This message has been sent from your MP as part of HearFromYourMP's pre-launch testing - our thanks to Sadiq
Posted by Sadiq Khan, MP for Tooting, at 21:40, Tue 1 November 2005:
Dear friends,
Thank you for giving me the great privilege of representing you in parliament. It was a tremendous honour to be elected as the MP for Tooting in May, and I am already working hard to ensure that Tooting's voice is heard at Westminster!
I want to stay in touch with our community and I hope that you find my first report to constituents to be useful. I am in the process of finalising the arrangements for my local office.
I will also be sending out a free monthly update on my work for Tooting. If you would like to receive this, please write to me at the House of Commons or email sadiqkhanmp@parliament.uk.
My work in Parliament
Between May and July 2005, I spoke in 19 debates (22nd out of 645 MPs); and attended all votes in Parliament (1st out of 644 MPs).
In Parliament, I have:
- Outlined the need for affordable housing provision in Wandsworth Borough, and criticised the Council for not meeting the needs of local people.
- Praised St George's Hospital NHS Walk-in Centre and the hard work of the staff there
- Played a major role in the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill, including being on the Bill Committee.
- Criticised the closure of two special schools in Wandsworth
- Supported measures to offer increased protection to those who choose to take out Shari'a home finance products
- praised the courage of Londoners and the way that people in the city have conducted themselves in the aftermath of the attacks on 7th July.
- Welcomed NHS Dentist provision in Tooting, whilst acknowledging that there are many further improvements to be made
- Expressed my concern about the proposed closure of the Cottage Day Centre, at Springfield Hospital in Tooting
MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
In June, I launched a petition in support of the Make Poverty History campaign and the Government's work to achieve a better deal for Africa through fairer trade, debt relief and more aid.
I raised this matter in Parliament, and organised and sent a petition to Gordon Brown and Hilary Benn to coincide with the G8 Summit at Gleneagles in July. I also met with them and let them know the strength of feeling in Tooting.
An historic breakthrough was made at Gleneagles, with a doubling of aid to Africa, increases in aid to all developing countries, commitments to more effective aid, universal access to AIDS treatment for all who need it by 2010 and an agreement to write off 100% of debt of poor countries.
The Make Poverty History campaign has been enormously successful in raising awareness of global poverty, and local groups and individuals in Tooting have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the poorest people in the world.
It is now vital that we continue to work together to ensure that these commitments are implemented. We need to take every opportunity available to push the plight of the poorest countries to the top of the international agenda.
PENSION CREDIT
I have been lobbying Ministers in Parliament about the importance of encouraging people to claim Pension Credit. This year, over 3000 pensioners in the Tooting constituency were receiving the credit, but I want to make sure that all pensioners claim what they are entitled to.
The Pension Credit was introduced by the Labour Government and ensures that everyone aged 60 or over receives an income of at least £109.45 a week if you are single, or £167.05 a week if you have a partner. It also makes certain that pensioners over 65 with small second pensions or savings will be rewarded.
Unfortunately, those who are likely to be hit hardest my pensioner poverty are least likely to claim Pension Credit. Following my intervention in Parliament, Stephen Timms MP, the Minister for Pensions, has confirmed that extra efforts are being made to increase awareness of the Pension Credit among all communities. I have written to local pensioner groups to ensure that they know about what is available.
Checking whether you are eligible for Pension Credit couldn't be easier - there is a freephone application line on 0800 99 1234.
SIX WAYS TO CONTACT ME
WRITE to me at Sadiq Khan MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
PHONE my office on 020 7219 6967
EMAIL me at sadiqkhanmp@parliament.uk
FAX my office on 020 7219 6477
VISIT my website at http://www.sadiqkhan.org.uk
ATTEND my advice surgeries, held throughout the constituency
Best wishes,
Sadiq
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