Commenting on George Osborne’s address to Tory party conference, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said:
“This set of deficit reduction proposals is Lib Dem Lite.
“The sum total amounts to nothing more than a drop in the ocean and will not deal with the structural deficit.
“What is more, Osborne has in effect guaranteed that these policies will merely pave the way for a return to traditional Tory politics – hitting the public sector now to pay for tax cuts for millionaires later.
“Only the Liberal Democrats have made a commitment to bringing public spending under control whilst making taxes fairer across the board.”
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Leaked letters expose how little has been done to safeguard 10,000 jobs
Can you believe it?
When local industry sought help from Lord Mandelson's Business Department they got a frosty reply, according to a report in the Gazette today. "I was sorry to hear about the recently announced closures of some chemical plants on Teesside," he said.
Governments across the European Union are helping their industries facing tough business conditions. They include Holland, Germany and Poland. But not the UK's Labour Government.
Local Lib Dems have supported the Save Our Steel campaign, but we have repeatedly pointed out that the buck stops with Gordon Brown's Government. It's no good local Labour MP Vera Baird doing her usual thing of campaigning locally for one thing and backing her Government when she's back home in London.
We need a Lib Dem MP who will consistently represent local people and industry at Westminster
See -
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/10/06/leaked-letters-expose-how-little-has-been-done-to-safeguard-10-000-teesside-jobs-84229-24863233/4/
When local industry sought help from Lord Mandelson's Business Department they got a frosty reply, according to a report in the Gazette today. "I was sorry to hear about the recently announced closures of some chemical plants on Teesside," he said.
Governments across the European Union are helping their industries facing tough business conditions. They include Holland, Germany and Poland. But not the UK's Labour Government.
Local Lib Dems have supported the Save Our Steel campaign, but we have repeatedly pointed out that the buck stops with Gordon Brown's Government. It's no good local Labour MP Vera Baird doing her usual thing of campaigning locally for one thing and backing her Government when she's back home in London.
We need a Lib Dem MP who will consistently represent local people and industry at Westminster
See -
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/10/06/leaked-letters-expose-how-little-has-been-done-to-safeguard-10-000-teesside-jobs-84229-24863233/4/
National Trust says sale of land for East Middlesbrough bypass would be dereliction of duty
From the Evening Gazette, 5 October 2009 -
'SELLING off land at Ormesby Hall estate for an East Middlesbrough bypass would be a dereliction of its duty, says the National Trust.
The proposed new single-carriageway road is at the centre of a controversy between Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland councils.
Middlesbrough Council wants the road to be built with a number of measures to alleviate traffic problems on routes into the town from the south.
Redcar and Cleveland’s Cabinet has confirmed its opposition to the road plan. It prefers to make progress on alternative measures to ease traffic congestion - especially the Marton Crawl.
In taking its decision, the Cabinet pointed to the opposition to the plan from the National Trust.
The route of the proposed bypass from Swans Corner at Nunthorpe to Longlands in Middlesbrough would require land at the edge of the Ormesby Hall Estate, which is owned by the National Trust.
Nick Dolan, the National Trust’s Property Manager for Ormesby Hall, told the Gazette the National Trust had been involved with previous studies, which had found the building of a new road to be an impractical solution on a number of grounds.
“Whilst the National Trust is keen to support sustainable solutions to Middlesbrough’s transport problems, and is willing to maintain an open dialogue with both Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland Councils, the National Trust is an independent charity established for over a century to protect valuable open space, and this vital protection of land will continue.
“The Ormesby Hall Estate was given to the National Trust by the Pennyman family to ensure such a ‘green lung’ remained for local people and other visitors to enjoy.
“Therefore it would be a dereliction of our legal duty to approve the loss of this important land to development.”'
Lib Dems Councillors for Ormesby and Nunthorpe have passed on details the National Trust's position to local residents on the road for years.
It is time Middlesbrough Council's Mayor recognised the reality of the situation and started looking for realistic and sustainable solutions to local traffic problems.
The response to the Lib Dems' petition to keep local green space earlier this year showed the overwhelming wish of local residents to oppose the road and Redcar & Cleveland's Labour Council's scheme for 115 houses on the Swan's Corner field.
'SELLING off land at Ormesby Hall estate for an East Middlesbrough bypass would be a dereliction of its duty, says the National Trust.
The proposed new single-carriageway road is at the centre of a controversy between Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland councils.
Middlesbrough Council wants the road to be built with a number of measures to alleviate traffic problems on routes into the town from the south.
Redcar and Cleveland’s Cabinet has confirmed its opposition to the road plan. It prefers to make progress on alternative measures to ease traffic congestion - especially the Marton Crawl.
In taking its decision, the Cabinet pointed to the opposition to the plan from the National Trust.
The route of the proposed bypass from Swans Corner at Nunthorpe to Longlands in Middlesbrough would require land at the edge of the Ormesby Hall Estate, which is owned by the National Trust.
Nick Dolan, the National Trust’s Property Manager for Ormesby Hall, told the Gazette the National Trust had been involved with previous studies, which had found the building of a new road to be an impractical solution on a number of grounds.
“Whilst the National Trust is keen to support sustainable solutions to Middlesbrough’s transport problems, and is willing to maintain an open dialogue with both Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland Councils, the National Trust is an independent charity established for over a century to protect valuable open space, and this vital protection of land will continue.
“The Ormesby Hall Estate was given to the National Trust by the Pennyman family to ensure such a ‘green lung’ remained for local people and other visitors to enjoy.
“Therefore it would be a dereliction of our legal duty to approve the loss of this important land to development.”'
Lib Dems Councillors for Ormesby and Nunthorpe have passed on details the National Trust's position to local residents on the road for years.
It is time Middlesbrough Council's Mayor recognised the reality of the situation and started looking for realistic and sustainable solutions to local traffic problems.
The response to the Lib Dems' petition to keep local green space earlier this year showed the overwhelming wish of local residents to oppose the road and Redcar & Cleveland's Labour Council's scheme for 115 houses on the Swan's Corner field.
Liberal Democrat prospective MP for Redcar, Ian Swales, has appeared on the BBC Politics Show criticising the new Regional Grand Committee. The Committee met in Middlesbrough last Friday and is an attempt to bring Parliament out of Westminster into the regions.
Ian said "It was an interesting bit of theatre but contributed little to the Government of the region. The fact that only 14 of the regions 30 MP's bothered to turn up shows that it is already low in their priorities right from the start.
"The Committee also shows the absurdity of the first past the post electoral system. Full attendance would have seen 28 Labour MP's and just 1 Liberal Democrat and 1 Conservative at the Committee. The recent European elections were held under a fair voting system and the region returned 1 Labour, I Conservative and 1 Liberal Democrat to Brussels.
"Finally I would question the wisdom of adding to the cost of running Parliament and taking a large number of police away from their normal duties. When so many of our local front line services such as social workers, neighbourhood police and the probation service are making cutbacks it seems insensitive to bring this show into town."
Watch Redcar's prospective Lib Dem MP Ian Swales on the Politics Show: http://tinyurl.com/y99wgch
Ian said "It was an interesting bit of theatre but contributed little to the Government of the region. The fact that only 14 of the regions 30 MP's bothered to turn up shows that it is already low in their priorities right from the start.
"The Committee also shows the absurdity of the first past the post electoral system. Full attendance would have seen 28 Labour MP's and just 1 Liberal Democrat and 1 Conservative at the Committee. The recent European elections were held under a fair voting system and the region returned 1 Labour, I Conservative and 1 Liberal Democrat to Brussels.
"Finally I would question the wisdom of adding to the cost of running Parliament and taking a large number of police away from their normal duties. When so many of our local front line services such as social workers, neighbourhood police and the probation service are making cutbacks it seems insensitive to bring this show into town."
Watch Redcar's prospective Lib Dem MP Ian Swales on the Politics Show: http://tinyurl.com/y99wgch
HAVE YOUR SAY ON BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE
HAVE YOUR SAY ON BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE
REDCAR and Cleveland Borough Council is currently undertaking Statutory Consultation on its Building Schools for the Future plans.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, Councillor Ian Jeffrey, said: "This consultation forms part of the next stage in our exciting plans for Building Schools for the Future. I would like to encourage everyone to come along and have their say on the proposals."
Councillor Jeffrey, added: "The Building Schools for the Future programme is a vitally important part of the jigsaw that will eventually see 21st Century learning environments for all ages designed to engage and inspire young people, their teachers and the wider community."
The consultation which runs until Sunday 25th October, focuses on the following proposals:
*to discontinue Gillbrook College and expand Eston Park School
*to discontinue St Peter’s Catholic College of Maths and Computing, South Bank and expand Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided School – A Specialist Science College, Redcar
*to discontinue Freebrough Specialist Engineering College. An Academy at Freebrough is planned. This will be subject to a proposal by the Secretary of State. This will not affect the day to day operation of the College. A full and thorough consultation process about the Academy will take place next month.
Have your say at one of the following drop-in sessions:
Expansion of Eston Park School: Wednesday 23rd September, at James Finegan Hall, Eston, 4pm-6pm and Wednesday 14th October, at City Learning Centre, Eston, 5pm-7pm.
Catholic provision in Redcar and Cleveland: Wednesday 30th September, at James Finegan Hall, Eston, 4pm-6pm and Wednesday 21st October, at Sacred Heart RC School, Redcar, 5pm-7pm.
An Academy at Freebrough: Wednesday 7th October, at Freebrough Specialist Engineering College, Brotton, 5pm-7pm.
The full consultation document is available on the Council's website www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk, follow the link from the homepage.
REDCAR and Cleveland Borough Council is currently undertaking Statutory Consultation on its Building Schools for the Future plans.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, Councillor Ian Jeffrey, said: "This consultation forms part of the next stage in our exciting plans for Building Schools for the Future. I would like to encourage everyone to come along and have their say on the proposals."
Councillor Jeffrey, added: "The Building Schools for the Future programme is a vitally important part of the jigsaw that will eventually see 21st Century learning environments for all ages designed to engage and inspire young people, their teachers and the wider community."
The consultation which runs until Sunday 25th October, focuses on the following proposals:
*to discontinue Gillbrook College and expand Eston Park School
*to discontinue St Peter’s Catholic College of Maths and Computing, South Bank and expand Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided School – A Specialist Science College, Redcar
*to discontinue Freebrough Specialist Engineering College. An Academy at Freebrough is planned. This will be subject to a proposal by the Secretary of State. This will not affect the day to day operation of the College. A full and thorough consultation process about the Academy will take place next month.
Have your say at one of the following drop-in sessions:
Expansion of Eston Park School: Wednesday 23rd September, at James Finegan Hall, Eston, 4pm-6pm and Wednesday 14th October, at City Learning Centre, Eston, 5pm-7pm.
Catholic provision in Redcar and Cleveland: Wednesday 30th September, at James Finegan Hall, Eston, 4pm-6pm and Wednesday 21st October, at Sacred Heart RC School, Redcar, 5pm-7pm.
An Academy at Freebrough: Wednesday 7th October, at Freebrough Specialist Engineering College, Brotton, 5pm-7pm.
The full consultation document is available on the Council's website www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk, follow the link from the homepage.
Ian Swales pledges to “do his bit” for British Armed Forces
Ian Swales pledges to “do his bit” for British Armed Forces
Ian Swales, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Redcar, has pledged to do his bit for the British Armed Forces family.
Ian Swales met with representatives from The Royal British Legion at the recent Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth where he was presented with a copy of the Legion’s manifesto for the next general election.
The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It encourages MPs and parliamentary candidates to “do their bit” for Service Personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants.
Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s Head of Public Affairs, said, “We’re really grateful to Ian Swales for making the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. Our message to every candidate standing at the general election is very simple: ‘It’s time to do your bit’.
“The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties,” he added. “Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration”.
Ian Swales said, “I was delighted to meet with The Royal British Legion. They have an important role to play in highlighting the needs of the whole Armed Forces family. I have pledged to do my bit and would encourage everyone to do the same by visiting the general election manifesto website – www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk - to find out more.”
Ian Swales, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Redcar, has pledged to do his bit for the British Armed Forces family.
Ian Swales met with representatives from The Royal British Legion at the recent Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth where he was presented with a copy of the Legion’s manifesto for the next general election.
The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It encourages MPs and parliamentary candidates to “do their bit” for Service Personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants.
Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s Head of Public Affairs, said, “We’re really grateful to Ian Swales for making the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. Our message to every candidate standing at the general election is very simple: ‘It’s time to do your bit’.
“The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties,” he added. “Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration”.
Ian Swales said, “I was delighted to meet with The Royal British Legion. They have an important role to play in highlighting the needs of the whole Armed Forces family. I have pledged to do my bit and would encourage everyone to do the same by visiting the general election manifesto website – www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk - to find out more.”
TAMIFLU SHOCK
RESIDENTS LET DOWN BY SWINE FLU ARRANGEMENTS
Residents in Redcar and Cleveland are being let down by the swine flu arrangements.
Those needing Tamiflu are expected to go to either Stockton or Whitby to pick up the drug.
Liberal Democrat prospective MP for Redcar has personal experience. He said: “I had some flu symptons and rang the help line. After a long pre-recorded introduction I was put through to two of the staff arguing between themselves and they couldn't hear me. Eventually I got through and was given all the help I needed. However I was amazed to be told that I had to nominate a "buddy" to go all the way to Teesdale in Stockton to pick up the Tamiflu. The pharmacy is only open between 2pm and 6pm. The nearest public transport is at Thornaby railway station which is over 10 minutes walk away for a fit person.
"Many residents will have problems with these arrangements especially those who are elderly or infirm. Not everyone knows someone who could spend most of an afternoon travelling to Stockton and back.
"It's unbelievable that Redcar and Cleveland Primary Care Trust has not provided a single pick up point.”
Residents in Redcar and Cleveland are being let down by the swine flu arrangements.
Those needing Tamiflu are expected to go to either Stockton or Whitby to pick up the drug.
Liberal Democrat prospective MP for Redcar has personal experience. He said: “I had some flu symptons and rang the help line. After a long pre-recorded introduction I was put through to two of the staff arguing between themselves and they couldn't hear me. Eventually I got through and was given all the help I needed. However I was amazed to be told that I had to nominate a "buddy" to go all the way to Teesdale in Stockton to pick up the Tamiflu. The pharmacy is only open between 2pm and 6pm. The nearest public transport is at Thornaby railway station which is over 10 minutes walk away for a fit person.
"Many residents will have problems with these arrangements especially those who are elderly or infirm. Not everyone knows someone who could spend most of an afternoon travelling to Stockton and back.
"It's unbelievable that Redcar and Cleveland Primary Care Trust has not provided a single pick up point.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)