Dave backing a local pub
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Moves by more than 100 patient organisations, clinicians and academics to raise awareness of 6000 incurable rare diseases affecting 3.5 million British people have been backed by Blaydon MP Dave Anderson.
The MP, who chairs the all-party group on Muscular Dystrophy, has supported a cross-party motion welcoming the third International Rare Disease Day:
"These many rare diseases add up and make them very common for millions of people. This motion is a small part of a wider campaign to focus attention by ministers and others on such diseases and to mobilise research to improve the lives of people with rare diseases and their families."
8 Mar 2010
Dave has welcomed a major boost for education in Gateshead.
The government has announced a huge investment in the future of Gateshead's youngsters by rebuilding or refurbishing four secondary schools.
Dave said,
"The Government's announcement to approve Gateshead Council's bid for £90 million to rebuild or refurbish 4 secondary schools is great news for pupils, parents, teachers and the whole community. The four schools, Whickham School, St. Thomas More R.C. School (Blaydon), Joseph Swan School (Gateshead) and Ryton/Hookergate replacement school will now be better able to match the commitment and dedication of their teachers with state-of-the-art facilities.
"I have been working with Gateshead Council and my colleagues, Schools Secretary Ed Balls and Schools Minister Vernon Coaker to bring forward this investment. It will allow us to build on the tremendous improvements in standards and results that have been achieved over the last decade. We have every reason to celebrate in Gateshead today."
People with autism who feel isolated, ignored and often at breaking point will be helped by a new strategy to boost awareness training for employment advisers so that about 300,000 adults with autism have equal access to jobs, education and good healthcare.
Blaydon MP Dave Anderson, who works closely with the National Autistic Society, said:
"We must tackle the ignorance and inequality constantly experienced by people with autism. This strategy is the first step to recognising their needs. The next step is for local services to get the necessary support to drive these changes and make a difference for people affected by the condition. One third of adults with autism are experiencing serious mental health difficulties due to lack of support. This government pledge will enable them to use their talents more fully and so benefit society as a whole."
Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS, said;
"We are delighted to have the support of Dave Anderson. This long awaited strategy is the first step to ensuring adults with autism will be able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as the rest of society. Crucially, the strategy recognises the importance of specialist autism teams which we know are extremely successful at driving improvements in autism support. So now the next step will be to translate the strategy into decisive action at a local level - this momentous opportunity to transform the lives of people with autism and their families must not be wasted."
For more information on the adult autism strategy visit www.autism.org.uk/dhstrategy
The local Conservative candidate should come clean about Conservative Deputy Chairman Lord Ashcroft's extensive funding of the Conservative party despite refusing to pay tax in Britain like everyone else, according to Dave Anderson MP.
Blaydon MP Dave Anderson said:
"Leading Conservatives including David Cameron have hidden the truth about this billionaire's bankrolling of the party for a decade. We now find out that he has been a non-dom and yet has sunk his millions into seeking to buy the election. This offends the British sense of fair play and will be seen as morally repugnant by most people. By all means, let's have a fair debate about the choice before the British people but one that is funded by those who live here and pay their taxes here. Lord Ashcroft's offshore taxation arrangements have deprived this country of many millions of pounds which could have funded hospitals and schools."
Mr Anderson added three pointed questions to the Conservative candidate in Blaydon:
"Was David Cameron right to conceal the truth about Lord Ashcroft's status? Will they pay back any money they took from him directly or indirectly? And will they rule out any future donations from him or his companies? The Ashcroft affair stinks and completely undermines the idea that the Conservative Party has changed under David Cameron. We won't be conned in Blaydon but others may not be as wise."
In 1999, Conservative leader William Hague first recommended Lord Ashcroft for a Peerage, he was rejected. It was only in 2000, after he promised to return to live in Britain and pay tax here, that the House of Lords allowed him to become a member. This week we found out that was a promise he never kept.
Lord Ashcroft is trying to redefine his original promise. He wants to suggest that when he said he would become resident, he didn't actually mean "resident"; that when he said he would cease to be a "tax exile", he didn't mean he would cease to be a non-dom; that when he said he would come and "live in Britain", he didn't mean full-time.
On December 9 1999, following legal action with The Times, Ashcroft agreed a statement "that he intends to reorganise his affairs in order to return to live in Britain."
William Hague wrote to confirm that Lord Ashcroft would become resident in Britain , adding that "this decision will cost him (and benefit the Treasury) tens of millions a year in tax.""
"Mr Ashcroft has told The Times that he recognises the public concern about the foreign funding of British politics, and that he intends to reorganise his affairs in order to return to live in Britain." (The Times, December 9 1999)
"After Lord Ashcroft nomination for a peerage was rejected in 1999 - in part because of his status as a tax exile - Mr Hague wrote to Downing Street demanding a change of heart on the grounds that the businessman intended to become resident in Britain "in order properly to fulfil his responsibilities in the House of Lords". Mr Hague added: "This decision will cost him (and benefit the Treasury) tens of millions a year in tax, yet he considers it worthwhile."" Guardian, 9 November 2007 http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2007/nov/09/uk.conservatives2
In his memorandum to William Hague in 2000, Lord Ashcroft promised to become "resident" - not just "ordinarily resident", but "resident". If you are "resident" you'd pay tax on all your earned income - not just your UK income.
However you can get round paying tax on your foreign earned income if you use an accounting definition that allows you to be "ordinarily resident" but not actually "resident". This would allow you to be a non-dom and pay tax only on your UK income. However to satisfy that requirement you would need to spend fewer than 183 days a year in the country - which hardly sounds like returning to live in the UK.
Is Lord Ashcroft technically a "resident" taxpayer?
Does Lord Ashcroft spend more than a 183 days a year in the UK?
I have now given well in excess of £10 million to the Conservative Party. I will never know whether I am the largest political donor of all time because, until recently, the size of political donations was never made public. (Dirty Politics..., (London, 2006), p.304)
His company, Bearwood Corporate Services, is at the centre of a major investigation by the Electoral Commission.
"Pupils and teachers can plug themselves into seeing how much energy their school consumes to encourage greater understanding of how they can save energy, cut costs and help save the planet," according to Blaydon MP Dave Anderson.
Mr Anderson said:
"Local schools can take advantage of a government initiative and secure a free digital energy display meter. These meters monitor energy use and display real-time information. This enables everyone to follow energy use in their school and how changing their behaviour can curb energy waste. The display can be used in the classroom, and features such as graphics and characters can bring the subject of energy to life for children of all ages.
"I hope all local schools will apply for a free meter. As well as helping children learn about climate change as part of their lessons, they will help schools cut their carbon emissions and save money too. Research by the Carbon Trust shows that smart meters and wider changes in using energy could shave up to 15% off fuel bills. The average primary school could save up to £700 a year and the average secondary school more than £3,000 a year on fuel bills alone."
Schools can get a free meter by registering at http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/energydisplaymeter
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Dave backing a local pub
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"Well-run community pubs are needed to deliver a better deal for consumers and to help solve the problem of alcohol abuse," according to Blaydon MP Dave Anderson who is backing the Campaign for Real Ale's new Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter.
Mr Anderson said:
"Camra has done a sterling job over the years in highlighting their contribution and I am very happy to back their Charter. Decent and well-run pubs are the bedrock of our communities and deserve our support."
Specific proposals include rebalancing alcohol taxation to support beer and pubs and reforming the beer tie to deliver a fair deal for consumers.
Mike Benner, CAMRA's Chief Executive welcomed Dave Anderson's support for the Charter:
"We are delighted that Dave Anderson has promised to work to promote the interests of beer drinkers and pub goers. Well-run pubs make a huge contribution to community life, each of which injects £80,000 into their local economy every year. Amid growing concern over the loss of more than 5 pubs a day, it is now more important than ever to support well-run community pubs, to promote local brewers and to protect the interests of consumers."
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BACK L-R: Eva Anderson, Councillor Lynne Caffrey, Dave Anderson MP, Councillor John Hamilton, Peter Shaw (Tesco Store Manager), George Forster (Tesco). FRONT L-R: Dawn Gillot and Joleen Coultas (both Tesco).
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Blaydon MP Dave Anderson paid a visit to local Tesco staff this weekend to thank them for their fund-raising efforts for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and to mark the end of the charity's Tesco Charity of the Year 2009 partnership.
Mr Anderson was joined by his wife Eva and local councillors Lynne Caffrey and John Hamilton as they met Tesco staff from the Rowlands Gill Metro store. Generous staff were holding their final customer collection for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign as they move into the last week of their Tesco Charity of the Year 2009 partnership.
All money raised by the store throughout the year will provide vital, life-changing equipment, such as powered wheelchairs and electric beds, for children in the North East with muscle-wasting disease.
Mr Anderson is a long-standing supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign having had several family members diagnosed with the condition. He currently chairs the all-party parliamentary group on muscular dystrophy, campaigning for improved services for the UK's 70,000 people with affected by the condition.
Dave Anderson MP said:
"It's fantastic to see the enthusiasm and dedication of Tesco staff in Rowlands Gill, and I'm delighted that they've given such strong support to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign as Tesco Charity of the Year.
"All the money raised by staff and customers in Tesco stores around the region will make a huge difference to the lives of children across the North East with this devastating condition."
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Dogs tearing an animal apart
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Dave backs IFAW in Action campaign to safeguard Hunting Ban and pledges 'No Return to Cruelty'
He pledged "no return to cruelty" as he backed an IFAW in Action campaign to protect the ban on the cruel sport of hunting with dogs. Dave recently launched a Parliamentary petition against the legalisation of hunting with dogs.
Five years after the Hunting Act came into force in England and Wales, IFAW in Action, a part of the global International Fund for Animal Welfare movement, has published a new report 'No Return to Cruelty', and released a three-minute compilation of video footage showing examples of hunting cruelty before the ban.
The new report and footage were sent to MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates, urging them to remember the horrific cruelty inflicted on foxes, deer, hares and mink before the introduction of the Hunting Act and to work to protect the ban.
Dave said:
"The Hunting Act was introduced because the majority of the British public found it abhorrent that animals could be chased and ripped apart for fun. I have read IFAW in Action's report and watched the horrific footage of pre-ban hunt cruelty. I urge members of the public to do the same. We must all work to ensure the Hunting Act is protected."
Conservative Party leader David Cameron has pledged to allow MPs a free vote on whether to repeal the Act if he becomes Prime Minister. This is despite the fact that a return to hunting would be completely out of step with the views of the majority of the British public, including his own party.
Polling by Ipsos MORI* in September 2009 found strong cross-party support for maintaining the ban, including almost twice as many intending Conservative supporters backing the Act as those that want it repealed (62% vs. 33%). Overall, 75% of the British public do not want fox hunting to be made legal again.
Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW in Action, said:
"As a nation of animal lovers, the majority of the British public have long opposed animal cruelty and do not want the archaic practice of hunting with dogs to return to our countryside. We urge everyone to visit our website and remember why this vital ban was introduced."
To read the No Return to Cruelty report and view the footage visit www.ifaw.org/noreturntocruelty where you can also email your other local parliamentary candidates and ask where they stand on the issue.
To view the report and footage visit www.ifaw.org/noreturntocruelty
IFAW in Action is an independent part of the International Fund for Animal Welfare family (IFAW), which is one of the world's leading animal welfare organisations. IFAW has representation in 16 countries and carries out its animal welfare work in more than 40. IFAW works from its global headquarters in the United States and focuses its campaigns on improving the welfare of wild and domestic animals by reducing the commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats and assisting animals in distress. IFAW works both on the ground and in the halls of government to safeguard wild and domestic animals and seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. Visit www.ifaw.org
* Ipsos MORI interviewed a nationally representative quota sample of 2,003 adults in GB aged 15+. Interviews were carried out face-to-face, in home, using CAPI (Computer Aided Personal Interviewing Laptops), as part of the Ipsos MORI Omnibus (Capibus). The sample design ensures that the Omnibus accurately reflects the GB population in terms of region and area types as well as respondent demographics. The survey data were weighted to the known population of this audience. Fieldwork was conducted between 4-10 September 2009. Results are based on all respondents unless otherwise stated. Where results do not sum to 100%, this may be due to multiple responses, computer rounding or the exclusion of don't knows/not stated.
For further details, please contact Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL or John Leaman at Ipsos MORI on 020 7347 3000 or see:
www.ipsos-mori.com/researchpublications/researcharchive/poll.aspx?oItemId=2479
No Return to Cruelty is promoted by IFAW in Action (company registration number 1556892), registered office 87-90 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7UD
11 Feb 2010
Dave is supporting Fuel Poverty Awareness Day 2010 a national campaign which aims to highlight the effects of living in a cold home on people's health.
Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, run by National Energy Action (NEA) and sponsored by EDF Energy, takes place on 12th February and has received backing from high profile health professional Dr. Miriam Stoppard and Government's Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson.
Having just experienced the most severe winter in over 30 years, the campaign aims to draw attention to the health problems caused by living in a cold, damp home and urges vulnerable people to keep their heating on until winter ends and temperatures start to warm up.
Last winter temperatures remained as low as minus 6 degrees well into March, leading to concerns that people may have been risking their health by turning their heating off too early in order to save money on their fuel bills.
Dave, Member of Parliament for Blaydon, said,
"Living in a cold damp home can lead to extremely poor health, especially in those who are vulnerable such as older people, young children whose immune system has not yet fully developed and those with long terms sickness and disabilities.
"It is important that people know that there are schemes in place to help them, and to ensure they are keeping warm and healthy throughout the winter period and for as long as the cold weather lasts. Fuel Poverty Awareness day is about acknowledging the issues, helping people to understand the links between fuel poverty and poor health, and making them aware of the help that is available to ensue they are kept warm and well.
"The most important message is that here is help out there for vulnerable households. I urge everyone who is concerned about their fuel bill to contact their energy supplier or to call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to access help and advice on staying warm when it is cold without the fear of fuel debt and ill health."
Government proposals will mean that thousands of people with serious industrial diseases who miss out because they cannot trace their employers' insurance records should be able to claim compensation.
Blaydon MP Dave Anderson welcomed the move:
"It is something I have been promoting for some time along with other asbestos campaigners. The proposed Employers' Liability Tracing Office will help people track down their bosses' liability insurance policies. It's a very good idea for those who have been negligently exposed. The delay between exposure to a chemical or asbestos and the development of diseases can be lengthy and mean that it's very difficult to trace who the insurer was at the time of exposure. This practical measure means that where an insurer cannot be traced those who develop a disease will receive compensation in the same way that someone hit by a car will be compensated where the vehicle owner cannot be traced."
The MP, who is a stalwart supporter of the campaign for justice for those with Pleural Plaques, added:
"But I also say directly to ministers that they should urgently reverse the House of Lords ruling to remove the right to compensation for those who develop pleural plaques. Myself and other MPs will continue to campaign for this."
The proposed tracing office will incorporate an electronic database of employers' liability insurance policies, which should make it easier to track down these records and improve the existing tracing service.
The consultation will consider how the tracing office could be best managed and funded. It will also look at the scope of help that could be provided by an employers' liability insurance bureau, the timing of claims and how much compensation could be paid. It will also examine what more employers can do to meet their obligations to maintain employers' liability compulsory insurance.
Where a person is injured or made ill through their work, as a result of the employer's negligence they would normally claim civil damages from the employer.
However, a number of people have been unable to trace their employers' liability insurance policy and make a claim. This is because some industrial diseases only appear decades later when employers may have ceased trading or they may have not kept old insurance records or lost them.
A voluntary Code of Practice for tracing Employers' Liability insurance policies, set up in 1999 has led to some improvements, but many individuals are still left without help.
The consultation, 'Accessing Compensation - supporting people who need to trace Employers' Liability Insurance', is available at www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations
When it's not possible to claim civil compensation for people with certain lung diseases, including mesothelioma, the Government provides help through the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 and 2008 Mesothelioma Scheme.
Written Ministerial Statement
10 February 2010
THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS
Employers' Liability Insurance Bureau
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Yvette Cooper): I am today publishing a consultation document on proposals to improve the tracing of Employers' Liability Insurance policies and establish a fund of last resort to make payments in cases where employers are insolvent and insurers cannot be traced.
Today Britain is rightly recognised as having one of the best health and safety records in the world. This was not always the case though and good health and safety has not always been a priority for business. A key step for employees was therefore the introduction of the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. This landmark legislation has helped to ensure that the vast majority of those who are injured or made ill as a result of employment are able to receive appropriate compensation.
We know, however, that in some cases - particularly cases where a disease develops many years after exposure - it can be very difficult to identify the relevant insurer. This includes some of the most serious industrial diseases, such as pneumoconiosis, caused by exposure to coal dust, and asbestos-related cancers.
In 1999 we launched, in conjunction with the insurance industry, a voluntary code of practice to help trace these policies where other routes had failed. The code has led to some improvements but too many people are still not able to secure the compensation they deserve. This is not acceptable and we believe that more must be done. The consultation document sets out two further measures to improve this situation.
We believe that an essential first step is the creation of an Employers' Liability Tracing Office to manage an electronic database of EL policies and to operate the tracing service. We will be seeking to work with the Association of British Insurers and others to drive this forward, informed by the outcome of the consultation. We envisage that the database will initially be voluntary, but become mandatory in time to ensure that all insurers publish the relevant policy details. We expect the Financial Services Authority to consult shortly on ways to make the provision of policy information mandatory.
A Tracing Office will initially have to be populated with existing trace data but new and renewed policies will be included shortly afterwards. One of the issues explored in the consultation is the extent to which historic insurance records can be added to the database.
While a Tracing Office will ensure that, in future, more people can obtain civil damages for industrial disease, we also know from experience that it may still be very difficult to trace historic policies, especially for those individuals suffering from long-tail diseases such as mesothelioma. We therefore also propose to establish an Employers' Liability Insurance Bureau, which will provide a fund of last resort in cases if all other efforts to trace an employer or insurer have failed. This will, for example, give peace of mind to many workers who know that they were exposed to asbestos but who do not now have symptoms. They will have confidence that if they later develop an asbestos-related disease, they will be able to claim the civil compensation to which they are entitled.
The consultation launched today will examine what the Bureau should cover; the impact on insurers and employers; how much should be paid by way of compensation; and limitations on claiming from the Bureau. The Government will consider fully the responses to the consultation before determining next steps towards the Bureau's introduction.
We believe that the changes we are proposing will make a real difference to the lives of people who suffer from these terrible work-related diseases, and to their families.
The consultation will run from 12 weeks from today, in line with the government Code of Practice on Consultation.
The consultation document is available on DWP's website at www.dwp.gsi.gov.uk/consultations.
The national launch of campaign today by development, green, poverty groups and unions for a "Robin Hood Tax" on banks' financial transactions to raise hundreds of billions for good causes has been enthusiastically backed by Blaydon MP Dave Anderson who has long been a keen supporter of such moves.
Mr Anderson said:
"I have been helping with this campaign for a global tax on the banks to help repair the human damage caused by the global economic crisis, protect public services at home, fight poverty abroad and help foot the bill for climate change. It's encouraging that it now has the backing of an unprecedented coalition of domestic charities, aid agencies, unions, faith organisations and green groups."
He added:
"Such a global tax was previously dismissed by some who felt the banks could do no wrong. We all know that those days are over and that it is only right that the banks should make a fair contribution from now on. The support of leading financial and political figures makes this a very real and feasible proposal. The proceeds from the very few would be enormous without damaging the interests of the many."
The campaign, supported by almost 50 organisations including Oxfam, the TUC, Barnardo's, The Salvation Army, ActionAid and Save the Children, is launched with a promotional film starring Bill Nighy, and written and directed by Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Comic Relief). It is backed by regional events, advertising and online promotions challenging politicians, banks and the public to Be Part of the World's Greatest Bank Job.
The Robin Hood Tax is backed by financiers and hundreds of economists who have signed a letter supporting the campaign.
The Robin Hood Tax would not be levied on banks' transactions with their high street customers, but only apply to transactions between financial institutions. While different rates of tax would apply to different types of transaction, they would start at just five pence for every thousand pounds traded - an average of 0.05 per cent.
But even such tiny taxes would raise hundreds of billions of dollars a year given the scale of transactions - equivalent to $10,000 a day for every one of the 1.2 billion inhabitants of the world's 30 richest countries in the OECD. Experts have estimated an international transaction tax system could eventually raise as much as £250bn ($400bn) every year.
The UK campaign is part of an international movement with similar calls being made in the USA, Europe and across the developing world. Gordon Brown, Angela Merkel, Nicolas Sarkozy, Nancy Pelosi, Jose Manuel Barroso, Meles Zenawi (Ethiopia) have all spoken out in recent months in support of some form of transaction tax.
Free and personalised home care by specialist nurses for cancer sufferers paid for by reducing hospital admissions has been proposed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and enthusiastically endorsed by Blaydon MP Dave Anderson.
Mr Anderson said:
"Most of us would want to be treated and hopefully recover from cancer at home if at all possible. It allows people to maintain their independence where they are most comfortable and also saves the NHS money by freeing up beds. As a former care worker with elderly people I am delighted to see the issue of care is being addressed properly by my government. Quality care cannot be done on the cheap as some others believe and we need much closer co operation and integration between the NHS and all care providers."
Mr Anderson added:
"I am glad that the party which introduced the NHS in the first place is coming forward with ideas to improve and increase its services, not least as more and more people now live longer."
People who are sick and tired of receiving letters from fraudsters in the post are being invited to take part in the Office of Fair Trading's nationwide Scams Awareness month.
Blaydon MP Dave Anderson, who supports the campaign, points out that,
"Over three million folk fall victim to scams sent by email, internet, post, text and the telephone at a cost to themselves of about £3.5 billion. Previous campaigns that call on consumers to drop such scam mailings into designated Scamnesty boxes at local libraries have proved useful in increasing awareness about how to spot these scams and avoid being conned."
Over the previous two years, residents in nearly 100 local authorities dropped over 20,000 scam mailings in Scamnesty bins across the country. The campaign revealed that the top five mass marketed scam mailings in the UK at that time were: 1) deceptive sweepstakes; 2) misleading prize draws; 3) fake clairvoyants/psychics; 4) bogus foreign lotteries; and 5) 'miracle' health cures.
If you think you have been the victim of a scam, or you suspect a scam, visit Consumer Direct for clear and practical advice at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scamnesty
During Scamnesty month (February 2010), they can also report on-line scams to the 'virtual bin' on the Consumer Direct website. www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scamnesty
The OFT's advice to anyone who receives a possible scam offer is: 'Stop, think, and think again'. Do not be rushed into sending off money straight away to someone you do not know. How likely is it that you have been especially chosen for this offer? Thousands of other people are likely to have received the same offer, Think again - read the offer carefully. If you are unsure, speak to family or friends or seek advice.
"The deal on policing and parades in Northern Ireland is very welcome but the long-term normalisation of society there could be boosted by measures that bring ordinary people together starting with schools and young people," according to Blaydon MP Dave Anderson.
The campaigning MP who has engaged with Irish affairs over many years has tabled a Commons motion which has already won cross-party support including from a former Conservative minister in Northern Ireland and a prominent unionist as well as those who sympathise with nationalist views.
The MPs say that power-sharing would be massively enhanced with greater moves to bringing Catholics and Protestants together in daily life, especially in housing and education. It points out that people are deeply segregated with "only about 6% of children attending integrated schools which seek to promote mutual understanding" and that increasing this number should be a far greater priority.
We may be in the grip of the coldest winter for a generation but Blaydon MP Dave Anderson MP is helping to shine a light on how young people can stay safe in the sun.
Mr Anderson, who is the patron of local charity Fighting All Cancers Together, has praised them for running sessions in local primary schools to convey the dangers of skin cancer and how to stay safe. Young people do puzzles, colouring in, competitions and dress in yellow for the day. Several local schools have already signed up for the project.
Dave Anderson MP said:
"This charity is making an important difference to people's lives, FACT are giving young people information which could keep them safe throughout their lives, but having a lot of fun at the same time."
Joanne Smith Chair of Trustees of FACT says,
"Dave Anderson is such a supportive local MP and has worked tirelessly to help the project fundraise and get out in the local community. We are really grateful for his support."
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Dave gets the treatment from some young apprentices
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A local MP joined hundreds of pupils to find out more about the opportunities available for young people in the North East after they leave school.
Blaydon MP, Dave Anderson, joined students at an open event held at Gateshead College's Skills Academy (February 5) to hear more about what it is like to take Apprenticeships in areas like construction, engineering, retail, motor vehicle trades, hairdressing and business.
Mr Anderson, who took an apprenticeship as a fitter after leaving school, said:
"Events such as this are extremely important in ensuring our young people are fully informed about the many options available to them after leaving school.
"Apprenticeships and work-based learning provide a great opportunity to study and gain experience and skills at the same time. They offer a very direct route into employment and employers are increasingly recognising the benefits they get from hiring apprentices."
The Get Up and Go event was organised by Connexions Gateshead in partnership with Gateshead Collective, a group of work based learning providers and supported by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). Connexions personal advisers were available throughout the event to offer useful advice and information to pupils and their parents.
Alan Mulholland, 18, has just started a business administration Apprenticeship with Access Training and is employed by NAS. He was at the event to talk to pupils about his Apprenticeship.
He said:
"It's great to be earning money while I'm learning and I'm really enjoying the course so far.
"I think it is important that more emphasis is placed on Apprenticeships and more events like this take place to make people aware of the possibilities."
Richard Thorold, principal at Gateshead College, said:
"It's really important that these young people are being made aware of the work-based learning and Apprenticeships schemes available to them after leave school, as they can often be overlooked.
"Gateshead College and our Gateshead Collective partners offer a fantastic range of Apprenticeship and work-place learning programmes across a variety of sectors. Our students have the opportunity to learn, earn money and achieve qualifications doing something they love and want to carve a career out of."
Blaydon MP Dave Anderson has promised to "do my bit for the British Armed Forces family" and is encouraging all politicians to do the same.
Dave Anderson, who has signed the Royal British Legion pledge, said:
"Their manifesto details policies to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces, their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants. Some proposals have been implemented or are being considered. I am proud as a ministerial aide in the Ministry of Defence to work with the Royal British Legion and ministers to safeguard our armed forces which are doing a vital job in protecting our interests."
Dave Anderson added:
"I would encourage everyone to visit www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk - to find out how they can get involved in the campaign."
People without access to the internet can also get involved by ordering a campaign pack on 01304 205 900.
Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion's Head of Public Affairs, said:
"We're really grateful to Dave Anderson for pledging to do his bit. The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties, and our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help. We hope all the parties will give it serious consideration and that every MP and candidate will pledge to do their bit".
The Royal British Legion is the nation's leading Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy -- www.britishlegion.org.uk
Far reaching energy market reforms to ensure secure supplies and help progress towards climate change targets are needed, according to the energy regulator Ofgem's Project Discovery.
The Ofgem report says that:
"The unprecedented combination of the global financial crisis, tough environmental targets, increasing gas import dependency and the closure of ageing power stations has combined to cast reasonable doubt over whether the current energy arrangements will deliver secure and sustainable energy supplies."
But the regulator says that:
"Prompt action will reduce risk to energy supplies, help lower costs to consumers and help progress towards climate change targets."
Gas and electricity could be sold to consumers via a state-controlled energy buyer with Ofgem setting minimum supply obligations on energy companies to make sure power supplies aren't affected.
Blaydon MP Dave Anderson, who is a member of the Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee, was quick to welcome the regulator's radical report, which is based on a year of extensive consultation:
"Ofgem rightly says that we need long-term decisions and, in my view, this highlights the failure of 25 years of letting the market dictate energy policy. The market has failed to invest in infrastructure and upskill the workforce. It has also despicably forced the worst off in society to pay more for less."
Former miner Dave Anderson added:
"Despite complaints about nationalisation we didn't get power shortages because we had an integrated system with the number one priority being security of supply. Over the last 25 years the number one priority has been security of profiteering. I'd welcome taking energy back into public ownership, but if that isn't going to happen the Government needs to be more proactive and ensure greater public control over the energy sector so that it meets our needs. Energy companies want public support and substantial investment by taxpayers but we need a decent get a quid pro quo for the people of this country."
"It is also clear both from this report and from my work on the Energy Select Committee that Ofgem has not been up to the job of getting best value for the customer out of the energy companies and the Government needs to have a long hard look at how it can give the regulator real teeth."
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Parent and child with a laptop
(Photo: Home Access) |
Free laptops and broadband access are being offered to hundreds of local families with school age children in a move by the government that has been acclaimed by Blaydon MP Dave Anderson.
Mr Anderson said:
"I am myself a reluctant surfer but I know that the Internet is vital in this viral economy. PCs are as important as pens and paper nowadays. This scheme will allow very many pupils to learn on-line at home and so improve their school work. Parents can also make use of the Internet not just to help their children but also to help themselves by developing on-line skills and applying for jobs, for example."
Mr Anderson added:
"I would urge parents to check whether they qualify under the Home Access programme. Families with a child in years 3 to 9 at school and eligible for free school meals can apply for the special laptop and broadband access by calling 0333 200 1004 or visiting www.homeaccess.org.uk"
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Dave talks to staff at eaga
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North East MP David Anderson has praised green services company eaga for its environmental and social inclusion work.
The MP for Blaydon and Member of the Climate Change Committee also met with a number of constituents who are eaga employees.
With around 1,500 North East-based staff eaga is an important local employer.
During his visit Mr Anderson was shown examples of eaga's work in delivering large scale renewable energy solutions, green training programmes and benefit advice services for the vulnerable.
Through its work with social landlords, central and devolved government and energy suppliers, eaga visits up to 3,000 households every working day, helping to make their homes warmer, greener and more affordable to heat.
The FTSE 250 company is also using its training academy to build what it describes as a green collar workforce with the skills for a low carbon economy.
Indeed, a first batch of trainees has just started a three-year apprenticeship course in gas and renewable energy heating. More than 400 staff across the UK have also completed an NVQ level 3 in loft and cavity wall insulation.
Mr Anderson was also introduced to eaga's Advice Services, which provides telephone-based benefit entitlement, debt, housing and legal advice to customers.
Last year more than 84,000 Benefit Entitlement Checks were carried out, resulting in around 40% of customers receiving an average increase in annual income in excess of £1,600.
Mr Anderson said:
"I was extremely impressed with the work being undertaken by eaga in promoting environmental and social inclusion. As a local MP it is also extremely encouraging to see a North-East business leading the way in green technologies. The transition to low and zero-carbon living is gathering pace and it is crucial that we have a workforce with the relevant skills and that technologies like solar available to all in society - regardless of their ability to pay.
eaga Government Affairs Officer Damian Lee added:
"As a member of the Government and Energy and Climate Change Committee Mr Anderson has a vital understanding of the needs being met by eaga's work. We were delighted that he would take the time to understand how eaga's operations are helping to address the pressing issues of climate change and social inclusion."
"Rail safety should be the prime priority" according to Blaydon MP Dave Anderson who has urged ministers to step in following the axing of at least 1500 rail maintenance jobs.
Mr Anderson shares the concerns of the RMT railway union that staff cuts have already left many depots short of staff as vacancies have been left unfilled.
Mr Anderson said:
"Ministers say that job numbers are the responsibility of the employer, Network Rail which is accountable to the Rail Regulator. But I am urging ministers to personally intervene and to ensure that cost savings do not endanger lives."
He added:
"I am deeply worried to hear that Network Rail has made such cuts. Have we learnt no lessons from the rail crashes at Paddington and Hatfield? It is a disgrace."
The MP supports a Commons motion which warns that the decision of Network Rail to announce the loss of thousands of front-line maintenance jobs by spring 2010 will mean that in a matter of months there will be a drop of up to 20%. in the number of rail workers carrying out essential inspection and maintenance work. The motion notes genuine and urgent concerns as to whether Network Rail will be able to ensure the safe and efficient running of the railway, including the adequate inspection and repair of track, signals, overhead lines and other infrastructure and calls on the Government to use its power as the primary funder of Network Rail to intervene to ensure that Network Rail directors put safety first.
A new £20 million Home Ownership Pilot Scheme for members of the armed forces has been launched by the government and backed by local MP Dave Anderson.
Mr Anderson, who is Parliamentary Private Secretary at the MOD, said:
"We owe members of our armed forces a great deal for their bravery in protecting our country. I am very pleased that this pilot scheme will provide members of the Armed Forces with up to 50% of a property's value. Personnel will be allowed to purchase properties anywhere in England to meet the needs of a mobile workforce."
He added:
"This welcome initiative, which has been introduced by fellow North East MP Kevan Jones, also allows applicants to sub-let their properties. They will not normally pay any fees on the equity while they remain serving members of the armed forces. We should continue to ensure that our soldiers are not disadvantaged by the demands of service life."
This £20 million pilot will initially run until Spring 2013 and will be funded by the MOD and managed and delivered by the Homes and Communities Agency with Swaythling Housing Society. Regular members of the Armed Forces who have served between four to six years and could not otherwise afford to get their foot on the ladder will be eligible to apply.
The news that Blaydon Dairy is to reopen has been applauded by local MP Dave Anderson.
Mr Anderson, who battled to save the old DFB Dairy, said:
"It's great news for local workers and the economy that Medina Dairies Ltd, the largest independent dairy business in the UK, has bought the dairy. They tell me that it will be a modern and well run dairy and that they intend to have it up and running by the end of March. I understand that they have started to recruit key staff immediately and are looking for suitable local direct farm supplies. They are looking to employ 50 people but this will increase as they win more business."
Commenting of the purchase, Sheazad Hussain Chief Executive of the Medina Group said,
"This is excellent news for Medina and will allow the group to carry on with its ambitions to be a truly national player within the UK. It is also great news for all of our employees and suppliers further strengthening our position as the UK's largest independent dairy company."
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Dave signing the Book of Commitment in the House of Commons
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Today Dave pledged his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day by signing a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to honour those who perished in the Holocaust.
With 27th January marking the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to give MPs the opportunity to remember those who were persecuted and murdered during the Holocaust - and to support a 'Legacy of Hope', learning from Survivors' experiences to help create a future free from hatred and prejudice.
In doing so, Dave paid tribute to those remarkable individuals who survived the appalling events of the Holocaust and have since dedicated their lives to educating younger generations about the dangers of allowing persecution and intolerance to take hold in society.
On and around Holocaust Memorial Day, schools, local communities and faith groups from across the UK will join together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Thousands of events are being held across the country to commemorate all those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides. The aim of the day is to motivate people - individually and collectively, to ensure that the horrendous crimes, racism and victimisation committed during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides are neither forgotten nor repeated. This year is the ninth year that Holocaust Memorial Day has been commemorated in the UK.
Dave said:
"Holocaust Survivors are extraordinary people. We have a duty to them to pass on the lessons of the Holocaust to future generations. Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Holocaust Survivors, to commemorate the millions who died under Hitler's regime and to commit to a future free from racism and discrimination."
Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said:
"We are delighted that MP NAME is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day. Remembering and learning about the Holocaust is more important now than ever before. This year's theme, 'The Legacy of Hope' highlights the important role young people have to play in taking the Survivors' mantle forward and educating their peers about the Holocaust.
You can find out more about the Holocaust Educational Trust's work at: http://www.het.org.uk/
Blaydon MP Dave Anderson reacted positively to the news that Housing Minister John Healey is extending the Government's national campaign to Gateshead "to help struggling homeowners get a grip on their finances and avoid the Repo man."
Dave Anderson said:
"I am particularly pleased that the government is announcing a special helpline and website in 30 more hotspot areas, including Gateshead, with high risk of repossession. Having a roof over your head is of vital importance to folk and it is only right that an active government does its bit to help protect people's homes, rather than losing them. It's in stark contrast to the last recession when the market was left to its own harsh devices and thousands of people got no help whatsoever."
Mr Anderson added:
"I also welcome this major extension of the campaign to promote the free help and advice available through an imminent advertising drive in 56 repossession hotspot areas such as Sunderland, Derwentside, Easington, Middlesbrough, Sedgefield, South Tyneside, Blyth Valley and Chester-le-Street in the North East.
John Healey Extends Government Drive To Tackle Repossessions
Housing Minister John Healey is today extending the Government's campaign to help struggling homeowners get a grip on their finances and avoid repossession. In a major extension of the campaign to promote the free help and advice available the minister has announced a new advertising drive and local mortgage help events in 56 repossession hotspot areas starting next week . And he is also announcing local promotion of a special helpline and website in another 30 hotspot areas with high risk of repossession.
Over 330,000 households have had help and advice with their mortgages over the past year, and repossessions are currently running at nearly half the rate of the last recession. But with the pressure on families likely to remain high throughout 2010, the Government is working with the Citizens Advice Bureau to run a string of local help events in 56 repossession 'hotspots', so that struggling homeowners can get impartial face-to-face help and advice to keep their home. New radio and local press advertising in all 56 areas will also promote the special website and free telephone advice line to help homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments
John Healey said today:
"With the pressure on homeowners set to continue this year, I'm determined that they get the help they need.
"That's why I'm extending our campaign so families across the country can get the free, impartial advice they need on-line, on the phone or on the high street.
"The comprehensive range of Government help available - and tougher rules on lenders - will mean that repossessions remain the last resort."
Nearly 88,000 people have gone to www.direct.gov.uk/mortgagehelp since its launch in September, over 26,000 of whom have used it to develop personal action plans tailored to their individual circumstances. This help has also proved valuable for those feeling the pinch after Christmas - over 17,000 people have visited the website since 1 January.
24 Jan 2010
Tyneside MP Dave Anderson has backed a new Zero Deaths national campaign to encourage householders, and especially landlords, to install audible Carbon Monoxide alarms.
Mr Anderson said:
"This silent killer is produced when fuel-burning appliances such as boilers are incorrectly fitted, badly repaired, poorly maintained or if flues, chimneys and vents are blocked. Boilers should be checked every year but having an alarm provides a permanent check on Carbon Monoxide which has no colour, taste or smell but is lethal."
The campaigning MP added:
"I'm keen that all landlords are legally required to fit audible Carbon Monoxide alarms for them to receive their annual gas safety certificate. All new homes should include these alarms as is the case for smoke alarms. The alarms are widely available and some retailers are even offering discounts in support of the campaign."
Gas, oil and solid fuels such as coal, coke and wood can all produce Carbon Monoxide. There are around 30 deaths each year from Carbon Monoxide poisoning and many more people suffer health problems due to Carbon Monoxide exposure. Some 20 million households in the UK don't have their appliances checked regularly enough or have an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm - leaving them under-protected and at risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
"The Government has a very good record in compensating people for industrial diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and vibration white finger (VVF),"
according to Blaydon MP and former miner Dave Anderson.
Mr Anderson said:
"New official figures show that £4.1 billion has been paid out to those with COPD and VVF in the last decade. They also show that virtually 100% of the nearly 760,000 claims have been settled. The figures for Blaydon show that nearly £21 million has been paid out in 3,892 cases and that just six claims are outstanding."
Mr Anderson added:
"I am very proud of this record which does, however, point to the need to settle the case for reinstating compensation for Pleural Plaques. Such working class occupational diseases deserve the greatest sympathy by society towards people whose hard work contributed to the common good but at the expense of their own health.
"It's especially important to do this because these people were exposed to asbestos by employers who knew the poisonous dangers and deliberately and, to my mind, criminally ignored them. We have a duty to look after such victims."
"Polling stations should be fully accessible to disabled people,"
according to Blaydon MP Dave Anderson, who has written to the local council asking them to ensure this at the coming general and local elections.
Mr Anderson said:
"At the 2005 General Election, over two-thirds of polling stations had one or more serious access barriers that could prevent a disabled voter from voting independently. We should do better in this year's elections. Democrats of all parties are anxious to make sure we have the highest possible turnout and this includes making sure that disabled people can vote in person."
22 Jan 2010
"Water customers, particularly those on meters, should not be subject to unjustified additional charges that could result from leakage associated with burst supply pipes," according to advice from Environment Minister Hilary Benn received by Blaydon MP Dave Anderson.
Mr Anderson said:
"I was worried that local folk would be charged for water they hadn't actually used through pipes bursting when things thawed after the cold snap. I am very pleased that the Cabinet Minister has let me know that water customers shouldn't have to stump up extra in these cases. He tells me that water companies have a duty under the law to adjust people's bills when there is a leak. This is mandatory on the first leak and afterwards on a case by case basis."
The issue has additional relevance in Mr Anderson's constituency after a major pipeline burst which affected the Ryton and Crawcrook area during the recent cold spell.
Constituents with issues are free to contact Dave via this website or on 0191 4142488.
"Dog lovers shouldn't be fooled into buying pets from cruel puppy farms," says Blaydon MP Dave Anderson who is backing a new campaign by welfare charity Dogs Trust.
Mr Anderson, the proud owner of Bess, a 12 year old border collie said:
"Most people don't want to buy a dog from a puppy farm but campaigners reckon that nearly a million people may have done so without knowing. My fear is that this not only sustains what campaigners rightly call 'battery farming' of dogs but could also land people with sick pets that need very expensive treatment at the vet."
Mr Anderson added:
"I am asking people to be very wary of buying a dog from the internet, a newspaper, a pet shop or garden centre. It's wise to see the pup interacting with its mother and worry if excuses are made as to why you can't and be suspicious if previous owner details have been removed from or disguised in the paperwork."
Clarissa Baldwin of Dogs Trust, said:
"Battery farming of dogs is an appalling practice, abhorrent to all decent members of society. Breeding bitches are kept in unthinkably cruel conditions and bred from continuously until they are too old, then discarded. Puppies often suffer from medical problems and behavioural issues as a result of being inadequately socialised.
"Most reputable breeders would never sell their dogs through newspaper adverts, pet shops or superstores, garden centres or internet websites. Anyone who sees an animal for sale in any of these places should be suspicious. Newspaper adverts and on-line websites are of particular concern since unscrupulous breeders or middle men (dealers) are difficult to identify, often posing as members of the public selling 'puppies from unplanned litters'."
"GCSE results in Gateshead have soared in the last decade and teachers and pupils deserve congratulations rather than these results being talked down by some,"
according to Blaydon MP Dave Anderson.
Official figures show that the number of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs has more than doubled in the last ten years with a rise of 41 percentage points (from 39-81%) in those reaching five or more GCSEs at A*-C grade.
The figures also show a lesser but substantial increase when the vital subjects of English and Maths are included. The number of pupils attaining five or more GCSEs in these and other subjects has increased over the last ten years from 32% to 52%. This is more than a 50% increase but, according to Dave Anderson, "we clearly need to do more work to boost literacy and numeracy and must never be complacent"
Dave Anderson said:
"Overall, this very positive news is thanks to extra investment with more teachers and teaching assistants as well as improved school buildings and facilities. We have also seen more young people staying on in education or doing an apprenticeship at 16."
Mr Anderson pointed out that the number of teaching assistants in Gateshead has increased from 190-550 and that there has also been an increase in other support staff from 190-480 in the same period.
Mr Anderson added:
"The modern economy requires increasing educational standards if we are to compete and create the wealth for the best things in life. We rely on our children to do better and better at school and then in life. These new figures should be celebrated but are due to hard work by the government in providing the wherewithal to help pupils make the most of their potential. That doesn't happen by chance but as a policy which means that since 1997 over 600,000 more students have left school with at least five good GCSEs. I think that the Tories would endanger this progress whilst we aim to build on it."
The House of Commons Education Service has launched MP for a Week, a pioneering online game as an educational resource for students and teachers but which is accessible to anyone who wants to get an idea about an MP's working life.
Blaydon MP Dave Anderson said:
"Parliament is the property of the people and electors are entitled to know exactly what their representatives do. I hope that students, teachers and others interested in our work log on. I am very happy to talk about this at schools."
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