Westminster this week: brain tumour research and living wage debates, meeting Air Ambulance teams, + rail in the north dominate

The Commons today has a double header which I am trying to attend - a debate on the living wage and its impact, and a separate debate in Westminster hall at the same time on the petition relating to brain tumour research. 
My views on the living wage are well known, but here is my recent Morpteth Herald article: http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/news/local-news/millions-will-benefit-from-living-wage-1-7846301

The Brain Tumour Research Petition, and the evidence gathered as part of this, has produced a full report, and it is the findings of this report that the Commons will debate upon. Local mum of Stu Ridley, Celia Ridley, has helped with this evidence making process. 

It is clear from the report that we need to change the emphasis of cancer research funding so that more funding can be channelled into researching brain tumours. Importantly, central government only has the power to assign the money, but not what areas that money is invested into. The actual total amount available has gone up, but the allocation to brain tumour research is low as they are competitive with other cancer charities and research specialisms. This is something which the relevant bodies – Cancer Research UK & the Cancer Research Institute in particular – ultimately decide. However today's debate in the House of Commons can help to shape the future of funding. I will be attending for at least part of the debate. 

Sedately this week I shall be getting a briefing on air ambulance developments, both locally and nationally, and debating the financial services bill, along with trying to make the Rail in the North meeting on Tuesday. 

Help for Air Ambulances

The Air Ambulance APG annual meeting took place today in the House and we discussed in particular how we can improve the level of helicopter access to major trauma hospitals and the developments in co-responding by the 3 main emergency services in conjunction with AA. Attendees included cross party MPs and Lord Tebbit. All officers of the All Party Group were reelected, with yours truly as Chairman, and the intention is to bring all the Air Ambulance organisations together at the House of Commons next year. The good news is that the Association of Air Ambulances is really beginning to help MPs of all parties understand the issues and complexities that go with the provision of this wonderful service.
I am attending the AAA National Conference on Monday 18th November 2013 at the Millenium Gloucester Hotel in London; for full details see the following link http://www.associationofairambulances.co.uk/event/speakers/3/

The rest of the day has been devoted to the Anti Social Behaviour Bill, the hustings for the Deputy Speaker, casework and meeting the National Autistic Society.