The House of Lords have finished debating and the Queen has given royal assent. I strongly believe that the concerns that were legitimately expressed against this bill in draft have been addressed and the law is such that those who do not wish their church to be affected by this change will not be - eg the Church of England or the Catholic Church or the Muslim faith
At the same time those churches that wish to conduct such marriages - whether they be Quakers, Unitarian, or Jewish should now be able to move forward on that. I liked the phrase of Rabbi Julia Neuberger, who said before the Commons debate:
“It is precisely because marriage is such a uniquely important institution that we should ensure that all couples who want to get married can do so, regardless of their sexuality.”
Addressing the concerns raised:
Philosophical beliefs are protected by the Equality Act 2010. As the Minister Hugh Robertson MP said in the debate on 20th May, "philosophical beliefs are protected if they are genuinely held, and we are entirely confident that the belief that marriage should be only between a man and a woman meets those criteria 100%".
The "Public Sector Equality Duty" cannot be used against people or organisations that believe in "traditional" marriage. Discrimination is not allowed because of such a view. The Attorney General has given assurances that these protections are already in place.
The House of Commons and the House of Lords spent a great deal of time assessing this legislation, and amending and improving it as part of parliamentary scrutiny. I am satisfied with the exemptions in place for Churches and individuals who do not wish to be a part of same-sex marriages. Indeed the Churches of England and Wales agree with this analysis.
The Church of England said that "the effect of what the Government has proposed is to leave decisions about the doctrine and practice of the Church of England with the Church of England". The Church in Wales has also said that "the Bill provides protection for the Church whilst still enabling it to make its own decision on same-sex marriage."
The full original debate is here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm130205/debtext/130205-0004.htm
I would make three further key personal points:
i). This country is on a journey, and it is a journey that can be traced back many years. A hundred years ago there were the suffragettes and no opportunity for women to have the vote. Only in 1922 were women entitled to be MPs. Fifty years ago we had the civil rights movement and in 1967 homosexuality was made legal for the first time. Approximately 10 years ago civil partnerships were made legal. The world and this country are on a journey of change. The law must change with it - and the House of Lords and the House of Commons have in 2013 agreed.
ii). For me, this is a matter of commitment. I have spent 20 years as a community activist, councillor, lawyer, and now MP seeing examples of the difficulties that occur when couples fail to commit and fail to bring up children in the right way. Yet when two people show a desire to commit in the most serious way possible, are we to deny them that opportunity merely because they are of the same sex? That cannot be right. We know that married couples are twice as likely to stay together as cohabiting couples.
For my part, I cannot conceive of a God who creates, allows and permits homosexuals but would then want us to deny them the right to seek marital fulfilment within a religious context.
iii). Some have insisted that same-sex marriage would undermine the institution of marriage. Does anyone feel that they would be less married because we had gay constituents or a gay colleague who would commit to their partner in that way? I am presently not married, and this job is a real barrier to finding a wife and settling down, as it requires me to live in 2 places etc etc. But when I do find a woman mad enough to want an ageing jockey / politician husband then the fact that gay friends and gay colleagues are also getting married would not stop me from doing so.
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Monday, 29 July 2013
Prince George of Cambridge should never be King of Scots, Scottish Independence Chair says
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10207169/Prince-George-should-never-be-King-of-Scots-says-pro-independence-chairman.html
Once again Alex Salmond's claim that Scotland could be independent ad retain the monarchy is crumbling - just like his other claims.
Once again Alex Salmond's claim that Scotland could be independent ad retain the monarchy is crumbling - just like his other claims.
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Arriva Bus Journey tomorrow afternoon
At 2.30 I will be at the Hexham bus station hoping the bus to Haltwhistle turns up on time as I have a surgery in Haltwhistle later that afternoon. This is all part of our efforts to get the local bus company Arriva to improve their service. I met with company reps after repeated complaints and I am pleased that we have a newer fleet and, I am hoping, a better attitude. However, I promised to ride this problem bus myself, so first day back in Northumberland now the House has risen I shall be on the Arriva bus seeing how prompt and improved it really is!
Filming on prison reform with BBC in Hexham Gaol tomorrow
The BBC's Chris Connell is interviewing me on all matters prisons tomorrow; the Hexham Gaol was built in June 1330, making it the oldest purpose-built prison in England.
We will be discussing my book, Doing Time, the changes we need in todays prisons, the difficulties of getting proper mentoring, the problems of repeat offenders, and the need for radical reform of our approach to prisons - without throwing out the good things that we do. In the evening I am also meeting representatives from the Oswin Project - a local who help give skills and training to former prisoners and help turn them around. A great cause.
We will be discussing my book, Doing Time, the changes we need in todays prisons, the difficulties of getting proper mentoring, the problems of repeat offenders, and the need for radical reform of our approach to prisons - without throwing out the good things that we do. In the evening I am also meeting representatives from the Oswin Project - a local who help give skills and training to former prisoners and help turn them around. A great cause.
Friday, 26 July 2013
Assorted Journos [and MPs] are to be found hiking Hadrians Wall this summer
The Telegraph journalist, Christopher Hope is presently walking Hadrians Wall at the moment for a good cause: https://twitter.com/christopherhope
He described his first day today as follows:
"22miles. Exhausted. 62miles to go. Please sponsor me at http://www.justgiving.com/christopherhope to walk Hadrian's Wall"
If you see a tired journo on a good cause please stop and say hello, buy him a pint, or better still sponsor him. I have walked the Wall several times, notably in 2011 for Tynedale Hospice at Home. I have not got the heart to tell him that the big challenge is ahead on the long march from Humshaugh to Twice Brewed and on down to Greenhead.
But think of the tea rooms, pubs and the grub along the way and all will be well.
To help him on his way I will resubmit my guide to the local pubs and beer originally found in more detail here: http://guyopperman.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/my-top-10-places-to-go-in.html
The key section is:
Where to eat:
If you want great pub food then I am a big fan of the Barrasford Arms,http://www.barrasfordarms.co.uk/
Tony is a brilliant chef, and the pub also has great beer and a bar where you will discuss everything from sheep prices to current affairs and who won the big race of the day. Great people and a top dining pub.
The Feathers in Hedley, and La Bouchon in Hexham are both prize winning and the destinations for fine dining but if you want a great south Asian experience then two restaurants will prove it is not just country fare up north.
The Valley in Corbridge is the ultimate Railway lovers restaurant, producing great food in an old railway station: http://www.valleyrestaurants.co.uk/
Also very good is Hexham's Diwan E- Am: http://diwaneam.com/?page_id=58
You will need a tea shop on your travels:
My friends say I am on a mission to try every tea shop in Tynedale but the county is justifiably famous: on your Pennine Way travels do not forget to stop at the Greenhead Tea Room: http://www.heartofhadrianswall.com/tea-rooms/60-greenhead-tea-rooms
Alison makes great cakes and scones.
Corbridge has more tea shops that any other but my favourite is Tea and Tipple, where you can while away an afternoon - they do great Northumberland Scones, including the normal cheese scone but also Blue Cheese and Caramelised Onion Scones: http://teaandtipple.blogspot.co.uk/
Their web site has a special "Sconage" section...
Beer: this is obviously essential. We have lots of brilliant brewers, but I have worked a lot with the Hadrian Border Brewery, who produce the deliciously summer ale which is Tyneside Blonde. But my favourite would be a pint of Golden Plover, made locally by the Allendale Brewery, and found in most of the pubs: http://www.allendaleale.com/index.htm
To my knowledge two of my MP colleagues are also intending to tramp the Wall this summer - they will get a warm welcome, great beer, sore feet and the views that rival Montana.
He described his first day today as follows:
"22miles. Exhausted. 62miles to go. Please sponsor me at http://www.justgiving.com/christopherhope to walk Hadrian's Wall"
If you see a tired journo on a good cause please stop and say hello, buy him a pint, or better still sponsor him. I have walked the Wall several times, notably in 2011 for Tynedale Hospice at Home. I have not got the heart to tell him that the big challenge is ahead on the long march from Humshaugh to Twice Brewed and on down to Greenhead.
But think of the tea rooms, pubs and the grub along the way and all will be well.
To help him on his way I will resubmit my guide to the local pubs and beer originally found in more detail here: http://guyopperman.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/my-top-10-places-to-go-in.html
The key section is:
Where to eat:
If you want great pub food then I am a big fan of the Barrasford Arms,http://www.barrasfordarms.co.uk/
Tony is a brilliant chef, and the pub also has great beer and a bar where you will discuss everything from sheep prices to current affairs and who won the big race of the day. Great people and a top dining pub.
The Feathers in Hedley, and La Bouchon in Hexham are both prize winning and the destinations for fine dining but if you want a great south Asian experience then two restaurants will prove it is not just country fare up north.
The Valley in Corbridge is the ultimate Railway lovers restaurant, producing great food in an old railway station: http://www.valleyrestaurants.co.uk/
Also very good is Hexham's Diwan E- Am: http://diwaneam.com/?page_id=58
You will need a tea shop on your travels:
My friends say I am on a mission to try every tea shop in Tynedale but the county is justifiably famous: on your Pennine Way travels do not forget to stop at the Greenhead Tea Room: http://www.heartofhadrianswall.com/tea-rooms/60-greenhead-tea-rooms
Alison makes great cakes and scones.
Corbridge has more tea shops that any other but my favourite is Tea and Tipple, where you can while away an afternoon - they do great Northumberland Scones, including the normal cheese scone but also Blue Cheese and Caramelised Onion Scones: http://teaandtipple.blogspot.co.uk/
Their web site has a special "Sconage" section...
Beer: this is obviously essential. We have lots of brilliant brewers, but I have worked a lot with the Hadrian Border Brewery, who produce the deliciously summer ale which is Tyneside Blonde. But my favourite would be a pint of Golden Plover, made locally by the Allendale Brewery, and found in most of the pubs: http://www.allendaleale.com/index.htm
To my knowledge two of my MP colleagues are also intending to tramp the Wall this summer - they will get a warm welcome, great beer, sore feet and the views that rival Montana.
Lindisfarne Gospels are only here till September 30!!
Full details about how to visit here: http://www.lindisfarnegospels.com/
The Lindifarne Gospels is one of the world’s most precious books, dating from Anglo Saxon England
It is on loan from the British Library, and staged at Durham’s World Heritage Site in the Palace Green Library. It is on loan to Durham from the British Library until 30 September 2013.
I hope to visit before too long - but I urge locals to go. This book is both our history and a timeless record of an age over a thousand years ago.
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Q2 GDP figures showing that the economy grew 0.6 per cent
A lot has been done to turn the economy around but we have a long way to go
We would be worse off under the two Eds, who got us into this mess with profligate spending and debt, and would want us to borrow more.
We would be worse off under the two Eds, who got us into this mess with profligate spending and debt, and would want us to borrow more.
Good meeting in Westminster with Orange / EE re Bellingham phone problems
The mobile phone problems in Bellingham have been significant and I met with one of the companies chief officers this week in Westminster - he assured me that the problem with their mast has being fixed. We spoke for nearly an hour and I have conveyed to the company how upset so many locals are by the recent outage. I will be providing a full detailed written update to the Parish Council and the county councillor in the next few weeks.
Education is changing
Michael Gove is changing education with his reforms to education poliocy and practice that particularly feature academies and free schools, which allow headteachers and local schools to make radical improvement, away from the dead hand of local authority control. All this at a time when the Coalition have managed to protect the 4-16 years budget from the cuts that other departments have faced. The interesting question is what does Labour think of the reforms?
We know that the Liberals are absolutely committed. I and my Hexham headteachers recently met David Laws in Hexham QEHS, and were very impressed by his reforming zeal, his grasp and his commitment to change for the better for the pupil and the individual school.
Only yesterday this is what Michael Gove said about David Laws:
‘I think that it’s certainly the case that there’s a lot of momentum in the department for education at the moment for continued reform. One of the great things about having David Laws as a Liberal Democrat colleague is that he’s as enthusiastic as I am about seeing more academies and free schools established; like me wants to see the prestige of the teaching profession enhanced, including with some of the changes that we’re talking about today. He like me wants to say rather more about how we can improve school leadership even further in the autumn, and he like me wants to reform the funding system so it’s fairer overall. So there will be a lot more coming from us, right up until the election is called.
‘What I think will be the case is that rather than scorched earth, what we will have done is that we will have moved the ground of the education debate to such an extent that the next government I think will accept the basis of what we have done because as the Populus poll reinforces, it’s in line with what the public want."
Recently Stephen Twigg effectively accepted that free schools and academies are a force for good. The Labour party will have to make up its mind about performance-related pay and some of the other changes that are coming through the system.
We know that the Liberals are absolutely committed. I and my Hexham headteachers recently met David Laws in Hexham QEHS, and were very impressed by his reforming zeal, his grasp and his commitment to change for the better for the pupil and the individual school.
Only yesterday this is what Michael Gove said about David Laws:
‘I think that it’s certainly the case that there’s a lot of momentum in the department for education at the moment for continued reform. One of the great things about having David Laws as a Liberal Democrat colleague is that he’s as enthusiastic as I am about seeing more academies and free schools established; like me wants to see the prestige of the teaching profession enhanced, including with some of the changes that we’re talking about today. He like me wants to say rather more about how we can improve school leadership even further in the autumn, and he like me wants to reform the funding system so it’s fairer overall. So there will be a lot more coming from us, right up until the election is called.
‘What I think will be the case is that rather than scorched earth, what we will have done is that we will have moved the ground of the education debate to such an extent that the next government I think will accept the basis of what we have done because as the Populus poll reinforces, it’s in line with what the public want."
Recently Stephen Twigg effectively accepted that free schools and academies are a force for good. The Labour party will have to make up its mind about performance-related pay and some of the other changes that are coming through the system.
Westminster this week
I am still in London even though the House has risen; the team and I spend the first week back trying to catch up on all the multiutude of tasks that we put off whilst the maelstrom of the Commons is whirling around us.
My apologies to anyone who has not had their letter replied to, and my hopes are clear that when I head north this weekend I will be able to meet up with everyone up north who during the termtime it is so difficult to spend time with.
I am spending time this week in the Home Office, training our Women to Win candidates, writing a couple of articles that are long overdue and discussing the publication Access all Areas that I wrote with David Skelton and others at Renewal.
We have also had the annual staff meeting when everyone sits down and does a performance review of each other - which, as usual, turned into a joyous criticism of me for occasionally being late and over committing, and having an untidy desk!
My apologies to anyone who has not had their letter replied to, and my hopes are clear that when I head north this weekend I will be able to meet up with everyone up north who during the termtime it is so difficult to spend time with.
I am spending time this week in the Home Office, training our Women to Win candidates, writing a couple of articles that are long overdue and discussing the publication Access all Areas that I wrote with David Skelton and others at Renewal.
We have also had the annual staff meeting when everyone sits down and does a performance review of each other - which, as usual, turned into a joyous criticism of me for occasionally being late and over committing, and having an untidy desk!
Thursday, 18 July 2013
A summer of British Sport - and a Brit to win the Open Golf at Muirfield?
Murray, the Lions, the cricket, Froome in France, and now the British Open - Surely it cannot get any better than a British win at Muirfield? My hopes are high for Rose and Donald but if Close House's pro Lee Westwood were to win that would be the most popular win of all. However, I believe a punt on a British win is a good bet!
Government opts out of over a hundred EU measures
This week saw a significant step in the improvement of our relationship with Europe as Theresa May, the Home Secretary, announced an opt out from multiple EU Criminal Justice measures - meaning our parliamanet has control not a European one. There have been many meetings and discussions to agree the way ahead and the Coalition have taken a good step forward on a united basis.
It means that the Commons did approve the all important opt out from the 133 measures. The wording on future opt ins allows Parliament to scrutinise draft proposals, offer advice, and in due course have a vote on any measures the government does wish to opt into. In the interim the the Select Committees will now get to work on whether some opt ins are desirable.
It means that the Commons did approve the all important opt out from the 133 measures. The wording on future opt ins allows Parliament to scrutinise draft proposals, offer advice, and in due course have a vote on any measures the government does wish to opt into. In the interim the the Select Committees will now get to work on whether some opt ins are desirable.
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
International Development and Aid Minister will be in the North East before too long
I meet regularly with the If campaigners, Make Poverty History, the Jubilee Debt campaigners, Christian Aid and various local churches, all of whom I know would like to meet with the lady who has overall control of the international aid budget and countless decisions that have a major impact on the poorer countries in this world, and many others as well.
I have spoken to the Justine Greening, the International Development Minister, as to when she will be visiting the North East and to be fair her diary is a nightmare as she is rarely in this country, let alone able to travel around Britain but I prompted her diary secretary and the Minister herself with a recent written question that I set out below. My suspicion is that she will be with us in Newcastle in the spring at the latest. When she does come I will make sure everyone knows well in advance, and the session will deliberately be an open Q & A.
The Hansard source for everything I do is set out on the They work for you website or on the parliament website, but for the record the reply is 16/7/13:
Overseas Aid: North East
Although my plans for travel within the UK during the coming year have not yet been confirmed, I am keen to meet directly with faith-based communities and NGOs across the country, including in the North East of England.
I have spoken to the Justine Greening, the International Development Minister, as to when she will be visiting the North East and to be fair her diary is a nightmare as she is rarely in this country, let alone able to travel around Britain but I prompted her diary secretary and the Minister herself with a recent written question that I set out below. My suspicion is that she will be with us in Newcastle in the spring at the latest. When she does come I will make sure everyone knows well in advance, and the session will deliberately be an open Q & A.
The Hansard source for everything I do is set out on the They work for you website or on the parliament website, but for the record the reply is 16/7/13:
Overseas Aid: North East
Guy Opperman (Hexham, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she next intends to visit the North East of England to update churches, aid groups and interested parties on the coordination of UK humanitarian and aid support to key developing countries.
Although my plans for travel within the UK during the coming year have not yet been confirmed, I am keen to meet directly with faith-based communities and NGOs across the country, including in the North East of England.
Syria - the problem spills over to other countries but parliament will decide
Reports of Turkish deaths by reason of the Syrian civil war continue - as reported by the BBC below:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23345356
I have been asked by many constituents as to both my and the government position on arming the rebels and I can only repeat my assurance that
- I would oppose any arming of the rebels
- No decision has been taken by the PM or Foreign Secretary
- Parliament would be recalled and a vote would be required before anything happened
- Such a vote is a free vote, without any government line or pressure in any way
- My strong belief is that parliament would not vote to arm the rebels in Syria
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23345356
I have been asked by many constituents as to both my and the government position on arming the rebels and I can only repeat my assurance that
- I would oppose any arming of the rebels
- No decision has been taken by the PM or Foreign Secretary
- Parliament would be recalled and a vote would be required before anything happened
- Such a vote is a free vote, without any government line or pressure in any way
- My strong belief is that parliament would not vote to arm the rebels in Syria
All Party Group on Green Belt - pleased to be made Secretary of the parliamentary group
Went to my first meeting in the House of Commons two days ago, along with members of the the Campaign to Protect Rural England and Civic Voice and other concerned organisations and several MPs.
Locally we believe that we have the ability to provide the development we need on brownfield sites before allowing any green belt development. I constantly point to the excellent developments at the former Hospital sites at Stannington and Prudhoe and the upcoming development of the old police site in Ponteland.
I have supported all 3 wholeheartedly. The key is to have the right development in the right place with the right make up of the housing mix. More details of the meeting and a fuller report on what we are doing on housing to follow in the next week or so when I can catch my breath.
Locally we believe that we have the ability to provide the development we need on brownfield sites before allowing any green belt development. I constantly point to the excellent developments at the former Hospital sites at Stannington and Prudhoe and the upcoming development of the old police site in Ponteland.
I have supported all 3 wholeheartedly. The key is to have the right development in the right place with the right make up of the housing mix. More details of the meeting and a fuller report on what we are doing on housing to follow in the next week or so when I can catch my breath.
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Pont News and Views
Had a good meeting today with Brandon Lewis the Minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government. The government is rightly stopping Local Authorities from producing taxpayer funded reports detailing how wonderful the Council is. However, there were concerns expressed by several Ponteland Residents, councillors and concerned organisations that this would affect magazines like the much loved Pont News and Views. I took the civil servants and officials through copies of the magazine. It is a community information sheet, which is free to the community, and which is clearly non partisan. This months excellent edition describes, amongst many local issues the brilliant party in the park, showcases the St Mary's festival, and 2 charity efforts locally, activities by the council, multiple letters, a report by the local police and a short whats on section.
I am pleased to report that it was accepted that the regulations do not apply to local parish magazines like this. A formal letter to the Council and those who have written to me will follow shortly.
I am pleased to report that it was accepted that the regulations do not apply to local parish magazines like this. A formal letter to the Council and those who have written to me will follow shortly.
Renewal launches today - proud to have written for this brilliant pamphlet
http://www.renewalgroup.org.uk/Access_All_Areas_v1.0.pdf
I wrote the chapter at page 66, but would recommend all the pamphlet for bold and innovative thinking as to how we transform this great country.
The Pamphlet has got great coverage - it is edited by Consett born, David Skelton. Did the launch yesterday with Eric Pickles, and today with Laura Sandys, MP, Paul Uppal MP, and Rob Halfon, MP in the House of Commons.
Update: I was pleased to see one reader comment - see below in comments section - that this pamphlet is:
"a surprisingly good read!"
It is fair to say that the authors are almost all 2010 intake of Conservative MPs, who like myself are still very small fish in a big pond, notwithstanding that we might hold very junior roles in government - I for example am a junior Parliamanetary Private Secretary at the Home Office. The pamphlet is all about trying to sketch out policies for 2015 and beyond and to road test ideas both in print and speeches.
But you will hear lots more of the likes of Paul Uppal, the wonderful MP for Wolverhampton: Paul makes the point that the citizens of Wolverhampton elected him, a young lad from an ethnic minority, who grew up in a 2 up and 2 down in Wolverhampton, to a seat which was once represented by guess who ...? Enoch Powell, author or Rivers of Blood
This country has come a long way since the 1960s has it not?
I wrote the chapter at page 66, but would recommend all the pamphlet for bold and innovative thinking as to how we transform this great country.
The Pamphlet has got great coverage - it is edited by Consett born, David Skelton. Did the launch yesterday with Eric Pickles, and today with Laura Sandys, MP, Paul Uppal MP, and Rob Halfon, MP in the House of Commons.
Update: I was pleased to see one reader comment - see below in comments section - that this pamphlet is:
"a surprisingly good read!"
It is fair to say that the authors are almost all 2010 intake of Conservative MPs, who like myself are still very small fish in a big pond, notwithstanding that we might hold very junior roles in government - I for example am a junior Parliamanetary Private Secretary at the Home Office. The pamphlet is all about trying to sketch out policies for 2015 and beyond and to road test ideas both in print and speeches.
But you will hear lots more of the likes of Paul Uppal, the wonderful MP for Wolverhampton: Paul makes the point that the citizens of Wolverhampton elected him, a young lad from an ethnic minority, who grew up in a 2 up and 2 down in Wolverhampton, to a seat which was once represented by guess who ...? Enoch Powell, author or Rivers of Blood
This country has come a long way since the 1960s has it not?
OFT urged to have a British investigation into oil price fixing
I was in an official meeting yesterday morning so I could not join my colleagues led by Rob Halfon, MP, who went to the Office of Fair Trading to lead a protest group alongside Quentin Wilson, FairfuelUK and the Independent Fuel Retailers Association, to present a petition with over 30,000 signatures, calling for a proper British-led investigation into oil price fixing. Regulators in Europe and America are now actively investigating oil price manipulation, yet it is a struggle to persuade the independent OFT to conduct an investigation here.
The Labour Guide to Policy Making
This did make me smile - albeit it is very close to the truth - see the Labour party approach to welfare reforms, for example
Monday, 15 July 2013
Is the NHS a National Health Service or an International Health Service?
Health Tourism is a small but significant part of the problem with the NHS. The Colaition are presently consulting on proposals to legislate and change the administrative arrangements governing the rights of visitors, recently arrived people and illegal migrants to health care on the NHS.
The government believes that there should still be an entitlement to free emergency care if a visitor, recent migrant or an illegal migrant is caught in a bad accident or develops a serious condition that needs rapid treatment. The issue to be settled are what entitlement if any do these categories of people have to the rest of NHS care, after they have received their emerrgency treatment.
If someone comes to work or stay here for a longer time period on a legal visa they currently can register with a GP for free primary care. If a visitor needs GP care during a shorter visit they too can currently onbtain free care from a GP. A visitor is not meant to receive free hospital treatment for anything other than an emergency whilst staying here. They can obtain health insurance or pay cash for any treatment they do want in a UK hospital, or wait until they return home.
The government has suggested charging other new arrivals £200 as an initial payment or contribution to NHS costs, to be followed by a continuation of current practice of free treatment thereafter.
Is this a sufficient levy and a fair approach, covering people like students and short term workers coming to the UK with a visa? Should temporary residents qualify for free GP care? Should hospitals have to take more care over charging people from overseas receiving treatment? How far should we go to ensure that we are running a National Health Service, rather than a World Health Service?
My colleague and good friend Philip Lee is both a GP and a 2010 new MP like me. He raised the following Q and A at a recent Prime Ministers Questions:
Phillip Lee (Bracknell, Conservative)
As a doctor who once had to listen incredulously to a patient explain, via a translator, that she only discovered she was nine months’ pregnant on arrival at terminal 3 at Heathrow, I was pleased to hear the statement from the Secretary of State for Health today on health tourism. Does the Prime Minister agree that although the savings are modest, the principle matters? The health service should be national, not international.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 July 2013, c919)
David Cameron (Prime Minister; Witney, Conservative)
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. This is a national health service, not an international health service. British families pay about £5,000 a year in taxes for our NHS. It is right to ensure that those people who do not have a right to use our NHS are properly charged for it.
The government believes that there should still be an entitlement to free emergency care if a visitor, recent migrant or an illegal migrant is caught in a bad accident or develops a serious condition that needs rapid treatment. The issue to be settled are what entitlement if any do these categories of people have to the rest of NHS care, after they have received their emerrgency treatment.
If someone comes to work or stay here for a longer time period on a legal visa they currently can register with a GP for free primary care. If a visitor needs GP care during a shorter visit they too can currently onbtain free care from a GP. A visitor is not meant to receive free hospital treatment for anything other than an emergency whilst staying here. They can obtain health insurance or pay cash for any treatment they do want in a UK hospital, or wait until they return home.
The government has suggested charging other new arrivals £200 as an initial payment or contribution to NHS costs, to be followed by a continuation of current practice of free treatment thereafter.
Is this a sufficient levy and a fair approach, covering people like students and short term workers coming to the UK with a visa? Should temporary residents qualify for free GP care? Should hospitals have to take more care over charging people from overseas receiving treatment? How far should we go to ensure that we are running a National Health Service, rather than a World Health Service?
My colleague and good friend Philip Lee is both a GP and a 2010 new MP like me. He raised the following Q and A at a recent Prime Ministers Questions:
Phillip Lee (Bracknell, Conservative)
As a doctor who once had to listen incredulously to a patient explain, via a translator, that she only discovered she was nine months’ pregnant on arrival at terminal 3 at Heathrow, I was pleased to hear the statement from the Secretary of State for Health today on health tourism. Does the Prime Minister agree that although the savings are modest, the principle matters? The health service should be national, not international.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 July 2013, c919)
David Cameron (Prime Minister; Witney, Conservative)
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. This is a national health service, not an international health service. British families pay about £5,000 a year in taxes for our NHS. It is right to ensure that those people who do not have a right to use our NHS are properly charged for it.
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Appearing on BBC Radio Newcastle Monday morning at 8.03am
I will be discussing the Benefit cap on Newcastle Radio first thing. We need to be fair - to the person working at Egger and Tesco, fair in the ongoing support for those who need it and fair in our work to get the short and long term unemployed back to work. I think the benefit cap is a good thing - for the first time a government has grasped the nettle and capped benefit. Bear in mind it the cap is £26,000 a year for a couple. Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and the employment support allowance do not feature and will not be affected by this cap. We are specifically protecting those who cannot work, and those too ill to work, whilst making sure that work pays.
Saturday, 13 July 2013
Love Northumberland awards feature multiple local winners
Many congratulations to all my local winners: I am particularly pleased that Wylam Community Orchard Biodiversity Group won best new project - I have helped out in the Wylam orchard many times before and it is a great project. Full details here:
http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/community-groups-honoured-love-northumberland-4985955
http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/community-groups-honoured-love-northumberland-4985955
A Big Bus Victory!
Great news: http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/new-arriva-buses-route-newcastle-5069789 as Arriva have taken a series of steps to address the failings of the 685 bus from Newcastle to Carlisle. My thanks to everyone who has written in and their patience whilst we wrote, campaigned, met with Arriva and raised the locals plight in the House of Commons on the 27th June.
The good news is that we are getting
- new buses
- greater reliability and service
- a change in the approach of the bus company who have admitted their fault and are giving some help to those who they let down
- regular assessments of how they are doing
And yours truly taking a random number of bus rides on the 685 over the summer to check it out. I will keep you posted on my report.
The good news is that we are getting
- new buses
- greater reliability and service
- a change in the approach of the bus company who have admitted their fault and are giving some help to those who they let down
- regular assessments of how they are doing
And yours truly taking a random number of bus rides on the 685 over the summer to check it out. I will keep you posted on my report.
Happy Birthday Malala - as she stuns the UN aged 16!
Yesterday the amazing Malala made clear she would not be silenced by the Taliban. She spoke of her determination to overcome the Taliban violence:
“Let us pick up our books and pens,” said the Pakistani teenager, who was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman as she left school last October. "They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution.” Full story and video here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/10176418/Malala-tells-UN-she-will-not-be-silenced-by-Taliban-attack.html
“Let us pick up our books and pens,” said the Pakistani teenager, who was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman as she left school last October. "They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution.” Full story and video here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/10176418/Malala-tells-UN-she-will-not-be-silenced-by-Taliban-attack.html
Friday, 12 July 2013
Regional Banking debate
This week in the House of Commons we have debated Regional Banks and the changes brought about by the Coalition Government. On Monday we had a heated debate on the proposed changes and then on Tuesday I was able to make a short contribution to the Third Reading of the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Bill:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2013-07-09b.252.0&s=speaker%3A24962#g258.0 The Speaker cut me short but I remain convinced that we shall soon see local and regional banks springing up in the North East.
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2013-07-09b.252.0&s=speaker%3A24962#g258.0 The Speaker cut me short but I remain convinced that we shall soon see local and regional banks springing up in the North East.
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Academies Row now settled
Northumberland County Council's punative approach to local schools will now be stopped: schools in Northumberland which were trying to become academies but were then effectively blocked because of pension concerns have won a victory after the Education Secretary agreed to change Government rules.
For several years schools wishing to break free of council control had been hit with rules forcing headteachers to pay excessive fees to the Council to have their staff covered by local government pension schemes. That money was taken directly from the funds used to pay for educational material, forcing heads across the county to think twice and threatening the success of the scheme.
But yesterday Michael Gove intervened, making it clear in a parliamentary statement that should any academy close down with pensions liabilities, the Government would step in and cover the losses.
I would expect several Northumberland schools which have been holding back from a move to academy status may now reconsider their options.
For example, the 20% surcharge saw Berwick Academy forced to take an extra £90,000 from money which should have gone on children’s education to pay the Council
Meadowdale Academy was also handed punishing pensions surcharges, with the Bedlington school losing £66,000 a year – money taken from teaching budgets.
Haltwhistle Middle School was among those said to have been prevented from converting as a result of the new fees it would face.
Now in a letter to me, Michael Gove has said the Government will underwrite the risk of an academy failing, removing any possible justification for the local authority to impose a surcharge.As I commented to the Journal:
“This announcement we have secured blows out of the water any justification they may have had for their financial block on academies."
Full report in todays Journal: http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/government-intervenes-northumberland-academies-row-4846645
For several years schools wishing to break free of council control had been hit with rules forcing headteachers to pay excessive fees to the Council to have their staff covered by local government pension schemes. That money was taken directly from the funds used to pay for educational material, forcing heads across the county to think twice and threatening the success of the scheme.
But yesterday Michael Gove intervened, making it clear in a parliamentary statement that should any academy close down with pensions liabilities, the Government would step in and cover the losses.
I would expect several Northumberland schools which have been holding back from a move to academy status may now reconsider their options.
For example, the 20% surcharge saw Berwick Academy forced to take an extra £90,000 from money which should have gone on children’s education to pay the Council
Meadowdale Academy was also handed punishing pensions surcharges, with the Bedlington school losing £66,000 a year – money taken from teaching budgets.
Haltwhistle Middle School was among those said to have been prevented from converting as a result of the new fees it would face.
Now in a letter to me, Michael Gove has said the Government will underwrite the risk of an academy failing, removing any possible justification for the local authority to impose a surcharge.As I commented to the Journal:
“This announcement we have secured blows out of the water any justification they may have had for their financial block on academies."
Full report in todays Journal: http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/government-intervenes-northumberland-academies-row-4846645
Hexham Clean Up Day
This Saturday at 9am we will be starting our Hexham Clean up - please come along. It will be many things - a litter pick, a sponge down, and an assessment of what needs fixing in Hexham. It is part of our urgent short term effort to boost the attractiveness of our wonderful home town and to try and do specific things in the short term to help the retailers. It fits in well with the Town Plan and the Neighbourhood Plan, which are longer term objectives. This clean up will be over the next week. It is all about trying to ensure every retailer and every townperson accepts that they have a role to play. We are all responsible for our actions. Shop local.
I shall be voting for an EU referendum on Friday. Why won't Labour let the People decide?
We have a referendum Bill in the House of Commons on Friday. I shall be voting for it. Labour oppose.
David Cameron’s gave a statement yesterday on the European council and we had a reply of sorts from Ed Miliband.
The PM commented on the reply by saying:
‘What I thought was interesting about Ed Miliband’s response was that we heard not a word about the referendum that we are going to discuss and debate on Friday. I think I know why. The right hon. Gentleman has said that he is not in favour of a referendum; the shadow Chancellor has said that it is pretty stupid not to have a referendum; his chief adviser has said that it is conceivable that they might have a referendum—mind you, his chief adviser thinks all sorts of things are conceivable. Now the Labour leader has a new approach, announced in The Sunday Times—that Labour is not going to talk about a referendum. I think I can sum up the right hon. Gentleman’s policy in three words: weak, weak, weak.’
The problem is that Labour could put the referendum in law. At present we do not have the votes in parliament to do this without support from Labour, or the Liberals. Friday will be an interesting day.
David Cameron’s gave a statement yesterday on the European council and we had a reply of sorts from Ed Miliband.
The PM commented on the reply by saying:
‘What I thought was interesting about Ed Miliband’s response was that we heard not a word about the referendum that we are going to discuss and debate on Friday. I think I know why. The right hon. Gentleman has said that he is not in favour of a referendum; the shadow Chancellor has said that it is pretty stupid not to have a referendum; his chief adviser has said that it is conceivable that they might have a referendum—mind you, his chief adviser thinks all sorts of things are conceivable. Now the Labour leader has a new approach, announced in The Sunday Times—that Labour is not going to talk about a referendum. I think I can sum up the right hon. Gentleman’s policy in three words: weak, weak, weak.’
The problem is that Labour could put the referendum in law. At present we do not have the votes in parliament to do this without support from Labour, or the Liberals. Friday will be an interesting day.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Who governs Labour?
The fistfight in Falkirk between Unite and Miliband shows clearly that Unite are the stronger.
That the unions are enjoying such success in stitching up the selection process for future MPs shows how weak Miliband is - he seems unable to do anything decisive.
Dan Hodges’ column suggests the weakness isn’t just in dealing with the unions but party colleagues too. I urge people to read this article on how certain unions and their placemen MPs are making very sure they take over Labour.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/10148590/Who-really-runs-Labour.html
That the unions are enjoying such success in stitching up the selection process for future MPs shows how weak Miliband is - he seems unable to do anything decisive.
Dan Hodges’ column suggests the weakness isn’t just in dealing with the unions but party colleagues too. I urge people to read this article on how certain unions and their placemen MPs are making very sure they take over Labour.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/10148590/Who-really-runs-Labour.html
Overhaul of stop and search powers
Home Secretary, Theresa May, has rightly acted to address this issue that has long been a running sore in community relations. Evidence shows there are approximately 1.2 million stop and searches per year with asian people stopped and searched at twice the rate of white people and black people at seven times the rate. As one campaigner put it: "We don't need more police - we need smart police"
I was in the Commons when the boss said that it is "time to get stop and search right", as she launched a public consultation on the police powers in England and Wales.
About a million stops take place each year - but only 9% lead to an arrest. When the tactic was misused it wasted police time and undermined public confidence, Theresa May said, adding that no-one should be stopped "just on the basis of their skin colour".
Police gave backing to improvements that would not undermine public safety.
Announcing the six-week public consultation, Mrs May told MPs there were disparities in search-to-arrest ratios across England and Wales, with some being "far too low for comfort". She said she wanted the powers to be used fairly to build confidence in the police.
"I want to make sure that stop and search is used fairly and in everybody's interest. I want to see stop and search used only when it's needed. I want to see higher search-to-arrest ratios. I want to see better community engagement and I want to see more efficient recording practices across the country."
It takes on average 16 minutes to conduct a stop and search and process the details. That amounted to 312,000 hours each year and the equivalent of 145 full-time police officers, she said.
"At its best, stop and search is a vital power in the fight against crime. At its worst, it's a waste of police time and serves to undermine public confidence in the police," she said.
"We shouldn't rush to conclusions about those statistics, but everybody involved in policing has a duty to make sure that nobody is ever stopped just on the basis of their skin colour or ethnicity."
The decision was backed by the police: Steve Williams, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales which represents tens of thousands of officers, said: "Any decision to invoke stop-and-search powers must be justified and officers must be accountable for the decisions they make as part of their commitment to policing by consent. In our view this tool is essential - however if there are ways in which it can be further improved without a reduction in public safety, then we are keen to take part in the debate."
I was in the Commons when the boss said that it is "time to get stop and search right", as she launched a public consultation on the police powers in England and Wales.
About a million stops take place each year - but only 9% lead to an arrest. When the tactic was misused it wasted police time and undermined public confidence, Theresa May said, adding that no-one should be stopped "just on the basis of their skin colour".
Police gave backing to improvements that would not undermine public safety.
Announcing the six-week public consultation, Mrs May told MPs there were disparities in search-to-arrest ratios across England and Wales, with some being "far too low for comfort". She said she wanted the powers to be used fairly to build confidence in the police.
"I want to make sure that stop and search is used fairly and in everybody's interest. I want to see stop and search used only when it's needed. I want to see higher search-to-arrest ratios. I want to see better community engagement and I want to see more efficient recording practices across the country."
It takes on average 16 minutes to conduct a stop and search and process the details. That amounted to 312,000 hours each year and the equivalent of 145 full-time police officers, she said.
"At its best, stop and search is a vital power in the fight against crime. At its worst, it's a waste of police time and serves to undermine public confidence in the police," she said.
"We shouldn't rush to conclusions about those statistics, but everybody involved in policing has a duty to make sure that nobody is ever stopped just on the basis of their skin colour or ethnicity."
The decision was backed by the police: Steve Williams, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales which represents tens of thousands of officers, said: "Any decision to invoke stop-and-search powers must be justified and officers must be accountable for the decisions they make as part of their commitment to policing by consent. In our view this tool is essential - however if there are ways in which it can be further improved without a reduction in public safety, then we are keen to take part in the debate."
Monday, 1 July 2013
The week ahead in westminster - the Europe referendum vote on Friday dominates
The Finance Bill and the big European vote on Friday dovetail this week, with plenty in between. On monday we will be busy with home office matters and a late night, when voting will finish between 11-12. I hate late votes but they go with this job from time to time.
On tuesday I have Justice questions, with Chris Grayling, and am then making a presentation on regional banking to assorted think tanks and journalists at the 5pmevent organised by Jonathan Isaby and others. On wednesday I will be meeting arriva in the house and rasing bus problems. I have 2 appointments in Downing Street in the week and also hope to get into Defra questions on Thursday. Friday is the European vote for a referendum and then at 3.30 I will be sprinting for the train to make it in time for the big regional dinner we are having at st James park Friday night. I am not speaking but The Attorney General, Dominic Grieve, MP, will be. Looking forward to it.
On tuesday I have Justice questions, with Chris Grayling, and am then making a presentation on regional banking to assorted think tanks and journalists at the 5pmevent organised by Jonathan Isaby and others. On wednesday I will be meeting arriva in the house and rasing bus problems. I have 2 appointments in Downing Street in the week and also hope to get into Defra questions on Thursday. Friday is the European vote for a referendum and then at 3.30 I will be sprinting for the train to make it in time for the big regional dinner we are having at st James park Friday night. I am not speaking but The Attorney General, Dominic Grieve, MP, will be. Looking forward to it.
The £5 and £10 note
Mini scandal rages over which woman should be placed on the upcoming £10 note.
Charles Darwin has got the boot from the £10 and Jane Austen, of Pride and Prejudice fame, is waiting in the wings.
Equally controversial is the forthcoming arrival of Winston Churchill on the £5.
I am pleased that the Bank of England have rejected the calls of some for Julie andrews but a suffragette in this particular year would have been a good call.
Charles Darwin has got the boot from the £10 and Jane Austen, of Pride and Prejudice fame, is waiting in the wings.
Equally controversial is the forthcoming arrival of Winston Churchill on the £5.
I am pleased that the Bank of England have rejected the calls of some for Julie andrews but a suffragette in this particular year would have been a good call.