A new phrase is being introduced by smaller parties - balanced rather than hung parliament.
It implies that a hung parliament would somehow be better. Not necessarily true - in fact, I think it will do more to put distrust in politics than trust.
I think it just allows parties to get off the hook on implementing their manifestos, "because that is what the public wanted", so parties can selectively pick and choose what they do in the inevitable horse-trading.
When I asked some constituents if they had enjoyed the horse trading in the last week of Parliament. None did. I asked them why did they think it would be different in a hung parliament? One of my dictums in life is "Consensus endures, compromise is temporary."
Labour cannot say that for the last 3 elections they were restrained by partners. We know they broke manifesto promises and we can hold them to account for it.
This country does need change, but not to move from one situation of dithering by our current government to a government where horse trading is the key skill. Leadership, courage and a belief in the common good - I think that is what is required with the ability to make it happen for everyone, by everyone, not just through the state.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Days 14 & 15
Monday - back on the campaign trail in the north of the constituency.
First thing, I met Alan and Sam Fairs - local farmers and businessmen (http://www.hillfarmoils.com) - who wanted to discuss various concerns for farming and small business. It was a very insightful discussion and exchange including what a Conservative government can offer.
Their products are excellent as well!
From Mells, we moved on to Sotherton Corner, then Brampton and Brampton Street. A quick stop in Westhall to the local shop and more houses, then our path to further points were blocked due to road closures. Turned round, went into Uggeshall, Barnaby Green (met a chap whose brother went to the same school as me in Liverpool) and then into Wangford, finished with a tasty lunch at the Angel.
From there, the team moved up to Waveney to lend Peter Aldous a hand - a few blasts from the battlebus cheered us along our way.
Today, Tuesday, back to Orford, then onto Wantisden and Chillesford. Stopped at the Stables to say hello - the lady in charge has a political pedigree and one of her more famous clients is Harriet Harman (with a second home not too far away). Then on to Butley, Butley Low Corner, Capel St Andrew and Botley. Quick dash to drop my sister off on the train and the dog with friends. Then back to Melton, Woodbridge and a deserved drink at the Wilford Bridge.
Tomorrow should be a really good day - loads of county councillors coming to Aldeburgh and Leiston to help our county council candidate Richard Smith.
My next leaflet should be being delivered this week. Please get in touch if you have not received a copy.
First thing, I met Alan and Sam Fairs - local farmers and businessmen (http://www.hillfarmoils.com) - who wanted to discuss various concerns for farming and small business. It was a very insightful discussion and exchange including what a Conservative government can offer.
Their products are excellent as well!
From Mells, we moved on to Sotherton Corner, then Brampton and Brampton Street. A quick stop in Westhall to the local shop and more houses, then our path to further points were blocked due to road closures. Turned round, went into Uggeshall, Barnaby Green (met a chap whose brother went to the same school as me in Liverpool) and then into Wangford, finished with a tasty lunch at the Angel.
From there, the team moved up to Waveney to lend Peter Aldous a hand - a few blasts from the battlebus cheered us along our way.
Today, Tuesday, back to Orford, then onto Wantisden and Chillesford. Stopped at the Stables to say hello - the lady in charge has a political pedigree and one of her more famous clients is Harriet Harman (with a second home not too far away). Then on to Butley, Butley Low Corner, Capel St Andrew and Botley. Quick dash to drop my sister off on the train and the dog with friends. Then back to Melton, Woodbridge and a deserved drink at the Wilford Bridge.
Tomorrow should be a really good day - loads of county councillors coming to Aldeburgh and Leiston to help our county council candidate Richard Smith.
My next leaflet should be being delivered this week. Please get in touch if you have not received a copy.
Nominated!
I am pleased to say that I have been nominated as a candidate for Suffolk Coastal.
To accompany that, I have submitted a declaration of interests (all candidates have to do so), written following the guidance from MoJ. I have chosen to publicise it via my website.
The essence of the declaration is
1. I am on unpaid leave from the BBC. I will resign, if elected.
2. n/a
3. referred to below in 8
4. n/a
5. I own a flat in Hampshire which is being prepared for sale. I also jointly own a house in Hampshire, which my mother lives in and is the other joint owner, on which I have a mortgage. I will continue to jointly hold this property for as long as my mother chooses to live in it.
6. n/a
7. I confirm that, for the tax year 2008/09, 2009/10 and all prior years, I have not claimed to be, or been treated as not resident, not ordinarily resident or non-domiciled in the UK for tax purposes. I support the Conservative policy of all parliamentarians being resident in the UK for tax purposes.
8. I am an unremunerated director of Waterloo Court Residents Management Ltd, which runs a block of 7 flats; each flat owner is a shareholder. I am passing on the administration duties to a new director and will be resigning this position shortly.
To accompany that, I have submitted a declaration of interests (all candidates have to do so), written following the guidance from MoJ. I have chosen to publicise it via my website.
The essence of the declaration is
1. I am on unpaid leave from the BBC. I will resign, if elected.
2. n/a
3. referred to below in 8
4. n/a
5. I own a flat in Hampshire which is being prepared for sale. I also jointly own a house in Hampshire, which my mother lives in and is the other joint owner, on which I have a mortgage. I will continue to jointly hold this property for as long as my mother chooses to live in it.
6. n/a
7. I confirm that, for the tax year 2008/09, 2009/10 and all prior years, I have not claimed to be, or been treated as not resident, not ordinarily resident or non-domiciled in the UK for tax purposes. I support the Conservative policy of all parliamentarians being resident in the UK for tax purposes.
8. I am an unremunerated director of Waterloo Court Residents Management Ltd, which runs a block of 7 flats; each flat owner is a shareholder. I am passing on the administration duties to a new director and will be resigning this position shortly.
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Days 11-13
Friday, Saturday and Sunday continued the campaign trail (well Sunday was a day of rest though politics always comes up somehow!) .
Friday - we covered some ground that I had missed when going off to the manifesto launch earlier in the week. From Melton to Blaxhall to Tunstall to Chillesford to Orford. We enjoyed lunch at the Cherry Tree Inn (the Wilford Bridge was too full) then onto Bromeswell, Sutton, Shottisham, Alderton, Bawdsey and Ramsholt. We finished the day with a house meeting and a fair number came along.
Saturday - out in force in Felixstowe with a big team, covering the main shopping area and then canvassing. Very good reaction on the doorstep though couldn't quite swing a Liverpudlian.
After lunch, we moved on to Walton and then the Trimleys.
I took my sister to the Ramsholt Arms for a quick drink before driving to the other end of the constituency to Cratfield for the auction of promises for the church. I successfully bid for a cake for a special occasion - I hope to have it made in a few weeks' time!
Sunday - after church in Aldeburgh, we enjoyed lunch in the sunshine at the Cross Keys Inn looking across the beach. We then supported the cream tea at Mike and Helen Williams' house in Westleton. I was saddened to learn about the death of Westletonian and long-standing Conservative member, Morgan Caines RIP. My prayers are with him tonight.
Friday - we covered some ground that I had missed when going off to the manifesto launch earlier in the week. From Melton to Blaxhall to Tunstall to Chillesford to Orford. We enjoyed lunch at the Cherry Tree Inn (the Wilford Bridge was too full) then onto Bromeswell, Sutton, Shottisham, Alderton, Bawdsey and Ramsholt. We finished the day with a house meeting and a fair number came along.
Saturday - out in force in Felixstowe with a big team, covering the main shopping area and then canvassing. Very good reaction on the doorstep though couldn't quite swing a Liverpudlian.
After lunch, we moved on to Walton and then the Trimleys.
I took my sister to the Ramsholt Arms for a quick drink before driving to the other end of the constituency to Cratfield for the auction of promises for the church. I successfully bid for a cake for a special occasion - I hope to have it made in a few weeks' time!
Sunday - after church in Aldeburgh, we enjoyed lunch in the sunshine at the Cross Keys Inn looking across the beach. We then supported the cream tea at Mike and Helen Williams' house in Westleton. I was saddened to learn about the death of Westletonian and long-standing Conservative member, Morgan Caines RIP. My prayers are with him tonight.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Campaign Continues
A busy few days covering a lot of ground across the patch.
Today - Yoxford again, Darsham, Middleton, Middleton Moor, Theberton and Eastbridge (passing very briefly through Westleton). Pitstop at the Eels Foot Inn and then onto Leiston, Knodishall, Sizewell Beach and Aldringfield, Thorpeness (thankyou for the cup of tea Liz) and finishing in Saxmundham.
I didn't get to see much of the debate - my TV companions kept flicking so I listened to it on the radio (4 & 5 broadcast it). Cameron's closing speech stood out, I thought. Why does Cameron keep talking about the 2 old parties - Liberals are very old party..
Wednesday - we were in the Martlesham area, starting off in the Heath then on to Black Tiles, Waldringfield, Newbourne, Hemley, Kirton, Bucklesham, Levington and Nacton.
Tuesday - We had a big team out in Aldeburgh in the morning, then we stopped by Friston, Friday Street, Gromford and Snape. At Snape Stores, I met the marvellous postmistress Sue Howarth who has done so much - she really deserves an honour. In the afternoon, I went up to Norwich for the East Anglian launch with other candidates and Shadow Innovation and Skills minister, David Willetts. Tuesday night - I was in Woodbridge with friends and my mum, winning some funds for our fighting fund.
Today - Yoxford again, Darsham, Middleton, Middleton Moor, Theberton and Eastbridge (passing very briefly through Westleton). Pitstop at the Eels Foot Inn and then onto Leiston, Knodishall, Sizewell Beach and Aldringfield, Thorpeness (thankyou for the cup of tea Liz) and finishing in Saxmundham.
I didn't get to see much of the debate - my TV companions kept flicking so I listened to it on the radio (4 & 5 broadcast it). Cameron's closing speech stood out, I thought. Why does Cameron keep talking about the 2 old parties - Liberals are very old party..
Wednesday - we were in the Martlesham area, starting off in the Heath then on to Black Tiles, Waldringfield, Newbourne, Hemley, Kirton, Bucklesham, Levington and Nacton.
Tuesday - We had a big team out in Aldeburgh in the morning, then we stopped by Friston, Friday Street, Gromford and Snape. At Snape Stores, I met the marvellous postmistress Sue Howarth who has done so much - she really deserves an honour. In the afternoon, I went up to Norwich for the East Anglian launch with other candidates and Shadow Innovation and Skills minister, David Willetts. Tuesday night - I was in Woodbridge with friends and my mum, winning some funds for our fighting fund.
Monday, 12 April 2010
Days 5-7
Saturday morning we were in Woodbridge - meeting and greeting, including shop owners and visitors as well as constituents. Knocking on doors, we had a good response and met a fellow candidate's aunt. In the afternoon, we were out in Melton.
Sunday, after church, I headed out for a walk on Sutton Heath with Stella, each of us being dragged along by our dogs. Delicious lunch at the Kings Head in Woodbridge, I then headed to Ipswich to do some delivering for Ben Gummer. I stopped by BBC Suffolk to see the tail end of their open day. I popped in once before to do some work but had avoided the place to preserve the BBC's impartiality. It was good to meet the production staff, researchers, local journalists and the presenters. Well done BBC!
Today, we covered a variety of places - Stratford St Andrew, Farnham (both desperately needing that bypass which I am determined to get), Benhall Green, Benhall, Sternfield, Saxmundham, Carlton, Kelsale, East Green, North Green, Yoxford, Sibton, Peasenhall (catching a cup of tea en route), Heveningham and a final blast in Ubbeston.
We popped into various shops - a special mention to the Heartbeat Home for Horses shop in Sax. A mixture of issues today - assisted suicide, NHS tourism, ID cards, the couples' tax break and a request for a meeting in my village. I am sure my answers on assisted suicide and ID cards put some people off but I have to be true to what I believe, not just what voters may want to hear.
Rizzo was left at home today so had a good walk when I got in. And yes, email... including one from the Dogs Trust - nice to be able to respond glowingly!
Sunday, after church, I headed out for a walk on Sutton Heath with Stella, each of us being dragged along by our dogs. Delicious lunch at the Kings Head in Woodbridge, I then headed to Ipswich to do some delivering for Ben Gummer. I stopped by BBC Suffolk to see the tail end of their open day. I popped in once before to do some work but had avoided the place to preserve the BBC's impartiality. It was good to meet the production staff, researchers, local journalists and the presenters. Well done BBC!
Today, we covered a variety of places - Stratford St Andrew, Farnham (both desperately needing that bypass which I am determined to get), Benhall Green, Benhall, Sternfield, Saxmundham, Carlton, Kelsale, East Green, North Green, Yoxford, Sibton, Peasenhall (catching a cup of tea en route), Heveningham and a final blast in Ubbeston.
We popped into various shops - a special mention to the Heartbeat Home for Horses shop in Sax. A mixture of issues today - assisted suicide, NHS tourism, ID cards, the couples' tax break and a request for a meeting in my village. I am sure my answers on assisted suicide and ID cards put some people off but I have to be true to what I believe, not just what voters may want to hear.
Rizzo was left at home today so had a good walk when I got in. And yes, email... including one from the Dogs Trust - nice to be able to respond glowingly!
Friday, 9 April 2010
Day 4 and reminiscing .. 1992
Spent the morning in the office responding to emails, going through the survey responses and getting other stuff sorted for the following week.
In the afternoon, we headed out to Ufford, Lower Ufford, Eyke and Rendlesham. It was a good day to be out and about. After picking up my Mum (Rizzo was pleased to see her), I did some more canvassing in the evening in my village.
18 years ago today, John Major won a historic election - indeed, the last General Election that the Conservatives won. Quite painful to think it was so long ago, even more painful to remind myself that it is even longer since Liverpool were League Champions.
I recall GE 92 vividly. I was leading the student effort in London and we had focused our attention on 2 seats - Westminster North and Battersea. For the previous 12 months, we had done telephone canvassing for Westminster North and had helped build a pledge base of about 21,000. As a kind of a reward, we were asked to run Church St Ward committee room on Election Day. We worked from 5 in the morning right through to the close of polls. Finally able to relax, we watched some TV and got the call to go to the office. We awaited the result of Sir John Wheeler - he had won! Great cheers and even more when he returned with the Agent and Chairman to the office and a few bottles were cracked open. Having celebrated, a few of us went down to Smith Square to join in the celebrations there.. finally, home to bed at about 3? very happy indeed.
I also worked a little on the 1997 campaign - that was sickening, going to CCO and hearing the list of results.. toppling like dominoes it felt..some results were beyond belief. This year, the Westminster North boundaries are back to what they were in 1992 so I hope we can win there and in many other seats. On the doorstep, it is time for change.
Just one task left.. pick a National Horse. In 1992, I won the National with Party Politics.. hopefully I'll be lucky tomorrow. I always back Ruby Walsh each way but I think it might just be AP's year.. at long last.
In the afternoon, we headed out to Ufford, Lower Ufford, Eyke and Rendlesham. It was a good day to be out and about. After picking up my Mum (Rizzo was pleased to see her), I did some more canvassing in the evening in my village.
18 years ago today, John Major won a historic election - indeed, the last General Election that the Conservatives won. Quite painful to think it was so long ago, even more painful to remind myself that it is even longer since Liverpool were League Champions.
I recall GE 92 vividly. I was leading the student effort in London and we had focused our attention on 2 seats - Westminster North and Battersea. For the previous 12 months, we had done telephone canvassing for Westminster North and had helped build a pledge base of about 21,000. As a kind of a reward, we were asked to run Church St Ward committee room on Election Day. We worked from 5 in the morning right through to the close of polls. Finally able to relax, we watched some TV and got the call to go to the office. We awaited the result of Sir John Wheeler - he had won! Great cheers and even more when he returned with the Agent and Chairman to the office and a few bottles were cracked open. Having celebrated, a few of us went down to Smith Square to join in the celebrations there.. finally, home to bed at about 3? very happy indeed.
I also worked a little on the 1997 campaign - that was sickening, going to CCO and hearing the list of results.. toppling like dominoes it felt..some results were beyond belief. This year, the Westminster North boundaries are back to what they were in 1992 so I hope we can win there and in many other seats. On the doorstep, it is time for change.
Just one task left.. pick a National Horse. In 1992, I won the National with Party Politics.. hopefully I'll be lucky tomorrow. I always back Ruby Walsh each way but I think it might just be AP's year.. at long last.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Day 3
Started off in Southwold, meeting and greeting a variety of people, speaking to the WI stallholders, buying a linen box from the market and then on to Reydon for some door knocking and a welcome cup of tea at the Randolph (thankyou David). Then to Wrentham, with a quick lunch at the 5 Bells, onto Covehithe, witnessing literally the end of the road (photo to follow), the oil tankers out at sea, onto Benacre, Rushmere, Henstead, Hulver St (the bits I hadn't done the other night) and back to Wrentham. I finished off in my own village and caught part of the Liverpool game at the local pub. Outnumbered was highly topical!
I also managed to speak to two columnists - one from the Times who lives in my constituency and we discussed local, rural issues.
Good reaction all day, I am pleased to say.
I also managed to speak to two columnists - one from the Times who lives in my constituency and we discussed local, rural issues.
Good reaction all day, I am pleased to say.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Day 2
Spent the morning in Leiston and the afternoon in Woodbridge, partly on the doorstep and also in the office going through the survey. A lot of interesting responses and some somewhat more pointed!
I am trying to get across to Ipswich for the evening to help Ben Gummer.
Southwold / Wrentham area tomorrow with the battle bus.
I am trying to get across to Ipswich for the evening to help Ben Gummer.
Southwold / Wrentham area tomorrow with the battle bus.
Lobby emails
One feature of the campaign is the hundreds of emails forwarded by constituents on particular subjects. I have decided to refer people initially to this entry on the blog with a hyperlink to a more specific entry for my answer. It may be impersonal but in the time of the election, it is one way for people to be able to get a response and I hope they / you understand.
A Reforming Parliament
Trident / £97bn on Nuclear Weapons
Concerned about Climate Change
Macmillan Cancer Care
Transaction Tax
NSPCC - Standing up for Children
BBC
CAMRA
Power 2010 One Rule for You
Support Fairtrade
Deaf Children Pledge
Equitable Life
A Voice for Nature (RSPB)
Older People can Decide this Election
Cuba
Autism
Dance
Asylum
Amnesty International Human Rights
Digital Economy Act
A Reforming Parliament
Trident / £97bn on Nuclear Weapons
Concerned about Climate Change
Macmillan Cancer Care
Transaction Tax
NSPCC - Standing up for Children
BBC
CAMRA
Power 2010 One Rule for You
Support Fairtrade
Deaf Children Pledge
Equitable Life
A Voice for Nature (RSPB)
Older People can Decide this Election
Cuba
Autism
Dance
Asylum
Amnesty International Human Rights
Digital Economy Act
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
And we're off!
Day one - started in Mells on to Holton, Blyford, near Wenhaston, then part of Reydon. I was to move on to Lowestoft but I stopped by the Conservative Club in Southwold and a quick pitstop at the Red Lion before delivering 1st leaflet for Peter Aldous. I went to the library to catch up on the deluge of emails and then on the way home, I went to Toad Row, finished Henstead and completed Hulver St. The Plough Inn on the A12 at Wangford fed me and watered Rizzo.Just 55 miles today - plenty more to come.
Yesterday, we had been delivering around Westleton Parish which goes a long way and in Rushmere and Henstead as well. Had enjoyed lunch at the Anchor at Walberswick earlier on Monday - full to the rafters but nice to see a table set aside for locals.
Yesterday, we had been delivering around Westleton Parish which goes a long way and in Rushmere and Henstead as well. Had enjoyed lunch at the Anchor at Walberswick earlier on Monday - full to the rafters but nice to see a table set aside for locals.
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Easter Break..
Well, a bit of a break anyway. Easter Egg Hunt (or Dash even!) at Elmhurst Park in Woodbridge this morning followed by some socialising (thankyou MJ) and shopping. Off to deliver my In Touch this afternoon and then back to church in Aldeburgh tonight for the Easter Vigil - my favourite service of the year.
Labour's new poster actually gives DC some street cred - portraying him as DCI Gene Hunt. Will catch up with the episode of Ashes to Ashes on iplayer.
p.s. Some tut tuts expressed today in Woodbridge that a Liberal leaflet had been delivered on Good Friday. My team were asked to avoid delivering yesterday and tomorrow - there should be a few days a year when campaigning takes a back seat!
Labour's new poster actually gives DC some street cred - portraying him as DCI Gene Hunt. Will catch up with the episode of Ashes to Ashes on iplayer.
p.s. Some tut tuts expressed today in Woodbridge that a Liberal leaflet had been delivered on Good Friday. My team were asked to avoid delivering yesterday and tomorrow - there should be a few days a year when campaigning takes a back seat!
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Halesworth
We kicked off the campaign in Halesworth yesterday. It was somewhat wet and windy to start off with, but showed I wasn't a fairweather candidate! Speaking to local businesses and people on the street, there is definitely a mood for change and regeneration in the rural market towns - a feeling of having been left out by the largesse that Labour has splashed out, particularly in its own heartlands rather than the shires.
The winds of change are stirring - reaching gale force in some parts - roll on the Election.
Later that day, I popped to London for my last event up there (which was very special) and enjoyed the experience of the train. I managed to meet some potential constituents and we discussed some local issues and some fine places to visit (eating and drinking).
The winds of change are stirring - reaching gale force in some parts - roll on the Election.
Later that day, I popped to London for my last event up there (which was very special) and enjoyed the experience of the train. I managed to meet some potential constituents and we discussed some local issues and some fine places to visit (eating and drinking).
World Class Engineering and Back to School
I had the pleasure of visiting Brafe Engineering - a truly world-class engineering firm that is a success story exporting bespoke parts around the world. Thanks to Chris Slemmings for showing me round. I was able to speak to the MD as well and we talked about the need for less regulation and how government investment could be spent better than it is now.
Earlier in the day, I met Mr Cawley from Deben High School who showed me round the school and we talked about some local issues. You could tell from when you walked in that there is a calm atmosphere for learning. Improvements have been made and I am sure more will be on their way.
Earlier in the day, I met Mr Cawley from Deben High School who showed me round the school and we talked about some local issues. You could tell from when you walked in that there is a calm atmosphere for learning. Improvements have been made and I am sure more will be on their way.
My Manifesto for Suffolk Coastal
I intend to be an active, accessible, visible constituency MP. I am living in Westleton and if elected, I will buy a family home in Suffolk Coastal. I intend to hold surgeries up and down the constituency. I will put my expenses and meeting with lobbyists online.
There are many diverse issues for this constituency and separately from our national manifesto, but I have based my priorities around 4 areas - coastal & estuary erosion, NHS, economy and the countryside.
My priorities for Suffolk Coastal
(A) Coastal & Estuary Erosion - hold what we have, implement local solutions, not necessarily Whitehall solutions and allow each generation to do their bit, passing on defences that last 25-30-50 years and not insist on gold-plated defences
i) Write to new DEFRA Secretary to get the DEFRA equation unblocked that focuses government funding on solutions that last over 100 years
ii) Consider new powers for Internal Drainage Boards to extend to
iii) Estuary erosion to be considered in conjunction with the shoreline
(B) NHS
i) The medical professionals of Ipswich Hospital to decide on services provided within the Hospital - which would mean improved cardiac and cancer services
ii) GPs to be put back in charge of out of hours' care as quickly as possible
iii) Where new super-surgeries to be provided, consideration of outreach services for existing patients / surgeries
iv) Retention of our community hospitals and services in Aldeburgh, Felixstowe, Halesworth and Southwold
(C) Economy
I want to see more higher value jobs in Suffolk Coastal.
i) better rural broadband for all
ii) encouraging businesses, professionals and educational institutions to collaborate, providing our future engineers, scientists, etc.
iii) SC could become the Green Coast with its natural habitat and encouragement to become a World Centre of Excellence
iv) a vibrant Felixstowe port with better transport links
v) A12 bypass at the 4 villages
(D) The Countryside
i) ensure our countryside is a living, vibrant place
ii) better, more honest food labelling with only British sourced food carrying the Union flag (perhaps Suffolk food could also carry the St Edmund's flag?)
iii) less bureaucracy from DEFRA and fairer deal from Europe and supermarkets
iv) Green planning - following the Conservative manifesto of a bottom-up needs assessment on housing and avoiding building on green fields, SSSIs and AONBs
Other Issues Specific for Suffolk Coastal
Affordable Housing - local rural housing trusts may be the way forward but I will convene fora to discuss this matter in a blue skies manner; our challenge with new housing and also the proportion of second homes especially in Aldeburgh and Southwold requires out of the box thinking and local solutions.
Sizewell- I support the construction of Sizewell C.
There are many diverse issues for this constituency and separately from our national manifesto, but I have based my priorities around 4 areas - coastal & estuary erosion, NHS, economy and the countryside.
My priorities for Suffolk Coastal
(A) Coastal & Estuary Erosion - hold what we have, implement local solutions, not necessarily Whitehall solutions and allow each generation to do their bit, passing on defences that last 25-30-50 years and not insist on gold-plated defences
i) Write to new DEFRA Secretary to get the DEFRA equation unblocked that focuses government funding on solutions that last over 100 years
ii) Consider new powers for Internal Drainage Boards to extend to
iii) Estuary erosion to be considered in conjunction with the shoreline
(B) NHS
i) The medical professionals of Ipswich Hospital to decide on services provided within the Hospital - which would mean improved cardiac and cancer services
ii) GPs to be put back in charge of out of hours' care as quickly as possible
iii) Where new super-surgeries to be provided, consideration of outreach services for existing patients / surgeries
iv) Retention of our community hospitals and services in Aldeburgh, Felixstowe, Halesworth and Southwold
(C) Economy
I want to see more higher value jobs in Suffolk Coastal.
i) better rural broadband for all
ii) encouraging businesses, professionals and educational institutions to collaborate, providing our future engineers, scientists, etc.
iii) SC could become the Green Coast with its natural habitat and encouragement to become a World Centre of Excellence
iv) a vibrant Felixstowe port with better transport links
v) A12 bypass at the 4 villages
(D) The Countryside
i) ensure our countryside is a living, vibrant place
ii) better, more honest food labelling with only British sourced food carrying the Union flag (perhaps Suffolk food could also carry the St Edmund's flag?)
iii) less bureaucracy from DEFRA and fairer deal from Europe and supermarkets
iv) Green planning - following the Conservative manifesto of a bottom-up needs assessment on housing and avoiding building on green fields, SSSIs and AONBs
Other Issues Specific for Suffolk Coastal
Affordable Housing - local rural housing trusts may be the way forward but I will convene fora to discuss this matter in a blue skies manner; our challenge with new housing and also the proportion of second homes especially in Aldeburgh and Southwold requires out of the box thinking and local solutions.
Sizewell- I support the construction of Sizewell C.
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