Monday, April 03, 2006
On Monday I met with representatives from Arriva trains. The franchises for the train operating companies that look after Earlsfield Station and Wandsworth Common Station are shortly up for renewal. There are now 4 companies left on the shortlist and I think it is important for me to meet with them to discuss what they are proposing in terms of improving the stations. I will be lobbying to ensure that there are adequate provisions for transforming the poor access situation at Earlsfield station in the franchise bids.
In the afternoon, the Public Accounts Committee examined the restructuring of British Energy. British Energy was privatised in 1996. In September 2002, following a sustained deterioration in its financial position the company announced it had formally approached the DTI for financial assistance. In November 2002 the DTI agreed. Although it is privately owned, British Energy's nuclear liabilities and commercial performance will continue to have major implications for the taxpayer. I had some real concerns about the cost of restructuring, the Department's use of advisers, monitoring British Energy's performance and managing the risk arising from the nuclear liabilities. You can read my questions here.
In the evening I attended the Muslim News Awards for Excellence at the Grovesnor Hotel on Park Lane. I was one of the judges on the panel. The evening was extremely enjoyable in celebrating British Muslim success. Notable recipients of awards were Jon Snow of Channel 4 news (who won the media award) and Tooting's own Haroon Karim who has done so much hard work with Balham Mosque, Tooting Islamic centre and Gatton Primary school (who won an award for community development). Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw MP was the main guest speaker. More details on the Muslim News’ website.
On Tuesday, I went to a special event organised by the Smith Institute on progressive politics and globalisation. Bill Clinton and Gordon Brown were the key speakers. Bill Clinton spoke passionately about the global threats that face us over climate change and the importance of addressing the challenges.
On Wednesday I was pleased to be in the Chamber to support a Ten Minute Bill (Prevention of Scalding Injuries) moved by Mary Creagh MP, that I sponsored. The Bill calls for a change in the law so that thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) are fitted in all new and refurbished homes. The valves set bath tap water temperature to a maximum of 48 degrees Celsius. Similar legislation comes into force in Scotland in May, and already exists in some other countries. The Hot Water Burns Like Fire campaign was launched this week, and a photo of me with Amanda Redman (the actress who as a 10 year old suffered severe scalding) is here.
In the afternoon, I had a meeting with the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, to discuss how the Budget will help Tooting. The extra £585 million in the Budget for education will mean that money for Tooting primary schools will rise from £31,000 this year to £40,000, and from £98,000 this year to £185,000 for a typical secondary school. A picture from our meeting is jere.
On Thursday, I attended Treasury questions. Despite numerous attempts by me trying to catch the Deputy Speakers eye, I was not called. Important issues raised included the European Single Market; HIV/AIDS; illegal workers and charitable donations. You can read these here.
On Saturday, I had my regular advice surgery at Tooting Library.
The local election campaign is now well under way and I will be busy helping the local Labour candidates canvassing. Parliament is in recess until 18th April, but my offices are open as usual, apart from over the bank holiday weekend.
Sadiq
In the afternoon, the Public Accounts Committee examined the restructuring of British Energy. British Energy was privatised in 1996. In September 2002, following a sustained deterioration in its financial position the company announced it had formally approached the DTI for financial assistance. In November 2002 the DTI agreed. Although it is privately owned, British Energy's nuclear liabilities and commercial performance will continue to have major implications for the taxpayer. I had some real concerns about the cost of restructuring, the Department's use of advisers, monitoring British Energy's performance and managing the risk arising from the nuclear liabilities. You can read my questions here.
In the evening I attended the Muslim News Awards for Excellence at the Grovesnor Hotel on Park Lane. I was one of the judges on the panel. The evening was extremely enjoyable in celebrating British Muslim success. Notable recipients of awards were Jon Snow of Channel 4 news (who won the media award) and Tooting's own Haroon Karim who has done so much hard work with Balham Mosque, Tooting Islamic centre and Gatton Primary school (who won an award for community development). Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw MP was the main guest speaker. More details on the Muslim News’ website.
On Tuesday, I went to a special event organised by the Smith Institute on progressive politics and globalisation. Bill Clinton and Gordon Brown were the key speakers. Bill Clinton spoke passionately about the global threats that face us over climate change and the importance of addressing the challenges.
On Wednesday I was pleased to be in the Chamber to support a Ten Minute Bill (Prevention of Scalding Injuries) moved by Mary Creagh MP, that I sponsored. The Bill calls for a change in the law so that thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) are fitted in all new and refurbished homes. The valves set bath tap water temperature to a maximum of 48 degrees Celsius. Similar legislation comes into force in Scotland in May, and already exists in some other countries. The Hot Water Burns Like Fire campaign was launched this week, and a photo of me with Amanda Redman (the actress who as a 10 year old suffered severe scalding) is here.
In the afternoon, I had a meeting with the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, to discuss how the Budget will help Tooting. The extra £585 million in the Budget for education will mean that money for Tooting primary schools will rise from £31,000 this year to £40,000, and from £98,000 this year to £185,000 for a typical secondary school. A picture from our meeting is jere.
On Thursday, I attended Treasury questions. Despite numerous attempts by me trying to catch the Deputy Speakers eye, I was not called. Important issues raised included the European Single Market; HIV/AIDS; illegal workers and charitable donations. You can read these here.
On Saturday, I had my regular advice surgery at Tooting Library.
The local election campaign is now well under way and I will be busy helping the local Labour candidates canvassing. Parliament is in recess until 18th April, but my offices are open as usual, apart from over the bank holiday weekend.
Sadiq
