News from Westminster
Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 17:44, Fri 11 January 2008:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Here’s the latest edition of my regular newsletter. If you would prefer not to receive it in future, please respond to this email and I’ll remove you from my mailing list.
RENEWING THE NHS
In his first speech on the future of the NHS as Prime Minister, Gordon Brown this week announced Labour plans to renew and reform the NHS and set out a vision for the NHS that is personal to each of us, and focused on prevention as much as cure. As Public Health Minister, I have been involved in drawing up these new plans which include screening people for conditions such as heart problems, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, and proposals to extend screening for colon cancer and breast cancer. The Government aims to create a more personal and preventative health service by giving people the choice of taking a more active role in managing their own care. The Prime Minister said: “A more personal and preventative service will be one that intervenes earlier, with more information and control put more quickly into the hands of patient and clinician. Over time everyone in England will have access to the right preventative health check-up.”
EXTRA FUNDING FOR THE NHS
The Department of Health yesterday announced funding levels for drug treatment agencies. In Bristol, drug services are provided through the Bristol Drugs Project which in turn helps to fund local organisations like Knowle West Alcohol and Drugs Service. Funding for drug treatment really is value for money – for every £1 spent on treatment, at least £9.50 is saved on crime and There have been some concerns in recent years about the level of funding Bristol receives. I was, therefore, delighted to visit Bristol Drugs Project last night to discuss Bristol’s future funding. Our city has received an increase of 13 per cent, which means more funding for local organisations who are working so hard with recovering addicts. Of course, we must continue to do everything we can to stop people falling into addiction and the distress that follows for users, their families and the community.
STANDING UP FOR THE LAW ABIDING MAJORITY
This week I voted to support reforms aimed at giving more support to people who step in to tackle criminals. These measures will give the public confidence if they are put in the position where they decide to act as good citizens and step in to tackle the criminal. The move is part of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill. It will strengthen the law of self defence and make clear that the state’s responsibility to stand by those acting in good faith when using force in self defence. In the case of a passer-by witnessing a crime in the street for example, or a householder faced with a burglar in his or her home, we are reassuring them that if they intervene and necessarily use force which is not excessive or disproportionate, the law really is behind them.
BRISTOL'S BUDGET You may have received a copy of the City Council’s Our City document, which publishes Bristol’s budget proposals for 2008/9. These proposals set out an ambitious plan for investment in Bristol, and have been well received. Amongst other things, the budget will make provision to recruit an extra 43 Police Community Support Officers; install eleven new plastic recycling sites; invest £2.4 million to help elderly people live independently and £2.2 million to make sure those who need residential and nursing care are supported. Some residents have expressed concerns to me about the future of Marksbury Road Library. I do share these concerns, and will continue to make enquiries with the Council in an attempt to find a solution.
BATTERY CHICKENS
Hilary Benn, Labour’s Environment Secretary, this week announced that a ban on keeping laying hens in battery cages will come into force in 2012. This is excellent news, and further proof that the Government is committed the highest animal welfare standards. From the banning of fur farming and fox hunting, to tougher sentences for people who are cruel to animals, the Government has sought to ensure rigorous protection both for wild animals and domestic pets.
ANY QUESTIONS?
If you have any queries about these issues, or have a question you would like to ask about anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Just respond to this email, phone 0117 909 0063 or write to me at PO Box 1002, Bristol, BS99 1WH. Alternatively, for more information on what’s happening in and around Bristol South, you can visit www.bristolsouthlabourparty.org.uk.
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