Weekly Bulletin, 7 -13 April 2014

This is a summary of my work for Brighton Pavilion locally and in Parliament for the week from March 24th. 

Speaking Volumes

Brighton and Hove has the highest prevalence of people with HIV outside London, so providing education and information about it is essential.

On Monday I attended the launch of Speaking Volumes at the Jubilee Library - an inspiring and innovative project which is helping to reduce ignorance and stigma about HIV by sharing people’s personal stories. 

Speaking Volumes is about increasing understanding that, with the right support, those living with HIV can overcome a lot of the difficulties, be true to their own aspirations, live fulfilling and successful lives, and inspire others to do the same -  something I’ve seen put into practice to great effect here in Brighton and Hove.  

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers

I met with a number of ATL members living in Brighton Pavilion to discuss their new 'Shape Education' campaign.  

We discussed the six aims of the campaign, with which I fully agree: the need for a broad, inspirational curriculum which prepares young people for life; a supportive assessment system with a range of methods to improve students' progress; collaboration rather than competition so schools and colleges focus on educating pupils not meeting demands of league tables; a positive inspection system where staff and students grow with a locally accountable partner; a motivated, valued workforce supported with ongoing CPD and with fair reward; and finally, a transparent, equal access-for-all education system which is not run for profit.  

I look forward to working with them to promote this agenda with the Government.

Circus Petition

Animal Defenders International are worried that draft legislation to end the use of wild animals in travelling circuses will never see the light of day. The Wild Animals in Circuses Bill was published in April 2013 but has since seen little progress.

The draft Bill makes it an offence for any circus operator to use a wild animal in performance or exhibition in a travelling circus in England.

I signed a petition urging David Cameron to personally ensure that the Bill is passed ahead of the General Election in 2015.

We know more than enough about the suffering endured by circus animals driven mad by stress and confinement and, while I welcome the Government’s plans for a ban, I am worried by what I see as unnecessary delays.

Sussex Regiment war memorial campaign

This week, I gave my support to the Argus’ appeal for a fitting war memorial to commemorate the men of the Royal Sussex Regiment who died in the First World War.

The planned memorial will play a part in reminding future generations of both the remarkable courage and sacrifice of so many involved in the War and the terrible devastation caused. 

The 100th anniversary of the First World War is also a crucial opportunity to promote peace and international co-operation in the name of all those who lost their lives, including 7,302 soldiers of the Royal Sussex Regiment.

Guide Dogs ‘Streets Ahead’ campaign

I would like to thank all of the people who have taken the trouble to write to me about the amount of cars that park on pavements in Brighton and Hove.

Many people were writing in support of the Guide Dogs' 'Streets Ahead' campaign which I fully support. Pavement parking poses risks for pedestrians, especially those who are blind or partially sighted, and those using buggies or wheelchairs.

I agree wholeheartedly that parking on pavements should be the exception rather than the norm, so I have written to the Minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government to urge his support for Guide Dogs submission to the consultation on parking. 

Hinkley Point

On Thursday, I visited Hinkley Point in Somerset, which is the site of a proposed new nuclear power station.

At a time when the costs of renewable energy are rapidly falling, the government is trying to lock us into a long-term deal where EDF will charge twice the current price of electricity from the proposed Hinckley C reactor. This price is effectively a subsidy by the back door to the tune of £17.6bn over the lifetime of the deal.

I fully support those who maintain the government is in breach of EU state aid rules, and have written to the Commission to raise this with them.   

There also remain serious safety concerns about nuclear and no safe, reliable way to deal with the toxic waste it creates. Instead of locking Britain into this costly and risky technology, the Government should be investing seriously in energy efficiency and renewables.

Contacting Me

If you are a local resident and would like help with case work or to find out more about my activities locally please contact me at the office of Caroline Lucas MP, Brighton Media Centre 15-17 Middle Street, Brighton BN1 1AL. Tel: 01273 201 130. Email: brightonoffice@parliament.uk

I hold regular surgeries across the constituency. If you would like to book an appointment at a forthcoming surgery please call Liz Collis on 01273 201130. She coordinates my constituency office and is able to help with most local enquiries.

If you would like to know about my parliamentary work please get in touch at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. Tel: 020 7219 7025. Email: caroline.lucas.mp@parliament.uk

 

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