Wednesday, January 31, 2007
On Sunday, I spent the afternoon in Balham calling on local residents and listening to their priorities and concerns. The feedback from the doorstep was extremely positive. There was, however, a real anger at the Tory Council’s decision to make massive cuts to Battersea Art Centre, which could lead to it closing down, the threatened closure of Wandsworth Museum and cuts in Youth provision.
I am working with the Labour Group of Councillors, Martin Linton (MP for Battersea) and Wandsworth residents to try and make the Council think again. You can see the EDM I have sponsored with Martin by clicking HERE.
On Monday I held my walk in surgery at Balham Community Centre on Bedford Hill.
I then had a meeting in Parliament with a representative of RADAR, a national organisation run by disabled people for disabled people. The meeting was in reference to the accessibility of taxis for disabled people. Following this meeting I tabled an Early Day Motion entitled Transportation of Disabled Passengers – follow this link to read it. Within two days almost 50 MPs had signed it to show their support for my call to the Department for Transport to implement specific disability regulations, rather than adopting a voluntary code.
The Public Accounts Committee examined Sure Start Childrens Centres. The early years of a child's life can have a crucial impact on their future development. The birth of a child can also present parents with difficult decisions. Sure Start is a programme to help give the best start in life to every child by bringing together early education, childcare, health and family support. Children's centres are managed by local authorities. In Tooting we will be getting Childrens Centres in the very near future. £3.4 Billion is being invested by this Government to increase the number of Childrens centres to 3,500 by 2010. The evidence from the NAO was clear that Centres are providing a good service for children and making a huge positive impact on the children and parents who use them. A really useful discussion took place at the Committee; and a full transcript can be seen by clicking HERE.
On Tuesday I held a "Lets Talk" event where the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton MP came to the Furzedown Project in Tooting to have a coffee morning with 30 pensioners, local stakeholder groups and users of the Furzedown Project. The morning was really important as it gave pensioners the opportunity to discuss their concerns around pension reform, and for John to set out a full and comprehensive account of the background and context of the reform package. His honesty and candour was really appreciated by all who attended who were all really impressed by the fact that he addressed all the points they wanted to make. You can see some a picture of John taking questions from those in attendance click HERE
In the afternoon I met with Trade Union members, General Secretary of UNISON Dave Prentis and other MP's to discuss some of their concerns about Public Sector reform. The TUC public services lobby was called to highlight concerns that trade unionists have with the introduction of market mechanisms in the public services. The meeting was extremely useful and a number of the comments made will be passed on by me and other MP colleagues to the relevant Ministers.
On Wednesday I took part in the Adjournment Debate on Iraq and the Middle East. The debate was listed for the afternoon and there were a large number of MP's who wanted to take part in the Debate. Unfortunately, I was not able to make a substantial speech although I was able to ask the Foreign Secretary for reassurance about our policy towards Iran. You can see my contribution by clicking HERE.
I also had a chance to get my Body Mass Index checked at the Cancer Research UK desk in Portcullis House. Cancer Research UK run the "Reduce the Risk" campaign to raise awareness of the avoidable risks for cancer and the importance of early detection. Maintaining a healthy bodyweight is one of the best ways of reducing your risks against cancer.
The good news is that I am not obese, the bad news is that it was confirmed I am slightly overweight! To see a photo of me having my BMI checked click HERE
In the evening David Blunkett MP, former Secretary of State for Education, Home Office and Work and Pensions was the main speaker at our Tooting General Committee. He was really entertaining and talked about Public Sector reform as well as the challenges facing any Government in its tenth year. He has written an article for the New Statesmen. To view an extract, click HERE.
On Thursday I met with the National Probation Service of London. I also met with the Assistant Chief Officer for Wandsworth to discuss the local challenges facing the probation service. A great deal of good work is being done but this does not appear to be relayed to the public. The Council is now required to have a Crime and Disorder Partnership and works constructively with other agencies.
I attended Treasury Questions and asked the Chancellor, Gordon Brown MP a question which can be found by clicking HERE.
On Friday I visited the National Blood Centre which is based next door to St Georges Hospital. I discussed with them their plans to reconfigure their facilities to best utilise new technology and new buildings around the country. I am aware there is some concern amongst the 300 local staff about some of the reforms planned. Negotiations are continuing between the national trade unions and management to ensure that progress can be made addressing the concerns that have been raised. I shall continue to monitor this.
I also visited Springfield Hospital and met the new Chief Executive, Peter Houghton. We discussed his plans for the modernisation of the facilities at the hospital, recent high profile incidents and the Hospitals response to these, the financial position of the Trust (which is healthy) and plans for Henderson Hospital.
I attended Tooting Islamic Centre for Friday prayers after which I went to the BBC TV studio to pre-record a debate with former Tory Foreign Secretary, Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP.
I am working with the Labour Group of Councillors, Martin Linton (MP for Battersea) and Wandsworth residents to try and make the Council think again. You can see the EDM I have sponsored with Martin by clicking HERE.
On Monday I held my walk in surgery at Balham Community Centre on Bedford Hill.
I then had a meeting in Parliament with a representative of RADAR, a national organisation run by disabled people for disabled people. The meeting was in reference to the accessibility of taxis for disabled people. Following this meeting I tabled an Early Day Motion entitled Transportation of Disabled Passengers – follow this link to read it. Within two days almost 50 MPs had signed it to show their support for my call to the Department for Transport to implement specific disability regulations, rather than adopting a voluntary code.
The Public Accounts Committee examined Sure Start Childrens Centres. The early years of a child's life can have a crucial impact on their future development. The birth of a child can also present parents with difficult decisions. Sure Start is a programme to help give the best start in life to every child by bringing together early education, childcare, health and family support. Children's centres are managed by local authorities. In Tooting we will be getting Childrens Centres in the very near future. £3.4 Billion is being invested by this Government to increase the number of Childrens centres to 3,500 by 2010. The evidence from the NAO was clear that Centres are providing a good service for children and making a huge positive impact on the children and parents who use them. A really useful discussion took place at the Committee; and a full transcript can be seen by clicking HERE.
On Tuesday I held a "Lets Talk" event where the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton MP came to the Furzedown Project in Tooting to have a coffee morning with 30 pensioners, local stakeholder groups and users of the Furzedown Project. The morning was really important as it gave pensioners the opportunity to discuss their concerns around pension reform, and for John to set out a full and comprehensive account of the background and context of the reform package. His honesty and candour was really appreciated by all who attended who were all really impressed by the fact that he addressed all the points they wanted to make. You can see some a picture of John taking questions from those in attendance click HERE
In the afternoon I met with Trade Union members, General Secretary of UNISON Dave Prentis and other MP's to discuss some of their concerns about Public Sector reform. The TUC public services lobby was called to highlight concerns that trade unionists have with the introduction of market mechanisms in the public services. The meeting was extremely useful and a number of the comments made will be passed on by me and other MP colleagues to the relevant Ministers.
On Wednesday I took part in the Adjournment Debate on Iraq and the Middle East. The debate was listed for the afternoon and there were a large number of MP's who wanted to take part in the Debate. Unfortunately, I was not able to make a substantial speech although I was able to ask the Foreign Secretary for reassurance about our policy towards Iran. You can see my contribution by clicking HERE.
I also had a chance to get my Body Mass Index checked at the Cancer Research UK desk in Portcullis House. Cancer Research UK run the "Reduce the Risk" campaign to raise awareness of the avoidable risks for cancer and the importance of early detection. Maintaining a healthy bodyweight is one of the best ways of reducing your risks against cancer.
The good news is that I am not obese, the bad news is that it was confirmed I am slightly overweight! To see a photo of me having my BMI checked click HERE
In the evening David Blunkett MP, former Secretary of State for Education, Home Office and Work and Pensions was the main speaker at our Tooting General Committee. He was really entertaining and talked about Public Sector reform as well as the challenges facing any Government in its tenth year. He has written an article for the New Statesmen. To view an extract, click HERE.
On Thursday I met with the National Probation Service of London. I also met with the Assistant Chief Officer for Wandsworth to discuss the local challenges facing the probation service. A great deal of good work is being done but this does not appear to be relayed to the public. The Council is now required to have a Crime and Disorder Partnership and works constructively with other agencies.
I attended Treasury Questions and asked the Chancellor, Gordon Brown MP a question which can be found by clicking HERE.
On Friday I visited the National Blood Centre which is based next door to St Georges Hospital. I discussed with them their plans to reconfigure their facilities to best utilise new technology and new buildings around the country. I am aware there is some concern amongst the 300 local staff about some of the reforms planned. Negotiations are continuing between the national trade unions and management to ensure that progress can be made addressing the concerns that have been raised. I shall continue to monitor this.
I also visited Springfield Hospital and met the new Chief Executive, Peter Houghton. We discussed his plans for the modernisation of the facilities at the hospital, recent high profile incidents and the Hospitals response to these, the financial position of the Trust (which is healthy) and plans for Henderson Hospital.
I attended Tooting Islamic Centre for Friday prayers after which I went to the BBC TV studio to pre-record a debate with former Tory Foreign Secretary, Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
On Monday I visited the offices of Reed Elsevier (RBI UK) in Sutton as part of the Industry and Parliament Trust, a project which I am involved with. I was able to get a much better insight into how the RBI section of the business operates and had a really interesting meeting with the Editors of New Scientist, Community Care and Farmers Weekly, all of which are produced by RBI.
The Public Accounts Committee examined Anti-Social Behaviour. 17 per cent of the population perceived high levels of anti-social behaviour in 2005-06 - and the young and the worst off in society are affected disproportionately. The Home Office estimates that the cost of dealing with reports of ASB is £3.4 billion per year - and there are also other indirect costs incurred too. It was clear that the Home Office and local agencies are working together to tackle ASB. In the majority of cases reviewed in the National Audit Office report, which we looked into, ASB interventions contributed to deferring further engagement in ASB. It was clear that an increase in preventative techniques are the most cost effective way to tackle anti-social behaviour. You can see the transcript of the hearing by clicking HERE.
On Tuesday morning I joined the Standing Committee to examine the Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Bill. "Digital switchover" is the process by which analogue television broadcasting signals will be phased out in favour of digital signals. The process will allow many more television channels to be carried using a lesser amount of the radio spectrum than is currently used.
I also took part in the main launch of a campaign by the British Heart Foundation's campaign "Doubt Kills", a campaign to raise awareness of the warning signs that can be a precursor to a heart attack. To see a picture of me at the launch, follow this link.
In the evening I listened to Steve McClaren, the England football manager, address the All Party Football Group. He talked about his experiences in his new role - he took over the Manager’s post from Sven after World Cup last year – and his aims and objectives for the future. I was impressed by the candour of Steve McClaren and his willingness to try new things. Click HERE for photo of Steve and me. Incidentally, I wrote a blog during the World Cup which you can say by clicking HERE.
I also attended a reception organised by The Arab Labour Group where Labour Party Chair, Hazel Blears MP, was the main speaker.
On Wednesday I took part in an assembly with all 1,700 pupils at Burntwood Secondary School. It was a great morning with other speakers being pupils from the school who had taken part in work experience schemes last year, and representatives from Fairtrade. I then followed this up with a talk to the 6th Form during their weekly briefing. I must pay a tribute to the wonderful teachers at the School, lead by the Principal Helen Dorfman, who are doing a great job. The students are a tribute not just to their school but also to our community.
In the afternoon I was able to be present for the inaugural "Building Communities Workshop" at St George's Hospital. There were representatives from around 40 local community groups (from in and around the Wandsworth & Merton area), many of them smaller organisations. This is a great initiative by Chair Naaz Coker and is about giving the local community more "ownership" of our hospital.
The Public Accounts Committee examined Missing Trader VAT Fraud. This is a European-wide problem, resulting in estimated annual losses from VAT fraud at around £40 billion across the whole of the EU.
On Thursday I joined Furzedown's 2 Labour Councillors; Cllr John Farebrother and Cllr Judi Gasser to present Mr Patel of Mitcham Lane Post Office with some flowers and a thank you card for his services to the local Furzedown Community over the last 20 years. He has retired due to ill health. He will be missed but the Post Office and shop will go from strength to strength I am sure.
Sadiq
The Public Accounts Committee examined Anti-Social Behaviour. 17 per cent of the population perceived high levels of anti-social behaviour in 2005-06 - and the young and the worst off in society are affected disproportionately. The Home Office estimates that the cost of dealing with reports of ASB is £3.4 billion per year - and there are also other indirect costs incurred too. It was clear that the Home Office and local agencies are working together to tackle ASB. In the majority of cases reviewed in the National Audit Office report, which we looked into, ASB interventions contributed to deferring further engagement in ASB. It was clear that an increase in preventative techniques are the most cost effective way to tackle anti-social behaviour. You can see the transcript of the hearing by clicking HERE.
On Tuesday morning I joined the Standing Committee to examine the Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Bill. "Digital switchover" is the process by which analogue television broadcasting signals will be phased out in favour of digital signals. The process will allow many more television channels to be carried using a lesser amount of the radio spectrum than is currently used.
I also took part in the main launch of a campaign by the British Heart Foundation's campaign "Doubt Kills", a campaign to raise awareness of the warning signs that can be a precursor to a heart attack. To see a picture of me at the launch, follow this link.
In the evening I listened to Steve McClaren, the England football manager, address the All Party Football Group. He talked about his experiences in his new role - he took over the Manager’s post from Sven after World Cup last year – and his aims and objectives for the future. I was impressed by the candour of Steve McClaren and his willingness to try new things. Click HERE for photo of Steve and me. Incidentally, I wrote a blog during the World Cup which you can say by clicking HERE.
I also attended a reception organised by The Arab Labour Group where Labour Party Chair, Hazel Blears MP, was the main speaker.
On Wednesday I took part in an assembly with all 1,700 pupils at Burntwood Secondary School. It was a great morning with other speakers being pupils from the school who had taken part in work experience schemes last year, and representatives from Fairtrade. I then followed this up with a talk to the 6th Form during their weekly briefing. I must pay a tribute to the wonderful teachers at the School, lead by the Principal Helen Dorfman, who are doing a great job. The students are a tribute not just to their school but also to our community.
In the afternoon I was able to be present for the inaugural "Building Communities Workshop" at St George's Hospital. There were representatives from around 40 local community groups (from in and around the Wandsworth & Merton area), many of them smaller organisations. This is a great initiative by Chair Naaz Coker and is about giving the local community more "ownership" of our hospital.
The Public Accounts Committee examined Missing Trader VAT Fraud. This is a European-wide problem, resulting in estimated annual losses from VAT fraud at around £40 billion across the whole of the EU.
On Thursday I joined Furzedown's 2 Labour Councillors; Cllr John Farebrother and Cllr Judi Gasser to present Mr Patel of Mitcham Lane Post Office with some flowers and a thank you card for his services to the local Furzedown Community over the last 20 years. He has retired due to ill health. He will be missed but the Post Office and shop will go from strength to strength I am sure.
Sadiq
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Last week marked the return of Parliament after the Christmas recess. I would once again like to wish all readers a very happy New Year.
On Monday I held my open surgery at Earlsfield Library where I listened to the views of local residents. I have slightly altered my open surgery time for Earlsfield Library and Balham Community Centre from 10am – 11am..
On Tuesday I attended a lobby organised by PETA to protest the use of bear skin hats worn by the Queen’s guards. For more information about PETA’s campaign and to sign a petition, please follow this link.
In the afternoon I chaired a meeting of the APPG for Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB). A considerable number of Parliamentarians took part in the discussion led by Legal Aid Minister Vera Baird QC MP and the Chief Executive of CAB, David Harker. There are some concerns from the not-for-profit sector, Legal Aid practitioners, consumer groups and constituents about some of the consequences of some proposals (more on this later).
I also took part in a seminar on Citizenship and Integration organised by the Fabian Society.
In the evening I was lobbied by a constituent about some concerns there are around the negotiations between BBC and the Government over the licence fee deal. I attended a meeting with the constituent in the House of Commons on the issue, where a number of speakers, including the Minister Shaun Woodward MP, John Grogan MP (chair of the APPG on BBC), Brendan Barber from the TUC and other experts articulated the importance of a fair settlement, along with reforms on the part of the BBC such as on the digital switchover and the move to Salford.
On Wednesday I attended Prime Ministers Questions as normal and carried out my normal Parliamentary tasks. The Public Accounts Committee examined our reliance on Landfill. In 1999 the European Union introduced The Landfill Directive; requiring member states to significantly reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste go to landfills. There is a significant risk that the 2013 target set by the EU will not be met. Not only would this be bad for the environment, it could also result in a substantial financial penalty. I raised this point with the DEFRA Permanent Secretary, who said she was optimistic that we would meet the EU targets. You can see the full transcript of the hearing by following this link.
In the evening, I attended the Executive Committee meeting of the Tooting Labour Party.
On Thursday I took part in Department for Education and Skills questions. You can Click HERE to see my questions and answers.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for Parliament to timetable debates in such a way that there are clashes – making it difficult for MP’s to attend debates of interest to them that are taking place simultaneously. On Thursday, there was a debate on Social Exclusion in the main chamber from 1pm until 6pm and a debate on The Future of Legal Aid in Westminster Hall from 2.30pm – 5pm. I therefore had to hop between both debates to participate. You can read my speech from the Legal Aid debate HERE, and read the debate on Social Exclusion, including my interventions, by following this link.
On Friday, I attended the opening of the new Tesco Express store on Upper Tooting Road. As the branch is below a certain size and replaces another retail store, no planning permission was needed for this Tesco. I was pleased to meet the store manager who seems committed to Tooting. He confirmed that 27 local people have been employed and that he hoped to play a constructive role in Town Centre Partnership, which is crucial for ensuring that our High Street remains vibrant.
Councillor Belinda Randall, Town Centre Manager Audrey Helps and other local business people also attended the opening. You can see a photo by clicking HERE.
I also attended a meeting at St George’s Hospital with the Senior Management along with Siobhan McDonagh MP, Justine Greening MP and Martin Linton MP. We received an update on progress to reduce the budget deficit, clinical performances and consultation about the Bolingbroke Hospital changes.
At lunchtime I attended Tooting Islamic Centre for Friday Prayers.
In the afternoon I had the pleasure of visiting Lahore Karahi restaurant to award them with the Tiffin Cup certificate for being voted the best South Asian restaurant in Tooting. A record number of entries were received this year - over 2,000 responses nominating more than 20 different restaurants in Tooting. You can see a photo of the certificate presentation by clicking HERE.
On Saturday I attended the Fabian Society’s New Year conference – “The next Decade” – at Imperial College. Follow this link for the Fabian Society website
I was a speaker in a seminar entitled “Life Chances: Will Britain Become More Equal?” Other speakers included Polly Toynbee, Karen Buck MP and Tom Hampson from the Fabian Society.
The Government have made massive progress in fighting poverty and inequality over the last ten years, but there is a great deal more still to be done.
On Sunday I joined Graveney Ward’s excellent Labour Councillors and local members in a canvass to hear the views and concerns of local residents. More than 200 local people signed a petition urging the Council to provide better refuse collection facilities in the area and address the problem of ‘fly-tipping’. Local Labour Councillors are already actively working to address this issue.
Sadiq
On Monday I held my open surgery at Earlsfield Library where I listened to the views of local residents. I have slightly altered my open surgery time for Earlsfield Library and Balham Community Centre from 10am – 11am..
On Tuesday I attended a lobby organised by PETA to protest the use of bear skin hats worn by the Queen’s guards. For more information about PETA’s campaign and to sign a petition, please follow this link.
In the afternoon I chaired a meeting of the APPG for Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB). A considerable number of Parliamentarians took part in the discussion led by Legal Aid Minister Vera Baird QC MP and the Chief Executive of CAB, David Harker. There are some concerns from the not-for-profit sector, Legal Aid practitioners, consumer groups and constituents about some of the consequences of some proposals (more on this later).
I also took part in a seminar on Citizenship and Integration organised by the Fabian Society.
In the evening I was lobbied by a constituent about some concerns there are around the negotiations between BBC and the Government over the licence fee deal. I attended a meeting with the constituent in the House of Commons on the issue, where a number of speakers, including the Minister Shaun Woodward MP, John Grogan MP (chair of the APPG on BBC), Brendan Barber from the TUC and other experts articulated the importance of a fair settlement, along with reforms on the part of the BBC such as on the digital switchover and the move to Salford.
On Wednesday I attended Prime Ministers Questions as normal and carried out my normal Parliamentary tasks. The Public Accounts Committee examined our reliance on Landfill. In 1999 the European Union introduced The Landfill Directive; requiring member states to significantly reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste go to landfills. There is a significant risk that the 2013 target set by the EU will not be met. Not only would this be bad for the environment, it could also result in a substantial financial penalty. I raised this point with the DEFRA Permanent Secretary, who said she was optimistic that we would meet the EU targets. You can see the full transcript of the hearing by following this link.
In the evening, I attended the Executive Committee meeting of the Tooting Labour Party.
On Thursday I took part in Department for Education and Skills questions. You can Click HERE to see my questions and answers.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for Parliament to timetable debates in such a way that there are clashes – making it difficult for MP’s to attend debates of interest to them that are taking place simultaneously. On Thursday, there was a debate on Social Exclusion in the main chamber from 1pm until 6pm and a debate on The Future of Legal Aid in Westminster Hall from 2.30pm – 5pm. I therefore had to hop between both debates to participate. You can read my speech from the Legal Aid debate HERE, and read the debate on Social Exclusion, including my interventions, by following this link.
On Friday, I attended the opening of the new Tesco Express store on Upper Tooting Road. As the branch is below a certain size and replaces another retail store, no planning permission was needed for this Tesco. I was pleased to meet the store manager who seems committed to Tooting. He confirmed that 27 local people have been employed and that he hoped to play a constructive role in Town Centre Partnership, which is crucial for ensuring that our High Street remains vibrant.
Councillor Belinda Randall, Town Centre Manager Audrey Helps and other local business people also attended the opening. You can see a photo by clicking HERE.
I also attended a meeting at St George’s Hospital with the Senior Management along with Siobhan McDonagh MP, Justine Greening MP and Martin Linton MP. We received an update on progress to reduce the budget deficit, clinical performances and consultation about the Bolingbroke Hospital changes.
At lunchtime I attended Tooting Islamic Centre for Friday Prayers.
In the afternoon I had the pleasure of visiting Lahore Karahi restaurant to award them with the Tiffin Cup certificate for being voted the best South Asian restaurant in Tooting. A record number of entries were received this year - over 2,000 responses nominating more than 20 different restaurants in Tooting. You can see a photo of the certificate presentation by clicking HERE.
On Saturday I attended the Fabian Society’s New Year conference – “The next Decade” – at Imperial College. Follow this link for the Fabian Society website
I was a speaker in a seminar entitled “Life Chances: Will Britain Become More Equal?” Other speakers included Polly Toynbee, Karen Buck MP and Tom Hampson from the Fabian Society.
The Government have made massive progress in fighting poverty and inequality over the last ten years, but there is a great deal more still to be done.
On Sunday I joined Graveney Ward’s excellent Labour Councillors and local members in a canvass to hear the views and concerns of local residents. More than 200 local people signed a petition urging the Council to provide better refuse collection facilities in the area and address the problem of ‘fly-tipping’. Local Labour Councillors are already actively working to address this issue.
Sadiq
