Message from Andrew Smith MP
Posted by Andrew Smith, MP for Oxford East, at 14:30, Tue 17 January 2006:
Happy New Year and thanks again to all of you who have signed up for updates on my work for Oxford East in Parliament. I’m keen for us to make the most of this opportunity to talk so when issues come up I’ll post consultations on this website.
If there’s ever anything I can do to help you or you would like to raise any points with me please get in touch by emailing andrewsmith.mp@virgin.net, by phoning 772893, or by coming to one of my regular advice surgeries.
Every month since I was first elected as your MP in 1987 I’ve produced a report to set out how I’ve been working for our area in the last four weeks.
These are some of the highlights for December 2005: * Wrote 921 letters taking up constituents’ concerns, held four local advice surgeries in Barton, Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill, and St Clements.
* Took up local concerns about: 1.World Aids Campaign 2.Education White Paper 3.Cash machine charges 4.The future of NHS Primary Care Trusts 5.Green Road roundabout
* Questioned Ministers in Parliament on: 1.Oxfordshire’s NHS 2.What aid the UK is giving for the Pakistan earthquake 3.UK aid for communities in the developing world affected by the arms trade 4.Palestine/Israel human rights issues 5.Radioactive waste from nuclear power stations
- Raised Oxford’s case for more homes to meet social need and sustain our city’s economic success in the Pre-Budget report statement in the House of Commons.
- I visited a number of schools and local initiatives, including Pathway Sheltered Workshop in Blackbird Leys.
I also joined members of the Indian community to celebrate Diwali, discussed Police issues with Thames Valley Police’s local area commander, and joined the launch MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY’s Christmas stall in Broad Street.
2006 promises to be an eventful year. There are several important issues for us all to debate and decide upon. One of the most imminent is whether smoking should be banned in all pubs and clubs. In the next few weeks MPs will have a free vote on this in the House of Commons and I’d like to know what you think.
Look out for my next post in a few days with more info about the smoking ban.
Comments
If you are subscribed to HearFromYourMP in this constituency,
log in to post a reply.
Otherwise, if you live in the UK,
sign up in order to
HearFromYourMP.
Posted by Maggie Donaldson, 14:20, Wed 18 January 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
Thanks for the interesting update, and for inviting comments on the smoking ban.
I am not a smoker, and hate the effect it can have on me, making it difficult to breath especially during heayfever season, making my eyes run, and leaving me with smelly hair and clothes!
HOWEVER, I hate the prospect of the state intervening and instituting an outright ban. I'd much rather that public places, as well as pubs, bars etc, were required to install effective venting systems, or to offer proper smoking/non-smoking areas. I do have to accept that I don't have a legal right to go into a pub, and if they choose to offer smoking facilites, so be it - I can take my custom elsewhere if necessary to a business that ofers real choice - much better than legislation.
Thanks for listening!