Rob's Blog

Train services in Harlow are safe

2012-01-31T13:07:00.000Z

After receiving many calls and emails about the question mark over the future of train services from Harlow Town, Harlow Mill, and Roydon train stations, I decided to meet with the new rail operator Abellio - which is to take over the West Anglia mainline service.

I raised a number of concerns and issues when I met Abellio, and strongly urged the company to safeguard services in the area. They assured me that under their management, train services will be 100% PROTECTED from cuts.

This will be a welcome relief for the many commuters who use local trains, especially those who get into and out of London every day.

I was delighted to receive assurances from Abellio regarding the level of services and they told me that after 2014 - if they are successful in winning the next contract - they will actually look at INCREASING train services to Harlow, to ease congestion at rush-hour.

This is something that I hugely support. If this goes ahead, there could be as many as four fast Stansted Express trains to Harlow an hour, as opposed to the current level of two.

I also raised the issue of the current state of Harlow Town, Harlow Mill and Roydon stations. To their credit, Abeillo agreed to look at undertaking some redecoration work at the stations - including repainting, and small improvements such as a rain-shelter at Roydon.

The firm has also pledged firmly to keep Roydon and Harlow Mill stations OPEN. In fact it agreed to hire 100 additional security staff - many of whom will patrol the trains passing through Harlow and the villages.

Finally, I also urged the company to look seriously at helping the small businesses that depend on our railways - such as the shop in Harlow Town Station. They have agreed to visit the stations with me in the coming months, to see if anything can be done to help boost trade.

Breaking News: Harlow College is the best in the UK

2012-01-31T10:49:00.004Z

Some breaking news. The Government has announced that Harlow College has been ranked No. 1 for long courses, out of the 223 FE colleges across the UK. This is fantastic news.

Plus, in terms of getting the top grades, Harlow College was ranked No. 2 for all its students - making it one of the very best places in Britain not only to study, but to do well.

These results are a real credit to Colin Hindmarch, the staff and teachers, and all the students and their parents. They are really putting Harlow on the map.

We are lucky to have such a successful College on our doorstep. Perhaps it helps to explain why in Harlow, youth unemployment has been falling since 2009, and the number of apprenticeships locally has increased by 73%.

Ignore the critics who want to talk Harlow down. These results prove that we can genuinely compete with the best and brightest not just from Essex, but from the whole country.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

VIDEO: Is Big Ben slipping into the Thames?

2012-01-30T17:42:00.001Z

Regular readers will know that a few days ago I asked the Speaker to clear up all the rumours about Big Ben slipping into the Thames. You can see his response above.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Harlow Community Update

2012-01-30T17:06:00.001Z

Last week I visited a number of Harlow Community groups and local businesses, as I often do. Here's a brief update:

MP Advice Surgery
On Friday 27th January I held one of my regular MP advice surgeries, helping Harlow residents with problems and worries that that they have. Please call my constituency office if you would like to book an appointment for the next available place on 01279 311 451.

Opening Open Road

First off in the morning, I had the pleasure of opening the new Open Road Centre for Drug and Alcohol Addiction. Open Road is one of our most important community health charities. It helps people to rebuild their lives, if they have suffered from Drug and Alcohol addiction. I was honoured to support it.

Broxbourne Sailing Club

Next stop, a hidden treasure just outside of Harlow. The Broxbourne Sailing Club (not actually in Broxbourne) is just a 15 minute drive from Harlow town centre through Nazeing. It offers sailing experiences for any one from the age of 6. It also has fantastic facilities including live music, home made food and an onsite bar. It is a true gem. I was lucky enough to visit so I could hand over a cheque worth £50,000 from Sports England to the Club to repair the damage on the embankment due to erosion. This is part of the London 2012 legacy program - proving that the Olympics will be good for Harlow and the villages long-term, not just for this summer.

New Holocaust Memorial Plaque
Last December there was an outrageous theft - the Bronze Memorial Plaque was stolen from the Harlow Holocaust Memorial Garden. Last week on Holocaust remembrance day I was relieved to unveil the granite replacement. It was deeply moving to see so many people from so many backgrounds come and pay their respects for those who lost their lives not only in the Holocaust, but everyone who has lost their lives to evil regimes and dictators across the world.

You can read my post about Holocaust memorial Day here.

If you are interested in reading my earlier posts, you can read my previous Community update here.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Cracking Down on Scrap Metal Theft

2012-01-30T09:49:00.001Z

In recent months, Harlow has been hit by an epidemic of scrap metal thefts. The most outrageous was the shocking theft of a bronze plaque from the Harlow holocaust memorial, just before Christmas.

The problem is that a few thieves, with an eye on rising metal prices, havestripped church roofs and ripped up railway cable - causing misery for the victims.

Over several months, I have urged the Government to tackle this dreadful crime. Today, I am grateful that the Home Secretary has listened, and has set out a series of tough actions in Parliament:

1) First, there will be amendments to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill. This will prohibit the use of cash to pay for scrap metal, and significantly increase the penalties for scrap metal dealers who are convicted of wrongdoing. This will include unlimited fines for the most serious offenders.

2) Second, the Government has announced £5 million to establish a dedicated metal theft taskforce. This will be a group of Police officers, responsible for developing intelligence of the suspected thieves, and visiting every scrap metal dealer to undertake an assessment of risk and working to disrupt illegal operators.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

The Artist

2012-01-29T17:38:00.000Z

I saw this amazing film today. It was so good that I can't speak. I am at loss for words.

Definitely worth going to see. I hope it wins many Oscars.

Showing commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day

2012-01-26T17:09:00.000Z

I have signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, in doing so pledging commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died during the Holocaust.

Tomorrow (Friday) will mark the 67th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history.

In the weeks running up to the day, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons giving MPs the chance to honour those who were persecuted and killed during the Holocaust and encouraging constituents to actively speak out against prejudice and bigotry today.

In signing the Book of Commitment I paid tribute to the extraordinary men and women who having survived the Holocaust, work to educate young people about what they endured, through the Holocaust Education Trust’s Outreach programme.

I will be attending a Holocaust Memorial Day event at Harlow Synagogue this evening (Thursday) and the unveiling of the new Holocaust memorial plaque in Harlow tomorrow (Friday).

Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau – and it is an important opportunity to remember the victims of genocide. I encourage everyone in Harlow and the villages to mark the day and to commit to ‘speaking up and speaking out’ against prejudice today.

Why we need cheaper petrol

2012-01-26T16:40:00.000Z

Regular readers of my blog will know about my long-standing campaign for cheaper petrol and diesel in Harlow. As we get towards the 2012 Budget, I will be urging the Chancellor to freeze fuel duty - and also to look at reducing it if possible.

Today in Parliament I made this point to the Leader of the House. Our full exchange was:

Robert Halfon (Harlow): May we have a debate on lower taxes for lower earners, given that poor motorists will be hit twice as hard as richer motorists if petrol and diesel duties rise? Can my right hon. Friend urge the Chancellor to cut petrol and diesel tax in the next Budget?

Sir George Young: I will relay to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor the bid that my hon. Friend has just made. I commend what he did with the e-petition on the issue last year, which resulted in the postponement of an increase that was due earlier this month.

I have also written to the Office of Fair Trading, in Essex, urging them to look into the fact that petrol prices in Harlow seem to be about 5p more expensive than nearby towns such as Epping, Chelmsford, and Stevenage.

You can see my full letter below:

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

200 Extra Apprentices for Essex

2012-01-25T11:53:00.003Z

With Cllr Derrick Louis and his advisor Hannah.

Some good news for Harlow taxpayers, small businesses, and young people today.

This morning I met with Cllr Derrick Louis (see the photo above). Derrick has just led a major project to use public procurement at Essex County Council - not only to drive down costs, and to help local firms, but to hire Essex apprentices as well.

Here are the headlines:

1) A saving of £150 million pounds a year - helping Essex to keep the Council tax down for Harlow residents.

2) More local firms winning contracts - the number of Essex and Harlow firms getting business with the County Council has increased from 39% in 2009, by tens of millions of pounds, to 44%.

3) 200 new apprenticeships have been created in local industries like road-building, waste disposal, facilities management, construction, and more across the whole county.

This just shows that it can be done. The Government can save money, help British firms, and create jobs for young people all the same time.

Cllr Derrick Louis is an inspiration. His work is a credit to him, and a credit to the County Council. Let's hope that his work can be rolled out across the UK.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

VIDEO: Urgent Question on Iran

2012-01-24T15:53:00.001Z

Today I asked an urgent question in Parliament, about the military build-up in the Strait of Hormuz.

As I said to the Foreign Secretary, Iran is at crisis-point. It is the new Soviet Union of the Middle East. It supports terrorism, undermines democracy, and is trying to stop the Arab Spring in Syria.

But now we are threatened by an Iranian nuclear bomb, which risks the security of the Gulf States, Israel, and the whole region.Two weeks ago, Iran admitted it has begun enriching high-grade uranium.

The regime now threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz - which represents more than 20 per cent of internationally traded oil.

The UK Government could not have done more to try to contain this problem - with unprecedented action to isolate Iran’s financial sector, and the extra EU sanctions imposed this week by the Foreign Secretary. But the question must now be asked - are we facing the prospect of a nuclear dictatorship in the Middle East?

Today I asked the Foreign Secretary:"Will my Right Honourable Friend set out to the House what military action Britain is planning in the Strait? Will he explain what will happen, if these latest economic sanctions don’t work? And what more is being done to bring Russia and China to the UN table?"

Most would accept that Britain has shouldered its fair burden in tackling dictators. But it seems clear that the free world must send a message to Iran, that if they continue with their nuclear plans it will lead to military action.

No one wants war. But tragically, it is looking increasingly possible.

As The Times said today: “One of the greatest civilisations in history has been superseded for a generation by an extremist regime perpetrating repression at home and aggression beyond its borders.”

To see the Foreign Secretary's reply, watch the VIDEO above.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

No Lifejackets required

2012-01-24T09:48:00.000Z

Following reports in weekend newspapers, suggesting that Parliament was slipping in to the Thames, yesterday (somewhat lightheartedly), I asked the Speaker the following:

Robert Halfon (Harlow): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Following the weekend reports that the Houses of Parliament may be slipping into the River Thames, will you give a statement to the House, just so that we know whether or not to buy ourselves lifejackets?

Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, in particular for his concern for all those who work, or even live, within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster. I have known him for over 20 years, and I have never regarded him as an inveterate worrier. As he can see, I am not worried. He should not believe everything that he reads in the newspapers, or in those even more downmarket rags that in so describing themselves are almost certainly breaching the Trade Descriptions Act. Getting overexcited is their stock-in-trade; keeping calm and doing the right thing is ours.

You can read more HERE and HERE.

NEWS: Harlow Conservatives push for a freeze in Council tax

2012-01-23T19:26:00.002Z

Out and about in Harlow town centre with
Andrew Johnson, and Russell Perrin.

Some good news for Harlow residents today.

Conservatives on Harlow Council have announced they are pushing for a freeze in the Council tax. If they are successful, this means that in 2012, Harlow's portion of the Council tax will be frozen for the third year running.

This is good news, as it will help Harlow families who are struggling to cope with rising bills, and the cost of filing up the car.

When you think that Labour DOUBLED the Council Tax over the last 10 years or so, this is hugely important.

These things don't happen by accident. The fact that this is possible, for a third year running, is a real credit to the hard work and prudence of our local Conservative Councillors - especially Andrew Johnson (Council Leader), and Simon Carter (Member for Finance).

The final decision will be made on 09 February in the Civic Centre. As local MP, I strongly support a freeze in the Council Tax and hope that it will be voted through.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

William Hague seeks to extend sanctions against Iran

2012-01-23T12:06:00.000Z

Foreign Secretary William Hague, is rightly calling on the EU for tougher sanctions against Iran. This cannot come soon enough: Iran continues to crush internal dissent, to prop up the brutal Assad regime in Syria, supports and finances the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist organisations - and is on the threshold of having the nuclear bomb. A tougher punitive sanction regime is needed to try and stop the regime in its tracks - if we are to avoid military action to neutralise Iran's nuclear capability.

You can see more by clicking on this weblink:

PlayPolitical.com - Conservative Party

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

101 - the new Police number

2012-01-23T10:10:00.006Z

Some good news for Harlow residents today. A single non-emergency 101 number has been rolled out - to report crimes and concerns that donot require an emergency response.

Calls to the 101 number will cost 15p per call from both mobilephones and landlines, no matter how long the call or what time of day. This means that Harlow residents will be spared the cost of traditional 0845 numbers previously used bymany forces - which can cost up to 40p per minute.

With three quarters of 999 callsto the police NOT requiring an emergency response, the Government also hope that the 101 number will also ease pressure on 999 services.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

The UK Should leave the ECHR and rebuild the Convention to reflect the principles of the Founding Fathers

2012-01-22T01:18:00.000Z

British justice should not be over-ruled by the European Court of Human Rights - Telegraph:

A very useful article in the Sunday Telegraph (see above), highlighting the Abu Qatada case. Yet again the modern European Court of Human Rights has acted against natural justice.

The European Convention was established after the Second World War to prevent the horrors of Nazi Germany from ever happening again. The whole purpose of the Convention was to stop tyranny and terrorism - not appease it.

It was never envisaged that the Convention would mutate into a Court that gives succour to extremists and allows them to spread poison and terrorism. Nor could it ever be imagined that the Convention would demand that prisoners should have the vote.

It is time for Britain to withdraw from the ECHR, and work to rebuild the Convention so that it reflects its Founding Fathers original principles once again.

Backing Churchill Time

2012-01-20T20:43:00.000Z

Today, I backed 'Churchill Time' : a Parliamentary bill to objectively look at the benefits of moving the clocks forward by one hour, a move which he says could save lives and create jobs in Harlow

The bill called on the Government to conduct a comprehensive review of the costs and benefits of putting clocks forward an hour throughout the UK, resulting in lighter evenings every day of the year.

I am in favour of what I call 'Churchill time'. During the second world war, Churchill moved the clocks forward by an hour to maximise production at munitions factories, and to ensure people were able to get home safely before the blackout in winter.

This emergency measure was removed after the war but it worked brilliantly at the time. Lighter evenings would be good for Harlow, and good for Britain.

The arguments in favour of clock change are compelling. This one simple low-cost policy could bring wide ranging benefits to the whole of the UK including saving lives on our roads, creating much needed jobs in the tourism sector and reducing the fear of crime on dark evenings.

Supporters argue that lighter evenings would save lives on the roads by making more of the busiest evening rush hours occur in daylight, create jobs by boosting the tourism sector, and make many people especially older people feel safer going out in the evenings for longer.

Sadly, even this modest Bill - which just called for a pilot study in certain areas - was stopped by a small handful of Parliamentarians, who did everything they could to filibuster the legislation as it was being discussed. As a result the proposals ran out of Parliamentary time.

For more about the idea visit www.lighterlater.org

Meeting with Partridge Care Home Residents

2012-01-20T13:38:00.000Z

On BBC Essex this morning discussing my meeting with Partridge Care Home's residents and owners.

Regular readers will know that I have been working with residents and staff on this issue since February 2011

Please click here to read my previous posts about the issue.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

No drugs at the Olympics

2012-01-20T13:19:00.002Z

Rob with Hugh Robertson MP and paralympian, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

Rob with Sports Minister, Hugh Robertson MP

There may be some Olympic Athletes who take performance-enhancing drugs - but there will be few who will get away with it.

That was the conclusion I drew from a visit yesterday, with Sports Minister Hugh Robertson, and Paralympian, Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson, to GSK/Kings College Drugs Testing Laboratory in Harlow.

The Lab, is in the former neuro-science part of GSK and is quite a remarkable operation. Every Olympian will be tested for drugs, with the samples then security couriered over to the Harlow Site. There is then a rigorous conveyer belt operation to test/re-test and freeze some of the samples. The laboratory methods used will be the most advanced of any previous Olympics.

I was incredibly impressed visiting the Lab and meeting Professor Cowan, from Kings College, who is in charge of the whole operation. It is a great example of partnership between one of our most foremost Academic Institutions and a world-class company like GSK. The University work hand in hand with committed GSK Staff.

Above all, it is incredible to have this Laboratory in our Town - something we should be very proud of. Harlow with our new Enterprise Zone, University and hopefully a University Technical College, is making its mark as a centre of scientific excellence.

You can read more HERE.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

GOOD NEWS: youth unemployment in Harlow is falling

2012-01-19T15:23:00.000Z

Robert Halfon meeting apprentices at Harlow College.

There's been a lot of bad news on the economy, recently. But there is one silver lining in Harlow: official figures show that youth unemployment in Harlow is falling.

The Office for National Statistics figures for the town show that from November to December last year youth unemployment fell from 715 to 695.

It's a small step in the right direction. In 2012 my number one priority is the economy, and bringing jobs back to Harlow - especially for our young people. That's why I have championed the idea of a new Apprentice School in the town, based at Harlow College.

It is also why I have personally employed Harlow apprentices in my office - first local lad Andy Huckle, and now Louis Luck. They are both Harlow College students, who earn a proper wage and study for a real qualification.

Official figures have shown a massive rise in the number of apprentices being taken on both in Harlow and nationally. You can see me meeting some of these apprentices in the photos above.

Thanks to a Conservative-led Government, in Harlow the number of apprentices has rocketed by 73 per cent - from 450 in 2009-10 to a figure of 780 for 2010-11.

This is fantastic news and clearly shows that businesses not just locally but across the country are seeing the benefits there are in having apprentices in their workplaces.

We should not be complacent but I'm glad that Harlow is an entrepreneurial town. These figures are to be welcomed and I hope to see a further fall in the months ahead.

I have tabled a parliamentary motion on youth unemployment in Harlow and believe the current situation, with the number of young people unemployed falling, strengthens the case for a University Technical College in the town.

It also shows that measures being taken by the Government to deal with youth unemployment are beginning to make significant inroads.

Robert Halfon meeting apprentices at Harlow College.

Cabinet Minister backs the Parliamentary Academy

2012-01-18T12:18:00.003Z

Today, I asked the Secretary of State for Wales to back the apprentice school that I have set up in Parliament, with charity New Deal of the Mind.

Her reply was really encouraging. Not only did she agree, but she also agreed to look at encouraging suppliers to the Welsh Office, and the Welsh Government to hire apprentices themselves. You can see the video above.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Care for the Dying

2012-01-18T11:13:00.000Z

Rob with St Clare's Hospice

It is well-worth reading the full debate on Care for the Dying debate in the Commons yesterday. Please click HERE.

My full speech is below:

Robert Halfon (Harlow): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr Burrowes) on securing this debate. I have known him as a good friend for nearly 30 years and his values have remained the same over that time.
I welcome this debate because I feel that we need to move the focus of the discussion away from assisted dying and towards quality of life. I became involved with this issue not by accident but through involvement with my local hospice, St Clare. It is one of the most wonderful community organisations with which I have ever had the privilege to be involved, both as a parliamentary candidate in Harlow for many years, and as its MP. St Clare is dedicated to promoting quality of life and care, and it has taught me much about the important role of palliative care and how it needs our support.

I should like to make several brief points, the first of which concerns equity of funding. St Clare hospice in Harlow receives 24% of its funding from the local PCT, although other nearby hospices in other PCTs, such as Farleigh hospice or St Francis hospice, receive around 40% of their funding from the PCTs. I welcome the figure of 40% and do not deride it, but it is important to have greater equity of funding. There is also a cliff-edge issue: 70% of charitable hospices have agreements with their local PCT that last for just one year. We need longer-term agreements, so that hospices can plan ahead.

Although we often talk about the big society, the hospice movement existed before that was even mentioned. It has pioneered the big society for many years, and 157 charitable hospices in the United Kingdom receive the bulk of their funding from private and community sources. More than 100,000 people donate their time to local hospices. St Clare hospice has 500 volunteers, and on one occasion, I was pleased to work there as a receptionist. Given what the Government are trying to accomplish in many parts of the public sector, hospices deserve more recognition for their role as part of the big society. They are models of how charitable institutions can raise extra funds, invest in services and train the community, without resources coming simply from higher taxes.

Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham): I support everything that has been said so far about doing whatever we can to preserve life. Funding has been mentioned, as have the community and voluntary sectors. Medway contains the Wisdom hospice, where £539,000 is raised annually by the voluntary and charitable sectors. That is a great example of how communities want to preserve and support palliative care.

Robert Halfon: My hon. Friend makes a good point that is exactly right; his constituency is lucky to have him serving it so well.

I want to highlight bereavement counselling services. St Clare offers such a service, and about 40% of families that become involved with it receive bereavement counselling. That is a huge extra cost for something that the hospice does not have to provide but nevertheless offers as an extra service. Hospices receive little recognition for their work on bereavement care, and a UK study has shown that such care is often overlooked. In 2010, more than half of hospital maternity units still lacked dedicated bereavement support, thus leading families to turn to their local hospices. In 2007, an Oxford university survey of bereavement care in 10 Marie Curie hospices around the country showed that, although there are some great services, such care is patchy or non-existent in other areas. That is why hospices such as St Clare that go above and beyond the call of duty in the bereavement services that they offer deserve recognition and extra financial support.

To conclude, I should like to comment on the remarks made by my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman) who is no longer in his place. I have huge respect for him, but he mentioned choice in death. The problem with assisted dying and the move towards euthanasia is that people will be pressured into making choices. That is why I am passionately against any move towards assisted dying.

Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South): I congratulate the hon. Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr Burrowes) on securing this debate, and I have been listening carefully to the hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon). Is not part of the problem the fact that if this House eventually—sadly—legislates in favour of assisted dying, that would normalise the situation and mean that people and families who are vulnerable or in desperate straits may think, “That is normality; we will go down that route”? Does the hon. Gentleman agree that that is a dangerous route down which to go?

Robert Halfon: I agree passionately with the hon. Gentleman; we would be taking a hugely dangerous step were we to go down the road of assisted dying. We as a society devalue human life, whether through fiction, computer games or television, or in real life. I often wonder whether Harold Shipman would have got away with killing one patient after another if we as a society had not devalued human life in such a way. We need to move away from that in a big way and back towards dignity for the dying and strong support for palliative care.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Harlow Community Update

2012-01-17T15:56:00.000Z

Last week I visited a number of Harlow Community groups and local businesses, as I often do. Here's a brief update:

MP Advice Surgery
On Friday 6th January I held one of my regular MP advice surgeries, helping Harlow residents with problems and worries that that they have. Please call my constituency office to book an appointment for the next available place on 01279 311 451.

Harlow Foodbank
I visited Harlow foodbank again to see Kelloggs donating £500 and cereal boxes. Kelloggs have a fantastic relationship with foodbank and their support is greatly appreciated.

I tabled a motion thanking Kelloggs. You can read it here.

Longwood School
This was my first visit to Longwood since the two schools merged. It was fantastic to meet the Staff and Pupils. But it was even better to hear that with a 82% attainment rate in Literacy and Numeracy, Longwood is now in the top 25% of schools in Essex.

I am holding a Surgery at Longwood between 8:30 and 9:30 on the 3rd Febuary. If any one has a question or a problem I might be able to help with, I urge you to come and talk to me.

Please read my previous Community update here.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Supporting Harlow foodbank

2012-01-17T15:07:00.003Z

Yesterday I tabled a motion in Parliament praising the support Kelloggs gives to foodbanks around the country, but in particular Harlow's very own foodbank.

The full text was:

"That this House congratulates Kelloggs for its support of foodbanks around the UK; notes that in 2011, Kelloggs supported foodbanks across the UK with 25 tonnes of food, equating to approximately 800,000 breakfasts and cereal bars; celebrates the commitment from Kelloggs to double this amount in 2012; gives particular thanks to Kelloggs for the donation of £500 and cereal boxes to Harlow foodbank and further notes Kelloggs' commitment to continue a close relationship; and welcomes Kelloggs' support for the Big Society and particularly their support for organisations like foodbanks who do so much for those in need."

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Campaigning for the right to life and equity in hospice funding

2012-01-17T14:20:00.000Z

Me with Tanya Curry and volunteers from Harlow hospice.

I was delighted to be able to highlight St Clare Hospice during a parliamentary debate on palliative care, and speak about the funding issues being faced by the charity.

I am a long-time supporter of the hospice and its work and see St Clare Hospice as one of the most wonderful community organisations I have ever had the privilege of being involved in.

St Clare receives only 24 per cent of its funding from the local Primary Care Trust while other nearby hospices – Farleigh in Chelmsford and St Francis at Havering-atte-Bower – each receive about 40 per cent of their funding from their PCT.

I welcome that but it’s important that there is much more equality of funding.

Seventy per cent of hospices have only one-year agreements regarding funding contributions.
We need to give them much more longer-term agreements so they are able to plan ahead.

St Clare Hospice has more than 500 volunteers and I was able to see first-hand its great work when I spent time as a volunteer receptionist at the hospice during my Social Action Week last year.

We often talk about the Big Society but the hospice movement was around long before we talked about the Big Society.

Hospices deserve much more recognition for their role as part of the Big Society. They are models of how charitable institutions can raise extra funds, invest in services and train the community without it simply coming from higher taxes.have written to the Health Minister asking for greater support for charitable hospices, like St Clare, especially in their pioneering work on bereavement care.

Video of my speech - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0EJN8F1-6I

Delight that hall's future has been secured

2012-01-17T11:19:00.000Z

I am delighted that the future of St Christopher’s Hall in Dobbs Weir has been secured after several years ofnegotiation.

Roydon Parish Council has agreed to purchase the hall from St Peter’s (Roydon) Parochial Church Council and hold it for use by the local community.

The Dobbs Weir Residents Association, the hall’s current sitting tenant, has spent a considerable amount of time on the issue and is delighted that a resolution has now been reached.

I appreciate that these have been difficult negotiations.

In October 2010 I asked questions of the Church Commissioner in the House of Commons and subsequently secured Tony Baldry’s assistance as a mediator between the two parties in April 2011.

St Christopher’s Hall is a fantastic community asset and I am so pleased that the residents of Dobbs Weir and Roydon Parish Council have come together to safeguard its future.

Praising St Clare Hospice

2012-01-17T10:38:00.002Z

During today's debate on Palliative care in Westminster Hall, I brought up the incredible work that St Clare Hospice does.

I visited St Clare's on Monday and once again saw the outstanding commitment and hard work that all the staff show.

For more please see the video above.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

We should be careful before celebrating the removal of demonstrators around Parliament this evening

2012-01-16T23:25:00.001Z

I can understand why it happened - some of the demonstrators were clearly abusing the rights of others to use Parliament Square (through permanent encampments).

Nevertheless, this action is not something to be celebrated. The ability to demonstrate is deeply ingrained in the British political tradition. The fact that a bunch of protesters were able to stand outside Parliament and scream and shout at MPs and other passers-by is a tribute to the strength of our democracy - not a sign of weakness. Few other countries in the world would have allowed such protests so close to the Legislature, or permitted them to have lasted for so long.

I hope we haven't lost something special in our democratic tradition by removing these protesters. We must be sure to ensure that future peaceful demonstrations (albeit less permanent) around Parliament will not be stopped.

You can read more here.

FE Week visits parliament to meet the apprentices working in MP’s offices

2012-01-15T22:42:00.000Z

Following the Apprentice School I set up in Parliament with New Deal for The Mind, FE week has written an article about the scheme.

You can read it, by clicking HERE.

The Apprentice Scheme information is on THIS Weblink.

Who are the biggest micro-bloggers in the world?

2012-01-15T22:10:00.000Z

An extraordinary occurrence is happening in China. Her citizens are probably the most prevalent micro-bloggers in the world. According too the China Internet Information Centre, there were 63 million micro-bloggers at the end of 2010 - approximately 14% of her 457 million internet users.

Whilst Twitter and Facebook has been banned, Chinese versions have been created such as weibo.com, which is enormously popular - especially with the young.

Whilst the micro-blogging sites are rarely used openly challenge the Communist Party, they are mechanisms to criticise and upset the existing order - including exposing public cover-ups. Micro-blogging was used to publicise information such as the July bullet train crash in Zheijang Province.

Inevitably, the 'authorities' have tried to control micro-blogging, by recently requiring all bloggers to register internet accounts with 'real' identities. But, even this has been 'mocked' by micro-bloggers.

Censorship of the Internet is increasingly difficult. Even websites that are banned are possible to access with the right computer software. The huge power of the Chinese Communist Party is slowly dissipating against the huge power of the Internet.

P.S. You can read more HERE.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Ed Balls comes out... as a Conservative

2012-01-13T22:59:00.002Z

An astonishing interview in The Guardian, where Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls - appears to sign up to Coalition economic policy. Here is what he had to say:

On Public Sector Pay:
"It is now inevitable that public sector pay restraint will have to continue through this parliament. Labour cannot duck that reality and won't. There is no way we should be arguing for higher pay when the choice is between higher pay and bringing unemployment down."

On Cuts:
"My starting point is, I am afraid, we are going to have keep all these cuts. There is a big squeeze happening on budgets across the piece. The squeeze on defence spending, for instance, is £15bn by 2015. We are going to have to start from that being the baseline. At this stage, we can make no commitments to reverse any of that, on spending or on tax. So I am being absolutely clear about that".

Mr Balls also suggests that Labour will soon come up with "tough decisions" on welfare and waste.

After months of opposition, the Labour Party appear to have conceded defeat. Their previous policy of campaigning against every Coalition 'cut', looks to have been consigned to the dustbin. Perhaps it is because of the unpopularity of Ed Milliband, perhaps a realisation that the public no longer trust Labour on the economy - especially after Gordon Brown's virtual bankrupting of the country.

Whatever the reason, I think Coalition Ministers will be able to sleep safer in their beds in future.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

2012-01-13T15:54:00.000Z

Yesterday I spoke to BBC Essex, about the latest news on Partridge Care Home, in Harlow.

As I said, the latest report from the Care Quality Commission shows some improvements thanks to hard-working local staff, which need to be acknowledged. But as local MP, this case has been going on for over a year.

There is a residents meeting next week at the home, which I will be attending. I hope sincerely that all the questions will be answered, to address the worries of residents and families.

You can hear the recording above.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

An Apprentice School in Parliament

2012-01-13T14:09:00.001Z

Yesterday in Parliament, I met with the fantastic apprentices who are working in the Parliamentary Academy, which I set up with charity New Deal of the Mind.

This is a genuine apprentice school, which helps young people to get proper paid jobs with MPs. They study for vocational qualifications at the same time.

The apprentice who works in my office, Louis Luck - a local lad who lives in Harlow, and studies at Harlow College - is in the middle of the photo. He is incredibly hard-working: helping me with community work and also with some research in Parliament.

Apprenticeships are one of my real priorities as local MP. They give jobs and opportunities to young people, and help to get them off the streets.

That is why I am delighted that we saw a huge 73% rise in apprenticeships in Harlow, from 450 to 780 only last year.

This is crucial - not just for economic efficiency, but for social justice as well.

There is some good news for Harlow, as well, as youth unemployment has fallen steadily since its peak under the last Labour Government. But I'm not complacent about this. We need more jobs. For young people, apprenticeships are the only long-term answer.

p.s. hat-tip to FE Week for the photo. FE Week are a newspaper specialising in further education and apprenticeships. You can see their website HERE.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Kelloggs supports Harlow Foodbank

2012-01-13T14:08:00.000Z

HARLOW Foodbank does great work and so I was delighted when breakfast cereal manufacturer Kelloggs agreed to donate products and £500 to the charity after I highlighted their great work when I had met with the company during the Conservative conference in Manchester last October.

I have volunteered at the Foodbank on a number of occasions including during my week of Social Action last September. I want to do all I can to support the work of Harlow Foodbank and the volunteers and I hope this will make a difference.

Why I opposed Jesse Norman's Bill on Trade Unions

2012-01-12T23:57:00.000Z

From order-order.com

letter to The Evening Standard

Yesterday in the Commons, there was an attempt by my Conservative Colleague Jesse Norman MP, to bring through legislation to compel trade Unions to refund employers for hours spent on so-called 'faciltiy time'. The Bill aimed to:

"provide that pay for hours worked on behalf of trade unions by trade union officials during hours when they are paid by an employer should be refunded to the employer by the trade union; and for connected purposes."

The underlying premise of the Bill was designed to curtail abuse on facility time - i.e. time spent by union officials on union matters, whether it be political or on representation, and paid by their employer to do so.
After listening to the short debate, I decided to vote against the proposals for a number of reasons:

First; I do not believe it should be the duty of the state to dictate to intermediate, independent institutions, whether it be trade unions or charities in this way. It should be up to employers to decide whether or not to fund trade union activities.

Second; some facility time is useful, in that union representatives have the time and ability to look after union members and offer constructive advice when there are disputes between workers and management. Again, employers should decide if they want to pay for this and judge themselves whether there is a cost/benefit.

Third; As I have written before, I strongly believe that Conservatives should move away from 'union bashing' and work constructively with moderate Trade Unions. Behind every Militant, so often Unions on the ground embody the big society, are community institutions and offer invaluable services to their members. It is worth noting that one of the first political organisations Margaret Thatcher ever joined, was the Conservative Trade Unionists (CTU).

In 1975, Mrs Thatcher said to the CTU:

"As you well know, for over 100 years, ever since Disraeli's day, since before the Labour Party existed, it has been the belief of the Conservative Party that the law should not only permit, but that it should assist, the trades unions to carry out their legitimate function of protecting their members".

Of course, lets get to grips with the Union extremists, and crack down on political abuse - and there will be other ways of doing this - but its no good complaining that Union leaders are extreme, if Conservatives don't attempt to get involved. That is why I joined Prospect (not affiliated to Labour) - even if the Union campaigns for many policies I disagree with.

You can read the full debate HERE.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Health Minister agrees to meet Partridge Care Home family member

2012-01-10T16:02:00.000Z

Today on the first day back in Parliament, during Health Questions, I was able to raise the Partridge Care Home problems with Health Minister Paul Burstow:

"A BBC Essex investigation into Rushcliffe Partridge Care Home in my constituency, has uncovered shocking allegations of abuse and neglect. Will the Health Minister urge the Care Quality Commission, to step in now with an enquiry, and take what ever legal action necessary to protect the elderly residents, and will the Minister meet with me and my constituent Lesley Minchin, whose relative has suffered from what has been going on in the care home?"

The Minister responded by saying:

"I certainly share the concern the hon. Gentleman outlined. BBC Essex reports of abuse and degrading treatment in this particular home, is a cause for concern. The CQC (Care Quality Commission) are due to publish a report very shortly, and I would certainly be happy to meet my hon. friend to discuss this matter further. This Government is determined to shine a light on abuse wherever it is to be found, to root it out of the system, to make sure people are treated with dignity and respect and get the care they need."

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Partridge Care Home, Harlow

2012-01-09T17:07:00.000Z

Following the BBC investigation into alleged abuse at Partridge Care Home, I have sent three letters to the Health Minister, the CEO of Rushcliffe Care, and Essex County Council.

As the BBC website stated today:

“documents seen by BBC Essex show there were serious problems at the home before the police investigation... Former worker at the home Graham Flack said he had witnessed abuse and neglect of residents during his time there... [including] an incident where a certain member of staff was sitting on a resident...”

It goes on to state:

“BBC Essex has seen a report written after a surprise visit to the home by two managers in May 2011. They found that several staff were asleep while on duty, a serious disciplinary offence.

The managers found one resident lying on an unmade bed that was smeared with faeces. Another was found sitting on the floor and had soiled themselves.

Other residents were found wandering around on their own, yet more were found in bed fully clothed. The building was said to have smelt of urine and one of the units had no lights on...

An internal audit carried out by staff at Partridge Care Centre in July found that most of the residents' rooms were dirty.”

These latest allegations from the BBC are truly shocking, and make you weep to read them.

I first became aware of possible issues at the care home last year, after being approached by a local Harlow resident, who was concerned about the treatment of her elderly mother.

Since that time, there have been four difficult reports from the Care Quality Commission: the latest in November 2011 still has major criticisms of how the home is being run. Now we have the BBC investigation into internal reports and emails from the care home.

For that reason, today I have taken the following actions:

First, I have written to the CEO of Rushcliffe Care, urging him strongly to be open and transparent about what has gone wrong, and inviting him to come to Harlow to a public meeting for patients, residents, and their families and friends.

It is important that the company in charge - Rushcliffe Care - now answers the serious criticisms of the CQC, and the BBC.

Harlow people will want to hear what is being done, to ensure that this never happens again. I have also urged that all internal reports and emails be published on the Rushcliffe Care website.

Second, I have also written today to the Health Minister, urging a Government enquiry with the CQC.

Third, I have contacted Essex County Council, urging them to take immediate action, in conjunction with the CQC and the Government. They must use whatever legal means are necessary to find out what has been going on, and to ensure that the standards of care in Harlow are second to none.

I should add that I have been to Partridge Care Home myself, last year, and seen the work of some excellent staff and met with some residents. Not everything that has happened there has been bad: many of the staff are dedicated and hardworking. However, the BBC and CQC have both clearly brought up shocking allegations, which need to be dealt with straight away, and not swept under the carpet.

NOTES:

1) Latest BBC report into Partridge Care Home: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-16446643

2) The CQC’s four reports into standards at Partridge Care Home: http://www.cqc.org.uk/directory/1-124708272

3) Robert Halfon’s first statement (2011): http://roberthalfon.blogspot.com/2011/08/statement-on-partridge-court.html

4) Robert Halfon’s second statement (2011): http://roberthalfon.blogspot.com/2011/08/second-statement-on-partridge-court.html

5) Robert Halfon’s statement to ITV News (2011): http://roberthalfon.blogspot.com/2011/08/statement-on-itv-news-partridge-court.html

Community newsletter - January 9, 2012

2012-01-09T13:20:00.002Z

Last week I met with the new chairman of Princess Alexandra Hospital.There is some good news as our local NHS has benefited from an extra £24 million of funding since the 2010 General Election - but there are still genuine problems that need to be resolved. I hope to work more on these in the New Year.
---

This Friday, I held one of my regular MP's advice surgeries, helping Harlow residents with problems and worries that that they have.

This week the issues covered everything from housing, to a social entrepreneur who wants to start a new charity.

---

In the week ahead, Parliament will meet again for the first time in 2012.

When I am out and about in the town centre I often ask Harlow residents what they want me to champion in Parliament on their behalf.

The main answers that I get are jobs, petrol prices, immigration, apprenticeships,, and the rising cost of living.
---

What do you think?

Please email me your thoughts at halfon4harlow@roberthalfon.com

But whatever happens in the months and weeks ahead 2012 will have some fantastic highlights to look forward to - the Olympics, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. At the same time, there will also be genuine difficulties which we cannot sweep under the carpet.

The debt-crisis in Europe is still a real threat to Britain.

As Harlow's local MP, I will do everything in my power to help keep our economy moving.
--

Recent news

On Christmas Day I visited patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, with Harlow Hospital Radio DJ Ian Jackson on Christmas Day.

This was my second Christmas Day going around the wards wishing patients a Merry Christmas.

It was good to be able to give patients some cheer, especially since they had to spend Christmas in hospital.

Going round with Ian Jackson is always good fun, and we were able to take special song requests which Ian played on Harlow Hospital Radio.

I was pleased to also be able to say thank you to hard-working hospital staff - cleaners, porters, nurses and doctors - who had given up their Christmas to dedicate themselves to looking after the sick.

I also met some of the staff and pay tribute to many of the Princess Alexandra Hospital volunteers, including the League of Friends, all of whom helped spread the Christmas message in the hospital.

---
It was with great sadness that I heard about the death of Patrick McClarnon.

Patrick was one of the finest men one could ever meet. He was a huge influence on me. Many a weekend we canvassed together, or manned campaign stalls in Broadwalk.

He was one of those kind of individuals who would never say no - turning up to help whenever he was asked.

Patrick stood for something special. Deep Conservative values of aspiration, decency, hard-work, respect and a love for tradition. He didn't just stand for them, he embodied them in every being and fibre of his body.

Every word he spoke, every action, everything he did - reflected what he was about. He was an example to us all. He made our wrongs right again.

--

All Conservative MPs were sent a report card from Prime Minister David Cameron detailing Government policies during 2011. You can read the information here

Ten Compassionate Policies from the Conservative-led Coalition

2012-01-07T23:57:00.000Z

1) HELP FOR FAMILIES. Sure Start has been protected, and beefed up with 4,200 extra health visitors. There are now 260,000 free nursery places for three and four-year olds, for those in the most deprived homes. Also, the Prime Minister has announced nearly half a billion pounds to tackle problem families - on a payment-by-results basis.

2) EDUCATION. Nationally, the Pupil Premium will rise to £1.25 billion pounds next year, for educating the poorest pupils. In Harlow, for example, schools are using an extra £1 million pounds this year, to help pupils on free school meals with Maths and English - all thanks to the Pupil Premium.

3) HELP FOR THE YOUNG UNEMPLOYED. Last year, apprenticeships were boosted by over 50% to 442,700, rising across all age groups. This year, the Work Contract will create at least 100,000 extra work experience places, and 160,000+ job subsidies for young people, to help get them off the dole, and into proper sustainable jobs. Evidence now shows that half of under-25 year-olds are coming off benefits within three months.

4) SHIELDING THE POOR FROM THE RISING COST OF LIVING. For those still on benefits, the Government is trying to protect them from soaring prices. To this end, welfare payments were uprated by 5.2% in the Autumn Statement last year. In the longer term, the Universal Credit will also make sure that it always pays to work, even in a part-time job for just a few hours a week.

5) LOWER TAXES FOR LOWER EARNERS. The Government has started to rebalance the tax system, to genuinely help the poor. For example, some taxes have increased, like capital gains tax and the new annual Bank Levy (which raises more each year than Labour raised in their one-off ‘bonus tax'). But at the same time, other taxes are coming down:

One million low-paid workers have been taken out of paying income tax altogether, helping the lowest paid.
Fuel duty is now at least 10 pence cheaper, for every single litre of petrol and diesel, than it would have been under Labour. In cash terms, this will save an ordinary family £144 this year.
Scrapping Labour's tax on jobs. Gordon Brown planned to increase National Insurance by 1% for both employers and employees, threatening jobs and small businesses. The Coalition stopped it.

5) EXTRA FUNDING FOR THE NHS. Health is one of the few areas to get a real-terms spending rise. This amounts to an extra £2.5 billion pounds this year for our hospitals, clinics, and GPs. In Harlow, our local NHS has seen a £24 million ncrease since the General Election.

6) SOCIAL HOMES FOR LOCAL PEOPLE. There are at least two major breakthroughs on housing. The first is giving Councils powers to restrict their social waiting list to families who are genuinely local : “Harlow Housing for Harlow People.” The second crucial change, is the comprehensive revamping of the Right to Buy - with a better discount for tenants who want to buy their home, and new rules saying that all cash generated will be used to build extra social housing. Moreover, Social Housing Rent will no longer be appropriated by the Treasury and can be kept by local Councils: Harlow Housing Money for Harlow People.

7) HELPING FAMILIES WITH THEIR MORTGAGE. The Government’s difficult decisions on the economy have kept interest rates low. This has helped families with mortgages at a time when household budgets are very tight - keeping their bills to a minimum.

8) SUPPORT FOR THE BIG SOCIETY. In 2012, more and more resources will start to
flow into Big Society projects. In the years ahead, the Big Society Bank expects to pour at least £600m of funds from dormant bank accounts and elsewhere into charities and social enterprises. There will also be the chance for communities to bid to run local services, and for civil servants to transform their services into mutuals and co-operatives.

9) A GENEROUS RISE IN PENSIONS. This April, the Basic State pension will rise by 5.2%. This is the largest cash rise in pensions EVER - more than £5+ extra each and every week. The Second State Pension will also rise generously.

10) INCREASE IN INTERNATIONAL AID. Over the next four years, British aid will help to get 11 million children into school, vaccinate more children against preventable diseases than there are people in the whole of England, and stop 250,000 newborn babies dying needlessly.

P.S. You can read more HERE.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Let the public judge Diane Abbott's stupid remarks, rather than the Guillotine

2012-01-05T16:24:00.001Z

I have just had this article, published on Conservative Home - about the Diane Abbott controversy:

So Diane Abbott said some stupid things in which most reasonable people will disagree with. But, we Conservatives should be hesitant about jumping on the "PC" bandwagon, tearing our clothes, wailing and gnashing our teeth.

In doing so we walk into the elephant trap, set for us by the left, in which any misplaced remark or statement leads to a vicious bout of condemnation, followed by calls for the Guillotine - a sort of reverse McCarthyism if you like. Forget Abbott and think Clarkson for a moment, and you will see what I mean.

Left-wing witch-hunts (they are invariably left-wing) are not particularly savoury, and have become the norm in recent years. The hunts have claimed numerous scalps -and are a sign of the guillotine culture we now live in. If we indulge in the same, we give licence to our opponents and agree that the methods they use are the accepted ones. It is no good claiming, 'imagine if a Tory had said it - and what would happen as a result'?. My answer is - so what: Tories should be better than this.

Conservatives should remember Voltaire, and vigorously argue the case against Abbott et al. We believe in free speech after all. Let the public judge - they will hoist Diane Abbott on her own petard - much better than any Westminster show-trial.

The failure in education has hurt the poor the most

2012-01-04T23:49:00.000Z

I mentioned in a previous blog, a report in The Independent showing that a majority of pupils in 700 primary schools cannot read or write. One in eight primary schools have failed to make progress in teaching the basics of literacy. Half a million pupils in the past decade left school unable to read.

But the last Labour Government's educational neglect is much deeper than this. Figures published today show that students 'middle class areas' are ten times more likely to get key GCSE grades than those from poorer areas. In 1997, more than half of pupils took GSCE's in core subjects (including English and Maths), that figure fell to twenty two percent by 2010. In Knowsley for example, just 3% of children take get good grades in core GSCE subjects.

The evidence is clear. The UK has slipped badly in OECD Education rankings. According to The Guardian:

".... the UK's reputation as one of the world's best for education is at risk, and has tumbled several places since 2006.

The UK is ranked 25th for reading, 28th for maths and 16th for science. In 2006, when 57 countries were included in the study, it was placed 17th, 24th and 14th respectively. Poland has stretched ahead of the UK in maths, while Norway is now ranked higher in reading and maths.

Andreas Shleicher, head of the Pisa programme, said the picture for the UK was "stagnant at best".

"Many other countries have seen quite significant improvement," he added."

Labour's failure in education is a huge indictment on their time in office: Despite billions of taxpayers money spent, too many children left school unable to read, unable to count, without even decent GSCEs.

You can read more HERE.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Welcome NHS cash boost for Harlow

2012-01-04T07:18:00.000Z

The announcement that NHS West Essex will receive an extra £12.2m this year is great news.

The funding boost means that the health trust will receive a total of £446m for 2012.

The increase comes after I urged the Government to do more to help Harlow with its high rates of drug and alcohol problems.

The additional sum follows a similar increase in funding in 2011.

This is marvellous news for Harlow people and those who use its health facilities.

Altogether this additional funding means that in 2012 the Conservative-led Government will have boosted funding for Harlow's local NHS by a total of £24.2m since the General Election.

Parliamentary Fireworks

2012-01-02T22:56:00.000Z

I wonder if the real Guy Fawkes ever imagined that 2011's New Years Eve would ever be celebrated in this way?

Is Iran declaring war on the West?

2012-01-02T21:25:00.001Z

In a pre-Christmas debate on Iran in the House of Commons, I described Iran as the new Soviet Union of the Middle East.

And for good reason: the regime gives financial backing to terrorist organisations such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, actively supports the Assad Dictatorship in Syria, and ruthlessly deals with dissent from her own citizens. The country is also on the verge of developing a nuclear bomb.

The last few days have seen Iran step up the 'Cold War' with the West. First; by threatening to Block the Straits of Hormuz - which could threaten a world-wide oil crisis. The Straits represent 35% of the world's oil-shipments by sea - 20% of the global oil trade. Second; by testing long-range missiles - which, according to the Iranian Fars News Wire - is a new tactic "designed to prevent any movement in the strait of Hormuz if the Iranian navy so desires".

The French Foreign Ministry describes the missile tests as:

a very bad signal to the international community. We want to underline that the development by Iran of a missile programme is a source of great concern... That is why Iran is prohibited from pursuing any activity on ballistic missiles capable of delivering a nuclear warhead per a U.N. Security Council Resolution".

President Obama has described any closure of the Strait as 'unacceptable'.

P.S. You can read more HERE and HERE.

Prime Minister's New Year Message 2012

2012-01-02T13:32:00.000Z

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T16:31:00.000Z

Have a wonderful 2012.

Amy Macdonald - Your Time Will Come

2011-12-31T16:22:00.001Z

My favourite.

The decision of the United Nations to fly the UN Flag at half-mast for Kim Jong-Il is sick

2011-12-30T01:50:00.000Z

If anything shows why the United Nations needs fundamental reform, its' decision to pay 'respect' to the dead North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Il, provides more reason than many (hat-tip Guido Fawkes).

How the UN can mourn the death of a man who was responsible, alongside his father, for establishing a totalitarian dictatorship, incarcerating and killing millions of citizens in Gulag labour camps and causing mass starvation across the country, will be beyond the comprehension of most ordinary folk.

The United Nations should not be a haven for dictators, but a supporter of free, democratic nations. By paying respect for Kim Jong Il, the UN is condoning dictatorship.

Mind you, can we be surprised? An organisation which had the Gadaffi regime as head of its Human Right s Conference, failed to intervene to stop the Rwandan Genocide in 1994 and has hosted President Ahmadinejad of Iran (at least leading to a walkout by some Western Nations, including the UK).

You can read more HERE. To see Amnesty International's Report on North Korea, click on THIS weblink.

This is a disgraceful decision by the United Nations.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

My favourite album of the year

2011-12-30T00:38:00.000Z

I love Amy Macdonald's songs. I first saw her doing an interview on TV and was mesmerised. Both her albums, A Curious Thing and This is the Life are just wonderful to listen to.

This year I downloaded 'A Curious Thing, Special Orchestral Edition, in which she sings songs from her 2010 Album, 'A Curious Thing' with the accompaniment of Deutsche Radio Philharmonic. My favourite is Your Time Will Come. Amazing.

P.S. You can see her singing Your Time Will Come on THIS weblink.

Report card from the PM

2011-12-29T00:59:00.000Z

All Conservative MPs were sent a report card from the Prime Minister, detailing Government policies during 2011. I reproduce it below:

Top Policies in 2011

1. Steering Britain through the global debt storm.

The Government’s credible deficit reduction plan has ensured UK market interest rates on government debt have fallen to record lows and below Germany’s for the first time in years. Our country is a safe haven in the sovereign debt storm, keeping interest rates low for businesses, homeowners and families.

2. Cutting income tax for 25 million people.

On top of the rise in the personal allowance from April this year, the personal allowance for under 65s will increase by a further £630 to £8,105 in 2012-13. The combined impact of this increase and the increase announced at last year’s Budget, will benefit 25 million individuals by up to £326 a year in cash terms and means that a total of 1.1 million people will be lifted out of income tax altogether (HM Treasury, Budget 2011, 23 March 2011).

3. Freezing Council tax for the second year running.

Following the council tax freeze in 2011-12, the Government will provide one-off funding to local authorities to help them freeze council tax again in 2012-13 (HM Treasury, Press Release, 3

October 2011).

4. Biggest increase in the State Pension since 1948.

In April 2011, the Government introduced its triple lock which ensures that State Pensions will be uprated by earnings, prices or 2.5 per cent – whichever is highest. This means that from April next year, the basic state pension will rise by £5.30 per week – the biggest cash rise since 1948.

5. Cutting fuel duty, saving 10p per litre compared to Labour.

We are cancelling the planned 3p duty increase for January and ensuring fuel duty from August 2012 will be only 3p higher than it is now. Together with the cut in fuel duty at the last Budget and the scrapping of Labour’s fuel duty escalator, this means that from April 2011 fuel duty will be 10p per litre lower than it would have been under Labour (HM Treasury, Autumn Statement, 29 November 2011).

6. Introducing a permanent levy on the banks.

On 1 January 2011 the Government imposed a levy on the balance sheets of UK banks and building societies, and to the UK operations of banks from abroad. It is expected to raise £10 billion over the lifetime of this parliament, raising £2.5 billion a year – more than Labour’s one-off bonus tax (HM Treasury, Press Release, 1 January 2011; March Budget, 23 March 2011).

7. Getting credit flowing to small businesses and creating Enterprise Zones.

At the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced the Government’s credit easing policy to get £20 billion of cheaper funding to small businesses. The Government’s Merlin agreement with the banks will increase bank lending to small businesses by 15 per cent this year (HM Treasury, Autumn Statement, 29

November 2011). The Government has also introduced 24 new Enterprise Zones across the country, including in areas affected by potential job losses at BAE which will benefit from up to 100 per cent business rate discount, simplified planning regulations, new superfast broadband, allowing business rates growth to be retained by the local authority and reinvested in the local area, and the potential to use enhanced capital allowances with a strong focus on manufacturing.

8. More doctors, fewer managers, less bureaucracy.

Since the General Election, there are now 3,500 more doctors and 5,500 fewer managers working in the NHS (NHS Information Centre, Provisional Monthly NHS Hospital and Community Health Service Workforce Statistics in England, 22 November 2011). We are cutting NHS bureaucracy by £4.5 billion over the course of this Parliament and reinvesting every penny into frontline patient services (Department of Health, Health Bill Impact Assessment, 8 September 2011).

9. Better access to cancer drugs.

We have introduced a £200 million per year Cancer Drugs Fund which has already given over 5,000 patients access to the life-extending cancer drugs they need (Department of Health, Press Release, 27

October 2010).

10. Capping Housing Benefit.

We have taken steps to end Labour’s something for nothing culture by capping Housing Benefit from April this year. This stops the abuse under Labour where one family alone could get over £100,000 in Housing Benefit to live in areas that the hardworking families paying these bills could not afford themselves (HM Treasury, June Budget 2010).

11. Cutting billions in Whitehall waste.

In 2010-11 we cut £3.75 billion of central government waste - £550 million more than expected - including reducing spending on consultancy; on temporary staff; on marketing and advertising; on IT projects; on renting property; on major projects; and by renegotiating contracts with key suppliers (Cabinet Office, Press Release, 1 August 2011).

12. Bringing back the weekly bin collection.

A £250 million fund is being provided to help support councils deliver a weekly collection of household waste and enable councils to invest in schemes and projects that will benefit the environment (DCLG, Press Release, 30 September 2011).

13. The largest ever increase in the Child Tax Credit.

In April this year the Child Tax Credit increased by £225 – the largest increase ever. Next April it will go up by 5.2 per cent, a further increase of £135 (HM Treasury, Autumn Statement, 29 November 2011).

14. New directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners.

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act creates directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners. These will ensure that the police are held to account democratically at the ballot box, not bureaucratically by Whitehall. The taxpayerwill see better value for money as Commissioners, responsible for precept, will focus relentlessly on driving up efficiency and shedding bureaucracy. Commissioners will reinforce the police’s link to the people they serve without interfering with their operational independence.

15. Many more good school places.

The first ever Free Schools – 24 of them – opened just 16 months after we came to power and by December more than a thousand schools had become Academies (DfE, Press Releases, 28 August 2011 and 4 October 2011).

16. Tough new powers on school discipline.

The Education Act, which received Royal Assent in November 2011, will help teachers raise standards and gives them new legal powers to root out poor behaviour. This includes a power for schools to search pupils without consent for any dangerous or banned items and the removal of restrictions that prevent schools from issuing detentions to pupils without providing 24 hours notice (DfE Press Release, 15 November 2011).

17. New Housing programme to help people onto the ladder and get Britain

building.

In November 2011, the Government launched its ambitious Housing Strategy to break the cycle in which the lenders won’t lend, the builders can’t build and the buyers can’t buy. This will allow those hard-working families who play by the rules to own a decent home of their own. The Strategy will receive £400 million of funding and will target those schemes that have stalled through lack of development finance. This will help to unlock the construction of 16,000 homes and support up to 32,000 jobs (DCLG Press Release, 21 November 2011).

18. Standing up for Britain in Europe.

The Prime Minister was clear before the EU summit on 8-9 December that he would protect the national interest. He said we could only agree a new treaty if certain modest, reasonable and relevant safeguards were obtained. We couldn’t get those safeguards. A treaty within a treaty without safeguards wasn’t right for Britain, so we said no.

19. Introduced an EU Referendum Lock.

Our European Union Act ensures that in future the British people will have their say on any proposed transfer of powers from the UK to the EU. If in the future a change to the EU treaties that moves powers or areas of policy from the UK to the EU is proposed, the Government will have to get the British people’s consent in a national referendum before it can be agreed.

20. Leading international efforts

Supporting the Libyan people in their hour of need, preventing the massacre of thousands of innocent civilians by Colonel Gaddafi and his troops and supporting their wish to elect their own, democratic government (FCO Website).

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Thanks to Mr Blair

2011-12-29T00:07:00.000Z

Good news on academies. Thanks to the programme started by Tony Blair when Prime Minister - and now completed by Michael Gove - fifty-percent of our secondary schools will be academies by early 2012. According to the Times Educational Supplement, that amounts to 1,463 schools, up from just 407 in 2010 - meaning that 1,000 schools have become academies over the past year.

The Academy Programme is of huge benefit. Establishing a network of independent state schools, the academies are free from local bureaucracy and are much freer to set their own syllabus and methods of teaching. Most significantly the schools have full control over their own budget and become a direct employer of staff. They receive the same funding as Local Authority Schools, and extra for services the schools would have originally received from the LEA.

Alongside the Academies, the Government have passed legislation allowing 'Free Schools'. These are not for profit state schools, set up by parents, charities and other not-for-profit organisations. Eighty-eight Free Schools will have been established by the end of 2012. Special assistance is being given to setting up free schools in deprived areas of the country, with a £250,000 development fund for legal and business expertise.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Visiting patients with Harlow Hospital Radio DJ Ian Jackson on Christmas Day

2011-12-26T13:53:00.000Z

I visited patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, with Harlow Hospital Radio DJ Ian Jackson on Christmas Day.

This is my second Christmas Day going around the wards wishing patients a Merry Christmas.

It is good to be able to give patients some cheer, especially since they are having to spend Christmas in hospital. Going round with Ian Jackson is good fun, as we were able to take special song requests which Ian was able to play on Harlow Hospital Radio afterwards.”

I was pleased to also be able to say thank you to hard-working hospital staff - cleaners, porters, nurses and doctors - who have given up their Christmas to dedicate themselves to looking after the sick. All of them deserve a special thanks and merry Christmas.

I met some of the staff and pay tribute to many of the Princess Alexandra Hospital volunteers, including the League of Friends, all of whom were helping spread the Christmas message in the hospital.”

Ian Jackson, from Harlow Hospital Radio, said: “I was delighted to go with Robert for a second year around the wards - even if he did make me carry the tins of chocolates to give to the patients and nurses!

“Harlow Hospital Radio is so important to so many patients and we were pleased to be able to offer a service on Christmas Day.

“Having Robert's support as the local MP makes all the difference. After we let Rob - as well as the patients - play a few of his favourite artists - including Adele, Amy Macdonald and Katie Melua."

Patrick McClarnon R.I.P.

2011-12-26T12:50:00.001Z

Last week, I heard the very sad news that Patrick McClarnon had passed away.

Patrick was one of the finest men one could ever meet. As an active Conservative in Harlow, he was a huge influence on me. Many a weekend we spent canvassing together, or doing campaigning stalls in Broadwalk. He was one of those kind of individuals who would never say no - turning up to help whenever he was asked.

When I first was selected for Harlow as Parliamentary Candidate back in 1999, he did more than most to support me and make me feel welcome. His late wife - Patsy - who Patrick nurtured and looked after in her illness - also treated me like a son, regularly inviting me for an old fashioned afternoon tea.

It was for his service to the Conservative Party, that in 2008, he was awarded the Harlow Conservative 'Alan Pond Award', for his long dedication to the Conservative cause.

But Patrick wasn't just important to me - and fellow Conservatives - just because he was a passionate campaigner. It was much more than this.

Patrick stood for something special. Deep Conservative values of aspiration, decency, hard-work, respect and a love for tradition. He didn't just stand for them, he embodied them in every being and fibre of his body. Every word he spoke, every action, everything he did - reflected what he was about. He was an example to us all. He made our wrongs right again.

Patrick McClarnon, who served our country in the Second World War with distinction, who served Harlow to his best ability as Councillor and who served the Conservative Party in such a special way: May he rest in peace.

Patrick's funeral service will be held on 30th December at St Paul's Church.

Probably the best Euro-Sceptic watch in the world

2011-12-26T01:45:00.000Z

As many readers will know, I love watches of all kinds. I was absolutely delighted to come upon this new watch from my favourite watch site: A blog to read.com.

A hand-made watch has been produced by the company Ayrta. Called 'Bye bye Euro', the watch face is composed of shredded Euros. Of course the watch is made in non-EU Switzerland!

The company owner is quoted as saying : "Sarkozy, Berlusconi, Papandreou and Merkel are invited to buy one in order to remember their dreams."
Sadly, this excellent Euro-sceptic watch - (like the EU), is incredibly expensive at over £4,000.

You can read more HERE and HERE.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Happy Christmas everyone

2011-12-25T14:04:00.001Z

Have a wonderful day...

The Sun Christmas Cracker

2011-12-24T19:07:00.001Z

My campaign for lower petrol prices alongside Fair Fuel UK is featured in The Sun today.

You can read more here.

Praise for volunteers helping out over Christmas

2011-12-24T12:07:00.000Z

Homeless people in Harlow are being offered some festive cheer thanks to the efforts of dozens of volunteers who are providing them with festive food and accommodation over the holiday period.

I was delighted to be invited to meet some of the volunteers this morning as they helped out at the charity at Great Parndon Community Association in Abercrombie Way.

The Haven Night Shelter is offering homeless people somewhere to stay and to have a hot meal over the Christmas and New Year period.

It is a marvellous idea which has been operating for many years and is, I am sure, welcomed by those who would otherwise be left to fend for themselves over the festive holiday.

The many volunteers and hard-working staff, and Mick Granger, who help at the night shelter deserve a special thank you for putting other people first at this time of year. They give up their time to make this happen.

The centre opened at noon on December 23 and will remain open 24 hours a day until New Year's Day.

Mr Granger is overwhelmed by the number of people who are offering to help the charity which is now providing its festive shelter for a fifteenth year.

Flogged for driving a car

2011-12-23T21:48:00.001Z

We may have all heard of the Arab Spring, but what about the Arab Women Driver's Spring?
It may be hard to believe, but in Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive cars - and can be flogged for doing so.
As recent news reports state, far from making moves towards reform, the new Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Nayef Bin Abdulaziz, is allegedly more hard-line on this issue, than even the reigning monarch. Saudi Clerics have even described allowing women to drive is the same as encouraging promiscuity.
Earlier in the year - fifty brave women braved the threats of severe punishment, got in their cars and drove around the capital. One woman, Shamia Jastinaya, has been sentenced to a flogging for breaking the driving ban on repeated occasions.
I have written before on my blog that freedom means more than just having parliamentary elections: Real liberty is about the rule of law, property rights and equality towards women.
Judging by it's extreme Islamist position on women drivers, Saudi ArabIa remains a country in an authoritarian backwater.
P.S. You can read more about this in yesterday's Times - behind the paywall or or here in The Daily Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/8930168/Allowing-women-drivers-in-Saudi-Arabia-will-be-end-of-virginity.html

My Christmas message to you all

2011-12-23T13:49:00.000Z

A happy Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year

One of the special things about Christmas is not just the warmth of the fellowship of families and friends spending time together but also the dedication of so many people who work throughout the day. Carers, nurses, doctors, police, petrol station staff, fire officers and many more besides, carry on working to keep Harlow running.

I saw this first hand on Christmas Day last year when I visited some wards in Princess Alexandra Hospital with Ian Jackson, from Harlow Hospital Radio, in order to wish patients and nurses a happy Christmas.

I look forward to going again on Sunday.

As your new MP I have tried hard to support our community.

As well as visiting four or five Harlow organisations almost every week, I've also volunteered to pack boxes at Harlow Food Bank, read the Harlow Star for Talking Newspapers, been a receptionist at St Clare
Hospice, and taken on the role of milk monitor in Sheering Primary School - to name but a few.

In Parliament, as many of you will know, I am doing everything possible to support apprenticeships, because I believe they give our youngsters the best possible chance in life.
That is why I now employ my second Harlow apprentice, who will get a Level 3 in August 2012, and was really proud to launch and support an incredible apprentice fair at Harlow College - which helped 30 young people to get jobs.

Despite the difficult economy, the number of apprenticeships in Harlow has increased by a massive 73 per cent this year, which is good news.
I am also working hard with Harlow College, Anglia Ruskin University, and local firms (including the hospital), to bring a proper apprentice school to Harlow for ages 14 - 19.

My other major Parliamentary battle recently has been for cheaper petrol and diesel. I did everything I could to raise the issue: e-petitions, debates in Parliament, and even pushing a taxi to Number 10 Downing Street, in protest at rip-off fuel prices. The Government listened. Not only did they cut petrol tax at the last Budget, but they have now cancelled the January rise, too - saving the average Harlow family £144 next year.

When he made the announcement, the Chancellor said:

"I pay particular tribute to Robert Halfon. He has led a dogged campaign on behalf of the people of Harlow - and the whole country - to try and get people some relief from the increases in petrol taxes that were planned by the last Labour Government. I'm delighted we've been able to help."

This year I held 24 surgeries, in schools, churches and community buildings, as well as local shopping hatches. I have also met with at least 160 Harlow residents in Westminster, and taken 75+ school or community groups for a tour around Parliament.

If you would like to come on a tour please email me at halfon4harlow@roberthalfon.com or call 0207 219 3000 in January.

Finally, can I take the opportunity to wish you all a very special Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

A Third of Americans have been arrested by the age of 23

2011-12-21T15:29:00.001Z

An astonishing report in the New York Times a couple of days ago. According to an academic study, thirty-three percent of American citizens have been arrested by the time they reach age twenty three:

"By age 23, almost a third of Americans have been arrested for a crime, according to a new study that researchers say is a measure of growing exposure to the criminal justice system in everyday life.
The study, the first since the 1960s to look at the arrest histories of a national sample of adolescents and young adults over time, found that 30.2 percent of the 23-year-olds who participated reported having been arrested for an offence other than a minor traffic violation.
That figure is significantly higher than the 22 percent found in a 1965 study that examined the same issue using different methods. The increase may be a reflection of the justice system becoming more punitive and more aggressive in its reach during the last half-century, the researchers said. Arrests for drug-related offences, for example, have become far more common, as have zero-tolerance policies in schools.
The study did not look at racial or regional differences, but other research has found higher arrest rates for black men and for youths living in poor urban areas.
Criminal justice experts said the 30.2 percent figure was especially notable at a time when employers, aided by the Internet, routinely conduct criminal background checks on job candidates.
"This estimate provides a real sense that the proportion of people who have criminal history records is sizable and perhaps much larger than most people would expect," said Shawn Bushway, a criminologist at the State University at Albany and a co-author of the study, which appears in Monday's issue of the journal Paediatrics.
The study analysed data collected as part of the federal government's National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. The 7,335 participants were nationally representative and ranged in age from 12 to 16 when they were enrolled in the survey in 1996. The first interviews were conducted in 1997. Follow-up interviews have been carried out annually since then.
The researchers found that the probability of a first arrest accelerated in late adolescence and early adulthood - at 18, 15.9 percent of the participants reported having been arrested - and then began to flatten out as the youths entered their 20s.
Robert Brame, a professor of criminal justice and criminology at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, and the lead author of the study, said he hoped the research would alert physicians to signs that their young patients were at risk."

This is an incredible figure - and, if correct - represents a disturbing reflection of American Society. It suggests that there are deep rooted problems with young people on the conveyer belt to crime.
What would be interesting to see is similar comparisons for the UK and other advanced nations in Western Europe. I suspect it will be high in other countries too.

My weekly newsletter: Plea for Big Society to help 'the little society'

2011-12-20T08:07:00.000Z

My weekly newsletter: Plea for Big Society to help 'the little society'

Dear Resident,

In Harlow
It continues to be a busy time getting round to visit various organisations and key people in the consituency.

It was great to see everyone get into the festive spirit and helping to raise money for St Clare Hospice, when they took part in the fundraising Santa Fun Run in Harlow Town Park.
I was delighted to be invited to officially open the new cafe at the Latton Bush Centre, Harlow (Monday, December 5). This will be a valued facility for the many people who work and visit the centre.

I try and visit as many of our local schools are possible on a regular basis and so it was great to be able to meet with Jane Hadlow, from Mark Hall School (Tuesday, December 6). It was also a pleasure to welcome Joe Dawson who spent a day with me at Westminster on a work placement from school.

I also visited Harlow College for the presentation of Keeping Safe awards, and visited OI Manufacturing in Edinburgh Way - this is the largest glass recycler in the south east.

In Parliament
We have heard much about the Big Society. This matters for small charities in Harlow,who are trying to bid for funds but keep being elbowed aside by the 'Tesco' charities from London.

It is crucial that the smaller charities and organisations in Harlow and elsewhere receive support, and that includes funding, if they are to be able to do what the Government intends them to do under the Big Society umbrella.

I led the committee which this week published a report which concluded that more needs to be do if the Big Society is to work as the Government intended.

This week I was able to highlight the good work of the Catch22 charity which does so much good work locally helping to steer young people away from crime.

I mentioned the organisation when I spoke during a debate on crime and prisoners when I highlighted the fact that 40 per cent of prisoners had been excluded from school. I asked the Minister if he would work with the Department for Education and charities such as Catch22.

Last week I gave my backing to the Harlow-based national charity Grandparents Association’s campaign which is calling for the right for grandchilden to be allowed to have a minimum of ‘letter box’ contact with their grandparents - if it is safe to do so.

As part of the campaign I joined representatives from the association to present a petition to Number 10 Downing Street which has been signed by more than 7,200 people.

The Government decided to reverse a plan to take away from people with disabilities in residential care homes the 'mobility disability component' of their benefits. This is to be welcomed.

I was made aware of the situation by a number of residents andam glad the Government has listened. The ‘mobility disability component’ is important to people with disabilities if they are to retain a vital element of independence.

During a debate on decentralisation I asked if the Government would consider giving extra powers to up-and-coming new towns such as Harlow, especially now that our town is an enterprise zone. The Minister's reply was encouraging: watch this space.

Finally, the Apprentice Minister John Hayes gave his backing to the new apprentice school that I am setting up in Parliament, with charity New Deal of the Mind and Harlow College. I asked whether he would set up a Government apprentice school using public contracts, to tackle youth unemployment. Again, he agreed to look at the idea: something that is very promising for 2012, I hope.

Energy bill advice

2011-12-19T14:21:00.001Z

Energy costs have risen sharply over recent years, and although these are hurting us all in Harlow, here are some ways to help keep them under control now that winter weather is with us:

1. Are you eligible for and have you received your Winter Fuel Payment? (if born before the 6 January 1951).

2. If you are on Pension Credit Guarantee you should be getting at least £120 a year off your electricity bills (check with your provider).

3. Are you eligible for Cold Weather Payments? When are they triggered? (Older people, those with disabilities and families with children under-five getting an income related benefits: when temperatures reach, or are forecast to be below freezing for seven consecutive days. The Cold Weather Payment has beenincreased from £8.50 to £25 a week).

4. Have you had free loft and cavity insulation? Some restrictions: if you’re a British Gas customer call 0800 015 7786 or CLICK HERE; E-On customers call 0845 301 4927 or CLICK HERE. EDF customers call 0800 980 8177 or CLICK HERE

5. Free advice on insulation: if you’re an N Power customer call 0800 975 6617 or CLICK HERE

6. Have you got the best energy deal? Check U-SWITCH

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

The Wrong Lessons from the Riots

2011-12-18T07:48:00.005Z

Home Secretary Theresa May has an important article in today's Mail on Sunday, which is well worth a read.

She criticises a report issued by the London School of Economics/The Guardian, for containing some woolly thinking as to the reasons for the riots.

Mrs May counters the argument that the riots were about 'protest' and because of unemployment, asking why riots did not occur in many areas of the country where joblessness was far higher.

Moreover, far from being political protesters, the vast majority of rioters were looters - plain and simple. Looters who just wanted instant materialist gratification - acquiring stolen mobile electronics, Nike Trainers etc.

It is interesting that the LSE/Guardian Report spent very little time examining the views of those who were victims of the riots - particularly small shop keepers and householders who had there homes broken into.

The causes of the riots are much deeper and less predictable than the LSE/Guardian suggest. Family breakdown, community atomisation and failures in our schools play a significant part. The 'credit card society' - enjoy yourself now, pay later - bears some blame. But, so too does our judicial system, in which - at least until pre-riots - allowed the punishments meted out to lack a real deterrence against committing further offences.

The Failure to teach pupils to read is criminal

2011-12-17T01:59:00.001Z

One of the most inspiring educational community visits I have done recently was to go to Burnt Mill School for the opening of the new Library. I met some wonderful pupils who were passionate about books and were reading voraciously. The Head has also brought large numbers of Kindles which encourage the children even further - by bringing reading into the modern age. Large numbers of students are also reading The Times every day.

This emphasis on literacy has already had an effect. Burnt Mill has had greatly improved results for English and Maths.

Sadly, this experience is not replicated across all our schools. Yesterday, The Independent newspaper, reported that a majority of pupils - in 700 primary schools - cannot read or write. One in eight primary schools have failed to make progress in teaching the basics in literacy.

The statistics tell a horrific story: Half a million children left primary school in the last decade unable to read. Illiteracy levels across the country - including amongst adults is astonishingly high. Last week I Chaired a seminar in Parliament, with the Youth charity, Catch 22 and was told that 40% of prisoners are illiterate.

The failure to teach basic standards of literacy is criminal: If we are to succeed as a nation, literacy has to be the number one priority. I welcome Education Secretary's Michael Gove's efforts to bring back traditional methods of teaching literacy. But what is also needed is a combined effort from teachers and politicians alike.

P.S. It can be done. The newly independent Kurdish Region in Iraq cut illiteracy by a third in less than ten years.

P.P.S. The picture shows me at the Burnt Mill School event

Saif Gadaffi and his British PhD

2011-12-16T14:31:00.000Z

Regular readers will know that I have campaigned for many months on the issue of Colonel Gadaffi's funding of some British universities, and the fact that his son Saif Gadaffi (above) was awarded a PhD in Britain.

I raised this again recently in Parliament HERE, and the Press Association have reported it HERE.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Iran: the new Soviet Union of the Middle East

2011-12-15T22:44:00.000Z

Yesterday in Parliament, there was an urgent debate, about the serious threat of Iran building a secret nuclear weapon.

This is deeply worrying: not only for the Iranian people, who are denied their basic democratic rights and freedoms, but for the entire world.

I made a short speech about this, which follows below:

Robert Halfon (Harlow): I welcome this debate because, contrary to what has just been said, I believe that Iran is in essence the new Soviet Union of the middle east. It supports terrorism. We know well its strong backing of Hezbollah in Lebanon. It supplies Hezbollah with the missiles and the finance that it needs to destabilise the region and to fire attack missiles on Israel. Iran also supports Hamas, and we know what Hamas has done in Gaza, overthrowing the more moderate Palestinian Authority, running a totalitarian mini-state known as Hamastan in Gaza, stopping moves towards peace and regularly firing missiles on Israel.

Iran has also undermined democratic states. Not long ago it fired missiles on to the Kurdish regional Government. It is supporting the Syrian Government of President Assad and his crackdown on the recent anti-Government protests. It has provided the Syrian authorities with equipment, advice and technical know-how to help curtail and monitor internal communications. It has provided material assistance in the form of riot and crowd dispersal material, as well as military training for Syrian troops. Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria are in essence proxies for Iran. We well know that Iran has sent suicide bombers into Iraq and attacked our troops.

All this would be bad enough were it not for Iran’s nuclear programme. As has been said, the development of the nuclear bomb in Iran is incredibly concerning. The IAEA report has been highlighted and clearly shows that Iran has been covertly developing the technology needed to weaponise nuclear material. If we think the current Iranian regime is extreme, its so-called more moderate predecessor said that it would be okay to use a nuclear bomb in the middle east against Israel, because if a few million are killed in the process, it does not matter for the wider good.

Jeremy Corbyn: The hon. Gentleman mentioned nuclear weapons. Does he not have concerns that Israel has 200 nuclear warheads and is not a signatory to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty? Does he not think a nuclear weapons convention including Israel would be a helpful step forward in the region?

Robert Halfon: I am happy for any nuclear convention to reduce nuclear weapons in the middle east, but the crucial point that the hon. Gentleman misses is that Israel is a democracy and Iran is a dictatorship.

Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green): I agree with my hon. Friend. May I point out that it is not Israel which has threatened to wipe its neighbour off the face of the earth? Is that not the key point in this?

Robert Halfon: My hon. Friend, who is a strong supporter of Israel, is exactly right.

The one difference between Iran and the Soviet Union is that, when the Soviet Union and the west had nuclear weapons, we lived under the doctrine known as MAD, mutually assured destruction, and for MAD to work one had to be sane, but the sad fact is that Iran does not have that level of sanity, given that, as my hon. Friend says, the President often says that he wants to wipe Israel off the map. We know how the regime behaves from its recent treatment and trashing of the UK embassy, from its taking of American hostages and from its many other human rights abuses.

The hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) mentioned the abuse of trade unionists and the imprisonment of women, an issue that The Times has highlighted so well, so I strongly welcome the fact that the Government have brought in the tough measures before us. This is the first time the UK has used such powers to cut off an entire country’s banking sector from our financial sector, and that is hugely important not just because of the hoped-for effect of stopping the Iranian nuclear regime, but because of the message that it sends to other tyrannical regimes throughout the world—that Britain will not be weak, but be strong and do everything it can to stop the actions of such dictators.

Although I strongly welcome these tough sanctions and praise the Treasury for having the courage to introduce them, I note that we may be too late. Iran is not far off acquiring a nuclear bomb, and we—perhaps not this country itself, but NATO—may need to take further military action to rid the world of that bomb, to put pressure on the country’s evil regime and to bring about a true democracy, with the rule of law, freedom and everything that the Iranian people deserve.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Big Society needs to help 'the little society'

2011-12-14T12:56:00.001Z

Harlow charities must be able to access funding –and not lose out financially to the larger national organisations.

A parliamentary select committee highlights concerns that the so-called Big Society does not do enough to help 'the little society'.

I have worked for many years helping to raise the profile of social action work in Harlow, and it was my passion for social action and the Harlow community that led me to join the Public Administration Select Committee (PASC) on which I led the report which is published today.
I am a keen supporter of the Big Society and the involvement of local charities and organisations.

In September I held my own Social Action Week and visited various Harlow organisations to see first-hand how they work, and to see the valued services they provide.

Among the organisations visited were St Clare Hospice, where I met some of the many volunteers, Harlow Foodbank (which prepares food parcels for local people) and Harlow Talking Newspaper.

These are just some of the dozens of local organisations which are playing a key role in helping others and providing services which are valued by many local people.

However for these to be even more successful in the years to come they need some guarantee on funding, and that is where the Big Society initiatives should be helping them.
In the report PASC warns that the Big Society is hampered by the lack of a clear implementation plan, leading to public confusion about the policy agenda, 18 months into the coalition Government’s administration.

The committee states that the project requires substantial change in Whitehall and to the nature of government.
PASC has yet to see how the government will engage these charities and voluntary groups who wish to do so to deliver public services - the ‘little society’ rather than big business and ‘Tesco’ charities.

The committee concludes that there are two major steps the Government needs to take, or the Big Society will not achieve what the Government intends.

This is to create a single Big Society Minister who has a cross-cutting brief, to help other Ministers drive through the agenda and implement an impact assessment, to be applied to every Government policy, statutory instrument, and new Bill, which answers the simple question: “what substantively will this do to build social capital, people power, and social entrepreneurs?PASC says early examples in practice like the Work Programme have left service providers such as the charitable sector – who would play a major role in the Big Society - with serious reservations.

The danger is that big contractors and the largest charities continue to dominate at the expense of small and local providers.

EU contracting rules need to be revised and smaller providers should be consulted on the legislative and bureaucratic barriers.

There needs to be a cultural shift in Whitehall departments.PASC recommends greater clarity on the roles of charitable, private and public providers of public services.

The ambition to open up public services to new providers has prompted concerns about the role of private companies which have not thus far been adequately addressed by Ministers.

Serious concerns about the wider financial health of the charitable sector have prompted warnings that the Big Society project is being undermined by reductions in grant funding by local authorities.

EU delays to setting up the new bank, Big Society Capital, are contributing to the funding gap. Social impact bonds have the potential to transform public services, but progress is slow.PASC also asks the Government to outline how crucial issues of accountability, quality and regulatory powers will be managed in the Big Society project; in particular accountability for public expenditure.

PASC may conduct a further inquiry on the question of ministerial accountability in the light of devolution, localism and the Big Society policies.
PASC chairman Bernard Jenkin said: “The Prime Minister has placed the Big Society project at the centre of his political agenda and it occupies a central place in the Coalition Agreement. “Translated into policies, it means opening up public services to new providers, increasing social action and the devolution of power to local communities and citizens.

“Many welcome these objectives, but this was never going to happen overnight. To make a change of this magnitude successfully will take a generation. It represents a whole new way of ‘doing Government’. “However, so far, the government has not been clear enough about what the Big Society means in practical terms. There is a lot of confusion among the public and the new providers how the Big Society policies are expected work in practice. Not all public services are suitable to be delivered by charities and not all charities are willing or capable of delivering services.

“Many would like to but cannot cope with the bureaucratic burdens of public contracting. Some charities and community groups have shown that they can provide some public services at better value for money than those delivered by the state.

“The problem is they are likely to experience significant barriers to progress unless the culture and skills in the departments commissioning such services change.

“In essence, this is the challenge: to build the ‘little society’, rather than the ‘Tesco’ charities that are skilled at tendering.“We await the publication of the results of the consultation following the Open Public Services White Paper, but following that the Government must produce a comprehensive and coherent change programme.

“Without this, attempts to bring about change will be defeated by inertia.”

Government’s consultation on criminalising Forced Marriage to be welcomed

2011-12-14T12:53:00.000Z

I have welcomed the launch of a Government consultation on the criminalisation of forced marriage.

This follows the announcement on October 10 this year by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, that the Government would criminalise the breach of Forced Marriage Prevention Orders. These orders block forced marriages from going ahead and protect potential victims.
Although many cases of forced marriage go unreported:

* The Government’s Forced Marriage Unit gave advice or support on 1,735 instances in 2010 alone.

* The youngest victim of forced marriage was just 12 years old, and the oldest 73.
* In 2010 the Forced Marriage Unit gave active assistance to 469 cases across the country.

I am glad this Government is examining how we can criminalise forced marriage while ensuring we do not discourage victims from coming forward.
We need to completely eradicate this unacceptable crime which rightly appals people across Harlow.

I fully support the tough stance of David Cameron and Theresa May against forced marriage.

Proud to support the Democratic Unionist Party

2011-12-13T22:56:00.001Z

A great Commons debate this evening on the European Union. Organised by an Opposition Party - the Democratic Unionists (DUP), the Motion supported David Cameron's veto of the proposed EU Treaty. The DUP also called for a rebalancing of our relationship with the EU - in effect a repatriation of powers.
The debate was summed up by Sammy Wilson MP, who made an incredibly impassioned speech criticising Labour's federalism and urging our powers to be brought back from the EU. It was one of the best Eurosceptic speeches I have ever heard, and I will post a link on my blog as soon as it becomes available.
I was proud to support the Motion, especially since Labour proposed a wrecking amendment. On this issue, Labour really are against the grain of the British people. The Liberal Democrats abstained.
You can see the Motion here (http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmagenda/ob111213.htm) and below:
UK'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION
Mr Nigel Dodds
Dr William McCrea
Mr Gregory Campbell
Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson
Sammy Wilson
David Simpson
Ian Paisley
Jim Shannon

    † indicates Government Business
That this House commends the Prime Minister on his refusal at the European Council to sign up to a Treaty without safeguards for the UK; regards the use of the veto in appropriate circumstances to be a vital means of defending the national interests of the UK; and recognises the desire of the British people for a rebalancing of the relationship with our European neighbours based on co-operation and mutually beneficial economic arrangements.
Labour Amendment:
   As an Amendment to Mr Nigel Dodds' proposed Motion (UK's relationship with the European Union):
Edward Miliband
Mr Douglas Alexander
Ms Harriet Harman
Ed Balls
Emma Reynolds
Ms Rosie Winterton
(a)

   Line 1, leave out from 'House' to end and add 'notes that faced with a choice between the national interest and his party interest at the European Council, the Prime Minister chose the party interest; further notes that the Prime Minister secured no additional safeguards for the European single market and UK businesses by his conduct; and recognises that while isolation can sometimes be a price worth paying for getting your own way, isolation achieving only defeat is unforgiveable.'.

Harlow Community Update

2011-12-13T16:31:00.003Z

Last week I visited a number of Harlow Community groups and local businesses, as I often do. Here's a brief update:

HARLOW COLLEGE
For the second time since becoming Harlow’s MP, I attended the Essex Police Keeping Safe show at Harlow College. This is incredibly important for young students, as it shows the tragedy of knife crime, and how it can ruin people's lives. The event was put on by two of our hardworking Police PCSOs: Karen Rogers and Phyllis Chipchase. They said that knife crime has dropped in Harlow over the last year, which is encouraging.

O-I MANUFACTURING
I’m incredibly proud that Harlow has one of the largest glass bottle manufacturers in the world: O-I Manufacturing. I was honoured to meet the bosses at O-I Manufacturing, and talk to them about their work: creating glass bottles for companies like Coca Cola and Carlsberg. They're also the largest glass recycler in the south-east. At the same time, it is a shame that of the 1.6 Million Tonnes of glass collected each year for recycling; only 600,000 Tonnes goes to recycling centres like the one at O-I. This isn't good enough, and we have to get better on green issues. I’ll be looking forward to going back to O-I early next year to go around the plant.

HARLOWBURY PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FETE

Last stop of the day: the Harlowbury School’s Christmas Fete. It was fantastic to see all the Parents, Teachers and Children all getting stuck in raising cash for charity. But the greatest thing was the generosity of local firms, in helping to support the school by donating goodies for the raffle. I also did a little bit of shopping and got a lovely Christmas present for my partner, Vanda. I genuinely love going around schools like Harlowbury, and look forward to having more of their students come to Parliament next year.

You can read last week's update here.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Equal Rights for Fathers and Grandparents

2011-12-13T13:35:00.002Z

Today in Parliament, I urged the Government to give children the right to see both of their parents and grandparents, in the event of a family breakdown.

There are two specific examples from Harlow: the alleged case of a father, and a national charity based in Harlow, the Grandparents' Association.

I have been supporting the father on his e-petition, which I would encourage everyone to sign HERE.

You can see a video of my speech above. Alternatively, the text was:

Robert Halfon (Harlow): Mr Speaker, I have just two brief points to make, about how this issue has affected families in my constituency.

First; there is a father in Harlow, Mr Colin Riches, whose child has allegedly been denied access to him. It is a tragic case, which shows I believe why the law must change.

Second; I am campaigning with the Grandparents’ Association - a national charity based in Harlow - for children to have a legal right to “letterbox” access to their grandparents: the right to send and receive cards at Birthdays, and Christmas.

I have worked with Colin Riches to table an e-petition - number 23102 - and his case is something I have raised many times in Parliament, with the Leader of the House, and others.

The essential crux of his e-petition is that:

“Shared parenting should become the natural position in the UK. It is in the best interest of the child. The law should be there to protect children’s relationships with both parents. It needs to show children that both their parents are treated with equality. So that children who have been cared for by both parents and grandparents do not suffer the pain of a living bereavement.”

I welcome that the Government are looking at this, most recently through the Family Justice Review 2011. This Review was a ratchet in the right direction, because it accepted that:

“More should be done to allow children to have a voice in proceedings,”

But while I welcome the Review, it still does not go far enough to help families such as that of Colin Riches.

I am grateful to the Undersecretary of State for Children and Families, for his sympathetic response to my letter on this issue - where he says that he will

“explore possible options for strengthening the expectation that both of a child’s parents should continue to be involved with the child’s care, post-separation”

And would ask if the Minister would meet with Colin and me, to see if anything can be done?

Secondly, I want to briefly ask the Minister about the work of the Grandparents Association.

Last Thursday I joined them at Number 10 Downing Street, to hand in a petition with over 7,200 names, calling for children to have a right to “letterbox” access, to their grandparents: the right to send and receive cards on special occasions.

This is a very small, but symbolic thing - especially in the run-up to Christmas.

Sadly, across Britain today, thousands of children are denied access to their grandparents - even at birthdays and the holiday season. Often this is caused by family conflict.

To be fair, the Government are looking at this, with the recent Family Justice Review. But more needs to be done.

If the Minister could commit just to look at this, it would be hugely welcomed by the grandparents in my constituency.

It is a very tiny gesture, but it could transform the lives of many families.

Ultimately this is about the rights of children: to know who their family are, and to spend time with them.

In the context of what the Government is doing to support the family, surely this the right thing to do?

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Museum of Watches

2011-12-12T23:11:00.000Z

Late last Thursday evening I went to the Westfield Stratford, in order to see the new Omega watch museum, parked in the new Omega Olympic boutique.
The watches in the museum were quite incredible. Some were old military watches, others olympic timekeeper instruments (-alongside some specialised Omega Olympic equipment).
Omega are the timekeepers for the Olympic Games and have done this task for almost every Olympics since 1933 (bar Berlin pre-war).
I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed seeing the watches:

Fun at the Santa Fun Run!

2011-12-11T12:20:00.000Z

It was a big 'Ho Ho Ho' in the Town park this morning spent with hundreds of Santa Clauses running around Harlow Town Park to raise funds for the amazing St Clare Hospice.
I had great pleasure in being invited by St Clare's to start the race and greeting the Santas when they finished the run.
Hope you like the pictures!
Merry Christmas :)

Can the democratic spring spread to Russia?

2011-12-10T19:34:00.000Z

Whilst much of Western Europe has been focused on the European Union Summit, in the East, democracy is stirring.

In Russia, after some years of retreating from democracy, - with the curtailment of a free press and the weakening of the rule of law - something quite incredible is happening.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (former President and likely to be next President), once lauded, has been jeered at in public events - something unthinkable, even a few months ago. The recent Parliamentary Elections, are widely regarded to have been fixed in favour of the ruling regime.

Now there are demonstration on the streets, in major city across Russia. Mr Putin faces the first real challenge to his rule.

I studied my postgraduate degree in Russian politics - straight after the failed coup in 1991 against Gorbachev. At the time many hoped that with Boris Yeltsin, real democracy was coming to Russia, to displace the totalitarian Soviet Socialist Republic. Sadly, the political forces against liberalisation were immense: the failures of Yeltsin and the corruption of the old Communist Party elite, led to the KGB (now known as the FSB) gradually reasserting control - through Putin's de facto coup d'etat against Yeltsin in December 1999.

Could the recent overthrowal of tyrants across the Middle East be the catalyst for Russian democracy? Can it finally be the end of Kremlin authoritarianism? Let us hope so: one thing is certain. The Russian people face very difficult times ahead.

P.S. You can read more here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/8948495/Russia-election-protests-tens-of-thousands-gather-for-biggest-demonstration-since-fall-of-USSR.html

No, No, No!

2011-12-09T23:58:00.002Z

After David Cameron's iron fist vetoing yet more European Union integration, I thought it would be worth reminding ourselves of a previous Conservative Prime Minister who said 'no, no, no' to Brussels.

Britain's veto last night was of huge importance. It is the first shift away from the ratchet effect of European integration for many years. It shows that the UK will no longer accept the unacceptable transfer of powers away from our nation state. It also opens up a real possibility of a fundamental renegotiation of our relationship with the EU: as part of a co-operative free-trading bloc within a European Economic Community - rather than being an inexorable part of a federal superstate.

I look forward to being in Parliament on Monday. Our Prime Minister deserves three hearty cheers - especially for defying the federalist consensus.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Supporting Grandparents' Association campaign

2011-12-09T07:52:00.003Z

I have given my backing to the Harlow-based national charity Grandparents Association’s campaign which is calling for the right for grandchilden to be allowed to have a minimum of‘letter box’ contact with their grandparents - if it is safe to do so.

The association yesterday handed in a petition to Number 10 Downing Street which has been signed by more than 7,200 people.

If successful it would mean children would have a legal right to receive appropriate cards, presents and letters from their grandparents on special occasions.
In the run-up to Christmas, this is especially important. Sadly, across Britain today, thousands of children are denied access to their grandparents - even at birthdays and the holiday season. Often this is caused by family conflict.

To be fair, the Government are looking at this, with the recent Family Justice Review. but more needs to be done.

That is why I urged the Leader of the House of Commons to look at changing the law.

Mr Halfon asked: "May we have a debate on the rights of children to proper and equal access to their grandparents? In a few moments, I and a number of other MPs will join the Grandparents Association - a charity based in Harlow - to take a petition to No. 10 Downing Street calling for children to be given that right in law?

Sir George Young replied: "I applaud the work of the Grandparents Association to achieve positive outcomes for grandchildren, and I hope that my hon. Friend will get a positive response to the petition that he is about to present. In the context of what the coalition Government are doing to strengthen the family, we of course want to see what more we can do to strengthen the rights of grandparents, particularly where there is family breakdown."

Robert Halfon’s blog post link - http://roberthalfon.blogspot.com/2011/12/campaigning-for-equal-rights-with.html

Government climbdown over mobility benefits welcomed, after campaign

2011-12-08T14:12:00.001Z

The Government's decision to reverse a plan to take away from people with disabilities in residential care homes the 'mobility disability component' of their benefits is to be welcomed.

The ‘mobility disability component’ is important to people with disabilities if they are to retain a vital element of independence.

I tabled several written questions to the Government on the issue and spoke in a number of parliamentary debates urging the Government to reconsider the matter.

I also had a private meeting with Welfare and Pensions Minister Chris Grayling.

A number of residents contacted me about this and I am glad that the Government has listened. It just shows that a bit of hard work and pressure sometimes can pay off.

Of course we have to balance the books: but we must protect the most vulnerable in Harlow.

Campaigning for Equal Rights, with the Grandparents Association

2011-12-08T14:02:00.002Z

Today I joined the Grandparents Association - a national charity based in Harlow - and handed in a petition to Number 10 Downing Street.

Over 7200 people have signed up to the campaign, which calls for the right for grandchilden to be allowed to have a minimum of ‘letter box’ contact with their grandparents - if it is safe to do so.

If successful, it would mean that children would have a legal right to receive appropriate cards, presents and letters from their grandparents on special occasions. In the run-up to Christmas, this is especially important.

Sadly, across Britain today, thousands of children are denied access to their grandparents - even at birthdays and the holiday season. Often this is caused by family conflict.

To be fair, the Government are looking at this, with the recent Family Justice Review. But more needs to be done. That is why I urged the Leader of the House of Commons today to look at changing the law.

Our full exchange was:

Robert Halfon (Harlow): May we have a debate on the rights of children to proper and equal access to their grandparents? In a few moments, I and a number of other MPs will join the Grandparents Association—a charity based in Harlow—to take a petition to No. 10 Downing street calling for children to be given that right in law?

Sir George Young (Leader of the House): I applaud the work of the Grandparents Association to achieve positive outcomes for grandchildren, and I hope that my hon. Friend will get a positive response to the petition that he is about to present. In the context of what the coalition Government are doing to strengthen the family, we of course want to see what more we can do to strengthen the rights of grandparents, particularly where there is family breakdown.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Apprentice Minister praises the Parliamentary Academy

2011-12-08T11:29:00.000Z

Earlier today, I asked the Apprentice Minister John Hayes if he would back the Parliamentary Academy - a new apprentice school in Parliament that I have set up with charity New Deal of the Mind.

I also asked him if he would use Government contracts to boost the number of apprentices, and to cut youth unemployment.

His reply was encouraging, as the Minister urged every MP to lead by example, and hire an apprentice themselves - as I have done since 2010.

The full exchange was:

Robert Halfon (Harlow): "Will the Minister support the Parliamentary apprentice school that I have founded with charity New Deal of the Mind? And will he look at a similar idea of establishing a Government apprentice school, using public contracts? Figures from the House of Commons Library show that if just one apprentice were hired for every £1 million pounds of public procurement, it would instantly create 280,000 apprentices and cut youth unemployment by a quarter."

John Hayes (Apprentice Minister): "I do take the view that Government has a role, and that procurement has a role too, Mr Speaker. That's why I have established a Ministerial champions group for apprenticeships. 14 Departments are part of that. It's why we have explored the idea of Kitemarking, for good employers that use apprenticeships and supply the public sector, and put in place streamlined informational skills, for companies that want to supply Government. Can I finally say Mr Speaker, that Robert Halfon has been a great champion, by taking on an apprentice himself? And I once again urge every Member of this House to take their own apprentice."

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Harlow Community Update

2011-12-07T17:44:00.004Z

Last week I visited a number of Harlow Community groups and local businesses. Here's a brief update:

Harlow Postal Sorting Office
My first stop of the day was the Harlow postal sorting office to meet and thank all the men and women for the amount of dedication and hard work they all put into getting our post to us, through all weathers. I enjoyed speaking to everyone including the Manager Sean Watson.

Stansted Airport
Recently I have had concerns about the common travel area and the treatment of disabled passengers at UK airports. During my visit to Stansted Airport I was able to raise both of these issues with the management and staff. First, I was shown the waiting area for passengers needing assistance getting from check in to the plane. Kieran Weir Manager of Customer Services assured me that disabled flyers will receive a significant amount of care. I then had some time to talk to a representative from UKBA, allowing me to raise my concerns over the Common Travel Area where there is a risk that some immigrants have been allowed to come into the country unchecked.

Princess Alexandria Hospital
It is an exciting time at PAH and it is fantastic to see NHS spending rising even during these tough economic times. I was given the great opportunity to see the new Ambulatory Care Unit. This new unit allows patients to receive their treatment while they continue to work and live in their own homes. Also I had the chance to see the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and finally I was able to speak to the staff and patients in the new on site cancer treatment facility.

William Martin School
I dropped in to William Martin Junior School's fete: superb to meet so many staff, parents and children. I joined in with the fun, by drawing the winning tickets for the raffle.

I would like to wish the year 6 boys the best of luck as they represent Essex against schools from London and the Home Counties in February.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Let's cut taxes for millions of hard-working Britons: not for millionaires

2011-12-07T16:00:00.001Z

Over the last year, I have frequently said we must cut taxes for millions of hard-working Britons, not for millionaires. You can see this most recently in The Sun.

I believe in lower taxes for lower earners, and am urging the Government to cut taxes for the the many, not just the few. That is why, for many months, I have campaigned hard for a freeze in petrol and diesel taxes.

This would benefit everyone in Harlow: small businesses, families filling up their cars and vans, and pensioners hit by rising food prices, as the cost of road haulage is rocketing through the roof.

To be fair, the Government has listened, and they have now scrapped the 4p per litre fuel duty increase, which had been planned for January 2012.

The other important policy here - which I welcome - is that this Government has raised the threshold of income tax, so it will go up to more than £8,000 per year in 2012. This will lift more than 1,000,000 people on low wages out of paying tax altogether.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com