Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013
Britons will be able to vote to leave the European Union by the end of 2017 if the Conservatives win the next general election, David Cameron has pledged.
The Prime Minister has promised to negotiate a new settlement with Brussels and then stage a straight in-out referendum on British membership if he stays in power.
In one of the defining speeches of his premiership, he declared, “It is time for the British people to have their say. It is time to settle this European question in British politics.”
He told business chiefs that the Conservative Party manifesto will include a pledge to reach a fresh agreement, to be put to the vote within the first half of a five-year Parliament.
Mr Cameron insisted that he does not want Britain to quit the 27-nation bloc and would “fight with all my heart and soul” for a yes vote when the time comes. But he conceded that public mistrust of the EU is growing and democratic consent is now “wafer thin” because its role has snowballed since the last referendum in the 1970s.
The Prime Minister said, “I never want us to pull up the drawbridge and retreat from the world. I am not a British isolationist but I do want a better deal for Britain.”
Mr Cameron wants a new treaty to reshape the EU, resolve the eurozone crisis, increase the group’s flexibility, accountability and competitiveness and allow the return of powers from Brussels. His “strong preference” is to push through reforms for the whole of the EU but he vowed to negotiate for the UK alone if other member states do not join him.
He continued, “The next Conservative manifesto in 2015 will ask for a mandate from the British people for a Conservative government to negotiate a new settlement with our European partners in the next Parliament. It will be a relationship with the single market at its heart.
“And when we have negotiated that new settlement, we will give the British people a referendum with a very simple in or out choice: to stay in the EU on these new terms or come out altogether. It will be an in-out referendum.
“Legislation will be drafted before the next election and if a Conservative Government is elected we will introduce the enabling legislation immediately and pass it by the end of that year. We will complete this negotiation and hold this referendum within the first half of the next Parliament.”
Mr Cameron rejected claims that he is undermining the British economy by tabling a vote, insisting that an exit was more likely if the issue was ignored.
In a move set to delight many Conservative MPs, he also signalled a referendum would go ahead even if he is forced into a second coalition. “If I am prime minister, this will happen,” he vowed.
Effectively issuing an ultimatum to Brussels, Mr Cameron declared, “The danger is that Europe will fail and the British people will drift towards the exit.”
He called for “fundamental, far-reaching change” as he admitted that the “EU is seen as something that is done to people, rather than acting on their behalf”.
The Prime Minister insisted that now was not the time to make a “momentous decision about the future of our country” because the EU is still reeling from the eurozone crisis. He said Britain’s exit was a question to be approached with “cool heads” and full consideration of whether it was the best move for the country.
He accepted that the scale of his task was vast but declared, “Over the coming weeks, months and years, I will not rest until this debate is won.”
The referendum pledge should help the Conservative Party combat the growing threat from UKIP and many Conservative MPs hope it will be a turning point in the battle to win power in 2015.
Mr Cameron’s speech has been months in the planning, with the delay an indication of the difficult balancing act he is attempting to achieve. It was eventually scheduled to happen in Amsterdam last Friday but was postponed because of the Algerian hostage crisis.
Monday, January 21st, 2013
Cllr Ben Adams with Graham Houghton, Penny Evans and children outside the Assembly Rooms
Cllr Ben Adams this week paid tribute to the trustees and supporters of the Mercian PACT and Residents community group for raising valuable funds to allow children living in and around the Leyfields a night at the Panto.
For the sixth year in a row, Mercian PACT Chairman, Graham Houghton, led the fundraising campaign, which paid for tickets for over 250 children to attend the Pantomime at the Tamworth Assembly Rooms two weeks ago.
Cllr Adams, who represents the Leyfields on Staffordshire County Council, said, “I would like to congratulate and thank all the trustees and supporters of the Mercian PACT and Residents community group that once again helped make this a special Christmas for people living in and around Mercian and The Leyfields.
“Their fund raising and hard work this year meant that over 250 children enjoyed the pantomime at the Tamworth Assembly Rooms on Saturday night. Over the past 6 years, this local group have arranged for over 1100 children to visit the Pantomime. It was fun to hear the excitement building up outside the venue on Saturday, I wonder if the performers were able to make themselves heard?”
The Mercian group also made two visits to the Food Bank, provided 40 harvest festival parcels and 30 Christmas hampers to make these celebrations special for other local people who might otherwise have missed out.
Cllr Adam continued, “I have been delighted to help the group out with contributions from my County Councillor’s Local Community Fund. This voluntary organisation is always first on my list because I know the funding will go a long way and it is put to good work along with contributions the tenants and residents of Leyfields, local shop keepers, staff at the Tamworth Information Centre and the pantomime organisers themselves.
“Thanks again to everyone and especially Graham Houghton and Penny Evans who work all year round to generate so many smiles.”
Friday, January 18th, 2013
Yesterday in the House of Commons, Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, called on the Leader of the House to hold a debate on the Government’s new traineeship programme.
Mr Pincher said, “Some 1,080 people from Tamworth started apprenticeships last year. May we have a debate in Government time on the new traineeship programme so that we can explore how we can further help young people successfully to compete for jobs and avoid the welfare trap that all too many of them endured under Labour?”
The Leader of the House, Andrew Lansley, replied, “Yes, I hope we might find an opportunity, by one route or another, for further discussion of the announcements made by the Minister for Schools. Traineeships are a welcome addition to the armoury, so to speak, to ensure that all young people get access to the right skills and that all employers find young people in this country who have appropriate skills and attitudes in order to go into work.
“My hon. Friend is right. Since the election, more than a million people have started apprenticeships. The budget has been increased, and even where apprenticeships are not appropriate, through the youth contract work experience and other support to the young people who most need skills have been growing under this Government.”
Thursday, January 17th, 2013
Conservative controlled Fazeley Town Council announced a freeze in its share of local council tax for the fourth successive year at its latest meeting held on Monday 14 January.
Fazeley Town Council receives its share of council tax from Lichfield District Council via the annual Precept and following prudent management of the Town Council’s finances by all Town Councillors, the Precept has again been set at £57,872.00.
Reserves in the Town Council’s annual budget have risen to £16,750.00, an increase of £6,402.95 over the same period, and Business and Town Works Committee expenditure for 2013/14 has increased by 1.7% to £70,332.00, 1% lower than the current UK inflation rate of 2.7%.
Town Mayor, Cllr Rebecca James, said, “For the Town Council to yet again freeze its council tax is good news for the whole of Fazeley. We are pleased to be able to present a balanced budget for the coming year with a frozen precept, an increase in reserves and a below inflation rise in expenditure.”
The 2013/13 budget was proposed by Cllr Richard McDermid, seconded by Cllr Andrew James and voted through unanimously by all councillors.
Thursday, January 17th, 2013
Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, has welcomed new plans to set up a Traineeship Programme for young people.
The new programme, announced by Skills Minister, Matthew Hancock MP, will provide young people aged 16 to 24 with a tailor-made package of support that will give them the confidence, skills and experience to compete in the labour market with more experienced adults. The Government have published a discussion paper inviting views on the policy.
Mr Pincher said, “This is great news for young people trying to get a foot on the work ladder. Conservatives in Government are making sure our young people have the skills they need to compete and succeed in work.
“1,080 of people in Tamworth started apprenticeships last year. This traineeship programme will help more young people like them compete successfully and get jobs.
“I hosted a Jobs Fair in November which received excellent support from local employers across our town and beyond. This traineeship programme will give our young people the skills they need to compete in the skills race, and ensure employers have a skilled pool of young people to employ.”
Wednesday, January 16th, 2013
Plans to simplify the state pension system with the creation of the ‘Single Tier’ pension have been announced this week.
The reform will create a simple flat-rate pension set above the means test (currently £142.70) and based on 35 years of National Insurance contributions.
The new system will ensure for the first time that women are fully recognised for any years spent at home raising a family. The introduction of the Single Tier will also benefit low-earners and the self-employed.
The new single tier pension will replace Labour’s complex state pension system of add-ons and means testing. Instead, the Single Tier will provide certainty to people about what they will get from the state and provide a better platform for them to save for their retirement.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith said, “This reform is good news for women who for too long have been effectively punished by the current system. The Single Tier will mean that more women can get a full state pension in their own right, and stop this shameful situation where they are let down by the system when it comes to retirement because they have taken time out to care for their family.”
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
St Editha’s Church in Tamworth was packed today with family, friends, colleagues and residents there to honour the former Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr Brian Beale, who sadly passed away on Boxing Day.
Prior to the start of the service, both current and former politicians, from across the political divide, formed a guard of honour outside the entrance of the church and when Cllr Beale’s family had entered St Editha’s, the current Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr Tina Clements, headed the procession inside.
Rev Alan Barrett led the congregation in the service of remembrance, which included hymns chosen by Cllr Beale’s family. The service also included fitting tributes for Cllr Beale from his family and Cllr Tina Clements.
Cllr Brian Beale was laid to rest yesterday, Monday 14 January, in Stratford-upon-Avon at a private service for his family and close friends.
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
Tamworth’s MP, Christopher Pincher, has submitted a written question to the Secretary of State for Education on design and technology.
Mr Pincher wrote to ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will take steps to ensure future teaching of design and technology in schools has a focus on manufacturing emphasis.”
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education and Childcare, Elizabeth Truss MP, replied, “Design and technology is a compulsory National Curriculum subject in schools up to key stage 3. Its “resistant materials” and “systems and control” components are mandatory and young people choose a third component, either textiles or food.
“The first two components enable young people to learn about manufacturing in the context of applying electrical, electronic, mechanical, microprocessor and computer control systems. On 11 June 2012, the Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend Michael Gove, announced that design and technology would continue to be compulsory in the new National Curriculum.
“We are currently considering the content of the revised National Curriculum Programme of Study for design and technology and will consult on a draft shortly.”
Friday, January 11th, 2013
Staffordshire’s Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC), Matthew Ellis, has welcomed plans announced by the Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling MP.
The plans for prisoners serving shorter sentences to receive compulsory rehabilitation supports the work in Staffordshire that has been ongoing over the last two months since the PCC was appointed.
Prisoners serving less than 12 months currently only undergo voluntary rehabilitation, otherwise they are released without supervision with £46 in their pocket.
Matthew Ellis said, “Too many communities which have local problems find that when certain individuals have been convicted and imprisoned the problems reduce or even cease but the problems start again after release and the ‘cycle’ of criminality often starts again until the next time.
“Re-offending levels are too high and, whilst Staffordshire has one of the lowest re-offending rates in the country, I believe we can still do better. The positive work that’s already being done in the county on integrated offender management will give us an excellent starting point.
“The majority of imprisoned Staffordshire offenders get short-term sentences. Making them do compulsory rehabilitation, subjecting them to better supervision and giving them some structure to their lives can help us cut crime and make communities even safer.
“I have ambitious plans to transform criminal justice services in our county. I want to join up services, pool budgets and set joint priorities. My three-year vision is for Staffordshire to have the most integrated criminal justice system in the country – better serving victims and protecting communities.
“I’m passionate about, and committed to, public service delivered through a joined-up ‘Team Staffordshire’ approach and I want people across the county and City of Stoke-on-Trent to see the positive difference that the role of Police and Crime Commissioner will make in delivering this.”
Thursday, January 10th, 2013
David Cameron has intervened personally to ensure redundant employees from the collapsed car hire giant, Drive Assist, get the help they need to get back into work.
Following his meeting with Tamworth’s MP, Christopher Pincher, just before Christmas, the Prime Minister wrote to Work & Pensions Minister Mark Hoban asking him to ensure a coordinated response from all the agencies offering support to those that have lost their jobs.
Mr Cameron said, “This is clearly very difficult news for employees at Drive Assist who have been made redundant, as well as their families in the run-up to Christmas…to ensure a co-ordinated response, I think it would also be beneficial for Chris to meet with you in your Ministerial capacity at the Department of Work & Pensions.”
Subsequent to that letter, Mr Pincher has now spoken with both Secretary of State Iain Duncan Smith and Mark Hoban. Mr Hoban has asked for a detailed brief of any issues Job Centre Plus, training agencies and local authorities have in dealing with the Drive Assist challenge so he can offer any extra support necessary.
Last night Mr Pincher said, “I am very pleased that the Prime Minister and other ministers have recognised the impact the collapse of Drive Assist has had on many people in our community and have responded to my call for support. From what I have heard and seen from the professional administrators, the financial problems into which the Drive Assist Company got itself mean the firm really is not salvageable as a going concern. That is why we must do all we can to ensure those people affected get a “Rolls Royce” service to help them get back into work. It is good news that the Prime Minister and his colleagues are on the case.”
Mr Pincher will be speaking again to the administrators, Job Centre Plus and Tamworth Borough Council shortly.
Following the initial letter in December, The Prime Minister has again spoken on Drive Assist. Mr Cameron said, “I was extremely sorry to hear of the collapse of Drive Assist UK in Tamworth and for all the people affected by these redundancies.
“I am encouraged to hear that local MP, Chris Pincher, is working with those involved to ensure the best possible help is provided and I know Jobcentre Plus is working to ensure those affected have access to all the support and information they need to look for alternative work and access the benefits they are entitled to.
“I have also asked Ministers at the Department of Work & Pensions to meet with Chris so that he can brief them further on the situation.”
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