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Latest news from Caroline

Posted by Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton, Pavilion, at 16:15, Wed 13 April 2011:

BRIGHTON PAVILION BULLETIN

Update on the recent Parliamentary work of Caroline Lucas MP

Approximately every two months, I produce a news bulletin with details of the work I have undertaken as an MP. This is available via my website at www.carolinelucas.com or as a hard copy from my constituency office (details at the end of this bulletin). You can also sign up to have it emailed directly to you, again details at the end of the bulletin.

Budget I was interviewed extensively both in the run up to the Budget and responding to the Chancellor’s announcement. Much of the detail was leaked to the media beforehand so there were very few surprises.

Tucked away in the detail though was the fact that the Government is cutting the Winter Fuel Payment by £100 for older people from the current level of £300 for over 60’s to £200, and for over 80’s from £400 to £300, against a backdrop of every increasing energy prices.

I have criticised this move and many of the other measures introduced in a budget which put the interests of international finance and big business above those of ordinary people or the environment.

Given that the Office of Budget Responsibility has predicted that Britain will have to borrow £2.5 billion less this year than predicted, I would have expected the Chancellor to avoid some of the worst of the planned cuts.

Unfortunately he has put cutting the deficit over and above stabilising the economy. This means more unemployment, greater poverty, and decimated public services, so I joined trade unions and members of the public from across the country on March 26th for the national TUC March for the Alternative.

The Budget was particularly damaging from an environmental perspective. It failed to create an effective Green Investment Bank to encourage investment in renewable energy, and will give nuclear power companies a windfall subsidy of anything from £1.3 billion to £3 billion.

I welcome plans to tax the excess profits of North Sea oil companies but think the revenue generated should have been spent on improving public transport – not on cutting fuel duty. The Government is pretending that high fuel prices are temporary, rather than an inevitable consequence of dwindling supplies and unchecked demand. It would be much fairer on hard pressed families and businesses to scrap January’s VAT rise across the board.

Tax and Financial Transparency Bill In the run up to the Budget, I tabled my second Private Members Bill which is concerned with tackling tax evasion. It draws on parliamentary questions I have tabled which expose the fact that HMRC is failing to prevent serious tax evasion which could amount to as much as £16 billion of lost tax.

Collecting this tax would make a significant difference to the UK’s deficit and the money could be used to invest in public services and building a strong green economy.

My Bill has two aims. The first is to tackle the scandalous reality that around 500,000 companies every year are not paying tax in the UK.

The second is to force companies to ‘publish what tax they pay’, requiring all companies filing accounts in the UK to include a statement on the turnover, pre-tax profit, tax charge and actual tax paid for each country in which they operate, without exception.

Japan and Fukushima I have been hugely encouraged by Brighton Pavilion’s immediate response to the humanitarian crisis in Japan in the wake of March’s earthquake and tsunami. Thank you to all those that have donated to the various charities helping.

Many constituents wrote to me about the impact on the Fukushima nuclear plant and I was interviewed extensively about the future of nuclear power.

Safety is clearly a key factor, and so too is the economic case against nuclear energy. I will be continuing to campaign against any new nuclear power stations in the UK and for support to be given to Japan.

I have sponsored this Early Day Motion on the issue:

"That this House deeply regrets the loss of life caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and expresses its sincere condolences to all those affected by the disaster; notes the resulting damage to at least four Japanese nuclear power stations including the Fukushima Daiichi power station; applauds the courage and expertise of those working to make them safe; understands the unique circumstances of Japan's place on a major geological fault-line; welcomes the decision by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to ask for a report from the Chief Nuclear Inspector on the implications of events in Japan for the UK; but nevertheless believes that events in Fukushima underline the extreme dangers inherent in nuclear power, the relative resilience of a completely safe, decentralised and renewable energy supply and the inevitable inability of even the highest design and safety standards to protect us from unforeseen events; and therefore calls on the Secretary of State to suspend the Government's plans for a new nuclear power programme in the UK."

Libya The international situation in Libya has been the subject of a number of formal Government statements and question times in recent weeks.

My focus has been on the arms trade and trying to secure a guarantee that in future no weapons will be sold/exported to oppressive regimes.

I was contacted by relatives of one individual in Libya and was able to help them make contact with the FCO about evacuation. MPs were also asked to vote on a motion, which I opposed, because it went much further than a no fly zone alone.

I issued a statement explaining my position, which you can read at http://www.carolinelucas.com/cl/media/statement-on-libya-22nd-march-2011.html

Forests As most people will hopefully be aware, the Government has performed a massive and very welcome u-turn on its plans to sell off the nation’s forests.

In the debate following her announcement, I asked the Secretary of State Caroline Spelman about grass roots representation on the new body being set up to look at the future of our forests. She gave a positive response and I have since followed up with her in writing.

Housing This continues to be a priority for me, and this month I opened the Chartered Institute for Housing’s regional conference, which took place in Brighton.

My message included the need for a register of private landlords and mandatory energy efficiency standards – both of which have been the subject of extensive lobbying by constituents.

There are a number of exciting companies developing low impact housing options for the city and I have met with several of them to explore ways to increase the availability of affordable housing.

I spoke too during a Westminster Hall debate on Housing Benefit, another opportunity to highlight the impact of cuts and changes on people in the constituency. Brighton and Hove City Council’s own analysis reveals just how bad the situation is and new data from Shelter suggests that 9 out of 10 homes will be unaffordable to local housing allowance claimants in Brighton and Hove by 2025. You can read the debate here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110310/halltext/110310h0001.htm#11031063000001 and my main contribution is at 3.17pm.

I also spoke at a mass lobby of Parliament organised by Defend Council Housing.

Sustainable Communities Act The Sustainable Communities Act has set up a radical new process whereby communities and councils can submit ideas to government for action and assistance to reverse community decline and promote local services, trade, jobs, shops and the environment.

Communities in Brighton, together with Brighton and Hove City Council, have already used the Act successfully to secure more flexible local business rates to help local shops and traders, and to introduce feed-in-tariffs for local renewable energy.

I called for a debate in Parliament last month and was successful in gaining the commitment of Greg Clark, Minister for Communities and Local Government, to end an ongoing delay in the Sustainable Communities Act.

This means community groups in Brighton Pavilion, and across the country, are one step closer to having a proper say in shaping the future of their communities.

The debate is at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110328/debtext/110328-0004.htm#11032843000002

Other parliamentary work

One of the best ways for me to raise the concerns you have is via parliamentary questions and Early Day Motions, so I have been making good use of these opportunities. You can read all the tabled questions to which I have received replies here and also keep up to date with the EDMs I have tabled, sponsored and signed here.

Last month I met Lord Hill from the Department of Education with representatives from the city’s sixth form colleges to discuss alternatives to cuts to entitlement funding. This went well and the colleges were able to make a strong case for reconsideration of the Government’s planned cuts.

I also met with the Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries about local radio licensing and the need to ensure any changes do not undermine Brighton and Hove’s thriving independent radio stations.

And I have been briefed by one of the bodies that represents the games industry about what kinds of measures are needed to encourage Brighton Pavilion’s growing specialism in this sector.

The Yes to AV campaign is gathering pace and I am lending my support as best I can, including speaking at public events.

While the Alternative Vote (AV) falls short of the full proportional representation needed to radically reform our democratic system, I think it is a significant improvement on ‘first past the post’ – and a step in the direction of real change.

AV will help to re-engage people with the political process, as well as helping to prevent MPs from becoming complacent in safe seats.

A ‘No’ vote in the referendum on May 5th would be interpreted by the Government as a vote against change and would set the campaign for wider constitutional reform back at least a generation. To find out more about the referendum please visit this Electoral Commission website: http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/referendum_2011.aspx

My work on parliamentary reform is also progressing and winning cross party backing.

Hundreds of constituents lobbied me about News International’s takeover of BSkyB and I pressed the Secretary of State about this during his announcement giving details of the agreement negotiated. I have also made a submission to the consultation process, putting the case about media/news plurality being damaged by the takeover.

The Police and Social Responsibility Bill was debated in March and I supported an amendment on universal jurisdiction. This is a principle in international law and at present Britain laws on universal jurisdiction mean we can prosecute anyone accused of human rights violations or war crimes anywhere in the world.

However, the Government wants to remove the right to do so and the amendment I backed sought to reverse their proposal. Unfortunately not enough MPs voted for the amendment and the issue will now be debated in the House of Lords.

I have had lots of emails/letters this month about plans to charge parents to use the Child Support Agency. I have objected to the proposals in a letter to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Changes to the way that recipients of disability support are assessed are also being made by the DWP and I have expressed my opposition to these too, as well as signing an Early Day Motion.

And I continue to be lobbied extensively by those of you concerned about the Government’s NHS ‘reforms’ – concerns I share and which I will continue to reflect in the work I am doing. I have written to all the GPs in the constituency to find out their priorities and several have been in touch.

The 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day on March 8th was marked in a number of ways in Parliament including with an Early Day Motion that I sponsored:

"That this House is proud to celebrate the 100th International Women's Day; notes the plight of women across the world who are struggling to achieve equality and recalls the many brave people throughout history who have fought for women's rights; is concerned that women, who represent 65 per cent. of the public sector workforce, will suffer disproportionately as a result of government plans to cut 600,000 jobs in the public sector alone; further notes that over 80 per cent. of the jobs to be cut are currently carried out by women, predominantly at lower grades and on low pay; recognises that women are the main recipients of services and benefits which the Government also plans to cut or abolish and are those most likely to fill the care gap which will result from reductions in social care funding and services; congratulates the Public and Commercial Services Union on its campaign for International Women's Day which aims to raise awareness of the impact of the Government's economic policies on women ahead of parliamentary debates on the Budget statement; and urges the Government to ensure that the measures set out in the forthcoming Budget help rather than hinder the plight of women at a time of economic cuts, which threaten to set equality back by generations."

I spoke at a constituency event that had women in Afghanistan as its focus and used the day to also draw attention to a campaign being running by local women’s charity, RISE, to save its child support service.

In my role as a Co Chair of the All Party Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty, I have attended a number of hearings as part of an inquiry into Social Justice in the Low Carbon Economy. The group has heard evidence from a number of experts and will be launching a report and recommendations later this year.

I have attended an All Party Animal Welfare Group meeting to look specifically at alternatives to testing and met with First Capital Connect to highlight a range of concerns raised by local residents, such as overcrowding on trains, running times and quality of services.

I joined colleges from the city at an Association of South East College’s event and was delighted to meet local SET for Britain award winners who were visiting Parliament to have their science research recognised.

Constituency Work

I hold regular surgeries across the constituency. If you'd like to book an appointment at a forthcoming surgery, please call Liz Collis on 01273 201130. She coordinates my constituency office and is able to help with most local enquiries.

I have met recently with Brighton’s Head of Tourism, the city’s Head of Museums and the Royal Pavilion and the Head of Culture. I also regularly see the heads of the NHS locally, the Chief Superintendent of Sussex Police and the Chief Executive at the city council.

One of my priorities is to encourage local businesses in our city, and to this end, I have met with Sussex Enterprise, Brighton and Hove business forum, and the local Federation of Small Businesses in the last couple of months.

Protecting our independent retailers is key and the constituency office has received lots of complaints about plans to open a Sainsbury’s at the former Taj site. I helped collect petition signatures about this on a stall this month.

I also spoke at a national Business and Sustainable Environment (BASE) conference to highlight the opportunities for a green economy.

I took part in a Fairtrade Fortnight “act of random kindness” – giving out cups of tea in the Lanes – and an event at the Co-op on London Road. I also undertook a challenge to get Fairtrade products photographed as close as possible to the heart of Westminster. I got one into the voting lobby - mission accomplished!

In February I did a walk-about surgery in Hollingbury and Stanmer. This was a useful way to reach out to people who might not ordinarily have contact with their MP, and is something I plan to do on a regular basis.

I am also looking at the possibility of street surgeries in, for example, supermarkets to complement the usual constituency surgeries.

On Red Nose Day I joined parents worried about safety on Surrenden Road. Brighton and Hove City Council are reluctant to reduce the 30mph speed limit or install fixed crossings despite the fact that children from six schools nearby cross Surrenden Road and there have been nine recent accidents involving personal injury on the road.

On Red Nose Day, parents and children asked fellow residents to pay a voluntary "toll" at the hazardous junction with Surrenden Crescent and Draxmont Way to highlight the problem and fundraise. Visits have also included one to Brighton Oasis Project to learn about the work they do supporting women, children and young people affected by substance misuse.

I have been to Preston Barracks to understand better the potential to use the site more productively eg for temporary office/workshop space and to the Royal Sussex site to discuss plans for the redevelopment, to a local care home to meet residents and caught up with the wonderful Big Lemon bus company, which I am helping to support.

I spoke too at the AGM of the national Bus Users UK group, which was held in the city - and have met with the Brighton Line Commuters to talk about local services.

I joined University College Union staff who were striking over pensions and pay cuts in March and, in early April, spoke at a public meeting entitled 'What Have The Banks Done To Britain?'

Contacting me

If you are a local resident and want help with case work, or to find out more about my activities locally, please contact me at the office of Caroline Lucas MP, Brighton Media Centre 15-17 Middle Street, Brighton BN1 1AL. Tel: 01273 201 130. Email: caroline.lucas@brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk

If you want to know about my parliamentary work, please get in touch at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. Tel: 020 7219 7025. Email: caroline.lucas.mp@parliament.uk

If you want to receive this bulletin automatically by email, please send a message to caroline.lucas.mp@parliament.uk putting ‘email bulletin’ as the subject. Your details will not be passed on to any third party and will only be used to send you news bulletins every two months and the occasional additional update.

Media Highlights

I now blog weekly on the Guardian website which you can read at http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/carolinelucas

Since my last bulletin I have been on BBC’s Question Time and Radio 4’s Any Questions. Coverage includes The Guardian’s Big Conversation which you can read here - http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/mar/26/conversation-monbiot-caroline-lucas-nuclear-power?INTCMP=SRCH – and stories in The Argus about benefits for disabled people (see http://www.theargus.co.uk/communitypages/communitynews/8948698.Local_disability_activists_urge_MP_s_to_scrap_work_tests/) and the voting referendum (see http://www.theargus.co.uk/communitypages/communitynews/8938843.Caroline_Lucas_shows_support_for_AV_campaigners/)

Best Wishes

Caroline