Jeremy Browne MP's Monthly Update - September
Posted by Jeremy Browne, MP for Taunton, at 14:54, Tue 2 October 2007:
Jeremy's monthly update (below) is also available as a PDF file on his facebook page or via email. If you would like to keep up to date with his work in Taunton, please email office@tauntonlibdems.org.uk.
Congratulations go to Somerset CCC for securing the LV County Championship Second Division trophy during September. The Cidermen also rounded off a great season by winning promotion to the Pro40 League First Division.
IMPROVING CANCER CARE
This month Jeremy pledged his support to a new fundraising initiative for the Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment (SURE). He said;
“The fundraising done by SURE is contributing to the provision of radiotherapy. The hospital’s new Cancer Centre will be opened in 2009 and will make a massive difference as cancer patients will no longer have to travel to Bristol for treatment. The 5p coins SURE are collecting are so small and fiddly and I am certain that most people will be very happy to donate them.”
FAIRER PRICING FOR TAUNTON DEANE
Jeremy is calling on Sainsbury’s to stop charging Taunton Deane residents more for their petrol than other south west residents. One litre of unleaded petrol costs 95.9p in Taunton, but 91.9p in Plymouth or Truro. He said;
“I have raised this problem in the past about prices being consistently higher in Taunton than most other comparable towns. I have now written to the Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s asking him to justify the price difference. Local residents are being penalised unfairly.”
IN THE COMMUNITY
Jeremy’s activities in Taunton this month included;
- Attending Wellington Flower Show, Wellington Food Festival, the 10 Parishes Festival in Wiveliscombe, the Produce and Flower Show in West Monkton, the Medieval Fare at Bishops Lydeard, the Tour of Britain Cycle Race, Taunton Amateur Operatic Society’s performance of The Mikado, the Macmillan Cancer Coffee Morning in Henlade, and the Ambassadors of Snooker Classic.
- Speaking at the Winchester Arms, to teenagers at Temple Methodist Church, Taunton Castle Probus Club, to Taunton Pre-Prep school, Bishops Lydeard and Cotford St Luke’s WI’s, the Battle of Britain memorial service in Priorswood, and Taunton Carer’s Forum.
- Opening the art exhibition at Stawley Wood Farm, the District Centenary Scout Camp at Huish Woods, and the refurbished Willowbank at Stoke St Gregory.
- Visiting Taunton Vale Sports Club for the hockey tournament, West Buckland School, Staplegrove School, the Firs Nursing Home, the Wessex Water site at Maundown, the police pod in Asda’s car park, and Brook Green Early Years.
- Presenting local schools with Tesco computers for school equipment, and giving out awards to Somerset Care staff and cat protection champions.
- Celebrating Taunton Brewing Company’s first birthday in Bathpool, and St Michael the Archangel Church’s 20th year in Galmington.
- Meeting with Taunton Chamber of Commerce, police teams from Dulverton, CAMRA in Wiveliscombe, Milverton LAT group, Taunton Citizens Advice Bureau, the South West Regional Development Agency, church leaders in Bathpool, the Charity Commission, and the Samaritans.
IN THEIR SHOES
After shadowing Taunton’s fire fighters for the day and spending an evening learning about emergency response training in Wellington, Jeremy praised both towns’ teams’ dedication to the local community. He commented;
“The commitment and skills of both the Wellington and Taunton fire fighters was impressive to watch. We never know when their services will be needed and their dedication is rightly appreciated by people across Taunton Deane.”
This month also saw Jeremy highlight the importance of good hospital nutrition after spending a morning as part of Musgrove Park’s catering operation. He said;
“The hospital has modernised its catering outlets and created a better environment for the staff as well as the thousands of visitors who need refreshments while they are waiting for relatives to receive treatment.”
SPEAKING OUT ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Jeremy is the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson and sits on the Home Affairs Select Committee.
BACKING YOUTH SERVICES
Jeremy has given his backing to a police scheme to cut anti-social behaviour. Paint balling sessions are being organised for young people from Taunton Deane who stay out of trouble and are considerate to people in their neighbourhood. Jeremy commented;
“There is genuine public concern about crime and anti-social behaviour. The paint balling sessions are fun but they also have a serious purpose. Providing diversionary activity for young people is another way to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.”
PROTECTING CIVIL LIBERTIES
At this year’s Liberal Democrat Conference in Brighton, Jeremy warned of the need to remove sensationalism from the country’s response to the threat from terrorism. Speaking to a packed fringe event hosted by Liberty, he said;
“There is no doubt that we face a serious threat from terrorism. The public and the security services need to remain vigilant. Terrorists should not be allowed to threaten the established values of our society. I am determined to stand up for historic British liberties which have been established over centuries and should never be forfeited lightly.”
Contact Jeremy at office@tauntonlibdems.org.uk , or write to him at: Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG
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