Email from Lynne Jones MP
Posted by Lynne Jones, MP for Birmingham, Selly Oak, at 15:17, Wed 4 January 2006:
Thank you for signing up to hear about the issues I think are important at the moment.
Climate change is, in my view, the most important issue facing humankind. I've put some information on my work on climate change on my website: http://www.lynnejones.org.uk/N0053consultation.htm. I am also a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee. We are about to begin a series of linked enquiries into aspects of climate change policy:
* The role of renewable energy in meeting the UK's climate change aims, with specific reference to bioenergy - biomass and biofuels * The "citizen's agenda": actions which individuals can change take in their daily lives to help tackle climate change, including micro-generation, local communities, schools and businesses * The Kyoto Protocol after Montreal: the operation of the "Kyoto rulebook" agreed at Montreal and future developments, more information on the UN website: http://unfccc.int/2860.php
As a Labour member of parliament, I am very proud of many of the improvements in the NHS and in our schools since 1997 but I am currently very concerned about the Government's latest proposals that will affect these services. Some of my main concerns about education are explained in the following information, posted on my website: http://www.lynnejones.org.uk/c0715cgn05.htm. Many other Labour MPs share my concerns, including apparently the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott,.
With regard to proposals for the NHS, in July, Sir Nigel Crisp, Chief Executive of the NHS, circulated proposals to reconfigure Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and for greater private sector involvement. Following the tabling of a Parliamentary motion that quickly amassed support amongst Labour MPs, the Government soon backtracked but we are still worried that, behind the scenes, the Government is expecting the PCTs to go along "voluntarily" with the Crisp proposals. I have very real concerns that the privatisation inherent in them will lead to the loss of cohesion in the delivery of community based health services, such as those provided by district nurses. I have tabled Parliamentary questions on the proposals and signed the statement at: http://www.keepournhspublic.com
I also voted against the Government's proposals for detention of terrorist suspects for 90 days without charge. My reasons for doing so are posted here: http://www.lynnejones.org.uk/terrorbillnov05.htm I am pleased that this provision now appears to have been dropped and the Government is listening to the concerns of Labour MPs.
Lack of time makes it difficult to post up details of all the work I do, but the 'In Parliament' section of my website explains how to look up what Parliamentary questions I've been asking and what Early Day Motions I have put my name to (an EDM is a type of petition for MPs): http://www.lynnejones.org.uk/profile.htm
In case you're interested in some background on my working week, during a typical week when Parliament is sitting, I travel down to Westminster on Monday and go back to Birmingham when Parliamentary business finishes on Thursday. That means I can schedule in meetings in the constituency on Fridays and Monday mornings. I hold four Advice Bureaux each month, in different parts of the constituency, three of these are on Friday evenings and one on a Saturday morning, more details at: http://www.lynnejones.org.uk/advice.htm I try to keep part of the weekend free for my family especially attending cycling races in which my children are competing. When Parliament is not sitting I get to spend more time working in the constituency - contrary to what many people think most MPs carry on working just as hard during this time! Examples of some of my work on local issues are posted at: http://www.lynnejones.org.uk/local.htm
I look forward to hearing from constituents who have signed up to the hearfromyourmp site with feedback on the issues above, or on any other matters of interest or concern.
Best wishes,
Lynne Jones
Comments
Commenting on this message is now disabled.
Posted by Andrew Davies, 16:36, Wed 4 January 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
Thank you for you time spent sending your thoughts and aims to your constituency members.
I understand the need for balanced views on matters relating to the environment, global warming, education and the NHS.
I note you dont make any mention of local environment, as a proud Birmingham and British citizen i am getting more and more concerned with the breakdown in what used to be consideration for other members of the community and the breakdown of our society as regards to our responsibilities to and respect of others living in the same community.
There seems to be year by year change in outlook that makes people look after number one with little or no regard to anyone else, which makes for a selfish and unfriendly society and more frequently makes for the need for more and police to protect the public.
I dont make these points from a moral or religous angle, but from a concerned member of the community who is getting more concerned about using community we should be proud to live in.
I am sorry for rambling on but i feel that until we get people to understand what a community is and how we should act to others within the community how can we ever expect them to understand the importance of global warming or world environmental issues.
Posted by Lynne Jones, 15:00, Mon 9 January 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
Dear Mr Davies, Thank you for your comments.
There is a local issues section on my website: http://www.lynnejones.org.uk/local.htm which includes information on anti-social behaviour. Unfortunately, there just aren't enough hours in the day for me to keep my site fully updated on all the work I do, but please email me direct on the facility given on the HearFromYourMP site ( http://www.writetothem.com/?a=WMC&pc= )regarding any specific matters relating to the local community. I am afraid that your comments are too general for me to be able to reply about the work that is being done in the local area.
Regards, Lynne Jones