Press Releases

Determined action to tackle reckless driving and joyriding needed, says Blaydon MP

according to campaigning MP Dave Anderson following a local spate of accidents involving new teenage drivers.

The Blaydon MP is writing to all schools in his constituency to suggest that they show a brief DVD called "Live Now, Drive Later" which is a fictionalised and harrowing account of the tragic consequences of joyriding and

"is aimed to make people think deeply about how their behaviour can ruin their lives and mar others too."

Dave Anderson has been in touch with James Alexander, a councillor and the Children and Young People's Champion in York who has spearheaded efforts there and secured cross-party support from Gordon Brown, David Cameron and many others.

Councillor James Alexander said:

"It is really great that Dave Anderson is supporting the campaign that will help save people's lives. The campaign has had a real effect in York and I am sure it will have an effect in Blaydon."

Dave secures action from Transport Minister

Dave with Transport Minister Sadiq Khan at the meeting (Photo:Muscular Dystrophy Campaign )

The meeting follows a report by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's Trailblazers network of young campaigners, which reveals that disabled commuters face an inconsistent and inaccessible public transport system. The investigative report, End of the Line, included mystery commuter journeys taken across the North East.

Having read the report and having met local young disabled people, Dave Anderson secured a debate with the Transport Minister in the Commons, when the Minister also agreed to meet the MP and campaigners.

Dave Anderson said:

"I'm pleased that the Minister showed his full support for the Trailblazers network and promised to do his best to improve accessible public transport across the country. The Minister will be putting one of the Trailblazers on the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee and will place pressure on the Association of Train Operating Companies and other bodies to increase and improve disability awareness training among staff members and improve services for disabled passengers."

He added:

"I hope that our meeting will be one step towards boosting independence and improving the quality of life for all people living with muscle disease."

Attending the meeting with Dave, one of the Trailblazers, Suliman Khan, said:

"Most people find it easy to get around and be independent, but when you are disabled simple tasks like travelling spontaneously can be extremely difficult. I am pleased that the Minister is taking these matters seriously. I know that with Dave behind our campaign we'll have a real impact and ensure that transport is improved for disabled people."

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the only national charity focusing on all muscle diseases. It invests £3 million a year in care support services, research, muscle centres, networks, information and resources. It has pioneered the search for treatments and cures for 50 years and provides practical, medical and emotional support to people affected.

For more information please contact the press office: Sal Lalji on 0207 803 4844, mobile: 07827 241 043 or
email: s.lalji@muscular-dystrophy.org

Having completed surveys every time the Trailblazers made a journey on public transport, as well as using blogs and focus groups, the End of the Line report revealed:

• wheelchair users are forced to pay more to use public transport than their non-disabled peers;

[A typical train journey with a Disabled Adult's Railcard often costs more than a typical coach journey would cost. The majority of coaches are inaccessible, leaving trains as the only option available for longer journeys]

• half of trains lacked basic disabled facilities at stations and on board the trains;

• on a third of bus journeys, the mystery commuter was unable to board the first bus which arrived at the bus stop;

[This is a consequence of the access ramp being broken, the accessible space on the buses being unavailable or the driver failing to stop]

• two out of five of the young disabled people were forced to pay more to use a wheelchair accessible taxi, compared with their non-disabled peers;

[As a result of the strain of using the bus and rail networks many disabled people feel forced to use taxis to be able to travel around a town or city.]

These results come four years after the Disability Discrimination Act came into force, suggesting that transport providers are still failing to fulfil their duties in providing an equal service to disabled commuters.

Trailblazers

• The new Trailblazers' website - created by Trailblazers for Trailblazers - launched in January 2009.
  Visit www.muscular-dystrophy.org/trailblazers
• The Trailblazers network is open to anyone between 16 - 30 years-old who would like to fight for the rights of disabled people. The young volunteers are empowered to campaign on issues that are important to them and to influence decision makers on the needs for disabled young adults. To become a member please visit the Trailblazers website.
• Trailblazers will involve over 300 young adults for a period of three years and will culminate in the launch of a national Young Disabled Persons All Party Parliamentary Group set up and organised by the network
• The Trailblazers Network in England was awarded over £250,000, by v the youth volunteering charity.
• Trailblazers is part of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Lift Scouts ban in the Commons, says Blaydon MP

Dave Anderson said:

"I am flabbergasted that a planned lobby of Parliament about increases in water charges to voluntary groups has been cancelled because the cub scouts involved are 'ineligible to vote." All constituents, regardless of age, should be free to lobby their MPs. I listen to people who are or will be voters and so should the Commons."

Campaign for free oxygen on airlines bearing fruit says Blaydon MP

Dave Anderson asked the Transport Minister what discussions he has held with the European Commission on this controversial issue, following reports of several incidents in which people with a lung condition were charged for this oxygen and following representations from the British Lung Foundation.

The Minister Paul Clark told the MP that he had raised the issue of carriage of medical oxygen with the European Commission which is to review the regulations next year.

Dave Anderson said:

"This gives the British Lung Foundation the chance to convey its views and I hope that airlines will adopt the British code of practice which says that portable and battery powered oxygen concentrator devices should normally be allowed."

Dave Anderson added:

"In the coming months many people will be going on holiday by plane. People with lung conditions should have the same opportunities to travel, free from discriminatory charges, as the rest of us. I therefore urge all the airlines that have not already done so to drop these charges and restrictions."

The British Lung Foundation will be continuing to campaign on this issue. They will soon be meeting with the Transport Minister to discuss how best to influence the European Commission's review and how they can work with the transport industry to ensure that it meets the requirements of people who need supplementary oxygen.

Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said:

"We are delighted that Dave Anderson is supporting our campaign. Supplemental oxygen is as important to people with breathing problems as a wheelchair is to people who have difficulty walking. All airlines should allow people dependent on supplemental oxygen to travel with it free of charge, if they have medical clearance to do so. We need the airlines to act on this with urgency."

Iain Armstrong, Chairman of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK stated:

"I believe the charging of those with lung conditions for supplementary oxygen is a grossly unfair tax. Disability rights are not about having different rights but equal rights. These individuals should have the same opportunities to travel, free from discriminatory charges, as the rest of us. I therefore urge all the airlines that have not already done so, to drop these charges."

People with lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Pulmonary Hypertension often require additional supplementary oxygen due to low levels of oxygen in their blood.

A recent survey of twenty-two major airlines, conducted by the Pulmonary Hypertension UK, found that just five companies allow people to bring their own oxygen cylinder on to their planes and that only seven companies allow people to bring their own oxygen concentrator on board. Other airlines only allow passengers to use the oxygen that they provide and at an additional cost.

Early Day Motion 1444: Supplementary Charges for Oxygen by Airlines
Nick Ainger MP
That this House recognises that patients with pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, muscular dystrophy and other conditions require supplemental oxygen when travelling by air; is dismayed that the vast majority of airlines operating in the UK currently charge passengers requiring supplemental oxygen on flights; applauds the work of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, the British Lung Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to end the unfair financial impact of what is effectively a tax on the disabled; calls on all airlines flying from or through UK airports to allow passengers requiring in-flight supplemental oxygen to either bring personal oxygen equipment on board and use it, subject to necessary security checks, or to have supplemental oxygen provided for them by the airline, in both cases, without charge; welcomes the recent decision by British Airways, Emirates and Cathay Pacific to drop all charges; notes that as of 1 May 2009 airlines in the United States of America will have to allow passengers requiring supplemental oxygen to be able to use their own portable oxygen concentrator free of charge; and urges all airlines operating in the UK to follow suit.

Members of PHA-UK conducted the 'secret shopper' research exercise with a random sample of 22 airlines in May 2008. Each airline was subsequently supplied with a written list of responses received from their customer service representatives to check the information provided, within the correspondence we stated that if we did not hear back from the airline we would take that mean that the information gained by PHA-UK members was correct. Only Monarch, Virgin, British Airways, Lufthansa, and SAA responded.

MP's backing for local newsagents

Newsagents in Blaydon and nationwide are being backed by local MP, Dave Anderson who is

"deeply concerned that traditional newsagents are being forced to shut up shop at a rate of more than one every day."

Dave Anderson said,

"Traditional newsagents are the backbone of our community. They deliver a vital service and are a friendly face that many rely on but many face an uphill struggle to survive."

Developments in the news distribution industry have left most newsagents with no choice over who supplies them. Shop owners fear that lack of competition will leave them with no alternative supplier and vulnerable to increased costs.

Last week almost 800 newsagents delivered a petition to the Office of Fair Trading demanding urgent action to protect competition in the news distribution industry.

Welcome for new money for crackdown on teenage binge drinking

Dave Anderson said:

"This new crackdown on anti-social drinking is in response to evidence from police and other experts that alcohol is a major driver of low-level youth crime and anti-social behaviour. The summer holidays are coming near which means longer evenings and more people milling outside with their mates. It's one thing to enjoy a drink and most teenagers are responsible and caring for others but it's unacceptable when a minority of teenagers makes life a misery for other people."

Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees and Sunderland have all been asked to show how they will use the new money to reduce young people getting drunk and causing trouble, provide one-to-one support and get the message over to the local community.

MP’s welcome for de La Rue passport bid success

Blaydon MP hailed the news:

"This is excellent news for the North East and will secure and create jobs for our region's people. I have worked very closely with De La Rue, colleagues inside and outside Parliament and with Gateshead Council to support this organisation and their bid. This is a great company with a proven track record of providing a high quality and secure service right here on our doorstep."

De La Rue Identity Systems, a world leader in identity solutions and part of De La Rue PLC, today announces that it has been selected as preferred bidder to design and produce the UK Passport for the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), part of the Home Office.

The 10-year contract to deliver the UK biometric passport was awarded following a competitive international tender process conducted by IPS and is subject to contract. The total value of the contract over this period is expected to be in the region of £400m with some initial investment in capability required at the start of the project.

De La Rue Identity Systems has implemented more than 50 secure identity management solutions worldwide and has recently been selected to produce the UK Emergency Travel Document. It also designs, develops, implements and supports government identification systems for passports, e-passports, visas, ID cards, driving licences and voter registration schemes. De La Rue is the world's largest commercial security printer of banknotes and is a leading expert in secure ID solutions.

James Hussey, CEO of De La Rue, said:

"The Identity and Passport Service was looking for a partner it could rely on to deliver the complete service for the UK passport. As a British company, producing passports and identity documents for over 50 governments, De La Rue is proud to be selected to bring its expertise to this project. This contract further reinforces De La Rue's strong growth in the identity sector."

De La Rue is the world's largest commercial security printer and papermaker, involved in the production of over 150 national currencies and a wide range of security documents such as passports, authentication labels and fiscal stamps. The Company is also a leading provider of cash sorting equipment and software solutions to central banks, helping them to reduce the cost of handling cash. De La Rue also pioneers new technologies in government identity solutions for national identification, driver's licence and passport issuing schemes. De La Rue employs approximately 4,000 people worldwide and is a member of the FTSE250.

For further information visit De La Rue's website at www.delarue.com

New post for Blaydon MP

Dave Anderson said:

"I have seen at first hand the professionalism of our soldiers and diplomats in Iraq and look forward to working with Bill to protect and promote the position of our Army, Navy and Air Force."

Dave Anderson, who liaises between the Minister and MPs, added,

"The Minister of State for the Armed Forces plays a vial role in upholding the military covenant - a long recognised 'duty of care' which says that in return for our soldiers' sacrifices society will ensure that they and their families receive fair treatment and are valued and respected. I also work closely with local veterans and recognise the need to ensure that we continue to recognise their contribution and provide them with help."

MP and unions see minister about QE laundry contract

Mr Anderson said:

"I have seen staff, union and managers at the QE and they cannot understand how the service could cost nearly a million pounds less a year without slashing standards and wages. We need to be crystal clear about protecting good local services and jobs.

"We will be calling on the Minister to intervene in order to clarify the claims made by Newcastle Hospitals that the QE has a 'mark up' of up to 35% although professionals at the QE claim that the actual differentiation in costs equates to less than 1%. I also share the great concern that Newcastle has expressed its dissatisfaction with QE's ability to deliver the highest level of product standards - something that is vigorously denied and an issue that was not raised previously."

Carers are the UK's secret service, says Blaydon MP

Dave Anderson, himself a former care worker, says:

"As someone who was a care worker with the elderly I have seen at first hand how vital so many unpaid carers are. Thousands of people sacrifice their time and often their health, finances, work and social life to look after a loved one. These heroes are the UK's secret service."

Dave Anderson added:

"It doesn't bear thinking about what would happen if they downed tools and stopped caring. Millions of frail, elderly and disabled people would be in a dreadful position. Carers are not going to do this, of course, but society must not take them for granted. I hope that this Carers Week helps boost the campaign for greater recognition and support for carers. They need to know that they are not alone but are valued by the whole community."

Carers Week from 8-14 June is organised by a partnership of 10 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson's Disease Society, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Vitalise and WRVS.

For more information about local events and activities taking place as part of Carers Week, visit www.carersweek.org or call 0845 241 2582.

Rogue bosses beware, says Blaydon MP

Dave Anderson commented:

"I am delighted that the Ministry of Justice has announced that High Court Enforcement Officers are to take on recovery of awards granted by employment tribunals or in out-of-court settlements. Previously, those who had won their case and had been made a financial award by an employment tribunal had to enforce payment themselves through the courts and at their own expense, when employers refused to cough up."

Citizens Advice research showed that this situation was all too commonplace and meant that the employment tribunal system was not delivering complete justice to many workers, including those drawn from vulnerable groups. Ministry of Justice research found that 39% of people granted awards have not been paid, and only 53% have been paid in full.

Dave Anderson added:

"The changes will make a real difference to people who lose their jobs unfairly or who are discriminated against at work and will also help good employers who abide by tribunal rulings. It is a welcome victory for campaigners and for social justice for working people."

Blaydon MP to present asbestos disease petition to Downing Street on 20th May

Local MP Dave Anderson, who is one of those presenting the petition, said:

"We need a national body to fund research into asbestos related disease including Mesothelioma, which affects very many people."

"Mesothelioma is the least researched of the top 20 cancers. 65,000 people will die from malignant Mesothelioma in the coming years through past exposure to asbestos. Various charities have taken up the slack but government funding would boost their efforts and encourage more medical experts into the field to develop life saving treatments and develop life saving treatments."

Text of the petition

"We, the undersigned, believe that properly funded research is absolutely vital if advances are to be made in the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma and we call on the UK Government to provide dedicated funds for mesothelioma research in a National Centre for Asbestos-Related Disease."

Former miners can claim new compensation free of charge, says MP

The former miner said:

"My message is simple - if you suffer from miner's knee, you can claim for free."

Mr Anderson added,

"Some lawyers tried to fleece people when we introduced compensation for miners with respiratory diseases or vibration white finger. I don't want this to happen again and I am also keen that everybody with the disease makes a claim from July."

"People are entitled to use a lawyer but need not fork out for one when they can claim without any cost. All they need to do is to apply to the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme directly to Jobcentre Plus free of charge where very experienced staff can help them claim. Or they can phone the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit office on 0845 600 1587 or text phone on 01977 464144."

It was announced last month that osteoarthritis of the knee in former coal miners to was being added to the list of prescribed diseases covered by the. Symptoms of the disease include pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility. The change is expected to come into force in July.

RCN Northern Region Welcomes Support of David Anderson MP on International Nurses Day

Speaking today, Glenn said:

"The dedication and quality of our nursing workforce is second to none. Day in, day out they serve our country, providing essential front line care. So, it's appropriate that on the 189th Anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth, we can celebrate the fact that we have the very best health care professionals serving our country. I welcome the fact that David Anderson MP has tabled this motion, in recognition of our nursing staff, and I hope that the motion will attract the support of the rest of our region's MPs."

The text of EDM 1463 is as follows:

INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY
That this House joins the rest of the UK in celebrating International Nurses Day on 12 May which is also the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale; recognises the vital role the nursing workforce plays in maintaining the health of the nation and the dedication and commitment they show in providing patient care in a wide variety of settings in which they work in the NHS, private sector and elsewhere; acknowledges the expertise, compassion and professionalism nurses display in treating patients of all ages from neonatal care to end-of-life provision; praises the wide range of specialist settings where nurses work as practitioners at the forefront of modernising the healthcare system and the role nurses play in the leadership and innovation of the NHS; and gives thanks to those nurses serving in the armed forces and recognises the essential role they play both in the UK and areas of conflict abroad.

Plan to scrap Minimum Wage is cause for 'Wage Concern'

The National Minimum Wage should not be scrapped according to Blaydon MP Dave Anderson who was a leading proponent of its establishment in the first place.

Dave Anderson, who is backing a union campaign called 'Wage Concern' to stop a Private Member's Bill on 15th May that would undermine the minimum wage and drive millions of workers back to poverty pay, said:

"The Minimum Wage is a great achievement which my government introduced in the face of alarmist nonsense that it would cost jobs. It provides income protection for millions and this shows the Tories in their true light. We now know what David Cameron has in mind for low paid workers when he talks about an age of austerity."

Dave Anderson is also one of the main movers of a Commons motion with David Blunkett on the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the National Minimum Wage and which says that annual uprating and effective enforcement are the key to its continued success.

North East Tourist boost for local 'gem' bed and breakfast commended by local MP

Dave Anderson said,

"I was really pleased to visit this local business to commend them on their success in this national competition on top of another three awards in just a year. It's great to find such wonderful high quality accommodation on our doorstep. It shows that we can offer great facilities for local people and tourist from around the country and further afield to help them enjoy our amazing area in comfort. Well done to everyone at the Stables Lodge on their success."

Co-owner Janet MacPherson added,

"We feel privileged to have won such a prestigious award in what has been a tremendous year for The Stables Lodge. This is an outstanding achievement and a great reward for the team's dedication, enthusiasm and hard work. We remain focused on the future doing what we enjoy in promoting the North East and NewcastleGateshead."

Chickens can stay home and roost

Dave Anderson MP has worked closely with Mr and Mrs Lewis to save the Birtley chickens since they were told last year that they had to get rid of the chickens under their tenancy agreement.

The Gateshead Housing Company has now agreed that the flap is over and that Mr and Mrs Lewis can continue to rear the chickens in their back garden.

Dave Anderson said,

"I am extremely pleased that The Gateshead Housing Company has come to this sound decision and I would like to thank people from all over the country who have offered their support and advice about Mr and Mrs Lewis's case."

Mr and Mrs Lewis said,

"It's a big relief. We can give them proper names now they're safe."

Dave urges MEPs to do the right thing

Seal pup

Dave Anderson MP has long been an active supporter of the campaign to end the commercial seal hunt in Canada's east coast and today signed EDM 1397

"I fully support a European Union ban on the trade in all products derived from the commercial slaughter of seals, which is inherently inhumane. I urge MEPs to vote to end trade in seal products into Europe."

Dave acknowledged that the UK Government has consistently pursued an EU Wide Ban, reflecting the long standing British opposition to the largest slaughter of marine mammals anywhere on the planet. The UK can stand proud of its efforts in continually pressing the European Commission to introduce measures to ban the import of seal products.

Dave recognises the effort of the majority of MEPs, and particularly, Members of the Internal Market Committee in reaching an agreement that will harmonise the trade rules throughout Europe.

He is delighted that MEP's saw the labelling option for what it is - an unworkable cop-out.

If passed, this would prohibit the seal products being placed on the market in the EU. Bringing Europe in line with US who have had a ban all seal imports in place since 1972.

Dave said,

"There is major opportunity to close loopholes and stop this unacceptably cruel trade throughout the European Union once and for all - sending a clear message that Europe wants no further part in this cruel and unnecessary hunt."

VOTE ON SEAL PRODUCTS IN EUROPE
EDM 1397
That this House applauds the members of the European Parliament Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection for their decision to vote in favour of a complete ban on the commercial trade and importation into the EU of seal products; recognises the Canadian seal hunt is the largest slaughter of marine mammals on earth; believes that the nature of the hunt is inherently inhumane; deplores the 1.7 million harp seal pups killed since 2003; further notes that Public opinion polls consistently show that over 70 per cent of British and European citizens are opposed to commercial seal hunting; recognises the UK Government's efforts in urging both the European Commission and European Member states to carry forth the wishes of British and European citizens and calls on all MEP's to vote for ban on seal products in Europe.

Commons backing for local under 13s football team

Blaydon MP, Dave Anderson, who has tabled a motion congratulating the team, said:

"The team comprises lads from across Gateshead and they have had a roaring success on the way to the final previously beating Newcastle and triumphing over Liverpool in the semi-final.

Dave Anderson added,

"It's great to see our youngsters beating the best in the country. I encourage everyone to get along to St. James for the final and give our team a great local advantage. Howay the lads."

Dave has also helped the team to raise money from local businesses De La Rue and Graphite Resources, which hopefully means they will be wearing a new strip at the prestigious final.

The English Schools Inter-Association Under 13 Trophy Final against Northampton SFA is on Sunday May 17th, 10am at St. James Park, Newcastle United. Admission is £3 for adults and £1 for children.

Text of EDM

Gateshead Under 13s
That this House congratulates Gateshead Under 13s F.C. who have reached the final of the English Schools FA Inter-Association Trophy Final; recognises their achievement in beating teams such as Liverpool, York, Barnsley and Newcastle on the way to the final; celebrates the success of all the players who come from schools across Gateshead; and anticipates the exciting final against Northampton Town Under 13's, which will be held at St. James Park the home ground of Newcastle United F.C on Sunday 17 May 2009.

Previous Rounds

Round 1- York (away) Won 3-1
Round 2- South Northumberland (home) Won 5-0
Round 3- East Northumberland (away) Won 2-1
Round 4- Barnsley (away) Won 1-0
QF- Newcastle (home) Won 5-3 (A.E.T)
SF- Liverpool (home) Won 2-1

Dave Anderson backs green motoring and local company

Dave Anderson, who is a member of the Parliamentary Energy Select Committee and the Regional Select Committee for the North East, said:

"We must all do what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint and Tegrel and Romag are at the forefront of such technologies. Britain is taking a world lead in setting ambitious targets for carbon reduction and curbing road transport CO2 emissions is a key part of that. I am also glad that the North East is in the lead."

PowerPark aims to establish recharging points for electric cars in car parks at airports, rail stations, supermarkets, shopping centres, offices and other public buildings.

There are also plans to provide £20 million for charging points to develop a network of 'electric car cities' and an ultra-low carbon car demonstration project throughout the North East, which would enable motorists to drive a cutting-edge electric car as part of making greener motoring an everyday reality.

Working in collaboration, Tegrel and Romag, a Consett manufacturing company have secured a contract with OneNE, the regional development agency, to provide two PowerPark prototype units. The units are in place at Tegrel's head office in Blaydon-on-Tyne and the other is at Romag's head office at Leadgate, County Durham. Once testing is approved, PowerPark can be rolled out initially as part of the pilot programme in the North East and then throughout the rest of the UK.

Justice for Miners Knee Sufferers

Dave, who is the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Coalfield Communities has been working with trade unions and their members and liaising with Ministers in order to get justice for those workers who have suffered these injuries as a result of their employment.

Dave said,

"I am really pleased that after years of campaigning the unions have seen a positive response from Government that recognises that this group of workers are entitled to compensation because of damage that happened to them at work that should have been avoided."

This announcement is important to miners at a time of the 25th anniversary of the start of the Miners' Strike.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell confirmed that osteoarthritis of the knee would be added to the list of 'prescribed diseases' meaning that sufferers would now be able to apply for State compensation through the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said:

"It is right that this help should be available to coal miners who are suffering from this painful condition following years of hard work. This painful disease has made life very difficult for a large number of retired miners and forced others to end their working life earlier than planned so I am pleased that we are now in a position that we will be able to offer them valuable financial assistance."

Remembering British heroes from the Holocaust

The local MP supports a cross-party Commons motion backing the Holocaust Educational Trust's campaign to secure posthumous honours for British Heroes for the Holocaust, who risked their own lives and often the lives of their families to aid and rescue Jewish people and others minorities during the Holocaust.

Mr Anderson said:

"Giving formal recognition, even after their deaths, to these British humanitarian heroes is right in itself and a good way of making sure that the crimes of the Holocaust are not forgotten by new generations."

Holocaust Educational Trust Chief Executive, Karen Pollock, commented:

"We instigated this project a year ago to highlight the importance of formally recognising the bravery of those people who stood up, risking their lives and often the lives of their family to help others. The Holocaust Educational Trust continues to work towards seeking greater recognition for these individuals to ensure their brave acts are honoured and the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten. I encourage everyone to sign the Trust's Petition to the Prime Minister at: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/UK-Rescuers/".

Text of cross-party EDM

Recognition For British Heroes Of The Holocaust
That this House salutes the courage of British citizens who aided and rescued Jewish people and other minority groups during the Holocaust at great personal risk to themselves and their families; notes that in the midst of the depravity and desperation of the Holocaust, which saw the very worst of mankind, these individuals exemplified the very best of humanity in the compassion, courage and bravery they showed in rescuing thousands from certain death; believes that just as the memory of those who suffered and perished in the Holocaust should never be forgotten, the memory of those who helped save so many lives should be remembered and honoured; lauds the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust in seeking to bring greater recognition to such individuals; further notes that many communities take great pride in honouring local heroes of the Holocaust such as Jane Haining in Dumfriesshire, June Ravenhall in Warwickshire and Major Frank Foley in Stourbridge; believes it to be inadequate that while many of these individuals have been recognised as Righteous Among the Nations at Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust Memorial authority, they have not been honoured or recognised by the British Government in their own lifetime; and calls on the Government to consider changing the statutes governing the honours system to allow the granting of posthumous honours and to consider ways in which appropriate recognition can be afforded to these individuals.

Petition to the Prime Minister

In May last year the Holocaust Educational Trust initiated a Petition to the Prime Minister on the 10 Downing Street website, calling for reform of the honours system to allow for British heroes of the Holocaust to be granted posthumous knighthoods. So far it carries over 1000 signatures. The petition can be found here: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/UK-Rescuers/ Its wording is as follows:

"May 7th 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Frank Foley, a British spy who used his role as passport control officer at the British Embassy in Berlin to rescue thousands of Jewish people from the Holocaust. While Frank Foley received a CMG for his service as a diplomat, and has been recognised as 'Righteous Amongst the Nations' at Yad Vashem Israel's Holocaust Museum, he was never formally honoured by the British nation during his lifetime for his actions. We therefore call on the Government to review the current statutes governing the honours system, so that the Honours Committee can consider awarding a posthumous knighthood to Frank Foley. We hope that this will open the way for the Honours Committee to consider recognition for other British heroes of the Holocaust, including Randolph Churchill, Sergeant Charles Coward, Jane Haining, Tommy Noble and Robert Smallbones, who risked and in some cases gave their own lives to save others. We further propose that these honours are awarded as a special exercise, so they do not reduce the numbers of deserving individuals who would normally receive recognition in the New Year's and Birthday honour's lists."

Holocaust Educational Trust

The Holocaust Educational Trust was established in 1988 to educate young people from every ethnic background about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today. HET works in schools, universities and in the community to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust, providing teacher training, an outreach programme for schools, teaching aids and resource materials. HET regard one of their earliest achievements as ensuring the Holocaust formed part of the National Curriculum for History. HET continues to play a leading role in training teachers on how best to teach the Holocaust and in 2007, the Treasury pledged a three-year commitment to enable HET to administer a broad programme of teacher training.

Blaydon MP hails G20 deal

Mr Anderson said:

"I know that once you start talking about figures with loads of zeros it all seems academic and distant but the truth is that we have an unprecedented global crisis and I am glad that Gordon Brown has been able to pull all the threads together to secure a deal that affects us all in Britain and in Blaydon."

London Summit Outcomes:

The London Summit took place at a time when the world confronts the worst economic crisis since the Second World War. The London Summit aims were to bring together leaders of the world's major economies and key international institutions to take the collective action necessary to stabilise the world economy and secure recovery and jobs. Leaders faced an unprecedented range of challenges - of averting an even more severe downturn and restoring growth in the short term, while at the same time reshaping the financial system, preserving the world trading system, and laying the foundations for a sustainable recovery. Real action was agreed at the Summit, with Leaders agreeing on steps to:

• Restore confidence, growth, and jobs: Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together to restore growth and jobs, while preserving long-term fiscal sustainability. They agreed actions to accelerate the return to trend growth and committed to taking whatever action is necessary to secure that outcome, and called on the IMF to assess regularly the actions taken and the global actions required.
• They committed to make available an additional $1.1 trillion programme of support to help the world economy through the crisis and to restore credit, growth and jobs. Most of this will be provided through the international financial institutions (see below) ;
• Strengthen financial supervision and regulation: Leaders agreed to strengthen the financial system by putting in place a better and more credible system of surveillance and regulation to take account of macro-prudential risks and prevent excess leveraging, including (for the first time) regulation and oversight of large hedge funds and credit rating agencies. They also agreed actions to tackle non-cooperative jurisdictions and common principles for executive remuneration.
• Fund and reform our international financial institutions to overcome this crisis and prevent future ones: Leaders agreed to make an additional $850 billion in resources available through international financial institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and other multilateral development banks, including a $500 billion expansion of the IMF's resources, an SDR allocation of $250 billion, and at least $100 billion in additional lending from MDBs. The leaders also agreed to ensure to they have the facilities needed to meet the needs of emerging markets and developing countries and speed up reform of international financial institutions to ensure national representation is in line with the changing balance of the world economy.
• Promote global trade and investment and reject protectionism, to underpin prosperity: Leaders committed not to resort to protectionism, direct or indirect, and put in place a transparent monitoring mechanism; and to take measures which promote trade, including a commitment to make available $250 billion to halt the slow-down in trade finance, which facilitates up to 90% of world trade.
• Build an inclusive, green, and sustainable recovery: Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the Millennium Development Goals and to delivering on development aid pledges; made $50 billion available to low income countries, including through the proceeds of agreed IMF gold sales; agreed that the IMF would further support low income countries; and called on the UN to establish an effective mechanism to monitor the impact of the crisis on the poorest and most vulnerable.

Blaydon MP to take QE laundry fight to Parliament

Mr Anderson said:

"Staff, union and managers are gutted by the suggestion that the service they offer to their own patients at QE as well as Newcastle and South Tyneside hospitals is sub-standard. Their service is open to scrutiny to national standards and there has never been any hint of problems with it. They cannot understand how the service can be done in Leicester and save nearly a million pounds unless the company seriously undermines the wages and conditions of those concerned and drives them well below agreed NHS standards."

Mr Anderson added;

"It's difficult to avoid the suspicion that the alternative company is promising lower costs as a loss leader in order to drive out competition and then possibly ramp up charges in the future. That company should, in any case, adhere to recognised wages and conditions. It's totally ludicrous too from an environmental viewpoint to cart laundry up and down the motorway to Leicester when there is a perfectly good local operation. I will table a Commons motion on Monday and seek an urgent meeting with the Health Secretary Alan Johnson who has already told me in the Commons that at face value, the switch seems rather strange, environmentally as well as financially."

Dave Anderson urges investment in the well-being of children to benefit all

Dave with Nichola and Tina who are linked with the Action for Children Wrexham Young Carers Project. (Photo: Action for Children)

Dave Anderson said:

"It was a privilege to attend the launch at the Commons of ‘Happiness Counts’, a major new research project that aims to reshape the way we invest in the future of society. They succeeded in winning cross-party support for their campaign to show that investing in services that develop happiness and well-being in children can bring social and economic benefits for children, young people, and society as a whole."

He added:

"It’s vital that we intervene early to prevent more serious problems from developing later in children’s lives, and importantly, that we recognise how children can help us to do this. It’s great that children are being consulted in this project, and I look forward to seeing its results."

Clare Tickell, Action for Children’s Chief Executive, says:

"We’re grateful to Dave Anderson MP for showing his support for ‘Happiness Counts’. It’s so critical that our knowledge of the benefits of early intervention is translated into policy to deliver real change that will benefit society at large. I’m pleased that Dave shares our recognition that listening to what children have to tell us is key to us truly succeeding in reshaping the way we invest in the future of our society."

Guests at the reception included celebrities Peter Davidson, Jon Culshaw, Helen Worth, and Alastair Stewart.

Action for Children is the new name for NCH, the children’s charity, one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, which was established in 1869. Action for Children works in partnership to run nearly 450 services for nearly 170,000 of the UK’s most vulnerable children, young people and their families. For further information visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk

Blaydon MP organising Commons support for peace rallies in Northern Ireland

Dave Anderson, who was once heavily involved with Northern Ireland trade unions and other groups, said:

"It’s excellent news that the non-sectarian trade union movement is taking the lead in organising vigils, with business organisations and churches, so that people can repudiate renegade republican terrorists. There’s no doubt that this vicious micro-minority has no popular support but they are still lethal. These rallies can help drive home their utter isolation and help the police to track them down. I am planning to get together a group of parliamentarians outside the Commons at 4pm on Wednesday to show that they share the revulsion of the vast majority of people in Ireland and Britain."

Blaydon MP backs online service to help disabled children

Mr Anderson, who attended the Commons launch of the service this week, said:

"The government has invested £770 million to improve services for disabled children. Family Fund Extra will help local families with disabled children make their money go further."

The Family Fund national charity is behind the new website with online discounts between 5% to 25% from leading high street names.

Family Fund Extra also enables anyone to help disabled children while shopping online. Every time people click on other sites they give the Family Fund a small commission to help severely disabled children.

Visit www.familyfundextra.org.uk.

Dave Anderson backs UK Pub Crisis Summit

Dave Anderson said:

"I am urging ministers to take action to help pubs at this tough time. We’ve already lost too many pubs and this leaves a big hole in many communities as well as the loss of jobs. We can afford neither losses and need to arrest the decline of the great British pub. I hope that this summit will help to do that. Many MPs from across the country will be there and I am sure we will convey the very strong feelings on this important issue."

The Ministers include Alan Campbell from the Home Office.

The meeting is on Tuesday

MP’s warm welcome for new waste recycling plant and new jobs at Blaydon

Dave Anderson said:

"This will be one of the world’s largest steam autoclave recycling plants. The five acre site will treat thousands of tonnes of household rubbish a year. The new plant is also recruiting 51 permanent employees and there will also be around 20 temporary jobs in the first year. I am in touch with the operators and wish them the best. It is excellent news for the local economy and those who will be recruited.

"This is a tremendous example of the innovative work going on in our Region and the immense potential for providing green-collar jobs on the back of the need to cut our carbon footprint. This site uses state of the art engineering and technology to help us to clean up our act and deliver quality jobs with a long term future."

The plant will be operated by Graphite Resources. The company says that using steam to create temperatures up to 160C, technology at the £50m plant will sterilise household and non-hazardous business waste. It will be able to treat 320,000 of municipal solid and commercial wastes a year and divert more than 80% of input wastes from landfill.

Dave Anderson backs campaign to get Britain building

Mr Anderson said:

"I am backing the ‘Get Britain Building’ which is urging the government to help the UK construction industry survive the recession. Its manifesto includes a plea to get banks lending to small businesses again, making our homes more energy efficient and cutting VAT to 5 per cent for property maintenance."

Mr Anderson added:

"This recession requires an active government prepared to intervene to make the market work properly for ordinary people and businesses. This important campaign deserves wide support."

Get Britain Building is a cross-party coalition of organisations from within the construction sector who are calling for the creation of a new business environment to help the UK construction industry thrive and prosper in these difficult times. Our campaign focuses on the need to help all those involved in the UK construction industry survive in the current economic downturn with an emphasis on minimising excessive control, regulation, and taxation.

www.getbritainbuilding.org

MP encourages young people to take up free theatre tickets

Newcastle Theatre Royal

"The Arts Council has received government funding for a scheme to deliver free theatre tickets to people under 26 over the next two years. Give it a whirl and enjoy a night to remember at the theatre. There’s a wide variety of productions to see."

Free tickets are available at the Theatre Royal Newcastle, The Customs House, Sunderland Empire, Darlington Arts Centre, Darlington Civic Theatre and the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme. Tickets can be booked through the Night Less Ordinary website:

http://www.anightlessordinary.org.uk/

Save the pub, says Blaydon MP

Dave Anderson, who took part in the launch of the group in the Commons, said:

"Nearly 40 pubs are closing every week and the number is rising. The British pub is an important part of our country’s history and heritage. Pubs are often a focus for community, social, sporting and charitable activities. They also provide a sociable and controlled drinking environment which encourages responsible drinking. We need to halt the closures and see what changes in laws, regulations and taxes could help this."

The All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group will work with the pub trade and pressure groups for such changes. The new group’s platform includes a plea to cut duties on beer and scrap planned rises as well as reform of the current system of tied pubs. The parliamentarians say that the tied system prevents some landlords from making a living and needlessly forces the closure of otherwise viable pubs.

Dave Anderson has also asked the Chancellor to investigate supermarkets which loss lead on alcohol and said that "artificially low prices in supermarkets are part of the reason why pubs are being driven out of business."

Let Gateshead lead the way on free school meals, says Blaydon MP

"Gateshead should be picked to take part in a £20 million two year pilot scheme for free school meals to help test how free school meals impact on the education and health of children,"

says local MP Dave Anderson.

The Blaydon MP added:

"I am a keen advocate of universal free school meals but accept that the idea should be road-tested. I hope that Gateshead is picked and once more we can help pioneer progressive change for all our pupils."