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To celebrate Small Business Saturday, I visited Flowerzone in Westerhope, and saw their beautiful bouquets and arrangements.

Small businesses are vital in Newcastle, contributing to our community and local economy.

Be sure to support a small businesses near you!

A train journey

John Redwood (Wokingham)

This week I took a train from London to Ipswich and back.

There were two plus points. There was good service frequency, giving me plenty of  choice of trains. The out bound train ran to time so I could get to my appointment.

There were plenty of bad points. The seats were in the modern way exceptionally hard and uncomfortable. Tickets were checked both at entry and exit on stations and on board the train, requiring more revenue staff.

For my return I got to the station 40 minutes early. There were two earlier trains I could have caught. Both had very few occupied seats. The ticket office told me the charge would be 260% of the original ticket price to switch trains as I had bought my original ticket in advance. This is silly. I would have paid a modest handling charge with some extra net revenue for the train company  in return for the convenience of an earlier train. It would have been extra revenue for them. Why so unfriendly to customers?

The train back left on time  but had to run slow through East London owing to “ congestion”. A timetable based system should work better than that. More passing places for faster trains would help.

As a taxpayer no doubt I have to pay more for that trip to cover the subsidy as the trains had such low passenger occupancy. The company was running very long trains for not many passengers , meaning it was wasting a lot of energy taking too many unneeded coaches with it.

As always with train journeys there was considerable extra cost and complication getting to and from the station by other means. Central town and city stations are difficult to access, apart from London where you can use the tube.

Electric trains often need gas power stations to supply the energy. When calculating the  CO  2 production you should calculate it for the whole journey, not just the train ride part. Last year the railways needed £33 bn of taxpayer subsidy and capital spending for well under 10 % of U.K. travel.

Small Business Saturday, a grass-roots campaign highlighting small business success, returns this weekend (7 December) for its twelfth year in the UK.

Graham urges local people to support Small Business Saturday

Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness)

Local businesses across Beverley and Holderness need customer support more than ever following the introduction of Labour’s National Insurance Jobs Tax, Graham Stuart MP has warned.   Graham, who ran a successful publishing business before becoming an MP, was speaking ahead of Small…

Gaza: Is it a genocide?

Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield)

“I want to tell whoever is willing to listen that what is happening in Gaza now is a genocide…We don’t teach about genocides in order to realise it retrospectively. We teach about it in order to prevent it and to stop it.” Amos Goldberg, Professor of Holocaust Studies, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The post Gaza: Is it a genocide? appeared first on Richard Burden.

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Streetly Community Library for their annual Christmas Celebration. It was lovely to chat with Dominique, the Friends of Streetly and Library staff, as well as all the volunteers who helped make this event happen.  

I’m really looking forward to being busy in the lead up to Christmas and seeing our local communities come together in the same joyful spirit. 

Toftwood Surgery Campaign

George Freeman (Mid Norfolk)

Toftwood Surgery Campaign

I am incredibly disappointed that after my best efforts to get the ICB and the Landlord of Toftwood Surgery to talk and negotiate a deal for the benefit of the residents - they were not able to broker one.

Off the back of these recommendations I will be therefore be launching a campaign for a ‘Community Health Hub’ for South Dereham. I will now be having further talks over the coming weeks with ICB officials and looking at sites as to where this could be situated. As we anticipate more housing in the South of Dereham in the next few years we must fight for this urgently.  

Thank you to the many residents who have written to me about this matter. I will be posting further updates soon. 

Toftwood Surgery - Latest News
A pleasure to speak at the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group Christmas Reception in Parliament this evening - highlighting my support for the brewing, pubs and hospitality sectors. With four incredible breweries in Mid Buckinghamshire and a wonderful array of local pubs, this is such an…
This National Grief Awareness week, Catherine responded to a Petitions Committee debate on children and bereavement in her role as Minister for School Standards. In her response, Catherine set out the Government’s plans to support children and young people experiencing bereavement.   Catherine outlined the Government’s commitment to improving mental health support for all children […]
I met with councillors and the chairman of the community council, Garry Feldman, over the weekend to discuss the future of the Jedburgh Pool.The pool has now closed and it is believed it will be handed back to Scottish Borders Council soon.This meeting was useful as we look…

Distance learning has become an integral part of modern education, revolutionizing how students and educators connect and engage. With advancements in technology, learning no longer requires physical classrooms, enabling learners from all over the world to access quality education from the comfort of their homes. While distance learning offers numerous advantages, it also comes with unique challenges that students and institutions must navigate. This article explores the benefits and hurdles of distance learning in today’s educational landscape.

Advantages of Distance Learning

1. Flexibility and Convenience

One of the most significant advantages of distance learning is its flexibility. Students can tailor their learning schedules to fit their personal and professional commitments. This is particularly beneficial for working professionals, parents, or individuals pursuing multiple endeavors. Unlike traditional education, distance learning allows learners to study at their own pace, choosing times and environments that best suit their needs.

Flexibility also extends to location. Students can access courses offered by institutions in different countries without the need to relocate. This global reach opens doors to prestigious programs that might otherwise be inaccessible.

2. Access to Diverse Educational Resources

Distance learning provides access to a wealth of resources, including video lectures, eBooks, research papers, and interactive tools. Many online platforms offer free or affordable materials that complement course content, enhancing the learning experience. Institutions often utilize learning management systems (LMS) that organize course materials and provide a centralized platform for students to access resources.

Furthermore, distance learning allows students to connect with experts and educators worldwide. Online workshops, webinars, and forums create opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges and global networking.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

In many cases, distance learning is more affordable than traditional education. Students save on expenses related to commuting, housing, and physical materials. Some programs even offer pay-per-course options, allowing learners to manage their financial commitments more effectively. Institutions also save on infrastructure and operational costs, enabling them to invest in developing quality digital content.

4. Technological Skill Development

Distance learning inherently involves using technology, which helps students develop essential digital skills. From mastering video conferencing tools to navigating online portals and collaboration platforms, learners gain competencies that are highly valued in today’s job market. This technological proficiency enhances their employability and adaptability in a digital-first world.

5. Personalized Learning Experience

Online education often offers a personalized approach to learning. Many platforms use artificial intelligence to recommend content tailored to individual progress and interests. Students can revisit lectures, take self-paced quizzes, and focus on specific areas of improvement, fostering a more effective and satisfying learning experience.

Challenges of Distance Learning

1. Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction

One of the primary challenges of distance learning is the absence of in-person interaction. Traditional classrooms foster collaboration, discussion, and immediate feedback, which are harder to replicate in an online environment. The lack of physical presence can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder the development of interpersonal skills.

For educators, gauging student engagement and understanding can be challenging without non-verbal cues like body language. This limitation may result in reduced effectiveness of communication and instruction.

2. Self-Discipline and Time Management

Distance learning requires a high level of self-discipline and time management. Without a structured classroom environment, students must take responsibility for planning their schedules and staying on track. Procrastination and distractions can significantly impact performance, particularly for students juggling multiple responsibilities.

For some learners, the absence of set deadlines and regular reminders from instructors can lead to a lack of motivation and difficulty in meeting course requirements.

3. Technological Barriers

Despite its reliance on technology, distance learning is not equally accessible to everyone. Students in remote areas or those with limited financial resources may face challenges in accessing reliable internet or devices. Technical issues such as connectivity problems, software incompatibilities, or lack of technical support can disrupt the learning process.

Moreover, some learners may struggle with digital literacy, making it difficult for them to navigate online platforms or participate effectively in virtual classes.

4. Limited Practical Learning Opportunities

Certain fields of study, such as medicine, engineering, or performing arts, require hands-on experience that cannot be fully replicated in a virtual environment. While simulations and virtual labs have improved significantly, they may not provide the same depth of understanding as physical practice. This limitation can affect the quality of education in disciplines that rely heavily on experiential learning.

5. Assessment and Academic Integrity

Assessing students in a distance learning setting presents challenges for educators. Ensuring fairness and academic integrity in online assessments can be difficult. The potential for cheating or plagiarism increases without strict monitoring mechanisms. Institutions often need to invest in proctoring software, which can be costly and may still not fully address these issues.

Students also face challenges in adapting to different assessment formats, such as open-book exams or project-based evaluations, which may differ from traditional methods they are accustomed to.

Balancing the Pros and Cons

While distance learning has its challenges, many of them can be mitigated with effective strategies and tools. Institutions are continuously working to improve the quality of online education through technological advancements and better support systems. For example, virtual collaboration tools, interactive platforms, and hybrid learning models that combine online and in-person components are addressing some of the gaps.

For students, building strong time management skills, seeking support from peers and mentors, and utilizing available resources can make the distance learning experience more manageable and rewarding.

Conclusion

Distance learning has reshaped modern education, making it more accessible, flexible, and inclusive. While it comes with its own set of challenges, the advantages often outweigh the difficulties for many learners. By leveraging technology, fostering self-discipline, and improving the accessibility of resources, students and institutions can make the most of distance education. As the field continues to evolve, distance learning is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping the future of education.

The post Advantages and Challenges of Distance Learning in Modern Education appeared first on Berger.

Assisted Dying

Kit Malthouse (North West Hampshire)

My speech from the historic assisted dying debate last Friday

Fabulous singing and even some rock’n’roll dancing at the Prince Philip Hospital League of Friends tea. A big thank you to all involved in this and other charity events this Christmas.

Rushanara Ali MP Statement on Assisted Dying Bill

Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow)

I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on this issue, listening to different perspectives, and considering the potential consequences. After much thought, I came to the decision that I could not support this Bill. It is not a decision I made lightly, and I want…
My statement on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

Business news to come on Monday

Steven Baker (Wycombe)

“You never change anything by fighting it; you change things by making them obsolete through superior technology.” – R. Buckminster Fuller Expect news on Monday, first in CityAM.

Liz visits Home-Start Horizons

Liz Kendall (Leicester West)

It was a pleasure to visit Home Start Horizons to see first hand the wonderful work they’re doing supporting parents and children in Leicester.

They have supported over 15,000 families in Leicestershire and Rutland since they were established, ensuring local children have happy secure childhoods. Their staff are qualified and trained in Early Years support and various parenting programmes, mental health support as well as Safeguarding Children and Adults.

One of my top priorities locally and nationally is for our children to have the best start in life, and I’m so proud to see the community in Leicester matching this ambition.

The post Liz visits Home-Start Horizons appeared first on Liz Kendall.

Bexleyheath Conservative Branch elect new Ward Chairman

David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford)

Bexleyheath Conservative Branch elected Tom Clapperton as their new Chairman at their meeting on Tuesday evening. Tom succeeds the late Maureen King in the role.  Pictured with Tom are Ward Councillors Rags Sandhu and Bola Carew and former MP Rt.Hon. Sir David Evennett. 
1Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to be here at All Souls this evening to discuss some of the maritimegeopolitical challenges that we are watching unfold, and to consider how we best plan and execute the strategic andtactical plans needed to protect UK and global interests, be they financial…

Statement from Dan Jarvis MBE MP

Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central)

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!

Valete

Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire)

I want to thank all the wonderful people who voted for me. Thank you so much for your kindness and support. It has been an honour to represent you for almost all of this Century – since 2001 – for the last twenty-three years. The best part of being your MP has undoubtably, been the …

Environmental Audit Committee

Philip Dunne (Ludlow)

3 July 2024
Environmental Audit Committee

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).

Maria Miller local MP wants all schools to be "good" or "outstanding". Currently 90% of Basingstoke schools are good or outstanding (up from 52% in 2010) but Maria wants to see 100% of Basingstoke children being given the opportunity of the best education. To help achieve that Aldworth will reopen…

Disclaimer

Stephen McPartland (Stevenage)

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.

Dissolution Update

Victoria Prentis (Banbury)

At midnight tonight, Parliament will be dissolved. From that point, there will no longer be any MPs until after the General Election which will take place on 4 July. While Parliament may not be sitting, my office can deal with urgent casework enquiries only via the usual channels.  …

John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne)

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.

Angus MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar)

A pleasure taking part in Paul’s bill, which ensures any local government staff appointed on salaries over £100k must be voted on first by councillors.

ICC FILES ARREST WARRANTS

Brendan O'Hara (Argyll and Bute)

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.”

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.’

Visit my Facebook page

Yvonne Fovargue (Makerfield)

Visit my Facebook page for upto date news on my work as your Member of Parliament.

New GP Surgery Back on Track for Shifnal

Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin)

New GP Surgery Back on Track for Shifnal

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."

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.

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…

Rhondda Calendar 2018

Chris Bryant (Rhondda)

Entries for submitting your photographs for the Rhondda Calendar are now open.

The top twelve entries will be show cased in the 2018 Calendar with prize money for the top three entries.

Proceeds from the sale of the calendar will go to local charities.

Deadline 31st August 2017!

The post Rhondda Calendar 2018 appeared first on Chris Bryant.

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: Monday 09 December 2024 00:51