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- Currently sports coaches, faith leaders, and cadet leaders are legally allowed to have sex with 16 and 17-year olds they supervise
- Ministry of Justice now reviewing legal loophole that allows adults to have sex with teenagers in their care
- Almost 30 cross party MPs write to Justice Secretary David Gauke in support of NSPCC Close The Loophole campaign
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- Stephen Kinnock, Aberavon (lab)
- Guto Bebb, Aberconwy (con)
- Ross Thomson, Aberdeen South (con)
- Wendy Morton, Aldridge-Brownhills (con)
- Mark Tami, Alyn and Deeside (lab)
- Nigel Mills, Amber Valley (con)
- Brendan O'Hara, Argyll and Bute (snp)
- Nick Herbert, Arundel and South Downs (con)
- Gloria De Piero, Ashfield (lab)
- Damian Green, Ashford (con)
- Angela Rayner, Ashton-under-Lyne (lab)
- Victoria Prentis, Banbury (con)
- Margaret Hodge, Barking (lab)
- Dan Jarvis, Barnsley Central (lab)
- Maria Miller, Basingstoke (con)
- John Mann, Bassetlaw (lab)
- Tracy Brabin, Batley and Spen (lab)
- Dominic Grieve, Beaconsfield (con)
- Bob Stewart, Beckenham (con)
- Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Berwick-upon-Tweed (con)
- John Lamont, Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (con)
- Rushanara Ali, Bethnal Green and Bow (lab)
- Graham Stuart, Beverley and Holderness (con)
- David Evennett, Bexleyheath and Crayford (con)
- Frank Field, Birkenhead (lab)
- Preet Gill, Birmingham, Edgbaston (lab)
- Jack Dromey, Birmingham, Erdington (lab)
- Roger Godsiff, Birmingham, Hall Green (lab)
- Liam Byrne, Birmingham, Hodge Hill (lab)
- Richard Burden, Birmingham, Northfield (lab)
- Steve McCabe, Birmingham, Selly Oak (lab)
- Kate Hollern, Blackburn (lab)
- Gordon Marsden, Blackpool South (lab)
- Yasmin Qureshi, Bolton South East (lab)
- Matt Warman, Boston and Skegness (con)
- Judith Cummins, Bradford South (lab)
- James Cleverly, Braintree (con)
- Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Brighton, Kemptown (lab)
- Karin Smyth, Bristol South (lab)
- Keith Simpson, Broadland (con)
- Charles Walker, Broxbourne (con)
- John Bercow, Buckingham (speaker)
- Ivan Lewis, Bury South (lab)
- Stephen Doughty, Cardiff South and Penarth (lab)
- Philippa Whitford, Central Ayrshire (snp)
- Toby Perkins, Chesterfield (lab)
- Michelle Donelan, Chippenham (con)
- Mark Field, Cities of London and Westminster (con)
- Susan Elan Jones, Clwyd South (lab)
- Steve Reed, Croydon North (lab)
- Jon Cruddas, Dagenham and Rainham (lab)
- Andrew Gwynne, Denton and Reddish (lab)
- Stewart Hosie, Dundee East (snp)
- Liz Saville Roberts, Dwyfor Meirionnydd (pc)
- Steve Pound, Ealing North (lab)
- Grahame Morris, Easington (lab)
- Sam Gyimah, East Surrey (con)
- Greg Knight, East Yorkshire (con)
- Stephen Lloyd, Eastbourne (ld)
- Tommy Sheppard, Edinburgh East (snp)
- Deidre Brock, Edinburgh North and Leith (snp)
- Alec Shelbrooke, Elmet and Rothwell (con)
- Eleanor Laing, Epping Forest (con)
- Chris Grayling, Epsom and Ewell (con)
- Dominic Raab, Esher and Walton (con)
- Damian Collins, Folkestone and Hythe (con)
- Ian Mearns, Gateshead (lab)
- Alison Thewliss, Glasgow Central (snp)
- David Linden, Glasgow East (snp)
- Patrick Grady, Glasgow North (snp)
- Brandon Lewis, Great Yarmouth (con)
- Matthew Pennycook, Greenwich and Woolwich (lab)
- Meg Hillier, Hackney South and Shoreditch (lab)
- Tulip Siddiq, Hampstead and Kilburn (lab)
- Robert Halfon, Harlow (con)
- Mike Penning, Hemel Hempstead (con)
- Jesse Norman, Hereford and South Herefordshire (con)
- Liz McInnes, Heywood and Middleton (lab)
- Ruth George, High Peak (lab)
- Barry Sheerman, Huddersfield (lab)
- Jonathan Djanogly, Huntingdon (con)
- Graham Jones, Hyndburn (lab)
- Drew Hendry, Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey (snp)
- Diana Johnson, Kingston upon Hull North (lab)
- Lesley Laird, Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (lab)
- Jeffrey M. Donaldson, Lagan Valley (dup)
- Keith Vaz, Leicester East (lab)
- Liz Kendall, Leicester West (lab)
- Jo Platt, Leigh (lab)
- Vicky Foxcroft, Lewisham, Deptford (lab)
- Luciana Berger, Liverpool, Wavertree (lab)
- Nia Griffith, Llanelli (lab)
- Philip Dunne, Ludlow (con)
- Yvonne Fovargue, Makerfield (lab)
- Jeff Smith, Manchester, Withington (lab)
- Ben Bradley, Mansfield (con)
- Nadine Dorries, Mid Bedfordshire (con)
- George Freeman, Mid Norfolk (con)
- Mark Lancaster, Milton Keynes North (con)
- Angus MacNeil, Na h-Eileanan an Iar (snp)
- Christina Rees, Neath (lab)
- Robert Jenrick, Newark (con)
- Richard Benyon, Newbury (con)
- Chi Onwurah, Newcastle upon Tyne Central (lab)
- Nick Brown, Newcastle upon Tyne East (lab)
- Catherine McKinnell, Newcastle upon Tyne North (lab)
- Anne Marie Morris, Newton Abbot (con)
- Ian Paisley Jnr, North Antrim (dup)
- Kevan Jones, North Durham (lab)
- Alistair Burt, North East Bedfordshire (con)
- Jacob Rees-Mogg, North East Somerset (con)
- Bill Wiggin, North Herefordshire (con)
- Kit Malthouse, North West Hampshire (con)
- Chris Leslie, Nottingham East (lab)
- Alex Norris, Nottingham North (lab)
- Debbie Abrahams, Oldham East and Saddleworth (lab)
- Mhairi Black, Paisley and Renfrewshire South (snp)
- Pete Wishart, Perth and North Perthshire (snp)
- Penny Mordaunt, Portsmouth North (con)
- Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth South (lab)
- Chris Bryant, Rhondda (lab)
- Caroline Nokes, Romsey and Southampton North (con)
- Ian Blackford, Ross, Skye and Lochaber (snp)
- Sarah Champion, Rotherham (lab)
- Alan Duncan, Rutland and Melton (con)
- Kemi Badenoch, Saffron Walden (con)
- Louise Haigh, Sheffield, Heeley (lab)
- Mark Spencer, Sherwood (con)
- Stephen Metcalfe, South Basildon and East Thurrock (con)
- Emma Lewell-Buck, South Shields (lab)
- Royston Smith, Southampton, Itchen (con)
- Conor McGinn, St Helens North (lab)
- Derek Thomas, St Ives (con)
- Jonathan Reynolds, Stalybridge and Hyde (lab)
- Stephen McPartland, Stevenage (con)
- Ann Coffey, Stockport (lab)
- Alex Cunningham, Stockton North (lab)
- Bill Cash, Stone (con)
- Paul Scully, Sutton and Cheam (con)
- Carolyn Harris, Swansea East (lab)
- Geraint Davies, Swansea West (lab)
- Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, The Cotswolds (con)
- Mark Pritchard, The Wrekin (con)
- Angela Eagle, Wallasey (lab)
- Grant Shapps, Welwyn Hatfield (con)
- John Healey, Wentworth and Dearne (lab)
- Adrian Bailey, West Bromwich West (lab)
- Martin Docherty, West Dunbartonshire (snp)
- Harriett Baldwin, West Worcestershire (con)
- Tim Farron, Westmorland and Lonsdale (ld)
- John Penrose, Weston-Super-Mare (con)
- Lisa Nandy, Wigan (lab)
- Adam Afriyie, Windsor (con)
- John Redwood, Wokingham (con)
- Emma Reynolds, Wolverhampton North East (lab)
- Robin Walker, Worcester (con)
- Steven Baker, Wycombe (con)
Then there were five
John Redwood (Wokingham)
The elimination of only one contender drags out the contest a bit longer. The contest anyway has become a race for second place, to see who would be best to go up against Boris in the lengthier phase of the contest appealing to the members in the country. I think a Johnson/Hunt contest would be best.
It was unfortunate that Rory Stewart wishes to turn the contest into a re run of the referendum, in denial of the clear stance for Brexit all Conservatives put to the electorate in order to become MPs in 2017. He studiously avoided even contacting many Conservative MPs he knew to be committed to our 2017 promises, preferring to attract the support and good wishes of the media, especially the BBC, and sections of the general public wanting a second referendum. He then claims he could get the completely unacceptable Withdrawal Treaty through the Commons after its three big defeats.
The contest has had an unreal air for another reason. Several of the candidates claimed they could renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement in time for our exit on 31 October. There has never been any glimmer of reason to suppose the EU would enter deep and serious talks about rewriting the Agreement, or that such work could be completed between the end of July and the end of September allowing time to ratify the Agreement by both sides.
The BBC debate was dreadful. It was set up and chaired badly so we learned little. There was no wish to allow or require a serious discussion of the major issues facing the country. Boris was constantly interrupted by the presenter and the BBC pursued its agenda to make sure the candidates could not discuss the great opportunities that follow if we just get on and leave.
ARGYLL AND BUTE MP ROLLS UP HIS SLEEVES FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Brendan O'Hara (Argyll and Bute)
BRENDAN O’Hara MP is backing a call from Cancer Research UK to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. Argyll and Bute MP, Brendan O’Hara met staff and volunteers at the charity’s Helensburgh shop on Friday 14th May to play his part and show how local people can support the charity. Predictions … Continue reading ARGYLL AND BUTE MP ROLLS UP HIS SLEEVES FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
Gwynne signs #YouthFriendlyMP Charter
Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish)
Andrew Gwynne has signed the Youth Friendly MP Charter – pledging to support youth employment in Denton and Reddish.
In May this year, Youth Employment UK published their 2019 Youth Voice Census, revealing the experiences of more than 3000 14-24-year old’s as they transition between education and employment. The survey showed that young people fear that where they live, a lack of experience, and a perceived lack of jobs, as well as mental health challenges, will prevent them from finding work.
To recognise what more can be done, Youth Employment UK with the support of the APPG for Youth Employment, have created a Youth Friendly MP charter based on five key principles:
1) Youth Voice – listening to young people in order to understand their barriers and challenges to employment, and work to help them to overcome these challenges.
2) Developing Young People – supporting quality learning and development opportunities for all young people, advocating education and training pathways that meet the needs of individuals.
3) Creating Opportunities – Supporting good quality youth employment and recognising those Youth Friendly Employers that are leading the way in offering quality early careers, work experience and employment opportunities to young people.
4) Recognising Young Talent – Celebrating the important role young people play in our local economy as employees, apprentices, and graduates, and their role in our local community through social action and volunteering.
5) Fair Employment – Helping to ensure that young people are treated fairly in the work they do.
Denton and Reddish MP, Andrew Gwynne, said:
“As a Youth Friendly MP, I will be leading the charge for creating Youth Friendly Communities. It is vital that for all of our communities, that youth groups, parents, employers and government are working together to create a place where all young people can fulfill their potential.”
Jesse’s Hereford Times column: My leadership manifesto
Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire)
I decided last week, after wide consultation, not to throw my Stetson into the ring of the Conservative leadership contest.
Education Select Committee
Ben Bradley (Mansfield)
Quite a tough Education Select Committee hearing this morning where we quizzed the Social Mobility Commission about their effectiveness and value.
I asked the Chair if we wouldn't be better scrapping all of these boards, panel and bureaucratic quasi-government organisations and instead putting that money in the our public services. I expected her to make a case for why the Commission adds value, but she actually agreed with me.
There are so many Commissions, Inquiries, Boards and other organisations set up and spending taxpayers money, and I honestly just don't think it's effective. If we put all of that cash in to local government services and education instead we'd do far more to make things better!
The Green Industrial Revolution must not pass Scotland by
Lesley Laird (Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath)
Both the UK and Scottish governments have put climate change at the top of their agenda. Yet, despite the newfound enthusiasm for all things green, there is an irony in the fact that this golden opportunity to be a world leader in the market may simply pass Scotland by.
BiFab, nestled on the coast of Fife, ran into financial difficulties at the end of 2017. It was saved by the determination of its workers to keep it alive and a rescue package from Canadian company DF Barnes and the Scottish Government. At that moment there was an optimism that the yard could be saved. Unfortunately from that moment on, there has been very little progress. The workers have gone, the yard remains but lays dormant.
I have been in discussions with key stakeholders, EDF, DF Barnes who own the yards, and the STUC, whose campaign Ready for Renewal is focused on ensuring that the latest round of contracts being awarded by EDF for the Neart na Gaoithe project do not pass these workers and their communities by.
The project is being built just off of the Fife coastline and just 10 miles from the BiFab yards. With the industry developing it is now clear that there is strong consolidation around core companies and countries such as Spain, Denmark and United Arab Emirates. Many of these emerging facilities are increasingly state owned or the respective government subsidises them substantially.
Bifab has already lost out in winning any work from the Kincardine and Moray contracts. The bid process for the NnG project is live. The opportunity is there to be seized.
But there are challenges. The yard needs investment. But the raw materials are all there – they just require investment now to ensure that we do not lose sight of the strategic opportunity that this contract provides.
It is clear in this increasingly competitive market that there is a small window to make this happen. We must be bold and we must have the strategic vision to invest in BiFab and to invest in the green jobs of the future.
Now is the time to commit and to act. The Scottish Government has a tremendous opportunity here to use its stake, just as other national governments have done, to commit to a tangible up-front investment in the yards. That will not only open the door to securing work from the NnG contract, but will ensure that Scotland gains a strategic foothold in the Green Industrial Revolution.
The UK Government cannot be allowed off the hook either. The Offshore Sector Deal was lauded as revolutionary when it was released a few months ago, but if we are serious about becoming a world leader in the industry then we must start now and both governments must work together.
The workers there have shown that they possess the determination and the skills to make that site a success. Scotland can be not only engaged in this market, but be leading it. Geographically, we are perfectly placed to be a world leader. It’s time that Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government learned the lessons of the 1980s. At that time, it was high tech industries but we were left with the screwdriver jobs. This time, we must become a Tier 1 player in this new and fledgling global industry. This is a pivotal moment in Scotland’s industrial strategy. Let’s not sit by and see this Green Industrial Revolution pass Fife and Scotland by.
The post The Green Industrial Revolution must not pass Scotland by appeared first on Lesley Laird.
MPs Report June 2019
Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central)
Dear Newcastle June 2019
The Prime Minister announced her resignation as leader of the Conservative Party triggering a Leadership contest. Whilst it may generate headlines for the contestants and lots of media speculation, only Conservative members can vote on who our next Prime Minister will be and, most importantly, it means there will be no progress on Brexit possible until it is over, in principle by the end of July. But Parliament continues to sit, although there is little or no business. This is extremely frustrating. Some progress can be made on other policy areas and we have seen announcements on Labour’s Green New Deal but there is no capacity to get anything through Parliament as the Government is desperate to avoid actual votes. Without a leader and with the DUP waiting to see what a new leader will offer them there is effectively no Government majority in the House.
Riverside Centre Volunteer Event
The Tory leadership election is hardening positions with potential leaders vying with each other to be the ‘hardest’ on Brexit. Labour continues to be subject to internal discussions on our own Brexit position and this was highlighted in the European Elections.
The Government did not acknowledge that the European Elections would take place until barely two weeks before the date – up until then they had repeatedly said they hoped the elections would not take place, making it more difficult for electoral officials and voters to prepare. The confusion, the ambiguous nature of Labour’s Brexit position, the anger of voters at having to vote unexpectedly and the second time in a month made for a difficult campaign. In the North East Jude Kirton Darling was re-elected as MEP but unfortunately Paul Brennan lost out to the Brexit Party. Vera Baird announced she was standing down as Police and Crime Commissioner to take up a national role as Victims Commissioner. This means another election in July.
The month was also marked with further rumours and apparent negotiations for the sale of Newcastle United. I have made my views on the current owner clear – we need ownership which invests in the club, reflects the passion and interests of the fans, and is financially transparent.
More positively, I was joined by staff and students from Kenton School for a meeting of the APPG on Engineering, and attended an inclusive and inspiring breaking of fast Iftar in Newcastle during Ramadan.
Kenton School Staff and Students visit to Parliament for the APPG Engineering debate on Advances in Aerospace
Backbench and Constituency Role
- Spoke from the backbench ten times: Topical Questions: Brexit (16th May); Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (15th May); WhatsApp Data Breach (15th May); Topical Questions: FCO (14th May); Persecution of Christians Overseas (14th May); Topical Questions: Environment, food and rural affairs (9th May); Topical Questions: Health and social care (7th May); Facial Recognition and the Biometrics Strategy (1st May)
- I asked 23 written questions: Assessment of the effectiveness of treatment of prisoner mental health (16th May); Prison officer training on mental health referral (16th May); self-harm and deaths in custody (16th May); delays in transfer from prison to hospital for people with mental health problems (16th May); effectiveness of the regulation of water, energy and telecoms sectors in promoting sustainability (16th May); association to the next Erasmus programme (16th May); continuity of benefits when the claimant gets married (8th May); assessment of job densities of Newcastle Central, the North East, London and the UK (13th May); international higher education exchange programmes after UK leaves EU (13th May); knife crime in Newcastle (13th May); promotion of double degrees (8th May); UK students studying in EU and EU students studying in UK (8th May); advice to UK travellers on racism and homophobia when travelling abroad (8th May); Mobile broadband (9th May); training budget for teachers (8th May); international school exchanges (08th May); mandatory international semesters at university (8th May); wind power (8th May); Universal credit out of hours appointments (8th May); cash dispensing fees and charges (1st May); changes to LINK rates (1st May); personal income and spending with cash (1st May);
- I was disappointed that Ipsa continues to refuse to offer relocation help for Parliamentary staff recruited outside of London and will continue
- I am engaged in correspondence with Ministers or Government Agencies on Leasehold, Litter, Long Term Support for Victims of Operation Sanctuary, Newcastle United Finance, Weinstein and Ipsa, Relocation and Ipsa, with the Council on Kittiwakes and Homelessness and with LNER on Disability Access
Shadow Ministerial and PES Role
- I spent a very useful day in Cardiff looking at the excellent Research and Development undertaken at the University there as well as continuing to meet industry and science spokespeople.
Cardiff University visit as Shadow Minister for Industrial Strategy, Science & Innovation
- I drafted a letter asking for support for manufacturing as they stockpile for Brexit and am in the process of seeking approval for it.
- I continue to meet with business organisations on the implications of a no-deal Brexit as the first Brexit deadline approached.
- Brexit is severely impacting capacity to develop policy in other areas but I continue to work on science and industrial strategy.
Organisation
Media
Quoted in national and local media including Women of Colour in Science interview, Magpie Group Interview on NUFC, Filming for Newcastle University, Photo for Malawi Cancer Diagnosis Project, BBC Look North Child Poverty, Metro Radio on NUFC, Guardian – Visa Refusals, Drive Time Newcastle Fast FM Radio. Wrote blogs on Brexit for the Journal and the Guardian.
Supporting National Bike Week
Meetings and visits
Meetings (Organisation/Name)
Northern Chords 10th Anniversary Gala, Pallab Ghosh BBC, Hilary Leevers – CEO Engineering UK, Our Planet Screening, International Thalassaemia Day Awareness, Employability of Disabled People, Leonard Cheshire Assistive Technology Showcase, RDMD Group – Cancer Diagnostic Technology, Inclusive Transport, Arcinova, Samuel Knight International HQ Visit, Share Action, Private Cross-Party International Development Dinner, Aviva, APPG on Markets, National Federation of Retail Newsagents, City Fibre, Girls who code, Care England, ADS Apprenticeships, Alcohol Health Alliance’s, Transport Knowledge Hub, Rolls Royce, VCTA, Marcial Boo IPSA, Labour North East and Yorkshire Farmer, Local Election Result Discussion, National Numeracy Day 2019, City of London Corporation, ITV Tyne Tees, Centrepoint Youth Obligation, Independent Press Standards Organisation, Ed Richard – Flint Global, Buckingham Palace Garden Party, Andrew Johnson – Special Adviser to the Minister for Economy & Transport Welsh Government, Cardiff University Visit, Federation of Small Businesses, UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, Ed Johnson-Williams Open Rights, APPG on Cycling Bike Ride, Fulfilling Lives, Publishers Association, APPG on Infrastructure and APPG for Women in Transport, Natural History Museum 2019 Annual Trustees’ Dinner, No to No Deal Meeting with Senior Business Representatives, Brexit Briefing Session with the International Regulatory Strategy Group, Tom Barton – Key Issues Facing Newcastle Central & North East, APPG Engineering Lunch with Kenton Academy students, Hermes, Tes Schools Awards, , The Open University at 50, Peterborough Visit, Hospitality Skills Challenge Event. INCA Parliamentary Dinner, APPG Africa Harriet Matthews meeting
Newcastle’s Inter Faith Peace & Unity Iftar, this year at Newcastle Central Mosque
Speaking
Keynote at Investment Association EmTech Futures Conference, Love Socialism Hate Brexit, The Fourth Annual Peace & Unity Iftar, L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Awards, EU Election Results CLASS Event, Facilitator Local Economic Development at Party Policy Discussion, NE Radical History Festival, Transatlantic Comparative Corporate Law Series, Chair BAME Business Owners APPG, Gender Tech & Politics Event with Women Like Me, Westminster Hall Debate on Industrial Strategy in the North East of England, Present Certificates to Volunteers at Riverside’s Volunteer Celebration Event.
Crime Forum in Bradford-on-Avon
Michelle Donelan (Chippenham)
I recently organised a Crime Forum in Bradford-on-Avon and amongst the issues was litter and anti social behaviour along the canal. This is the letter I have revived back from the Canals and Rivers Trust confirming their intentions to work with all other stakeholders along the canal to make it an enjoyable space for all who use it. I look forward to continuing to work with The Canals and River Trust and to make progress in this area.
The post Crime Forum in Bradford-on-Avon appeared first on Michelle Donelan MP.
John Meets With ‘Youth Stop Aids’
John Penrose (Weston-Super-Mare)
John met with with local Youth Stop Aids campaigner, Cat Davey, in Parliament to discuss the sad fact that AIDS related deaths are the second biggest killer of teenagers worldwide.
Although incredible progress has been made in recent years to tackle the disease, Cat and other campaigners came to Parliament to remind MPs that “It Ain’t Over” and discuss possible solutions.
Sunday Politics Wales interview on Section 28
Nia Griffith (Llanelli)
I sat down with Sunday Politics Wales to talk about my experience as a gay teacher under Section 28 and why I support inclusive sex and relationships education for all. You can watch it here:
'Summertime Streets' put safety first
Deidre Brock (Edinburgh North and Leith)
A series of changes will be implemented in Edinburgh's Old Town this summer to ensure safety and accessibility during the busy Festival period.
Walker welcomes £411,328 in funding for Worcester organisations in National Lottery Community Funding
Robin Walker (Worcester)
ABB Limited Parliamentary Reception
Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon)
Jonathan introducing Margot James MP, Minister of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport as the speaker at a Parliamentary reception for St Neots company ABB Limited.
Learning Disabilities Week 2019
Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills)
This week is Learning Disabilities Week and Mencap and other organisations will be joining forces to help share the stories of people with learning disabilities being active, connected and included citizens.
This year’s theme for Learning Disability Week is sport and inclusion and organisers want as many people as possible, with and without a learning disability, to get involved in inclusive sporting activities in their local communities.
Graham Stuart MP congratulates local teacher on success in bid to become Parliament Ambassador
Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness)
In February this year, Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart wrote to all schools in his constituency encouraging teachers to attend the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme.
This programme is a fully-funded three-day course that runs from 1 – 3rd July and aims to equip teachers with the knowledge to inspire children about British values and our political system.
Graham recently received the excellent news that Natalie Redpath, a teacher from Cherry Burton C of E Primary School, has been successful in her application, and he said the following: “I look forward to welcoming Natalie to Westminster to train as a UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador.
“It’s so important that children understand Parliament and democracy, and how they can shape our society through engaging with these institutions; yet these subjects can be quite technical and rely on enthusiastic and well-informed teaching.
“Natalie’s decision to apply to this scheme, and her success in doing so, really will be of great value to her pupils. Over 3-days, she’ll have the opportunity to question me, the Speaker, and other MPs from all parties about our work, giving her an in-depth understanding that she can share with her pupils.
“I hope that in the future many more teachers from my constituency will have the opportunity to participate in this excellent programme. It’s a great initiative to help educate local children so that they better understand the political process and how they can enact change for their communities in the future.”
Mrs Joy, Headteacher at Cherry Burton C of E Primary School, commented: “I am very proud that Miss Redpath has managed to secure a place on this programme. At Cherry Burton Primary School, we are committed to enhancing our children’s curriculum and experiences, and this is another way in which we will be able to achieve this.”
Find out more information about the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme here.
Photo: Graham Stuart MP doing a Q&A with local pupils in Westminster Hall
Graham’s work in education:
- May 2019: Graham launched a careers education campaign in Parliament with regional MP, Emma Hardy. Graham will now encourage local schools and volunteers to raise the aspirations of children in Beverley and Holderness with Primary Futures (more info: https://www.grahamstuart.com/2019/05/graham-stuart-mp-launches-cross-party-primary-futures-parliament-programme-to-raise-childrens-aspirations/).
- June 2010 – March 2015: Graham was the Chair of the Education Select Committee. During Graham’s time as Chair, the Committee focussed on underachievement in education and recommended changes to tackle the attainment gap between children from different backgrounds.
- The Committee welcomed the Pupil Premium and was successful in calling on the Government to develop a funding formula that better-matched allocation with need.
- As Chair, Graham argued strongly for proposals to be developed to improve the quality and quantity of apprenticeships and called for greater oversight of schools to encourage them to provide high-quality careers advice.
- In the area of care for older children (16+), under Graham’s chairmanship, the Government accepted the Committee’s recommendations that emergency placements in B&Bs should be limited to two days. Graham and the Committee also called for the Government to apply ‘staying put’ arrangements to young people in care homes so that they are entitled to remain beyond the age of 18.
- 2015 – 2016: Graham served as the Parliamentary lead spokesman for the national F40 campaign, which represents the worst-funded local authorities (www.f40.org). During this time, the Government committed itself to a new national funding formula based on pupil need rather than historic political choices.
Solent LEP opens further opportunity to take part in Local Industrial Strategy survey.
Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North)
Work to develop a Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) to set the Solent area on a pathway to a more prosperous future for all is well underway and the input from businesses, local authorities, academic institutions and the public received to date is helping to identify the key challenges and opportunities for the economy now and in the future.
The initial phase of engagement with the local community has seen hundreds of attendees meet with the LEP at workshops across the region and close to 400 responses submitted to our online survey.
Feedback is currently being reviewed and a formal progress update will be published shortly. Early analysis has revealed a strong sense of pride in the area and clear desire to set an ambitious vision for the future Solent economy. Emerging themes include; development of a cohesive Solent brand with foundations in the region’s coastal renaissance; opportunities around Clean Growth, the visitor economy and maritime innovation; potential to work across the South Coast to develop a ‘creative corridor’, and; reinforcement of the need to enhance collaboration between local businesses and training providers to address skills gaps, including through the development of apprenticeships.
Whilst analysis continues, the Solent LEP has today launched further engagement to enable ongoing feedback from local communities. This will include seeking views from young people at Solent Schools and Colleges that will be the driving force of the Solent 2050 economy.
The Solent LEP has also established an online survey to enable everyone to join the conversation and share their views. Click here to take part in our survey on the future of the Solent economy. Please complete the survey before 23:59 Friday 19 July 2019 to ensure your views can be considered.
Direct link:
Ruth George MP issues warning of Universal Credit scams in High Peak
Ruth George (High Peak)
Ruth George MP has issued a warning to households across High Peak to beware of people calling to tell them they’ve come to help them to complete a Universal Credit claim.
Ruth explained: “I’ve had people from across the constituency, from Tintwistle in the north, to Buxton in the south, who’ve reported having someone call, claiming to be from the Department of Work and Pensions, or an advisor, to help them with their Universal Credit claim.
“They then proceed to take people’s personal details and enter them onto a website on a laptop or tablet and tell people they are making their claim for them. They are so credible that local residents have even let them scan their passport and driving licence. Later they have found the money has been paid into another account.
“Unless you have contacted the DWP to claim Universal Credit and made an arrangement for a home visit because you’re unable to leave your home, I’d urge you not to give any details to anyone.
“If you do need to claim Universal Credit and are unsure about completing the online form, you can visit or call the Job Centre at Buxton or Glossop, or Citizens Advice who have surgeries around High Peak.
“I’m very concerned that the DWP are looking to make people who have been scammed repay the money and refusing to let them return to their old benefits. That is very unfair and means that people who’ve been a victim of a scam will suffer from it for years to come.
“I’ve taken this policy up with the Secretary of State and would urge any constituent who has been the victim of a Universal Credit scam to let me know. Universal Credit is so low anyway that people simply can’t afford to repay amounts they’ve been scammed.”
Citizens Advice have been following up cases during Scam Awareness Week and urge people to be on the lookout for doorstep callers or phone calls that could be scams.
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Free MP hotlines installed across Birkenhead
Frank Field (Birkenhead)
Birkenhead residents seeking urgent help can now access free hotlines in different locations across the town.
MP calls for further flood defence action after heavy rains
Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire)
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has today the Environment Agency to step up its work to protect more homes in the county following a heavy rain and flooding. read more »
Knebworth and Codicote will be severely impacted by WelHat housing plans, read my objection here
Stephen McPartland (Stevenage)
Knebworth and Codicote will be severely impacted by Welwyn and Hatfield Housing plans if they go through. Please read my objection here
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A gender-sensitive Parliament (House of Commons): Women and Equalities Committee launches new inquiry
Maria Miller (Basingstoke)
The Women and Equalities Committee is launching an inquiry into actions by the House of Commons to ensure that it meets the needs of both women and men, and address equality issues, particularly those relating to Members of Parliament.
Liz visits Woodstock Primary School
Liz Kendall (Leicester West)
I was delighted to visit Woodstock Primary Academy on Friday and meet with their School Council. The students told me all about what they are currently working on and I also learnt about what the students like to do in their spare time.
Thank you so much to headteacher Dan Edwards and the whole team at Woodstock for the amazing work you do to support our young people!
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Shapps commits to being a Dementia friend
Grant Shapps (Welwyn Hatfield)
Local MP Grant Shapps, has re-committed himself to continue raising awareness for the Alzheimer Society.
Whilst visiting the ‘pop-up’ display at the Welwyn Garden City Fountain, Grant wrote an ‘action’ pledge.
Promising to “raise awareness of how to become a dementia friend” and then attaching it to one of the hundreds of crochet Forget-Me-Not flowers, Mr Shapps joined hundreds of other residents who had made their pledges throughout the week.
The MP said, “It’s great to be able to commit myself once again to supporting those with Alzheimer.
“It is brilliant to also see so many people making pledges here in Welwyn Garden City, promising to help raise awareness. I hope that people across Hertfordshire will go online and learn more about how to support people with Alzheimer’s.”
Mr Shapps, who became an Alzheimer friend whilst a member of David Cameron’s Cabinet, also spoke to local passers by about why he chose to become one back in 2013.
Rosemary Brotchie, Regional Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer said,
“There are 1,315 people living with dementia in the Welwyn Hatfield constituency and there are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK. This national number is set to rise to one million by 2021 and dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes.
“Dementia can devastate lives and too many are facing the condition alone without adequate support and we want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever they are, whatever they are going through, they can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for support, help and advice.
“It’s great to see Grant showing his support for Alzheimer’s Society during Dementia Action Week 2019 and we hope the community will follow his lead in becoming Dementia Friends.”
The display has seen hundreds of people from across the county knit and crochet small flowers which have been stitched together to create several large displays.
The ‘Forget-Me-Not’ flowers display covering the fountain is part of a series of displays across Hertfordshire. The aim of the display was to raise awareness for Dementia Action Week.
Business Secretary to follow up MP’s concerns on interconnector
Angus MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar)
Business Secretary Greg Clark MP has agreed to look at concerns raised by Isles MP Angus MacNeil regarding the position of Ofgem on plans for an interconnector for the Hebrides.
Speaking in the House of Commons in response to today’s announcement of a new Government plan to tackle climate change, Mr MacNeil said approval of the 600MW interconnector would help to achieve the goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to almost zero by 2050.
Mr MacNeil said: “A practical step to help cut greenhouse gas emissions would be building a 600MW interconnector to the Hebrides, rather than a 450MW interconnector.
“Given the statement today, will he make sure that Ofgem can see the bigger picture and give the 600MW interconnector the green light.
“If Ofgem keep the current blinkered formula, it won’t be 650MW, it won’t be 450MW but will be net MW zero as a result of their policies.”
In response Mr Clark said he would follow up on Mr MacNeil’s concerns regarding Ofgem’s position.
He also recalled his visit to Stornoway during which he had had discussions with Mr MacNeil on plans to make it possible for ‘Remote islands’ to benefit from wind energy.
Earlier this year Ofgem stated their minded-to position was to favour a 450MW interconnector rather than a 600MW connection. They are currently considering a final decision on the Needs Case following a further consultation.
NSPCC – Close the Loophole Campaign
Steve Pound (Ealing North)
Steve has backed an NSPCC campaign to close a loophole that allows adults to have sex with teenagers they supervise.
Currently only people, such as teachers, social workers and youth justice workers are legally in a position of trust, which means it is a crime for them to have sex with the 16 or 17-year-olds they supervise.
Sports coaches, faith leaders, driving instructors, and cadet leaders, are amongst some of the roles that are legally allowed to have sex with teenagers they are responsible for.
The NSPCC has warned that this loophole leaves young people vulnerable to being groomed on the pitch, in places of worship, or other extracurricular settings.
The charity’s Close the Loophole campaign is calling for these laws to be extended to all adults with responsibility for young people, to stop children being preyed upon as soon as they turn 16.
Now the loophole is being reviewed by the Ministry of Justice, after Steve, along with 30 others, threw their weight behind the NSPCC’s demand.
The support came after nearly 3,000 NSPCC supporters called on their local MP to insist the Justice Secretary, David Gauke, make it illegal for adults to have sex with 16 and 17 year olds in their care.
Andrew Fellowes, NSPCC Public Affairs manager, said: “Most parents will probably be shocked that the adults they trust to supervise their teenagers can legally have sex with these children.
“It makes no sense that children are protected from predatory adults in some settings but not others. It’s good to see that Steve is as worried as we are and is demanding a change that will protect children.
Anne Marie's Weekly Column
Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot)
Westminster Week
The first round of voting in the leadership race took place last week which saw Ester McVey, Andrea Leadsom, and Mark Harper drop out. The process will continue over the next week until two candidates remain. These two candidates will then travel to hustings all over the country before party members vote for the next leader. I will support the candidate that commits to respecting the result of the referendum and leaving the EU as soon as possible.
MPs Back Bridlington Seafood Festival
Greg Knight (East Yorkshire)
Bridlington’s MP Sir Greg Knight was joined by Robert Goodwill, the MP for Scarborough and Whitby at the weekend when they both came along to support the Bridlington Seafood Festival 2019.
Mr Goodwill, who is Minister for Fisheries, was in town especially to visit the event, which was organised by The Fisheries Local Action Group.
The aim of the festival is not only to give local residents and visitors to the town a taste of the coast but is organised to highlight the increased contribution that the local fishing industry makes towards sustainable fishing and economic regeneration of the East Riding’s coastal communities.
The two MPs spent over two hours chatting to local fishermen, organisers and visitors.
East Riding MP Sir Greg said that he was delighted to see the return of the Festival which was not only a local showcase but was also “a colourful and entertaining event which helps to boost tourism”.
The North-South divide holds the whole country back – we must end it at last
Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North)
The Treasury Select Committee – of which Catherine is a member – launched an inquiry into regional imbalances in the UK economy on 14th June. This article about the inquiry was first published in The Journal and Chronicle. Since first being elected as the MP for Newcastle North back in 2010, I’ve focused on getting … Continue reading The North-South divide holds the whole country back – we must end it at last
Dentistry: Vacancies | Department of Health and Social Care | Written Answers
Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth South)
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of the number of vacancies for (a) dentists, (b) dental hygienists and (c) other staff in dental practices there were in (i) the UK, (ii) Hampshire and (c) Portsmouth in (A) 2018 and (B) the latest period for […]
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FREE TV LICENCES FOR OVER-75s
Martin Docherty (West Dunbartonshire)
I am deeply disappointed with the BBC’s decision to scrap free TV licences for the Over-75s. This decision is ultimately the result of the UK Government shifting what should be a welfare policy on to the BBC and shirking its … Continue reading
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Anne-Marie welcomes new General Licences
Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Berwick-upon-Tweed)
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed, welcomes news that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Natural England have today announced three new general licences in England. This was in response to the feedback from the revocation of the licences in April which showed the effect on individuals and groups.
Wythnos Guto - 14 Mehefin 2019
Guto Bebb (Aberconwy)
Supporting Our Communities During the Floods
Robert Jenrick (Newark)
I have been travelling around the constituency today working to ensure that we deliver the best response to the flooding. Watch my video below for a brief update.
Please also get in touch with my team via email at jenrickr@parliament.uk , or by phone on 01636 612837, if you feel I can help you with anything urgent related to the floods.
Flooding in Lowdham & Southwell – a quick update!
Posted by Robert Jenrick on Friday, June 14, 2019
Dan Jarvis MP - I'm Fighting to Save Free TV Licences
Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central)
I am always shocked and saddened to read the statistics on loneliness. Given that over half of people aged over 75 live alone, and that there are an estimated 2 million older people experiencing loneliness each year, we need to be taking practical steps to ensure that no-one is left without company. That means ensuring that pensioners can access public transport through the free bus pass. And it means guaranteeing free TV licences for over-75s.
Hunt has the experience, temperament and energy to lead our country
Royston Smith (Southampton, Itchen)
The next prime minister has one task beyond all others, unity. unity in the conservative party, unity in parliament and most importantly, unity in the country. i am not naive enough to believe we can get everyone on the same page but somehow we need to get to a position where the majority of the [...]
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Raising awareness of cervical cancer screening
Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree)
Over 220,000 women are diagnosed with cell changes every year in the UK following their smear test – a vital first step in preventing the development of cervical cancer.
This week’s Cervical Screening Awareness Week is highlighting the fact that 80 per cent of women treated for these early cell changes never experience a recurrence.
The consequences of cervical cancer can be devastating and screening is an important prevention tool. That why it is so important that women have all the facts and information to hand about what screening and treatment involves.
The charity Jo’s Trust has produced an excellent jargon buster to help make sense of medical terms and reduce anxiety. I’ve reproduced it above, or you can download a copy by clicking here.
Jo’s Trust also surveyed over 1,500 women about their experience of having cervical cell changes and has made many important recommendations on how treatment and aftercare can be improved. Its report, ‘Not so simple. The impact of cervical cell changes and treatment’, finds that too many women having treatment for cervical cell changes are not being informed about potential side effects. High numbers remain fearful of their cancer risk many years after treatment.
Cervical screening uptake in England is at a 21-year low with more than a quarter of women not attending. This means more women are being given a diagnosis that could have been prevented.
We need to do more to encourage women to attend.
In fact, cervical screening coverage is just 67.1 per cent in Liverpool, which means that almost one in three eligible women do not attend a screening appointment although they receive a letter inviting them for the test.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust previous research found young women who delay or don’t go for cervical screening feel scared and embarrassed. Yet, cervical screening prevents up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers developing.
That is why it is so important we get all the facts out there and push for services to listen to the experiences of women to ensure they constantly improve
If you think you have missed a test or want to find out more, you can ring the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust on 0808 802 8000.
May/June Newsletter
Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield)
Welcome to my latest Parliamentary newsletter. If you would like to receive these updates by email, you can sign up here. In Birmingham Northfield SMTC/MG at Longbridge Following the announcement in April that GKN Aerospace would be closing its Kings Norton factory in 2021, May has brought yet more difficult news, with the revelation that […]
Conservative Party Leadership Contest
Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe)
On Thursday this week the Conservative Party will start the process of electing its next leader and our new Prime Minister. I believe that person must be someone with the drive, personality and intelligence to solve the greatest political crisis Britain has faced in decades. One that has seen the Brexit deadlock shake our public institutions to their foundations. For me, the candidate best placed to succeed in this mighty task is Boris Johnson.
We need a leader who can get this country moving again; starting with fixing Brexit. Boris is right to say that the UK should not seek an extension to the Brexit deadline, and that we must leave the EU at the end of October, whatever it takes. Constantly trying to bring forward a withdrawal agreement that has been rejected time and again by parliament will only prolong our national nightmare. The collective failure of the government and parliament to deliver on the result of the 2016 referendum, is about more than policy and process. It has rather caused people to question our entire political system, and the motivation of the people chosen to serve within it. This crisis of confidence is being ruthlessly exploited by extremist voices and other malign forces, whose purpose is to sow hatred and division, and left unchecked will become a real danger to the entire democratic health of the nation. When extremist voices have risen in the past, one of the biggest failures of the established political parties has been to continue their internal squabbles, rather than recognising where the real threat lies. Despite the past differences people may have had during the referendum, to allow that campaign to define us, and for the labels ‘Remainer’ or ‘Brexiteer’ to be continued to be used as terms of abuse undermines us all. We have to work together to deliver Brexit and the leadership the country needs beyond that point.
As a former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson understands how local and regional government can be a catalyst for economic development. He knows that the combination of infrastructure investment and lower taxes for businesses drives up investment and creates jobs. We need a radical plan to accelerate investment in parts of our country that over recent decades have felt increasingly left behind. Boris has also highlighted the need to tackle the housing crisis; the failure to build enough affordable properties is putting not just home ownership, but the opportunity to rent somewhere decent to live, out of reach for many families and working people. As Conservatives, we also believe that aspiration starts with education, and Boris is right to pledge that one of his priorities will be increasing the funding per pupil for schools. I support his commitment as well to prioritising action against the county lines drug gangs that are fuelling crime and violence in some of our most deprived communities and exploiting vulnerable young people in the process.
Last Friday I was delighted to visit Mundella Primary School in Folkestone, to join the students for a ‘Be Internet Legends’ assembly given by a team from Google. The children were told about the importance of protecting their personal information and checking for bogus websites. Digital literacy is an important life skill and should be part of everyone’s education.
The post Conservative Party Leadership Contest appeared first on Damian Collins.
Fundraising to start to refurbish theatre – Wrexham Leader
Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South)
The post Fundraising to start to refurbish theatre – Wrexham Leader appeared first on Susan Elan Jones MP.
Evennett urges BBC rethink
David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford)
Rt Hon Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, has written to the Director General of the BBC (Tony Hall) urging a rethink on their plans to scrap free TV licences for the over 75s.
Two thirds of Wolverhampton pensioners lose free TV licence
Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East)
A broken Conservative Party promise from the 2017 election will mean two thirds of Wolverhampton’s over 75s are set to lose out, after the BBC announced changes to eligibility for free TV licences.
From June 2020 only households with a pensioner in receipt of Pension Credit will be eligible for a free TV licence. This follows a government move for the BBC to take on responsibility for funding the £745m cost of the scheme.
In Wolverhampton, 11,360 pensioners across the city’s three constituencies – two thirds of all households currently eligible for a free TV licence – will no-longer be eligible.
Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds previously met pensioners who would be affected by changes to the scheme, and joined the other city MPs – Eleanor Smith and Pat McFadden – in signing a letter to Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright against any change.
On the announced changes, Emma said:
“At the last election the Conservative Party stood on a platform to keep free TV licences for the over 75s. Now, 11,000 Wolverhampton pensioners have been betrayed by a government which promised to keep them.
“Two thirds of Wolverhampton’s pensioners are to lose their free TV licence as a direct result of the government forcing the BBC to take on the cost. The £745m cost of the universal scheme is around a fifth of the BBC’s entire budget, and the government were warned the BBC could not take on this cost and keep the scheme in full. When Labour brought in free TV licences, it was government policy so the government rightly covered the cost.
“It is plain wrong that Boris Johnson is championing big tax cuts for the wealthy, while all but the poorest of pensioners now face having to pay for their TV licence. According to Age UK, 400,000 over 75s neither meet nor speak to family and friends every week. When I met with local pensioners, they told me how essential a TV is. A TV is often their only form of companionship, and the only way of knowing what is happening outside their home.”
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UK Government Rejects New Visa to Support Our Inshore Fishermen
Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire)
No to New Visa to Support Our Inshore Fishermen
In April, I wrote to the Home Secretary to ask him to consider introducing a new Seafarer’s Visa which would allow inshore fishermen from outside the EEA to work in UK territorial waters. This is of huge significance to the boats in Troon and the west coast, as our inshore fishing industry relies on individuals from further afield, often Thailand and the Philippines, to man their boats.
The West of Scotland is penalised because the chains of islands extend the territorial limit well beyond the 12 miles from the mainland. As the rich fishing grounds for lobster and langoustine are in these shallow waters, the skippers are simply unable to safely man their boats and many are lying idle.
Whilst, ideally, these boats would be able to source their crew locally, this is not currently possible as there are insufficient people with the required skill set. Yet, despite fishing requiring both skill and experience, these skills are not valued by current or proposed immigration rules.
Currently, it is a double-edged sword as it is difficult to attract young people into the industry if they see boats tied up which should be out at sea. Similarly, experienced fishermen are critical to training future fishing crew and ensuring the sustainability of our inshore fleet and the premium seafood, for which Scotland is renowned.
The response I received was extremely disappointing, if not surprising, with Immigration Minister, Caroline Nokes, showing clearly that the UK Government is not remotely interested in the fact that there are boats tied up the length of the West Coast for lack of crew.
This is why control over immigration need to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament. Due to our demographics, Scotland needs people to come here to work to help sustain our fishing, agriculture and tourism sectors as well as our public services, but the UK Government is unwilling to allow any flexibility or exemptions to suit our particular needs.
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Our Man - Celebrating Apprenticeships in Ashford
Damian Green (Ashford)
In a world where technology changes everything very quickly, the best way to make sure you can keep up as an individual is to learn new skills and gain new qualifications.
West looks away as Syria’s Idlib heads for disaster
Richard Benyon (Newbury)
The gods of war have created the most complex and seemingly intractable situation in Idlib province, one of the last areas of Syria not under President Bashar Assad’s control. After eight years of conflict the remaining al-Qaeda fighters have been squeezed into an area about the size of Greater London. There are also three million civilians in […]
Alec responds to latest HS2 “fudge”.
Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell)
HS2 Ltd has announced a further consultation on 11 proposed changes to the design of Phase 2b, the section of the HS2 route from the West Midlands to Leeds.
HS2 Ltd propose no design refinements in the immediate local area of Swillington, Oulton, Woodlesford or Garforth, despite calls for changes from Alec, local councillors and the SOWHAT action group. Instead, HS2 Ltd has proposed a design refinement in Leeds (refinement #6 Leeds Corridor, Woodlesford to Leeds Station). This refinement changes the height of the route for 8km on the approach into Leeds Station, installing a viaduct rather than a combination of at ground level cutting and embankment.
This is subject to consultation.
Alec, who recently wrote to the Chair of the Transport Select Committee asking for a review of HS2’s entry to Leeds, responded to this latest announcement with a strong response to HS2 Ltd. He said:
“I continue to object to these route proposals. I previously welcomed the fact that Hs2 Ltd changed their original plan for a concrete viaduct through Woodlesford but since then this process has seemed like one fudge after another. There has been no answer to concerns regarding the tunnel entrance at Fleet Lane; no answer to concerns raised at Clumpcliffe; no answer to concerns about construction traffic and spoil extraction around Oulton; and no answer to whether there is still need for a main line route connection through Swillington and Garforth. This latest refinement – with a viaduct heading into Leeds from the Rothwell Country Park – is the last straw. This latest fudge is happening because the Labour-run Leeds City Council is determined to have a city centre station configuration that requires an entry route through Woodlesford. Hs2 Ltd, the Department for Transport and Leeds City Council should revisit my original re-route suggestion: taking a route from the M1, following the existing M621 transport corridor to a reconfigured city centre station. Leeds City Council recently passed a motion reiterating its support for HS2, but it remains my view that they shouldn’t be supporting a route built on the backs of my constituents”.
The latest consultation will close at 23:45 on 6 September 2019.
To access the consultation documents and for details on how to respond, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/hs2-phase-2b-design-refinement-consultation
HS2 Ltd is holding a series of public information events near each of the proposed changes. For details of the events, please visit www.hs2.org.uk/phase2b.
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New Funding Opportunities for Local Miner’s Welfare Clubs
Toby Perkins (Chesterfield)
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has been highlighting an opportunity for local Miner’s Welfare organisations to get access to new funding from Sport England.
Toby recently attended a reception in parliament which announced potential new funding streams for these local organisations to better facilities.
Miner’s Welfare organisations can now receive between £1,000 – £150,000 to improve or maintain sports facilities and playing fields through Sport England’s Community Asset Fund.
The fund is dedicated to enhancing places and spaces in local communities that give people the opportunity to be active. It invests in projects that keep people playing sport but also looks beyond this, to how sport and physical activity can and does help engage people to provide social benefits.
This summer, Sport England will be running workshops across coalfield communities for Miner’s Welfare Organisations to learn how they can apply and assist them in securing funding.
The fund is open to any Miner’s Welfare organisations across 6 coalfield regions – including in Chesterfield. Toby will be strongly encouraging local clubs in the area to apply if they have a proposal which could help the local community – whether that be through cricket, football or any other sport.
Toby will also be looking at how to address problems raised by a recent meeting with Staveley Miner’s Welfare Club. The club raised the issue of vandalism and anti-social behaviour from a nearby park.
Toby said: “Miner’s Welfare clubs have played a crucial role in our local sporting scene. I should know, having played cricket for Holmewood Miner’s Welfare for many years in my 20s. But many of them have struggled financially in recent years, and I am keen to encourage bowls clubs, cricket clubs, and any other clubs representing Miner’s Welfare organisations to apply for money to enhance or upgrade their facilities.”
You can find our more information on the Community Asset Fund on their website: https://www.sportengland.org/funding/community-asset-fund/
MP takes aim at government’s ‘shameful legacy’ on crime in heated Westminster debate
Tracy Brabin (Batley and Spen)
Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin has taken aim at the government’s “shameful legacy” on crime during a debate on the impact rising crime is having on smaller towns and communities.
Ms Brabin called the debate to highlight the damage being done by a “crime epidemic” in Batley and Spen, using several local examples to illustrate its effect on communities.
Recent police statistics show that from April 2018 – March 2019, there were 2,686 incidents of anti-social behaviour reported across Batley & Spen and over 2,700 incidents of burglary, criminal damage or arson.
In the same period, there were almost 4,500 reported incidents of violence and sexual offences.
The MP also detailed the extent of cuts to policing locally, with West Yorkshire losing 1,000 police officer since 2010, and over £140m in central government funding.
Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin said: “Crime and anti-social behaviour is deeply damaging for our communities and we urgently need to do something about it.
“I don’t believe it’s an exaggeration to call what we’re seeing a crime epidemic – the shocking figures speak for themselves.
“Year after year of Tory government cuts to our police force, youth services and local authorities has clearly had a profound impact on our towns, and people are rightfully angry.
“This shameful legacy of cuts has even led to a loss of faith in our police force for some, the very people who work so hard to keep us safe in such difficult circumstances.
“We urgently need to have a serious conversation about solutions for our towns – but we need the government to listen and engage.
“Our communities need and deserve better.”
During the debate Ms Brabin used various examples from Batley & Spen to highlight the challenges faced by communities, including the recent spate of burglaries and anti-social behaviour in Batley and Birstall.
The Batley & Spen MP ended the debate by calling for an audit of crime in towns detailing the levels of resolutions in comparison to cities, and for a greater transparency on where money is spent.
ENDS
A transcript of the debate in full can be found here https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2019-06-05/debates/40FAB016-7BFA-4920-A0EA-065F0428C5FB/CrimeAndAntisocialBehaviourSmallTowns#contribution-A81917CC-9ECB-4241-992D-225CF8AF0504
https://www.police.uk/west-yorkshire/KDT_BS/crime/stats/
May edition of Debbie Abrahams’ E-Newsletter!
Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth)
Debbie's monthly update
For an update on activities across the constituency and in Parliament, catch up with your MP in her latest e-newsletter!
This edition contains an update on the recent European elections, my annual Summer School and my activities in Oldham East and Saddleworth and Parliament.
You can read the e-newsletter here.
Feel strongly about this article?
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Natwest Roundtable with Local Businesses
Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton)
Last Friday, I attended a roundtable lunch discussion in Esher with some of our fantastic local businesses, from Haines Watts accountants in Esher to Hurst Park Automobiles, who specialise in the restoration and sale of classic British cars.
The event, organised by Natwest bank, was a great opportunity to engage with local business men and women and listen to their ambitions, challenges and biggest achievements. I made some opening remarks, followed by introductions by the businesses and then a general discussion where I took questions on housing, Brexit and student debt.
My thanks to Michael Crow at Natwest for organising the event and The Wheatsheaf in Esher for hosting.
Epsom Hospital Update
Chris Grayling (Epsom and Ewell)
Dear constituent
I am writing to you with an update on the situation at Epsom Hospital.
Firstly, the Epsom and St Helier Trust continues to be one of the better-performing hospital trusts. I am very grateful to all of the staff at the hospital for the work they are doing.
As you may have heard, the Trust recently agreed the sale of a block of land at the back of the hospital to Legal & General. I did not support the sale, and was concerned about the potential risk to Epsom’s ability to expand in future. Local doctors’ leaders carried out an independent assessment of the plan and of the site as a whole though, and reached the conclusion that Epsom still has space to expand if necessary even if the sale went ahead. Both I and others locally put the Trust under pressure to ensure that even if a sale did happen, the site was kept for health and social care purposes.
I have now met the new owners, Legal & General, to find out more about their plans for the site. They are intending to build a centre for the frail elderly, with a mix of sheltered accommodation, care suites and facilities for residents. They have also committed to give Epsom Hospital and its staff access to some of the facilities. The project is part of a network of similar facilities that they are creating.
It’s not exactly what I would have chosen, but it will create a centre that I believe will be valuable for the area. I have, though, stressed to them how important it is that the development fits in with the surrounding area.
There has been a report that the Trust turned down a much higher offer and sold the site on the cheap. I have checked and this is not really true. There was a higher bid, but it was to build tower blocks on the site, and the offer was subject to planning permission being given for these high rises. That was not a risk that the NHS could or should have taken, given the fact that all of us would, I suspect, oppose building tower blocks much higher than the existing buildings on that site, and it would have meant the land being used just for housing rather than care for the elderly.
The Epsom and St Helier Trust continues to push for the development of a new, single acute centre for the area, and is hoping to be given money to build this when the NHS sorts out its future capital spending plans. The Trust continues to prefer a new build on the Sutton hospital site, though if the situation arises, I will clearly argue strongly for Epsom.
But despite some activity by local pressure groups, any decision about the future of our local hospital services is some way away, and will have to be subject to detailed consultation. Any new acute centre would also not be complete until the mid-2020s.
I hope this is a helpful update.
Best wishes
Chris Grayling
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Why London is still an English City
Paul Scully (Sutton and Cheam)
Yesterday John Cleese tweeted from his home in the Caribbean that London was not really an English city any more.
London is the greatest city in the world for a number of reasons. I moved to our capital city for the opportunities and lifestyle that only London can provide. I moved from another UK town but London attracts people from around the world who add so much to our economy, our culture and our communities.
John Cleese may believe that London is no longer an English city but how do we define English? It may not be the first choice of a location scout for Midsomer Murders but was London ever like that? The English borrow and adapt from around the world mainly on the back of being a maritime trading island. It is true that London plays in a global league, competing against the likes of New York, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, much like Liverpool and Tottenham will be vying to be Champions of Europe which will trump Manchester City’s Premiership title. But that doesn’t make London any less connected with the rest of the UK.
Britishness can now be defined by our shared values; tolerance, respect, pragmatism and resourcefulness especially in difficult times. Londoners don’t worry about whether their neighbours have three generations behind them living within the neighbourhood before accepting them. Instead we welcome newcomers, recognising how change helps us to keep up to date and fresh, just like any sensible business, club or family.
This does not mean that we should not have a robust immigration policy. The failure to even allow reasonable debate about immigration under the last Labour government, stirred up concern and unrest, some of which fed into the Brexit debate. We need a fairer immigration system which attracts people with the skills we need, no matter where they are from.
Entrepreneurs and skilled workers should be able to contribute to the UK and make the most of opportunities whether they are from India, America or France.
Ending Freedom of Movement as we leave the EU will allow us to strike the right balance but in doing so we should not allow commentators to conflate this with rhetoric that just perpetuates division. People are rightly concerned about how our hospitals and schools will cope with an increasing population but they are also worried about how they will be staffed. We need to concentrate on getting the balance right in a positive, constructive debate rather than alienating people whose first language may not be English, whose skin colour may be different or whose faith may not be Church of England.
That’s the tolerance and pragmatism that makes me English, some 67 years after my Catholic Burmese father with an Irish surname disembarked at Southampton docks to start a new life away from military dictatorship, in England, the country that he had admired from afar.
Emma Signs Early Day Motion Calling for a Ban on Trophy Hunting
Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields)
Earlier this year Emma was pleased to add her name to an Early Day Motion (EDM) which calls for a ban on trophy hunting imports to the UK in an effort to curb the cruel and barbaric practice.
Trophy hunting is when a person pays a fee to experience the hunting of an animal for the sole purpose of collecting a part of its body as a “trophy”-such as antlers, horns, the head or skin. Public interest in the practice was heightened in July 2015 when Cecil the Lion – a 13-year-old pride-leader – was killed by American trophy hunter Walter Palmer in Zimbabwe. Critics of trophy hunting believe it to cause the decline of protected species and can act as a cover for illegal poaching. The practice is further opposed on animal welfare grounds and has been described as “cruel, immoral, archaic and unjustifiable.”
A report revealed that a wealthy UK businessman was one of the world’s most prolific trophy hunters. Malcolm King who runs a business in the British Virgin Islands is reported to have killed over 500 animals including Elephants, Lions, Rhinos and Cheetahs.
The EDM has been signed by over 160 MPs from across the political spectrum and it calls upon the Government to commit to halting imports of hunting trophies as a matter of urgency.
The UK is lacking behind the rest of the world in banning imports of trophy hunting with countries like France, Australia, the Netherlands and even China all recently placing a ban on the import of animal trophies. Shockingly 74 rare animal body parts were legally brought into the UK by hunters last year, including hippopotamus teeth, elephant ears and crocodile skins and according to the World Wildlife Fund more than 50 elephants are killed every day.
Speaking about the EDM Emma said “there is no better example of mankind’s barbarity towards the animal kingdom than the sight of a human being standing proudly over the carcass of a once majestic and rare creature. It is shameful that with the stroke of a pen our government could help reduce this cruel and barbaric practice by banning imports into the UK. Despite a promise by the Tories to ban the import of lion trophies by 2017, we are still waiting. It is the duty of the UK to send a clear message to the rest of the world that this so-called sport must not be tolerated and until we do so I fear that we may lose some species of animal forever. I am hopeful that Government take notice of the growing support for the EDM and act without delay.”
Earlier this year Emma was pleased to add her name to an Early Day Motion (EDM) which calls for a ban on trophy hunting imports to the UK in an effort to curb the cruel and barbaric practice.
St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School petition to 10 Downing Street
Conor McGinn (St Helens North)
I joined pupils and teachers from St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School in Windle to deliver a petition to 10 Downing Street as part of a campaign against school funding cuts, and afterwards they came in to the House of Commons for a tour and to see some of our proceedings. Chronic underfunding by this Tory government is having a direct impact on the ability of our schools to provide […]
Gloria shows support to Lawrence volunteers ahead of floral festival
Gloria De Piero (Ashfield)
Karin Smyth MP helps inform UN Special Rapporteur into extreme poverty and human rights in the UK
Karin Smyth (Bristol South)
You may have seen earlier this year that I wrote a letter to help inform the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights in the UK. The full report, compiled by Professor Philip Alston, was released this week and it makes for some very difficult but important reading. (You can read the full report here).
I was the only individual MP to make a submission to the report, with Prof. Alston speaking to a broad range of frontline organisations and experts, as well as individuals living in or affected by poverty.
As MP for Bristol South, I’ve seen first-hand just how damaging government cuts and ill-advised decisions are for people living in poverty.
Like the country, Bristol is divided. There are areas of great wealth in some parts of the city, and there are areas where people are struggling to get by with stagnant wages and rising living costs.
As I wrote in my letter to Prof. Alston, Bristol South has the highest number of social security claimants in the city, the poorest health outcomes – including lower life expectancy – and the lowest educational attainment. The southern part of the constituency has poor transport links and higher crime rates. All of this has a direct and unmistakable link with poverty.
My role as MP is to be a strong voice for Bristol South and I felt I should share the impact government cuts were having on my constituents as part of this report.
The comprehensive report goes as far as to suggest that the government is in violation of its human rights obligations due to its ideological and systematic dismantling of the social safety net.
“Given the significant resources available in the country, the sustained and widespread cuts to social support, which have caused so much pain and misery, amount to retrogressive measures in clear violation of the United Kingdom’s human rights obligations,” writes Prof. Alston. “It is hard to imagine a recipe better designed to exacerbate inequality and poverty and to undermine the life prospects of many millions.”
The government has tried to dismiss this report as ‘barely believable’. This response shows just how out of touch they are. The report, while certainly very damning for the government, paints an accurate picture of what a lot of my constituents are dealing with.
It looks at the impact of government cuts and changes to benefits on particular groups, including women, single parents and disabled people. It’s clear, as it has been to me since Universal Credit was first rolled out in Bristol South, that these groups – which already face ongoing challenges – are being hit particularly hard.
The report reads: “Given the structural disadvantages faced by women, it is particularly disturbing that so many policy changes since 2010 have taken a greater toll on them.”
It goes on to say that benefits changes have had a ‘stark impact’ on single parents, who are twice as likely to experience persistent poverty, with half of all children living in single parent families living in poverty. One in four children now live in poverty in Bristol and figures suggest that is set to rise significantly over the next few years, with Brexit making things worse for the most vulnerable people.
Prof. Alston recognised that the tired old ‘record levels of employment’ response from the government is particularly unhelpful. Besides, poverty is not confined to unemployed families. I’ve spoken before about underemployment – where people are working but are still struggling to afford the basics. The report suggests that families where two adults earn the minimum wage are still falling 11% short of the adequate income needed to raise a child.
The report flags another worrying statistic: “Nearly half of those in poverty – 6.9 million people – are from families in which someone has a disability – they have also been some of the hardest hit by austerity measures.”
Crucially, this report doesn’t just outline the current situation – but it has some clear recommendations for the government to take steps to address this. Some of these echo things I’ve been pressing the government to do, such as delaying the rollout of Universal Credit and restoring funding to local government.
Prof. Alston concludes: “The situation demands a new vision that embodies British compassion and places social rights and economic security front and centre.” I couldn’t agree more.
Commons Speaker's tribute to Hull's Headscarf Revolutionaries
Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North)
The House of Commons Speaker John Bercow paid a moving tribute to Yvonne Blenkinsop and Hull's Headscarf Revolutionaries in the House of Commons.
Yvonne is the last surviving member of the Hull women who worked to improve safety standards at sea following the 1968 Triple Trawler Disaster.
Letter from the Prime Minister 21/05/19
Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire)
Letter received from the Prime Minister on 21/05/19:
The Prosecution of Veterans of the Northern Ireland Campaign
Bob Stewart (Beckenham)
On Monday 20 May I made the following speech in the Westminster Hall debate on the subject of immunity for veterans of the Northern Ireland campaign.
EU Elections 2019
Kit Malthouse (North West Hampshire)
Here’s my latest update video where I talk about the EU Elections, the proposed incinerator at Barton Stacey and Ocado.
MATT WARMAN MP VISITS KIRTON HERITAGE RESTORATION SITE
Matt Warman (Boston and Skegness)
Matt Warman MP visited the site of the Old King’s Head at Kirton on Friday (17th May) for an update on progress towards restoring this historic building and giving it a new lease of life as a B&B, Café/Deli and Community Space.
The building was purchased by Heritage Lincolnshire in 2016 and its conservation has been funded by a £1,987,300 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. With its original date stone from 1599 (although there is evidence of an older building on site), the Old King’s Head is an integral part of Kirton’s history and is Kirton’s oldest secular building.
Matt heard from Heritage Lincolnshire project manager Matthew Bentley about the visits organised for the local primary school to involve them in the project including a ‘big dig’ archaeological excavation which, amongst other finds, has turned up some fragments of medieval pottery.
Matthew Bentley emphasised the support the project has had from the Kirton community including £6,000 raised through local crowdfunding. He said, “With all our heritage projects Heritage Lincolnshire tries to involve local communities as much as possible and we’ve been delighted with the support we’ve had from Kirton residents. With its location on what was once the main trading route from Boston to London, the Old King’s Head is now ideally placed to attract visitors to the area and we will be working in partnership with, for example, the RSPB to spread the word and encourage tourists to come and visit this fantastic historic building.”
Speaking after the visit Matt said, “I was delighted to visit the Old King’s Head and see the sympathetic approach that is being taken to conserving this historic building and making it fit for its new purpose at the heart of Kirton’s community once again. Importantly, the project is also offering jobs and skills to our local area with three new apprentices from Kirton currently working on site. Once open as a B&B and Café, the Old King’s Head will bring a vital tourist amenity to Kirton as well as offering a flexible community space. I look forward to tracking the progress of the project through to its completion, expected around April of next year.”
Made by @davorg / Last built: Wednesday 19 June 2019 05:41