Thursday, April 27, 2006
In addition to a busy week spent carrying out routine parliamentary duties and campaigining around Tooting, there have been a variety of exciting events in Tooting that I have attended.
Tuesday was the first official day of Parliament's return after the short Easter recess. I attended the launch of the Disability Rights Commission: Launch of the Transport Code of Practice (for more information please visit their website. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2001 gave the Government power to lift the provisions of the original DDA exempting transport providers from duties under Part 3 of the DDA relating to the provisions of a vehicle. The Government has published regulations to use these powers.
The DRC has published a Supplementary Code to explain what the new duties will mean for operators of various modes of transport and disabled people who face barriers when travelling.
In the afternoon I joined the Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt MP to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 2nd reading of the NHS Bill that established the NHS under the post-war Attlee Labour government. Please click here for my press release and here for a photo.
On Wednesday I attended the inaugural meeting on the All Party Group on Citizens Advice (the CAB's website is here). I was pleased that my nomination for Chair, Vera Baird QC MP was successful. Margaret Hodge MP, Minister for Work, addressed the meeting. Representatives of CABs around the country summarised some of their concerns around disability and incapacity benefit; medical assessment and decision making; problems with the Personal Capability Assessment as well as other matters. I know from my own experience as MP for Tooting for one year and Councillor for twelve years what a fantastic job the CABs in Wandsworth do despite the savage cuts made by the Tory council over the years.
After Prime Minister's Questions I was a panellist on the Radio 5 Live Simon Mayo show with Tim Yeo MP and Julia Goldsworthy MP.
I also attended a meeting with representatives of the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone's Office and GLA Member Murad Qureshi to discuss underachievement of Muslim London Children in our schools. There are a number of initiatives in the pipeline to address this.
The Public Accounts Committee (of which I am a member) examined Prisoner Diet and Exercise. Although this may seem like a trivial matter when one considers the list of priorities facing our prisons, it is obvious that the diet and exercise regime prisoners endure can have huge implications on a wide range of other issues.
On Thursday morning I attended the re-opening of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) shop on Balham High Road, with the Deputy Mayor Councillor Del Hossain (For more information on the work of the BHF, please visit their website.)BHF shops provide huge income streams to the charity and the role volunteers play is truly awesome. I provided the quote below to the local press:
"This shop has raised more than half a million pounds in sales over the last 5 years. The 10 day refurbishment of the shop means that the shop goes from strength to strength and can continue to sell excellent merchandise at affordable prices and raise funds for such an important and worthy cause. It was fantastic to meet so many local volunteers who do so much for BHF. The British Heart Foundation shop has now become a welcome and permanent feature in Balham. I am pleased to announce that I shall be taking part in the London to Brighton bike ride this year to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation."
In the evening I attended the inaugural event organised by the new Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA). The fundraising event was to raise money for the victims of the Asian Earthquake and for local community initiatives.
BATCA was established in January 2006 with the aim of fostering closer relations between all sections of the local community by holding social and welfare functions, supporting the work of industrial stakeholders, dealing with community issues and working together to raise money for international humanitarian causes.
Further information about BATCA can be obtained via e-mail from secretary@batca.org.
Friday night saw the tragic murder of Hayder Ali and Mohammad Ali in the heart of Tooting. Many readers will know about the horrific incident from media reports. At this early stage it is not worth speculating too much about the incident. I provided the quote below to the local press:
"The events of Friday night are a huge shock to the entire local community.
The night before the fatal stabbings I was with hundreds of local residents
at the town hall celebrating the wonderful atmosphere we have in Tooting.
The mayor was also present at the inaugural Balham and Tooting Community
Association Event. We must not let this one tragic event disrupt all that
is good. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family. I would ask
anyone who has any information to please come forward."
I have been working with local residents, community groups and the police. Events are moving very fast and on this particular topic it may not be appropriate to give regular updates via the blog. Local residents are understandably very concerned not just about the serious incident but also reports in the media about the police response. These are some of the issues I continue to raise with the appropriate authorities.
On Sunday London hosted its annual marathon. I would like to congratulate all Tooting residents who completed the course and have helped raise literally thousands of pounds for charity.
Sadiq
Tuesday was the first official day of Parliament's return after the short Easter recess. I attended the launch of the Disability Rights Commission: Launch of the Transport Code of Practice (for more information please visit their website. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2001 gave the Government power to lift the provisions of the original DDA exempting transport providers from duties under Part 3 of the DDA relating to the provisions of a vehicle. The Government has published regulations to use these powers.
The DRC has published a Supplementary Code to explain what the new duties will mean for operators of various modes of transport and disabled people who face barriers when travelling.
In the afternoon I joined the Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt MP to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 2nd reading of the NHS Bill that established the NHS under the post-war Attlee Labour government. Please click here for my press release and here for a photo.
On Wednesday I attended the inaugural meeting on the All Party Group on Citizens Advice (the CAB's website is here). I was pleased that my nomination for Chair, Vera Baird QC MP was successful. Margaret Hodge MP, Minister for Work, addressed the meeting. Representatives of CABs around the country summarised some of their concerns around disability and incapacity benefit; medical assessment and decision making; problems with the Personal Capability Assessment as well as other matters. I know from my own experience as MP for Tooting for one year and Councillor for twelve years what a fantastic job the CABs in Wandsworth do despite the savage cuts made by the Tory council over the years.
After Prime Minister's Questions I was a panellist on the Radio 5 Live Simon Mayo show with Tim Yeo MP and Julia Goldsworthy MP.
I also attended a meeting with representatives of the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone's Office and GLA Member Murad Qureshi to discuss underachievement of Muslim London Children in our schools. There are a number of initiatives in the pipeline to address this.
The Public Accounts Committee (of which I am a member) examined Prisoner Diet and Exercise. Although this may seem like a trivial matter when one considers the list of priorities facing our prisons, it is obvious that the diet and exercise regime prisoners endure can have huge implications on a wide range of other issues.
On Thursday morning I attended the re-opening of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) shop on Balham High Road, with the Deputy Mayor Councillor Del Hossain (For more information on the work of the BHF, please visit their website.)BHF shops provide huge income streams to the charity and the role volunteers play is truly awesome. I provided the quote below to the local press:
"This shop has raised more than half a million pounds in sales over the last 5 years. The 10 day refurbishment of the shop means that the shop goes from strength to strength and can continue to sell excellent merchandise at affordable prices and raise funds for such an important and worthy cause. It was fantastic to meet so many local volunteers who do so much for BHF. The British Heart Foundation shop has now become a welcome and permanent feature in Balham. I am pleased to announce that I shall be taking part in the London to Brighton bike ride this year to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation."
In the evening I attended the inaugural event organised by the new Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA). The fundraising event was to raise money for the victims of the Asian Earthquake and for local community initiatives.
BATCA was established in January 2006 with the aim of fostering closer relations between all sections of the local community by holding social and welfare functions, supporting the work of industrial stakeholders, dealing with community issues and working together to raise money for international humanitarian causes.
Further information about BATCA can be obtained via e-mail from secretary@batca.org.
Friday night saw the tragic murder of Hayder Ali and Mohammad Ali in the heart of Tooting. Many readers will know about the horrific incident from media reports. At this early stage it is not worth speculating too much about the incident. I provided the quote below to the local press:
"The events of Friday night are a huge shock to the entire local community.
The night before the fatal stabbings I was with hundreds of local residents
at the town hall celebrating the wonderful atmosphere we have in Tooting.
The mayor was also present at the inaugural Balham and Tooting Community
Association Event. We must not let this one tragic event disrupt all that
is good. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family. I would ask
anyone who has any information to please come forward."
I have been working with local residents, community groups and the police. Events are moving very fast and on this particular topic it may not be appropriate to give regular updates via the blog. Local residents are understandably very concerned not just about the serious incident but also reports in the media about the police response. These are some of the issues I continue to raise with the appropriate authorities.
On Sunday London hosted its annual marathon. I would like to congratulate all Tooting residents who completed the course and have helped raise literally thousands of pounds for charity.
Sadiq
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Over the last two weeks Parliament has had its Easter recess. Many MPs have used the time like I have, campaigning in our constituencies and visiting local organisations.
Last week I visited the Sivayogam Temple on Upper Tooting Road and met religious leaders and members of its congregation. It was also the Tamil New Year and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Tooting Tamils a Happy New Year.
I also visited the White Pigeon charity on Tooting High Street (for details of their work please visit their website. The charity does amazing work in Sri Lanka but is very concerned about the kidnapping of local aid workers in Sri Lanka. I have made representations on their behalf to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and received assurances that the British High Commission has raised this issue with the Sri Lankan authorities.
The Wandsworth Pensioners Forum had their AGM last week. I made a short speech then answered questions from members. The Wandsworth Pensioners Forum do a great job representing the interests of local pensioners, lobbying key agencies and offer fantastic facilities for the senior citizens of Tooting and Wandsworth. One of the things members discussed was how they liked to be referred to: pensioners/senior citizens/OAPs/elders etc. I made the point that although, of course, it was important to determine how to most appropriately refer to our older citizens, it was more important to ensure they are well treated. The theme of my short speech was "dignity." I also had a meeting with a senior representative of the EAGA partnership about my local campaign to encourage our older citizens to take advantage of the support towards home insulation installation under the Warm Front Scheme.
The Wandsworth Carers Centre recently received the great news that they were successful in being awarded money from the Big Lottery Fund for the continuation of the Asian Development Project. This means that the future of the project has been assured for a further three years. I joined the celebrations with both service users and staff. Please click here for the photo and here for the press release.
Sadiq
Last week I visited the Sivayogam Temple on Upper Tooting Road and met religious leaders and members of its congregation. It was also the Tamil New Year and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Tooting Tamils a Happy New Year.
I also visited the White Pigeon charity on Tooting High Street (for details of their work please visit their website. The charity does amazing work in Sri Lanka but is very concerned about the kidnapping of local aid workers in Sri Lanka. I have made representations on their behalf to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and received assurances that the British High Commission has raised this issue with the Sri Lankan authorities.
The Wandsworth Pensioners Forum had their AGM last week. I made a short speech then answered questions from members. The Wandsworth Pensioners Forum do a great job representing the interests of local pensioners, lobbying key agencies and offer fantastic facilities for the senior citizens of Tooting and Wandsworth. One of the things members discussed was how they liked to be referred to: pensioners/senior citizens/OAPs/elders etc. I made the point that although, of course, it was important to determine how to most appropriately refer to our older citizens, it was more important to ensure they are well treated. The theme of my short speech was "dignity." I also had a meeting with a senior representative of the EAGA partnership about my local campaign to encourage our older citizens to take advantage of the support towards home insulation installation under the Warm Front Scheme.
The Wandsworth Carers Centre recently received the great news that they were successful in being awarded money from the Big Lottery Fund for the continuation of the Asian Development Project. This means that the future of the project has been assured for a further three years. I joined the celebrations with both service users and staff. Please click here for the photo and here for the press release.
Sadiq
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
