East of England Liberal Democrats News Stories (North East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats)

Dec 14, 2011:
- East of England Liberal Democrats announce a new Executive Committee
  Following on for the successful Annual General Meeting in October, Liberal Democrat members and activists have been voting to select a new Regional Executive Committee, and the results are as follows; Chair - Sal Jarvis Vice Chair - Stephen Robinson Treasurer - Allan Witherick Secretary - Lloyd Harris Chair of the Regional Candidates Committee - Kate Sayer Ordinary Members of the Executive - Roy Benford, Karen Chilvers, David Grace, Jo Hayes, Nick Hollinghurst, Steve Jarvis, David Jones, Sandra Macdonald, Catherine Smart and Ron Tisdall Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 19, 2010:
- Leading Regional campaigner appointed to the Lords
  Watford Liberal Democrat Sal Brinton will be appointed to the House of Lords after being nominated for a peerage today. The former parliamentary candidate for Watford was included in the list of 50 new working peers the Queen will confer later this year. Ms Brinton said: "I feel very honoured to be appointed to the House of Lords, especially with major legislative changes to our democracy during this parliament." Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Luton Liberal Democrats welcome peerage for Qurban Hussain
  Local Liberal Democrats have expressed their delight at the announcement that Councillor Qurban Hussain is to be given a seat on the Liberal Democrat benches in the House of Lords. Speaking just after the announcement Qurban said; "It is obviously a great honour to be chosen to represent my home town in the House of Lords." "Luton has been good to me. It has been a good home for my family, has given me employment and provided my children with first class education. As a local Councillor I have always tried to put something back into Luton and have been able to assist a great many local people with all kinds of issues." "I now see this appointment as an opportunity to represent Luton in a major national forum. An opportunity to promote Luton's cause and to work for resources to advance Luton's regeneration and to enhance education, employment, training and life chances for young people in our town." "We are really thrilled at the announcement," says Council Group Leader David Franks. "Qurban has worked hard, for his constituents in Biscot and for Luton as a whole. He has shown his commitment to the town and will make a contribution to the work of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords. He will be Luton's voice in the upper house when it is needed." Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Bob supports Warm Homes Campaign 2010
  Bob Russell MP is backing National Energy Action's Warm Homes Campaign 2010 and is stressing that a national energy efficiency drive is vital in combating rising levels of fuel poverty. The support comes after recent Government statistics revealed that the numbers of households in fuel poverty is continuing to escalate, with NEA estimating that the figure in England and Wales has reached over 4.1 million. Mr Russell Member of Parliament for Colchester said: "The Warm Homes Campaign highlights that there are still millions of people who are simply struggling to keep their homes warm and protect their families from the ill effects of the cold. Fuel-poor households experience a number of detrimental health impacts and reductions in general well being as a result of cold, damp living conditions. Whilst this is unacceptable, the campaign also demonstrates how help is available. It also underlines how important it is that future government schemes are able to target support for the most vulnerable households effectively. "The most important message this year is that there is help out there for vulnerable households. I urge everyone to contact the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to get help and advice on staying warm in their home this winter without the fear of fuel debt and ill health." NEA chief executive Jenny Saunders said: "This campaign plays a vital role in ensuring members of the public, local politicians and MPs understand this link between energy efficiency and fuel poverty. By providing practical advice to local community groups and taking MPs to visit their constituents at home and hear first hand about how benefited've benefited from energy efficiency initiatives, we hope to help lift other families out of fuel poverty. I am delighted so many MPs have taken this opportunity." Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 11, 2010:
- MP's Tribute at Field of Poppies
  Colchester MP Bob Russell has placed Poppy Crosses at "The Field of Poppies" outside Westminster Abbey in memory of those from 16 Air Assault Brigade who have lost their lives serving this country. The Poppy Cross, bearing the emblem of The Parachute Regiment, has been placed in the section allocated for the Regiment in the expanse of grass which is currently filled with thousands of Poppy Crosses. Mr Russell also placed Poppy Crosses in the sections relating to The Royal Anglian Regiment and the former Essex Regiment. He was at The Cenotaph in Whitehall for the Two Minutes Silence as Big Ben struck 11am this morning (Thursday). On Saturday night Mr Russell and his wife Audrey will be guests of The Royal British Legion at the annual Festival of Remembrance at The Royal Albert Hall in London. For ten years he was a Parliamentary Advisor for The Legion. On Sunday he will attend the Service of Remembrance at Colchester War Memorial. Soldiers from the Colchester Garrison, members of 16 Air Assault Brigade, are currently deployed to Afghanistan. Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 9, 2010:
- Simon Wright challenges new Network Rail chief to improve performance
  Norwich South MP Simon Wright is challenging the new Chief Executive of Network Rail, David Higgins, to address the performance of the great eastern mainline between Norwich and London. Trains along the line were affected today by over-running engineering works, leading to many delays and cancelled services. Mr Wright said: "I along with many other of passengers travelling from Norwich today was affected by the cancellations. As a result I arrived in Westminster much later than planned. It meant I missed the start of parliamentary business. It's not fair on passengers when this happens, and all too often Network Rail is to blame. "While the new Chief Executive has only been in post for a week, I felt it was important to raise my concerns with this service early on and to seek a meeting with him to discuss his response." Mr Wright's letter reads: "Dear Mr Higgins, First of all, congratulations on your appointment as the new Chief Executive of Network Rail. I wanted to bring an important issue to your attention early on, which is the reliability of the rail service operated by National Express East Anglia between the great eastern mainline route between my constituency of Norwich South and London Liverpool Street station. Many of the reliability issues are regrettably the fault of Network Rail. Today, a number of trains were cancelled, many others were running with limited stops, and delays were occurring to those which were running. The reason given was over-running engineering works. Unfortunately, delays and problems on the route between Norwich and London are causing immense damage to travellers' confidence in the service. Business users are of the view that the service cannot be properly relied upon, which has knock-on impact on their views of Norwich as a business destination. Leisure users are also affected, and given the relative high cost of rail compared to road use I am concerned that people will look more favourably on other modes of travel if performance does not improve. Norwich also faces longer journey times to London than other cities of comparable distance. Shorter journey times are of great importance to extracting the greatest economic potential from the route. However, reliability is of the most critical importance. Research undertaken by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) revealed that an improved service could unlock £3.7 billion of economic benefits. I would urge you to please look into this situation, and provide me with an update as soon as possible on your plans for improving the performance of this route. Furthermore, can I request a meeting with yourself in Westminster to discuss the matter further? I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, SIMON WRIGHT MP" Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 31, 2010:
- We are more than just Election campaigners
  That was one of the key messages coming from the East of England Liberal Democrat Conference held in Huntingdon at the end of October. Opened by our newest MP, Simon Wright, there was a real buzz around the conference with many new faces and dozens of registrations on the day bolstering those who had booked, some times many months, in advance. The main conference hall thrumed with lively debates on issues as diverse as how we felt the region should be governed (passed) through to tuition fees (which fell on a knife edge) as well as the opportunity to hold our parliamentarians and the region to account. Interspersed with with this we heard from our key note speakers including the current party president Baroness Ros Scott and as our guest speaker Lorely Burt MP. Outside of the main conference hall there were numerous training and fringe events held to support members as well as an exhibition which covered groups as diverse as LDEG (Liberal Democrat European Group) through to DELGA which campaigns on LGBT issues as well as Liberal Democrat Image who provide branded items to the party. Even our Daily Announcements carried items from the Chinese Liberal Democrats and LI-BG (Liberal International - British Group). The event was rounded off by a special hustings for the two candidates running for the parties presidential election. This gave members from across the region the opportunity to ask questions and hear from themselves what their visions for the party might be. All of these help to highlight how our members can be involved and engaged in the issues that they care about all year round. Will you make it next year? We are more than just election campaigners. Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 28, 2010:
- Government plan to save post offices welcomed by MP
  A government announcement that post offices will be saved with a £1.34 billion investment has been welcomed by Cambridge MP Julian Huppert. He told fellow MPs in the Commons that it was "sheer joy and satisfaction" that they will no longer have to campaign against government closures of post offices but can get on with supporting them in their work. Julian and his predecessor, David Howarth, fought against Labour plans which led to the closure of 5,000 post offices across the country including three in Cambridge at Regent Street, Trumpington Street and Hill's Road. But yesterday (Wednesday, October 27) Business Secretary, Vince Cable announced the new funding package saying: "We shall fund the post office network and when I say 'fund' I do not mean setting aside millions of pounds to buy off sub-postmasters when we close their business. "The funding will be used to reform the current network, to change the underlying economics, and so reverse the years of decline and secure its long-term future." Later Julian said: "This announcement is excellent news. It will bring peace of mind to town and villages across the country where their post offices are vital not only for the range of services they provide but for the pivotal role they play in community life. "This investment will secure the future of those post offices and hopefully encourage new businesses into towns and villages." Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 22, 2010:
- Huppert takes up the fight to get a fairer deal for tenants
  MP Julian Huppert has taken up the fight to get a fairer deal for tenants who were told by the Labour government to move out of Cambridge to find cheaper homes. He raised the issue with Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform asking him to investigate the problems faced by tenants renting from private landlords and claiming Local Housing Allowance. Lord Freud acknowledged that there was a problem with the system set up by the previous Labour government which sets the level of LHA in Cambridge based on average property rents taken over a wide area including cheaper locations as far afield as Littleport and Haverhill. The system left tenants considerably out of pocket and facing the prospect of giving up their jobs and taking children out of school to try to make ends meet. Julian's predecessor, David Howarth, began the fight to get the system changed and in March the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee reported on the issue saying: "We recommend that the department asks the Valuation Office Agency to review those areas where rents vary greatly, such as Cambridge." But no action was taken. Julian said: "The meeting with Lord Freud was extremely positive. He acknowledged that there is a problem and it needs dealing with. He accepted that the over-heating of Cambridge is a problem, and that driving people out of Cambridge makes the problem worse, especially since there are poor transport links in much of the area." "Families have faced real hardship because of this Labour government initiative and it needs changing as a matter of urgency. I will continue to push this issue until the Broad Market Rental Agreement, which sets the level of rents in Cambridge, is reviewed and I get a satisfactory conclusion so that these tenants can have peace of mind." Cambridge City Executive Councillor for Housing, Catherine Smart said: "I am very pleased our MP has taken up this issue and glad he has persuaded the Minister that it needs changing. People looking for work need to be living in places where they can find work." Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Bob Russell concerned over housing benefit cuts
  Colchester MP Bob Russell has warned that plans by the Government to cut housing benefit could result in a bigger cost to the public purse - because local councils have a legal obligation to provide accommodation for homeless people, and such costs per household are much greater than housing benefit. The Town's Liberal Democrat MP issued the warning when he challenged the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon George Osborne MP, in the House of Commons during the debate on the Comprehensive Spending Review. Mr Russell said: "Hundreds of thousands of families will be adversely affected by the removal or cutting of housing benefit. Will the Chancellor confirm that local authorities have a statutory duty to house homeless families, and that the cost of bed-and-breakfast accommodation is considerably greater than that of housing benefit?" The Chancellor declined to answer the specific question raised by Mr Russell - namely that providing accommodation for homeless families is more expensive than paying them housing benefit to live in a decent property - but he did comment that the housing benefit budget "has been rising at a very rapid pace." Mr Russell told the Commons that he welcomed the Government's commitment to end child poverty - "during this Parliament, we hope, which Labour failed miserably to do." His concern over child poverty is an issue which he has raised on several occasions, including earlier in the spring when he had a debate on the subject. Official figures indicate that currently 3.9 million children are living in poverty, a statistic which Mr Russell fears could get worse if the cut in housing benefit leads to families being made homeless. Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 20, 2010:
- Defence cuts will not hit Colchester
  Colchester MP Bob Russell said that he was delighted that the Colchester Garrison - and 16 Air Assault Brigade, currently deployed to Afghanistan - will not be adversely affected by the Government's announcement about Defence which includes cuts. The town's Liberal Democrat MP said: "Contrary to some speculation, The Royal Marines will not be merged with 16 Air Assault Brigade. Nor will 3 Commando Brigade and 16 Air Assault Brigade merge to form a new hybrid brigade." Mr Russell added: "The background briefing I have obtained from the Ministry of Defence confirms that there will be no change to Army units involved in Afghanistan which remains the UK's most important current matter of Defence." He welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement that there will be greater use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and that additional helicopters will be deployed in Afghanistan." Mr Russell, who has twice visited British Forces in Helmand Province where soldiers from Colchester are currently based at Camp Bastion, had pressed the last Labour Government on several occasions to make greater use of UAVs to detect insurgents. "I am grateful that the Coalition Government has announced that this will now happen - it should have been done long ago." He said that the Defence review appeared to have spared Colchester Garrison from any negative effects, but he would continue to be alert to any moves which may have an impact on operations at Merville Barracks or those serving there, both military and civilian. Mr Russell added that he would continue to press the Ministry of Defence to upgrade the houses occupied by military families. Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 18, 2010:
- Scientists lobby Parliament with Huppert's backing
  Scientists and engineers lobbied Parliament with the support of Cambridge MP, Julian Huppert, to prevent destructive cuts in science funding. The Campaign for Science and Engineering and Science is Vital took their fight directly to the House of Commons calling on MPs to think again about reducing science spending. Julian, a former research scientist at Cambridge University's Cavendish Lab and the only scientist in the House of Commons, told campaigners that they had to fight on every issue that would affect science. Not only would feared spending cuts hinder research work but the government's move to restrict foreign visas for scientists and academics travelling to the UK would have a devastating effect, he told them. And they must use all the campaign tools they have, getting their message out across the social networking sites. "The government must accept that the UK's standing as a world leader in scientific research and education is at risk here," Julian said later. "We cannot sit back and let this happen. "I am totally committed to this campaign to protect the UK's commitment to science. We must impress upon the government that it needs to put together a strategy for continued investment in science to protect our international reputation." Julian, a former research scientist at Cambridge University's Cavendish Lab, also raised the issue during Treasury Questions in the Commons. He asked Chancellor George Osborne if he were aware that the Treasury is the only large department that does not have a chief scientific adviser. "Does that say anything about its interest in and understanding of science and will he appoint a chief scientific adviser?" he said. Mr Osborne replied: "I have received plenty of advice public and private from the nation's scientists." Julian has discussed the campaign with Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, Business Secretary, Vince Cable and Universities and Science Minister, David Willets. MPs have been urged to show their support for continued investment in science by signing an Early Day Motion drafted by Julian. It asks MPs to acknowledge that research investment fuels economic growth and that the UK's competitors, such as the USA, France and Germany are increasing their investment in science. Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 13, 2010:
- Huppert signs tuition fees pledge again
  Cambridge students have given a resounding vote of thanks to their MP as he stands shoulder to shoulder with them in the fight against increased tuition fees. Julian Huppert, who has campaigned against any rise in fees since he was an undergraduate, re-signed the Student Pledge this morning (Wednesday, October 13) reaffirming his promise. The news has been welcomed by students across the city and Student Union members who are calling on MPs in other university cities to follow his lead. Andy McGowan, Cambridge University Students' Union Access Officer said: "It was vitally important that Julian stood by his promise and this has been met with a very good response among students. "They voted for him in the election now he is voting for them. He is leading the way and standing side by side with them and it lets students know that this is not a lost cause. "If these increases go-ahead, the university landscape will be a very different place. Students will have to choose courses by cost rather than what they would like to study. We are relying on our politicians not to let that happen." Julian said: "I made a promise to the students that I would never support a rise in tuition fees and I have reaffirmed that promise today. "Young people should be able to go to university based on their ability and not on their ability to pay." Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 1, 2010:
- Asylum seekers left in limbo should be allowed to work
  Asylum seekers left in limbo by the immigration service should be allowed to work to ease the burden on the taxpayer, claims Cambridge MP, Julian Huppert. He believes asylum seekers who have been waiting for more than six months for their cases to be concluded or who have been refused asylum but temporarily cannot be returned to their home country through no fault of their own, should be allowed to seek employment. Julian, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees, has signed declarations by the Jewish Council of Racial Equality and Still Human Still Here calling on the government to change the employment rules affecting these people. He said: "The asylum system has been left in chaos by the Labour government. Only around 40 per cent of cases have been dealt with in six months compared with the Home Office's target of 75 per cent. "Behind these figures there are families stuck in limbo with no way of supporting themselves. This can affect their mental health and have wider implications for the community as a whole and the taxpayer picks up the cost. By allowing these people to seek work they will not only be able to provide for their families but they will ease the burden on the taxpayer. This makes complete common sense." The majority of asylum seekers who have found themselves trapped in a system, over which they have no control, are surviving on just over £5 a day because they are forced to rely on government or charity support. Julian is confident that a change in policy would not attract economic migrants to the UK. Only a small percentage of asylum seekers would be in the system long enough to apply for permission to work after the government set new targets to resolve 90 per cent of cases within six months by next year. Many European and Scandinavian countries already allow asylum seekers to work six months or less after making their asylum application and all of these countries receive less applications than the UK. Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Sep 27, 2010:
- MPs ready to fight Digital Economy Act in Parliament
  In an exclusive interview with Broadbandgenie.co.uk, Liberal Democrat MP Julian Huppert has revealed a group of MPs are organising support to make key amendments to the Digital Economy Act, which was rushed through 'the wash' at the end of Labour's last term in government. The Act contains several controversial sections, particularly around broadband blocking and disconnections, that Huppert described as "deeply worrying". There are also serious implications for public Wi-Fi use. He said: "There's this assumption that if you have someone's IP address, you know who it is that's responsible, which is simply wrong; it falls apart in so many ways." Huppert tabled an early day motion, 'Effects of Digital Economy Act 2010 on Use of the Internet', on his first day in Parliament which, while receiving limited support so far, has helped those opposed to sections of the Act find other MPs with similar concerns. According to new MP Huppert, the vote on the Act was taken in "very odd" circumstances: it was the dying days of Parliament and many MPs were not about to stay in London in the middle of an election to vote on something they didn't really know anything about. He continued: "I would've been there, because I care about it, but there simply wasn't time to educate all of them. "But we're better organised now. A number of us are working on things we can do with the Digital Economy Act. It has to go back to Parliament for approval, and in this case there has to be a vote, which is quite rare. It hasn't been scheduled yet, but there will be an opportunity for those of us who have a case to make a case against sections of the Act to do so." Broadband Genie editor Chris Marling added: "It is heartening to hear important sections of this act, clearly rushed through without any time being paid to them, will not be let through so easily this time. While putting a stop to illegal file sharing is of great importance, is vitally important consumer rights are protected in the process."In an exclusive interview with Broadbandgenie.co.uk, Liberal Democrat MP Julian Huppert has revealed a group of MPs are organising support to make key amendments to the Digital Economy Act, which was rushed through 'the wash' at the end of Labour's last term in government. The Act contains several controversial sections, particularly around broadband blocking and disconnections, that Huppert described as "deeply worrying". There are also serious implications for public Wi-Fi use. He said: "There's this assumption that if you have someone's IP address, you know who it is that's responsible, which is simply wrong; it falls apart in so many ways." Huppert tabled an early day motion, 'Effects of Digital Economy Act 2010 on Use of the Internet', on his first day in Parliament which, while receiving limited support so far, has helped those opposed to sections of the Act find other MPs with similar concerns. According to new MP Huppert, the vote on the Act was taken in "very odd" circumstances: it was the dying days of Parliament and many MPs were not about to stay in London in the middle of an election to vote on something they didn't really know anything about. He continued: "I would've been there, because I care about it, but there simply wasn't time to educate all of them. "But we're better organised now. A number of us are working on things we can do with the Digital Economy Act. It has to go back to Parliament for approval, and in this case there has to be a vote, which is quite rare. It hasn't been scheduled yet, but there will be an opportunity for those of us who have a case to make a case against sections of the Act to do so." Broadband Genie editor Chris Marling added: "It is heartening to hear important sections of this act, clearly rushed through without any time being paid to them, will not be let through so easily this time. While putting a stop to illegal file sharing is of great importance, is vitally important consumer rights are protected in the process." The full transcript of the interview can be read on broadbandgenie.co.uk here. Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Sep 13, 2010:
- Speaker agrees to MP Russell's request for urgent statement on spending cuts
  Bob Russell that the Chancellor of the Exchequer should be required to come to the House of Commons this afternoon to explain last Thursday's announcement of a further £4 billion cut in public spending. The request by Liberal Democrat Mr Russell for what is known as an Urgent Question has been granted by the Speaker, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP. Mr Russell will have two minutes in which to challenge the Chancellor, Mr George Osborne MP. Other MPs are also expected to speak. Mr Russell has been a strong critic of the Coalition Government's spending cuts proposals. The Chancellor's announcement of a further £4 billion in cuts, in addition to £11 billion already announced, was not made to the Commons but to the BBC - a fact which Mr Russell raised as a Point of Order on Thursday evening. Today's Urgent Questions will follow Defence Questions, which will run from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Sep 8, 2010:
- Andrew Duff Welcomes Good Deal For Animal Rights And Science Research
  East of England Liberal Democrat MEP Andrew DUFF welcomed the outcome of a key European Parliament vote today (Wednesday) on the use of animals in scientific research. MEPs adopted a new law to allow the development of medical and veterinary science while raising the level of protection for animals. The vote concludes negotiations on a heavily lobbied directive to update existing EU legislation dating back to 1986, taking account of new research techniques and higher standards now expected of researchers. Andrew DUFF said: "Much of the best science in the EU is carried out in the East of England. This EU legislation spreads the best of UK practice across the EU's 27 member states. The law will be reviewed again in a few years time to keep pace with developments in scientific techniques. "The UK will retain existing higher standards, but other EU states lagging behind must now raise their standards. The law insists that alternative methods to animal testing will be used where they exist. "Liberal Democrat input to the controversial negotiations has secured an upper pain threshold to be suffered by animals and tough EU inspection of national laboratories where there are grounds for concern. "The use of animals in scientific experiments is allowed for basic research and for research into human, animal or plant diseases, drug testing and species preservation, and also for higher education and forensic investigations. "Today's vote creates a good set of circumstances under which the R&D effort in our region can continue to thrive." Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Sep 1, 2010:
- Lib Dem County Group and MPs throw support behind Connexions
  Norwich South MP Simon Wright met young people at Connexions on Bank Plain. "It is clear local young people really value this service," said Simon. Norfolk's leading Liberal Democrat politicians are throwing their weight behind a last ditch attempt to save the Connexions service from a local Conservative slash and burn. At Monday's meeting of Norfolk County Council, the Liberal Democrat Group at County hall will put forward a proposal to save the Connexions service by using half of a £2m revenue budget earmarked to increase the size of reserves held in case of insurance claims. Paul Morse, Leader of the County Council Lib Dems and proposer of Monday's amendment called Connexions an easy target, "Its essential that the public realize that there are alternatives to this cut. On Monday we are pushing forward an amendment that will fund Connexions without impacting on any of the Council's other frontline services. Many Conservative Councillors haven't grasped the wide range of crucial services Connexions provides and by taking an axe to do the job of a knife they are putting our young people at serious risk. The scale of this cut, Norfolk Connexions is the worst hit of any in the country, will decimate the service's ability to help vulnerable young people." The amendment and Connexions Service also have the full backing of Norfolk's two Lib Dem MPs; Norman Lamb, North Norfolk MP criticized the lack of long term thinking behind the cut, "Councillors need to see that Connexions is a long term preventative service for young people. Connexions doesn't just provide career advice, it has been instrumental in lowering teenage pregnancy and NEET figures across the county and it stops problems becoming crises. I would ask all Councillors to look at the proposal on the table without their party hats on and to do what's best for Norfolk's young people". Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat MP for Norwich South, said: "When I visited the Connexions centre in Norwich, I was able to find out from young people themselves what they thought of the service. Their response was very positive. I heard how the advice offered is helping so many young people to improve their CVs, job applications, and to identify opportunities for their future development. One of the great things about Connexions is the openness of the centres themselves, and I'm worried that if these are taken away then young people will lose the ease of access to personal support. In these difficult times, young people need this support more than ever." Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Aug 18, 2010:
- Prime Minister urged to tackle tax avoiders
  Prime Minister David Cameron has been challenged to show the same enthusiasm in tackling people who cheat on their taxes as he has on those guilty of Benefit fraud. It has been made by Liberal Democrat MP Bob Russell who in a second challenge has called on retail tycoon Sir Philip Green - appointed to eliminate waste in Whitehall - to name and shame those companies who engaged in tax-avoidance. Mr Russell, MP for Colchester, said: "If tax avoidance was dealt with effectively then there would be less need to undertake the level of cuts which the Coalition Government is proposing. "Will people who do not pay the correct level of income tax, who use cash in hand payments to avoid Value Added Tax, and UK companies who use VAT havens in the Channel Islands to avoid paying UK VAT, feature in Sir Philip's 'Efficiency Review'? He added: "Perhaps a specific investigation could look at how companies operate to minimise tax payments when morally they are not justified. "If full tax was collected then there would be less need for the Coalition Government to make cuts. "By all means lets tackle inefficiency and fraud, as in Mr Cameron's comments on Benefits fraud, but fairness demands that abuses in the tax system also need to be addressed." Mr Russell was one of two Liberal Democrat MPs who voted against the Coalition Government's decision to increase Value Added Tax from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent. In a separate challenge to the Prime Minister, Mr Russell asked: "When are you going to launch a campaign against those who cheat on Income Tax, businesses 'using the system' to avoid paying all the taxes they should, and big company 'dodges' over Value Added Tax purchases via the Channel Islands?" He added: "Benefit cheats need to be tackled. But what about the Tax cheats? They, and those responsible for the banking crisis, are more responsible for Britain's financial problems than Benefit cheats. All should be tackled in the same way. "So, Mr Cameron, when will you launch a campaign against Tax cheats?" Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jul 13, 2010:
- Andrew Duff welcomes new investment into the East of England
  Lib Dem Euro MEP Andrew Duff has welcomed the decision announced yesterday by the European Union to invest £ 450 m in Ford's research facility at Dunton in Essex. Mr Duff said: "The UK has been running behind our EU partners in developing green technologies -- and the East of England has been slipping behind other UK regions in this respect too. So the European Investment Bank's decision is doubly welcome. Ford's innovative programme is exactly the kind of activity which will create the productive jobs of the future. The EU has made a vote of confidence in Ford and in the East of England which Liberal Democrats very much welcome." Published and promoted by East of England Liberal Democrats, c/o Andrew Duff MEP, Orwell House, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0PP Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

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