2010 is election year. The change that I have fought for in both Brighton Kemptown and our Country is within our grasp in just a few short months.
The election will be all about character – who has the right character to lead our Country, and who has the right character to serve our Country?
I believe the answer to both questions is David Cameron. In his New Year message David Cameron says:
“Let us bring real change to Westminster and the whole political system. A big part of that is about policy: policies to reform expenses and the way Parliament works; policies to redistribute power from the political elite to the man and woman in the street; policies to make government more transparent and accountable.
But it's not all about policy. It's also about character, attitude and approach. It's about how political leaders actually behave, the example they set and the lead they give. It's about doing as well as talking - real social action in our communities, not just pontificating from an ivory tower. And my resolution this New Year is to work harder for a new politics in this country.”
I agree! In the past 3 years I have campaigned throughout the Kemptown constituency to promote the message of positive change. Britain cannot afford another 5 years of Labour – another 5 years of Gordon Brown. The country is crying out for change in order to re-build our broken economy, and re-build our broken society.
We need to break free from the Labour years of spin, of massive public debt, of accepting second best. A new Conservative government will be honest with the country about the problems we face – will be honest about what we can and cannot afford as we seek to bring down debt, and above all will be fair.
The future is not all gloom! Our country is great and our people are inventive and industrious. Together a government which honestly engages, and harnesses the power of our people, can solve our current problems.
The people of Brighton Kemptown are generous, hard working, and thrive on living in our beautiful constituency by the sea. Many people tell me they have had enough of politics which seems to ignore the views of ordinary people, and politicians who seek only to further their own interest!
2010 is the year when change can come, and we start to rebuild.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS!
Love it, or hate it – Christmas is an important time of the year. For many there is the religious reason, for some it is just a good time to take a break, and for most of us it is a good time to spend with our family.
This year, as I spend time at home with my family, I reflect on how our lives may change within the next year.
Suddenly the election of 2010 will be a reality, and if (as I hope) I am elected to serve the people of Brighton Kemptown, then my life and that of my family will change dramatically.
For some people Christmas can be a sad and lonely time. For people living alone, there can be nothing worse than the festive cheer of others, if there is no-one to share that with at home. So this Christmas just give a little kindness to those you know are by themselves.
Because I shall be spending my free time with my family, then blogging will be light over the Christmas period.
I will be back with a New Year message, and look forward to working in 2010 for the change our country desperately needs.
So to everyone, political friends and foe alike, to all the people of Brighton Kemptown – from the Palace Pier to Peacehaven, from Moulsecoomb to the Marina – on behalf of my family, I wish you a very peaceful and happy Christmas.
This year, as I spend time at home with my family, I reflect on how our lives may change within the next year.
Suddenly the election of 2010 will be a reality, and if (as I hope) I am elected to serve the people of Brighton Kemptown, then my life and that of my family will change dramatically.
For some people Christmas can be a sad and lonely time. For people living alone, there can be nothing worse than the festive cheer of others, if there is no-one to share that with at home. So this Christmas just give a little kindness to those you know are by themselves.
Because I shall be spending my free time with my family, then blogging will be light over the Christmas period.
I will be back with a New Year message, and look forward to working in 2010 for the change our country desperately needs.
So to everyone, political friends and foe alike, to all the people of Brighton Kemptown – from the Palace Pier to Peacehaven, from Moulsecoomb to the Marina – on behalf of my family, I wish you a very peaceful and happy Christmas.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
BROWN'S RECESSION WORST EVER FOR BUSINESSES
More businesses have gone bust in this recession than in any previous downturn.
The Telegraph has reported that a Conservative analysis of figures from the Insolvency Service show that in the current recession nearly 27,000 businesses have gone bust. This is 3,000 more than in the 1990s recession and almost 17,500 more than that of the 1980s.
Conservative business spokesman John Penrose makes it clear where the blame should lay:
"Despite Alistair Darling's attempt to cover up the truth, this confirms what many people know already - far from abolishing boom and bust, Gordon Brown has handed this country its worst recession ever.
"Labour's recession has destroyed more businesses than any other recession since records began. It's the deepest and longest recession on record and every other major economy is growing again apart from ours.
"If only Gordon Brown had acted promptly and effectively to get credit flowing again, rather than fiddling with dozens of small, complex schemes, Britain might be pulling out of recession like everyone else."
This is a dismal record - and one which an incoming Conservative government must seek to remedy for the sake of the whole country!
The Telegraph has reported that a Conservative analysis of figures from the Insolvency Service show that in the current recession nearly 27,000 businesses have gone bust. This is 3,000 more than in the 1990s recession and almost 17,500 more than that of the 1980s.
Conservative business spokesman John Penrose makes it clear where the blame should lay:
"Despite Alistair Darling's attempt to cover up the truth, this confirms what many people know already - far from abolishing boom and bust, Gordon Brown has handed this country its worst recession ever.
"Labour's recession has destroyed more businesses than any other recession since records began. It's the deepest and longest recession on record and every other major economy is growing again apart from ours.
"If only Gordon Brown had acted promptly and effectively to get credit flowing again, rather than fiddling with dozens of small, complex schemes, Britain might be pulling out of recession like everyone else."
This is a dismal record - and one which an incoming Conservative government must seek to remedy for the sake of the whole country!
TACKLING SEVERE WEATHER IN THE FUTURE
Brighton and Hove City Council Leader, Councillor Mary Mears, has announced that extra steps will be taken to help residents and businesses in the city in the future when it is affected by severe weather. Below is a statement made by the Leader of the Council:
'Brighton & Hove City Council is to bring forward extra measures to tackle future severe weather following the recent cold snap.
Council leader Mary Mears has been reviewing the service after visiting the city's Hollingdean depot today (Tuesday) to talk to the gritting crews, bin men and women and gardeners involved in the operation.
She said: "I was impressed by the helpful suggestions that came forward from the staff on the ground who are closest to the residents. As a result I will be announcing several key improvements before the New Year.
"As well as making changes in the way we grit the roads and pavements, I believe we must work even better with our partners to make sure that the city keeps moving when temperatures fall.
"We must remember that this was a particularly severe and prolonged cold snap of the type that comes along only once every few years. From the day before the snow we had our gritting and street clearing teams, gardeners, arborists, drivers, bin men and women and managers out and about in the city implementing our severe weather plan.
“However, it is clear to me that many concerns have been raised by residents and they think that we could have done things differently. I want us to address those concerns."
The council has also confirmed that there will be an independent review into the council's handling of the recent winter weather. An Environment and Community Safety Overview & Scrutiny committee early next year will be tasked with investigating the planning and processes, establishing whether any improvements can be made.'
'Brighton & Hove City Council is to bring forward extra measures to tackle future severe weather following the recent cold snap.
Council leader Mary Mears has been reviewing the service after visiting the city's Hollingdean depot today (Tuesday) to talk to the gritting crews, bin men and women and gardeners involved in the operation.
She said: "I was impressed by the helpful suggestions that came forward from the staff on the ground who are closest to the residents. As a result I will be announcing several key improvements before the New Year.
"As well as making changes in the way we grit the roads and pavements, I believe we must work even better with our partners to make sure that the city keeps moving when temperatures fall.
"We must remember that this was a particularly severe and prolonged cold snap of the type that comes along only once every few years. From the day before the snow we had our gritting and street clearing teams, gardeners, arborists, drivers, bin men and women and managers out and about in the city implementing our severe weather plan.
“However, it is clear to me that many concerns have been raised by residents and they think that we could have done things differently. I want us to address those concerns."
The council has also confirmed that there will be an independent review into the council's handling of the recent winter weather. An Environment and Community Safety Overview & Scrutiny committee early next year will be tasked with investigating the planning and processes, establishing whether any improvements can be made.'
A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR COASTAL TOWNS
The Conservative Party has recently announced new policies to support the way of life and economic activity of coastal towns.
In a document entitled 'No Longer the End of the Line', the Party sets out its vision for thriving, lively coastal towns. David Willetts, one of the Conservative Party's senior politicians, visited the south coast recently as part of the launch of the document.
The new policies aimed at coastal towns include allowing privately-owned listed seaside-heritage attractions, such as piers, to apply for lottery funding, to help people living in seaside areas to obtain flood insurance more easily and to introduce a 'Community Right to Buy' for existing local community assets which may be threatened.
The document also talks about the need to help coastal areas become less economically dependent on the 'bucket and spade' trade and to encourage diversity in economic activity, which can last all year round. For example, the Conservatives want to see much more use made of tidal energy to help support Britain's energy use and to reduce the country's dependency on imported energy. Coastal towns can play a massive part in bringing that vision to life through Marine Energy Parks. This programme would not only create jobs in local areas but help reduce carbon emissions as well.
Many coastal businesses are small enterprises and the Conservatives want to give a national insurance 'holiday' on the first ten employees taken on during a new business' first year in operation. The Party, in addition, proposes cutting corporation tax on companies and giving local councils a simple, direct incentive to boost economic activity through a new Business increase Bonus.
As well these economic 'shots in the arm', the Conservatives acknowledge that for young people, economic activity is key to them getting their first job or step up on the training ladder. So coastal town will also benefit from a £100m fund to help young people who do not have a job, a training place or not in education. Apprenticeships will be enhanced as well by the creation, nationally, of 400,000 apprenticeship places.
Local councils have an important role to play in enhancing the importance of coastal towns. However, too often in recent years, money has been transferred from the South of England to northern towns and cities. The Conservatives plan to allow an existing national independent audit body to report to Parliament each year on the proposed local government finance settlement, with a view to ensuring that the allocation of money by Parliament to local authorities is fair and based on clear facts.
The Conservatives will work hard to enhance the lives of coastal towns and the policies outlined above give a vision of a better future, one that relies on the traditional strengths of coastal towns but helps them look to the future and the new opportunities that await.
In a document entitled 'No Longer the End of the Line', the Party sets out its vision for thriving, lively coastal towns. David Willetts, one of the Conservative Party's senior politicians, visited the south coast recently as part of the launch of the document.
The new policies aimed at coastal towns include allowing privately-owned listed seaside-heritage attractions, such as piers, to apply for lottery funding, to help people living in seaside areas to obtain flood insurance more easily and to introduce a 'Community Right to Buy' for existing local community assets which may be threatened.
The document also talks about the need to help coastal areas become less economically dependent on the 'bucket and spade' trade and to encourage diversity in economic activity, which can last all year round. For example, the Conservatives want to see much more use made of tidal energy to help support Britain's energy use and to reduce the country's dependency on imported energy. Coastal towns can play a massive part in bringing that vision to life through Marine Energy Parks. This programme would not only create jobs in local areas but help reduce carbon emissions as well.
Many coastal businesses are small enterprises and the Conservatives want to give a national insurance 'holiday' on the first ten employees taken on during a new business' first year in operation. The Party, in addition, proposes cutting corporation tax on companies and giving local councils a simple, direct incentive to boost economic activity through a new Business increase Bonus.
As well these economic 'shots in the arm', the Conservatives acknowledge that for young people, economic activity is key to them getting their first job or step up on the training ladder. So coastal town will also benefit from a £100m fund to help young people who do not have a job, a training place or not in education. Apprenticeships will be enhanced as well by the creation, nationally, of 400,000 apprenticeship places.
Local councils have an important role to play in enhancing the importance of coastal towns. However, too often in recent years, money has been transferred from the South of England to northern towns and cities. The Conservatives plan to allow an existing national independent audit body to report to Parliament each year on the proposed local government finance settlement, with a view to ensuring that the allocation of money by Parliament to local authorities is fair and based on clear facts.
The Conservatives will work hard to enhance the lives of coastal towns and the policies outlined above give a vision of a better future, one that relies on the traditional strengths of coastal towns but helps them look to the future and the new opportunities that await.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
LEADERS GO HEAD TO HEAD!
Engaging the electorate in debate, questions and interest in politics has been a concern for all politicians in recent years.
So I welcome the opportunity for political leaders of the main parties to go head to head in 3 televised debates next year.
David Cameron has long called for these debates to take place!
In a media dominated world, hopefully these debates that bring the political leaders into every home will help to bring the issues that face our country into greater scrutiny.
I welcome the opportunity in 2010 to continue putting forward Conservative policies of change that the country desperately needs!
So I welcome the opportunity for political leaders of the main parties to go head to head in 3 televised debates next year.
David Cameron has long called for these debates to take place!
In a media dominated world, hopefully these debates that bring the political leaders into every home will help to bring the issues that face our country into greater scrutiny.
I welcome the opportunity in 2010 to continue putting forward Conservative policies of change that the country desperately needs!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
COPENHAGEN TALKS
Greg Clark MP, Who is the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, has issued a statement in response to the Copenhagen talks:
"Although some progress has been made, it is clear that the Copenhagen accord has fallen short of what we hoped it could achieve. The accord is not legally binding, is vague about where the funding for adaptation will come from, and is unclear about when emissions should be cut and by how much.
Copenhagen must now be seen as the beginning, not the end, of further progess. Talks must continue during the months ahead until a real deal is agreed. It is particularly important to agree how the concrete actions to confront the here-and-now of climate change - like helping poor countries adapt to the changing climate and halting the destruction of the rainforests - will be funded.
I made it clear in Copenhagen that, if negotiations continue beyond the General Election and Conservatives were in Government, there would be no let up in our determination to secure a rigorous global deal. We would also be a beacon to other countries by kickstarting practical action at home to cut energy consumption and become a low carbon economy."
If elected, then I will support any negotiations that lead to a real deal!
"Although some progress has been made, it is clear that the Copenhagen accord has fallen short of what we hoped it could achieve. The accord is not legally binding, is vague about where the funding for adaptation will come from, and is unclear about when emissions should be cut and by how much.
Copenhagen must now be seen as the beginning, not the end, of further progess. Talks must continue during the months ahead until a real deal is agreed. It is particularly important to agree how the concrete actions to confront the here-and-now of climate change - like helping poor countries adapt to the changing climate and halting the destruction of the rainforests - will be funded.
I made it clear in Copenhagen that, if negotiations continue beyond the General Election and Conservatives were in Government, there would be no let up in our determination to secure a rigorous global deal. We would also be a beacon to other countries by kickstarting practical action at home to cut energy consumption and become a low carbon economy."
If elected, then I will support any negotiations that lead to a real deal!
Friday, December 18, 2009
RECORD FIGURES FOR PUBLIC BORROWING
Official Figures show that net borrowing hit a record high of £20.3 billion in November.
This figure is the highest for any month since records began in 1993.
According to The Office of National Statistics has said that the public sector net debt as a percentage of overall UK economic output is a staggering 60.2%
Someone once said that Labour governments fail because they run out of other people's money to spend!
This figure is the highest for any month since records began in 1993.
According to The Office of National Statistics has said that the public sector net debt as a percentage of overall UK economic output is a staggering 60.2%
Someone once said that Labour governments fail because they run out of other people's money to spend!
OFFICE OF BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY HERALDS REAL COMMITMENT TO CHANGE
Wouldn't it be great if we had an Office of the Government that acts independently and is designed to keep the Chancellor of the day 'honest'?
That is why the Conservatives are creating the Office for Budget Responsibility. This Office, which will exist in 'shadow' form to begin with, so that it can start its work in readiness for an emergency budget, should the Conservatives win the General Election, will be designed to monitor a Chancellor's actions and will report to Parliament on whether the promises being made to bring the country's finances back into order are actually being carried out. The Chancellor will have to answer to Parliament for any criticisms the Office makes.
Such transparency has never been seen before and a senior economist, Sir Alan Budd, has been asked to oversee this initiative. Sir Alan is a former Chief Economist to the Treasury and former Monetary Policy Committee member of the Bank of England.
The Conservatives are pledged to take firm action on the massive debts the Labour Government has built up and to put in place economic incentives to help businesses grow so that tax revenues are boosted to tackle the deficit. We need to do this urgently as a country, as Moody's, the independent debt rating agency, has said the UK's credit rating could be under threat because the nation's borrowing and accumulated debt are becoming unsustainable.
Labour have run out of money and the country can no longer afford their spendthrift ways. It is not only Conservatives saying this but also independent bodies that can have a real effect upon this country's fortunes in the future. It is time for a change. The creation of this new Office is a start and change of economic direction is the next key step.
That is why the Conservatives are creating the Office for Budget Responsibility. This Office, which will exist in 'shadow' form to begin with, so that it can start its work in readiness for an emergency budget, should the Conservatives win the General Election, will be designed to monitor a Chancellor's actions and will report to Parliament on whether the promises being made to bring the country's finances back into order are actually being carried out. The Chancellor will have to answer to Parliament for any criticisms the Office makes.
Such transparency has never been seen before and a senior economist, Sir Alan Budd, has been asked to oversee this initiative. Sir Alan is a former Chief Economist to the Treasury and former Monetary Policy Committee member of the Bank of England.
The Conservatives are pledged to take firm action on the massive debts the Labour Government has built up and to put in place economic incentives to help businesses grow so that tax revenues are boosted to tackle the deficit. We need to do this urgently as a country, as Moody's, the independent debt rating agency, has said the UK's credit rating could be under threat because the nation's borrowing and accumulated debt are becoming unsustainable.
Labour have run out of money and the country can no longer afford their spendthrift ways. It is not only Conservatives saying this but also independent bodies that can have a real effect upon this country's fortunes in the future. It is time for a change. The creation of this new Office is a start and change of economic direction is the next key step.
ONLY ONE POLL COUNTS
Most weekends several of the Sunday newspapers will carry opinion polls taking the latest political temperature. This is especially true at the moment when everyone knows that by this time next year we will have had a General Election.
Sometimes the figures are up for a Party and some times they are down. On the same day a Party has a big lead, another poll, taken over the same time frame can show a much smaller percentage ahead.
The fact is, no matter how sophisticated polling techniques become there is still only one poll that counts and that is the one on polling day itself. Harold Wilson found this out in 1970, when the Labour Party led through that summer election campaign only to find that Ted Heath became Prime Minister with a working majority of 30. Similarly in 1992, it seemed Labour were heading for a win but John Major held on, at the height of a recession, with a majority of 21 and he remained Prime Minister for a further five years.
Politicians keep an eye on the polls but it is important in an election to work right up until the last moment to make sure that the story told by the polls becomes the real life truth once the actual votes are counted. No complacency allowed!
Sometimes the figures are up for a Party and some times they are down. On the same day a Party has a big lead, another poll, taken over the same time frame can show a much smaller percentage ahead.
The fact is, no matter how sophisticated polling techniques become there is still only one poll that counts and that is the one on polling day itself. Harold Wilson found this out in 1970, when the Labour Party led through that summer election campaign only to find that Ted Heath became Prime Minister with a working majority of 30. Similarly in 1992, it seemed Labour were heading for a win but John Major held on, at the height of a recession, with a majority of 21 and he remained Prime Minister for a further five years.
Politicians keep an eye on the polls but it is important in an election to work right up until the last moment to make sure that the story told by the polls becomes the real life truth once the actual votes are counted. No complacency allowed!
PLEASE BE NEIGHBOURLY!
The winter snow can be great fun, and I have been out with my kids and joining in the fun.
However for elderly and vulnerable people living alone - the snow and the cold weather can be a nightmare.
If you have any elderly neighbours (particularly those living alone) then please check in on them to see if they need any help. A little kindness can go a long way!
PLEASE BE NEIGHBOURLY!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
MARINA OBJECTORS CONCLUDE CASE
Brighton Marina Residents’ Association objecting to the proposed Marina development have now made what they hope is their closing statement of objection!
They say in summary that Explore Living’s current proposal is ‘ill considered, ill judged’ and that these ‘inconsistent proposals would in our view fatally mar the UK’s largest Marina as a Marina’.
They all say ‘the Explore development represents a flawed concept and bad design ... it proposes nothing that could enhance or blend with the existing architecture within the immediate area’.
I agree with these sentiments!
They say in summary that Explore Living’s current proposal is ‘ill considered, ill judged’ and that these ‘inconsistent proposals would in our view fatally mar the UK’s largest Marina as a Marina’.
They all say ‘the Explore development represents a flawed concept and bad design ... it proposes nothing that could enhance or blend with the existing architecture within the immediate area’.
I agree with these sentiments!
Friday, December 11, 2009
TAX OR ENCOURAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR?
The Labour Chancellor's new tax on anyone who has a landline phone as a way to boost broadband access shows that all Labour knows to do when it needs a solution to a problem is to tax people more. Whether it is called a levy, a fee, or a charge it is still a tax!
What a contrast to Conservative-controlled East Sussex County Council. When it sought extend internet access across the County it worked in partnership with BT and enabled residents of the county to access the internet, even if they lived in some of the areas remotest parts.
By working with private enterprise, the Council encouraged the creation of a 21st Century communications network and it didn't cost the local taxpayer a penny.
Labour could learn some lessons from the innovative work carried out by well-run Conservative Councils like East Sussex.
What a contrast to Conservative-controlled East Sussex County Council. When it sought extend internet access across the County it worked in partnership with BT and enabled residents of the county to access the internet, even if they lived in some of the areas remotest parts.
By working with private enterprise, the Council encouraged the creation of a 21st Century communications network and it didn't cost the local taxpayer a penny.
Labour could learn some lessons from the innovative work carried out by well-run Conservative Councils like East Sussex.
SALTDEAN UNDER CONSIDERATION AGAIN
The need for a review of the Saltdean boundary was one of the key issues being considered by Brighton and Hove City Council this week.
Councillors at the Council's ruling Cabinet received a deputation and a discussion was held about whether the City Council should commission a survey of its own of Saltdean residents.
Information was provided that showed that the Boundary Committee, which is the national body which decides whether a boundary review should take place and then considers whether the boundary is changed or not, has no current guidance as to whether a survey would lead to a boundary review and because the need for a change has to be 'evidence based' whether a survey would even count as evidence.
As mentioned in an earlier post the Council's Governance Committee had decided to keep an eye on the matter and consider a further report in the Autumn of 2010 (the Boundary Committee is not likely to consider a review for some years).
This was affirmed by the Cabinet with an additional undertaking given by City Council Leader, Mary Mears, that the Cabinet would agree to a survey at the appropriate time taking into account any guidance on boundary reviews published by the Boundary Committee and to liaise with Lewes District Council and East Sussex County on such a survey as the town is administered by the three local authorities,
Councillors at the Council's ruling Cabinet received a deputation and a discussion was held about whether the City Council should commission a survey of its own of Saltdean residents.
Information was provided that showed that the Boundary Committee, which is the national body which decides whether a boundary review should take place and then considers whether the boundary is changed or not, has no current guidance as to whether a survey would lead to a boundary review and because the need for a change has to be 'evidence based' whether a survey would even count as evidence.
As mentioned in an earlier post the Council's Governance Committee had decided to keep an eye on the matter and consider a further report in the Autumn of 2010 (the Boundary Committee is not likely to consider a review for some years).
This was affirmed by the Cabinet with an additional undertaking given by City Council Leader, Mary Mears, that the Cabinet would agree to a survey at the appropriate time taking into account any guidance on boundary reviews published by the Boundary Committee and to liaise with Lewes District Council and East Sussex County on such a survey as the town is administered by the three local authorities,
BUREAUCRACY!
I know I am fed up with it all!
There is a growing sense that too many areas of our life are governed by petty rules, regulations and tick box bureaucracy that fly in the face of common sense, undermine discretion and prevent us from getting on with our lives.
David Cameron has said that Conservatives will reduce the burden and impact of health and safety legislation in a responsible way. We will bring an end to the culture of excessive litigation, while at the same time giving legal safeguards to those who need them most.
There is a growing sense that too many areas of our life are governed by petty rules, regulations and tick box bureaucracy that fly in the face of common sense, undermine discretion and prevent us from getting on with our lives.
David Cameron has said that Conservatives will reduce the burden and impact of health and safety legislation in a responsible way. We will bring an end to the culture of excessive litigation, while at the same time giving legal safeguards to those who need them most.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
ONE WORLD CONSERVATISM
The scale of poverty around the world goes against our common humanity. Conservatives in government aim to get value for money from British aid.
The scale of poverty around the world is an affront to our common humanity, and a direct threat to Britain's national interest.
That's why the Conservative Party has pledged, by 2013, to meet the UN target of spending 0.7% of national income as aid.
We aim to get value for money from our aid. We need to make sure every penny does the most good possible.
A Conservative Government will:
- Set up an Independent Aid Watchdog to scrutinise the impact and outcomes of British aid
- Move towards Results-Based Aid, where money is handed to governments only once development results have been achieved - rather than giving all the money up front based on promises that it will be spent well
- Focus our aid on the countries where it will make the biggest difference
- Spend £500 million a year to save lives by tackling malaria
- Empower people in poor countries by giving them more control over how aid is spent
- Strengthen public support for aid by giving British people a vote over where and how some of their aid is spent
- Re-emphasise wealth creation through business development and trade
Tackling world poverty is a task for everyone - individuals, charities, and businesses - not just governments.
Monday, December 7, 2009
TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER
One thing we love to talk about in this country - the good old british weather.Just remember however bad it gets, however much more wind and rain are thrown at us, and however much debt this government gets us into - there is always light at the end of the tunnel - there is always a rainbow.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
DOG WALKING
One of my daily duties is dog walking. It is something I enjoy. Apart from the exercise, I get to meet a great bunch of people doing exactly the same!I realise how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful constituency. Brighton Kemptown has it all - the sea - the downs - and the wonderful regency architecture of Kemptown. Here is a picture of one of my favourite - Rottingdean Windmill.
Friday, December 4, 2009
FRESH START FOR THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND COMMUNITY GROUPS
As I travel around the Kemptown constituency, I am often struck by how many people volunteer for their local charity, help out to raise money for good causes or just lend a hand when it is requested. People give of their time and money because they want to make a difference and in their own way help to improve people's lives.
One thing often comes over though when I talk to people about the work they do and the time they so selflessly give. That is they could do so much more if the Government would step out of the way and allow the services to develop and be provided in ways which those who are working in the charity or organisation know best. To my mind, the people who are working on the 'front line' know far better what is needed than an official in Whitehall.
That's why I am really pleased that the Conservative Party, in Government, is going to work hard to free charities and voluntary organisations, the 'third sector' as people call it, from rules and regulations that have become increasingly onerous as time has gone on.
It's time for a change.
Below is a list of my Party's pledges for the voluntary and community sector. These are designed to encourage a new wave of volunteering and commitment. David Cameron often talks of us 'all being in this together'. Here are our firm commitments to ensure that the third sector has the room to breathe and grow and be an even stronger force for good in our society.
Top twenty policy pledges
1. Simplify the Gift Aid system to reduce the bureaucratic burden on charities.
2. Work with charities to sponsor a debate on whether it is possible to establish a new social norm around charitable giving.
3.Direct support for volunteering through grassroots volunteering organisations not government quangos.
4. Prioritise development work in ‘charity deserts’ to establish new volunteer-led organisations where none previously existed.
5. Support efforts to establish regular volunteering as a social norm – leading by example by giving central government employees an annual entitlement to at least eight hours volunteering.
6. Reduce the burden of regulation on volunteers – improving the system for CRB checks and clearing up the confusion over benefit rules.
7. Replace the Big Lottery Fund with a Voluntary Action Lottery Fund dedicated in its entirety to the voluntary and community sector – returning the National Lottery to its original four good causes.
8. Respect the difference between grants and contracts – using contracts, rather than grants, only where there is a clear justification.
9. Operate a genuine one-stop funding portal for significant government grants.
10. Set up a funding passport scheme so that voluntary organisations can bypass repetitive grant application and contract tendering bureaucracy.
11. Draw up model grant and contract agreements to minimise the bureaucracy facing voluntary organisations in seeking funds.
12.Create a network of Social Enterprise Zones to provide incentives for social investment in deprived communities.
13. Set up a Social Investment Bank as a wholesaler of ‘patient capital’ to a wide range of social investment institutions.
14. Allow voluntary organisations delivering public services to earn a competitive return on investment by sharing substantially in the rewards that come from success.
15. Offer multi-year funding terms on contracts and grant agreements.
16. Remove the interference and bureaucracy of state funding by agreeing on goals and outcomes, not dictating methods of delivery.
17. Agree and implement a Co-operative Action Plan – empowering and enabling co-ops to play a much bigger role in running and owning community assets and services.
18. Create a powerful Office for Civil Society at the heart of government to fight for the interests of charities, social enterprises, co-operatives and community groups.
19. Ensure proper democratic scrutiny of government policy towards the voluntary sector – led by a new civil society select committee.
20. Enforce an improved version of the Compact on relations between government and the voluntary sector.
If you want to read the Conservative Party's plans in full, you can do so by following this link:
http://www.conservatives.com/Policy/Where_we_stand/Voluntary_Sector.aspx
One thing often comes over though when I talk to people about the work they do and the time they so selflessly give. That is they could do so much more if the Government would step out of the way and allow the services to develop and be provided in ways which those who are working in the charity or organisation know best. To my mind, the people who are working on the 'front line' know far better what is needed than an official in Whitehall.
That's why I am really pleased that the Conservative Party, in Government, is going to work hard to free charities and voluntary organisations, the 'third sector' as people call it, from rules and regulations that have become increasingly onerous as time has gone on.
It's time for a change.
Below is a list of my Party's pledges for the voluntary and community sector. These are designed to encourage a new wave of volunteering and commitment. David Cameron often talks of us 'all being in this together'. Here are our firm commitments to ensure that the third sector has the room to breathe and grow and be an even stronger force for good in our society.
Top twenty policy pledges
1. Simplify the Gift Aid system to reduce the bureaucratic burden on charities.
2. Work with charities to sponsor a debate on whether it is possible to establish a new social norm around charitable giving.
3.Direct support for volunteering through grassroots volunteering organisations not government quangos.
4. Prioritise development work in ‘charity deserts’ to establish new volunteer-led organisations where none previously existed.
5. Support efforts to establish regular volunteering as a social norm – leading by example by giving central government employees an annual entitlement to at least eight hours volunteering.
6. Reduce the burden of regulation on volunteers – improving the system for CRB checks and clearing up the confusion over benefit rules.
7. Replace the Big Lottery Fund with a Voluntary Action Lottery Fund dedicated in its entirety to the voluntary and community sector – returning the National Lottery to its original four good causes.
8. Respect the difference between grants and contracts – using contracts, rather than grants, only where there is a clear justification.
9. Operate a genuine one-stop funding portal for significant government grants.
10. Set up a funding passport scheme so that voluntary organisations can bypass repetitive grant application and contract tendering bureaucracy.
11. Draw up model grant and contract agreements to minimise the bureaucracy facing voluntary organisations in seeking funds.
12.Create a network of Social Enterprise Zones to provide incentives for social investment in deprived communities.
13. Set up a Social Investment Bank as a wholesaler of ‘patient capital’ to a wide range of social investment institutions.
14. Allow voluntary organisations delivering public services to earn a competitive return on investment by sharing substantially in the rewards that come from success.
15. Offer multi-year funding terms on contracts and grant agreements.
16. Remove the interference and bureaucracy of state funding by agreeing on goals and outcomes, not dictating methods of delivery.
17. Agree and implement a Co-operative Action Plan – empowering and enabling co-ops to play a much bigger role in running and owning community assets and services.
18. Create a powerful Office for Civil Society at the heart of government to fight for the interests of charities, social enterprises, co-operatives and community groups.
19. Ensure proper democratic scrutiny of government policy towards the voluntary sector – led by a new civil society select committee.
20. Enforce an improved version of the Compact on relations between government and the voluntary sector.
If you want to read the Conservative Party's plans in full, you can do so by following this link:
http://www.conservatives.com/Policy/Where_we_stand/Voluntary_Sector.aspx
Thursday, December 3, 2009
THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
Pubs are at the heart of many communities, and have been hit by both the recession the smoking ban, and rising alcohol tax.
Together with my colleague Mike Weatherly (who is standing in Hove constituency) we are campaigning to support pubs struggling to stay afloat as drinkers tighten their belts.
British Beer and Pub Association figures show that beer sales at their lowest level since the Great Depression of the 1930s – down 16 million pints a day since the peak of 1979.
Pubs across the country are closing at a record rate of 36 a week.
We are calling on the Government to cut back regulations on pubs and consider reducing tax on beer and raising the minimum age for buying drink in shops to 21.
Having run a number of pubs in Brighton, I am concerned that communities could lose their heart and soul!
Together with my colleague Mike Weatherly (who is standing in Hove constituency) we are campaigning to support pubs struggling to stay afloat as drinkers tighten their belts.
British Beer and Pub Association figures show that beer sales at their lowest level since the Great Depression of the 1930s – down 16 million pints a day since the peak of 1979.
Pubs across the country are closing at a record rate of 36 a week.
We are calling on the Government to cut back regulations on pubs and consider reducing tax on beer and raising the minimum age for buying drink in shops to 21.
Having run a number of pubs in Brighton, I am concerned that communities could lose their heart and soul!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
FREEING BUSINESSES TO FLOURISH AND GROW
Businesses are the goose that lay the golden egg in this country. Without the entrepreneurial skill of business owners large and small, resources would not be generated through taxes and wages to support jobs, infrastructure and all the services paid for through taxation.
We want to see businesses flourish and grow.
Nationally, the Conservative Party recognises the huge contribution business makes to society – and that’s why we want the modern Conservative Party to be not just the party of business but the party of responsible business. Labour has tied up business in red tape, taxation and a recession based on unsustainable asset prices and national debt.
Nationally, the Conservatives are working to help business. We are proposing:
• Cutting the main rate of corporation tax
• Cancelling Labour's planned increase in the small companies tax rate, and cutting the rate instead
• Reducing the burden of regulation to give businesses more freedom and greater flexibility
• Simplifying employment law to make it easier to hire people
• Improving skills training and apprenticeships
• Reforming the Regional Development Agencies, such as SEEDA, to create a vibrant, business-focused force
• Strengthening the UK Trade and Investment organization to give British business a powerful voice abroad
• Increasing government procurement from small firms
•
By ensuring government and business work together, rather than micro-managing from the top down, we will achieve far more for British society than Labour have ever done.
Locally, the City Council in Brighton and Hove has been working hard as well, on its anti-recession package since the Autumn of 2008.
The Council has:
* Launched a "Be Local Buy Local" campaign to support local retailers (over 100 businesses currently signed up)
* Launched the Business Lifebelt scheme to offer practical assistance and advice to firms in the city.
* Promoted the uptake of small business rate relief - this has so far helped over 500 firms in the City save £400,000. It is
also in the process of lobbying the Government to try and get them to make rate relief automatic as many small businesses are still not claiming money which is rightfully theirs.
* is working to pay small businesses for goods and services within 10 days
* offered small businesses the option of monthly rental payments
* offered businesses the option of paying rates in 12 installments rather than 10
A recession 'taskforce' has also been created with local businesses to look in more depth at what more can be done.
East Sussex, like many councils, has been looking into a variety of different ways to help local residents and businesses through the recession. One consideration is whether or not councils could create new bank-type institutions to help local small and medium-sized businesses access business credit more easily.
All this work is being carried out by Conservatives at different levels of government to provide the best possible climate for businesses to grow and flourish.
In turn, our goal is to see more businesses earning good profits, employing more people and at good wage levels.
We want to see businesses flourish and grow.
Nationally, the Conservative Party recognises the huge contribution business makes to society – and that’s why we want the modern Conservative Party to be not just the party of business but the party of responsible business. Labour has tied up business in red tape, taxation and a recession based on unsustainable asset prices and national debt.
Nationally, the Conservatives are working to help business. We are proposing:
• Cutting the main rate of corporation tax
• Cancelling Labour's planned increase in the small companies tax rate, and cutting the rate instead
• Reducing the burden of regulation to give businesses more freedom and greater flexibility
• Simplifying employment law to make it easier to hire people
• Improving skills training and apprenticeships
• Reforming the Regional Development Agencies, such as SEEDA, to create a vibrant, business-focused force
• Strengthening the UK Trade and Investment organization to give British business a powerful voice abroad
• Increasing government procurement from small firms
•
By ensuring government and business work together, rather than micro-managing from the top down, we will achieve far more for British society than Labour have ever done.
Locally, the City Council in Brighton and Hove has been working hard as well, on its anti-recession package since the Autumn of 2008.
The Council has:
* Launched a "Be Local Buy Local" campaign to support local retailers (over 100 businesses currently signed up)
* Launched the Business Lifebelt scheme to offer practical assistance and advice to firms in the city.
* Promoted the uptake of small business rate relief - this has so far helped over 500 firms in the City save £400,000. It is
also in the process of lobbying the Government to try and get them to make rate relief automatic as many small businesses are still not claiming money which is rightfully theirs.
* is working to pay small businesses for goods and services within 10 days
* offered small businesses the option of monthly rental payments
* offered businesses the option of paying rates in 12 installments rather than 10
A recession 'taskforce' has also been created with local businesses to look in more depth at what more can be done.
East Sussex, like many councils, has been looking into a variety of different ways to help local residents and businesses through the recession. One consideration is whether or not councils could create new bank-type institutions to help local small and medium-sized businesses access business credit more easily.
All this work is being carried out by Conservatives at different levels of government to provide the best possible climate for businesses to grow and flourish.
In turn, our goal is to see more businesses earning good profits, employing more people and at good wage levels.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
WORLD AIDS DAY
Our thoughts, support and best wishes go to those suffering from HIV, and those who have suffered the loss of friends and loved ones.
David Cameron has published a message for World Aids Day, and speaks of the need to beat the disease, and to provide effective action to provide access to treatment.
He has also pledged to improve public health in Britain, and to address the prejudice facing people infected with HIV/Aids.
Here in Brighton we have many people living with HIV, and my best wishes go out to you all.
David Cameron has published a message for World Aids Day, and speaks of the need to beat the disease, and to provide effective action to provide access to treatment.
He has also pledged to improve public health in Britain, and to address the prejudice facing people infected with HIV/Aids.
Here in Brighton we have many people living with HIV, and my best wishes go out to you all.
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