Latest news from Mark Lazarowicz MP
Posted by Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, at 09:07, Fri 3 November 2006:
I am writing to you with a short update of news and information which I hope will be of interest to you. If you would like a copy of the full version of my latest newsletter, you can download this from my website at www.marklazarowicz.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer coffee morning success
Thank you to everyone who came along to the coffee morning I organised in support of Macmillan Cancer Relief “Biggest Coffee Morning in the World”. We raised £275 – thanks also to Tony Crolla of Vittoria Restaurant for providing the venue and the coffee!
Meeting on a sustainable energy future: what you can do Saturday 4th November, McDonald Road Library, 10 am – 11.30 am.
A reminder about this meeting, which aims to look at ways in which both individuals and communities can take steps to use energy in a more efficient and sustainable manner. This will include a look at the potential for renewable energy, and at ways in which local communities can work together to help meet their energy needs. For further information about the event, please visit http://www.marklazarowicz.org.uk/events/energyday06.htm
Action on airguns and fireworks misuse
I’m pleased to say that the changes to tighten up the law on the sale and use of airguns have finally gone through Parliament. Thanks to all those who supported my petition for action on this issue. If you want to find out more about the changes, do get in touch. Another problem, particularly at this time of year, can be the misuse of fireworks. The laws about this were also tightened up last year. They do seem to have helped reduce the nuisance caused by the misuse of fireworks for most of the year. However, I would be very interested in knowing about any local residents still having problems with nuisance fireworks, particularly at this time of the year.
Tackling climate change: the “Stern report”
Big news at Westminster this week was the publication of the long-awaited report by the internationally renowned economist, Nicholas Stern, on the economic costs of climate change. This showed how the costs of not doing anything to tackle climate change would be massive – perhaps up to as much as 20% of the world’s economic wealth. This will be a powerful argument for action, both at home and internationally. You can see the Stern report – and a summary – at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/independent_reviews/stern_review_economics_climate_change/stern_review_report.cfm
However, we don’t need to wait to take action – we can all play our part. That’s why I was pleased to take the lead in putting forward a Parliamentary Motion for Energy Saving Week, in support of the Energy Saving Trust “Commit to Save Your 20%” campaign. See the following for details: http://www.marklazarowicz.org.uk/parliament/press2006/october06_4.htm
Edinburgh to pilot new scheme to lift people out of unemployment
I recently joined Works & Pensions Minister Jim Murphy MP to launch a new scheme to help cut long-term unemployment, at a meeting in Leith. Edinburgh has been chosen as one of one of the first places in the UK to take part in the Pathfinders for the Cities Strategy. The initiative is particularly aimed at disadvantaged groups such as single parents, ethnic minorities, older people and those on benefits. The scheme will work by giving more powers to local organizations to tackle unemployment by bringing together public, private and voluntary sectors. The scheme will allow these groups to work more flexibly and efficiently by pooling their resources and expertise. It is expected that the strategy will be up and running in Edinburgh early next year. More details at: http://www.marklazarowicz.org.uk/parliament/press2006/september06_3.htm
Speaking up in Parliament
I’ve spoken on a number of issues in Parliament recently, and there are links below to some of the longer speeches I’ve made. If you’re interested in finding out what I’ve been saying in Parliament as your elected representative, have a look – and do let me know if you have any comments. The subjects of the speeches include:
the new International Development White Paper, about which I organised a consultation meeting with local residents http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm061026/debtext/61026-0005.htm#06102646002201
modernising the way Parliament works and the way we relate to the public, where I’m on the committee which has proposed major changes http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm061019/halltext/61019h0001.htm#06101930000121
the length of the Parliamentary recess, where I was in favour of a shorter summer break. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm061101/debtext/61101-0015.htm#06110156002938
I’ve also spoken up on European policy, high speed rail, the regulation of buses, climate change issues, and Palestine.
You can find more information about what I’ve been doing by visiting my website.
And you can also let me know your views on the issues of the day – local or national – by visiting my blog, at http://www.marklazarowicz.org.uk/blog/index.html
Thanks for reading this newsletter. If you have any comments or questions about anything else, do get in touch.
Mark Lazarowicz
Labour Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North & Leith tel: 0131 557 0577 (Edinburgh) tel: 020 7219 8199 (London) e-mail: lazarowiczm@parliament.uk Visit my website www.marklazarowicz.org.uk for details of my MP advice surgeries, and information about my work in Parliament and in Edinburgh North & Leith
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