Below is news from Andrea's website. To visit her website go to www.andrealeadsom.com.
Hardingstone Planning Success 30 MAY 2014
Recently plans for around 1,000 houses to be built in Hardingstone on the edge of Northampton were rejected by Northampton Borough Council Planning Committee.
Over the past few years I have been contacted by many residents of Hardingstone and the surrounding areas regarding excessive development in and around the Borough of Northampton. Hardingstone is an area which has received more than its fair share of development.
Residents and local Councillors have been fighting hard against these proposals and have raised concerns regarding the adequacy of existing infrastructure, traffic congestion and capacity at local schools and GP surgeries to name a few.
We do need more homes in this country and that means that more houses need to be built but where applications are made the development must be appropriate and take into account the thoughts, feelings and concerns of local residents. Developers must also be held to their promises to build a certain percentage of social and affordable housing, as well as their commitments to improve and invest in local public services and infrastructure.
Unfortunately, this is not the end of this application, as the developer is almost certain to appeal this decision to the Planning
Inspectorate. Previous experience of cases being determined by the Inspectorate have not been good with most of the applications approved on appeal with the Inspector citing a failure to demonstrate an existence of a five year housing supply.
It is incredibly frustrating that time after time we are seeing planning applications which are rejected by the local planning authority, approved on appeal by a Planning Inspector with little knowledge of the area, basing their decisions on an out of date plan. It makes clear how vitally important it is that we have in place as soon as possible our new Local Plan. Not having an up to date plan is simply leaving Planning Inspectors with the excuse to approve development on the top down housing plans of the last Government. Local Councils are in the process of agreeing our Local Plan and I hope that very soon we will be in a much better position to shape our area to our own design.
The fight will go on for Hardingstone and it is impossible to say what the outcome will be but at least there is still the chance to voice their concerns and have them considered.
South Northants Probus Visit 29 MAY 2014
Shortly before Parliament dissolved ahead of the Queen's Speech, I arranged a tour of the Houses of Parliament for the South Northants Probus group. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the members before they left to view the Jewel Tower, part of the original Palace of Westminster, and was able to show them around the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, where Parliamentary services are held. It was a delight to meet the members of the group and to answer their questions about how Parliament works day-to-day and what my role as an MP and a Minister entails.
If you would like me to arrange a tour of Parliament for you, please do get in touch at andrea.leadsom.mp@parliament.uk. Further details of the tours can be found here: http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/tours-of-parliamen…
HS2 Petition Update 7 MAY 2014
Further to my recent update regarding arrangements for the petitioning process, it has been raised with me that it would be helpful for some petitioners if they were able to deposit their petition in our area rather than posting their petition or coming to London in person.
Therefore, we will be available in Meeting Room 1 at the South Northamptonshire Council offices on Friday 16 May between 10.30am and 12.30pm for anyone wishing to deposit their petition for me to submit in Parliament the following week.
The meeting room will appear on the screen at the entrance and staff at reception will be able to give directions if needed. Many thanks to Councillor Ian Morris for arranging the room.
I would be very grateful if you could let me or Marc (marc.pooler@parliament.uk) know of your intention to deposit your petition with me at South Northamptonshire Council so we have an idea of how many to expect.
Do remember that in addition to being able to deposit petitions at South Northamptonshire Council on Friday 16 May, I would be very pleased to meet with you to submit the petition in Westminster and to ensure you have any questions that you may have addressed by the staff receiving the petitions. I would also be happy to submit petitions on your behalf and would recommend my office in London receives your petition by post as soon as possible and no later than Friday 16 May.
Do also have a look at the following information from the Private Bill Office: http://www.parliament.uk/business/bills-and-legislation/current-bills/previous-bills/hybrid-bills/hybrid-bill-faqs/
HS2 Update 2 MAY 2014
It has been an incredibly busy period for the HS2 project and I would like to update you on the HS2 Hybrid Bill Second Reading and the arrangements for petitioning.
I want to be clear that I will continue to prioritise raising your concerns and supporting communities affected by HS2. It is my aim to ensure fair compensation and mitigation, and provide full support for the petitioning process. I do understand what a disruptive affect this project is having on communities and I'm so sorry for the hardship that this is causing.
As expected, there is very strong support for this project in Parliament from all sides of the House and, like the Paving Bill, the Hybrid Bill passed Second Reading on Monday with a large majority. After I voted against the Paving Bill, I made it clear that my priority is now to support those communities and families affected by High Speed Two as much as possible ensuring fair compensation and mitigation, and providing full support for the petitioning process.
As we enter the petitioning period, you may find helpful the following information which has recently been updated by the Private Bill Office: http://www.parliament.uk/business/bills-and-legislation/current-bills/p…. Regarding submission of petitions, I would be very pleased to meet with you to submit the petition in Westminster and to ensure you have any questions that you may have addressed by the staff receiving the petitions. Petitions can be submitted at the following times:
Tuesday 6 May – Friday 9 May: 10am–5pm
Monday 12 May – Wednesday 14 May: 10am–5pm
Thursday 15 May: 10am–7pm
Friday 16 May: 10am–5pm
Monday 19 May – Wednesday 21 May: 10am–5pm
Thursday 22 May: 10am–7pm
Friday 23 May: 10am–2pm – Please note an earlier closing time.
If you are unable to submit your petition in person, I would be happy to submit it on your behalf; however, I would recommend my office receives your petition as soon as possible and no later than Friday 16 May. This is to ensure that if there are any problems we do have the time to resolve them. Please do also read the guidelines provided above from the Private Bill Office. Please do not send cash in the post, a £20 cheque should be made payable to 'GBS: re HoC: Administration' and marked 'HS2' on the back.
Petitions should be sent to: Andrea Leadsom MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
For anyone wishing to be a Roll B Agent and requiring a certificate of respectability, I am happy to provide one as your Member of Parliament and providing we have met on at least one occasion. Alternatively, a Justice of the Peace, solicitor or barrister can also provide a certificate of respectability. Please also contact my office if you would like a certificate.
Finally a concern has been raised with me regarding the inclusion of personal and sensitive information within petitions which are then made public. The advice from the Private Bill Office on how to resolve this issue is as follows:
'Petitions are indeed published, and petitioners sign a consent form in relation to this. I take the point about sensitivity, however. I think the answer would be for the petition to outline the type of issue which concerns the petitioner in broad terms and for detail to be left until the evidence stage with the sensitive material being submitted in a separate evidence paper. For instance, if there is a particular sensitive health problem it would be sufficient to state this in broad terms and not go into detail. In extremis, the petition could state that there are other matters that it cannot go into detail on for reasons of personal sensitivity but which will be expanded on later.'
I do hope this information is helpful and that I have assured you that I will keep fighting to ensure fair treatment for residents of South Northamptonshire. I will keep you updated with HS2 news and if I can be of any further help, especially regarding the petitioning process, do not hesitate to contact me.
Appointment to Economic Secretary to the Treasury 11 APRIL 2014
It is a great privilege to have been appointed Economic Secretary to the Treasury. This is a fantastic opportunity as well as a great challenge.
Before entering Parliament I spent 25 years working in the banking and finance industry so I am pleased that my role focuses on financial services.
I look forward to continuing the government's work to reform the banking system so that it focuses on consumers, and helps our economy grow.
Same Sex Marriage 21 MAY 2013
With the remaining stages of the Same Sex Marriage Bill being debated in Parliament this week please find below an update on my views on this important issue.
The first day of the Report Stage of the Bill was debated yesterday. I attach a summary of the amendments and how I voted on each (below).
I have read your comments with interest and am listening carefully to all the views of my constituents, as well as discussing it with my colleagues. I have also read the submissions from the Government, Gay Rights groups and the Church and can assure you I am paying great attention to all of those.
I still hold to the principles that I set out in the previous speech I made, at the second reading of this Bill in the Commons (a copy of which is attached for your information), that as a Christian myself I believe that the love of same sex couples is as important in God's eyes as that of heterosexual couples. I also believe firmly in the principle of equality as a fundamental 'good' in the secular world. I do recognise, however, the enormous potential this Bill has for unintended consequences, particularly for those who live out their faith through their day to day work. I also recognise the hurt that this Bill has already caused to many of my constituents.
I am deeply concerned that this Bill has been introduced without the chance for thorough debate and there has been no opportunity for it to seek to win the support of the public at a general election. I am extremely disappointed that legislation has been brought forward at this particular moment in time and find myself genuinely torn, understanding as I do the strength of feeling on the matter.
I will of course keep you updated with how I vote on all the specific amendments and on the main Bill but please do feel free to send me your further thoughts on this in the meantime.
Please find below a summary of how I voted in each amendment:
New Clause 3 – Aye
New Clause 3 was intended to prevent existing marriage registrars from being required to conduct marriages of same sex couples where the registrar has a conscientious objection.
Ayes 150, Noes 340
New Clause 6 – Aye
New Clause 6 was intended to protect beliefs about traditional marriage. It would amend the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that any criticism of same sex marriage in itself cannot be challenged under that Act and that the belief that marriage should only be between a man and a woman would be a perfectly lawful belief.
The Government has offered assurances that this will still be the case under the Bill as it stands.
Ayes 148, Noes 339
New Clause 8 – Aye
New Clause 8 aims to ensure that a denominational decision not to 'opt in' to same-sex weddings would not be the subject of protracted legal action and unfair treatment by a public authority.
The Government's view is that this amendment would not increase the protection the Bill already offers.
Ayes 163, Noes 321
Government New Clause 16 –Aye
New Clause 16 commits the Government to undertake a formal review of the future of civil partnerships once the effect of extending marriage to same sex couples has been assessed and when we can ensure we have a proper understanding of the implications of the various options available.
Ayes 391, Noes 57
New Clause 10 – Aye
New Clause 10 would extend civil partnerships to opposite sex couples.
Ayes 70, Noes 375
Would You Like To Work In My Team? 21 MAY 2013
Would you like to join my office as an apprentice caseworker for a year?
What you'll gain...
The main role of an apprentice caseworker is to help me communicate fluently with my constituents, drafting letters and helping with correspondence, as well as organising advice surgeries and making sure that our records are kept in order. In return, this unique opportunity offers first class training in dealing with correspondence, an exceptional insight into the day to day workings of Parliament, as well as that wonderful feeling of knowing, in certain cases, that you have made a positive difference to someone's life.
What you'll need...
Compassion – As part of this role you will be dealing directly with constituents, listening to problems and lending a sympathetic ear.
Organisation – Being a caseworker involves managing a large amount of correspondence, prioritising the urgent cases and replying in a timely fashion.
Good Communication Skills – You will be drafting letters and working as part of my team so good writing skills and other communication skills are vital.
This position is ideally suited to someone just about to leave school. If you think you have what it takes and would like some more information, please let me know by emailing me at andrea.leadsom.mp@parliament.uk and remember to attach a copy of your CV.
Gateway School Visit 20 MAY 2013
Both believe that these children, many of whom live in really difficult circumstances, need the best help to overcome the cards they have been dealt and to help make them capable and responsible adults. Their personal commitment shone out, and the respect and liking of the pupils for their Head was apparent as we went around the school.
The Gateway School has excellent facilities that are also used by the local community including an indoor swimming pool and astro turf pitch. It has 60 pupils on the school register, many travelling in on the schools own buses from Northampton. The school also runs a successful outreach program for children who find traditional classroom settings difficult.
I was very impressed not only with the fabric of the school and outstanding facilities but also with the students. I visited the vocational training areas which included car mechanics, wood working and welding and a full scale beauty salon and hairdressers was just being completed. Building and bricklaying courses were also being run.
I recently visited the Gateway School on the outskirts of Tiffield, near Towcester. What a wonderful, cheery looking place it is! The garden at the front of the school was a sight for sore eyes, full of flowers and beautifully tended. The sun even came out......
The school is a specialist centre for young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and many of the pupils are in care.
Gateway consists of a group of modern buildings, having moved from the centre of Northampton some years ago. David Lloyd, the Principal, and David Williams the outgoing chair of governors, showed me round the place, of which they are rightly proud.
European Referendum 17 MAY 2013
Whether we like it or not, what happens in the EU has a big impact on the UK.
Europe is by far our most important overseas market and trading partner. And, just in case anyone missed it, the Eurozone was this week confirmed to be in the sixth successive quarter of Recession.
So how the Government handles the issue of the UK's relationship with the EU is critical to the performance of huge swathes of our economy, and thus our well-being more generally.
Since coming to Westminster, I've been increasingly struck, and alarmed, by the EU's lack of democratic legitimacy, and the damaging impact which this has on the interests of the British people.
I therefore believe passionately that British voters must be given the chance to decide whether the UK's relations with the EU serve their interests. That's why I voted for a referendum in 2010, and again earlier this week.
Having said that, I also believe that, while there's a time to focus on when a referendum should be held, there's also a time for concentrating on how the Government goes about negotiating the deal which the referendum will be about.
On this last point, I entirely agree with the Prime Minister – now is the time we should be thinking about the "substance", not the "process". All of our attention needs to be given over to how we conduct the renegotiation of the UK's relationship with the other 26 Member States.
I'm delighted to say that this is where the Fresh Start Project really comes into its own. Our comprehensive research and analysis has identified the (many) failings of the present relationship and set out all of the options available to the Government to put this right. I'm optimistic that our proposals will be at the heart of the renegotiation which the next Conservative Government conducts after the 2015 General Election.
How the UK's relationship with the EU evolves at that point is profoundly important.
If we get what we want from that renegotiation – and I'm absolutely certain that we can – this will be a huge boost to Britain's interests.
So, as the British people ponder how to vote in 2015, they need to keep very much in mind one thought. The Labour Party has made clear that it's the Party of No Referendum. Anyone who really cares about Britain's relationship with the EU had better make sure that they don't land themselves with a Labour Government.
Bees Tea Reception 16 MAY 2013
Today I attended the Bees Tea reception in the House of Commons, organised by Friends of the Earth. I was delighted to be involved, and fully recognise the important role that bees play in the biodiversity of our country.
At the reception, I was presented with a briefing pack explaining just how essential bees are, the very real dangers they face as a species, as well as suggestions for how we can help.
Magdalen School Visit 14 MAY 2013
I recently visited students at Magdalen School, Brackley who are either studying or considering whether to study Politics at A-Level. I particularly wanted to talk to them about apprenticeships and specifically the scheme I operate for an apprentice in my own office.
My current apprentice, Daisy Peck, was formerly a sixth-form student at Northampton School for Boys and leaves my office in August having completed her year long apprenticeship and also achieving an NVQ. She hopes to go on to become a campaign manager for a parliamentary candidate at the next general election.
The apprenticeship I am offering is four days a week at the constituency office in Northampton and one day a week in Westminster. The pay is around £9,000 per annum, and for anyone wishing to get into politics or improve their CV it's a great head start!
I hope to receive plenty of applications from South Northants school leavers. The only limitation is that applicants should be 18 by 14th August 2013.
NorPIP Charity Bike Ride 09 MAY 2013
The second annual NorPIP Charity Bike Ride took place on a bright and sunny evening at Silverstone circuit with over 400 riders taking the opportunity to help the Northamptonshire Parent Infant Partnership and enjoy cycling around the famous Grand Prix circuit.
For the first time some of the local Formula One teams were involved with Brackley based Mercedes AMG Petronas bringing a former Nico Rosberg formula one car that was on display at the entrance to the Wing.
Red Bull and Marussia also sent teams of cyclists who not only put in some superb times, but also raised thousands of pounds in sponsorship. Thanks so much to all the cyclists!
After cutting the ribbon with Councillor John Bailey chairman of Northamptonshire County Council in the pit lane to start the event, I was able to enjoy a few laps of the circuit with my family.
The event was organised by the wonderful Events Management students at Northampton University and I'm grateful to everyone who attended to help this very worthy cause.
Arctic Star Medal 09 MAY 2013
I was delighted to be able to present one of my constituents, David Whitehead, his long awaited Arctic Convoy Medal. The medal, finally issued after years of campaigning, recognises the brave men on board the Arctic convoys during the Second World War.
The Arctic convoys were the only arena of war not to be recognised in the aftermath of World War II, due to the deterioration of diplomatic relations with Russia, our partners in the convoys, which eventually culminated in the Cold War. It is only now that international relations are strong enough again to enable the Government to issue these awards, and I am very pleased that the campaign has finally been successful.
Visit To Berlin 08 MAY 2013
I travelled with a group of colleagues recently to Berlin, to meet with German politicians, business leaders and think tanks to discuss ideas for reform of the EU. We wanted to share with them some of the ideas of the Fresh Start Project, and to understand the German perspective on European issues.
We were struck by their deep-seated commitment to the European Union that goes far beyond the economic benefits. We heard comments such as "I would rather describe myself as European then German" and "A common law from Scandinavia to Greece is an end in itself". These are not comments we hear often in UK political circles!
German MPs and businesses leaders typically started our meetings thinking that the Fresh Start Project is moving the UK towards exit from the EU. At the end of our meetings, having discussed the details of some proposals, they usually agreed that we face many of the same issues, and can work together to implement reforms.
For example, some German MPs were very interested in the proposal to limit EU structural funds to those states with an average GDP per head of less than 90% of the EU average. A number of them expressed support for a review of competencies, and potentially rebalancing some competencies back to member states. And the proposal to extend the double-majority voting mechanism, agreed for the European Banking Authority, to other areas of EU decision-making was met with interest and has the potential to be taken forward. "Ah, that was used in the Holy Roman Empire" said one of our German colleagues!
Many of the business leaders we met would support the return of the competence over social and employment law to member states, in order to create competition between regions.
There is much that we can learn from the German system-as one colleague put it, all the regulations come back from Brussels already Germany-proofed. In part, this is because their Parliament engages early in the decision-making process, with the relevant Parliamentary committee summoning ministers, discussing the issues, and coming up with a consensus 'German' view, way ahead of the negotiations in Brussels. We have a long way to go in the UK to reach this standard, but it is something we should strive for, without losing the benefits of our system.
We left our German colleagues with agreement that the discussions had been useful, and with a plan to continue to build a German-UK Parliamentary dialogue.
Election Results for Northamptonshire County Council 04 MAY 2013
Local Conservatives fought a strong campaign and focused on the local issues that matter in South Northants. Sincere congratulations to all of them for their hard work. S Northants constituency now has, under the boundary changes, 5 Conservatives, one Lib Dem and one UKIP. In addition two County seats are half in S Northants and half in Northampton South. One is now Conservative and the other Lib Dem.
UKIP have made a big impact in these elections. The national momentum has taken them to second place in many NCC seats. It is definitely a wake up call for our party. We have got to prioritise:
- Serious EU reform
- Limiting migrant access to benefits as well as limiting net migration still further
- Keeping our progress with welfare reform and rolling out universal credit to make work always pay
- Change policy on wind farms to give localism the upper hand
- If HS2 is going ahead, reach a fair compensation and mitigation deal so that residents feel we have heard their concerns
- Amend the Same Sex Marriage Bill to ensure the meaning of marriage is not changed.
That will be my message back to the party.... Any thoughts you have will be welcomed.
20th July
IEA Launches New Report On HS2
Another leading economic think-tank has launched a new report rubbishing the current plans for High Speed Rail.
The Institute of Economic Affairs has launched a new report entitled 'High Speed 2: the next government project disaster?' which raises serious questions over the business case and the value for money of the project to the taxpayer. I was delighted to have the opportunity to chair the launch which took place on Tuesday 19 July in Parliament.
Dr Richard Wellings, Deputy Editorial Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs and co-author of the new report presented his findings. Dan Byles, Conservative MP for North Warwickshire, Geoffrey Robinson, Labour MP for Coventry North West, and Iain Stewart, Conservative MP for Milton Keynes South and Member of the Transport Select Committee made comments on the report's findings.
The panel then took questions and comments from the audience. The meeting was extremely well attended with journalists and MPs, both in favour and against the project, as well as many others attending. An excellent debate was had, that raised questions about not just the business case but also the social impact of this project.
I do not believe the business case for HS2 stacks up, it is not value for taxpayers money. Having support for these arguments from well respected think-tanks such as the IEA gives great weight to our argument against HS2 and proves that the only reason that the pro HS2 campaign accuses us of being NIMBYs is simply because they do not have a valid argument of their own.
You can read the full IEA report here. http://www.iea.org.uk/publications/research/high-speed-2-the-next-gover…
July 1st
PFI Westminster Hall Debate
On Thursday 23 June I spoke in a debate in Parliament on the Private Finance Initiative. The debate was on a campaign to encourage PFI providers to give a voluntary 'rebate' to the taxpayer. Why on earth would they do this, you might ask! Well, there are huge public infrastructure projects needed – offshore wind and marine, nuclear power etc, and fellow campaigners and I believe only those who acknowledge the 'excessive' profitability of some PFI deals, and who are willing to renegotiate a fairer deal for the taxpayer, should be able to bid for future deals.
PFI projects are where private companies are commissioned by public sector bodies to provide new hospitals, school buildings and other infrastructure projects with funding from banks, and then recoup the money over many years from the public body concerned. The advantage of PFI projects is that they provide infrastructure without direct Government funding. They are therefore 'off balance sheet' in terms of our national debt. All the risk in the project is theoretically borne by the PFI provider and therefore if the project is not delivered the private company loses out, rather than the taxpayer.
The problem, however, is that some PFI contracts have proved to be highly expensive as well as highly inflexible. The financing and the project specification are inextricably linked together and therefore any changes to the project also require a recalculation of the funding, often leading to exorbitant extra charges. The only way to avoid this is by having the exact specification for a 25 year contract laid out in advance which is, in the case of a school or hospital for example, impossible to do. The second problem is the cost of providing the loan. At the moment Government bonds can be issued at an interest rate of 3% to 4% whereas bank debt is closer to 6%, plus a further 2% to 3% profit margin. The net cost to the taxpayer of PFI now works out therefore at 8% or 9% versus Government funding at 3% to 4%.
There are only a handful of serious PFI providers in this country – far too little competition! For many years, in funding new infrastructure projects, PFI has been the 'only game in town'. In my speech in Parliament I suggested an alternative, which is to take a radical approach to the establishment of the Government's Green Investment Bank. I explained:
"the green investment bank should be a bank in its own right. It should be listed on the London stock exchange and the Government should have perhaps a 10% shareholding in it. The UK high street banks should have the opportunity to purchase up to a 15% shareholding each, and the final 15% to 20% shareholding should be offered at a highly discounted rate to the British taxpayer. We would therefore have a bank with an undoubted triple A credit rating that would be able to fund itself extraordinarily cheaply—somewhere between Government gilts and triple A bank finance—and access the international capital markets, including very long-term funding."
I think that the GIB could be a real alternative to PFI. It would immediately inject more competition into the market. It could also be a significant competitor to the UK banks in the small and medium sized business market, in the low carbon industries Britain desperately needs to develop.
27th June
Our Energy Security
Last week Charles Hendry MP, Minister of State for Energy at the Department for Energy and Climate Change gave a briefing on our energy security needs. I am not in the habit of making party political points just for the sake of it but behind leaving our economy in a complete mess, failing to secure our long term energy needs is Labour's second worst legacy they have left this country.
The Minister explained that at this present time we are able to cope with demand, however, by the second half of this decade we are going to face a problem as energy demand could increase by 50% to 100%. Sixteen of our power stations will close by 2018 due to stricter air quality standards and nuclear stations reaching the end of their operating lives.
We have to take some serious decisions now in order to secure our energy security by the end of the decade or the lights will literally go out. A big challenge will also be to keep energy prices stable but I am confident that by using a mix of energy sources including many types of renewable energy, nuclear power and fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage facilities as well as installing 'smart metering' and helping consumers manage their own demand, we can not only avoid disaster but we can keep energy bill prices stable.
I am not convinced that onshore wind energy has a part to play in securing our energy security needs as it is ineffective, unreliable and the energy produced cannot be stored to be used when demand is high. I am in the process of seeking a meeting with Charles Hendry to discuss onshore wind energy further.
At the recent briefing Charles explained that it was the Government's position that onshore wind farms needed to play a substantial role in hitting our 2020 targets to reduce carbon emissions by 20% and have renewable energy contribute 20% of our energy needs. He explained that the Government had removed the regional renewable energy quotas and will be making sure that wind farms are only built in areas that are windy! There will also be an incentive for communities who do host wind farms to benefit from the business rates that may be generated and he explained that the Government were looking into ways that energy bill prices could be cheaper for those living closer to wind farm developments.
I do appreciate the Government's desire to work with communities with wind farms, however I'm still sceptical of the need to proceed with such an inefficient form of energy production simply to meet our 2020 targets. Many countries in Europe are turning away from wind energy and I think it would be far more sensible to invest in efficient renewable energy infrastructure to provide greater energy security for the long term. I am determined not to see this Government make the same mistakes as the last Government and I will keep you informed of how my meeting with the Minister progresses!
21st June
Letter to Local Businesses
Have a read of my letter to 100 local businesses asking them to support the job clubs in Towcester and Brackley here.
If you think the job clubs might be able to help you, why not drop in on one!
21st June
Time For A Recap!
I haven't written for a while so here's a bit of a recap:
This year the first UK wide referendum since the European Communities membership referendum in 1975 took place on whether to change our voting system. I campaigned strongly for a 'No' vote and I was delighted that the vast majority of the public agreed with me and voted 'No to AV'. The First Past the Post system we have now is strong, simple, fair and understood and I am delighted we have retained it.
On the same day voters went to the polls in the local elections in Northamptonshire and the Conservatives took control of the Borough Council for the first time in 20 years! I think our relative success at the polls shows that although many members of the public are concerned with the cuts we have to make they understand it is necessary to clear up the mess left by the previous Government. Labour will no doubt be asking themselves some tough questions as they did not perform nearly as well as they would have hoped for.
Back in Westminster, I am pursuing campaigns both old and new. Recently I have written to every Chief Executive of the top supermarkets in this country asking them to support my 'British Aisles' campaign! I would like to see one aisle in all the leading supermarkets dedicated to British produce and clearly marked as British. This would be a clear sign of the support that our supermarkets have for British manufacturing and farming. I will keep you updated with how this progresses.
I am also supporting the campaign launched by Claire Perry MP to keep children safe from internet pornography. The idea is to make access to internet pornography an 'opt-in' option for adults only by encouraging Internet Service providers to come up with a self-regulatory model. Linking in with this I am also launching my own campaign to make sure that the material being used in sex and relationship education being taught in schools is age appropriate to the children. I have seen some shocking examples of material being used which is completely inappropriate for young children. I am looking into the possibility of age certificates, similar to those used for films and video games, being used on SRE material. Both campaigns are about providing choice and education but also providing protection for our young children.
The campaign against the proposed High Speed Rail link is also gathering pace. HS2 Roadshows have been taking place along the proposed line of route and I attended each one in South Northamptonshire at Greatworth, Chipping Warden, Upper Boddington and Brackley. Local residents took the opportunity to come along, find out information, ask tough questions and show the strength of feeling against this project. I am continuing to argue at every opportunity that this project has a flawed business case, is, at best, carbon neutral and therefore not environmentally friendly and will not provide the regeneration that is expected. The Transport Select Committee begins its inquiry into the business case for HS2 next week and is likely to report towards the end of September. The consultation is still open until the end of July, I encourage everyone to take part and tell your friends and family in every corner of the country to take part as well!
In previous newsletters I have written about my plans to launch a Northamptonshire Parent Infant Project (NORPIP) and I am delighted to announce that NORPIP is having its first trustee meeting on the 24 June. We are recruiting staff and are due to formally launch later this year. Northamptonshire County Council has announced that they will be providing £20,000 of funding in the first year, and we have raised £50,000 from charitable donations. The potential for saving money via early intervention, let alone the benefits to families across the country are enormous, and I look forward to NORPIP beginning its work very soon. Ultimately, I hope to roll out 'PIPs' across the country!
There has been plenty going on in South Northamptonshire. In Upton the Elgar Community Centre opened - I was impressed by the stunning building and the huge potential that the centre has. It can accommodate activities for all ages, whether in one of the spacious function rooms or outside on a sports pitch. It is a fantastic example of what a community can do by working together.
Deanshanger Primary School invited me to their art exhibition at the Milton Keynes Gallery. The artwork, based on the theme of the rainforest, was wonderful. The work is now on display at the Saatchi Gallery in London – what a fantastic achievement, and I congratulate the teachers, parents and young artists involved.
We are fast approaching the date of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The new 'Wing' is ready to provide top quality entertainment for race goers, and the potential of Silverstone as a major event venue in the future is enormous. I'm supporting the bid of Tresham College to build a Universtity Technical College there, specialising in motorsport and event management – it would be a real jewel in Northamptonshire crown!
I have now been the MP for South Northamptonshire for over a year. I have enjoyed every minute of it and I am extremely proud to be your MP. I look forward to many more years serving South Northamptonshire and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of help.
With best wishes
Andrea
16th June
Ringfencing - What Is The Point?!
The Treasury Select Committee has been interviewing a range of experts on the Interim Report of the Independent Commission on Banking.
My question is, will the ICB's proposal to ring fence the retail assets of a Bank actually work? It has been suggested that not only would it be technically very difficult, but also the watered down ring fencing option would leave only a small amount of 'vanilla' assets left inside the ring fence and enjoying the benefit of an implicit Government guarantee. Investors might just as well put their money in the Post Office!
Where is the real protection to avoid a Bank being too big to fail?
13th June
Great Opportunity to be Involved in Brand New Charity!
The Northamptonshire Parent Infant Project is recruiting a Business Administrator for an exciting new project, based in Towcester. NORPIP is being established as the sister Charity of the Oxford Parent Infant Project based in Oxford, which helps families who are struggling to form a secure emotional bond with their baby.
The Business Administrator will work with the Board of NORPIP and with the Clinical Therapists. He or she will be responsible for the roll out of NORPIP across the region, as well as the day to day running of the NORPIP office and for providing administration support to the Clinicians and Directors in the work of NORPIP. The role will include organising and liaising on fund raising events and leading in applications for funding. The successful applicant will be a highly motivated individual with a keen interest in helping families. He or she will be experienced in office management, have strong numeracy skills, be computer confident with Excel, database and word skills and have a calm and efficient telephone manner.
Salary for this fulltime position, depending on experience, will be in the region of £20,000 per annum including a competitive benefits package including sick leave, 23 days holiday per year + statutory holidays, pension and childcare voucher scheme.
Joining NORPIP now offers a unique opportunity to be part of a new Charity from its inception as it expands throughout Northamptonshire to carry out this invaluable work for vulnerable families. Please send CVs in confidence to Sarah Jackson at 9 Prospect Court, Courteenhall Road, Blisworth NN7 3DG by Wednesday 6 July. Interviews will be held on Friday 15 July 2011.
13th June
HS2 Open Letter to Northamptonshire County Councillors
Please read my open letter to all Councillors on Northamptonshire County Council. The Council is due to debate it's position on HS2 on Thursday 23 June and I have taken this opportunity to set out my position on HS2 here.
Do make sure your Councillor knows your views as well!
8th June
HS2 Roadshows and the Battle Ahead!
The HS2 Roadshows are now complete in the South Northamptonshire area and I managed to call in on each one of them at Greatworth, Chipping Warden, Upper Boddington and Brackley. I was delighted that they were all well attended and I know that many of you asked tough questions of the engineers and HS2 staff that were running the roadshows.
I'm determined to make sure HS2 stays at the top of the agenda during the remainder of the consultation period, so I'm delighted to have received another deluge of letters from constituents concerned about HS2, and I encourage you all to continue to write to me and to respond to the consultation, which finishes on July 29.
Yesterday I went along to the Backbench Business Committee with Dan Byles MP (North Warwickshire) and Steve Baker MP (Wycombe) to beg for another debate in the Chamber to discuss HS2. We are all in agreement that this issue needs to remain high on the agenda whilst the consultation is open and the Transport Select Committee is about to begin their inquiry into the business case for HS2. The inquiry will begin this month but may not report until towards the end of September. I was delighted to have Steve's support for the application as he is on the Transport Select Committee and, being the MP for Wycombe, is not affected by HS2. His opposition is quite simply because he does not believe it is value for taxpayers money.
This brings me on to my key message to you all: this battle will be won or lost by convincing those people that are not affected that this is simply not value for money. I'm afraid that as soon as we argue that our beautiful countryside is being destroyed, people stop listening and accuse us of being NIMBYS!
Therefore I urge you to contact your friends and family around the country and make the point that this project is not value for money. Get them to contact their MPs and make them aware of the cost of HS2. HS2 will ultimately cost far more than our independent nuclear deterrent and almost 3 times as much as the Olympics! Each family in Britain will be paying £1,000 just for Phase One. Therefore whether you live in Cornwall, Wales or the Highlands of Scotland where HS2 will have no affect you will still be paying for it.
It is not good enough simply to point to the increased capacity provided by HS2. We must consider value for money, and seriously challenge the assumptions that underline this proposal. Taxpayers are entitled to receive good value for their money.
HS2 is a matter of national importance, it is the biggest infrastructure project of our time and the most costly. At the moment though, only about 100 of the 650 MPs would have formed an opinion on HS2. This needs to change and we need to start convincing the other 550 MPs and their constituents that HS2 is not the right project to improve our transport infrastructure.
24th May
Greatworth Roadshow and Sulgrave Public Meeting
Greatworth Roadshow
The first HS2 roadshow took place on Tuesday (17 May) in Greatworth at the Sports and Social Club. I was there for a couple of hours in the afternoon and will be attending all the other roadshows as they come through South Northamptonshire. The roadshow was well attended all day.
Members of SNAG and Parish Councillors were also there and collected many names for a petition which I hope to present in the House of Commons at some point soon. I managed to hear the personal stories many residents also spoke with the HS2 staff that were on hand to provide information.
I met with Andrew McNaughton, HS2's Chief Engineer and whilst I was encouraged that he wants to see an open and wide ranging consultation and believes that there are good opportunities for mitigation for villages like Greatworth, should the current route go ahead, I am even more sure than ever, after speaking with him, that this project is going to be a waste of taxpayer's money. We discussed HS1 and Mr McNaughton told me he thought HS1 was a victory of political will over economic sense – exactly what I fear HS2 will be! He also said that as a commuter himself in Kent he knows that he pays more for his service so that others can get a better service – again exactly what I fear will be the experience of commuters in Milton Keynes, Northampton and along the HS2 line.
I am pleased that these roadshows are taking place and I do think it is important that as many people as possible take the opportunity to go along to a roadshow, ask some questions, sign the petitions, take part in the consultation and have their views heard. The remaining roadshows will take place:
· Chipping Warden - 24 May 2011 - Village Hall Car Park, Culworth Road, Chipping Warden, Banbury OX17 1LB;
· Upper Boddington - 25 May 2011 - Boddington Village Hall Car Park, Warwick Road, Upper Boddington NN11 6DH;
· Brackley - 27-28 May 2011 - Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfield Way, Brackley NN13 6JJ.
Do come and have a chat with me if you see me at one of the roadshows. Look forward to seeing you there.
Sulgrave Manor Public Meeting on HS2
On Thursday evening around 120 gathered at Sulgrave to hear from activists against HS2 on how to fill out the forms for the Government consultation that is taking place until 29 July.
Forms are on the Department for Transport website at http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/ and I do urge everyone to respond.
I then gave my own update on HS2. The key points I wanted to make are:
There is a growing number of MPs who are challenging the business case for HS2 and I take every opportunity to raise the issue.
The Transport Select Committee is now holding its own inquiry into the business case. This will be very influential.
Highly regarded organisations such as the Taxpayers Alliance have already come out against HS2 on the grounds of the business case.
The consultation is an open one, and I believe that everyone who is against HS2 should have their say. Views will be listened to by the Government, and I urge residents not to be despondent.
11th May
Big Week In South Northamptonshire!
It has been a big week for South Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Borough Council as voters went to the polls in the local elections and also to vote in the first nationwide referendum for 35 years. It was great news to hear that David Cardoza, the Chairman of Northampton Town Football Club announced he was backing the Conservative Party.
On polling day I made a big tour of polling stations chatting with people casting their vote and thanking the presiding officers and polling station staff for their hard work. I also enjoyed joining the candidates and campaign teams knocking on doors, reminding people to vote and also reminding people about the referendum. At one doorstep I met a lady who was under the impression that AV meant we could use electronic voting and at another I spoke with a man that said he wouldn't be voting in the referendum because he didn't like AV! I hurriedly explained to him that if he didn't like AV it was important he voted 'No'!
I recently visited a meeting of the University of Northampton Court which is a meeting of everyone who has an interest in the University and heard many good stories as well hearing about some of the fantastic courses on offer. I was pleased to hear that the University is very optimistic about the future. I encouraged the University to make clear the plans for tuition fees and explain to prospective students the facts, such as students will only begin paying back money once they are earning £21,000. I enjoy visiting schools and explaining to students the facts and I encourage the University to do the same.
I then made a dash across the campus to the Health and Well Being Research Facility to discuss with the department my plans for NORPIP. With the help of Northamptonshire County Council I would like to set up NORPIP in 2011 to help families bond with their new born babies. In time I hope this is a project that can be rolled out across the country with the help of children's centres.
In Upton the Elgar Community Centre opened this week. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the opening but had the pleasure of calling in on polling day. I was completely taken aback by the absolutely stunning building and the potential that the centre has. It can accommodate activities for all ages, whether in one of the spacious function rooms or outside on a sports pitch, if you are thinking of where to have your next event, I would urge you to consider the Elgar Centre. It is a fantastic example of what a community can do by working together.
In South Northamptonshire I have had the pleasure of visiting a number of projects that have been full of hope and optimism. Deanshanger Primary School invited me to their art exhibition at the Milton Keynes Gallery. The artwork, based on the theme of the rainforest, was truly amazing. Once the exhibition has finished in Milton Keynes the work will go on display at the Saatchi Gallery in London, this is a fantastic achievement and I congratulate all teachers, parents and young artists involved.
This week also marks my first anniversary as the MP for South Northamptonshire. It has been an eventful first year with many ups and downs and it has certainly been a steep learning curve! However, I have enjoyed every minute of it and, as ever, I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and proud to be your MP. I look forward to many more years serving South Northamptonshire and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of help.
4th April
George Osborne Makes A Silk Purse Out Of A Sow’s Ear!
At any time the budget dominates the news, even more so in the current economic climate. I think that the budget delivered by the Chancellor on Wednesday 23 March really does make a silk purse out of the sow's ear that was the economic legacy left to us by the last Government. I know some get frustrated that the argument keeps being used that the difficult decisions being made are because of the economic legacy of the last Government but I am afraid that this is the truth! I do not believe that these decisions are ideologically driven and I do believe that in the long run these measures will ensure the recovery and achieve future prosperity.
This budget will encourage jobs and growth for the future and help families with the cost of living. Families will be helped by income tax being cut, fuel duty being cut immediately and further increases being postponed. Jobs and businesses are benefitting from a cut in corporation tax from April this year, unnecessary regulations being scrapped and investment in science and innovation. An additional 50,000 apprenticeships and 100,000 work experience places are to be created. There will be help for first time home buyers and investment in the Green Investment Bank – all measures I fully welcome.
Our plans are backed by the IMF, OECD and every major business body in Britain. Labour have no plan to deal with the problem, they would have us continuing to spend £120 million a day on the interest on our debt which is more than we spend on our schools and defence!
Away from Westminster and I recently visited the wonderful Northamptonshire Community Foundation. Vicky the CEO explained to me how they act as a 'funnel' for those philanthropic local people and businesses who wish to give to specific local charities or projects. They are able to give out up to £750,000 in a year to 'good causes' and I strongly support what they do. I also held some advice surgeries, one at Towcester Farmers Market and the other at Wootton Community and Sports Centre. They were both well attended. If anyone feels I could be of help, do come along to one of my advice surgeries. You can make an appointment for my monthly Friday afternoon surgeries or just pop along to one of the 'drop in' surgeries. Details of both kinds of surgery can be found under 'contacts' on my website. Also while you are here, please take a minute to sign up to my newsletter, which is now up and running!
As I am sure many of you know the HS2 consultation period is well underway now and I hope as many of you as possible will take part. Last Friday I addressed a public meeting at Boddington and updated a packed village hall on HS2. The HS2 section of my website has loads of up to date information on the subject. I also secured a 3 hour debate in Parliament on Thursday 31 March to specifically discuss High Speed Rail. As the consultation is now nearing the end of its first month and the roadshows have just begun, now is a great time to discuss this matter again. I was delighted that so many MPs took part in this debate. There will be a full report published very soon so watch this space!
With best wishes
Andrea
10th March
Parliament Back In Full Swing!
We were all back into the swing of things this week in Westminster as Parliament returned. Recently events beyond our country's borders, let alone our border of Northamptonshire, have grabbed our attention. The human cost to the people of Libya in their fight for freedom is now all too apparent. It is a dangerously fine line that foreign governments must tread in their efforts to try to help the Libyans. Whether to impose a no fly zone and whether to help arm Libyan rebels are matters of complex and difficult judgment. Providing humanitarian aid and helping foreigners trapped in Libya to get home are a priority.
For us living in a democracy, whatever its faults and challenges, it is difficult to understand the chaos and brutality of the Gadaffi regime and the lengths to which this dictator will go to hold onto power. Sitting in Parliament it makes me really appreciate the democratic processes that we enjoy and take for granted. Freedom of speech and association are cornerstones of our society. Winston Churchill said when speaking about democracy, 'It is the worst form of Government except all the others that have been tried.' It is amazing to see the bravery and determination of the people of Libya to achieve their own freedom.
Elsewhere in Parliament this week I was disappointed to learn of the massive bonuses that Bob Diamond, the new Chief Executive of Barclays and many of his fellow senior bankers have been awarded. Mr Diamond earns £250,000 as a basic salary and plans to take a further £6.5 million in bonus yet the last Barclays Chief Executive received 'only' a bonus of £2 million in 2008. The argument that I hear time and again is that if these bonuses aren't paid, we will lose talent. Well Bob Diamond is moving to become CEO of Barclays where, in theory at least, his compensation will be around £3 million a year rather than the £6.75 million this year. So where does that leave the argument about the only motivator being financial reward? If that were true, surely he would have requested to take the job of CEO of Barclays for reasons of the pay on offer.
I appeared on Sky News this week to explain this point and to explain how my constituents feel rage and frustration at this news. When people across the country are losing their jobs, the Chief Executives who helped us get into this mess, are carrying on business as usual and are about to take home very generous bonuses, with no accountability for what is happening in our economy.
In Northamptonshire I visited a primary school last week to discuss the teaching of sex education in our primary schools. It has come to my attention recently that some of the material being taught to children as young as five, is simply unacceptable and inappropriate. It is, of course, very important that children learn about sex and are taught to be responsible and safe as we try to tackle teenage pregnancies and sexual transmitted diseases, however, the right sex education at the right age is also very important.
It is quite obvious that schools are teaching this material with the best of intentions and whilst I do not want to see central Government dictating everything our schools are doing, I do believe that some guidance is needed. I would like to see the Department for Education issuing guidance to schools, all material supplied to schools properly licensed, Governors to be actively aware of what materials are being used in their schools and to take a sensible and responsible view on this and parents to be made aware of the material that is being taught and to be offered the choice of 'opting in' to these lessons rather than 'opting out' as is the case at the moment. I have written to Rt. Hon. Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education to raise this matter.
There have been many changes to the role of an MP over the years perhaps the biggest change has been the advances in technology. Once upon a time the only way to contact your MP was by a letter and the only way to find out what they were up to was by a leaflet through the door or perhaps a piece in the local newspaper. Now there are many ways of contacting me and I do my best to keep you up to date with all I do. I receive many letters a day plus around 150 emails and telephone calls. As well as this weekly column, articles in local newspapers and newsletters and leaflets, I regularly tweet and I have just updated my website. So as well as reading this column, please have a look around some of the other pages and see what is going on and follow me on twitter! I am hoping to launch an email newsletter soon so there will be no excuse for not knowing what I am up to!
with best wishes
Andrea
2nd March
Recess In Westminster But I Am Keeping Busy!
Parliament took a break last week but I found plenty to keep me busy! Just before the recess I took part in a three hour debate on the Transport Select Committee report on priorities for railway investment. This was a good opportunity to raise the issue of High Speed Rail and many other MPs had the same thought. During the debate MPs spoke on issues relating to investment in transport infrastructure, however, the proposed plans for High Speed Rail was the main talking point with many MPs questioning the project, especially the cost, and asking if there were better solutions to our transport infrastructure needs.
On Saturday I attended the Stop HS2 Convention at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire and listened to speeches from campaigners. The event was very well attended and it was an excellent idea to get everyone together to talk more about the campaign, to pass on information, share ideas and get involved. The five month consultation period into HS2 has just begun and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in this consultation and to have your say. The Government has announced that this is to be a 'full and inclusive public consultation' and therefore I hope people will make the most of it. To take part in the consultation click here.
Last week I visited Roade School and spoke to the Sixth Form. I always enjoy visiting the schools in our area and am impressed with how knowledgeable the students are. The main issue that many students still raise with me is tuition fees and I was pleased to have the opportunity to explain to them that anyone that wants to go to university will be able to, they will not have to find any fees up front and will only begin paying money back once they are earning £21,000 a year. I really feel that the Government need to communicate this message more clearly and I have written to Rt. Hon. Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education suggesting that we need to do this.
I also had the great pleasure of visiting Piddington Roman Museum during recess. It was a fascinating glimpse of local history. I will be visiting local museums and other places of interest in coming weeks.
I have mentioned on many occasions how I am looking forward to the Localism Bill passing through Parliament, abolishing Regional Spatial Strategies and top down housing targets and returning planning decisions back to local communities. I am very keen for local communities to have a say over how their areas look and feel. Last Monday I met with the Northamptonshire Residents Association and representatives of residents associations around the county and I explained the process that the Localism Bill is going through. You can read more about the meeting here. I have also been pleased to add my support to the Yardley Gobion Parish Council in their effort to have their parish plan adopted by the government as a 'vanguard plan' under the new Localism Bill. It is an excellent example of localism in action and I commend the Parish Council for putting together their plan for the future of Yardley Gobion with the support of the community. I have urged the Department for Communities and Local Government to adopt their plan.
Parliament returns next week and therefore I will be speaking on 'women in business' and on 'Sure Start Children's Centres', among other things. Please do check back for my next update.
With best wishes
Andrea
15th February
Important Issues Aplenty This Week In Westminster!
I know there are plenty of other important issues, however this week was a big week with regard to wind farms! I sponsored a 3 hour debate through the backbench business committee to discuss onshore wind farms and was delighted that some constituents attended either in person or 'online' to hear the arguments.
The debate was well attended with around 27 MPs coming along altogether, quite a result considering there was the very important debate in the Chamber on Prisoner's Voting Rights at the same time! After I spoke another 12 backbench MPs made speeches. What was remarkable was that everyone who spoke was a coalition MP except for one Labour MP and everyone spoke against onshore wind farms - there was not one MP that spoke in favour of them!
Charles Hendry MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change responded for the Government. He stressed the need for a balance of technologies which should include nuclear, clean coal and a 'broad mix' of renewable. Whilst he didn't give any firm guarantees regarding onshore wind farms, I was delighted that during the day he had announced that the Government was committed to listening to the wishes of local communities and that it would be an obligation of the developer to only site wind farms in windy places. You can read the full debate by clicking here.
Many other important issues have been raised this week. Many constituents continue to write to me regarding forestry and I have learned a great deal from hearing their concerns. I must stress that there has not been a vote to sell off or privatise our forests or woodlands. There is, however, a consultation on whether the small proportion of our forests that are currently controlled by the Forestry Commission could be better managed by other means. I entirely support having this consultation but I assure you that I would not support legislation that would destroy, damage or commercialise these valuable heritage assets. I can also assure you of my confidence that this government intends to improve, not to worsen, the quality, access to and biodiversity of our woods and forests. I will continue to listen to all the arguments as this consultation continues.
I mentioned earlier that there was an important debate on Prisoner's Voting Rights and whilst I was sorry that the debate clashed with my own on wind farms, this was an extremely important debate. I am absolutely against prisoners having the right to vote. This shows a complete arrogance on the part of some EU institutions that try to force such ridiculous legislation on us. These institutions need to be challenged. It is outrageous that up to 28,000 prisoners, including 6,000 jailed for violent crime, more than 1,700 sex offenders, more than 4,000 burglars and 4,300 imprisoned for drug offences could be allowed to vote and that compensation payments could amount to more than £160m if the Government does not comply. On Thursday the UK sent a clear message that it is tired of being pushed around.
There was another important debate that took place on Friday. Usually the House of Commons doesn't sit on a Friday and all MPs return to their constituencies. However, occasionally there are some debates on Fridays on Private Member's Bills so last Friday, before rushing back to Brackley for my advice surgery, I went along to support a particular Bill called the 'Legislation (Territorial Extent) Bill' which aims to address the 'West Lothian Question'. The West Lothian Question is the bizarre situation when Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish MPs can vote on an issue which only affects England. The Bill aims to support better English democracy by ensuring that all Bills set out what territory they cover, the financial implications and how they affect individual constituencies. I voted in favour of this Bill and I am pleased to say that we won the vote. I will monitor the progress of this Bill closely and with interest.
With best wishes
Andrea
3rd February
We Can See The Wood For The Trees!
One of the most interesting things about Parliament is the diverse range of topics that are covered. This week we have been discussing everything from the NHS to our beautiful forests. I know these two issues have provoked a great deal of interest and have divided opinion and understand that people might feel nervous.
I know many constituents are concerned with plans for our forests and the wonderful Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire. It is extremely important that the public's access rights and enjoyment of our forests are protected and our natural heritage is secured. The Government has published a consultation paper which sets out a range of options for ownership or management of the forests in England which are currently run by the Forestry Commission. The Commission is currently responsible for a fifth of England's woodlands.
Over the last thirteen years, the Labour Government sold over 25,000 acres of forestry land, often without ensuring any protections. By contrast, the Government's consultation paper guarantees protections on rights to access so our ability to take the dog for a walk, go cycling or horse riding in the woodland we know and love will not be in danger. The paper also sets out how heritage forests could be transferred to charitable trusts, while commercial land could be leased, with strict protections build into its clauses.
Any land transferred to a new ownership or management will be subject to the same strict legal controls that are already in place including country rights of way protection, planning restrictions, wildlife conservation laws and felling licence requirements.
At the moment the Government is only considering these proposals and it's response to the public consultation will be published in the summer. Please rest assured that this Government will protect our forests better than ever before.
With regard to the Government's plans to modernise the NHS. We have a simple aim which is to ensure everyone is provided with healthcare which is free at the point of use and based on need and not ability to pay and which is the best in the world. At the moment, and despite the best efforts of its staff, the NHS doesn't achieve this. Someone in this country is twice as likely to die from a heart attack as someone in France, survival rates for cervical, colorectal and breast cancer are amongst the worst in the OECD; and premature mortality rates from respiratory disease are worse than the EU average. Put simply, the NHS is subject to too much, top-down control. Whole tiers of bureaucracy continue to restrict the decisions of doctors and nurses, while the number of managers in the NHS doubled under the previous Government. Despite the years of extra investment, productivity in hospitals has declined by 15 per cent over the previous 10 years.
These modernisation plans will ensure that the NHS delivers what its staff know it is capable of delivering: efficient, responsive, patient-centred care. When the NHS faces the twin pressures of an ageing population and of advances in medicine, we simply cannot afford not to modernise our NHS services and we must start now. First, the Health Bill will give responsibility for the NHS budget to frontline family doctors so that they can shape services according to the needs of the patients they see every day. Secondly, the Bill will ensure there is much greater local democratic involvement in health services, by giving local councils a crucial new role in helping frontline doctors take their decisions in the best interests of local communities. Finally, the Bill will allow anyone who requires treatment on the NHS to choose to be treated anywhere which meets NHS standards - whether this is at a charitable organisation, in the private sector, or in the NHS itself.
As a result of these modernisation plans, the NHS will be able to save £5 billion by reducing the unnecessary administration in the NHS over this Parliament. Because the Government is protecting the NHS budget, all of these savings will be reinvested where they should be - in treating patients.
In Northamptonshire I visited Infinis recently which is a company turning methane from landfill sites into biofuel. The machines they use generate heat that could be used for industrial purposes and I will be urging the Government to do all it can to provide support for the capital cost of kick starting this highly carbon efficient activity.
On Friday I am having my monthly advice surgery in Old Stratford. As ever, if you would like to come along to a surgery please call my constituency office on 01604 859721 and check the 'surgeries' section under 'contacts' on my website.
Until next week, best wishes
Andrea
31st January
Wind Farms Are Not Blowing Away!
Wind farms remain high on the agenda for me this week. I was not pleased to hear of the proposed plans for 16 wind turbines to be built in the Tove Valley, near to Paulerspury and Alderton and I will be working with residents to agree a way forward. I have said before that renewable energy is of course necessary for our 21st Century needs but local communities must be allowed their say rather than having them forced upon them. I also think there are major question marks over whether onshore wind energy is the best way to go forward with renewable energy. I met this week with representatives of two wind farm development companies and I remain unconvinced by the arguments.
I am using every opportunity I have in Parliament to raise the issue of wind farms and this week I made an application to the Backbench Business Committee. This is a newly created committee set up within Parliament which allocates time for debates on issues that backbenchers want to talk about, rather than having the Government deciding the agenda all the time.
So along I went on Tuesday at 1pm with a cluster of supporting MPs to try and convince the committee to give some time on the floor of the House of Commons Chamber to discuss onshore wind farms. The meeting has a 'Dragon's Den' feel about it, where the applicant makes their pitch and is then quizzed by the committee, some had some tough questions but I left feeling positive. Later that day I received news that the committee had allocated me a 3 hour debate on onshore wind farms. The debate will take place on Thursday 10 February between 2.30pm and 5.30pm and I expect it will be very busy!
The Backbench Business Committee is a great place for raising issues, and in the next few weeks I am going to make a further application for a debate to discuss the High Speed Rail project. Like the issue of wind farms, there is great interest from Members of Parliament from all across the country and whilst there will be those speaking for and those speaking against these projects it is vitally important we have a debate on them. The consultation period for HS2 begins in February and we are as yet unclear about what form this consultation will take. I am still of the opinion that the business, economic and environmental cases for HS2 have not been made convincingly and therefore this is an essential time to discuss this with other MPs.
I had an excellent meeting this week at Number 10 to discuss the importance of secure early attachment between babies and their carers and the need include this in public policy. I have been a trustee of OXPIP (Oxford Parent Infant Project) for the last 10 years and the work they do with struggling families is fantastic. I spoke in the Chamber last week where I talked about the brain development of babies in an excellent debate on 'Disadvantaged Children'. You can read my speech here. This year I hope to set up a NORPIP (Northampton Parent Infant Project) and I will keep you updated with my progress. I left my meeting at Number 10 feeling very positive so we will see what happens!
With best wishes
Andrea
21st January
Welcome to my new weekly column! I want to keep my constituents up to date with my work and I thought that a weekly column might help. So please pop back to my website, www.andrealeadsom.com each week to find out what I have been up to in South Northamptonshire and how I have been representing your views in Parliament.
I wish you a happy and healthy 2011. For me it has begun how 2010 finished off, extremely busy! Parliament reconvened after the Christmas recess on the 10 January and there have been a lot of important debates so far. One extremely important piece of legislation to be brought forward by the Government this week is the Localism Bill. The Bill was presented to Parliament before Christmas and had its Second Reading on Monday 17 January in which I spoke about our area. The Bill is very long, stretching to two volumes, and a nightmare to read! It covers many topics, from elected Mayors to local referenda to local planning. A key aim of the Bill is to abolish Regional Spatial Strategies, remove top down housing targets and return local planning powers to local authorities. It will allow neighbourhoods to propose development plans for their area and have a greater say on Handing in a petition to Downing Street how their communities look and develop.
I am delighted the Government has brought forward this Bill and am keen to make sure it fulfils its full potential and is not a missed opportunity. On Wednesday 12 January I held a debate in Westminster Hall on the subject of the Government's policy for planning and I discussed three issues that have a major impact on our area – planning targets, the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation and wind farms.
In particular I have serious concerns over the local infrastructure at the St Crispins development including roads not adopted, insufficient parking, worries over the number of school places, hospital capacity and stretched local Council services. I asked the Minister to set clear guidelines that Councils should follow in planning matters prior to the Localism Bill becoming law and the WNDC being disbanded.
Wind farms are a complex issue, and I spoke on this topic in the debate on the Localism Bill. Whilst I accept that renewable energy must be included in Britain's energy plans to ensure the security of future supplies, I am not convinced that onshore Wind Farms are the answer – only this December during the cold snap, the wind dropped and the turbines across Britain stopped turning, just when we needed them most. Wind turbines also blight the lives of local communities. The villages of Helmdon, Sulgrave and Greatworth are currently dealing with the prospect of having a wind farm built in the middle of them - I want them to have a say on where wind farms can be placed.
The Treasury Select Committee (of which I am a member) is also back in full swing as it continues its inquiry into competition and choice in banking. On Tuesday 11 January Bob Diamond the Chief Executive came before the committee to be grilled on banker's bonuses. I'm afraid I found his responses totally frustrating – defending the status quo and failing to acknowledge either the anger of the public at banker remuneration, or the need for a fundamental review of the way banking works. The Government cannot and should not be legislating on what private companies pay their staff. However, in the current situation, when most taxpayers are struggling the banks need to take the lead in sorting out their own houses.
My constituency work has been just as busy! Over the last couple of weeks I have visited the St Crispins retirement village, Silverstone Junior School, had lunch with members of Northampton Law Society and had the pleasure of attending the launch of the Hub Youth Cafe in Brackley. I have held meetings with Councillors at SNC to talk about the Localism Bill and HS2, and have joined the regular coordination meeting between SNAG members and County and District Councillors to discuss the consultation on HS2.
Each month I hold an advice surgery in any one of Towcester, Brackley or Wootton and this month it was in Towcester. Next week I'm holding a special 'one off' surgery in Old Stratford because several residents want to talk to me about planning.
This week saw the launch of my new 'Business Breakfast Club' where 25 local business people met with me for breakfast at Whittlebury Hall Atrium to share ideas on all manner of topics. Later that same day I was delighted to hand a petition into Downing Street with a group of constituents from Boddington regarding HS2 even though we got caught in the pouring rain!
Back in Westminster I am applying to the backbench business committee for a debate in the Chamber of the House of Commons on wind farms. I know how important this issue is for local residents, and I am pleased to say that I have plenty of support from colleagues of all parties who are keen to see this issue debated. I have not secured the debate yet but I am quietly confident!
I have also held meetings this week with colleagues regarding the Green Investment Bank. Back in the autumn the Chancellor, George Osborne announced £1 billion in funding for a green investment bank, as part of efforts to make the UK a leader in the low-carbon economy. This is something I am keen to support and put forward my own ideas on what the bank should look like. I would like to see this project go ahead as a joint venture between the Government and the major UK banks. I think it is important that it is a real bank rather than just a government owned fund. The project is in its early days but I have high hopes we can create something that would provide new businesses in the 'green technologies' with the funding to build thousands of new jobs and make Britain a world leader in cutting-edge low-carbon technologies.
I realise my first weekly column has been rather a long one but there has been a lot going on that I wanted to let you know about. I will post updates each week and hopefully they will become a little more concise!
If you ever need to get in touch with me for whatever reason, please do not hesitate.
Which best wishes
Andrea