MP accuses Government of wasting tax payers’ money
Yesterday in the House of Commons during Agriculture Questions, John Baron MP pressed the Government over its mishandling of late payments to farmers through the Rural Payments Agency and the subsequent fines it received from the EU.
John said:
“It is a scandal that the latest EU fines for late payments by the Rural Payments Agency now brings the total up to £90 million. Does the Minister agree this money would be better spent ensuring fair competition for our farmers, particularly when it comes to imports?”
The Minister responded by suggesting that the RPA was getting its act together and hopefully this would mean fewer EU fines.
John said afterwards:
“The EU Agriculture Commissioner has claimed the fines exist to stop Governments wasting money. The £90 million wasted in fines is a national disgrace, and could have been better used assisting our hard pressed farmers.”
Sunday 28 March 2010
John Baron MP wins support of Scottish & Southern Energy for cheapest tariff plans
MP praises company in cross-party EDM 1166
John Baron MP has today thanked Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) for their support in his long-running campaign on the provision of cheapest tariff information, and praised their plans to go above and beyond current Government requirements. He has tabled cross-party Early Day Motion (EDM) 1166 highlighting this breakthrough.
John has been campaigning to oblige energy companies to inform their customers on every energy bill how their current tariff compared to that company’s standard direct debit tariff, which is usually the energy company’s cheapest – barring limited offers for online users. The Government has recently compromised and proposed that companies will be obliged to publish this information on annual statements, but this can discriminate against active switchers who may never receive such a statement. However, SSE are going further than this by proposing to put this information on every bill once a customer has been with them for 12 months.
John said:
“Congratulations to SSE for breaking ranks with other energy companies, and printing its standard direct debit tariff on all bills to help its customers get the best deal. The Government’s suggestion that energy companies should only print such information on an annual statement discriminates against active switchers who may never get the statement.
“We must do everything we can to help the 4 million households who live in fuel poverty. 4,000 different tariffs from the energy companies does not help, which is why this move by SSE is so important.”
“The Government should now follow SSE’s lead and oblige all energy companies to do the same. It’s time for change.”
John Baron MP has today thanked Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) for their support in his long-running campaign on the provision of cheapest tariff information, and praised their plans to go above and beyond current Government requirements. He has tabled cross-party Early Day Motion (EDM) 1166 highlighting this breakthrough.
John has been campaigning to oblige energy companies to inform their customers on every energy bill how their current tariff compared to that company’s standard direct debit tariff, which is usually the energy company’s cheapest – barring limited offers for online users. The Government has recently compromised and proposed that companies will be obliged to publish this information on annual statements, but this can discriminate against active switchers who may never receive such a statement. However, SSE are going further than this by proposing to put this information on every bill once a customer has been with them for 12 months.
John said:
“Congratulations to SSE for breaking ranks with other energy companies, and printing its standard direct debit tariff on all bills to help its customers get the best deal. The Government’s suggestion that energy companies should only print such information on an annual statement discriminates against active switchers who may never get the statement.
“We must do everything we can to help the 4 million households who live in fuel poverty. 4,000 different tariffs from the energy companies does not help, which is why this move by SSE is so important.”
“The Government should now follow SSE’s lead and oblige all energy companies to do the same. It’s time for change.”
Thursday 25 March 2010
John Baron MP: Army training was no match for Budget
MP presses Government over freezing of personal allowances
Today in Business Questions in the House of Commons, John Baron MP pressed the Leader of the House, the Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman MP, over the Budget’s impact on the lowest paid. This followed Quentin Letts’ observation about the impact of the Budget on John yesterday.
John asked:
“Government spin apart, does the Leader of the House accept that the freezing of personal allowances hits the lowest paid the hardest?”
She responded without answering the question.
John said afterwards:
“Quentin Letts is right to suggest I was locked in ‘lifeless paralysis’ during the Budget yesterday. Despite rigorous Army training to keep me alert under all conditions, the Budget proved too much.”
“Talking about very little for an hour without coming up with credible plans to deal with the debt or boost growth had shades of Nero about it.”
“The Chancellor even omitted to tell us about the single biggest tax increase in the Budget, which was the freezing of personal allowances. This will hit millions of people but especially the lowest paid – hardly a future fair for all.”
Today in Business Questions in the House of Commons, John Baron MP pressed the Leader of the House, the Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman MP, over the Budget’s impact on the lowest paid. This followed Quentin Letts’ observation about the impact of the Budget on John yesterday.
John asked:
“Government spin apart, does the Leader of the House accept that the freezing of personal allowances hits the lowest paid the hardest?”
She responded without answering the question.
John said afterwards:
“Quentin Letts is right to suggest I was locked in ‘lifeless paralysis’ during the Budget yesterday. Despite rigorous Army training to keep me alert under all conditions, the Budget proved too much.”
“Talking about very little for an hour without coming up with credible plans to deal with the debt or boost growth had shades of Nero about it.”
“The Chancellor even omitted to tell us about the single biggest tax increase in the Budget, which was the freezing of personal allowances. This will hit millions of people but especially the lowest paid – hardly a future fair for all.”
Monday 22 March 2010
John Baron MP serves up a burger at McDonalds, Laindon
MP praises management and staff in this local success story
At the invitation of Gen Isikgun [Franchisee, McDonalds Restaurants Ltd], John Baron MP visited McDonalds, Laindon to meet the team and serve up some burgers.
John said:
“This is a great local success story, so congratulations to Gen and her team. They run five McDonalds across the area which employ 267 people, and do much to encourage apprenticeships and skill development.”
“They also give a lot back to the local community, such as being key drivers behind the Ronald McDonald House at Basildon Hospital which caters for parents of children undergoing treatment, for which they raised £5,000 from my annual Fun Walk.”
“McDonalds has always prided itself on its core values of good value, service and cleanliness, and the belief its people are its most valuable asset. But the business has changed over the last four years, with now a much greater emphasis on healthy eating.”
At the invitation of Gen Isikgun [Franchisee, McDonalds Restaurants Ltd], John Baron MP visited McDonalds, Laindon to meet the team and serve up some burgers.
John said:
“This is a great local success story, so congratulations to Gen and her team. They run five McDonalds across the area which employ 267 people, and do much to encourage apprenticeships and skill development.”
“They also give a lot back to the local community, such as being key drivers behind the Ronald McDonald House at Basildon Hospital which caters for parents of children undergoing treatment, for which they raised £5,000 from my annual Fun Walk.”
“McDonalds has always prided itself on its core values of good value, service and cleanliness, and the belief its people are its most valuable asset. But the business has changed over the last four years, with now a much greater emphasis on healthy eating.”
Sunday 21 March 2010
John Baron MP questions Secretary of State for Defence over Afghanistan troop density levels
MP says Britain compares badly to US
Today in the House of Commons John Baron MP questioned Bob Ainsworth, the Secretary of State for Defence, over troop density levels in Afghanistan.
John said:
“Troops alone will not be able to provide the solution in Afghanistan. But when it comes to counter-insurgency operations, troop density levels are important. In Helmand Province, 10,000 British troops will be responsible for two thirds of the population compared to 20,000 US troops covering one third of the population. If we are to succeed, does the Secretary of State not think this balance is out of kilter?”
The Secretary of State said in response that this balance was being reviewed at present, that there had been some improvement because Districts have been handed over to Afghan forces, but hinted that more still perhaps had to be done.
John said afterwards:
“Although I warned against our initial involvement in Afghanistan, we must ensure our troops are properly supported which I doubt given the population they have to cover compared to the Americans. This problem is made more difficult by the shortage of helicopters, and casualties will increase as a result.”
Today in the House of Commons John Baron MP questioned Bob Ainsworth, the Secretary of State for Defence, over troop density levels in Afghanistan.
John said:
“Troops alone will not be able to provide the solution in Afghanistan. But when it comes to counter-insurgency operations, troop density levels are important. In Helmand Province, 10,000 British troops will be responsible for two thirds of the population compared to 20,000 US troops covering one third of the population. If we are to succeed, does the Secretary of State not think this balance is out of kilter?”
The Secretary of State said in response that this balance was being reviewed at present, that there had been some improvement because Districts have been handed over to Afghan forces, but hinted that more still perhaps had to be done.
John said afterwards:
“Although I warned against our initial involvement in Afghanistan, we must ensure our troops are properly supported which I doubt given the population they have to cover compared to the Americans. This problem is made more difficult by the shortage of helicopters, and casualties will increase as a result.”
John Baron MP votes for Equitable Life compensation
MP presses Government on clear timetable to remedy injustice
John Baron MP last night voted in support of a Conservative motion to push the Government over its handling of the Equitable Life issue. The motion was strong in its condemnation of Government delays:
“That this House notes that the Ombudsman published her report on Equitable Life in July 2008, that the Government did not make its response until January 2009, and that its rejection of some of her findings was successfully challenged in the High Court; believes that the delays caused by the Government since the publication of the Ombudsman's report have led to further and unnecessary hardship for Equitable Life's policyholders and have done further damage to the UK's savings culture; and calls on the Government to set a clear timetable for implementing the Ombudsman's recommendations and remedying the injustice suffered by policyholders.”
Speaking afterwards John said:
“Equitable Life policyholders have been rightly angered by the Government’s shameful indifference and delay. Over a year has passed since Sir John Chadwick was appointed to design a compensation scheme and still policyholders wait for justice.
“Unfortunately we were defeated by the Government on this occasion, but my colleagues and I will continue to push for a clear timetable on compensation. We must not and will not give up on justice for policyholders.”
John Baron MP last night voted in support of a Conservative motion to push the Government over its handling of the Equitable Life issue. The motion was strong in its condemnation of Government delays:
“That this House notes that the Ombudsman published her report on Equitable Life in July 2008, that the Government did not make its response until January 2009, and that its rejection of some of her findings was successfully challenged in the High Court; believes that the delays caused by the Government since the publication of the Ombudsman's report have led to further and unnecessary hardship for Equitable Life's policyholders and have done further damage to the UK's savings culture; and calls on the Government to set a clear timetable for implementing the Ombudsman's recommendations and remedying the injustice suffered by policyholders.”
Speaking afterwards John said:
“Equitable Life policyholders have been rightly angered by the Government’s shameful indifference and delay. Over a year has passed since Sir John Chadwick was appointed to design a compensation scheme and still policyholders wait for justice.
“Unfortunately we were defeated by the Government on this occasion, but my colleagues and I will continue to push for a clear timetable on compensation. We must not and will not give up on justice for policyholders.”
John Baron MP welcomes Government U-turn on poodle tax
MP: Shambolic policy is evidence of a Government begging for scraps
John Baron MP has today welcomed the Government’s U-turn on recently-announced plans to force all families across the country to pay a compulsory levy to own a dog. This would have applied to all dogs – including poodles and chihuahuas.
The policy would have compelled all dog owners to pay for third party insurance to be allowed to own their own dog. Families would face “penalties” – fines or criminal sanctions – for breaching this requirement.
John said:
“I am delighted that the Government has seen sense and buried this terrible policy. It was supposed to tackle the problem of dangerous dogs, but in reality it would have had no impact beyond forcing millions of ordinary families to pay yet another tax. Those who own dogs for fighting or intimidation, are hardly going to comply with such a law.
“We need tougher laws against the growing problem of dangerous dogs, but it was a sledgehammer to crack a nut to impose a dog tax on a poodle. This is yet more evidence of a shambolic Government not thinking policies through, this time with just a week between announcement and U-turn. Gordon Brown is once again barking up the wrong tree.”
John Baron MP has today welcomed the Government’s U-turn on recently-announced plans to force all families across the country to pay a compulsory levy to own a dog. This would have applied to all dogs – including poodles and chihuahuas.
The policy would have compelled all dog owners to pay for third party insurance to be allowed to own their own dog. Families would face “penalties” – fines or criminal sanctions – for breaching this requirement.
John said:
“I am delighted that the Government has seen sense and buried this terrible policy. It was supposed to tackle the problem of dangerous dogs, but in reality it would have had no impact beyond forcing millions of ordinary families to pay yet another tax. Those who own dogs for fighting or intimidation, are hardly going to comply with such a law.
“We need tougher laws against the growing problem of dangerous dogs, but it was a sledgehammer to crack a nut to impose a dog tax on a poodle. This is yet more evidence of a shambolic Government not thinking policies through, this time with just a week between announcement and U-turn. Gordon Brown is once again barking up the wrong tree.”
John Baron MP slams Government denials about rise in violent crime
MP highlights new research showing violent crime has risen by 44% under Labour
John Baron MP has highlighted new independent figures which show violent crime has risen by 44% since Labour came to power, despite Government claims that changes to the way crime is measured makes it difficult to compare statistics. A recent analysis by independent researchers at the House of Commons Library has revealed that violent crime rose from 618,417 offences in 1998 to 887,942 offences last year.
The Government changed the method of recording violent crime in 2002. Ministers have insisted that it was impossible to assess Labour’s record on violent crime because of this change. The new research shows for the first time what the violent crime figures would have been if the new counting method had been in place since 1998.
John said:
“These independent findings make a mockery of Government spin that violent crime has dropped. They can no longer hide behind their claim that changes in method prevent a coherent analysis of their record, and must now face the facts – we have deep-seated problems that have to be tackled.”
“This new analysis fits in with what many ordinary people have been feeling, that violent crime is getting worse and the Government is failing to deal with it.”
“We can’t go on like this. We need new policies that will really get to grips with violent crime, including getting more police onto the streets and giving them more power to tackle violent and antisocial behaviour.”
John Baron MP has highlighted new independent figures which show violent crime has risen by 44% since Labour came to power, despite Government claims that changes to the way crime is measured makes it difficult to compare statistics. A recent analysis by independent researchers at the House of Commons Library has revealed that violent crime rose from 618,417 offences in 1998 to 887,942 offences last year.
The Government changed the method of recording violent crime in 2002. Ministers have insisted that it was impossible to assess Labour’s record on violent crime because of this change. The new research shows for the first time what the violent crime figures would have been if the new counting method had been in place since 1998.
John said:
“These independent findings make a mockery of Government spin that violent crime has dropped. They can no longer hide behind their claim that changes in method prevent a coherent analysis of their record, and must now face the facts – we have deep-seated problems that have to be tackled.”
“This new analysis fits in with what many ordinary people have been feeling, that violent crime is getting worse and the Government is failing to deal with it.”
“We can’t go on like this. We need new policies that will really get to grips with violent crime, including getting more police onto the streets and giving them more power to tackle violent and antisocial behaviour.”
John Baron MP urges Prime Minister’s statement over defence spending
MP presses Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman MP in Commons over need for an apology
Today in the House of Commons during Business Questions, John Baron MP pressed the Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman MP, Leader of the House, over the Prime Minister’s admission yesterday that there had been real term cuts to defence spending during this Labour Government – despite previous denials to the contrary. The Prime Minister refused to apologise. John has been pressing the Government over equipment shortages for our troops in theatre for a number of years.
John said:
“Given the Prime Minister told the Chilcot Inquiry the military was given all it wanted and defence spending rose in real terms year on year, and that we now know this is not true and there were cuts and troops suffered as a result particularly from the lack of helicopters, will the Leader of the House now make time for the Prime Minister to come to this place to make a statement to apologise and explain his actions, for he owes it to our troops?”
Harriet Harman MP said the Prime Minister was not going to add anything more to what he said yesterday, and this was not well received by the House.
John added afterwards:
“This issue is important and will not go away. The majority of our casualties in Afghanistan have been through roadside bombs. Too many troops have been transported by vehicles when helicopters should have been used. When I served in Crossmaglen, Northern Ireland we almost always used helicopters.”
“The Prime Minister’s credibility over defence spending has gone up in smoke following his admission yesterday. The very least he can now do is come back to the House, account for his actions and apologise. It is the very least he can do for our troops and their families.”
Today in the House of Commons during Business Questions, John Baron MP pressed the Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman MP, Leader of the House, over the Prime Minister’s admission yesterday that there had been real term cuts to defence spending during this Labour Government – despite previous denials to the contrary. The Prime Minister refused to apologise. John has been pressing the Government over equipment shortages for our troops in theatre for a number of years.
John said:
“Given the Prime Minister told the Chilcot Inquiry the military was given all it wanted and defence spending rose in real terms year on year, and that we now know this is not true and there were cuts and troops suffered as a result particularly from the lack of helicopters, will the Leader of the House now make time for the Prime Minister to come to this place to make a statement to apologise and explain his actions, for he owes it to our troops?”
Harriet Harman MP said the Prime Minister was not going to add anything more to what he said yesterday, and this was not well received by the House.
John added afterwards:
“This issue is important and will not go away. The majority of our casualties in Afghanistan have been through roadside bombs. Too many troops have been transported by vehicles when helicopters should have been used. When I served in Crossmaglen, Northern Ireland we almost always used helicopters.”
“The Prime Minister’s credibility over defence spending has gone up in smoke following his admission yesterday. The very least he can now do is come back to the House, account for his actions and apologise. It is the very least he can do for our troops and their families.”
Sunday 14 March 2010
John Baron MP: Botched care plans could add £26 to council tax bills
MP warns Gordon Brown could make local taxpayers pay the price for personal care changes
John Baron MP today warned of a Government plan to leave Basildon Council with a massive bill to pay for new social care plans. Analysis has revealed that Gordon Brown’s unfunded plans for free personal care at home could put £26 a year on the average council tax bill, on top of other local pressures. This is due to an estimated £580 million black hole left by the government.
• Senior councillors in Essex have warned that Gordon Brown’s plans “are unclear, unfunded and are likely to have a significant impact on existing local services, including possible cuts and rises in council tax”.
• Town hall experts at the Local Government Association have added that “this is clearly a new burden” on councils, while Social Services directors from across the country have asserted that Gordon Brown has “significantly underestimated the true costs involved.”
• On top of the council tax hike, there is also the threat of an additional £20,000 “death tax” by Gordon Brown to pay for new National Care Service proposals.
John said:
“Labour’s plans to extend free personal care and to introduce a National Care Service are in chaos. Labour ministers in Whitehall are considering levying a compulsory death tax of up to £20,000 on every person in England, and now it looks like they’ll put another £26 a year on Basildon’s council tax. Gordon Brown needs to come clean about who will pay the price for his plans.”
“Everybody wants to give older people more support in their old age, especially the most vulnerable. That is why Conservatives will introduce a voluntary Home Protection Scheme to allow people – for a one off £8,000 payment – to make sure they never have to sell their home to pay for residential care.”
John Baron MP today warned of a Government plan to leave Basildon Council with a massive bill to pay for new social care plans. Analysis has revealed that Gordon Brown’s unfunded plans for free personal care at home could put £26 a year on the average council tax bill, on top of other local pressures. This is due to an estimated £580 million black hole left by the government.
• Senior councillors in Essex have warned that Gordon Brown’s plans “are unclear, unfunded and are likely to have a significant impact on existing local services, including possible cuts and rises in council tax”.
• Town hall experts at the Local Government Association have added that “this is clearly a new burden” on councils, while Social Services directors from across the country have asserted that Gordon Brown has “significantly underestimated the true costs involved.”
• On top of the council tax hike, there is also the threat of an additional £20,000 “death tax” by Gordon Brown to pay for new National Care Service proposals.
John said:
“Labour’s plans to extend free personal care and to introduce a National Care Service are in chaos. Labour ministers in Whitehall are considering levying a compulsory death tax of up to £20,000 on every person in England, and now it looks like they’ll put another £26 a year on Basildon’s council tax. Gordon Brown needs to come clean about who will pay the price for his plans.”
“Everybody wants to give older people more support in their old age, especially the most vulnerable. That is why Conservatives will introduce a voluntary Home Protection Scheme to allow people – for a one off £8,000 payment – to make sure they never have to sell their home to pay for residential care.”
John Baron MP visits Sporting Village
MP congratulates Basildon Council and Morgan Ashurst on construction of this ‘community jewel’
John Baron MP has visited the construction site of the new Sporting Village at Gloucester Park, Basildon. He was accompanied by Cllr Kevin Blake [Cabinet Member for Leisure and the Arts] and Cllr Richard Moore, and during the visit he met with the Morgan Ashurst team led by Charles Norris and the architect. Afterwards he was taken on a tour of the site.
John said:
“This will be a fantastic sporting venue and a real community jewel. Amongst its many facilities, it will include one of the few 50m pools in the country which can be split into two 25m pools, a huge gymnastic arena, and state of the art five-a-side outdoor pitches.”
“The aim is that this will be a superb sporting venue for everyone - from elite athletes down to casual users. To ensure this, prices will be capped by the Council for all the major sporting activities.”
“Basildon Council and Morgan Ashurst are to be congratulated. The Sporting Village will open in April 2011 on time and on budget. It’s also a boost to the local economy with many local companies being used in its construction.”
John Baron MP has visited the construction site of the new Sporting Village at Gloucester Park, Basildon. He was accompanied by Cllr Kevin Blake [Cabinet Member for Leisure and the Arts] and Cllr Richard Moore, and during the visit he met with the Morgan Ashurst team led by Charles Norris and the architect. Afterwards he was taken on a tour of the site.
John said:
“This will be a fantastic sporting venue and a real community jewel. Amongst its many facilities, it will include one of the few 50m pools in the country which can be split into two 25m pools, a huge gymnastic arena, and state of the art five-a-side outdoor pitches.”
“The aim is that this will be a superb sporting venue for everyone - from elite athletes down to casual users. To ensure this, prices will be capped by the Council for all the major sporting activities.”
“Basildon Council and Morgan Ashurst are to be congratulated. The Sporting Village will open in April 2011 on time and on budget. It’s also a boost to the local economy with many local companies being used in its construction.”
John Baron MP presses Secretary of State for Defence over veterans’ mental health issues
MP stresses need for more help
Yesterday in a Defence debate in the House of Commons, John Baron MP questioned the Secretary of State for Defence as to whether enough was being done to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Last month the Centre for Suicide Prevention at Manchester University found that veterans are at an increased risk of suicide.
John said:
“Various studies have shown that veterans are at an increased risk of suicide. What is the Government doing to help the rising number of cases of PTSD resulting from recent operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan? The Royal British Legion certainly believes that not enough is being done to reach out to these veterans.”
The Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Bob Ainsworth MP, assured the House of Commons that the Government was doing enough.
John said afterwards:
“The Royal British Legion has found that at least 70% of GPs know nothing about the availability of military mental health programmes. More needs to be done by the Government to assist those veterans who need help.”
Yesterday in a Defence debate in the House of Commons, John Baron MP questioned the Secretary of State for Defence as to whether enough was being done to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Last month the Centre for Suicide Prevention at Manchester University found that veterans are at an increased risk of suicide.
John said:
“Various studies have shown that veterans are at an increased risk of suicide. What is the Government doing to help the rising number of cases of PTSD resulting from recent operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan? The Royal British Legion certainly believes that not enough is being done to reach out to these veterans.”
The Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Bob Ainsworth MP, assured the House of Commons that the Government was doing enough.
John said afterwards:
“The Royal British Legion has found that at least 70% of GPs know nothing about the availability of military mental health programmes. More needs to be done by the Government to assist those veterans who need help.”
John Baron MP presses Minister over lack of bank lending
MP says to many small businesses in Essex are suffering
Today in the House of Commons during Business and Skills Questions, John Baron MP pressed the Government Minister responsible, Ian Lucas MP, as to why the Government was failing to ensure banks lent to small businesses across Essex.
John said:
“Despite Government assurances to the contrary, all the evidence on the ground in Essex shows too many small businesses are still not able to secure credit from their banks or have had their credit conditions tightened. Why is the Government incapable of putting this right, particularly as it is a major shareholder in some of the banks concerned.”
Ian Lucas MP responded by saying the Government was doing all it could.
John said afterwards:
“The Government is failing small businesses at the moment. A new Institute of Directors Survey shows than nearly 60% of businesses seeking bank finance during the last year were rejected by their bank. The Government needs to use its leverage as a major shareholder in many of these banks to get credit flowing again.”
Today in the House of Commons during Business and Skills Questions, John Baron MP pressed the Government Minister responsible, Ian Lucas MP, as to why the Government was failing to ensure banks lent to small businesses across Essex.
John said:
“Despite Government assurances to the contrary, all the evidence on the ground in Essex shows too many small businesses are still not able to secure credit from their banks or have had their credit conditions tightened. Why is the Government incapable of putting this right, particularly as it is a major shareholder in some of the banks concerned.”
Ian Lucas MP responded by saying the Government was doing all it could.
John said afterwards:
“The Government is failing small businesses at the moment. A new Institute of Directors Survey shows than nearly 60% of businesses seeking bank finance during the last year were rejected by their bank. The Government needs to use its leverage as a major shareholder in many of these banks to get credit flowing again.”
John Baron MP: figures show action needed to tackle abuse and violence in Essex schools
MP concerned that 90 children expelled and 5360 suspended in local schools
John Baron MP today expressed concern as official Government figures have revealed that across Essex there were 90 expulsions for assaults and abuse and 5360 suspensions – equivalent to 29 exclusions for each school day, in the last recorded year, which is higher than any other county in Eastern England.
Since 1997, Labour Government rules have deliberately made it more difficult for schools to expel pupils. This undermines the authority of head teachers and means that bullies and disruptive children end up back at the same school as their victims. Labour Ministers have also hindered teachers on ‘human rights’ grounds from searching and confiscating items which might cause violence or disruption in schools.
Conservatives are pledging to give teachers new powers to tackle violence, to introduce home-school contracts to improve behaviour, and to reform the flawed exclusions process which undermines head teachers.
John said:
“Despite the hard work of our teachers, it is clear that we have a serious problem with discipline in our schools. Unless there is good discipline, pupils can’t learn and teachers can’t teach. The children who suffer most are the poorest and the country as a whole loses out when teachers’ authority is undermined.
“A Conservative Government will raise standards in schools, giving teachers in Essex the power to restore discipline. We will encourage responsibility and back those who do the right thing.”
John Baron MP today expressed concern as official Government figures have revealed that across Essex there were 90 expulsions for assaults and abuse and 5360 suspensions – equivalent to 29 exclusions for each school day, in the last recorded year, which is higher than any other county in Eastern England.
Since 1997, Labour Government rules have deliberately made it more difficult for schools to expel pupils. This undermines the authority of head teachers and means that bullies and disruptive children end up back at the same school as their victims. Labour Ministers have also hindered teachers on ‘human rights’ grounds from searching and confiscating items which might cause violence or disruption in schools.
Conservatives are pledging to give teachers new powers to tackle violence, to introduce home-school contracts to improve behaviour, and to reform the flawed exclusions process which undermines head teachers.
John said:
“Despite the hard work of our teachers, it is clear that we have a serious problem with discipline in our schools. Unless there is good discipline, pupils can’t learn and teachers can’t teach. The children who suffer most are the poorest and the country as a whole loses out when teachers’ authority is undermined.
“A Conservative Government will raise standards in schools, giving teachers in Essex the power to restore discipline. We will encourage responsibility and back those who do the right thing.”
John Baron MP attends Kidney Cancer reception
John Baron MP recently met with nurses, clinicians and patient representatives at an event in the House of Lords on 'Improving Outcomes for Kidney Cancer Patients'.
Shadow Health Minister Earl Howe hosted the event, and guests heard from Health Minister Ann Keen MP, Liberal Democrat Health spokesman Norman Lamb MP, Pat Hanlon from Kidney Cancer UK and Rose Woodward from the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer.
John's work in helping ensure cancer patients receive high quality and equitable care was acknowledged by a number of the speakers, particularly in his role as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer.
Speaking afterwards, John said:
“Kidney cancer is a relatively rare cancer, with between 7000 and 8000 people diagnosed in the UK each year. There have been reports of increasing incidence and mortality across the world, including the UK, but public awareness of kidney cancer remains low. In order to improve outcomes for patients, it is important for the condition to be diagnosed early and for patients to have access to a full range of treatment options.
“As Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer, I support efforts to raise awareness of kidney cancer and promote early diagnosis, and I will continue to campaign for equality and high standards in cancer care throughout the country.”
Shadow Health Minister Earl Howe hosted the event, and guests heard from Health Minister Ann Keen MP, Liberal Democrat Health spokesman Norman Lamb MP, Pat Hanlon from Kidney Cancer UK and Rose Woodward from the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer.
John's work in helping ensure cancer patients receive high quality and equitable care was acknowledged by a number of the speakers, particularly in his role as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer.
Speaking afterwards, John said:
“Kidney cancer is a relatively rare cancer, with between 7000 and 8000 people diagnosed in the UK each year. There have been reports of increasing incidence and mortality across the world, including the UK, but public awareness of kidney cancer remains low. In order to improve outcomes for patients, it is important for the condition to be diagnosed early and for patients to have access to a full range of treatment options.
“As Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer, I support efforts to raise awareness of kidney cancer and promote early diagnosis, and I will continue to campaign for equality and high standards in cancer care throughout the country.”
John Baron MP receives update on Basildon Hospital from Secretary of State
John Baron MP has received an update from Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Health, on the progress being made at Basildon Hospital following the recent Care Quality Commission report last November, which resulted in the subsequent intervention by independent regulator Monitor. John has met and spoken with the management several times, questioned the Secretary of State in the House of Commons, and met with the then Monitor Boss, Dr Bill Moyes, to assess progress. He has just received a further letter from Andy Burnham MP referring to a report from the new Monitor boss Chris Mellor.
John said:
“The Secretary of State says Basildon Hospital has responded to the specific concerns raised by the CQC. The taskforce sent in by Monitor is continuing to supervise the changes required, but gives encouraging reports on progress in tackling hygiene problems and reducing mortality rates.”
“I am confident that the hospital will continue to work with the taskforce to ensure patient safety and quality of care, and I know that the staff there are working very hard. I will continue to monitor progress closely.”
“Despite some of the headlines, we must not forget that there is a lot of good work taking place at the Hospital.”
John said:
“The Secretary of State says Basildon Hospital has responded to the specific concerns raised by the CQC. The taskforce sent in by Monitor is continuing to supervise the changes required, but gives encouraging reports on progress in tackling hygiene problems and reducing mortality rates.”
“I am confident that the hospital will continue to work with the taskforce to ensure patient safety and quality of care, and I know that the staff there are working very hard. I will continue to monitor progress closely.”
“Despite some of the headlines, we must not forget that there is a lot of good work taking place at the Hospital.”
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