Guy Opperman - MP for Hexham

House of Commons Debate on the Falkland Islands - self determination is key

2012-01-27T14:28:00.000Z

For several weeks since before Christmas I have applied to the Speaker, John Bercow, for a debate on the issue of the Falkland Islands. Finally at 9.30 on Tuesday morning he has found time for a 1 and a half hour debate on this issue - given the packed Westminster programme this delay is not unusual and the Speaker has recognised the importance of such a debate.
Regular readers will know that I met with Falkland Island representatives last year and have blogged on the issue again before Christmas.
Matters have clearly escalated diplomatically between the two countries and only yesterday the Argentinian President made a statement on the issue. The BBC have also been reporting on the dispute as well, and parliamentary colleagues spoke briefly on the issue in yesterdays Debate on defence.
I am still writing the speech but certain points are clear:
- The Falkland Island people will always have Great Britians support. Their destiny is entirely in their hands and as long as they wish to stay British, then British they will stay.
- I am calling for a self determination law - confirming that all overseas territories, of which there are 14, have an unambiguous right to remain British, and be defended from oppression, in the absence of a majority voting for secession.
- This point needs to be made firmly by all sides in the House of Commons [in a debate such as this the Opposition get to reply, and the Governemnt Minister responding will be Jeremy Browne, who is a Liberal. Thus there is great merit in the debate so that all sides of the House can reassure the Falkland Islanders of parliaments settled intention to stand by them.
- There should be no negotiation on sovereignty.
- I am pleased to see that the Argentinian President is confining her intentions to diplomatic pressure. So be it.
- But the world also needs to hear of the hardships that are being endured by the Falkland Islanders who are effectively being blockaded in their own lands. This is not acceptable, and does not smack of diplomacy to me.

I will post more closer to next Tuesday, but the debate will be on the parliament channel at 9.30 Tuesday morning. I know a lot of colleagues will be attending and supporting.

Performance Tables for all schools up and down the country have been published - check your school out

2012-01-27T10:40:00.003Z

Transparency and sunlight are the best of things: the Department for Education has releases its country wide ‘performance tables’ for secondary schools. Good to see Northumberlands schools doing so well.
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/
You can sift through them and I'd recommend you spend at least a couple of minutes doing just that. They reveal finer detail about schools and results than has been made public before, such as about how ‘disadvantaged children’ (those on free school meals or in local authority care for at least six months) perform in individual schools. We've seen facts similar to today's ‘only 33.9 per cent of disadvantaged pupils achieved five A*-C grade GCSEs including English and maths, compared to the national average of 58.2 per cent in maintained schools’, before now. It's more the capacity to delve down, quickly and easily, to a school-by-school level that's new.

These new school tables should make parents more informed. It's less about targets and rankings than simple truth. And the decent schools will get the full credit they deserve. Speaking of which, it turns out that — after the ARK group's impressive results yesterday — GCSE results at academies in general improved at almost twice the national average.

What's particularly encouraging is that there's more to come. Apparently, the Department for Education should be releasing even more detailed subject-by-subject data next month, in the build-up to the full National Pupil Database in the middle of the year. The government is excited about what this great mine of information will mean not just for education but also for the cause of transparency itself — and understandably so. The hope is that people outside of government will get their hands all over it and start producing snazzy, digital school guides that will tell parents everything they need to know. And they might tell educators and politicians the occasional thing too. If, for instance, one school is doing particularly well at teaching French, then there it is — visit it, learn its secret, spread it. Everyone stands to gain from this sort of transparency.

North East Olympic and Tourism Launch in Gateshead - "The magic does not just stay in London but spreads throughout the Country!"

2012-01-26T21:20:00.009Z

- Half of the worlds population will watch the Olympics
- 83% of all schools are involved in the Get Set for the Games programme, with 508 school games across the country
- 40,000 journalists will be covering the games
- 1000 free Cultural events all over the UK
- The Torch relay will cover 8000 miles around the country
- 4.5 million extra tourists
- 9 Olympic Football matches at St James Park
- One East Tynedale Games
- 4 days for the torch in the North East - all across the Hexham constituency on 16th June
- One amazing band from the North East in Folkestra playing
On March 8th 2012 the massive government advertising programme worth millions of pounds will kickstart the Olympics tourism in this country. Jeremy Hunt, Olympics Minister came to Gateshead today to launch the Olympics in the North East, along with Visit England chief, James Berrisford, Geoff Hodgson, NE Regional Board, the Cultural Olympiad Director, Ruth Mackenzie, and all the great team from the Sage and the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative.
" How can we make the most of the 2012 opportunity? The answer is simple: everyone from abroad will be told -"YOURE INVITED!"
And we must play our part - both by welcoming our guests, and by staycationing here -in Great Britain, and in the North East in particular.
"This will be 6 weeks of fun, but also 6 years of opportunity for our domestic Tourism Businesses" - Jeremy Hunt, MP, Olympics Minister today.

More to follow on the massive TV advertising campaign that is coming on March 8th, and the way in which everyone is going to be offered 20.12% discounts on all manner of local holidays and events.
I cannot wait - a spectacular day. It will be a spectacular year.

American Centre Right Politics - would you vote for any Republicans right now or support Obama

2012-01-26T06:11:00.000Z

Any student of the world, politics, and the way ahead, will look at the American election and shake their head in wonder? I set out below a recent piece from the Spectator assessing the race for the Republican nomination. I am a One Nation centre right politician, but I would unequivocably reject the Republican case as put forward by Newt Gingrich, and his tea party fans, and vote every single day for Obama in the upcoming 2012 poll.
From the Spectator:
"That tubby, unlovable rogue Newt Gingrich is on a big roll. His poll ratings are surging ahead of the Florida primary next week. This despite the fact that almost everyone, even the good fellows at National Review, can see what a disastrous candidate he is. Gingrich has — this hardly needs saying — a terrible record in office, a long list of involvements in dodgy deals, an embarrassing private life, and a dubious legacy as a man of ‘conservative principles’.
No wonder the Democrats are upping their attacks on Newt’s rival Mitt Romney. They know that Newt the nominee would all but guarantee four more years of President Obama. (Not that Mitt represents much more of a threat, mind.) Republican voters, for their part, just seem to get bored and turn against whichever candidate happens to be winning.
Have American conservatives realised, like everyone else, that neither Romney or Gingrich has a coherent conservative philosophy or any real chance of reaching the White House? It feels at the moment as if they’ve decided they might as well make this election year a bit more fun — by sending in Gingrich rather than Romney — because he is at least the more entertaining cretin. "

Obama is a force for good, and testament that anyone can make it with application and effort. Expectations were unrealistic of his messianic abilities - particularly given the world economy, but I hope America chooses him in November.

Green Deal Meeting with Greg Barker

2012-01-25T11:38:00.002Z

Just tried to speak in the India trade debate, and now off to PMQs, but time to thank the Green Alliance for sending me in todays post the Green Alliance Policy Insight Report on the Green Deal, following our successful summit in Hexham last year. Off to meet Greg Barker next week and put our concerns to government. For further details on this see todays Ecologist Magazine http://www.theecologist.org/blogs_and_comments/commentators/other_comments/1218574/getting_a_good_deal_from_the_green_deal.html

The Sunday Politics

2012-01-24T12:51:00.003Z

I was on the Sunday Politics last week discussing amongst other things unemployment and Police Commissioners. CLICK HERE to watch the show, the North East Version starts about 30minutes in.

Should we have a benefits cap? Yes we should - why should a hard working family subsidise someone to the tune of £35,000 a year?

2012-01-23T10:31:00.000Z

The benefits cap we have proposed is £35,000 benefits per year = £26,000, after tax, of a normal person. This is surely sufficient to live on?
On this issue some of the Bishops, Ed Miliband and a few liberals are manifestly wrong. Fortunately 76% of the population agree with the cap and a large amount would like it lower:
This is partly a question of fairness. Why should a family, without any of its members lifting a finger, be entitled to the same standard of living as the hard-working family who live next door?
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/mary-ann-sieghart/mary-ann-sieghart-when-the-people-can-see-what-fairness-is-why-cant-miliband-6293265.html

2012-01-23T10:05:00.000Z

Good to see Gordon Brown's big mate, Sir "Fred the Shred" Goodwin, the man whose ego and idiotic banking brought RBS to its knees, is likely to lose his knighthood - his case has been referred to the Forfeiture Committee, in Whitehall. They will consider whether to ask the Queen to revoke Sir Fred’s knighthood, which was bestowed on him in 2004 for ‘services to banking’. He must be in trouble as even Ed Miliband, who was in Downing Street when this all happended, as a Special Advisor, finally admits it was wrong to give him the honour.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2089131/Sir-Fred-Goodwin-Ed-Miliband-admits-Labour-wrong-honour-disgraced-RBS-chief.html

Torchgate..there is light at the end of the tunnel

2012-01-22T12:24:00.004Z

In the dark at Hexham Station. Torchgate is the disappointing failure of Northern Rail to plan for the extension of the 7.41 train from Hexham to Newcastle, which is so popular with passengers that many have to stand for the journey. Thus, when they did put another carriages on the end of the train the drivers objected to walking in the dark to turn the train around - this disaster being compounded by the lack of a torch for a while.
However, following last weeks debate in the House of Commons, when I raised the matter with the Minister for Transport, see HEREand then shone some light on the matter myself locally, as set out in the Journal HEREI am pleased to see that common sense may now prevail.
Unsurprisingly the Union, ASLEF, and the company Northern Rail, have now reached an agreement they should have reached ages ago and are assuring us, and the public, that the extra carriage will run next week, starting tomorrow. So:

I am delighted that there is light at the end of the tunnel
Out of darkness there is now hope and light, and
We can see clearly now

Enough of the bad metaphors ... here's hoping the extra carriage is there tomorrow!!

Stannington event with Cabinet Minister tomorrow and the Best Westminster story of 2012 thus far...

2012-01-19T21:43:00.001Z

Welcoming Owen Paterson, the Eurosceptic Northern Ireland Minister to Stannington tomorrow, and feel I have to share the story that is going around Westminster yesterday - I stress that rumours make it clear it is not necessarily true, but it did make me smile:
The Summit Journey:Coming back from another recent EC summit in Rome, various European leaders were forced to take the train due to a strike by Swiss ATC controllers; sitting together in the same compartment, travelling through the Swiss Alps, were Sarkozy, Cameron, Merkel and the young and very attractive female Irish foreign minister.
The train goes into a dark tunnel and a few seconds later there is the sound of a kiss followed by a loud slap.
When the train emerges from the tunnel, Sarkozy has a bright red, hand print on his cheek. No one speaks, everyone is extremely shocked and embarrassed.
Angela Merkel thinks: Sarkozy, not able to help himself, must have kissed the Irish girl in the dark, and she slapped his cheek.
The Irish girl thinks: Sarkozy, not able to help himself, must have tried to kiss me in the dark, but missed and kissed Merkel and she slapped his cheek.
Sarkozy thinks: Why me ? That perfidious Cameron must have groped the Irish girl in the dark knowing that I’d get the blame for it and she slapped me…the English bastard.
Cameron thinks: I can’t wait for another tunnel, just so I can kiss the back of my hand again and smack that little French sod another time.

Home in Hexham and the Daylight Savings Bill

2012-01-19T09:25:00.003Z

Home in Hexham for a long work weekend - multiple surgeries in Hexham tomorrow and a meet with the Hexham River Hydro team, and then welcoming the Cabinet Minister, Owen Paterson, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to a do in Stannington Friday night, where he is speaking. Saturday am all day in Ponteland, with meetings about the Ponteland Green belt and other surgeries, and then Sunday I will be appearing on the new look Politics Show, talking about Police Commissioners and what we are doing to help victims of asbestosis.

Sadly this means I have to miss Fridays Private Members Bill Debates: few such bills get passed but I think there is a good chance that the second reading of my good friend Rebecca Harris' Daylight Savings Bill will get passed. If I were in the House I would have supported it. The economic arguments seem overwhelming and although the further north you go into Scotland there are arguments against the idea by Scottish MPs I have been struck that my postbag from constituents is clearly in favour of this proposed Bill.
For a more detailed look at the argument in favour look here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8856334/Daylight-Savings-Bill-the-argument-for.html

BoJo has MoJo - and an explanation of the good things that come from Police Commissioners and Mayors

2012-01-18T19:33:00.005Z

Just back from a barnstorming meeting with the Mayor of London, who as always turned up 5 mins late and with his shirt hanging out. Hairstyle / suit was borrowed from the "dragged thru a hedge backwards" school of tailoring. I am confident he will win the Mayoral election in May: he described his style of leadership as "sensible, moderate, One Nation, cost cutting Conservatism."

Howwever, the serious points were that he gave us 40 minutes on the massive difference a Mayor and a Police Commissioner can make:

The stats on his Mayoralty make very interesting reading:
- council tax down by 12%
- transport services reinvigorated with Boris Bikes, the safest tube in Europe, massively improved tube efficiency, designated bike lanes, and selling of the hated Bendy Buses to Scandanavian Airports and the poor people of Malta
- housing massively improved on a number of levels, particularly the number of affordable homes
- 50,000 trees planted and a series of improvements to Londons parks
- Great opportunities for the young with the National Citizens Service
- Crossrail and Tube upgrades
and 204 countries sending representatives to the Olympic Games.
He spoke well on the idea of "Putting the Village back in to London"

On Crime, and the need for Police Commissioners, his role as the Police Commissioner has shown crime reduction on a significant scale:
- knife crime deaths cut by a half
- murder rate down 25%
- bus crime down 13%
- and a massively safer tube
He was adamant that expanding Heathrow would never happen, but pretty confident that Boris Island - paid for by private investment - would. The choice is clear - Boris or Ken Livingstone, who one person made the point visited Cuba more times in his term of office than he went to Hammersmith and Fulham...
I will definitely be supporting Boris in the coming months

Green Deal Report

2012-01-17T09:50:00.002Z

Regular readers will remember that I recently held a Green Deal Summit in Hexham to discuss plans for the Government's Green Deal which has the potential to transform thousands of households in Tynedale.

Following on from the Green Deal workshop the Green Alliance have complied a report - Getting a good deal from the Green Deal - which contains the views from local communities, which they have published and submitted to the government’s consultation.

The report presents the conclusions from the three workshops they held in late 2011 it is available on their website here. Thank you to everyone who came for participating in the workshop we ran in Hexham.
The Green Alliance and the 3 MPs who were involved in the Green Deal Workshops in Hexham, Bristol NW [charlotte Leslie] and Redcar [Ian Swales] are all meeting the Green Deal Minister, Greg Barker, at the end of January to try and explain our findings and see to what extent we can assist the development of what is fundamentally a really good idea.

DECC Select Committee evidence of Mike Murray and Lauren Langton

2012-01-16T17:16:00.004Z

Mike and Lauren in my shared office in Westminster. They came to parliament and told the DECC Select Committee what was really happening to customers needing LPG and heating oil.
The full transcript of their, and others witnesses, evidence that morning is set out in this link:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmenergy/uc1744-i/uc174401.htm
Tomorrow I have a meeting with the Office of Fair Trading and will be pushing them, and the Business department, to conduct a proper investigation into competition, pricing and availability of heating oil and LPG.

The last great undiscovered wilderness trek in England and the delights of Allen Valley Fishing - more reasons to go to Allendale

2012-01-16T06:26:00.003Z

The Allen Valley south of Hexham is a special place, full of fascinating people, and heavenly countryside. We are always trying to persuade people to come to Northumberland and see why it is Gods Own County and I am delighted to share 2 further good reasons:
- Hiking the Tea Trail: Isaacs Tea Trail needs to be tried and I am determined to walk at least some of it this coming summer. It is a magical 36 mile circular walk across the green valleys and wild moors, with stunning views across Northumberland and Cumbria. It starts in the magical hamlet of Ninebanks, then takes in Allendale, Sinderhope and Nenthead before heading west to the town of Alston, on your way back to Ninebanks. If you do walk it you will experience true rural beauty, with tranquility where the only sound is bird song, and you are walking through the living history of mining, methodists, tea, and so much more.
The Independent on Sunday describes how the "Tea Trail remains one of the last great undiscovered wilderness treks in England". And there are great pubs, tea shops and B+Bs en route
Full details on their website: http://www.northumberlandlife.org/teatrail/

- The Allen Valley Anglers and Conservation Group, led by the passionate Paul Frear, are doing great work in preserving and promoting the River Allen, whilst also allowing locals and tourists a chance to catch a fish: I like their catchphrase: "join today, catch tomorrow!" Full details on their website http://www.allenvalleyanglers.co.uk/
They are having their AGM on the 2nd Feb and I would encourage all interested locals and tourism professionals to go along. Parliamentary business means I cannot be there but Paul and Graeme have agreed to come fishing with me, when the season gets under way, and turn this competent amateur into something vaguely resembling a decent fisherman.
They are working with local pubs, and B+Bs and have "secured arrangements with 5 local businesses to sell fishing permits to visiting anglers," and tell me that they "are all geared up to start selling these with the start of the new season". They tell me that there are bigger fish than what Lucy has caught!
If you have not been to South Northumberland and the amazing Allen Valley I urge you to go.

Back to Hospital - for good reasons this time!!

2012-01-15T12:47:00.000Z

Up early tomorrow morning to go to the National Neurological Hospital in Queens Square, London. Regular readers will know that doctors there saved my life in April / May 2011 by removing a non malignant tumour.
Last summer I raised money for the hospitals charity campaign by walking Hadrians Wall. I then increased that sum by telling the story of the illness, the amazing NHS care that I received, and the recovery you can make from a tumour.
The full story is on this link, and my thanks to the Mail on Sunday Health Team who made a large donation to the charity in return for the story:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2035955/MP-Guy-Opperman-recalls-owes-NHS-life-diagnosed-brain-tumour.html
I will be handing over a large cheque to the hospital when I see the Chief Exec first thing. Looking forward to popping in to my ward and saying hello to the nurses. Like all nurses they love chocolate - fear not ladies, your regular rations are on their way.

Pleased to see that Ed Balls now agrees that limiting public spending is the right thing

2012-01-15T07:36:00.001Z

Great Britain has for many years been spending £4 for every £3 we make. This sadly could not continue. Noone says the process is easy, and the pain is visible all over the country, and I see it regularly in my constituency surgeries.
But finally Ed Balls has admitted that he was wrong to oppose every limitation of the public spending cuts that the Coalition Government has had to make.
Thius far in this parliament Labour have opposed every single limit to public spending. This populist opportunism and grandstanding apparently will now stop - see his speech to the Fabian Society today as reported by the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16558820

I will believe the change to the 2 Ed's strategy when I see it but they will have to face down their union paymasters now.

The flawed case for Scottish Independence

2012-01-14T17:16:00.001Z

Alex Salmond, the SNP Leader is clearly a very wily fox, but any analysis of the case for Scottish Independence shows that the argument in favour is fraught with danger. I should say that I believe that our two countries are stronger together on a multitude of levels but a sensible debate requires an analysis of the consequences of independence:
- Cash: Scotland would have just 14% of North Sea oil revenues, yet no Barnett formula subsidy by Non Scottish taxpayers. Salmond being Salmond says he does not want to take back The Royal Bank of Scotland - that is apparently Englands problem: even though - in 2007, the SNP leader wrote to RBS boss Sir Fred Goodwin backing his takeover of ABN Amro — the deal which brought the bank down.
- What of Great Britain's National Debt? This was incurred by all the country. Is Scotland going to avoid paying its per capita share of the £140 Billion that we all owe?
- Europe: if Mr Salmond says he wants to join the Euro, then good luck to him. He would certainly have to join the EU.
- Defence: what of all the British forces, regiments and naval and air bases in Scotland. Every week we hear from Scottish MPs [mainly the nationalists] arguing that the defence programme in Scotland is vital to jobs and their local and national interests. Would they support all the costs as well.
- Health and Welfare: it is laughable to say that Scotland could afford the benefits, health and pensions system it now enjoys. It simply does not have the cash.

Finally you have to ask what the Queen thinks of all this? She is the leader of the United Kingdom. I am certain she has no desire to see her kingdom broken up.
Sadly Mr Salmond is like a spoilt child, who wants a whole collection of expensive cake, to be paid for by his parents, with no thought to his own obesity or long term health.

This debate is a really serious one. Mr Salmond is genuinely not helping his country and the welfare of his nation. His flawed idealogical ramblings, made for political gain, must be matched by the facts on every occasion. It would be a disaster for all of us if Scotland declared independence ... but most of all it would be a disaster for the Scottish people.
The Daily Mail's piece yesterday shows that you must always be careful what you wish for: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2086465/What-Scotland-did-alone.html

Fighting the fight against Fuel Poverty

2012-01-14T16:33:00.003Z

Jobs matter, housing matters, so many things matter...
But fuel poverty is an issue that cuts across politics, and it matters to those who are really struggling. It affects those who have to pay at least 10% of their income simply on heating. In the North East we have 24% fuel poverty and, in Hexham, it is one of our biggest campaigns. Following on from the appearance of Mike and Lauren, representing the North Tyne and Allendale Oil clubs, at the all party DECC select committee, we had a very interesting debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday and it is worth analysing the debate. I could not persuade the Speaker to call me to speak but was able to get in three key questions:
1. To the Labour Energy spokesman, Caroline Flint:
Guy Opperman (Hexham, Conservative)
Today the Select Committee on Energy and Climate Change heard some of my constituents give evidence on the issue of off-grid energy. May I ask a simple question? Is the Opposition’s policy to regulate it—yes or no?

Caroline Flint (Don Valley, Labour)
We have had a number of debates on the subject. One of the problems with off-grid energy is that some of the schemes that the Government are coming up with do not help the people who are affected by it. I shall say more about that later in the context of the green deal. There are real questions about who will be excluded, but we are talking today about energy prices, and about what we can do to make the market more competitive and responsible.

I look forward greatly to learning what the Select Committee has discussed in relation to off-grid energy, and will think about some of its recommendations. We will make up our own minds about what we should do, but I acknowledge that there is a problem. During the three months for which I have had my present job, it has arisen many times in debates. I also acknowledge that there are insulation problems for many people in rural communities whose homes have solid walls. I am afraid that I cannot give the hon. Gentleman chapter and verse today, but he can be reassured that the issue is on my radar.

2. Then to the Liberal Secretary of State Chris Huhne, to see what he would do:
Guy Opperman (Hexham, Conservative)
I merely reiterate the point that with 24% of the north-east in fuel poverty, the situation in relation to heating oil and liquefied petroleum gas for off-grid customers is clearly unsatisfactory. Does the Secretary of State accept that and what specifically does he intend to do about it?
Christopher Huhne (Secretary of State, Energy and Climate Change; Eastleigh, Liberal Democrat)
My hon. Friend makes a good and important point. People who are off-grid have traditionally had to deal with substantially higher costs than those who are on grid, and that continues to be the case. The case for regulating off-grid is weak, because as long as the market is competitive, it ought to deliver a reasonable result for consumers. I was surprised, as were other members of the ministerial team, that when we asked the Office of Fair Trading to look at the market, it was
given a clean bill of health on competition grounds. We need to continue to watch this situation and we are very much on the case. With the renewable heat incentive and the green deal, it will be important that people who are off-grid think about other options rather than being reliant on heating oil, such as ground source heat pumps and biomass, which can already be cheaper than on-grid options.

Regular readers know that we think that the OFT report was a simplistic white wash - a point I put slightly more gently to my neighbour over the border in Durham:

3. Guy Opperman (Hexham, Conservative)
I am the hon. Lady’s constituency neighbour and we share a great deal of common ground on the issue of off-grid problems. So far as my constituents are concerned, there is no genuine competition and fairness of pricing in respect of off-grid, so from their point of view the report by the OFT, which was only a market study, is manifestly insufficient and not right. Do her constituents convey the same concerns?

Pat Glass (North West Durham, Labour)
Yes, exactly the same issues are raised in my constituency surgeries. The OFT accepted that in some parts of the country there are fewer than three suppliers, but in practice even though there may be three advertised suppliers, sometimes only one company is prepared to deliver. That is certainly the case in parts of my constituency, and I am sure that is also the case elsewhere. That may not be a monopoly in the view of the OFT, but for my constituents it is definitely a monopoly. Some of my constituents were faced with increases of almost 100% in heating oil prices in the run-up to Christmas last year, and only one company was prepared to deliver. I call that a monopoly. I urge the Government, and my party’s Front-Bench team, to look again at the regulation of this sector.

We will continue to press the case that there is no real competition and fairness in the provision of heating oil and LPG, and highlight those local companies who are providing a fair rate for their fuel. The DECC committee hearing is available online early next week and I will post it when I have it.

Greggs Boost

2012-01-12T09:44:00.001Z

Anyone who has visited my constituency office will know that we have a bit of an affinity with Greggs, as we are located on the 2nd floor of a Greggs cafe! The Newcastle company has over 1500 shops, and has recently announced that that total sales grew by 5.8% and like-for-like sales by 1.4%. During the year it opened a record 98 new shops and also completed 170 shop refurbishments. That expansion has created great news of around 800 new jobs and took its staff numbers above 20,000 for the first time.

Energy Prices and Fuel Poverty in the House

2012-01-11T15:44:00.002Z

Off to try and get into the Energy Debate on fuel poverty this afternoon.

Great morning in the House. Lauren and Mike were amazing before the Department of Energy and Climate Change all party Select Committee, giving evidence on heating oil, the lack of competition, oil buying clubs, the savings they make,the problems on pricing and so much more. I will post the full details of their evidence online, and on the blog, but they were praised by Labour's Albert Owen for their evidence, and two comments of the Committee Chairman stood out: "a lot of the country will be interested in what you are doing" and, as they finished - "You have made a big difference to our conclusions"
Afterwards was able to take them in to listen to PMQs in the main chamber

Hexham comes to Westminster - constituents give evidence to DECC Select Committee

2012-01-10T20:51:00.002Z

Very exciting day tomorrow: 2 of my constituents have been invited to give evidence to the Department of Energy and Climate Change Select Committee. Mike Murray, of the Tarset Oil Club, and Lauren Langton, are appearing live tomorrow at around 10.30am - you can watch on the parliament channel or the democracy website. Others are giving evidence in writing. This is all part of our desire to ensure that there is a significant reduction in fuel poverty, and a fair market for heating oil and LPG. I wish them luck and will be cheering from the sidelines.

The Committee has taken up my request, set out in writing and in the detailed debate of the 19th October 2011, on energy prices, to investigate heating oil and LPG pricing and regulation: full details here http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2011-10-19b.929.1&s=speaker%3A24962#g957.0
but the key part of the debate is set out below:
Guy Opperman (Hexham, Conservative)
There cannot be regulation without submissions being made and investigations taking place. It is incumbent upon us not just to get upset about how our constituents are being affected by heating oil and prices but to make representations to organisations such as the OFT. We must also invite the Energy and Climate Change Committee to investigate off-grid energy, which I very much hope it will do.Albert Owen (Ynys Môn, Labour)
I am pleased to help the hon. Gentleman by saying that we are going to have a further inquiry into the retail market, in which we will examine off-grid energy.Guy Opperman (Hexham, Conservative)
I am most grateful, and I hope that as part of that inquiry the Committee will examine the weighty report that the OFT has provided, as well as specific submissions from individuals and organisations that, like the previous three speakers, can give specific examples of price fixing or the appearance of price fixing. That is in the context of DCC, the company that I am particularly concerned about and have to deal with, recording operating profits of approximately 19.9% on an ongoing basis. I find that figure hard to square with the one given by the managing director, who when questioned in The Sunday Times said that the operating profit was only 2%—but I have taken my figure from the published accounts.

In Hexham five independents operate—WCF, Par Petroleum, Wallace Oils, GB Fuels Ltd and Rix Petroleum. I urge individual Members to draw to their constituents’ attention by every possible means, as I do for each and every constituent who is faced by heating oil problems, which independents operate in the constituency, so that they are in a better position to get a fair price.

A tale of two Railways - HS2 and Torchgate on the Hexham Line...

2012-01-10T19:29:00.003Z

On the day when the House debated HS2 it was noticeable that all political parties supported and approved the idea and the plan for a high-speed rail route linking London to the West Midlands and subsequently the north east of England. Ultimately the route will go to Scotland. It will add up to 26,000 more seats for rail passengers, and slash journey times by as much as half.
HS2 will also help create jobs, growth and prosperity for the North East. It has the support of business and will also free up extra capacity on the existing network.

A separate railway debate is "Torchgate": readers of the Hexham Courant will know that the notoriously crowded 7.42am train from Hexham to Newcastle has had one of its key Units withdrawn after just three days in service.
The unit was removed because drivers had to walk from one end of the train to the other in the dark – and rail union health and safety officials said this practice was unsafe.
I offered to break the deadlock, as the paper reports:
Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman said: “Clearly this extra carriage is vital for the comfort of passengers. While health and safety measures have to be observed, I find it incredible that drivers cannot use a torch to walk a distance of 100 yards.
If they have not got a torch, I will personally buy them one each! The public will be amazed that a more practical solution cannot be found.”
http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk/news/news-at-a-glance/no-light-relief-on-packed-train-1.911385?referrerPath=home/1.815878

My Railway Guru and Tyne Valley Rail Users Group Member, Robert Forsythe, said: “This is shambolic and as a result, day after day, people are being left stranded.
“Union health and safety coupled to managerial lack of forethought ensures the Tyne Valley passengers are treated like cattle.”

Sadly, the saga is ongoing, but I am pleased that the parties are at least working on it.

Parliament returns, health questions and the catch of the year

2012-01-09T14:37:00.004Z

Westminster activity is hotting up as the House sits again tomorrow [albeit the team and I have been hard at it and at our desks both after xmas and over the new year period].
Meeting the Green Aliance tomorrow concerning our Green Deal workshops before our meeting and submissions to Greg Barker on the Green Deal later this month
Also having further meetings tomorrow regarding the Arch Cru crisis tomorrow which we are prepping. Will report back on both later this week.

Have 2 questions as well in the House to Health Ministers at 2.30
i). What steps has the SOS taken to implement flexi scope bowel cancer screening
and the follow up =
ii). The government rightly chose the North East for 2 of the successful pathfinder tests in South of Tyne and Tees. Can the Minister give me a specific date for when local screening centres will be invited both to bid to become pilot sites, and actually have patients as part of the programme?

On a lighter note I can only recommend that any cricket lover go to this link and admire the catch of this year, and any year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wq5MHIRWqQ

Improving nursing in the NHS

2012-01-08T09:10:00.001Z

Not sure if any of you heard the Prime Minister on RADIO 4 on Friday discussing his plans to improve nursing in the NHS but it was very interesting. The PM was up North to talk about the Government’s drive to ensure that every patient is cared for with compassion and dignity in a clean environment.

The Prime Minister set out some new guiding principles for NHS nursing:

Patients not paperwork: we will get rid of a swathe of bureaucracy that stops nurses from doing what they do best.
Regular nursing rounds: to systematically and routinely check that patients are comfortable, are properly fed and hydrated, and are treated with dignity and respect, with the Royal College of Nurses (RCN) helping to make it happen.
Leadership on the wards: people want to see a figure of authority on the ward . To help do so, a Nursing Quality Forum of front line nurses and nursing leaders will be set up, charged with taking a national leadership role in promoting excellent care and ensuring good practice is adopted across the NHS.
New patient-led inspections of hospital wards: local people will go in as part of teams assessing cleanliness, dignity and nutrition and their findings will be published.
New ‘friends and family test’: this will ask whether patients, carers and staff would recommend their hospital to their families and friends in their hour of need. We will publish the results and hospital leaders who fail this test will be held to account.

Mr Cameron said: “We’ve talked a lot in the last 18 months about getting the right structures in place to secure the long term future of the NHS. But we can’t just sit around waiting until the structural changes take effect. There’s something really fundamental that needs to be put right fast. We need an NHS which ensures that every patient is cared for with compassion and dignity in a clean environment.

“We know the vast majority of patients are very happy with the care provided by the NHS. I’ve seen the NHS at its very best – the incredible people for whom nursing is a true vocation, who go beyond the call of duty and combine great medical knowledge with great care. But I also know we’ve got a real problem in some of our hospitals with patients not getting the food and drink they need or being treated with the respect they deserve. The Care Quality Commission found one in five hospitals wanting. I am absolutely appalled by this. And we are going to put this right.

"If we want dignity and respect, we need to focus on nurses and the care they deliver. Somewhere in the last decade the health system has conspired to undermine one of this country’s greatest professions. It’s not one problem in particular. It’s the stifling bureaucracy. The lack of consequence for failing to treat people with dignity. Even, at times – as we saw with Mid-Staffordshire – the pursuit of cost-cutting or management targets without sufficient regard for quality of care."

The PM is totally right on this - Nursing needs to be about patients not paperwork. It is right the Governemnt moves to get rid of a whole load of bureaucracy that stops nurses from doing what they do best. And in return it is right patients should expect nurses to undertake regular nursing rounds – systematically and routinely checking that each of their patients is comfortable, properly fed and hydrated, and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

The Royal College of Nursing is supporting the Government on this and it's great to see it happen.

Justice for Stephen Lawrence drowned out by Dianne Abbott

2012-01-07T10:58:00.007Z

This week should have been a celebration of the fact that a young black man, called Stephen Lawrence, and his amazing parents, were finally getting justice. I know some of the lawyers who have fought for over 10 years for justice for the Lawrence family. The decision further reinforces the wonderful idea that the true force of the law will get bad people in the end.

Sadly, this groundbreaking struggle for justice, democracy, persistence and equality has been completely drowned out by the idiocy that is Dianne Abbott, MP, and her ill advised comments on white people and the ability of black people to get a taxi in London.

Put to one side the fact that both her comments this week are racist, in the technical sense of the word, and the likelihood that if a white person had said these things I doubt such a person would still have their job as a shadow spokesman for the opposition.

My biggest concerns arising out of the disaster that has been Dianne Abbott's week are twofold:
i). The drowning of the key message that Great Britain is a genuinely multicultural society. I speak as the ancestor of immigrants. The Lawrence verdict has just demonstrated that killing someone on a lonely suburban London street merely because of the colour of his skin is unacceptable, and that our society agrees with this. Note how BNP support is dwindling not rising in these times.

ii). However, the second message is that we lack good black role models in public life - in a way that America is far ahead of us:
Where is our General Colin Powell?
Miss Abbott is hardly Condeleeza Rice is she?
I hope that this spurs on black children and teenagers to get involved in public service. We need them to show the way.
The papers have mixed views on the affair but probably the best piece is this:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/8998384/Diane-Abbotts-real-offence-is-to-deny-children-the-best-start-in-life.html

Councils must lead the way

2012-01-07T09:56:00.001Z

Its often easy too bash local councils but I am of the belief that strong dynamic leadership at Council level can transform both local communties and local economies. The problems we have had getting the Lib Dem leaders of Northumberland County Council to push ahead on rural broadband provision are well documented and this bit of news recently caught my eye; A deal has been struck between O2 and two neighbouring councils - Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea - to provide free Wi-Fi across thier council areas.

It means that Europe’s largest free Wi-Fi zone will be established in time for the Olympics. Wi-Fi access points will be installed in street furniture, initially to a small number of areas, but eventually will entirely cover both boroughs. No cost is being incurred by the Council Taxpayer or central Government. In fact it will be a source of revenue for the Town Halls and will no doubt be a big help to economic regeneration.

Westminster City Council cabinet member for strategic finance Cllr Philippa Roe said:

“Westminster welcomes over a million tourists a day, is home to 250,000 residents, employs over half a million people and sees 4,000 business starts-ups each year. Next summer’s Olympic Games mean that London will be putting on the biggest show on earth and as Westminster has a starring role, visitors to London will easily be able to share their pictures and updates of the Olympic events across social networking sites.”

Now of course there are a million and one differences between affluent parts of London and our patch here in rural Northumberland but I do think it demonstrates the kind of innovative projects out there when you have a Council really pushing hard for them. The right leaders at County Hall can make a real difference.

Finally on the topic of rural broadband I am working with Vodafone and some residents in one of our villages to see if we can help deliver broadband to them using the network. Exciting stuff: I will keep you posted in the future.

Veto Ale and a Knighthood for Sir Bob Russell MP

2012-01-04T15:24:00.003Z

Quiet morning in Westminster today. This blog likes to keep up with key national developments and I was pleased to see that Batemans, a "proud, independent British brewery" has decide to introduce a new 'Veto Ale' in celebration of David Cameron's "no" to Nicolas Sarkozy and other EU leaders. The Veto ale is exclusive to Wetherspoons and their chairman Tim Martin is delighted:
"Veto Ale is a traditional English bitter and a perfect example of a great beer style that you can drink and feel proud to be British. I believe that David Cameron has taken the right decision on the euro and that customers in our pubs will salute this with a pint of this excellent beer."
Veto Ale is, we learn, "brewed using solely British ingredients". But, of course.

In Northumberland we support anything British brewed, which makes people go to local pubs, albeit I accept that Wetherspoons is a chain. I suspect the beer may sell well.

Sifting through the New Years Honours I was pleased to see a knighthood for the Liberal MP for Colchester, Sir Bob Russell MP, who who was first elected when Nick Clegg was only four years old! In this media age the several pensioners in parliament still have a great deal of insight, experience and wisdom to offer. Sir Bob is easily identifiable on the front row of the Liberal benches, albeit he does not hold office. He tends to look like he has been dragged through a hedge backwards and then dressed down by Shirley Williams. However, he is a nice man, and as reported in Lib Dem Voice, he has accepted the honour in a similar way to that other famous class warrior, John Prescott, with a nice one liner:
"I have spent my entire adult life fighting the establishment but clearly, I have failed.”

As a footnote, on the same website, only the Liberals could be running a poll for "your favourite Liberal of the year" with the choice including Hugh Grant, Occupy London, Ken Clarke and Hilary Clinton = and not one actual Liberal! You could not make it up.
Full details on both stories at: http://www.libdemvoice.org/sir-bob-russell-mp-i-have-spent-my-entire-adult-life-fighting-the-establishment-but-clearly-i-have-failed-26450.html

The need for local banks - our big campaign for 2012

2012-01-03T18:01:00.006Z

I have been much impressed by the work of the New Economic Foundation [NEF], which describes itself as "a think and can do tank". I attended their Better Banking Conference before Christmas, and have been particularly impressed with the writings of Andrew Simms and Tony Greenham, who collectively urge a focus in banking away from City institutions and into towards local banks.
This is the issue of our times, as without a better banking system our economy will struggle.
I spoke about this in the House in November during the manufacturing debate.
In my opinion, very quietly there is a banking revolution going: Metro Bank has set up from scratch, Virgin Money is now a new player, and just before Christmas the Co-operative Bank successfully took over 632 branches of Lloyds: this is welcome news. It heralds a challenge to the banking status quo on the high street.
But we need to do more.

As Tony Greenham puts it: "The highly concentrated British banking market stands out like a sore thumb internationally. Not because we have large global banks — others have those too — but because a tier of domestic banking is completely absent from Britain: local banks.

The idea that smaller local banks might provide the economic bedrock for businesses and consumers seemed rather quaint and old-fashioned during the banking bubble of the past two decades. After all, who needs local branch managers to assess loan risk with their knowledge of the applicant and the local economy, when mathematicians can manipulate spreadsheets until risk disappears? The future is in futures, don’t you know.

Since the financial crash, the merits of a vibrant system of local banks have become apparent. We need only look at, for instance, Germany, Switzerland and America. These economies not only have large global banks; they have an economically significant sector of smaller community-based and mutual banks — about 70% of the banking market in the case of Germany.

Studies of the German savings banks, a network of 430 independent but mutually supporting local institutions, show they have made modest but steady profits through both booms and recessions. The mighty Deutsche Bank, by contrast, plunged from huge profits to calamitous losses. The Swiss cantonal banks, focused exclusively on the economic health of their own regions, increased lending to small businesses after the credit crunch, the opposite of what has happened here.

That is the sort of bank that Northern Rock could and should have been, before it crashed - a bank focused on savings and loans for households and businesses in and around Newcastle. Not a Mini-Me international investment bank focused on pleasing the City down south.

Britain needs to create a local banking system, and fast, if we are to ensure businesses and customers across the country get access to sensible and stable credit and other essential banking services.

We need new banks founded on the principle of using credit to support manufacturing and start-ups over financial speculation and playing the commercial property market. Banks that are duty-bound to serve all citizens in their area and not leave the disadvantaged to the shady world of loan sharks and moneychangers. Retail banks that are not run by investment bankers."
Wise words

Very shortly I am meeting Hector Sants of the FSA, with Andrew Tyrie, the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee, to discuss the creation of local banks. The likely fate of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), which we all own 83%, will be key.

I would hope to see the usage of RBS into a system of locally governed banks — a local bank for every city and county. Ownership could be community or private - several individuals and County Councils are looking at setting up local banks.

They would be governed locally. Lending decisions would be made by managers who understood the economy around them better than anyone at London head office ever could. These managers could base their judgments on knowledge of people and businesses, and the local climate, without being overruled by a computer or centralised targets.

Their mission would be to recycle savings locally and to expand credit for productive loans that benefited the local area, but to do so on a sound commercial footing.

I have no doubt local banks will make a big difference.

The Bridges of Northumberland County

2012-01-02T15:37:00.001Z

Northumberland is rightly famous for its amazing bridges across the River Tyne. After a 2 year campaign the rebuilding of the bridge at Wark is continuing and all credit to Councillor Edward Heslop, the Northumberland Council, and the band of brothers [and sisters] that are the good men and women of Wark, who have so long championed their bridge and their village [they are pictured at our first meeting in 2009].
The staged repair of the bridge is going well, but I learn that the bridge at Corbridge is also needing repair: it is iconic as the only bridge that survived the great flood of 1771 - which swept away all others. There has been a crossing here since Roman times and it will continue but limited only to 10 tons - which is still not bad, given that this bridge was built in 1674! Full credit to the local and county council for the work that they are doing.

2012 - A foretaste of what is to come

2012-01-02T11:42:00.005Z

Back at work on a beautiful crisp clear morning in London: 2012 clearly the weather is telling us the climate is changing!
- This is the year of:
March 20: Northumberland Day in the House of Commons, and our kickstart to the Northumberland Tourist Season
May 3: Boris will beat Ken Livingstone for the Mayoral Elections and finally consign Livingstone to the electoral scrap heap
May 13: Newcastle beat Man City and Everton on successive weekends to qualify for Europe
2, 3, 4 and 5 June: Queens Diamond Jubilee: Prudhoe will be the place to be over that weekend, given the advanced state of the preparations + what is planned
June 9: 150th anniversary of the Blaydon Races
July: London Olympics and the East Tynedale Olympics in Northumberland
August: our biggest Charity walk ever - as we tackle the Pennine Way - this will make the Hadrians Wall walk look like a morning jog.
November 6: Obama beats Romney to win the USA Presidential Election
November 15: Police Commissioner elections in Northumberland and all across England

The Alternative 2012 Highlights are as follows [this courtesy of Matthew Normans recent piece]:
George Lucas begins pre-production in March on Star Wars VII: Revenge Of The Milibandroids, with R2-D2 as David and C-3PO as Little Ed. Chucky, the serial killer doll from the Child’s Play movies, is brought out of retirement to portray Ed Balls.

After Nicolas Sarkozy loses the French presidential election in May, he blames David Cameron for his defeat. Upon being woken at 4am with the news, Nick Clegg releases a statement welcoming the socialist candidate’s victory. The next day, he issues a clarification, describing Sarkozy’s demise as “a tragedy for Europe, for which I hold the Prime Minister personally and directly responsible”.

In early July, John McEnroe and Boris Becker unite to make their annual pronouncement that this, beyond doubt, is Andy Murray’s year. He reaches the Wimbledon semi-final, and leads Rafael Nadal by a set and a break before… but some things you can predict for yourselves.

In September, after the 93rd emergency eurozone summit of the year in Brussels, Angela Merkel and the new president of France issue a joint communiqué celebrating the salvation of the euro. Relieved global stock markets climb sharply on the news, and 7.3 seconds later sink to their lowest levels since 1973.
More Europeans buy pounds...

New Years Honours

2011-12-31T09:40:00.000Z

Very pleased to see a Hexham volunteer among those honoured by the Queen in the New Years honours. Mary Robinson, from Hexham, has volunteered for the British Red Cross for more than 50 years around the North East. Each year she dedicates about 1,000 hours of her time to helping those in nearby communities and further afield.

Mrs Robinson spoke to the BBC saying it was "such an honour" to be recognised. She said: "I was so surprised when the letter arrived, and as I read it I thought, 'This can't be for me'. Then I cried. "I never thought I would ever receive anything like this, so I am shocked and delighted. "But I could never have done anything without the support of the other members and my family."

Congratulations to Mary and her family on his fantastic honour. Dr Cunningham, a GP at Corbridge Health Centre is also honoured for his services to primary care. Contragulations to him everyone else honoured by her Majesty.

Other people honoured in the North East include:

CBE
Trevor Mann, the senior vice president for manufacturing at Nissan Europe, is honoured for services to business in North East England.

The University of Sunderland's vice-chancellor, Prof Peter Michael Fidler MBE.

Prof James George Steele, Dean at Newcastle Dental School, is honoured for services to dentistry and oral health.

OBE
Durham Chief Constable Thomas Jonathan Stoddart, from Whitley Bay, who has previously received the Queen's Police Medal, is honoured for services to the police.

Stephen Bell, from Newcastle and chief executive of Cyrenians, is honoured for services to homeless people.

Paul Bidwell, an archaeologist from North Shields, is honoured for services to heritage.

Prof Ella Ritchie is the deputy vice-chancellor of Newcastle University

June Elizabeth Foster, from Consett, head teacher of Moorside Community Primary School and the Arthur's Hill Federation in Newcastle, is honoured for services to education.

Christine Haddock, from Durham, who is the head teacher of Larkspur Community Primary School, Gateshead, is honoured for services to education.

Julie Anne Luther, from Durham, who is the clinical director at HMP Frankland, Ministry of Justice.

Linda Moore, from Newcastle, group director and vice-principal at Newcastle College, is honoured for services to further education.

Prof Ella Ritchie, deputy vice-chancellor of Newcastle University, is honoured for services to Higher Education.

Arthur John Row, from Blyth, who is Deputy Pension Centre Manager, at the International Pension Centre, Pension, Disability and Carers Service, Department for Work and Pensions.

Prof Stephen James Singleton, medical director and regional director of public health, NHS North East in Newcastle, is honoured for services to public health.

MBE
Dorothy Margaret Best, from Newcastle, a physical education teacher and school sports volunteer in County Durham, is honoured for services to physical education.

Ian Crampton, from Carville near Durham, is honoured for services to national and local charities.

Anthony John Gray, from Newcastle, is honoured for services to the voluntary sector in Northumberland.

Mr Mann and Mr Fidler have been appointed CBEs
Sally Hancox, from Durham, is honoured for services to reducing carbon emissions and fuel poverty in social housing.

Dorothy Hardy, from Newcastle, a national park voluntary ranger, is honoured for services to conservation.

Julie Lightfoot, from South Shields, a managing director at Solar Solve Marine, is honoured for services to international trade.

Joan Little, executive officer from Houghton-le-Spring, is honoured for her work with the complaints and appeals directorate, child maintenance and enforcement commission, Department for Work and Pensions.

Gustav Macleod, from Chathill in Northumberland, chairman of governors at Thomas Bewick Special School, Newcastle, is honoured for services to education.

Derek Edward Thomas Nicholson, from Newcastle, chairman of governors for Cramlington Learning Village; governor of The King's School, Tynemouth, and the Registrar Emeritus at Newcastle University, is honoured for services to education.

John Damian Waugh, from Chester-le-Street, chairman of governors at Our Lady Queen of Peace School in Tyne and Wear, is honoured for services to education.

Ending 2011 on a Horse

2011-12-31T05:53:00.000Z

Everyone knows I am horse mad, and knows that I would rather ride the Grand National winner than be PM [I accept neither is likely, but would happily do both!]. Delighted to be bringing the year to an end by riding out with a racehorse trainer. Also pleased to see Kauto Stars amazing win in the King George Chase at Kempton on boxing day
However, all is not rosy in the state of racing - as the BBC Racing Correspondent writes - naming the efforts of myself and Matt Hancock MP to bring racing into the 21st Century in the House of Commons.
Read more here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/horse_racing/16319279.stm

2011 Awards

2011-12-30T19:13:00.000Z

Person of the Year: for me, Mr Neil Kitchen, amazing Consultant NHS Neurosurgeon - quite simply he saved my life
Team of the Year: NHS staff up and down the country. It was wonderful, and a bit over the top, that I met so many in 2011...
Bravest people: The Hexham Hospital Cancer Support Group - it was a privilege to talk with and to them in the summer
Best Project: Hexham Hydro Project, who did so well to win the energyshare competition
Event of the Year: the Arab Spring - bigger than the Royal Wedding or the Euro Crisis: it changes everything

More importantly as I drive around the county I go to loads of pubs, teashops, businesses, B+Bs, etc so right to name a few who stood out:
Best coffee / tea shop: Mucho Gusto in Hexham; follow them on Twitter - who says our coffee and tea shops are not up to date? A coffee shop that does all the basics really well.
Best Cheese Scone: this is a dangerous call for any Northumbrian to make as there are so many contenders but the lady who runs The Old Church B+B at Chollerford is amazing at baking - ate too many of her scones when I walked past on the walk.
Best restaurant: probably La Bouchon in Hexham by a short head
Best Pub: The Battlesteads in Wark ticks so many boxes that it wins on so many levels, but honourable mention to the ever brilliant Barrasford Arms and the Wallace Arms at Featherstone, which is a genuinely great pub we should all go to for proper pub chat and good beer
Best Food: Breakfast at the Humshaugh House B+B - a place I stay in too regularly, particularly when I got snowed out last winter / spring

Finally,
Local champions: for their effort for local causes without reward - Tom Martin, chair of Wylam Parish Council, East Tynedale Olympics and so much more, and the fascinating Robert Forsythe, who works tirelessly in Prudhoe - both would be good Local County Councillors, given the amount of public work they do.

SCA expanding in Prudhoe - great manufacturing news to round off the Year

2011-12-29T05:45:00.000Z

Great news, as reported in the Manufacturer Magazine, and elsewhere: SCA, the biggest employer in Prudhoe, has created more than a dozen jobs and is expanding its apprentice scheme, after switching its European production to Prudhoe. The company is a model employer - and whilst I am pleased with the investment, you cannot overstate how much of a community based company SCA is - it does so much for the local area. It's apprenticeship scheme is second to none. The investment is in the production line, enabling the company to produce Tork zigzag-folding paper towels in the UK for the first time.
Tony Richards, [who lives locally, and is on the right in the picture], and who has responsibility for the Prudhoe factory and site, said: “We are delighted that Prudhoe Mill has won this investment which helps to provide new employment, safeguards existing jobs and gives support to the local economy.
“This project is the latest in a long line of key investments designed to improve the performance of our business, deliver significant environmental improvements and ensure that we remain on track to achieving a long-term, sustainable future for the mill.”

The company has also recently established a Graduate Accelerator programme, a scheme which guides engineering graduates through a two year development programme.

Mr Richards continued: “Coupled with our recruitment of 11 new operations staff, internships for three university students – who are working at Prudhoe outside of term time – and our long-standing apprenticeship programme, we are confident that our investment in our people as well as new production equipment will secure our future in Prudhoe.”

Earlier in the year SCA was named by Vince Cable as one of the UK’s top 40 manufacturing sites.
The full story is set out on the link below:
http://bdaily.co.uk/news/manufacturing/28-12-2011/sca-creates-new-jobs-for-northumberland/

New Years Wishlist

2011-12-28T15:00:00.002Z

It is best to split this into 3 - local, national, and personal:
LOCAL:
- A resolution of the Equal Pay claims that hundreds of women have against the Northumberland Council
- Better Broadband for Northumberland to begin to take shape
- A new school for Prudhoe
- Continue our efforts to combat fuel poverty in Northumberland and the North East
- For the Tynedale Olympics to be as good as I think it is going to be

NATIONAL:
- Euro leaders to grasp the Euro crisis and sort it out, preferably with a managed default of Greece and a greater role for the ECB
- Get more of our troops home from Afghanistan
- Our campaign for local banks to be approved by the FSA - The Local Bank of Hexham is on its way ...
- A resolution of the Arch Cru financial crisis, with a proper settlement nationwide to the thousands of innocent victims

PERSONAL:
- Continued health for one and all [I confess I put myself quite high up that list]
- Get back to racing weight and start riding out for a racehorse trainer again or take on a decent Triathlon
- Finally finish and publish my short book on prison reform and criminal justice

FANTASY: I know this is a wishlist too far, but it is worth a try..
- Ed Balls to learn some manners - he is the rudest person you or I have ever seen, let alone met
- Newcastle to qualify for Europe, in the last match of the season, in a packed stadium called St James Park
- Score a century at Lords, or even play there!

Alcohol Pricing will be introduced in the Spring

2011-12-28T12:09:00.004Z

I am pleased that the PM has taken the campaign of Dr Sarah Woolaston, MP, and a multitude of other doctors and medical professionals seriously, and does intend to copy the Scottish and other countries examples on alcohol pricing. I spoke about this in the alcohol pricing debate in the House of Commons shortly before Christmas [scroll down the blog to see the debate or They work for you].

My desire is to protect pubs, who are the lifeblood of our community and where drinking is done safely, whilst trying to alleviate the problem of cut price strong alcohol which is widely available in the our supermarkets. It is not a ban but is a sensible, medical backed approach, which should be welcomed.
There is evidence to show that alcohol consumption in the UK has soared since pricing dropped - with a consequential effect on violence and Hospital A & E's.
The NHS Information Centre, Statistics on Alcohol: England 2008, makes grim reading:
" In 2006, in England, there were 6,517 deaths directly linked to alcohol, of which two thirds were men. This has increased by 19% since 2001 when there were 5,476 deaths.In 2006/07, there were 57,142 NHS hospital admissions in England with a primary diagnosis specifically related to alcohol. This number has risen by 52% since 1995/96"

In failing to implement pricing of cheap supermarket booze the Labour Government, when presented with these stats, rejected the advice of virtually the whole scientific and public health community based on the accumulated international evidence that the price of alcohol is one of the principal influences on levels of alcohol consumption and harm.

If you are in any doubt about the need for this action ask any doctor, health professional or policeman

The Alternative Review of 2011 - the "Outtakes" Version

2011-12-24T10:49:00.001Z

At the end of some films there is an outtakes section describing funny or surreal moments. Parliament, and 2011 generally, has certainly had some of them: here's a flavour
- Most interesting politician: for sheer unreconstructed love of life and refusal to abide by others perceptions / rules, it has to be Simon Burns, MP: he is the health Minister who likes a drop, is often found having an early morning cigarette, or several, when I arrive by bike in Westminster, and who confessed to me, "I have always loved Hilary Clinton." He was mortified when I said she might have had a small amount of plastic surgery.

- Biggest regret: missing out on meeting Barack Obama as I was ill. Getting to meet Bill Gates, Kevin Keegan, and getting to go regularly to 10 Downing Street are 3 good alternative consolation prizes.

- Future Prime Minister from the new intake: Stella Creasey for Labour, who is the star of their intake, and Nadhim Zahawi, who is the star of ours. Duncan Hames is best of the new Liberal MPs, although Gordon Birtwhistle is the nicest Liberal I have ever met, and I really hope he holds on to his seat in Lancashire.

- Best Moment in the House: either making my comeback at PMQs, which was petrifying but very exciting, or the Bowel Cancer Debate, which really advanced the screening debate and featured the famous incident when I cut my tie in two in the house [watch the debate below - it is lower down on the blog on the 30th november - there was a good reason].

- Most impressive MPs in the House: David Miliband is streets ahead of the rest of the Labour MPs - he gave a masterful speech in late November. Michael Gove is amazing at the despatch box, but Cameron's range of knowledge, stamina and speed on his feet has to be seen to be believed.

- Best office decoration: Michael Gove has pictures of Obama, Malcom X and one of my heroes, Martin Luther King, in his office: the King picture has below it the quote from the great man:
" The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands at moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

- Best Royal Wedding Moment: I watched the royal wedding from a front row seat in St Thomas Hospital in Westminster, when ill, dressed in loaned doctors scrubs.

Having been ill in 2011 health is the one thing I do not take for granted and I wish you all health and happiness this holiday. I am heading home to a Christmas surrounded by family and friends.

The Toy Appeal and the Salvation Army

2011-12-24T09:05:00.002Z

This Christmas spare a thought for the dozens of people who will be taking refuge at the Salvation Army Centres around the country. The S.A Centre in Central Newcastle is a wonderful place and I was lucky enough to meet the ladies who run it with great good humour, sensitivity and warmth. They will be working all over Christmas looking after their residents.
I have beeen collecting toys, with a number of others, for further distribution to churches and children, using the Salvation Army as a outlet: it has been very successful and the presents keep on coming. We will take more after Christmas if needs be, but in the interim the Hexham Courant published my letter last week on this point:
http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk/opinion/letters/toy-appeal-1.907873?referrerPath=opinion/letters

Prime Minister's Letter and List of Achievements

2011-12-23T14:36:00.004Z

All Conservative MPs received the following letter from the PM this week and I have only now had a chance to sit down and read it.
It is good both to show his style but,more importantly, to show what the Coalition is trying to do and has physically done. At a time when some people question what has been done this is pretty impressive list of achievements.
Full letter and achievements is on this link at the bottom below - but here is the list of achievements;
Top achievements in 2011
1. Steering Britain through the global debt storm. The Government’s credible
deficit reduction plan has ensured UK market interest rates on government debt
have fallen to record lows and below Germany’s for the first time in years. Our
country is a safe haven in the sovereign debt storm, keeping interest rates low for
businesses, homeowners and families.
2. Cutting income tax for 25 million people. On top of the rise in the personal
allowance from April this year, the personal allowance for under 65s will increase
by a further £630 to £8,105 in 2012-13. The combined impact of this increase and
the increase announced at last year’s Budget, will benefit 25 million individuals by
up to £326 a year in cash terms and means that a total of 1.1 million people will
be lifted out of income tax altogether (HM Treasury, Budget 2011, 23 March
2011).
3. Freezing Council tax for the second year running. Following the council tax
freeze in 2011-12, the Government will provide one-off funding to local authorities
to help them freeze council tax again in 2012-13 (HM Treasury, Press Release, 3
October 2011).
4. Biggest increase in the State Pension since 1948. In April 2011, the
Government introduced its triple lock which ensures that State Pensions will be
uprated by earnings, prices or 2.5 per cent – whichever is highest. This means
that from April next year, the basic state pension will rise by £5.30 per week – the
biggest cash rise since 1948.
5. Cutting fuel duty, saving 10p per litre compared to Labour. We are
cancelling the planned 3p duty increase for January and ensuring fuel duty from
August 2012 will be only 3p higher than it is now. Together with the cut in fuel
duty at the last Budget and the scrapping of Labour’s fuel duty escalator, this
means that from April 2011 fuel duty will be 10p per litre lower than it would have
been under Labour (HM Treasury, Autumn Statement, 29 November 2011).
6. Introducing a permanent levy on the banks. On 1 January 2011 the
Government imposed a levy on the balance sheets of UK banks and building
societies, and to the UK operations of banks from abroad. It is expected to raise
£10 billion over the lifetime of this parliament, raising £2.5 billion a year – more
than Labour’s one-off bonus tax (HM Treasury, Press Release, 1 January 2011;
March Budget, 23 March 2011).
7. Getting credit flowing to small businesses and creating Enterprise Zones.
At the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced the Government’s credit
easing policy to get £20 billion of cheaper funding to small businesses. The
Government’s Merlin agreement with the banks will increase bank lending to
small businesses by 15 per cent this year (HM Treasury, Autumn Statement, 29
November 2011). The Government has also introduced 24 new Enterprise Zones
across the country, including in areas affected by potential job losses at BAE
which will benefit from up to 100 per cent business rate discount, simplified
planning regulations, new superfast broadband, allowing business rates growth to
be retained by the local authority and reinvested in the local area, and the
potential to use enhanced capital allowances with a strong focus on
manufacturing.
8. More doctors, fewer managers, less bureaucracy. Since the General Election,
there are now 3,500 more doctors and 5,500 fewer managers working in the NHS
(NHS Information Centre, Provisional Monthly NHS Hospital and Community
Health Service Workforce Statistics in England, 22 November 2011). We are
cutting NHS bureaucracy by £4.5 billion over the course of this Parliament and
reinvesting every penny into frontline patient services (Department of Health,
Health Bill Impact Assessment, 8 September 2011).
9. Better access to cancer drugs. We have introduced a £200 million per year
Cancer Drugs Fund which has already given over 5,000 patients access to the
life-extending cancer drugs they need (Department of Health, Press Release, 27
October 2010).
10. Capping Housing Benefit. We have taken steps to end Labour’s something for
nothing culture by capping Housing Benefit from April this year. This stops the
abuse under Labour where one family alone could get over £100,000 in Housing
Benefit to live in areas that the hardworking families paying these bills could not
afford themselves (HM Treasury, June Budget 2010).
11. Cutting billions in Whitehall waste. In 2010-11 we cut £3.75 billion of central
government waste - £550 million more than expected - including reducing
spending on consultancy; on temporary staff; on marketing and advertising; on IT
projects; on renting property; on major projects; and by renegotiating contracts
with key suppliers (Cabinet Office, Press Release, 1 August 2011).
12. Bringing back the weekly bin collection. A £250 million fund is being provided
to help support councils deliver a weekly collection of household waste and
enable councils to invest in schemes and projects that will benefit the
environment (DCLG, Press Release, 30 September 2011).
13. The largest ever increase in the Child Tax Credit. In April this year the Child
Tax Credit increased by £225 – the largest increase ever. Next April it will go up
by 5.2 per cent, a further increase of £135 (HM Treasury, Autumn Statement, 29
November 2011).
14. New directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners. The Police Reform
and Social Responsibility Act creates directly elected Police and Crime
Commissioners. These will ensure that the police are held to account
democratically at the ballot box, not bureaucratically by Whitehall. The taxpayer
will see better value for money as Commissioners, responsible for precept, will
focus relentlessly on driving up efficiency and shedding bureaucracy.
Commissioners will reinforce the police’s link to the people they serve without
interfering with their operational independence.
15. Many more good school places. The first ever Free Schools – 24 of them –
opened just 16 months after we came to power and by December more than a
thousand schools had become Academies (DfE, Press Releases, 28 August
2011 and 4 October 2011).
16. Tough new powers on school discipline. The Education Act, which received
Royal Assent in November 2011, will help teachers raise standards and gives
them new legal powers to root out poor behaviour. This includes a power for
schools to search pupils without consent for any dangerous or banned items and
the removal of restrictions that prevent schools from issuing detentions to pupils
without providing 24 hours notice (DfE Press Release, 15 November 2011).
17. New Housing programme to help people onto the ladder and get Britain
building. In November 2011, the Government launched its ambitious Housing
Strategy to break the cycle in which the lenders won’t lend, the builders can’t
build and the buyers can’t buy. This will allow those hard-working families who
play by the rules to own a decent home of their own. The Strategy will receive
£400 million of funding and will target those schemes that have stalled through
lack of development finance. This will help to unlock the construction of 16,000
homes and support up to 32,000 jobs (DCLG Press Release, 21 November
2011).
18. Standing up for Britain in Europe. The Prime Minister was clear before the EU
summit on 8-9 December that he would protect the national interest. He said we
could only agree a new treaty if certain modest, reasonable and relevant
safeguards were obtained. We couldn’t get those safeguards. A treaty within a
treaty without safeguards wasn’t right for Britain, so we said no.
19. Introduced an EU Referendum Lock. Our European Union Act ensures that in
future the British people will have their say on any proposed transfer of powers
from the UK to the EU. If in the future a change to the EU treaties that moves
powers or areas of policy from the UK to the EU is proposed, the Government will
have to get the British people’s consent in a national referendum before it can be
agreed.
20. Leading international efforts to support the Libyan people in their hour of
need, preventing the massacre of thousands of innocent civilians by Colonel
Gaddafi and his troops and supporting their wish to elect their own, democratic
government (FCO Website).

http://conservativehome.blogs.com/files/pm-letter.pdf

Westminster Update

2011-12-23T08:29:00.000Z

Last day before Xmas break but time to report on the really good meeting I had the day before yesterday with representatives of the Prudhoe firm Hammerite - whose paint and outdoor coverings are used both locally [Prudhoe Castle First School, the Allotments and the High School are just a few of the examples] but the company nationwide also provided most of the paint that was used to cover all the buildings at the 2012 London Olympic Buildings. I am hoping to go round the factory in January or February and meet everyone there.

Solving the Euro - We need Thomas Jefferson to have dinner with Alexander Hamilton

2011-12-21T19:00:00.000Z

European leaders have failed to fix the Eurozone crisis: the latest stop gap is yet more borrowing. I am pleased that we are not providing any more IMF Bailout funds, but disappointed that the European leaders have still failed to use their own funds, which are held by the ECB, to resolve this crisis.
One American story tells the proper approach:
- in 1790 America had just ended its civil war, and the fledgling government faced huge debt. Everyone had overspent, with many states issuing promisory notes that were worthless [sounding familiar??]
- To reestablish confidence and halt the slide the American Chancellor Alexander Hamilton proposed a one time assumption of all state debts by the government. Initially he was rebuffed by the southern states in particular, who were less in debt than the north [again sound similar - just reverse north and south], with the result that the Assumption Bill did not pass
- Then on June 21st 1790 Thomas Jefferson invited Hamilton to dinner. Hamilton went despondent but noticed James Madison and others had also been asked. The result was the most famous dinner party in history: the deadlock was resolved by compromise - the assumption tax was agreed to with the ASmerican version of the ECB taking all the debt, and the northerners agreed to move the USA capital from Philadelphia to the banks of the Potomac = Washington DC, in 10 years time.
- the deal worked and boosted the economy, with various clever schemes added on to boost tax revenues and cover interest payments [another present Euro failing]
- The First Bank of the USA, as Hamiltons new bank became known, then also became a lending bank, in Dec 1791, thereby kickstarting commercial lending for business [would that not be nice to see!]
- Sadly there is no soldier statesman in Europe like Jefferson, Washington or Hamilton but the example is there for all to see:
FIRSTLY: use the European Central Bank as the bank of the last resort to absorb all debt - it has the firepower to do it. This will stop the Euro crisis and boost confidence, albeit there is an inflationary side effect.
SECOND: cut Euro spending, and ease debt repayment interest rates and provide innovative taxation abilities to Euro countries to stimulate the economy and get money coming in - the successful example of Ireland's low corproation tax is but one good pointer.
If the Euro collapses then sadly we are all affected. We must hope that Merkel, Sarkozy and the Italians know their history....

The Falklands are British! 30 years on the Argentinians are getting above their station

2011-12-21T08:27:00.007Z

30 years next year our brave troops retook the Falkland Islands after the Argentinian invasion - many lives were lost on both sides. Next year, in particular, we will remember the troops who we lost.
The Argentinian President has been stirring the pot lately as she tries to ensure her re-election. She forgets one thing: all of the Falkland Islanders want to stay British. I met with the representatives of the Falkland Islands Association in October, and support them 100%- I have not been myself but hope to remedy that in 2012. My thoughts at Christmas, in particular, go out to our troops providing the Islands with protection, led by Brigadier Bill Aldridge, of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. If you have not been to the Falklands go soon - it is an amazing place and Falkland Island Holidays [findable on the web]can help with tourism.
More details of Argentina's behaviour are set out today on the BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16280613
Good to hear the Prime Minister making it clear that sovereignty remains totally non negotiable

The Final Push

2011-12-20T18:53:00.000Z

Beautiful day in London, so cycled in, but now stuck alone in my shared office [7 of us, including two MPs, work in room 101] our 22 foot by 17 foot fortress on the embankment a 5 minute sprint from the chamber -everyone else gone home; and my desk is still piled high with correspondence. Determined to make a big push to finish everything tonight and over next few days before xmas. Also, my last 100 or so xmas cards are still looking at me saying "write me!"

38p a can

2011-12-18T09:01:00.001Z

This week, a group of 19 doctors and academics wrote a letter to the Telegraph urging the Government to take “bold action” and follow the lead of Scotland by bringing in minimum prices for alcohol.

They say the move could prevent thousands of deaths from alcohol related diseases every year.

What really worries me is that we are moving away from responsible drinking in pubs to people buying large amounts of cheap supermarket beer and lager, which not only damages our local community pubs, but can also mean an increased alcohol intake with the knock on health effects.

Supermarkets are being very unscrupulous and selling heavily promoted cheap larger with little regard for the aftermath. The Coalition has made some progress and has already banned supermarkets from selling alcohol at a loss. However even with this action it means that lager can still be sold for as little as 38p a can.

What I want to see is a proper debate both locally and nationally about the benefits of a minimum price per unit of alcohol. It's something I have spoken about in the House of Commons, and with statistics from the Royal College of Physicians suggesting that a 50p minimum price per unit of alcohol could save nearly 10,000 lives a year, I am inclined to support the idea.

You can read the debate this week in the House on this issue here:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2011-12-14a.334.0&s=speaker%3A24962#g335.1

Metal Theft

2011-12-17T08:21:00.000Z

Metal theft is a real poblem at the moment, especially copper. We have fallen victim to thefts in Tynedale as of late and its a matter I have recently raised with the Chief Constable.
The problem was hammered home recently with the news that thieves struck a hospital in Wales on Tuesday, an action condemned as "dangerous and irresponsible" by hospital bosses.
The thiefs had targetted a generator which ensures the hospital does not lose electricity if there is a power failure during operations. The theft at the hospital meant that 50 patients had their operations cancelled, including two who were due to undergo breast cancer surgery.
This most certainly isn´t a vicimless crime.
The government is taking steps to tackle this problem. Its not soon enough.

Prudhoe Community High School - Back the bid - update

2011-12-16T07:00:00.001Z

Just a quick note to thank everyone who has been supporting the bid for a new high school building for Prudhoe Community High. We were hoping to hear by the end of the year if the bid was approved but we should now know by early next year if the bid has been successful.
The matter is now in the lap of the gods (or Michael Gove as we call him)... but in all seriousness the department are going through all the bids in detail and there is a proper process to be followed.
I met with Michael in his office in the Department of Education in Great Smith Street on Tuesday and remain very hopeful.
Fingers crossed we meet the criteria.

Simple Question - is Ed Miliband even the best MP in his own family?

2011-12-15T09:37:00.002Z

Yesterdays PMQs were the Leader of the Opposition's worst in a long time. I stood in the aisle between the Liberal Chief whip, Michael Moore and several Labour MPs. Camerons retort that "Its not like we are brothers" hit home and visibly deflated Labour who clearly would prefer David Miliband or someone else to be their leader.

Mary Queen of Shops [and wise words on High Street Parking]

2011-12-15T09:25:00.001Z

I took a keen interest in the report published by retail guru Mary Portas this week: commissioned by the Prime minister she has looked at how we can help our high streets and market towns. I was keen to read her proposals and found myself agreeing with many of them.
Vacancy rates in market towns have doubled in the last few years as stores have closed down due to the economic downturn.
“I believe that our high streets can be lively, dynamic, exciting and social places that give a sense of belonging and trust to a community." Ms Portas says.

One of the strongest recommendations in the report was highlighting the importance of parking to market towns. Why when everyone s feeling the pinch will people pay expensive rates to park and shop in Hexham and Prudhoe when for many it's just as easy to go and shop for free at the Metrocentre or Asda? This an area where the council could make a real difference very quickly.

Northumberland Conservatives have launched their proposals for a Peoples Parking Pass which would give all residents in Northumberland a permit to park for free. Not only is this fair for our residents but it would be a huge boost to our small shops and market traders across the county as local people would be incentivised to shop locally.

It's a policy I hope the ruling Lib Dems on the County Council will adopt.

The BIG Social Action Christmas

2011-12-14T09:13:00.000Z

As an MP I am a big believer in action as well as words. It's all too easy for MP's to talk a good game but stand back and let others do the work.

A big part of that is getting involved in campaigns, whether its putting on my wellies to join the protestors protecting the greenbelt in in Ponteland or organisining a public meeting to give the victims of the councils equal pay failures a voice.

As part of that I am a strong believer in Social Action. This year I have supported a number of projects with my team of volunteers through the Grassroots volunteer network, lending a hand to green groups and community gardens giving them a hand to help spruce up thier projects.

My charity walk of Hadrians Wall this year was a gruelling one but well worth it raising over £4000 for charities including Tynedale Hospice.

This Christmas I have been collecting children's toys for the Salvation Army. There are just a couple of weeks to go until Christmas and we asked anyone who could to buy an extra toy which could make all the difference to those children who are less fortunate on Christmas Day.

I know everyone is feeling the pinch and money is tight but the response was amazing. Each gift was a small gesture which can mean the world to a child who has little to look forward to this Christmas. Berwick Conservative's Anne Marie Trevelyan helped to co ordinate the project and together we were able to take along literally hundreds of toys and presents to the Salvation Army HQ in Newcastle last week.

Sue the Centre manager took us around for a tour and we met some of the residents before handing over the toys. They will go to those most in need this Christmas and I hope make a special Christmas for lots of children who might otherwise have a sad Christmas morning.

Thank you to everyone who had been able to help out this year, we will be doing even more next year.

Christmas Card

2011-12-13T15:00:00.008Z

I wanted to share with you a lovely little note I got last week which really cheered me up:

Our son Martin has been at Oaklands care in Hexham for 20 years it was the only establishment that could help Martin. He is very content to call it his home. Martin attends Minerva school of which you support giving your time and money. You picked Martin's Christmas card as the one he liked the best for his charity Christmas Card this year. This has given Margaret and me something very special for Christmas. We wish the you a very happy Christmas and good health for 2012.

You can see Martin's winning design below:

The Minerva Centre does excellent work and is now 11 years old; the charity continues to be a great hub for people with learning difficulties. A special thank you to Frances for helping produce the Christmas Card which everyone thinks is great.

Yesterday in Parliament

2011-12-13T09:52:00.003Z

The media are focusing on Nick Cleggs absence but the real issue for the country to decide is this: the decision to make the reasonable and modest demands of Europe were agreed by the Coalition. What would Labour do - time and again Labour were asked would you have signed this treaty? They will not answer. Ed is so firmly stuck on the fence he has splinters - he is neither for or against the strikes, nor for or against the Euro regulation or the treaty? It is easy to be in opposition as you never have the chance or need to make a decision.
One journalist described Mr Miliband's style yesterday as follows:
"Several times yesterday Mr Cameron demanded to know what Ed Miliband would have done with the treaty. In fact, the Labour thinking on the summit was always perfectly clear: wait and see whatever the Prime Minister did, and then denounce it. It wouldn’t have mattered what he’d done. He could have brought back a gold ingot for every family in the country and Labour would have derided him. “Yet another sign of weakness from this Prime Minister. Had we been at the summit, we would have been able to give every British family 10 gold ingots, a cruise holiday in the Caribbean and a robot butler.”

This is not an especially extravagant parody of Ed Miliband’s oratory style; time and again at the dispatch box he opens with quiet, detailed questions, then the occasion gets to him and he starts squawking like an excited chicken."

Callerton Green Belt Development

2011-12-10T08:33:00.003Z

Up early to go and meet local people who oppose the Newcastle Councils bizarre decision to build executive homes on the Green Belt. Full coverage of the protest meeting on Wednesday here: http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/12/08/green-belt-campaigners-demonstrate-outside-newcastle-civic-centre-61634-29917156/2/
Two simple points sum this up:
- why are the Newcastle Council choosing to build, as their very first action, on green belt land, not brownfield land that it already owns or controls that exist in Scotswood or Walker?
- what are the Council doing about the 5000 unused / empty homes in Newcastle. Why not tackle this problem?
Could say lots more but after this meeting off to Gateshead and then meetings in Hexham later.

Prime Ministers decision in Brussels last night

2011-12-09T23:49:00.003Z

Good decision by Prime Minister last night:
He said he would only sign a new treaty if it safeguarded the interests of Britain and wouldn’t hand over powers or rights to the EU. The Euro countries, particularly France and Germany, would not budge so he did not sign.
Key issue is Nick Cleggs reaction, which was very supportive of the PM's approach:
"The demands Britain made for safeguards, on which the Coalition Government was united, were modest and reasonable. They were safeguards for the single market, not just the UK... What we sought to ensure was to maintain a level playing field in financial services and the single market as a whole. This would have retained the UK’s ability to take tougher, not looser, regulatory action to sort out our banking system." Bear in mind Nick is a genuine and committed Europhile - and he describes our approach as modest and reasonable.
This is part of the ongoing negotiation with the EU to forge a better relationship with Europe that is based fundamentally on trade. The Europeans still need to solve the Euro crisis: for me I am surprised and think it odd that we in the UK are regulating our banks in a more thorugh and better way, [through the Vickers reforms] and the european solution is for less regulation of banks. On this issue I am sure Cameron is right.
My final comment is on the proposed Euro new Financial Agreement: the proposal they have adopted is that EU states will join a new fiscal arrangement aimed at stopping a repeat of the eurozone debt crisis.
"For eurozone countries, it means they will have to enshrine in their own national constitutions tougher budget rules which were in the Maastricht treaty, but have since been broken. These include an agreement that structural budget deficits never exceed 0.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), sanctions for those whose deficit exceeds 3% of GDP and a requirement that they submit their national budgets to the European Commission."
That is the whole problem of the Euro in a nutshell: do we really think some of these countries are going to live within their means, so that they have no debt ie 0.5% of GDP? And if they do go into debt the Eurozone countries will then fine them more money - to be paid out of debt? This is what got the Euro countries into the mess in the first place. You cannot have true fiscal union and a series of independent countries running their own finances. It is one or the other but not both - the last few years have proved this conclusively.

Prudhoe Castle First School

2011-12-09T23:23:00.002Z

A packed day in Prudhoe and Hexham - but the highlight was my visit to the Prudhoe Castle First School: I was shown around by 2 of the star pupils, and the Headteacher, and saw the rehearsal for the Nativity Play that the school are performing next week: this is going to be one Nativity Play that you do not want to miss - it is huge in scope, beautifully perfomed and is moving, genuine and very funny in parts. All I saw were the amazing efforts of the staff and the pupils themselves, and the supporting cast of Governors and PTA. This is an outstanding school.

Busy DEFRA Day in the Commons

2011-12-08T13:07:00.002Z

Just been in the Chamber - Defra have published today both the Water White Paper called "Water for Life" and the Independent Panel on Forestry has published its interim report - see the link below - but broadly they are very supportive of our forests:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/forestrypanel/files/Independent-Panel-on-Forestry-Progress-Report.pdf
The key page on first reading appears to be page 28:
Long term financial viability
We recognise the need to ensure the long term financial viability of all sectors of english forestry. We will look to understand how effective grant schemes have been and how they could be improved. For example,we know that there are particular challenges to financial viability for small woodlands and we are keen to address these issues especially as small woodlands play a special role in many communities. However, we have also noted that profit is not always the primary motivation, particularly for small woodland owners. Information and advice services may have an important role in helping small woodland owners both to manage their woods and access markets,as might designing grant and certification schemes that appeal more broadly. In addition we will look at the potential for additional income opportunities to enable woodland owners to benefit from the delivery of public benefits, such as carbon or flood protection.
Next steps: continuing the journey this progress report reflects the journey
of our work to date. We are excited by the challenge before us, as we work to deliver
our final report to the secretary of state next spring.
We have drawn much inspiration from the visits we have undertaken to forest and
woodland locations around the country,and we will be making further visits during
the course of our work. In addition to drawing on the call for views, we have
commissioned a variety of research reports and workshops, spanning history,
ecology and economics, which will all inform our work. We have commissioned a
review of work on access and community engagement. We will continue to meet with
different groups and test out their ideas.
We hope that this progress report helps everyone to understand more about our
work to date, our initial thoughts about the sort of vision needed for forests and woods,and therefore for forestry policy in england.
We are not specifically seeking comments on our progress report, but as ever, we
remain open to ideas and suggestions that our work may stimulate.

Snow clearing by Offenders under Community Payback Scheme

2011-12-08T06:32:00.001Z

As the snow falls and we all work out how to clear the streets and pavements we should applaud the actions of Northumberland Probation Service, who are proposing to utilise the Offenders who are serving Community Punishments to clear the streets under the Community Payback Scheme. Good report in the Journal on this good scheme for snow clearance, by Paul Tully:
http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/11/21/offenders-may-be-used-to-clear-snow-in-northumberland-61634-29810966/
On a separate note I would urge anyone who has a grit shortage in their street to contact their local councillor or my office on 01434 603777 and we will try and sort it out

Greenbelt Protest In Newcastle Tonight

2011-12-07T07:29:00.000Z

There is a public meeting in Newcastle tonight to oppose the bizarre housing plans of Newcastle Council. Put simply they intend to build on greeen belt land, not brownfield first.
Their plans, in particular, pose a serious threat to the greenbelt land between Ponteland and Newcastle upon Tyne, and elsewhere in Gateshead. I find the actions of the Labour council surprising.
Newcastle City Council has put foward plans to build on land on the western edge of Newcastle between the A69 and A696, right next to the Newcastle / Northumberland Border. The Newcastle Council has named this area "Callerton Park" and identified it as Strategic Growth Area for 6,500 new houses.
They intend this to be the first place for their new One Core Strategy for house building in the Newcastle and Gateshead areas.

I am urging the Newcastle Council to have a re-think and withdraw the Callerton Park proposals.
They are not intending to build on brownfield land first. Nor are they intending to fill unused empty homes. Their first action and first choice is building on the green belt, effectively in our back garden.
This will significantly reduce the gap of green land between Newcastle and Ponteland.
I think we can all agree that over the coming years Ponteland and Darras Hall will expand – after all it’s a fantastic place to live. I live near Stamfordham myself.
However, any future development must be led by local communities. The local commnunity near Callerton Park is objecting to this and we should object to.
Development that affects Ponteland should be done in harmony with the needs of Newcastle, after they have consulted our Ponteland town council, and done sensitively to local residents. What Newcastle needs, like many areas, is affordable sustainable development. You only have to drive towards the city centre to see a huge number of brownfield sites which could be developed and areas where regeneration has stalled for too long or even stopped. This is where they should build first.

What no one needs is the council and big developers looking to make a quick buck off the back of a cash crop housing estate in the greenbelt surrounding our area.
I am urging Ponteland residents to have their say on the plans, which are currently out for consultation via the Newcastle City Council website. The deadline to make comments is January 4. I urge you to have your say.

Shopping locally for fuel and oil - "Use it or Lose it"

2011-12-07T07:21:00.002Z

Regular readers will know we have been campaigning for ages on fuel poverty generally and specifically on fuel prices, and its availability in rural areas. There is good news that locals are combatting fuel poverty by using oil buying clubs, and also that the governement is looking in the House of Commons, and through the OFT, to combat the Irish company DCC, who have tried to monopolise the market, and generally at regulating off grid fuel supply.
Full details of local activities in this weeks Hexham Courant:
http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk/news/news-at-a-glance/villagers-combat-soaring-price-of-oil-1.903270?referrerPath=1.195353
The other issue is the price of petrol and the need to support local garages. Last Friday I popped into the Chollerford Garage and filled up. The owner there, along with the owners of other local garages I have talked to, is rightly frustrated that some local people are not using local petrol suppliers but are filling up at supermarkets or in Newcastle. As always, with local suppliers the key issue is "Use it or Lose it". I would urge everyone to shop locally - not just in local village shops but also local garages and fuel suppliers. If we do not support them they will not be there for us when we need them. For example - a local tourist trade without local garages would be massively affected. Make it one of your christmas resolutions - shop local in every way!

Keeping Northumberland Whole - My thanks to everyone who wrote in to the Boundary Review

2011-12-06T16:49:00.003Z

Yesterday the consultation about the proposed Boundary Changes closed. I am yet to find anyone who thinks it is a good idea to take Haltwhistle, the South Tyne and the South Tynedale region out of Northumberland and make them part of a Barnard Castle and Consett seat. This is nothing to do with self interest and everything to do with trying to preserve regional identities, at a time when we have lost our local Councils, and Westminster seems far further than the 315 miles away it actually is.
My thanks to everyone who wrote in or came to the Boundary Commission hearing in Newcastle and made representations. We posted or hand delivered over 20,000 leaflets to almost everyone in the southern half of the County, asking them for their views and input. I thank you all for your hard work and response. We find out what the Boundary Commission think next Year - but we have certainly given them something to think about.

Close House Hotel, Heddon on the Wall, in the News

2011-12-06T12:55:00.006Z

Anyone who has ever met Graham Wylie will know he does not do anything by halves. Having made a fortune with Sage he has put a large amount of his money, and created hundreds of local jobs, by renovating and expanding Close House Hotel and Golf Club over the last 5 years.
I have seen the project at varoius stages of development and it is truly amazing on a number of levels:
- If you want a great place to stay then the Hotel's 31 rooms, 8 miles from Newcastle, in stunning countryside, are a cut above. The Times last Saturday cited it favourably in their "Cool Hotel Guide", and rightly so. I quote from Neal Crocker, the very nice general mamager, who says about Graham: "He wanted better rooms than you pay £900 a night for in London", and the Times reviewer added, "everything did seem very upmarket and stylish - and a bit of a bargain with B+ B doubles from £150." I can add little more to the Times reviewer who states that "quietly one of Britain's best new country house hotels has taken shape. But it is far from traditional or stuffy." In short you would go for the hotel on its own. It is rightly described as the Gleneagles of the North East.
- However, as everyone knows I am sport mad and the key to Close House is the incredible golf course: Lee Westwood is the visiting pro. Both Graham and I have been trying to tee up a grudge match between us two high handicappers, but I fear that our diaries will have to wait to the spring. However, I can assure anyone that there are holes on this course that anyone would want to play.
This is a local project, run by a local man, putting his local money into lots of local jobs. This alone would get my vote. But as a fantastic hotel with all the trimmings, and a great golf course, in a stunning setting, overlooking the Hadrians Wall Walk and the River Tyne it has so much more going for it - I urge my readers to go before everyone hears about it. It is yet another reason why tourism to Northumberland is changing all the time.
http://www.closehouse.co.uk/

Keep warm this winter

2011-12-05T10:23:00.000Z

I am backing the Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker's calls for pensioners and those on low incomes to make sure they’ve claimed for the help to which they’re entitled to keep warm this winter.

The Government’s Warm Front scheme provides grants to people in poorly heated or insulated homes to pay for boiler repairs, new central heating systems and insulation work. People who received help through Cold Weather Payments (CWPs) last year may be eligible for help. Cold weather payments are given to pensioners who receive pension credit or people onincome-related benefits who meet certain criteria. Those eligible for helpcan apply for up to £3,500 towards the cost of the work or up to £6,000 for homes not connected to mains gas.

Energy and Climate Change Greg Barker said:

“With the coldest months of the year fast approaching, there’s never been a better time for people on low incomes to pick up the phone and apply for a Warm Front grant. Getting a boiler that works better or even just topping up loft insulation can lead to awarmer, cosier home in the future.

It’s easy to apply, all you have to do is call 0800 3166004 and, if you’re eligible, the Warm Front team will do all the paperwork for you.”

Over the next two years 90,000 people are expected to be helped byWarm Front adding to the 2 million helped since the scheme began in 2000. For those who are eligible the Warm Front team arranges a survey and ensures a package of measures is tailored to each home.

Maria Wardrobe, Director of Communications at the UK’s leading fuel poverty charity NEA said:

“The Minister’s call for people to seek help to improve the energy efficiency of their homes is welcome as NEA launches its annual Warm Homes Campaign with energy supplier E.ON. We know that the most vulnerable cannot afford the up-front cost of measures and Warm Front continues to be an excellent scheme during the transition to the Government’s proposed Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation programmes next year.”

The snow is coming!

2011-12-04T20:16:00.000Z

The flakes are falling once again. Hope the gritters are out tonight.

It's already Christmas in Prudhoe

2011-12-04T11:50:00.005Z

Spend most of yesterday at the fantastic Prudhoe Christmas Bazzar before heading back to the office to catch up some work. Well done to Andrew Jones and everyone who helped organise the day. Every week Prudhoe is becoming a stronger and more vibrant community and it's great to see it thriving. I managed to pick up some cracking Christmas presents too which is a bonus -and was given a couple of Prudhoe Coffee Mugs, one of which I am holding in my hand.

Credit for the photo goes to Prudhoe's excellent Community Photographer Moira Wooldridge

Hexham Hydro - we win!

2011-12-03T20:18:00.001Z

HEXHAM HYDRO WINS THE ENERGY SHARE COMPETITION
Amazing news: http://www.energyshare.com/hrh/
Huge congratulations to all the team who worked so hard ... hope you are in the pub [planning for the future, of course]

Hexham Hydro - we will do almost anything to get your support...

2011-12-03T10:14:00.002Z

HAVE YOU VOTED YET - PLEASE DO!!
I came up with the idea to swim the Tyne as a publicity stunt for the Hexham Hydro ... but then sadly my diary prevented me from taking the plunge in December! Fortunately Gillian Orrell is made of stronger stuff and this week she took the plunge. The coverage by Paul Tully is great see:
http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/12/02/hexham-hydro-team-brave-the-cold-in-bid-for-100-000-grant-61634-29881158/

However, we need your votes. I know 15,000 + of you follow this blog - get your fingers moving: we need to prove why we are the biggest and best blog in the North East.
Votes are being taken up to Saturday’s 5pm deadline. To place your vote, visit energyshare.com and click on the Vote Now link

The Euro crisis - getting John Redwood's view

2011-12-03T07:46:00.000Z

Another great Matt cartoon...
My job in Westminster gives me the chance to meet many fascinating people: one man who has real understanding of the European debt crisis is John Redwood. I have come to know and respect him a lot in the House these last 18 months. I put up here as a guest post some writing he has done on Europe that I have unashamedly stolen from his blog: it makes interesting reading:
http://johnredwoodsdiary.com/2011/11/28/why-do-the-eu-elites-and-governments-all-disagree-with-the-eurosceptics-might-they-be-right/

Home for the Weekend - Prudhoe Christmas Fair and speaking in Wansbeck

2011-12-01T22:16:00.000Z

Up early tomorrow and off on the train first thing to Hexham. Speaking at a big dinner in Wansbeck Friday night, then spending most of the day in Prudhoe Saturday - make sure you come to the Prudhoe Christmas fair, which I am really looking forward to.
Also, have to sign and sort just over 1000 christmas cards - although this is always a pleasure as a group of us hole up in a warm house in Humshaugh this weekend, and work like feverish postmen to get the job done. Apologies if you get the 1000th card I sign as my handwriting might begin to disintegrate by then!
My thanks to the Minerva Centre, who I have supported by buying all the xmas cards from [do not worry I pay for this not the taxpayer]. They are an inspiring centre based in Hexham: their mission is to help those with different learning abilities realise their full potential as individuals by providing craft, design and general art training. They aspire to develop individual strengths and build on self-esteem and self-confidence through the courses and practical work experience offered.
It is run by special people - check it out when you are next in Hexham:
http://www.minervacentre.com/

The Leveson Inquiry and BBC cuts to local TV / Radio

2011-12-01T06:58:00.002Z

A great cartoon courtesy of the great Matt
Two themes for today: Matt's cartoon combines the amazing BBC Frozen Planet Series but also the degree to which the press intrudes into peoples lives: today parliament is debating BBC budgets. Every day the Leveson Inquiry into phone hacking takes place in the High Court in London - with ever more revelations of lives turned over by the tabloids: whether it is the McCanns or the Dowler family, it is clear that reform is going to to come at the end of this inquiry.
However, the BBC is attempting to cut local radio and local TV. This is manifestly wrong when they are spending a fortune on some national TV content. Do not get me started on the £17 million paid to Jonathan Ross or the salary of BBC Director General which is around £779,000, plus expenses. This is about 5 times the PMs salary and the General of all our armed forces.
I am going to try and speak in todays debate but may struggle to get in: you still have the chance to influence the BBC - write to them at Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, W1A 1AA. Write in to the BBC and have your say!
You can still stand up for Local BBC Radio and Local BBC TV as opposed to overpaid stars or BBC4, which few people watch...

Strikes

2011-11-30T12:43:00.003Z

I don't blame anyone for wanting a better a pension. However I think the deal from the government, the improved offer, which is on the table is actually a pretty decent one.

I do think while negotiations are ongoing Union bosses have been wrong to try and march their members up the hill.

I have a huge amount of respect for public sector workers who simply want a fair deal for the future, but I am disappointed that some of the big Labour supporting Unions seem determined to turn this into a party political fight which doesn't help anyone, especially their members.

Beating Bowel Cancer

2011-11-30T09:34:00.002Z

Last week I was able to secure a debate a debate on Bowel Cancer screening. Bowel cancer is the second-highest killer behind lung cancer, and it's a subject I am passionate about. I have included my opening speech below and you can read the whole debate HERE

Or you can watch the debate online HERE

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to raise this matter in the House. Bowel cancer affects men and women, and it is the second-highest killer after lung cancer. The debate is, I suggest, both timely and genuinely needed.

I have personal experience of the NHS that is probably too long to list. When I was a jockey, I was saved by a gastro-surgeon at Warwick hospital. I hoped I was riding the winner at Stratford races, but we turned over and the horse ruptured my spleen, perforated my left kidney and broke nine bones in my ribs. I can assure the House that it hurt a great deal. The surgeon saved my life on that occasion. Subsequently, it is well known that I had a meningioma in April and was recently given the all clear by Mr Neil Kitchen and the amazing staff at Queen Square hospital in north London.

My grandmother was an NHS matron and I have had bowel cancer screening. Certain family members have had this cancer, so I had the colonoscopy that was medically advised in those circumstances. I would certainly not be an MP were it not for the campaigns I waged on behalf of Savernake hospital in Wiltshire, where I was born; that hospital also saved my mum’s life.
I would like to declare an interest as a taxpayer. The NHS’s approach to individual screening is surely an issue in which we should all be interested—from the point of view of prevention of loss of life and the maintenance of good health, but also in respect of how NHS funding, which is clearly finite, is spent on preventing future problems.

I pay tribute to the Beating Bowel Cancer regime, to Cancer Research UK, to the British Society of Gastroenterology, and to Professor Wendy Atkin, her funders and the 170,000 volunteers who took part in her definitive study of flexible sigmoidoscopy, which is known as a flexi-scope. I also pay tribute to Imperial College London, University College London, the University of East Anglia and St Mark’s hospital, and to the variety of doctors, constituents, charities and members of the public who have worked so hard to combat this problem and have helped me to prepare for the debate—including the clinicians, particularly Dr Colin Rees.

As a Member of Parliament representing a constituency in the north-east, I am proud to say that the north-east leads the way in bowel cancer screening. It was the first to complete coverage of an entire region in April 2010.

Before I embark on the substance of my argument, I also make an apology on behalf of my hon. Friend Nadhim Zahawi, who sponsored the Beating Bowel Cancer reception in the House last year. Much to his regret, he cannot be here tonight. He is a good friend of mine, but he is well known in the House—and, indeed, throughout the world—for having worn the Beating Bowel Cancer tie, which I am now wearing, in the Chamber after that reception. My hon. Friend, who has quite a generous build, was attempting to restrain that generous build with his suit when he accidentally touched a button on the tie, setting off a melody that lasted for nearly two minutes. Madam Deputy Speaker virtually extracted him from the Chamber. I understand that the incident was reported in 25 countries, and did more for the screening of bowel cancer worldwide than anything that anyone has said since. I have no future as a surgeon, and I assure the House that I have removed the bottom half of my own tie so that there is no possibility of my being extracted from the Chamber for being too musical.

Let me now make some serious points about the clinical position. Traditional bowel cancer screening involves the faecal occult blood test, known as the FOB. In the last few years 11 million people in the country have been offered the test, 6 million have accepted it, 120,000 scopes have followed, and 12,000 diagnostic findings of cancer have resulted. It is clear from the statistics that lives have been saved. Previously those screened were aged between 60 and 69, but screening has now been extended to those aged between 60 and 74. It should be noted that the north-east—leading the way, as it does so often in a medical context—was the first region to extend the age group.

Tragically, take-up of that vital free NHS screening is only 54%, whereas take-up of breast cancer screening is 74% and take-up of cervical cancer screening is 79%. However, the situation is changing. Professor Wendy Atkin and her team have brought flexible sigmoidoscopy to the forefront of bowel cancer screening. The results of their 16-year study were definitive. Their randomised trial, which followed 170,432 people, established that the flexi-scope examination reduces the incidence of bowel cancer in those aged between 55 and 64 by a third. Mortality was 43% lower among that group than it was in members of the control group.

The flexi-scope test works by detecting and removing growths on the bowel wall, known as polyps, which can become cancerous if left untreated. It can prevent cancer from developing by removing polyps before they become cancerous, and provides long-lasting protection from bowel cancer.

Autumn Statement

2011-11-29T13:46:00.003Z

This a strong package of growth measures which will boost the North East economy. The Chancellor is clear things are tough and I think the Government is right to focus on using every resource at their disposal to build growth, without putting our economy at risk with more debt and more borrowing.

Making it easier for small businesses to lend is something I often hear and the Chancellor’s steps in this area will be welcome, as is the extra £1billion for the Regional Growth Fund and the increase in the Bank Levy. The funding for infrastructure projects, especially the bringing forward of improvements to the Tyne and Wear Metro, will not only bring real improvements to the North East but also help keep investment flowing in these tough times with special relief for the North East.

The Chancellor was clear that things are tough, but there is real help for the North East in this statement, including the state pension rising by £5.30 to £107.45, the largest ever cash rise, and not least cancelling January's 3p Fuel Duty rise, saving families £144 is real help for where it counts.

FSA concerning the Arch Cru Scandal

2011-11-27T21:09:00.003Z

80 MPs or their caseworkers squeezed into Committee Room 18 of the House of Commons last wednesday to hear the FSA explain the proposed deal to Arch Cru investors, why the offer letters are so confusing and why they are not going after other potential parties.
We have formed an All Party Group to seek a better deal for investors - thousands have lost money up and down the country.
We defintely made progress: a full copy of the press release is set out below
ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUP ON ARCH CRU FORMED
Today saw the formation of an All Party Parliamentary Group on Arch Cru.

Mr Alun Cairns MP Vale of Glamorgan and Mr Tom Greatrex MP Rutherglen and Hamilton West were elected as Co Chairman of the Group and Guy Opperman, MP, for Hexham, as Secretary.

Two key people of the Financial Service Authority were in attendance.
Committee Room 18 in the House of Commons was packed with over 30 MPs and representatives for 50 additional Members to hear a one hour discussion. This proved to be very helpful and a very positive response from given from the FSA. A list of key issues were raised and key answers given.

The FSA agreed to
a) clarify the initial Capita FM offer letter to investors to dispel misinterpretations and
b) to try to get all other parties, including those not under their regulatory responsibility into one room to have a global discussion on the ongoing concerns and settlements.
The Group resolved to ask Capita and the Financial Services Ombudsman to attend a future meeting.
The matter was also raised by Mr Greatrex in the House of Commons at Prime Minsters questions at which the Mr Cameron agreed to consider what further actions could be undertaken.
The FSA stressed that the urrent offer is solely limited to HSBC, Bank of New York and Capita FM and no other parties. They reiterated their view that the current offer is a good deal against those three parties.

Sport in the North East

2011-11-27T09:00:00.002Z

Everyone who knows me knows I am sport mad: I see it as part of my job to try and facilitate more sport in the North East, and obviously Hexham in particular.
We have the Olympics next year - both with specific events in the North East, and lots of school Olympics and the extra special East Tynedale Olympics that is being organised out of Wylam.
These last few weeks I have met with the Sport and Recreation Alliance, and following that had meetings with the British Mountaineering and Canoe Associations, working out how we can make their sports more accessible to local people in Northumberland.
This culminated this week with a really good meeting with representatives of the Lawn Tennis Association: we are at the early stages of planning specific tennis assistance and events in the North East, and Hexham in particular, but watch this space.
My plan is, in particular, to get a LTA professional to go to several of the schools during the early part of the summer term and provide free coaching and assistance, whilst also harnessing the LTA contacts and know how to try and help make the sport accessible to all in the build up to Wimbledon and the Olympics next year.

Future of UK Manufacturing

2011-11-26T14:23:00.004Z

Last week was a very busy week in the House. I was pleased that the Backbench Business Committee of MPs agree to my recommendation of a debate on the Future of UK Manufacturing. I used the debate to argue there should be a dedicated government minister for manufacturing to boost British industry.

Such a minister would genuinely provide a co-ordinated response to concerns of the manufacturing businesses and would send out a statement that this really matters. Manufacturing should be at the heart of any long-term plan for economic growth. It is a sleeping giant which, if revived, would become the backbone of a strong UK economy.

You can CLICK HERE to watch the debate.

You can also read full coverage in the Journal HERE which also includes details on my call for a Bank of Hexham... more on that on the blog next week!

Tackling Youth Unemployment

2011-11-25T09:36:00.000Z

Regular readers will know I am passionate about tackling Youth Unemployment, it is a very important issue for his here in the North East.

I therefore welcome today's news of a £1 billion scheme designed to get more than 400,000 young people into work.

Speaking on the fund Mr Clegg quite rightly said this Government would not allow a “generation to fall behind” and “bear the brunt” of the recession. “Youth unemployment is an economic waste and a slow-burn social disaster,” he said. “We can’t lose the skills and talent of our young people, right when we need them most. We can’t afford to leave our young men and women on the scrap heap. We need the next generation to help us build a new economy.

The fund is a big improvement from Labour's future job's fund as the money will used to sponsor private businesses which take on unemployed youngsters rather than just creating jobs for them in the public sector like the future jobs fund did.

John Cridland, director-general of the CBI, said: “This is good news for young people up and down the country. We’re pleased that the Government has developed our idea to incentivise businesses to take on the young unemployed. It will encourage firms to take a gamble on a young inexperienced person and help tackle the scourge of youth unemployment.”

How will it work?

Under the Youth Contract Scheme, 160,000 young workers aged between 18 and 24 will have half their wages paid for the first six months. The scheme will only pay half the minimum wage – worth £2,275 – to employers who will then make up the difference. Another 250,000 young people will be offered work experience, lasting up to eight weeks, during which they will continue to receive benefits. Money will also be paid to firms taking on another 20,000 apprentices.

Are you a Twitterer?

2011-11-25T06:32:00.000Z

If your on Twitter don't forget you can follow me by clicking here or if your on facebook click here to find me there too.

Don't forget you can also sign up the the new regular e-newsletter simply by putting in your email at the top of the page.

Twitterer
noun. One who uses Twitter (the social network). One who "tweets."

Police Commissioners, what will they mean?

2011-11-23T07:57:00.000Z

The first ever elections for Police and Crime Commissioners will be held on 15 November 2012. Some of you may have heard me on BBC Radio on Friday morning discussing the change this will bring to our police.

Instead of bureaucratic control of the police the Commissioners we bring real democratic accountability to our policing with you the public having a real say over how our area is policed.

Police Commissioners will be local figures with powerful mandates from the public to drive the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour. Commissioners will decide policing strategy and the force budget. They will set the local council tax precept and appoint - and if necessary dismiss - the chief constable. And all of this will be done on behalf of the public who elect them.

Police and Crime Commissioners will replace the existing police authorities and have a much larger role.

Working with local authorities, community safety partnerships and local criminal justice boards, Commissioners will help bring a strategic coherence to the actions of these organisations across each police force. Commissioners will be a single elected individual who will take executive decisions, supported by a highly qualified team. For the first time you the public will have someone in the room, at the very top of table who shares your priorities.

The buck will stop with commissioners, and the public will cast judgement at the ballot box, voting out commissioners who don't cut crime or address local concerns.

I hope we will end up with a real leader at the helm of Northumbria Police to continue to drive forward the improvements the force has made in cutting crime and cracking down on anti social behaviour.

Fingers crossed for no snow...

2011-11-22T18:31:00.000Z

I try not to be too party political and criticise the Lib Dem led Northumberland County Council. But NCC would test the patience of a saint.
Paul Tully has revealed in the Journal that five vital new road gritters needed for the looming winter, which were decided upon 6 months ago, will now not be delivered until AFTER Christmas. See also our local TV News
We are now quite literally in the position of having to cross our fingers and hope there is no snow before the New Year, when the gritters arrive. Madness.
It has been put down to "ineffective and inefficient use of time" in the Council's ordering process. Read the full story HERE
>
As Victor Meldrew would say "I don't believe it!"

The BIG Christmas Social Action Project

2011-11-22T08:09:00.002Z

Launching our Social Action Christmas with Anne Marie and Will, representing the Conservative party in Berwick upon Tweed and Tyne and Wear.

This Christmas we are asking you to get involved in the North East’s biggest Social Action Christmas Project yet!

We’re asking you to help us with one of our three projects focussed on supporting the needy, the homeless and our brave troops.

If you have any time to spare this Christmas season please help us make a difference to those less fortunate than ourselves.

We are asking you to buy one extra toy or child’s gift which can make all the difference to a disadvantaged child on Christmas Day. I know we are all feeling the pinch, and we are not asking for anything extravagant. Just a small gesture which can mean the world to a child who has little to look forward to this Christmas.

Building on last years success in Hexham we are also hoping to be able to send more shoe box parcels to our brave troops this Christmas. We are asking you to donate small items, socks, gloves, pens, pencils, shower gel etc which are put into a wrapped shoe boxes and sent out to
our troops as a thank you. You can include a card or note of thanks or alternatively you can make your own shoe box parcel.

Last year we started off the Social Action Christmas with the Parcels for Soldiers project. This year I hope we are going to be bigger and better than ever before, helping more and more people across the North East at this special time of year.

For more information or if you would like to help with one of the projects please contact my Office on 01434 603 777 or Anne Marie Trevelyan: 07970653258, anne-marie@netherwitton.com

Prudhoe High School Q&A

2011-11-21T06:23:00.000Z

Back in the House of Commons this week after a really busy week in Northumberland. Before another week of Westminster blogging kicks off I just wanted to report back on one of the highlights from last week.

On Friday after spending some time with the Grassroots Team at Scotswood Community Garden, which we support with our Social Action team, I went off to Prudhoe High School for a Q&A with pupils.

Whenever an MP does one of these events said MP will always duly report that the children were polite and friendly.
Well I can honestly say, having done a number of these now, this was one of the best so far. Not only were the 6th Formers polite and friendly they were very engaging, their questions topped any edition of Question Time! From Tuition Fees to Feed In Tariffs they gave a me a good grilling on the issues of the day for around 85 minutes.
The Headteacher Dr Shaw is very proud of his pupils, and rightly so. I suspect I won't be the only one in the room who will stand for election!

Battlesteads Inn, in Wark, Northumberland, wins Green Hotel of the Year - beating everyone including the Savoy!

2011-11-20T12:03:00.003Z

The Battlesteads is one of my favourite pubs - we hold events there all the time and it is a major destination and boost to the Tourist Business of Northumberland. On Friday the Pub won the Green Pub of the Year awards at the Cateys, the leading Hotel award. My congratulations to owners Richard and Dee Slade and all the team at the pub. I saw Richard at my Green Deal workshop in Hexham on Wednesday, when he was discussing his new woodchip burning biomass boiler. If you have not been to Wark - please go - it is a special place.
Full details set out here:
http://www.battlesteads.com/
For reasons as to why The Battlesteads won I give you a flavour below of their Environmental Policy:
“We are committed to providing the greenest possible environment while ensuring the maximum comfort for our guests. We hope you share our appreciation of locally sourced food, consideration of our individual carbon footprint, joy of wildlife and the natural flaura and fauna of Northumberland.
“Our ethos is that it’s always better to work with the environment than to fight against it. Northumberland is one of the least spoiled areas of the country in terms of traffic impact, light pollution and urban sprawl - let’s keep it that way!”
Battlesteads proudly holds a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme and is highly rated in the popular Alistair Sawday Guides to both the UK and Europe. In 2010, the hotel was crowned Best Green Pub and Great British Pub of the Year as well as scooping the Gold Award for Sustainable Tourism in the North East Tourism Awards.
Green CredentialsThe use of low-energy light bulbs throughout means that the whole hotel now uses less energy for lighting than the bar area alone did in 2006.
An innovative woodchip-burning biomass boiler supplies heating and hot water to the entire hotel using sustainable fuel from forestry only one mile away, meaning virtually zero fuel miles!
The surplus heat generated is used to heat two polytunnels, which provide herbs and salad vegetables even in winter months. We also have herb gardens and salad gardens on either side of the main garden area and we plant soft fruits and root vegetables in our kitchen garden throughout the year. Rainwater is captured in a huge tank to provide water for the entire garden and planters.
WildlifeThe walled garden visible from the conservatory is specially planted to encourage wildlife - the boiler house has a bat box and an owl box, we have lots of bird-feeders to encourage the many smaller species in the area. See how many you can identify - we have binoculars in the conservatory to help you.
And if you want to see Red Squirrels and stay in a nice setting - this is the place.

Movember

2011-11-20T08:10:00.004Z

Each November, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK. The aim of this is to raise vital money and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate and bowel cancer.

This year
- Many of the schoolteachers at Prudhoe Community High School and
- My team in the Office have got involved and are well on the way to raising £500,
You can donate to the lads efforts HERE
Bowel Cancer is an issue I take a special interest in. Do have a look on the blog next week when I will report back on the Adjournment debate I have secured on this issue on Wednesday.

The lads also took part in a Charity rugby match last week and are very proud of this photo of them, plus the Rugby Legend Richard Hill (World Cup winner with England in 2003) at the Lords and Commons rugby match against the legends at Twickenham. This was all in aid of the Pakistan flood relief fund and hosted by the Princes Trust.

Protect the Ponteland Greenbelt

2011-11-19T07:25:00.001Z

There is an imminent threat to Greenbelt surrounding Ponteland and Darras Hall.

Your local Councilors and I believe passionately in maintaining the character of Ponteland and Darras Hall. That is why we strongly oppose the plan from Newcastle City Council to sprawl the city outwards towards our community as outlined in the One Core Statergy document, specifically Policy CS 1/2 - 5.25

Newcastle City Council wants to build 6,500 new houses on the fields that surround Ponteland and Darras Hall.

These plans have been put forward by the City Council as part of their One Core Strategy plan to build 36,000 new houses.

"Callerton Park:
5.25 Land on the Western Edge of Newcastle’s urban area between the A69 and A696 is identified as a Strategic Growth Area for up to 6,500 new homes."

I have challenged the Labour controlled Newcastle City Council to stop the plan and withdraw these proposals. I think we can all agree that over the coming years Ponteland and Darras Hall will expand – after all it’s a fantastic place to live. But this development must be led by our local community, ideally through the Town Council, and done sensitively to local residents.

What Newcastle needs, like many areas, is affordable sustainable development. You only have to drive towards the city centre to see a huge number of brownfield sites which could be developed, and areas where regeneration has stalled for too long or even stopped. What no one needs is the Council and big developers looking to make a quick buck off the back of a cash crop housing estate in the Greenbelt.

The Consultation is now open, please have your say HERE

Children In Need

2011-11-18T20:05:00.002Z

Children In Need is a great cause and one of those things that really does Britain Proud. Remember all money goes towards grants to projects in the UK which focus on children and young people who are disadvantaged.

I gave out Pudsey keyrings for the best questions at our school Q&A today, dont forget to donate if you can: CLICK HERE

BBC Police Phone In

2011-11-18T19:47:00.003Z

CLICK HERE to listen me taking calls this morning on BBC Radio Newcastle's live one hour phone-in. We discussed all things Policing from Police Commissioners to what changes to police budgets will mean for our communities. Skip to 2.40mins in.

Some great calls and Alfie and Gillian really on form.

Mr Brown's Boys...

2011-11-18T19:02:00.002Z

Everyone's least favourite politician Ed Balls was on Five Live for a phone in earlier this week. This is what Lee, a real life voter had to tell the Shadow Chancellor live on air:

“It would be better for Labour and the country if you weren’t there… You were there in Treasury…you are the problem. When I hear you I just want to switch off because you have no credibility in what you say… the Labour Party would be better served, even if the message was the same, if it wasn’t coming from you, more people would listen. If you’re trying to get your message across it’s not working because you are tainted with what went before.”

Awkward.

Hexham River Hydro

2011-11-18T13:27:00.000Z

Just a reminder! If you havent already please help bring Renewable Energy to the North East by voting for Hexham River Hydro in the Energy Share public vote.

We are currently in 1st place but with 28% of the votes is really close!

Please click HERE to vote.

"Hexham River Hydro is a 100kW community hydro power generation scheme on the River Tyne in Northumberland, which will not just generate renewable electricity but will secure sustainable funding for social and economic regeneration and community activities in Hexham and its environs and be an education and awareness-raising tool for residents and visitors alike. It is a joint initiative by Hexham Community Partnership and Transition Tynedale."

BBC Radio Newcastle at 9am and then Prudhoe Community High School Q & A

2011-11-17T19:21:00.005Z

Friday Morning: have a packed diary - off first thing to do a live phone in on BBC Radio Newcastle, followed by our social action project, where we help out at the Scottswood Community Garden in Newcastle.
Then on to Prudhoe High School - apologies if I arrive a bit muddy and scruffy...
Doing an hour long Q&A with the students after lunch in the Fuse Media Centre - the school is changing every year for the better.
Really looking forward to it.
Hoping to see what they are doing for Children in Need and also whether they want to do a Lip Dub promoting Prudhoe High School? For those of you who do not know what a lip dub is then watch this - it will blow your mind. The story goes that someone insulted the town of Grand Rapids in the USA so they decided to showcase the town in the worlds biggest lip dub:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPjjZCO67WI
There are other amazing school based lip dubs on a smaller scale - simply search google, of course!

Green Deal and Fuel Poverty Workshop with the Green Alliance

2011-11-16T22:53:00.005Z

Massive thanks to the Green Alliance for hosting our Green Deal Workshop - focusing on urban and rural fuel poverty in the Hexham constituency, and the wider North East. The Green Deal is an up front free programme used to provide household energy efficiency, and combat fuel poverty, with a staged repayment scheme out of your fuel bill savings. It will transform your energy bills and save you money in the short and long term.
- all agreed the basic principles behind the Green Deal were good;
- but all agreed that as a programme for energy efficiency it needed work, refinement and basic changes if it was genuinely to be fit for purpose.
That is where we come in - as 40 key stakeholders ranging from oil clubs to councillors, to Transition Tynedale and Friends of the Earth, from energy companies to the CAB, from social landlords to the HCP, many businesses and local providers and multiple interested parties, all disected the policy in detail: in doing so we identified the good points and the bad.
The crucial purpose of today was in
- trying to identify how this policy can help Hexham constituency residents
- and what lessons we need to give to Greg Barker, the key Minister.
The Green Alliance are working with 3 environmental partners as pilot projects to road test the Green Deal [the other constituencies are Redcar and Bristol North West]. We welcomed Becky, Rebecca and Hannah to Hexham and invited 40 Good Men and Women all of whom came together to learn and help make the Green Deal work

I plan to give everyone present proper feedback both here and in writing, but the key lessons learnt were that:
- the policy can and will work for private home owners
- but that take up will be difficult without active community leadership [of which today was our first step of many]
- this policy needs change if it is to apply to social tenants [who arguably need this policy more than anyone] as few tenants would apply for such a policy. It will clearly work if the government wants to, and can afford to, give the deal direct to Landlords, like Isos.
- Our short term target is to take away the lessons learnt and help Geg Barker refine the policy
- Our long term target is to transform our area and make real efforts to combat the fuel poverty and energy deficiency that exists in Hexham.
- To do that we are looking for specific streets in Hexham and Haydon Bridge who are interested in getting the benefit of the Green Deal

One final note: what was also amazing was seeing everyone interacting and talking about their common interest in this issue.
Many thanks to Green Alliance - a very rewarding 3 hours.

Politics Show

2011-11-16T18:28:00.002Z

CLICK HERE
to catch up with the Politics Show from Sunday. I was on the show with Labour MP Dave Anderson to discuss Fuel Poverty and Legal Aid. The North East part starts about 32minutes in.

The Fair Fuel Debate

2011-11-15T19:35:00.003Z

I have had to be in Northumberland today so I have missed the Fair Fuel debate brought forward by my friend Robert Halfon, the MP for Harlow.
Robert came to Hexham in April and is a genuinely good man trying to do what he can for his constituents and others.
I support his motion - which was passed unopposed by the House of Commons today, which urges the Goverment to scrap the rise in petrol duty. All of us understand that the govermenet needs to raise money to pay of the deficit but this may be a tax that is stopping the economy growing and punishes rural people in particular
This issue touches upon my campaign to stop fuel poverty and is a real issue in Northumberland where a car is a necessity, not a choice. Certainly that was the view of the locals in Tarset who I was speaking to on this issue on Saturday.
You can read more at:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2061572/Scrap-rise-petrol-duty-100-MPs-demand-Osborne-abandon-planned-3p-increase.html#ixzz1dnvxRuDm

Green Energy in Hexham - The Hydro Project on the River Tyne

2011-11-15T16:56:00.003Z

On the banks of the Tyne at Hexham, with local organisers Bob Hull and Gillian Orrell, Local Councillors Terry Robson and Derek Kennedy and Euro MP Fiona Hall.

This is a community based apolitical attempt at bringing green energy to Hexham. Huge credit must go to the team at the Hexham Community Partnership, Transition Tynedale and the supportive local councillors. We are all behind the scheme but need your support - you do not need to live in Hexham to support us - see below.
ABOUT THE PLAN:
Hexham River Hydro is a 100kW community hydro power generation scheme on the River Tyne in Northumberland, which will not just generate renewable electricity but will secure sustainable funding for social and economic regeneration and community activities in Hexham and its environs and be an education and awareness-raising tool for residents and visitors alike. Once established the Hydro will use the 2 left hand arches seen in the picture for power generation, or as an alternative a tunnel based scheme harnessing the Tyne's power.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE HEXHAM RIVER HYDRO:
HEXHAM RIVER HYDRO has been shortlisted for the final round of the national energyshare competition. The winning project will be decided by online voting which opens on Tuesday 15th November and closes on 3rd December 2011.
The project needs your votes:
Vote now at http://www.energyshare.com/hrh and help us bring £100K to the north east.
You can also watch Roly Beevor's excellent video showcasing the project if you go on the Energy share website. It really shows how this is a community based Hexham project.

Boundary Change Hearings

2011-11-14T06:06:00.001Z

Keep Northumberland Whole! Have you had your say? It is not too late to email the Boundary Commission at reviews@bcommengland.x.gsi.gov.uk or simply write to them at 35 Great Smith St, London, SW1P 3BQ. Their proposal is to take Haltwhistle and the South Tynedale Divisions of Northumberland [which includes Allendale, Slaley, Allenheads, the Allen Valley, and the whole of the South Tyne] and put them in a County Durham seat.
We oppose this and are trying to keep these areas - and returning to Consett the division of Rowlands Gill and Chopwell, which the BC in their wisdom have given to the Hexham constituency.
I am off for the next 2 days to the Boundary Commission Hearing, which starts at 10 am in Newcastle to make the case. I am speaking tomorrow at around 9.30am
Don't let them carve up your county simply by inaction or the lack of a letter or email!

An afternoon in Tarset

2011-11-12T21:54:00.003Z

Delighted to be invited to hold a community meeting / surgery for nearly 2 hours this afternoon in Tarset Village Hall. Really great to be back - we discussed all the problems of health and police services in rural communities,forestry, planning, fuel poverty / LPG problems, boundary changes, fuel pricing and so much more. My thanks to everyone who came, and their hospitality and my friend Chris who kindly acted as driver.
The Tarset community takes in several hundred fascinating people who contribute so much to the society they live in - based around the villages of Lanehead, and Greenhaugh, which has a great First School. The area is in the National Park and the locals think more about their life, environment and actions than almost any other community I know.
A visit to the amazing Greenhaugh pub, The Holly Bush Inn, and a session with the Tarset Grumpies is warmly recommended on many fronts: full details of all the community has to offer is on the Tarset website but I will leave you with the delightful link to the Tarset Grumpies:
http://www.tarset.co.uk/community/grumpies.cfm

Green Alliance Workshop on the Green Deal and how to save energy

2011-11-11T08:08:00.011Z

Very excited to be co-hosting a Green Deal Workshop this coming Wednesday 16th November.
We are doing all we can to bring together the energy companies and prepare for the winter in the North East
I am really pleased that the Hexham area has been chosen as the first of the Green Alliance's flagship pilot projects to work out how the Green Deal will work and the massive savings and opportunities that will follow as a result of the Energy Act that we recently passed in parliament.
More details to follow and a full report after the event at The Beaumont Hotel on Wednesday

Heading Home to Northumberland

2011-11-10T18:10:00.002Z

Really excited to be heading home to Hexham
I have a packed diary for the next 9 days but the highlights include
- visits to the Hexham Hydro, a meeting in Tarset and the Social Action launch in Hexham this weekend
- A Q and A session at Prudhoe High School next Friday
- Helping out at Scotswood Community Garden with the Grassroots volunteers
- A special meeting with the Green Alliance [more to follow on this later]
- Multiple surgeries, home visits and meetings
and the Boundary Commisssion Hearings in Newcastle
Will blog more as the 9 days unfold

"We Will Remember Them" at 11am on 11.11.11 and on Sunday

2011-11-10T17:35:00.003Z

Tomorrow is Armistice Day - try and stop and remember those who died for us.
I lost a great uncle on the beaches of France at Dunkirk.
We all have friends or family who have served or are serving still.

I will be laying a wreath in Prudhoe at 11am and then attending the Remembrance Day Service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Prudhoe before travelling to the Hexham Mayors Reception at 12.45

Try and see if you can go to church on Sunday, or at least wish our men and women who are fighting abroad "God speed" and that they are in our thoughts and prayers

Can the England Team wear a Poppy on their black armbands?

2011-11-09T18:26:00.002Z

This was raised twice in the House of Commons today at PMQs, where the actions of FIFA were again castigated for being out of touch and disrespectful to those who have laid down their lives for all of us.
Fifa has now agreed that the England team can wear poppies on their black armbands during Saturday's friendly against Spain at Wembley.The move came after Prince William and Prime Minister David Cameron made representations to Fifa asking that England be allowed to wear shirts embroidered with poppies.
The Prince was described as being "dismayed" by Fifa's initial stance.

"The Duke's strong view is the poppy is a universal symbol of remembrance, which has no political, religious or commercial connotations," said a statement.
FIFA should be ashamed of themselves.
Regular readers will know that they tried to stop a woman playing football against men earlier this autumn in Manchester

£17m boost for North East

2011-11-09T12:54:00.004Z

The North East will be amongst those regions benefiting from a £500m growth fund, it was announced yesterday. The Growing Places Fund, to be operational early next year, is focused on developing infrastructure projects, and getting currently-stalled projects up and running.

Outside of London the North East is receiving the 5th largest amount of funding at almost £17m, out of the 15 other partnerships. The Fund is a key part of the Coalition's growth strategy, and will be used by the government's Local Enterprise Partnerships distribute locally.

The Fund can be used for a wide variety of projects including development of strategic link roads, enabling the delivery of homes and commercial space - all with the aims creating jobs and securing private investment.

The North East has a tough task in re balancing our economy. This cash is a welcome boost towards helping us achieve that aim and creating as many jobs here in the North East as possible.