What 10 minute rule bill would you like me to raise?

Sorry for doing two posts in a day, but because I only found out about this yesterday, and the deadline is short, I didn’t want to delay.

The good news is I won in the ballot to get a ten minute rule bill considered by parliament and  I wanted to give local people a chance to make a suggestion.

The bad news is that time is short.

 The deadline for indicating the topic of the bill is the 6^th of February, with a debate being held on the 21st Feb.

So I need your suggestions by next  Friday the 3^rd of February. This will allow me to sit down, think about it, do a bit of research and write a plan by the deadline of the 6th.

Suggestions can be made by using the link here.

Just a couple of things to bear in mind. Firstly, 10 minute rule bills cannot make spending committments. Secondly, the more controversial a proposal, the more devided opinion is on an issue, the  less likely that it will become law.

Speaking out about prejudice

This week I signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to honour those who died during the Holocaust.

Today marks the 67th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history.

In the past few weeks, hundreds of commemorative events have been arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. This year, people will also be encouraged to take a stand against racism and prejudice today – and to speak out against hatred wherever they encounter it.

Manchester has a proud tradition of fighting prejudice- part of what makes Manchester a great place to live is that the vast majority of Mancunians are tolerent and respect the many different faiths and communities that live here.

Guest Blog: Let’s Celebrate Chinese New Year

Photo taken by Paolo Camera, click on the photo to find the original

Today Manchester and communities all over the world will celebrate Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar, and enjoys a whole 15 days of celebrations, from luscious banquets to spectacular firework displays.  Much like New Year in Western cultures, the festival begins on the first day of the first month within the Chinese calendar. It ends on the date of the full moon.

In the Chinese calendar, different years are represented by different zodiac animal signs – today marks the start of the Year of the Dragon. Perhaps the most recognised image within Chinese culture, the dragon symbolises power, strength and good luck. In contrast to European beliefs, where dragons are considered evil creatures, they are seen as having auspicious power and it is seen as hugely positive. Often seen as one of the most important signs in the zodiac, Chinese tradition dictates that those born in Dragon years tend to be brave, innovative and highly driven, often making it to the top of their profession.

Popular themes within the New Year celebrations include “good fortune”, “happiness”, “wealth”, and “longevity”. The Chinese New Year tradition is to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone. So, whatever your plans are today, I wish you a prosperous Chinese New Year.

Blog Post by Lauren in John Leech’s constituency office.

Manchester City defender backs Didsbury mum’s charity campaign

Great article in today’s Manchester Evening News about City’s Nedum Onuoha supporting a Didsbury mum.

Michelle White, who is a close friend of Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, has survived four heart operations since she collapsed at work in at Manchester Airport in 2003. After everything she has been through she now wants to raise awareness regarding heart problems through the British Heart Foundation.

Nedum is donating various items of football memorabilia to charity and making a sizeable donation to the charity. He said, “The British Heart Foundation is a really important cause and I want to do anything that will help make steps forward in helping people whose lives are affected by heart problems. It might only be a little step but it is a step closer to where everyone wants to be”.

To help raise more funds for the charity there will be a valentine’s charity ball being held on Saturday 18^th February at the Radisson Blu hotel, Manchester Airport. Tickets cost £47.50 which includes a three-course meal and entertainment. Tickets are available from Shirley McNally on 0161 288 7355.  

If you aren’t able to attend the event but would still like to donate you can donate to the British Heart Foundation here:

The full article on the MEN website can be read here:

Windy Days Ahead

Well the weather this morning seemed to sum up the mood of the nation returning back to work.

With gusts of upto 73mph hitting the North West I thought I would share this useful press release I have had from the Road Safety charity IAM.

All the best for 2012.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Windy days ahead

03 January 2012

Road safety charity the IAM is issuing advice for driving in windy weather as severe gales spread across the country. 

• Plan your journey – is there a route with less exposure to the weather and less risk of fallen trees?  Choose a sheltered route if you have the option.
• Strong winds are not constant, they are usually gusty so ensure you hold the steering wheel firmly.
• Overtaking high sided vehicles or driving past buildings can result in a sudden gust from the side as you clear.
• Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual.  They get blown around by side winds easily.
• Watch trees and bushes on the roadside – their branches show you how strong the wind is.  Look well ahead, that way you don’t need to take your eye off the road and you can see any windy patches before you get to them.
• Go slow enough to cope with the gusts.  Wind can get under a car and reduce its handling and braking significantly.
• Keep an eye on what is happening to other vehicles – where they are affected will give you a pre warning.
• Keep extra distance between you and the car in front.
• Be careful of debris, try and have space beside you in case you need to dodge it.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “I have seen a parked car moved by the wind.  Don’t underestimate how powerful it is and how it can affect you whilst in the car.”

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.

Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. www.drivingadvice.org.uk.
2. Peter Rodger is the IAM’s chief examiner
3. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

Still not got your Christmas presents?

Never mind the Christmas Socks although these are made from recycled yarn!

If you are anything like me and leave the dreaded christmas present shopping to the last minute (was up till 1.30am wrapping staff presents before the christmas party on Monday) then I’ve got just the present for you.

Nevermind the ever popular socks or body wash set buy someone something that they will really need…

A “Bad weather kit” for all the drivers out there.

The highways agency suggest you to include: ice scraper & de-icer, torch & spare batteries (or a wind-up torch), warm clothes and blankets, boots, first aid kit, jump leads, a shovel, road atlas and sunglasses.

Now that  would constitute a rather extravagent Christmas present but any one of those items could end up being extremely useful if you ever find yourself stuck. 

As it happens I’ve got plenty of de-icer (get it every year!) but I haven’t yet got a wind up torch, maybe this year I’ll be lucky!

Merry Christmas.

Banking Reform – Full Go Ahead

Vince Cable giving his full support over the separation of banks and the Vickers report on the Andrew Marr show.

Yesterday the Coalition Government announced a separation of retail banking from risky investment activities.  This followed on from an announcement by Vince Cable who told the BBC on Sunday that the Government would accept the Vickers report in full and he is quoted as saying “we are going to proceed with the separation of the banks”.

Labour spokespeople are saying the reform should be implemented in full and not watered down however, it was the mistakes of a Labour Government when they were in power which has created the need for these reforms and the Coalition Government are left to clean up Labour’s economic mess.

The Vickers commission was set up by the Coalition Government to reform the structure of Britain’s banks. It is a vital part of the response to Labour’s financial crisis which caused the largest post-world war two recession at a cost of billions to the British tax payer. The Liberal Democrats’ longstanding criticism of banking is reflected in the Vickers commission.

All in all it will separate the risky side of banking from the retail sector of banking and ultimately put better safety nets in place for the British tax payer and to make sure a bailout by taxpayers on the scale seen under the previous Labour Government doesn’t happen again.

Wealth inequality is fundamental to Liberal politics and Nick Clegg is right to attack bankers on over their colossal bonuses. Just like last year, there will be a firm stance on rewards for failure and irresponsible payments in the banking sector.

It’s MAD Friday – but is one drink too many?

With almost 200,000 people expected to pile into Manchester for what most people are saying will be “Mad Friday” it is important to remember to stay safe this festive period.

Road safety charity BRAKE is calling for a zero tolerance on drink driving over the festive period.

A survey of young drivers, released yesterday by Brake and Direct Line, finds a shocking three in 10 (29%) are willing to take the deadly gamble of driving after drinking alcohol. An even bigger proportion – a majority 53%, up from 45% four years ago – risk driving drunk the day after a heavy night, suggesting widespread complacency about how long alcohol stays in your system.

Heather Stott’s morning show on BBC Radio Manchester focussed on Brake’s report yesterday and provoked some really interesting calls from listeners.

The call that stood out for me the most was one from a Police Officer who had been called to the scene of a road accident where two cars had collided.

A young man had crashed into a lady whilst on his way to work at 7am Monday morning.  The police officer was called to attend as the lady reported a smell of alcohol on the man’s breath.

The young man had been on a stag do on the Friday night which carried onto the Saturday night resulting in copious amounts of alcohol consumed.  Knowing he wouldn’t be able to drive he waited until Monday before driving which was some 30 hours after the last drink consumed.

When he was breathalysed at the scene Monday at 7am he was twice over the limit.

It just goes to show it really isn’t worth it to drive after a night out, be careful this festive period.

The only way to drive safely is to drive sober, especially with the winter weather meaning driving conditions are becoming increasingly dangerous.

You can listen again to Heather Stott’s programme on the iplayer here:

The report by BRAKE can be read here:

MEN Article on Mad Friday here:

Drive Safely Because i-Count campaign

Last week I was able to combine my roles as Chair of the All Parliamentary Group on Child & Youth Crime and member of the Transport Select Committee to launch the Saving Lives Campaign; “Drive Safely Because i-Count”. The campaign was launched by the charity Kids Count.

It is paramount that messages on road safety get through to young people, because road deaths account for 25% of deaths amongst 16-24 year olds, the single biggest cause. It was good to hear from members of the ‘Think, Drive Survive’ programme based in Cheshire that which help educate 16-24 year olds. They demonstrated some of the techniques they use to get the message through, using graphic scenes of road traffic accidents where people neglected to use their seatbelt really drives the message home.

Kidscount have launched the campaign on their website which specifically calls for:

• Road safety information to be part of their education key elements included in the curriculum KS1-4
• Supporting the Red Cross campaign for First aid training for all learner drivers
• Supporting mandatory motorway training for all newly-qualified drivers
• Fully endorsing Cheshire Think Drive Survive Course in creating safer, more responsible attitudes to road use by young people

You can sign the petition by clicking here:

 

At the Parliamentary Launch with the KidsCount Team

 

I have also raised the issue in Parliament by tabling Early Day Motion 2499 “Saving Lives Campaign”, if your MP hasn’t signed it yet you can urge them to do so by writing to them online http://www.writetothem.com/.

Mike Penning MP, the former Chair of the APPG Child & Youth Crime said a few words in his capacity of the Minister responsible for road safety stressing the importance of changing people’s attitudes. He has previously taken part in the Think, Drive Survive scheme and paid testament to the work that it is doing. An interesting debate then followed after members of the audience asked questions on issues ranging from the drink driving limit to the role of driving video games.

Only 38 Points – not safe from Relegation yet?

All good things must come to an end. I am talking of course about City’s 15 league match unbeaten streak, which came to an end with our defeat to Chelsea on Monday.

I could point out the blatant penalty not awarded for the foul on David Silva in the 14th minute, or the soft sending off of Clichy which changed the nature of the last quarter of the game, but I’m sure someone would point out Yaya Toure’s various fouls on Mata as reasons why we were lucky not to finish the game with 9 men.

No, I wanted to talk about the amazing media reaction. After 15 league games, City have lost one game. The best start to a season in Premier League history. This is not the end of the world, or a crisis, or a humiliation for Roberto Mancini. We are still top of the League. We (only just) lost to a good team when we had one less player than them.

I have been watching City for 35 years (the last 27 years as a season ticket holder), and up until last May, without seeing City win a single trophy (I was too young to remember the League cup final in 1976). I’m certainly not going to start flapping because we lost a game. Nor will most City fans.

35 years without a trophy gives you a proper perspective of how far we’ve come since the dark dark days of third tier football.

Minister for Older People

Today I went to support the Anchor Grey Pride Campaign in Parliament, aimed at having a designated Minister for Older People. I’ve already signed an Early Day Motion calling for the same thing.

What I found staggering was that today more people are over 65 than under 60, and in forty to fifty years half a million people will be over 100: yet there isn’t any – or any plans – to have a person specifically representing their needs in government.

The people I spoke to today were very interesting and raised valid arguments for a Minister for Older People. They need a port of call to raise concerns with – non of this being passed from one department to the next. There should be someone there coordinating departments – this would end up saving the Government huge amounts of money. Finally, someone should be there to ask the Chancellor for money, and to fight their corner when needs be. If we can have a Minister for Equalities, a Minister for Women, and a Minister for Pubs, then we can surely have a Minister for Older People.

This is not an issue that I think anyone should let rest, and I personally will be bringing this up with the relevant Ministers.

Vote for funding for Greater Manchester Carbon Co-op

 

A 3 Minute Introduction to Carbon Co-op from Carbon Co-op on Vimeo.

I wanted to draw your attention to the Energyshare Fund Vote that is open at the moment, which gives people a chance to vote for a community energy project to be awarded £100 000. The Greater Manchester Carbon Co-op has made it to the final six in the ‘large’ category and you can join me in voting for them by following this link http://www.energyshare.com/voting/. The Co-op aims to bring streets, neighbourhoods and communities across Manchester together to make savings by providing low carbon technologies in bulk and share their expertise on how to make energy efficiency improvements. The Co-op recognises the significant impact that housing stock has on our carbon footprint, but reduction in energy consumption will not only be good for the environment; it will also mean big savings on energy bills. The technologies vary from small items like smart energy monitors all the way up to solar panels, as well as more traditional ways of improving efficiency like insulation. More information on this great project is available here http://carbon.coop/blog/. Voting closes on 3^rd December so make sure you get your vote in before then!