News from Westminster
Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 17:09, Fri 25 January 2008:
CADBURY UPDATE
I was so disappointed to hear that Cadbury have decided to press ahead with proposals to close their Somerdale factory in Keynsham, leading to the loss of 500 jobs. These plans will have a devastating effect on Keynsham and I also know that a number of staff at Somerdale live in Bristol South. It is such a shame that Cadbury’s Board have decided to press ahead, but the campaign against closure carries on. I will continue to offer any help I can to staff and their trade union representatives. As you may know, a boycott of Cadbury products has been launched, which I shall certainly be supporting.
COOKERY CLASSES FOR ALL CHILDREN
This week the Government announced new plans to make cookery classes compulsory for secondary school children aged 11 to 14. Currently, practical cookery lessons are an optional choice in schools, but the changes mean that all young people will be taught how to cook simple, healthy meals and it is hoped that if children can learn how to use fresh ingredients and follow basic recipes, they will take these skills forward into their adult lives. This move is just one part of the cross-governmental plans to address the growing problem of obesity and on Wednesday this week, in my role as Public Health Minister, I launched the Obesity Strategy, “Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives”. The strategy recognises that obesity is the most significant public and personal health challenge facing our society with 22% of men and 24% of women currently classified as obese. I think it is clear that we need to take decisive action to help people make positive lifestyle choices, and the strategy aims to support people in leading healthier lives. The five key elements of the strategy are: the healthy growth and development of children, promoting healthier food choices through marketing and work with industry, building physical activity into our daily lives, creating incentives for better health and personalised advice and care. More information about the strategy can be found on the Department of Health website: www.dh.gov.uk
MPS' PAY
You may have seen in the news that MPs voted on their salaries this week. This is a rather peculiar and unsatisfactory situation, and I’m very pleased that the Government have announced that they will abolish the system where MPs get the final say over their own pay. The Senior Salaries Review Body made a recommendation that MPs pay should be increased by 2.5 per cent. Given that we have had to make tough decisions on pay for other public servants, I was not prepared to accept a situation where I received a bigger increase than police officers or nurses. I am pleased to say that the majority of MPs felt the same way, ensuring a 1.9 per cent increase, in line with that received by other workers in the public sectors.
SUPPORT THE SOUTH BRISTOL HOSPITAL - BY VISITING FACEBOOK! I’m always looking for new ways to promote our campaign for a new South Bristol Hospital. That’s why I’ve signed up to join social networking site Facebook. Some people, maybe even some politicians, use Facebook to get as many ‘virtual’ friends as possible, but I hope it can also be used to campaign about the issues which matter to people. That’s why I’ve set up a South Bristol Hospital group which you can join if you are a member of Facebook - just search for “South Bristol Hospital”. The group is quite basic at the moment, but I’m adding new information all the time. Most importantly of all, I want the group to be as interactive as possible, so please do join up and let me have your comments.
ORGAN DONATIONS DEBATE
Last week the Prime Minister called for a debate on reform of organ donation procedures that would help provide a greater number of organs for transplant patients in the UK. Last year around 2,400 people benefited from an organ transplant but unfortunately over 1,000 people die each year waiting for a transplant. The Government is backing recommendations made by the Organ Donation Taskforce to improve the way organ donation is currently handled which could result in a 50% increase in donations within five years. The Taskforce is now going on to look at the issue of presumed consent and the role this could play in increasing organ donation. This is clearly a sensitive and complex issue, and there will need to be wide consultation, but I believe it is important to have this debate at a time when the UK has one of the lowest rates of organ donation in Europe and we are facing a growing number of deaths from people waiting for an organ transplant.
RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS CARDS
I popped into Tesco’s on West Street in Bedminster before heading into the office on Monday morning to recycle my old Christmas cards. Tesco, TK Maxx and Marks and Spencer are working with the Woodland Trust to recycle as many cards as possible, and hope to plant 24,000 trees this year as a result.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & FORCED MARRIAGE E-CONSULTATION
You may be interested to know that the Home Affairs Select Committee is currently carrying out an enquiry on Domestic Violence and Forced Marriage. The Committee consists of MPs from all political parties who investigate issues for which the Home Office has responsibility, and as part of this latest enquiry the Committee is undertaking an online consultation which runs until 29th February. This provides an opportunity for individuals to put forward their own thoughts or concerns about domestic violence and forced marriage in order to help inform the enquiry. The Committee knows that these are extremely sensitive issues that can be difficult to talk about, so has set up the e-consultation in order to allow comments to be made confidentially and anonymously. To access information on the e-consultation go to: http://www.equalitynetworks.org.uk
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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