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CONGRATULATIONS TO LOCAL SCHOOLS

Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 15:15, Fri 18 June 2010:

WELCOME!

Here’s the latest edition of my regular newsletter.

POLICE FUNDING SLASHED

I continue to be very concerned by the Government’s proposals to cut public spending now. We all agree that reducing the deficit is important, and difficult decisions need to be made. However, I’m very disappointed that the Government wants to slash spending immediately, putting the recovery at risk. A growing economy will help to reduce the deficit, but we run the risk of a ‘double-dip’ recession if we cut now. The Government also promised to protect front line services, so I was especially concerned to hear that the coalition is pressing ahead with plans to cut the police budget. The cuts, to budgets which had already been agreed in February, will see Avon and Somerset Constabulary lose more than £2.5 million in this year alone. The Chief Constable and Chair of their Police Authority have both expressed their concern about these cuts, and I will be working to try to convince the Government to see sense.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LOCAL SCHOOLS

This week I’ve been busy writing to local schools to congratulate them on their Ofsted inspection reports. All of our schools are working so hard to provide the very best start in life for children, it is always satisfying when Ofsted recognises these achievements. I try to visit our local schools as often as possible, and I am always impressed by the enthusiasm shown by teachers and children alike. So, well done to all of our schools – and particular congratulations to Ashton Park School, Bridge Learning Campus, Greenfield Primary and Knowle DGE – who have all had their Ofsted reports very recently published.

CARERS' WEEK

I was very pleased to be asked to attend a coffee morning at the @Symes community centre this morning as part of Carers Week. Carers Week helps to raise the profile of the millions of people around the country who look after ill or disabled relatives and friends. Carers come from all walks of life and most of us will become carers at some point in our lives. They save the NHS billions of pounds a year, and do a fantastic job. It was great to be able to sit down and have a coffee with people who take time out of their lives to look after others. A number of people raised some specific issues with me about support for Carers, and I will be making enquiries with the Government.

HONOURS FOR COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

I was delighted to learn that so many Bristol people have been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday List this year. I think it’s fantastic that the hard work of so many quietly hard working people is recognised. I was particularly pleased to learn that Lynne James, manager of Hartcliffe Children’s Centre, received an OBE for her work with children and young people, and that Carol Metters, who lives in Knowle and is director of Bristol organisation, Missing Link, was awarded an MBE for her work supporting Bristol’s vulnerable and disadvantaged women. A local organisation in Bristol has also received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Knowle West Health Association (KWHA) received this honour in recognition of the time given by volunteers for the benefit of others in the community. KWHA provides a valuable service to local residents and it’s excellent news to hear they’ve been awarded this honour.

TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS

I am concerned by reports about reductions in transport spending and the impact this could have on the Bristol area. We’ve seen important investment in our transport network in recent years with schemes such as the Greater Bristol Bus Network and Cycling City project making progress, and proposals for a Bus Rapid Transit system and electrification of the main railway line between Bristol and London coming forward. We cannot put transport improvements on the back burner. I have written to Bristol City Council to seek clarification around what the Government’s plans mean for Bristol, and I also hope to meet in the near future to discuss transport issues with First Bus, Arriva Cross Country trains and First Great Western.

DEPUTY SPEAKER ELECTIONS

Last week I was elected by other MPs to become one of the three Deputy Speakers in the House of Commons. The role involves supporting the Speaker, including his outreach and engagement work, and I will also be chairing debates in the House of Commons. I intend to use the opportunity to play my part in reforming the House of Commons and improving the nature of the debates. Unlike the Speaker, who has to remain neutral at all times, I am free to campaign politically outside Parliament and, as always, my primary concern will be to continue working for the residents of Bristol South and to stand up for our community.

ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have any queries about these issues, or have a question you would like to ask about anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Just email primarolod@parliament.uk, phone 0117 909 0063 or write to me at PO Box 1002, Bristol, BS99 1WH.