Rail Summit

This was an opportunity to raise various concerns with the train operating companies in relation to the impact of the development work at London Bridge on the users of the Brighton line. We talked about delay repay, the need for greater compensation to allow for repeated delays across eg a week or month even if each individual delay was less than the 30/60 mins at which compensation schemes are currently activated, and the importance of better information being provided to passengers about delays, cancellations and changes to services.

There was widespread recognition from Network Rail, Southern and Thameslink that the level of service was unacceptable and along with others MPs I was able to secure a promise that they would look urgently at ways to improve the situation, including recruiting new drivers and acquiring new rolling stock. I am pleased the train companies and Minister responded to my calls for this summit and will be doing all I can to keep up the pressure on them.

GP Services

Proper funding for GP services is critical – and has a huge impact both on our immediate health and on things like the numbers of people using A&E. So I was pleased to help lead a parliamentary debate on this last week, as well as to challenge Minister about the way in which the Coalition’s health care “reforms” and spending cuts have damaged frontline GP provision in Brighton. I specifically mentioned the threatened Eaton Place GP surgery, which is used by 5,600 patients, many of them constituents who would have been left in limbo if it closed. I am very pleased that it now looks like the surgery will be taken over and kept open, but the risk of closure highlights the worrying lack of overall planning for GP provision in an ever more fragmented NHS.

You can read my full speech in the debate here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150205/debtext/150205-0002.htm#150205-0002.htm_spnew49

Mitochondrial Disease

There was what’s known as a free vote in Parliament last week ie MPs are not whipped by their parties to vote a particular way and can decide according to their own consciences. That’s nothing new for me as my Party doesn’t operate a whip system and I always vote with my conscience, but votes like this are an opportunity for much less partisan debate than can often be the case in the House of Commons.

The vote was to give the go ahead to a pioneering new technique that will prevent mitochondrial disease being passed to children. I was lobbied both by constituents in favour and against, and took the time to consider both perspectives very carefully. I decided to support the motion. I appreciate some people do have concerns, and I also think the way it’s been presented by the media – as a vote on ‘three-parent babies’ – has sensationalised the issue. I don’t believe we’re looking at the start of a ‘slippery slope’ as some have suggested. This is about a medical advancement that could give enormous new hope to families - preventing genetic diseases being passed down to children - so I’m very pleased the Bill was passed.

City College

Many of you will have heard worrying reports about the financial situation at City College and the resignation of the Principal there. I raised the matter on the House of Commons and asked for an urgent debate about the need for proper funding for the Further Education sector. You can see my question to the Leader of the House here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150205/debtext/150205-0001.htm#150205-0001.htm_spnew128  If you work at the college, study there or have children who do and are worried about what’s happening please do get in touch and I’ll do my best to help.

Child Abuse inquiry

I met with the Home Secretary ahead of her announcement of a new Chair for the independent inquiry into historic child abuse. As one of the cross party group of 7 MPs who secured the inquiry, I am pleased a Chair has been found and that the inquiry will be on a statutory footing, and hope that the inquiry can now move properly ahead. There was a debate after the announcement and I used the opportunity to make some key points:

Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): I particularly welcome the statutory nature of the inquiry. Will the Home Secretary say a little more about whether there will be a senior police assessor or adviser who can act as a liaison between the ongoing police investigations and the inquiry to ensure that one is not allowed to frustrate the other? The Home Secretary and all hon. Members have used repeatedly the word “survivor”, which is wonderful. May I make a quick plea to the press and the media who are following this debate and this issue to use the word “survivor” and not the word “victim”, because every time they use that word, it adds to the hurt and the disrespect?

Brighton Velodrome

I’ve been in touch with council officials about the future of the Brighton Velodrome as I know this is a much used, loved and valued facility in the city. The news that they are struggling financially is very worrying and I’ve urged the council to support the Velodrome to apply for funding that would allow it to meet the necessary safety standards.

Cold Homes Week

Last week was Cold Homes Week and if you haven’t yet signed my petition please do add your name here: http://www.carolinelucas.com/cold-homes-petition It calls for the Chancellor to invest in making homes warmer with proper energy efficiency measures. I raised this with the Energy Minister too – see http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150205/debtext/150205-0001.htm#150205-0001.htm_spnew13

I also asked the Minister about Ofcom’s latest  - disgraceful - advice  to families struggling to pay their energy bills:

Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): Does the Secretary of State share the widespread disgust at Ofgem’s recent advice on paying energy bills, which included suggesting that families in fuel poverty should make packed lunches for their kids and cancel gym memberships? Instead of that insulting response, does he agree that the Government should consider changing rules, so that Ofgem advises on energy efficiency and not on packed lunches?

Mr Davey: I have not seen that advice. It is important that Ofgem focuses on trying to give the best possible advice that will help people who are struggling with energy bills. Government advice certainly includes practical suggestions on how to get the financial help that is available and to cut bills.

Other news

I took part in a National Renters Rally and was able to speak about what I’ve been doing to tackle the housing crisis, especially the problems encountered by tenants in the private rented sector.

I marked National Voters Registration day with a special local surgery and National Libraries Day with a visit to Patcham Library.

Thanks to everyone who’s written to me and backed the Tax Dodging Bill Campaign – if you haven’t yet add your name in support you can do so here: http://taxdodgingbill.org.uk/ Some of you might remember my Tax and Financial Transparency Bill, details here:http://www.carolinelucas.com/latest/brighton-mp-steps-up-campaign-against-uks-billion-pound-tax-evasion-crisis

Contacting Me

If you are a local resident and need help with case work or to find out more about my activities locally please do 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

You can also keep up to date with my news on:

Twitter: @carolinelucas

Facebook: /carolinelucas.page