HearFromYourMP

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Westminster update...

Posted by Michael Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, at 11:25, Friday 9 May:

Now that all the excitement of local elections is out the way (although we fortunately had a year off from elections in Dacorum) – I thought it would be a good time to update you on my activities at Westminster and elsewhere.

52 Brigade

Following on from the success of my “Welcome Home” reception for 12 Mech Brigade when they returned from Afghanistan last year, I organised a “Welcome Home” reception for newly returned 52 Brigade. As a Vice-Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Army, I am determined to make this a regular feature at the House of Commons. Such receptions have never been organised before and I am pleased that such a large number of men and women of all ranks – from the most junior through to the Brigade Commander – were present to meet MPs and the Secretary of State for Defence.

52 Brigade was responsible for training the Afghan National Police and the Afghan National Army who together with the Brigade successfully planned and led the biggest NATO operation since 2001 to remove the Taliban from Musa Qaleh.

We vote to send these young people to risk their lives on our behalf and it is only right that we should express our thanks to them.

Dexion Pensioners

I had thought we had reached the conclusion of the Dexion pensioners’ campaign. But even though they have now won compensation for 90% of their pensions, new problems have surfaced. Because they will now be paid their backdated pensions as a lump sum, they are likely to be taxed at top rate – which they wouldn’t have been had they received their pensions as they should have done.

To be fair the Ministers at the Department for Work and Pensions are supportive, but I fear they will have their hands tied by the Treasury. Needless to say I’m making my views known…

Twickenham

I got to realise a lifelong dream the other week by playing at Twickenham! I took part in a charity rugby match as a member of the Commons & Lords RFC. Our team was captained by Rob Andrew – Director of Elite Rugby RFU. In the end, our opponents – The Cystic Fibrosis Trust team scored three tries to win the match 17-7.

As you can imagine, I never thought that one day I would get a chance to play at Twickenham - and to be able to raise money for a worthwhile cause such as the Cystic Fibrosis Trust was a real bonus. It was hard work though and I’m beginning to think that its time to hang up my boots…but I’ve said that before!

Petition to Parliament

Yesterday, I presented a petition from residents of the Lower Road area of Nash Mills calling for a pedestrian crossing and traffic calming at the Lower Road railway bridge. This is a Victorian railway bridge which is extremely difficult for pedestrians as there are no paths and they cannot see when traffic is approaching.

You can find more about these issues and others on my website www.mikepenning.com and if you want to get in touch you can email me at PENNINGM@parliament.uk.

Kind regards

Mike