defeat

Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield)

First of all, thank you to everyone who has sent such kind messages to me after last night’s result in Birmingham Northfield. Even though I never took this election – or any election – for granted, it is still a big blow to lose the seat I have represented for 27 years and which is […]

Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock)

This website is discontinued. Please visit my new website: StephenMetcalfe.org.uk 

MP meets South Downs farmers

Nick Herbert (Arundel and South Downs)

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert met South Downs farmers on Friday (19 January) to discuss the challenges they face as Britain leaves the EU and…

Mhairi Black to Young People: Don’t let the Tories leave you behind

Mhairi Black (Paisley and Renfrewshire South)

A vote for the SNP is a vote to stand up for young people against the Tories, Mhairi Black has said, she urged young voters to use their voice in this Thursday’s election.
In government, the SNP has protected and expanded the Education Maintenance Allowance which has been scrapped south of the border, and has abolished university tuition fees in Scotland while the Tories have increased them to £27,000.

The SNP has also increased the number of Modern Apprenticeships, with a target of 30,000 new starts by the end of this Parliament.

The SNP manifesto commits to a real Living Wage – projected to be just over £10 by the end of the parliament for all workers aged 18 and above – creating a new single adult rate.

SNP MPs will also support a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts and will support votes at 16 at all elections.

Commenting, Mhairi Black said:

“A vote for the SNP is a vote for a strong team of MPs who’ll stand up for young people – calling for a fair and equal minimum wage, protecting rights in the workplace and votes at 16 in all elections.

“The SNP are already delivering for Scotland’s young people, delivering free university education and with youth unemployment at the lowest level on record – while the Tory vision is just cut after cut.

“The Tories think they can do anything they want to young people and get away with it – from hiking tuition fees to slashing housing benefit for young people and much more.

“That’s why it’s so important that young people turn up and vote – don’t let the Tory government leave you behind.

“Any Tory MPs elected in Scotland will simply rubberstamp whatever the Tory government does to young people, and Labour can’t win this election in Scotland – meaning that voting Labour risks letting Tory MPs in by the back door.

“Now more than ever, it is vital to have strong SNP voices standing up for Scotland. Only then can we protect Scotland from the dangers of an unopposed Tory government at Westminster.”

Notes:

Here’s how strong SNP voices will stand up for young people at Westminster.

– SNP MPs won’t let the Tories trade away Scottish jobs in the Brexit negotiations – we will work to protect Scotland’s place in the Single Market.

– We will back a transition over the next parliamentary term towards payment of the real Living wage for all adults above the age of 18. This will mean a new single adult rate and will see the UK minimum wage to rise to the real Living Wage, projected to be just over £10.

– We will guarantee the continuation of free university education in Scotland, protecting students in Scotland from paying up to £27,000 of fees.

– In Scotland, we are mitigating the Tory decision to withdraw housing support from 18 to 21 year olds. We will fight for the restoration of this support across the UK, alongside scrapping the Bedroom Tax.

– SNP MPs will look to introduce our own legislative proposals to give 16 and 17 year olds a vote in all elections.

– In Scotland, youth unemployment is already at the lowest level on record. SNP MPs will support the devolution of employment and employability powers so we can extend our successful approach on youth employment.

– To help businesses create jobs, we will propose a doubling of the Employment Allowance – the discount businesses receive on National Insurance when they create jobs.

– We will press the UK government to ban exploitative zero-hours contracts, and to ensure that workers have appropriate rights and protections, including holiday and sick pay. And we will work to ensure that the rights and protections currently safeguarded by EU membership are not diminished.

– We will work to protect opportunities for young people to study and train in other European countries through the ERASMUS+ scheme.

– We will continue to work with Scotland’s universities and institutions to seek clarity from the UK government on what will replace EU research funding for Scotland’s universities.

On being a woman in politics

Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central)

A few things have recently been rattling around in my head which concern women in politics; I've been trying to gather some ideas as to why there aren't more of us, and how I might encourage female candidates to come forward. At the same time, I noticed that the launch of the Counting Women In campaign, couldn't miss the outrageous attack on Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP, and I've been enjoying Winnie Ewing's very readable autobiography. I've also been out on the doorsteps for Ken Andrew in Hillhead.

All of these together really say: the culture of politics in the UK is what's at fault. Women don't think it's for them and just disengage. 


Now, obviously that's a generalisation. I'm a woman, and I'm very engaged in politics. I'm prepared to accept I'm a bit odd.


I chapped on a door the other week while canvassing. I had Alexander with me in the pram. A woman answered, I politely introduced myself and my purpose on her doorstep - she shook her head and told me she wasn't interested. I asked why. She firmly asserted that all politicians are just the same. I asked her if anyone from any political party had ever come to see her with a baby in a pram. She thought briefly, admitted that'd never happened, and sent me on my way. 

I'm not sure whether that experience tells me whether I ought to a) leave the wee man at home or b) work on my doorstep pizzaz, but I bet that woman had opinions on all kinds of things. I don't think she believes them to be particularly political - provision of care services, or bin collection, say - but in the end they're determined by politicians. I want women like her to tell me what she wants and why it matters. More than that, I want women who care about issues to join political parties to further that cause. There are all kinds of causes promoted within the SNP, and I will most likely welcome you in.


I'm sure I've said before that I've always felt welcomed as a woman in the SNP, and that remains true. I'm not sure how Labour men treat women in general (not great by some accounts, which appear to be no barrier to reselection), but they're certainly not great at giving SNP women the respect they are due.

I recalled hearing when Winnie's book came out that she had been bullied while at Westminster. The Scotsman's 2007 interview put it thus:

As the lone SNP member in the Commons - at best an intimidating place for an inexperienced politician - she found herself without friends, without party colleagues, without any supporting structures. She was completely alone. She was hundreds of miles from her husband and her children in an excessively macho and very hostile environment. "I was treated as the enemy, I was shunned and despised. It's a peculiar experience to suddenly find yourself hated. At times I did feel terribly lonely, close to despair." 

Reading the autobiography, you really get a vivid picture of the pressure Winnie Ewing was under as an MP on her own. Her every action was scrutinised; if she didn't attend a debate, the other parties would ensure it got in the papers. The nuances of what said were taken apart. She was under political and personal attack from all sides and, even more sinister, stalked by another MP. Interventions by others had some impact, but it must have been a great emotional strain.

What I didn't know was that when Winnie was appointed as an MEP (pre-democratic elections to Europe), the bad behaviour of two particular Labour bullies continued in the European Parliament when she was alone again, deliberately working to ridicule and undermine her for over a year. By the account in the autobiography, this only ended when the President of the Parliament intervened, threatening to have them withdrawn as being "not fit to represent their country and Parliament in Europe".


You might think that, around forty years later, a female SNP MP might expect some kind of change to have occurred in attitudes, as with wider society. Women are accepted in a range of jobs, universities are gaining majorities of female students, there are innumerable opportunities and directions for careers. And then, there's Ian Davidson MP.

Eilidh has written a revealing article in the Scotland on Sunday - I'd urge you to read the full article, but I think this small quote does illustrate the point perfectly:

"It does not matter that all I had done was disagree with the committee. In fact what inspired Mr Davidson’s remark is utterly irrelevant. There is no action, no misbehaviour that justifies the threat or act of “a doing”. We hear too often of women being told they were “asking for it” in justification for intimidation or violence. I never expected to hear that from an MP in Parliament.

But this is not simply an issue of aggression towards woman; it’s about a culture of intimidation and bullying affecting men and women that seems to flourish with impunity in the Westminster world."

The tragedy is that it's primarily through this Westminster lens that the viewing population sees politics and politicians. They see argument, they see confrontation; they see crowds of boorish suits moaning a weary "hear hear". And they switch off. They say "that's not for me".

They don't see a politician arguing the case with a housing association, trying to help a vulnerable tenant. They don't see someone working on a committee, trying to improve a policy that will help improve children's health. They don't see the joy that is presenting prizes to year groups of school students, with the hope that you can encourage them in that tiny second as you shake their hand. They don't know what a privilege it is to be invited into so many lives and homes, to meet with groups and organisations and offer what help you can.

The work of politics should never be that yah boo nonsense that men excel at and so many women hate. More women should be in politics for the fantastic difference they can make every day.


Made by @davorg / Last built: Tuesday 19 March 2024 06:39