Banking Summit for Norfolk & Suffolk (ES article 16th January)

I joined a Norfolk/Suffolk banking summit with MPs and regional directors of the big banks last week. It is vital that businesses with good business plans can access finance to keep their businesses running and for investment.
The summit offered opportunities for members of the Federation of Small Business to interact with those bank managers that can make decisions and for MPs to press the case for accessibility to finance, not always through your local bank. Credit unions have just been given powers to extend small loans to businesses. Foundation East is a community foundation that can also help. Finally, the British Banking Association are setting up a network of mentors who can help businesses review their business plans. I hope to set up a surgery soon. Having a Treasury Minister at the summit, Chloe Smith, was a bonus and she can take that message directly to George Osborne.

This is Big Energy Week – focusing on how you can pay less for your heating while still staying warm. Some quite simple changes to your home can reduce your heating bills while keeping you warm. All the energy companies are doing something. British Gas is offering free loft or cavity wall insulation for all existing customers. People in target groups can all get help. I bought insulating tape for my windows and door frames which cost less than £4 and will make a difference. The best innovation though comes from uswitch.com for those of us who don’t have internet access. Simply send them your latest bill via Freepost Uswitch or call for free to 0800 0930607.

I raised the issue of rural Post Offices in Parliament with the Prime Minister last week. I am pursuing this as it is a classic case of a government agency being given plenty of money to do a job (it has increased substantially under this Government) that is wanted by the public but somehow, it just doesn’t get done. I was also able to praise the postmaster, Tony Whatling, who has served for over 60 years and is still carrying on. My debate on deregulation went well. The Minister agreed that we need to go further. Regulation is something that affects many people. I spoke about a variety of examples but an obvious one for us to look at is the regulation of childcare. The cost of childcare doubled under the last Labour government, while the number of childminders halved. A lot of this was regulation required to be a childminder. I am sure we all remember those policewomen who were threatened with prosecution for looking after each other’s children. It turns out OFSTED spends the majority of its budget on inspecting childcare facilities while the number of inspections has reduced. Why does this matter? Cost. The amount of subsidy for childcare has increased. More hours are offered “free” though costs continue to spiral. We need to change this.

It was very disappointing that the ambulance targets were again not met in the East of England. I will continue to put pressure on the Board and our local NHS so that Suffolk residents do not get forgotten. The week ahead brings further debate on the NHS, high streets and ports. All important topics for readers in Felixstowe, Ipswich and east Suffolk.

Hack Back the Red Tape (Evening Star article 9th January)

Parliament resumes this week. First day back, I have secured a short debate on deregulation - the famous red tape that we are keen to cut back, reducing its stranglehold on business and growth. Deregulation is happening - you can check out the "red tape challenge" online but we need to go quicker and faster, as it is a low-cost way of stimulating growth. Less cost on business can equal cheaper goods, cheaper to employ someone, easier to make or sell something. Of course, some regulation is required in many areas, enforcing the civic bonds that we have to each other, that employers have for their employees and businesses for their customers - car insurance, basic health and safety, consumer protection and so on. Europe generates a lot of regulation enacting the single market but also for the the environment. There was controversy recently when the Chancellor called for a review of the Habitats Directive. I support that as I do the Water Directive. We need to strike a balance between the environment and keeping our daily life going, including businesses and farming. I met local farmers last week concerned with the regulations on water and abstraction. This is a genuine threat to farming in east Suffolk which I will take up.

Also last week, amidst other engagements, I visited Sizewell A. It is quite unusual to be in a business that you are intentionally running down but still needs to be closed well. The radioactive material left within the building is now very-low powered but still needs to be removed, which should happen by 2014, though this building will be around for a long time to come.

Two films have been out in the last week, both likely to feature in the Oscars - War Horse and The Iron Lady. I enjoyed Meryl Streeps` portrayal of Margaret Thatcher (as you may expect) but the story is told using flashbacks, events are not in chronological order and certain key scenes of the film did not happen in real life. This last dramatisation technique is widespread - I can think of Cry Freedom for Steve Biko (the ANC activist) or In The Name of the Father for the alleged IRA Guildford Four - where pivotal, emotional and dramatic scenes did not actually occur but are added to deepen connections with the audience in a short space of time. Real life might be a bit dull if told second by second (not all our lives can be as exciting as 24`s Jack Bauer). Some current MPs are in the film, helping to liven up the extras in the Chamber scenes and I still remember when Ms Streep visited Parliament to watch Prime Minister`s Questions.
I am really looking forward to seeing War Horse, which I have seen on the stage and I know to pack the tissues. I am sure the horse must have been based on the sturdy, loyal Suffolk punch; fitting then that the screenplay (the dramatisation) is written by Suffolk resident Richard Curtis.

Happy New Year

2012 got off to a cracking start with the fireworks in London, showcasing Big Ben right from the start and focusing on the Olympics. Fellow Conservative MP Mark Lancaster was heavily involved as it was his family firm that staged the firework display. I believe Mark was involved in laying the fireworks in Parliament - a bit different from Guy Fawkes.

2012 will bring a number of exciting moments in Suffolk. The Olympic torch relay on July 5th stops at ten places in my constituency including Woodbridge and Felixstowe. I was delighted that at the last moment, a large number of schools in the constituency became full members of the Olympics Get Set network. This opens up greater chances for our schoolchildren to become more involved in the national event. I am sure there will also be many street parties across the area for the Diamond Jubilee. Planning for both is already underway by our local councils.

The New Year`s honours list brought recognition to some local people who have been pioneering in helping others. The New Year also brought some new initiatives from the Government. Probably the most headline-catching was the plan to stop council or housing association tenants from sub-letting their homes and for those wealthy enough to make them pay market rents. I think this is common sense. Union leaders getting subsidised accommodation? People who live abroad for part of the year or move in with someone else? That will free up either homes or money to help those who really need help to get a roof over their heads.
Another initiative is some extra money to help councils get older people out of hospital and back to their own homes when they are well. This seems to be a particular problem in the north of my constituency and I hope we can make progress on that. The focus of healthcare is changing so more routine activities can be done at your GP surgery or at home rather than travelling to hospital. This usually produces better outcomes at a lower cost. This is one of the reasons why the Government is pressing on with its reforms to put your local GP as your co-pilot on your healthcare.

I don`t tend to set New Year resolutions but there are some important targets for the year ahead. More progress on broadband (have you signed up to show your support?), localised targets on ambulance responses, the A12, restoration of hourly rail services from Ipswich to Lowestoft, new marine plans, the starting of free schools and hopefully, greater opportunities for high value jobs in our part of Suffolk. 2012 will continue to be a challenging year economically but there will be plenty to keep us smiling with moments of national and local joy. An extra bank holiday. Suffolk Olympians and Paralympians? Even England might win Euro 2012!

Advice on power cuts (Suffolk)

Subject: Severe weather update

Severe weather update

UK Power Networks staff are working in poor weather conditions to restore electricity supplies to groups of customers across the East of England. Winds of up to 70mph moving across the region have caused localised power interruptions. Although there are not widespread interruptions to customers' electricity supplies, the stormy conditions have brought fallen trees and branches into contact with overhead power lines, cutting off power supplies in some areas.
Our team of engineers are working from one job to the next in torrential rain and strong winds, making supplies safe and reconnecting power as swiftly as possible.
Safety is our first priority and we are advising members of the public who spot an overhead power line which is brought down in the high winds to keep well away. They should contact our helpline on 0800 783 8838. This number can also be called free from a landline to report power cuts to us.
If your constituents are without electricity and have spoken to one of our advisers, or heard a recorded message with information about a fault in their area, then we are aware that they are without electricity and will restore their power as quickly as possible. At this stage, we are asking your constituents to please avoid phoning the call centre repeatedly to keep the lines free for those reporting public safety incidents and new faults.
If constituents are affected by a power cut, we advise them to:

* Check to see if neighbours are also without power and if they have already reported it to us. If not, ring our power cut helpline to check we are aware of the fault (numbers above)
* Turn off electrical equipment, except a light to show when power is restored
* Keep curtains and furniture away from heaters to avoid fires
* Avoid using candles and never leave them in unoccupied rooms
* Cut out draughts by drawing the curtains
* Keep a torch nearby
* Keep warm by staying in one room, or even in bed. Central heating boilers won't work without electricity. If you use another form of heating, use it safely. Never move a bottled gas or oil heater when it is lit
* Keep a phone in the house which is not dependent on a power supply.
* Street lights may also be off, so take care if you go out.
* Keep an eye on elderly, or ill people, living nearby. If you have a gas cooker, try to make sure they have some hot food or drink, even if it's a flask of water.

2011 Review (as published in Evening Star focusing on Felixstowe and Woodbridge areas)

I hope you all enjoyed a merry Christmas. The weather was certainly mild, a contrast to Christmas 2010, and it seems that the High Streets had some Christmas cheer. Relaxing, enjoying a few more channels since the switchover, Dr Who was a modern take while Downton Abbey harked back to a classic age and had the best one-liners, particularly from Maggie Smith. Like many TV shows, it is time to do a Christmas special and a review of the year. Quite a daunting task given what a busy place Suffolk Coastal is (and I will not cover everything) but a few statistics first.

I spoke in Parliament 82 times asking questions, making speeches and contributions to debates. I asked 36 written questions. I signed 31 Early Day Motions, proposing three on War Memorials, BBC Local Radio and IT Skills Launch. In July, my Private Members' Bill (on shipwreck removal costs) received Royal Assent and is now an Act of Parliament. An additional 3400 constituents contacted me for the first time. My team and I have handled over 6000 queries. I have continued to hold two surgeries every month, except August when I am out and about across the constituency. I visited nine schools (and will visit many more in 2012) and have proactively contacted schools and charities on various opportunities, particularly concerning the Olympics. Thanks to my team (those who are still here and those who have moved on) for their support.

A year ago, the unwelcome Christmas present was that the Environment Agency had dropped the Felixstowe seafront coastal defence works. Quickly into action, working with Cllr Andy Smith, we managed to get the works restored and I am delighted that they have progressed so well. A welcome Christmas present higher up the coast for Thorpeness residents who came together with the EA and council to defend their shoreline in an innovative approach, which I think will act as a blueprint across the country for partnership working. More work is needed though on Marine Conservation Zones which is part of an attempt to bring some planning structure to our marine environment. The case still is being made for our fishermen and trying to increase quotas. I appreciate the proposals are not wholly popular but I think they provide an opportunity to ensure fishing stays within our small communities from the Ferry upwards.

Later in the year, the Port celebrated its 125th Birthday. The party was spectacular at the Port and on the seafront. With a touch of magic from Princess Anne and a visit later in the year from the new Secretary of State for Transport, helping the Port is one of my key activities as it is so important for the prosperity of Felixstowe. That is why I serve as Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary Group for Ports and Maritime, as well as Co-Chairman of Coastal and Marine which focuses more on erosion, conservation zones and coastal communities. I was pleased to be re-elected to both those posts this year.

Another key national infrastructure asset is Sizewell. Much progress was made in the year to move this project on which again is good nationally for our energy resilience and locally for new jobs and potential contracts. EDF has submitted its planning application for its Somerset plant and soon, we should see the same for Sizewell. A key part of that will be resolving the A12 situation for the 4 villages. Offshore, the wind turbines have started turning and more are due in 2012. The Green Coast of Suffolk is becoming THE energy centre for the UK and that was recognised by the Prime Minister.

Further recognition from the Prime Minister came to the people of Suffolk for their role in raising over £3 million for the Treehouse Appeal. I really saw how people came together across the county to support those less fortunate than ourselves. I appreciate this happens regularly and that is another aspect of Suffolk life that makes the county very special. I was delighted later in the year to welcome David Cameron and the Cabinet to Suffolk. It was a welcome boost for members of the Cabinet to get out and about in East Anglia to see our successes and our challenges.

One of my proudest moments in the year was to welcome the Commanding Officer (CO) and RSM of 23 Engineers to Parliament. This followed the Parliamentary Welcome of 16 Air Assault Brigade with our own CO leading the parade with the RSM bringing up the rear. Under Lt Colonel Ross' leadership, the regiment continues to be a source of pride for the local community. Long may that continue with the new CO due in the spring. Endorsing our military engagement in Libya was a key moment in the year. I am proud the UK did involve itself and am even more pleased that the campaign is now over. Of course more can be done in other states but we will only press on if we get the whole UN Security Council endorsement for such action.

A significant issue for any rural MP is healthcare. The CQC failure at Ipswich was an unwelcome note but I was pleased that the Hospital staff recognised the challenge and fixed it. I never take our hard working nurses, doctors and support staff for granted but nor will I stand back from focusing attention where it is needed. That is also true of ambulances. Working with other Suffolk MPs, we have put the spotlight on the Ambulance Trust and it is starting to pay dividends. While most call-outs do not require people to go to hospital, it is important that rural constituents receive a very good service when they dial 999. I have also taken up concerns on the Out of Hours service and pressed the case for a new surgery for Felixstowe. Other emergency services also had to be protected and I was delighted to campaign with the Evening Star on keeping a permanent fire service in Felixstowe.

A few things where I have not made as progress as I would like are on post offices. There are a number of constituents not getting the service they should and I will keep fighting their corner in the New Year. Ditto for the businesses in Hamilton Road who had a terrible shock with business rates increases that were completely unplanned. I will support any individual appeals made. Something which I have been working on for a while has been the cost of fuel for those living away from the gas grid. The cost of heating oil is still very high but the OFT study I helped secure did not lead to concerns on competition grounds, though the same could not be said for those using LPG. I will continue to work on this in 2012. More meetings with the Minister were held in December and I have now set up a Parliamentary group on the matter. I am looking to secure greater consumer protection for such residents as well as focusing help on those houses hardest to insulate. Fuel poverty is highly acute in Suffolk Coastal and perhaps a forgotten issue in Westminster.

The beautiful surroundings in which we live should never be taken for granted. Our farmers do a lot to keep our country fed as well as preserve the countryside. A big issue early in 2011 was the Government's proposals concerning forests. I held a lively public meeting in Rendlesham where questions and opinions were addressed. I took a lot of these back to Westminster and was pleased to see significant changes to the policy. I still think there are changes to be made to help improve biodiversity and stop the daft situation where we still import most of the wood we used but hopefully addressed in a more considered way. The issues surrounding Sutton Heath's change in habitat as well as tackling issues on noise were also contentious issues. It is true that finding a balance to conserving the environment and everyday practicalities (like the A12 issues) can be quite a tightrope but one on which we must gain consensus. The lack of rain early in the year contributed to a scorched looking Suffolk with genuine concerns for our farmers, many of whom rely on abstraction from aquifers and rivers in order to irrigate crops. No sooner had I raised this with the Prime Minister and the rain shortly followed but still there is work to be done on building up reservoirs and modifying licences to allow abstraction around the year, as well as allowing our rivers to recover.

My ongoing work on the Select Committee for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport has continued to be very enjoyable and, I think, worthwhile. The headlines went to our inquiry on phone-hacking, including the grilling of the Murdochs. Other reports included the Arts, FIFA and Football Governance. The most important inquiry we undertook though was for the Spectrum Auction. This probably has the most direct relevance to Suffolk Coastal residents in improving mobile broadband access with the next generation of spectrum being lined up for auction. I was pressing for coverage that would include Suffolk residents. This is not to go against the fixed-line broadband programme (which after a difficult start is progressing well) but to supplement it. All Suffolk MPs are working hard to ensure that we have much better broadband alongside the County Council and our LEP.

I know that 2011 has been a difficult year financially for many and there is no getting away from 2012 being another challenge. I do think the Government is right to tackle the deficit, to redirect funds to schemes which it believes will produce better results for children and youngsters. I also think it is right to push more decision-making down to local level away from Whitehall. There are a number of reforms concerning welfare, employment, education, health and local government that will have long-lasting, beneficial effects for us all.
I look back with a lot of fondness on 2011 (including turning the big 40) and am looking forward to 2012. More to say on that next week – dreams of Olympics and Paralympics glory, the Diamond Jubilee (God willing) and much more progress on broadband and trains.

Merry Christmas & A Contented New Year

May I wish all constituents a very Merry Christmas and a Contented New Year

Christmas always offers a time for giving, for celebration with friends and family and also some time for reflection.

Pictured left is my Christmas card image - the crib from the chapel of St Edmund the Martyr at HMP Hollesley Bay

2011 has been a challenging yet extraordinary year for our country and for many in our constituency. May 2012 provide moments of great joy and celebration in which we can all share.

Article 20/12/11 - Fly the Flag for Felixstowe

It is good news to see that the sea defences along Felixstowe seafront are so far advanced, especially given the recent weather. Perhaps more worrying on first hearing was the news about the Spa Pavilion. However, I do think that these moments allow for better solutions to come forward. Save the Spa is a good rallying cry and that includes encouraging the people of Felixstowe to come forward and say what they want at the Spa, what will encourage you to go there more often if at all? I met Tourism Minister John Penrose last week for a briefing on tourism matters. John's constituency of Weston-super-Mare faces similar challenges but there have been moves to remove unnecessary legislation and renewed focus on coastal towns.

The A14 challenge has been started to bring forward thoughts on how the A14 can be improved, particularly with key bottlenecks. You do not need a full-blown motorway to keep traffic moving - anyone stuck on the M25 or other motorways can tell you the junctions where they usually get stuck at peak times as cars queue to get on and off.
Of course, one of the other disruptions that we have seen more of than we should recently are the mindless, criminal acts of dropping or throwing stones at cars. Heaven knows what possesses someone to do that but it is absolutely right that the Police put their full efforts into finding these thugs, hopefully before someone is killed.

We all know how important the A14 is but the other popular form of travel in Felixstowe and East Suffolk is the train. I met Felixstowe Travelwatch (Richard Holland and Bryan Frost) last week to discuss their concerns and it was opportune as I met Abellio on Monday. The rail summit later in the work where my excellent colleague Ben Gummer MP pressed the case for investment on the main line. Concerning our branch lines, Abellio will not be able to make significant investment but they are planning to give a facelift to existing carriages and to improve the customer experience through better information available particularly on delays and to make it easier to buy tickets. That includes better deals available online which till now you would need to pick up at a ticket office or upgraded ticket machine. Instead, you can print out at home or buy on your smartphone. One of the key reasons for delays are issues with signalling or disruption to the track. In the short term, Abellio cannot fix that but they also hope to be able to bid for work which would provide useful competition to Network Rail.

Finally, can I wish all readers of the Evening Star a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.