Interview with the Daily Politics

This week, I spoke to Andrew Neil on the Daily Politics, with my fellow Member of Parliament Penny Mordaunt.

As I said on the programme, above all, people want David Cameron to bring jobs back to Britain, and to get our economy moving again.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Reclaiming our streets

One issue which has caused me real frustration as MP and Candidate, is the difficulty that local residents have in dealing with anti-social behaviour. I have witnessed at first hand the suffering to local residents caused by anti-social behaviour and the frustration and obstacles that are put in front of dealing with the problem. As always it is the decent and law abiding that suffer most.

Too often - in part due to legislation introduced by the last Government -dealing with anti-social behaviour problems takes an inordinate amount of time. Moreover, If various 'agencies' decide otherwise, residents have little redress.

For this reason, I am glad that Home Secretary, Theresa May has announced today at the Conservative Conference that this state of affairs will continue no longer. Residents will have recourse to new independent panels if they feel that relevant authorities have not dealt properly with anti-social behaviour in particular instances, they will be able to appeal to the Panel. If the Panel then recommend action, police and local councils will have to respond.

I look forward to this measure being set out in Parliament over coming weeks. It can't come soon enough.

For more details, please see HERE.

To each according to his need

As you will know from my Facebook and Twitter updates, I am currently at the Conservative Conference in Birmingham.

It is quite an unusual conference, somewhat sombre, apprehensive even. Yet there is still an optimistic feel - of what might be - if the economy is sorted.

The main theme of the conference so far has been sorting out the economy and welfare reform: Chancellor George Osborne has announced that Child Benefit will be stopped for those on highest incomes. He has also stated that no workless family - unless they are disabled or sick - will ever get more benefits than a working family gets in average wages.

Welfare Secretary Iain Duncan Smith is to set out plans which will see the benefit system simplified into one universal benefit. The reforms will allow people to retain some of their benefits as they gain work. This will incentivise the jobless as they look for unemployment and lift them out of the poverty trap, as they will not lose out financially by having all their benefits removed.

It seems to me that this is very much a welfare policy based on "each according to his need". Benefits should go to those who need them most. They should also act as a spring-board - a ladder of opportunity for those seeking work.

Interview on BBC Radio 4 : Benefits Reform

Yesterday, I spoke to The World At One about why benefits reform is so urgent in Britain today. You can listen to the recording above.

As I said on the programme, people want to work, and to climb the ladder of opportunity. But the Government has to make sure that work pays. That's why reform is so important.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

President of Harlow Division of St John's Ambulance

I was very proud today. After a busy Friday meeting a range of community organisations as MP, I travelled to Chelmsford to the St John's Ambulance County Awards. This is a special annual ceremony of the SJA in which awards are given out for long service and for special deeds done in saving lives.

I was there as a 'layman', surrounded by a sea of uniforms. It was great to see so many SJA men and women getting the recognition they deserved for their service and achievement. One lady - from Harlow - received a medal for forty-nine years of service to the SJA Cadets and was handed her medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex.

I was called up and given a certificate in recognition of being appointed President of Harlow SJA Division. I felt very honoured. I had been asked earlier in the year and immediately said yes. As regular readers will know, I have written about the SJA before - having been witness to a few special events.

My support for this incredible community organisation - comes not just because of its importance in saving lives - but because the SJA represents all that is good about being British: decency, a care for others, deep roots in the community, a determination to serve and a strong care for tradition. SJA enriches our nation. Its thoughtful link with faith acts as a gentle guiding spirit in all that it does.

After the event, I went with Emma Hines (who also was a recipient of an award) and her husband Stephen for an enjoyable pint at the Rainbow and Dove in Hastingwood. A very nice end to a great evening.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

St John Ambulance Barn Dance
Harlow MP Robert Halfon is supporting a fundraising event being organised by the St John Ambulance.
The organisation is holding a barn dance at St John's Art and Recreation Centre, St John's Walk, Old Harlow, on Saturday, October 9. Please see the poster for more information.


  Barn Dance Saturday 9th October - click here