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I struck up a conversation on Thursday with a local entrepreneur who had set up a successful company. He had made his own way in the world without inherited wealth and now wanted a good future for his family.
He told me he had opened an office in Dubai and could use modern computing and communications to run it from there. As a result last week was to be his last week in the U.K. He decided his business and his family have a better future in Dubai.
When I asked him why, the tax and regulatory attacks of recent weeks were clearly the last straw. He felt the government does not value or want people like him in the U.K. In Dubai he finds a positive approach to business success, lower taxes and sensible regulations.
I hear on the media that there are many successful strivers thinking like this, and hear Dubai is just one of several locations making a good pitch to attract U.K. business and talent.
The world does not owe us a living. We are not so full of entrepreneurial energy that we can deter and export it in large quantities. Many of the so called rich are hard working, providing the rest of us with goods and services we need. Who will provide all these if we attack self employment and small companies, overtax employment and take away profits and gains?
I loved visiting Leicester’s Community Shop – selling affordable food and household goods, offering new skills, where people can cook and eat together.
Leicester’s Community Shop employs local residents and puts profit back into community too. It’s a brilliant model building self reliance and self esteem.
Thanks to all who took time out on the visit and to everyone who is involved.
The post Liz visits the Stocking Farm Community Shop appeared first on Liz Kendall.
As you may or may not know I am required to be in Westminster Monday to Thursday to represent you in Parliament. On Friday’s MPs head back to their constituencies to be available to their constituents. Here is a report back from the weekend in Mid Norfolk:
It was great to catch up with Gareth and Paul from In-Comm, alongside Sarah and Jan from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce in Aldridge.
We discussed a number of issues, such as the significance of manufacturing, which is a vital sector in my Aldridge-Brownhills Constituency. Additionally, we addressed the concern that many young individuals today are not adequately prepared for the workforce, highlighting the importance of apprenticeships to equip them for employment.
We also talked about the necessity of bridging the skills gap while considering the future gaps that may arise, exploring strategies to ensure their success.
I remain committed to supporting our local businesses in Aldridge-Brownhills and look forward to working closely with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
Pleased to be pictured here alongside representatives of Llanelli Deaf Centre, just one of the fabulous winners at last night’s Llanelli Town Council Awards evening, marking 50 years of Llanelli Town Council and celebrating many excellent organisations and hardworking individuals shortlisted in a range of categories for their valuable contributions to our community.
The people of Bangladesh deserve accountability and a peaceful pathway to an inclusive democratic future.
I am deeply saddened by the tragic road traffic collision that occurred yesterday, resulting in the loss of six lives, including two young children. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those who have been affected by this devastating incident.
Even before The Open kicks off, lots happening in Troon.
I was honoured to be asked to open Troon Art Club’s Summer Exhibition and present the prizes to junior artists from Troon’s Primary Schools.
It is now open daily 11am – 7pm at Boys Brigade Hall until 27th July.
A huge range of beautiful yet affordable artworks!
Then, of course it was on to a very special open day at Troon Lifeboat Station as the RNLI celebrates 200 years!
Since dissolution of the 2019-2024 Parliament, I have stepped down as MP for Ludlow, and ceased to be Chairman of the Environmental Audit Committee. In the few days between the announcement of the General Election and dissolution of Parliament I was pleased our committee was able to publish a report summarising the work we had done during the Parliament.
Others will judge whether this has been impactful, but we have certainly been busy during the past four and a half years, not least in the face of the disruption due to the global pandemic.
Since forming in early 2020 after the 2019 General Election, our Committee held 178 meetings, of which 146 involved taking oral evidence from witnesses, and published over 2,200 submissions of written evidence. This work allowed us to publish 23 reports to the House of Commons, and 18 responses from the government to our reports.
Much of our scrutiny of environmental matters over the 2019-2024 Parliament concerned the passage and provisions of what is now the Environment Act 2021 and how these have been implemented. Key measures included establishment of long-term targets for improving the environment; an Office for Environmental Protection; and statutory environmental principles to guide policymakers across Government.
Early in the Parliament, our outstanding team of clerks ensured that soon after the pandemic struck we could move our meetings and evidence sessions online, which allowed the Committee's work to continue.
In 2021, we published our reports on Greening the post-Covid recovery and Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes, following which the Chancellor endorsed one of our principal recommendations by announcing in the 2022 Spring Statement the expansion of VAT relief for energy saving materials, giving a significant boost to the take up of home insulation and renewable energy solar PV systems.
I have campaigned personally for better water quality in our rivers. So I was pleased the Committee agreed to take forward work on this issue, and our inquiry into Water quality in rivers, which resulted in our seminal report in January 2022, was recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers in presenting the Committee its Chris Binnie Award for Sustainable Water Management for 2022.
We have had a significant strand of work in exploring how to boost nature and published two reports into the UK's role in promoting biodiversity, domestically and internationally. We were close to concluding our inquiry into The role of Natural Capital in the Green Economy, on which I hope our successor Committee will decide to publish a report arising from this work.
Another innovative area of our work was done by our sub-committee, which undertook research into the UK's role in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Members of the Committee visited both, we believe the first ever visit by a Commons Select Committee to Antarctica. Our report The UK and the Arctic Environment was presented to an Arctic Circle Conference in Iceland when published in 2023. Our planned report on Antarctica will inform a report which our successor Committee may choose to publish.
One of the key functions of the Environmental Audit Committee is to hold the government to account on its legally binding net zero obligations. So we have maintained our scrutiny of Government policies to deliver emissions reductions, taking evidence regularly from the Climate Change Committee on the findings in its annual reports to Parliament on progress in reducing emissions. We also undertook a series of short reviews of emerging and enabling technologies where the UK has significant opportunities to develop major new renewable industrial sectors.
The Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero responded positively to our proposals to increase parliamentary scrutiny for the Seventh Carbon Budget next year.
It is impossible to recognise all the work of the Committee over five years in one article – nor to thank properly all of the excellent Committee staff and specialists, without whom our work could not be done. But I hope the work we achieved will speak for itself, and will help inform the next Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee in their own chosen lines of inquiry.
Rt Hon Philip Dunne
Former MP for Ludlow (2005-2019) and former Chairman of the Environmental Audit Committee (2019-2024).
When I was Housing Minister I formed strong views about how we can build the houses young people urgently need, and protect the unique character of our landscape, towns and villages
At midnight tonight I will no longer be the Member of Parliament for Southampton Itchen. I have served the city both locally and nationally for over 25 years but now it’s time to move on to new challenges. It’s an overused statement, but it really has been the honour of my life.
The post appeared first on Royston Smith.
This was the website for The Rt Hon Stephen McPartland, who was Member of Parliament for Stevenage from 2010 until the dissolution of Parliament on 30th May 2024 when he retired from frontline politics to pursue new opportunities.
Access and functionality of this website is undergoing development.
John Healey says we’re experiencing an ‘unprecedented’ youth mental health crisis
England is in the grips of a deadly crisis in youth mental health while the government continues to deny the problem, says John Healey.
It comes as
new analysis has highlighted the severity of the crisis in youth mental health
care under the Tories, with increasing numbers of people dying by suicide,
detentions under the mental health act rising, and more young people in crisis
than ever before.
Rishi Sunak
recently suggested that many people suffering mental health problems were just
experiencing "the everyday challenges and worries of life” and should not
receive medical support.
But, just
last year, John’s Schools Mental Report revealed every school that responded reported
an increase in the number of mental health cases they had to deal with and a
rise in anxiety issues for both students and staff.
John Healey
said: “I’ve been calling for an increase in mental health support for young
people for the past six years – when I carried out my first Schools Mental Health
report.
“Since then,
the situation has worsened with a record 780,000 children and young people across
the country having been in contact with mental health services over the last
year alone.
“It’s clear
to see we are experiencing an unprecedented crisis in mental health care, with
children and young people crying out for support.
"Instead
of attempting to cover up the scale of the problem, the next Labour Government
will give people the support they desperately need. We'll roll-out 8,500 mental
health staff to cut waits, put mental health hubs in every community and
support in every school, to help people get back onto their feet.”
Labour's
analysis echoes concerns made by a number of charities, experts and those
affected by mental ill-health. Last month the Children's Commissioner claimed
that children were being treated like 'second-class citizens' when it comes to
mental health care, with reports that children have to attempt suicide several
times before being able to receive mental health treatment.
Labour has
made tackling the crisis in mental health a cornerstone of their mission to get
the NHS back on its feet and make it fit for the future. The next Labour
Government will deliver 8,500 additional mental health staff, specialist mental
health support in every school and an open access mental health hub in every
community. This plan is funded by scrapping tax loopholes for private schools
and private equity fund managers.
Andrew Gwynne, Labour Candidate for Gorton & Denton, marked the start of the election with a campaign launch at the Pakistani Community Centre in Longsight.
This election will be the first time the Gorton & Denton seat is contested following boundary changes, with the three Denton wards, joining with Gorton & Abbey Hey, Levenshulme, Longsight, and Burnage to form the new constituency.
At the launch, Gwynne was joined by Labour Party members from across wider Greater Manchester, as well as councillors and community leaders.
Gwynne said: “I want to thank all those who came out to support the launch of our election campaign here in Gorton & Denton.
“I’m looking forward to getting out on the doorstep and making the case for a better, fairer, more equal society at home, and for a country that stands tall in the world to defend human rights and the rule of law.
“I will always seek to serve the new constituency in the way I’ve sought to serve the old Denton and Reddish seat for 19 years: putting local people first and demanding a fair deal for our community.”
The post Gwynne Launches Election Campaign appeared first on Andrew Gwynne.
Dear constituent
I am writing to you with an update about three local issues.
Firstly, if you have not already been told, the next closure of the M25 will take place from 9pm on Friday 10 May to 6am on Monday 13 May between junction 9 (Leatherhead/Epsom) and 10 (Wisley) in both directions. Whereas last time we were not particularly touched because the closure was the other side of Junction 10, this time we will be much more directly affected. The diversionary route will run through this area. All the details are here
https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-east/m25-junction-10/
But the advice from the project team is to avoid driving locally that weekend if at all possible.
I met South Western Railway’s new Chief Executive last week to discuss the continuing issue of overcrowding on the Waterloo line, particularly for people trying to catch trains at Worcester Park. I managed to get them to introduce two semi-fast trains in the evening peak last year to help with the issue, but the morning peak remains a real problem. I have been pushing them to give us two extra morning trains as well.
At the moment the issue is that they do not have enough rolling stock to increase the number of services. The new ten coach trains have been delivered, but the company has not yet been able to reach an agreement with the unions to use them. Very frustrating. And the passengers suffer.
When and if this gets resolved, the first new trains will go onto the Windsor line, but SWR have promised to make extra capacity available on our line at that time. In the meantime I am pushing them at least to reorganise their existing fleet to get a couple of ten coach services into the morning peak for the time being. I will keep you updated.
I met the Regional Director of Network Rail on the site of the Castle Road footbridge a couple of weeks ago to push for more rapid action to replace the bridge, which had to be removed because it was structurally unsound.
He has promised me that the work is now going ahead, and will be done this year. It will involve a full closure of the line later in the year, but in the meantime there is a lot of piling and preparatory work to be done on the site. They will be consulting residents about the impact of this shortly.
Finally, I have had a request from the local branch of Home Start who are looking for volunteers. If you do not know the charity, it uses experienced parents and grandparents to provide support for vulnerable families in the area.
I am planning another volunteer fair for local charities next month, and will circulate details of that shortly. But if you are interested in helping Home Start, please email Tracey Cobb at Tracey.Cobb@hseeb.org.uk.
I hope you are keeping well
With best wishes
Chris
The post Local Update appeared first on Chris Grayling.
Local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has challenged both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer to deliver a cast-iron guarantee that they will fully compensate the 6,000 WASPI women in West Dunbartonshire.
SNP MP Docherty-Hughes has warned that a failure to right the wrongs of unfair changes to state pension age would be a “betrayal to the women in Scotland who have been so badly let down Westminster”.
It follows the publication of a report last month by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) which calls on the UK parliament to provide suitable compensation for the country’s estimated 3.6 million WASPI women.
Both the Tories and Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party have been criticised by campaigners for failing to give a guarantee that their parties will honour Westminster’s responsibility to provide justice and fully compensate the 1950s-born WASPI women.
The House of Commons Library estimates that a total of 6,020 women in West Dunbartonshire have been hit by unfair changes to their state pension age, with over 335,000 impacted across Scotland.
Commenting, local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes said:
“Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer must finally give a cast-iron guarantee to the WASPI women in West Dunbartonshire that they will be fully compensated for this huge Westminster scandal.
“For too long, more than 6,000 women in my constituency have been silenced – but no longer.
“The report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman could not have been clearer – the WASPI women were failed, and they were failed by Westminster.
“So whether it’s Rishi Sunak or Sir Keir Starmer that enters No. 10 after the next general election, both political leaders must now commit to fully compensating the millions of women who have been let down by the system.
“A failure to do so would be a betrayal to the women in Scotland who have been so badly let down. They have suffered for long enough. It is time for action.”
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Skegness Grammar School played host to Matt Warman MP’s second annual William of Waynflete (WoW) inter-school debate competition, with Boston High School proclaimed worthy winners for the second year running. Boston Grammar School were runners up and all participants received medals kindly sponsored by Chattertons Solicitors and Wealth Management.
Skegness Grammar School was originally founded in Wainfleet by William of Waynflete in 1483 as a feeder school for Magdalen College Oxford , also founded by William, and the site still stands currently housing the Wainfleet library.
The debate competition was named after William who rose from humble beginnings to become Lord Chancellor of England as well as first Provost of Eton and Bishop of Winchester. It aims to raise aspiration in local students by encouraging confidence in public speaking. Four teams from Skegness and Boston Grammar Schools, Boston High School and Skegness academy, competed to ‘do battle with words’ – a concept appropriate for a parliamentary style debate which as Matt pointed out, originates from the 11th century Old French parlement meaning “discussion, discourse”.
Commenting after the event Matt Warman MP said – ‘I was delighted to extend the opportunity again for year 12 students to debate some of the most pressing issues of our time. From AI to freedom of speech, debaters showed an excellent grasp of the issues with thorough research and engaging arguments. Since my first debate last year I’ve been heartened to hear that in addition to the trip I arranged to the Houses of Parliament, schools have formed their own debate societies, held their own competitions and in one case travelled as far as Scotland to participate in debates.
The All-party Parliamentary Group on Oracy argues that Oracy should be counted alongside literacy and numeracy as a Foundational Skill with evidence showing that oracy improves academic outcomes and supports wellbeing and confidence. I am pleased to play my part in highlighting the importance of this skill and delighted that local schools have been so keen to ensure their pupils benefit.’
The post Toby Perkins MP supports Chesterfield Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation appeared first on Toby Perkins Labour MP.
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The local Clinical Commissioning Group has confirmed that the funding is in place to build a new GP surgery for Shifnal.
Commenting, Mark Pritchard MP said:
"I'm delighted that, in the last 24 hours, the Shropshire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group has confirmed to me that the new GP surgery in Shifnal will go ahead this year. The building plans are well advanced and NHS England has provided the extra funding needed. Local councillors and Shifnal Matters 2021 have supported me in pushing for this new surgery, and I'm glad that the NHS has listened to local needs."
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.
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.