I have joined forces with UK Youth, the leading national youth work charity, to call on the country to be Positive about Youth. The charity is celebrating 100 years of working with young people and is using the opportunity this presents to celebrate all the positive things that young people do.
UK Youth is the leading national youth work charity, supporting over 750,000 young people, 40,000 volunteers and 7,000 youth clubs, groups and projects across the UK. The charity was formed in 1911 to support factory girls who were not receiving an education and helps young people to raise their aspirations, realise their potential and have their achievements recognised.
I have become a Centenary Ambassador along with celebrities, sports personalities, and business people such as Guy Ritchie and Pixie Lott, who have made a commitment to be Positive about Youth. They celebrated the achievements of young people at a reception on the Terrace of the House of Commons.
John Bateman, Chief Executive of UK Youth, said: “We are using our centenary to change the country’s perceptions of young people. Over 70% of media coverage about young people is negative yet the vast majority of young people are achieving great things and playing an increased role in communities all over the country. We want to highlight these activities, raise the aspirations, realise the potential and recognise the achievements of all young people thereby improving their life chances.”
UK Youth does a fantastic job drawing attention to the positive contribution young people make to society. It is easy to take their hard work and achievements which I hear about or experience first hand on my visits to local schools or youth groups for granted. For instance, 175,000 young people are carers and 13,000 of them provide voluntary care for their families for more than 50 hours a week.
During the year, UK Youth have taken the Positive About Youth message to many of the major arts and sports events around the UK including the Hay Festival, the London Marathon and Wimbledon. In addition, Nigel Mansell will be cycling round the UK on a 1200 mile journey to draw attention to the campaign, visit youth projects and raise money for the charity.
Friday, 23 July 2010
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Tom Brake Supports Equitable Members' Action Group
I recently met with representatives of the Equitable Members’ Action Group (EMAG) in my office in Carshalton to discuss their concerns about compensation for members and former members of the insurer, Equitable Life Assurance Society.
At its peak, Equitable Life had 1.5 million policyholders with funds worth £26 billion under management, but its near-collapse in 2000 saw almost a million policyholders across the UK lose money. Since then, there have been extensive investigations and reviews into what went wrong at Equitable Life. It has been established that maladministration on the part of the Government of the day occurred, and agreement reached that payment should be made in relation to losses.
For almost a decade Equitable Life policyholders have fought for compensation for their losses suffered as a result of regulatory failure.
The Coalition Government has pledged to “implement the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman’s recommendation to make fair and transparent payments to Equitable Life policy holders, through an independent payment scheme, for their relative loss.” To this end, the Equitable Life Payments Scheme Bill was announced in the Queen’s Speech.
Sir John Chadwick is expected to present his final report shortly on Equitable Life, which will outline proposals for compensation. However, the Government has confirmed two key points: that there will be no means testing, and that the dependents of the estimated 30,000 deceased policyholders will be included.
I support EMAG’s campaign to get proper compensation for the victims of Equitable Life’s collapse. The fight for compensation has lasted nearly a decade, which is far too long
At its peak, Equitable Life had 1.5 million policyholders with funds worth £26 billion under management, but its near-collapse in 2000 saw almost a million policyholders across the UK lose money. Since then, there have been extensive investigations and reviews into what went wrong at Equitable Life. It has been established that maladministration on the part of the Government of the day occurred, and agreement reached that payment should be made in relation to losses.
For almost a decade Equitable Life policyholders have fought for compensation for their losses suffered as a result of regulatory failure.
The Coalition Government has pledged to “implement the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman’s recommendation to make fair and transparent payments to Equitable Life policy holders, through an independent payment scheme, for their relative loss.” To this end, the Equitable Life Payments Scheme Bill was announced in the Queen’s Speech.
Sir John Chadwick is expected to present his final report shortly on Equitable Life, which will outline proposals for compensation. However, the Government has confirmed two key points: that there will be no means testing, and that the dependents of the estimated 30,000 deceased policyholders will be included.
I support EMAG’s campaign to get proper compensation for the victims of Equitable Life’s collapse. The fight for compensation has lasted nearly a decade, which is far too long
Carshalton and Wallington Relies on Rail
I have added my support to a parliamentary motion highlighting the extent to which British businesses and the economy rely on rail.
The motion, which has been laid in Parliament as the Government begins to make decisions about spending cuts, calls on the Government to recognise that more people are now travelling by rail than ever before and that major rail improvement projects boost the economy.
Every year 1 billion of the 1.3 billion passenger journeys made by rail are people commuting or travelling for business. Rail freight also transports 100 million tonnes of goods every year worth £30 billion.
In 25 years time there are expected to be 80% more people commuting by rail and freight demand is forecast to go up by 70%.
People in Carshalton and Wallington rely on rail. It gets them to and from work and allows leisure journeys too. Even those who are not regular passengers reap the benefit of less road congestion and the vital role rail freight plays in transporting everyday goods and fuelling the economy
We all know there are tough spending decisions to be made in the coming weeks and months but it is vital that the government does not make cuts to rail investment that could damage the local and national economy by not enabling future growth. This is why I am pleased to have been able to add my name to this parliamentary motion.
The Motion reads:
'That this House recognises that Britain relies on rail transport; notes that every year 1.3 billion passenger journeys are made by rail and that rail freight carries 100 million tonnes of goods; further recognises that at peak times the busiest parts of the rail network are full, trains are overcrowded and that passenger and freight demand continue to grow; notes that the annual cost of road congestion to the economy is already estimated to be £7-8 billion; believes that investment in infrastructure is necessary to stimulate business investment in Britain's towns and cities and boost economic recovery; further recognises that current major rail capacity enhancement projects bring economic benefits to Britain; and calls on the Government to consider the economic benefits of rail schemes when determining value for money projects in the Comprehensive Spending Review.'
The motion, which has been laid in Parliament as the Government begins to make decisions about spending cuts, calls on the Government to recognise that more people are now travelling by rail than ever before and that major rail improvement projects boost the economy.
Every year 1 billion of the 1.3 billion passenger journeys made by rail are people commuting or travelling for business. Rail freight also transports 100 million tonnes of goods every year worth £30 billion.
In 25 years time there are expected to be 80% more people commuting by rail and freight demand is forecast to go up by 70%.
People in Carshalton and Wallington rely on rail. It gets them to and from work and allows leisure journeys too. Even those who are not regular passengers reap the benefit of less road congestion and the vital role rail freight plays in transporting everyday goods and fuelling the economy
We all know there are tough spending decisions to be made in the coming weeks and months but it is vital that the government does not make cuts to rail investment that could damage the local and national economy by not enabling future growth. This is why I am pleased to have been able to add my name to this parliamentary motion.
The Motion reads:
'That this House recognises that Britain relies on rail transport; notes that every year 1.3 billion passenger journeys are made by rail and that rail freight carries 100 million tonnes of goods; further recognises that at peak times the busiest parts of the rail network are full, trains are overcrowded and that passenger and freight demand continue to grow; notes that the annual cost of road congestion to the economy is already estimated to be £7-8 billion; believes that investment in infrastructure is necessary to stimulate business investment in Britain's towns and cities and boost economic recovery; further recognises that current major rail capacity enhancement projects bring economic benefits to Britain; and calls on the Government to consider the economic benefits of rail schemes when determining value for money projects in the Comprehensive Spending Review.'
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
My visit to The Vine Project
On Monday morning I visited The Vine Project in Mitcham. The Vine Project is a green charity that aims to change people’s lives whilst also improving the environment around them.
The Vine Project accepts donations of good quality furniture, household items, children’s clothes and toys (diverting tons of waste from landfill) which are reconditioned where necessary and sold cheaply to those in need.
The Vine Project provides structured support to volunteers who help in their warehouse, particularly those who are socially excluded or have mental health or other special needs, to improve their opportunities of future employment.
The work done here is inspirational, the organisation is making a massive step towards a greener and happier future for many people. I hope this charity will be able to expand and grow to help others and to help the environment.
The charity is expanding its work to include a handyman service for local residents.
To find out more about this charity or to donate to its cause please visit http://www.thevineproject.org
The Vine Project accepts donations of good quality furniture, household items, children’s clothes and toys (diverting tons of waste from landfill) which are reconditioned where necessary and sold cheaply to those in need.
The Vine Project provides structured support to volunteers who help in their warehouse, particularly those who are socially excluded or have mental health or other special needs, to improve their opportunities of future employment.
The work done here is inspirational, the organisation is making a massive step towards a greener and happier future for many people. I hope this charity will be able to expand and grow to help others and to help the environment.
The charity is expanding its work to include a handyman service for local residents.
To find out more about this charity or to donate to its cause please visit http://www.thevineproject.org
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
My appointment as Co-Chair of Lib Dem Backbench Committee on Home Affairs, Justice and Equalities.
Yesterday I was named the Co-Chair of the new Liberal Democrat Backbench Committee on Home Affairs, Justice and Equalities.
The Backbench Committee will scrutinise the coalition government’s policies and help develop a distinct and powerful Liberal Democrat voice on Home Affairs, Justice and Equalities issues.
I am pleased to be able to continue my work on Home Affairs issues for the Liberal Democrats. I hope that the Backbench Committees will ensure the continued development of strong and distinctive Liberal Democrat policies that reflect our party’s values.
I have served as the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesman since 2008 and have also been a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee.
I will Co-Chair the committee alongside Baroness Hamwee and Lord Thomas of Gresford OBE QC.
The Backbench Committee will scrutinise the coalition government’s policies and help develop a distinct and powerful Liberal Democrat voice on Home Affairs, Justice and Equalities issues.
I am pleased to be able to continue my work on Home Affairs issues for the Liberal Democrats. I hope that the Backbench Committees will ensure the continued development of strong and distinctive Liberal Democrat policies that reflect our party’s values.
I have served as the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesman since 2008 and have also been a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee.
I will Co-Chair the committee alongside Baroness Hamwee and Lord Thomas of Gresford OBE QC.
Friday, 25 June 2010
My latest fundraising challenge for our brave troops
I hope you have all been enjoying the great weather we have had this week! I have been making the most of the sunshine by starting to train for my latest fundraising challenge.
Some of you may remember last year that I took part in the Grim Duathlon, a tough 30km race on a very muddy army base in Surrey in aid of St. Raphael's Hospice in Cheam. I was overwhelmed by the generous support I received from local people who helped me to raise thousands of pounds.
In October I will again be racing in the Grim Duathlon and hope to not only better my time from last year, but to raise funds for another great cause.
This year I will be raising money for The Royal British Legion a charity that does outstanding work to support our brave troops and their families.
Last year I pledged to do my bit for the Armed Forces by signing up to support The Legion’s manifesto which calls on the Government to do more to honour the Military Covenant and to support to the Armed Forces Family.
But I also want to show my support for The Legion by raising funds to help them continue to do their vital work.
Please donate whatever you can, it’s very easy and all goes directly to our heroic troops, just visit my fundraising page http://www.justgiving.com/Tom-Brake and I will keep you all updated on my training progress over the coming months.
Some of you may remember last year that I took part in the Grim Duathlon, a tough 30km race on a very muddy army base in Surrey in aid of St. Raphael's Hospice in Cheam. I was overwhelmed by the generous support I received from local people who helped me to raise thousands of pounds.
In October I will again be racing in the Grim Duathlon and hope to not only better my time from last year, but to raise funds for another great cause.
This year I will be raising money for The Royal British Legion a charity that does outstanding work to support our brave troops and their families.
Last year I pledged to do my bit for the Armed Forces by signing up to support The Legion’s manifesto which calls on the Government to do more to honour the Military Covenant and to support to the Armed Forces Family.
But I also want to show my support for The Legion by raising funds to help them continue to do their vital work.
Please donate whatever you can, it’s very easy and all goes directly to our heroic troops, just visit my fundraising page http://www.justgiving.com/Tom-Brake and I will keep you all updated on my training progress over the coming months.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
83% of locals back coalition government
Last month I asked for opinions from my e-group on the new coalition government.
The overall results were as follows:
83% of you told me that you think coalition government is a positive thing for Britain and is a more mature approach to politics.
17% of you replied to say that you think coalition government is not a positive thing for Britain.
A large number of respondents were very positive about the coalition government and optimistic about what this historic agreement could achieve.
One member of my group Lorna told me she believed the coalition government was a great opportunity to tackle the challenges facing our country. She said ‘The way ahead I think should be working together for the good of all. By listening to each other and working together seems to me to be the only solution to our problems in the present climate.’
Another member of my group Paula also hopes that the coalition will work together for the national interest. She wrote ‘The coalition requires maturity, tolerance and communication…It will also require a willingness to work together for the greater good.’ She went on to tell me that she believes that in the long term the coalition ‘will bring a new integrity to the image that government holds.’
George echoed Paula’s sentiments saying ‘What we need now is bright, knowledgeable, clear thinking and straight talking Politicians of whatever colour or creed to get us through the next semester and lay down foundations for a very different future.’
Many of you thought that the coalition government represents an excellent chance for Liberal Democrat policies to become a reality, something I’m obviously keen to see. Barry too was pleased that many Lib Dem policies will at last be put into practice and that the Coalition Programme for Government included scrapping the ID card scheme.
Although the majority of members of my group felt that the coalition government was in the national interest, some were apprehensive about an alliance between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. Carol wrote, ‘I am all for coalition government so I must say ‘together’ but I certainly never envisioned a coalition with the Conservatives, a party I have spent all my voting life to keep out of government and I am horrified to find we now have David Cameron as Prime Minister.’
But Martin said ‘Given that the election has clearly indicated both that change was wanted and that the Conservative Party that the largest share of both the total vote and number of seats, I think that it was highly commendable that Nick Clegg took the view that the Conservatives had a moral right to govern.’
However, a minority of my group who were against the coalition argued that they felt they had been betrayed by the decision. Maxine told me ‘No disrespect to you Tom but I voted Lib Dem to keep the Tories out of government…It’s more like Tory government than a coalition one. Sandy agreed with her saying that ‘I voted Lib Dems in order to keep the Tories out of power…’
I understand that people have concerns about the coalition but what Britain needs right now is a stable government to help us tackle the important challenges our country faces over the coming months and years. I intend to do my best on your behalf to get the best deal for our area.
If you have any suggestions for future e-poll topics please let me know - either via Facebook, my blog, or by email.
Don't forget you can join my e-group at any stage by emailing me at brake@tombrake.co.uk with the subject 'Join'
The overall results were as follows:
83% of you told me that you think coalition government is a positive thing for Britain and is a more mature approach to politics.
17% of you replied to say that you think coalition government is not a positive thing for Britain.
A large number of respondents were very positive about the coalition government and optimistic about what this historic agreement could achieve.
One member of my group Lorna told me she believed the coalition government was a great opportunity to tackle the challenges facing our country. She said ‘The way ahead I think should be working together for the good of all. By listening to each other and working together seems to me to be the only solution to our problems in the present climate.’
Another member of my group Paula also hopes that the coalition will work together for the national interest. She wrote ‘The coalition requires maturity, tolerance and communication…It will also require a willingness to work together for the greater good.’ She went on to tell me that she believes that in the long term the coalition ‘will bring a new integrity to the image that government holds.’
George echoed Paula’s sentiments saying ‘What we need now is bright, knowledgeable, clear thinking and straight talking Politicians of whatever colour or creed to get us through the next semester and lay down foundations for a very different future.’
Many of you thought that the coalition government represents an excellent chance for Liberal Democrat policies to become a reality, something I’m obviously keen to see. Barry too was pleased that many Lib Dem policies will at last be put into practice and that the Coalition Programme for Government included scrapping the ID card scheme.
Although the majority of members of my group felt that the coalition government was in the national interest, some were apprehensive about an alliance between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. Carol wrote, ‘I am all for coalition government so I must say ‘together’ but I certainly never envisioned a coalition with the Conservatives, a party I have spent all my voting life to keep out of government and I am horrified to find we now have David Cameron as Prime Minister.’
But Martin said ‘Given that the election has clearly indicated both that change was wanted and that the Conservative Party that the largest share of both the total vote and number of seats, I think that it was highly commendable that Nick Clegg took the view that the Conservatives had a moral right to govern.’
However, a minority of my group who were against the coalition argued that they felt they had been betrayed by the decision. Maxine told me ‘No disrespect to you Tom but I voted Lib Dem to keep the Tories out of government…It’s more like Tory government than a coalition one. Sandy agreed with her saying that ‘I voted Lib Dems in order to keep the Tories out of power…’
I understand that people have concerns about the coalition but what Britain needs right now is a stable government to help us tackle the important challenges our country faces over the coming months and years. I intend to do my best on your behalf to get the best deal for our area.
If you have any suggestions for future e-poll topics please let me know - either via Facebook, my blog, or by email.
Don't forget you can join my e-group at any stage by emailing me at brake@tombrake.co.uk with the subject 'Join'
Friday, 18 June 2010
Brake Joins Campaign in a Box
On Wednesday, the 16+ Group (students 16 years or older) at the Link School presented their views on how to improve the local area to Tom Brake MP for Carshalton and Wallington, School Governors, Councillor officers, Living Streets and a number of other guests. Students have been taking part in Living Streets ‘Campaign-in-a-Box’, a student-led campaign for more walkable streets.
Top of the pupils’ list was a safer crossing, more even pavements and an end to graffiti and dogs’ mess.
Tom said after the event, “16+ plus have thought long and hard about what they want to happen near their school. It is time for the politicians to respond positively and make a difference.”
Tom has volunteered to take up any issues on 16+’s behalf.
The Link School is in Croydon Road, Beddington.
Top of the pupils’ list was a safer crossing, more even pavements and an end to graffiti and dogs’ mess.
Tom said after the event, “16+ plus have thought long and hard about what they want to happen near their school. It is time for the politicians to respond positively and make a difference.”
Tom has volunteered to take up any issues on 16+’s behalf.
The Link School is in Croydon Road, Beddington.
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Coalition Government Delivers on Pledge to Halt Backgarden Grabbing
The damage caused by backgarden grabbing, triggered by planning regulations introduced by the then Deputy Labour PM, John Prescott in 2000, should now come to a halt. I have campaigned for years against backgarden development.
On Thursday, the coalition government introduced new planning guidelines that have immediate effect. They remove gardens from the definition of brownfield land and scrap the Whitehall-set density target.
These new powers will help stop greedy developers demolishing detached houses, depriving families and wildlife of green spaces.
They will also give Sutton Council real power and discretion to determine the appropriate level of development for each area of the Borough, allowing high density building if residents want it and ensuring that more family homes with gardens can be built in new developments.
I have today warned that thousands of children with autism in England are needlessly facing a future of mental health problems, because the NHS does not know how to help them.
I am backing a new campaign by the National Autistic Society (NAS), You Need to Know, which aims to tackle an unfit mental health system that fails two thirds of children with autism and often makes their mental health worse.
If children with autism are given the help they need, this has a major and positive impact on their health and happiness. A more responsive system would prevent many mental health problems and stop the tragic waste of their potential.
Over 70%* of children with autism have a mental health problem, such as depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other anxiety disorders, despite the fact that many of these problems are preventable. Autism is a complex disability and so when mental health problems do develop in children with the condition they are much harder to recognise, diagnose and treat without appropriate knowledge. Tragically, they are often dismissed as an unfortunate, but unavoidable side effect of having autism.
Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the NAS said; “All too often children with autism receive inappropriate, ineffectual and sometimes harmful treatment of their mental health problems. This has a devastating effect on families many of whom develop their own mental health problems as a result. Parents and professionals alike are crying out for more autism support and so we are delighted to have Tom’s backing. The NHS needs to know how to help, and the Government needs to know it can’t wait.”
Over 450 parents surveyed for the You Need to Know campaign revealed:
• Mental health services failed to improve the mental health of two thirds of children with autism
• 43% of parents whose children are currently registered with mental health services said their child’s mental health had got worse because they could not get the services they needed
• Over half of parents do not think that mental health services know how to communicate with their child
• 83% of the children first experienced mental health problems before the age of ten, and half before the age of five
• Nine out of ten parents said that the mental health problems their child faced had had a negative impact on their own mental health and that of the whole family. Over a quarter of family members needed support from mental health services as a result.
• The minority of parents who said they had been able to get specialist autism help were twice as likely to say their child’s mental health had improved.
With the right support at the right time children with autism can have good mental health just as anyone else can - the You Need to Know campaign aims to make this a reality. The NAS is calling for the Government to act now to make mental health services work for children with autism and change their future. This includes autism training for mental health professionals and access to specialist autism support in every area.
I am also calling on local children and families affected by autism to nominate their Happiness Hero – an individual who has gone the extra mile to support a child with autism. It could be a mental health professional, teacher, youth group worker or another individual who has made a positive difference to the life of a child with autism. For more information, visit www.autism.org.uk/youneedtoknow.
I am backing a new campaign by the National Autistic Society (NAS), You Need to Know, which aims to tackle an unfit mental health system that fails two thirds of children with autism and often makes their mental health worse.
If children with autism are given the help they need, this has a major and positive impact on their health and happiness. A more responsive system would prevent many mental health problems and stop the tragic waste of their potential.
Over 70%* of children with autism have a mental health problem, such as depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other anxiety disorders, despite the fact that many of these problems are preventable. Autism is a complex disability and so when mental health problems do develop in children with the condition they are much harder to recognise, diagnose and treat without appropriate knowledge. Tragically, they are often dismissed as an unfortunate, but unavoidable side effect of having autism.
Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the NAS said; “All too often children with autism receive inappropriate, ineffectual and sometimes harmful treatment of their mental health problems. This has a devastating effect on families many of whom develop their own mental health problems as a result. Parents and professionals alike are crying out for more autism support and so we are delighted to have Tom’s backing. The NHS needs to know how to help, and the Government needs to know it can’t wait.”
Over 450 parents surveyed for the You Need to Know campaign revealed:
• Mental health services failed to improve the mental health of two thirds of children with autism
• 43% of parents whose children are currently registered with mental health services said their child’s mental health had got worse because they could not get the services they needed
• Over half of parents do not think that mental health services know how to communicate with their child
• 83% of the children first experienced mental health problems before the age of ten, and half before the age of five
• Nine out of ten parents said that the mental health problems their child faced had had a negative impact on their own mental health and that of the whole family. Over a quarter of family members needed support from mental health services as a result.
• The minority of parents who said they had been able to get specialist autism help were twice as likely to say their child’s mental health had improved.
With the right support at the right time children with autism can have good mental health just as anyone else can - the You Need to Know campaign aims to make this a reality. The NAS is calling for the Government to act now to make mental health services work for children with autism and change their future. This includes autism training for mental health professionals and access to specialist autism support in every area.
I am also calling on local children and families affected by autism to nominate their Happiness Hero – an individual who has gone the extra mile to support a child with autism. It could be a mental health professional, teacher, youth group worker or another individual who has made a positive difference to the life of a child with autism. For more information, visit www.autism.org.uk/youneedtoknow.
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