News from Westminster
Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 16:11, Fri 31 October 2008:
LEISURE CENTRE PLANS APPROVED
I was pleased to learn that the councillors have approved plans for the new leisure centre this week which will form an important part of the development at Hengrove Park alongside the new South Bristol Hospital and the Skills Academy. The leisure centre – or ‘Healthplex’ as it is known - will include an Olympic size swimming pool, learner pool, health and fitness suite, aerobics studio and a four court sports hall. I’m delighted that the Healthplex has cleared this hurdle meaning the complete first phase of the Hengrove Park development has been given the go ahead.
CLIMATE CHANGE BILL
The Climate Change Bill reached its final stage in the House of Commons this week. As I mentioned previously, the Bill commits us to an 80% reduction in emissions by 2050, and due to amendments agreed this week, the Bill now also requires that emissions from aviation and shipping be taken into account when developing our strategy to reach our targets. This is a complex issue because there is currently no international agreement about how to allocate aviation and shipping emissions, but I’m proud that the UK is taking the lead on this important matter. The Bill now returns to the House of Lords for final considerations.
CO-OP SOMERFIELD TAKEOVER
The Co-op’s takeover of Somerfield was officially approved by the Office of Fair Trading last week with the requirement that around 130 stores close across the country in order to comply with competition rules. I’m naturally concerned about any impact the takeover might have on people currently employed in south Bristol at Somerfield and Co-op stores or the Somerfield HQ and I have written to the Chief Executive of the Co-op asking him how jobs will be safe-guarded. If there are any redundancies in Bristol it is important that these people are supported in finding alternative employment as soon as possible and I will be looking to ensure appropriate advice and help is provided.
VISIT TO WELLSPRING HEALTHY LIVING CENTRE
I went to a fantastic celebration this afternoon at the Wellspring Healthy Living Centre. The Centre offers a range of services under one roof – a GPs, dentist and chemist, as well as a community kitchen and garden. This afternoon, I was able to celebrate a range of arts projects which have really helped to improve people’s health and well-being in communities all over Bristol. It is amazing to see how projects like this can make such a difference.
SAVING ENERGY IN OUR HOMES
Last week was Energy Saving Week and the Energy Saving Trust was encouraging us all to take a few minutes to save ourselves money and energy. With winter approaching, I know that people will be thinking about their heating bills, and saving energy makes sense – not just for the planet, but for our pockets too. Research has shown that many people feel that they simply don’t have time to make changes that reduce their energy use. We all have busy lives, but we need to recognise that taking a moment to turn the thermostat down, or install some energy saving lightbulbs, will help us all in the long-term. The Government is doing its bit – with an increase in the Winter Fuel Allowance and support for home insulation – but there are smaller measures which everyone can take to make their homes more energy efficient. Visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for more ideas about how to save energy or contact my office for more information.
HUMAN FERTILISATION AND EMBRYOLOGY BILL
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill passed through its final stages in the House of Commons last week. This is an incredibly important piece of legislation, which will put Britain at the forefront of scientific research. The aim of the Bill is to help work which will find new treatments and cures for terrible diseases which, sadly, continue to blight the lives of many people. The Bill also helps gay and lesbian couples to have children, recognising that the quality of care and parenting people can offer is the most important thing in bringing up children.
CASUALTY
The campaign to keep Casualty in Bristol is gathering pace. The BBC have announced proposals to move production of Casualty to Cardiff. This would be a real shame, and I have raised the matter with the BBC on behalf of a number of constituents. I know that many Bristolians love spotting areas of our city on the show, and the programme contributes millions to the local economy every year. I also have a small personal interest – “Charlie’s” flat in the show was actually my husband’s old flat some years ago! I will be continuing to work with local people and trade unions who want to keep Casualty in Bristol, where it belongs.
HALLOWEEN
Finally, a quick note on Halloween. I know that lots of people enjoy this evening, and the vast majority of children and young people will be out having fun and causing no trouble whatsoever. Equally, many people, particularly older people, can become frightened or intimidated by trick-or-treaters. If you have any concerns about anti social behaviour tonight, or at any time, you can call the police’s non-emergency number on 0845 456 7000. Of course, in an emergency, you should always dial 999
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