News
I have a lot of time for the economist Ruth Lea - always straight talking she speaks down-to-earth common sense. Her recent columnist piece in the Yorkshire Post from 16 February states: "If Greece cannot face social costs of austerity, then it must dump the Euro".
This is sound advice indeed, and in her artile Ruth Lea clearly highlights that all of the bailouts for Greece are but a "sticking plaster".
If indeed this second bailout for Greece was in fact agreed last night (still relatively unclear what has happend) - then it once again reflects Europe's political elite continuing to apply 'plasters' - when radical surgery is required. Until such time as they understand that the fundamental structural problems cannot be rectified, richer northern Europe will continue to subsidise the poorer south.
But as Ruth Lea concludes: "But as economies struggle and people riot, it is time to face reality. Let Greece go".
In recent days the papers and news broadcasts have once again been filled with the terrible scenes of unrest and strife from Greece. In particular I am so very sorry for ordinary Greek people - they have been badly let down by their elected classes.
But we are where we are and now decisions need to be urgently made. I cannot help but agree with Martin Callanan MEP who has publicly stated that given the terrible situation before it the best situation for Greece is to embark on devaluation and a (hopefully) orderly default. This is simply not a sustainable situation - plans should be made now for default and devaluation.
Of course, I hear the cries about contagon and how the problems could escalate to other countries - but I am hopeful that the breathing space of recent months has allowed the Euro to place suitable fire-walls in place.
A really successful visit last night to West and Central Leeds CPF - so wonderfully led by Robert Winfield. Very much enjoyed a vibrant discussion on the latest paper about local transport.
Really enjoyed an excellent day out yesterday at the Yorkshire & Humber regional conference. Highlight was of course the visit of our Foreign Secretary Rt. Hon. William Hague MP who addressed delegates on a whole range of national and international issues.
Our two scheduled CPF 'break-out' sessions were well attended and it was wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic policy development colleagues from across our region.
I am frankly not surprised that the newly installed Labour Council here in the City of Sheffield is forcing local residents onto a fortnightly bin collection regime. You only have to look at the Sheffield City airport debacle to know that in this part of the country we often come up with simply crazy local decisions.
Not enough that the Council is turning its back on the opportunity to apply for a share of the recently announced Government pot of £250 million for Councils to keep and take up weekly collections - the Council is in contrast looking to spend £1 million in "changeover costs" - plus another £400,000 in "appropriate communication" with residents. Simply crazy!
So very grateful to Andy, Edward, and all of the Hull and West Hessle Executive for welcoming me so warmly last night.
The Association has an award winning CPF group and we had a really excellent evening of policy discussion. All sincere thanks to the Hull and West Hessle team!
Travelled with the family down to the House of Lords yesterday. My daughter Francesca was hugely honoured to be the Northern prize winner for the CO-Gas Safety Charity poster competition.
This fantastic charity has been working for the last 16 years to make sure that better awareness regarding the terrible dangers from unintentional Carbon Monoxide poisoning is made across the country.
We are particularly grateful to Martine Martin from Jason McCartney MP's office for the wonderful tour she gave the family. It was also great to see Criag Whittaker MP, Nigel Adams MP and Kris Hopkins MP in the House.
In the coming weeks I am hoping to see if I can helping the CO-Gas Safety Charity further in their very important work amongst schools in particular.
Salford has voted in favour of adopting a directly elected Mayor and will go to the Polls on May 3rd to elect their first such representative.
This is very good news and reflects locally that people in Salford want greater accountability from their Council.
Very pleased to report that last week saw our first Conservative Policy Forum Council meeting, which was chaired by Oliver Letwin MP.
Lots of very high quality policy debate going on in the Party and what is really pleasing are the number of CPF groups which are actively participating across the country.
This weekend will see the return of the CPF Winter School. Whilst I am unable to attend due to work commitments I am sure those that do make it will have a fantastic weekend of policy debate!
The Government has today announced that it will be easier for Head Teachers to sack poorly performing teachers (from September). Previously it took three terms of employment - it will now drop to just one term before such actions can legally be taken.
I see the NUT has come out strongly against this proposal. I personally think this is very welcome news - it cannot be right when a Head Teacher and Senior Management Team (SMT) know that a teacher is not doing a good job that they are allowed to stay in post for three terms before any action can be taken.
Clearly, no SMT team would take such decisions lightly given the seriousness of these situations. But putting the quality of teaching first for all our children must be the right thing to do.
Latest YouGov polling showing Conservative 40%, Labour 38% and Lib Dems at 10%.
Given the part of the electoral cycle we are in these are fantastic figures for the Conservatives. Clearly, not good reading for Labour - they should be much higher and are struggling to gain traction given recent press headlines.
I'm not usually drawn to watching BBC One's Inside Out - but as Toby Foster was on last night did so.
I have to say it was an excellent piece about drink awareness (Toby stopped drinking for a four week period in December) - as you would expect from Toby comical and witty in places, but with a very strong message. Most enjoyable!
Happy New Year! Will be on BBC Radio Sheffield tomorrow from 8am.
All seasonal greetings and apologies for silence - have had a wonderful family festive period here at the farm.
A Happy New Year and plan to resume my regular postings in early 2012!
Very pleased to read reported in the Times earlier this week that Goverment is considering adopting a new post of "Master Teacher".
This new approach would recognise a new higher threshold for high quality experienced teachers - and in so doing it is hoped keep the best teachers in the class room- and not necessarily having to become senior managers to progress their career.
The Times article goes on to say that in so doing Goverment is hoping to elevate the teaching profession and ensure the very best are recognised as key figures in the intellectual life of our country - I really do welcome this exciting development.
An interesting weekend of reporting regarding the PM's use of the veto in the small hours of Friday morning.
Much comment has referred to the Lib Dems and their ongoing relationship in the Coalition. Of course, only time can tell in this regard. Personally, the bigger question for me has changed in absolutely no shape or form - the Euro countries still need to bring the crisis in confidence under-control, and it is for them to do this. Britain is not a member of the Euro and so frankly does sit on the outside as the Euro countries fight to stabilise the situation.
I am so very impressed with the way the Prime Minister handled last night's Euro discussions.
Our demands were both modest and fair, and didn't include a need to repatriate powers back. When these requests fell on deaf ears the PM had no other choice but to veto the French and German proposals.
Time will tell, but this is no doubt a significant moment. Personally, given the complexities to now try to manage closer co-operation between so many national countries outside of a treaty change agreement, I see little hope that the Euro can survive in its current form. Indeed, this was made virtually certain yesterady when the European Central Bank said once again it would not step in to assist with QE.
Monday this last week saw the launch in London of the Conservative Policy Forum's first ‘Sectoral Group’. These are expert panels who will meet on a regular basis to discuss in greater depth some of the topics arising from the CPF programme. Soon there will be four such groups:
Learning and Culture
Public Services and Infrastructure
Home Affairs, Justice and the Constitution
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Aid
The first Sectoral Group meeting was my Learning and Culture panel. The group discussed Schools as Community Hubs – something that a lot of CPF groups talked about in their Vulnerable Young People submissions and again responding to CPF's paper on Poverty. Amongst a plethora of topics, the Group talked about different types of community: geographical, faith-based or drawn together by a specialism; and considered the ramifications of free schools and greater localism upon initiatives such as extended schools.
When the Group have finished their report the CPF central team will make sure you hear about their findings!
On train at present en-route to first Conservative Policy Forum Learning & Culture Sectoral meeting. It has been a very long road to get this far - but really looking forward to starting to progress our policy debate now!
All over the news last night was discussion of just 10 days to save the Euro - a big red circle around 9 December on Channel 4 News!
I am starting to think certain larger Euro countries - i.e. Germany - want to see the currency fail. We all know that it can only be massive intervention from the European Central Bank which can stave off a Euro-wide default on a monumental scale - so why is it that Germany doesn't act? Or is this just brinkmanship pushing the issue right to the edge - if it is, this is a terribly dangerous approach to take.
Regular readers will be aware that I am passionate about helping to secure Free School status for Paces School for children with cerebral palsy.
Given that we were not selected to progress to the final stage of our Free School application (just 3 schools were successful in this regard), we are today taking the hugely difficult decision about whether we will continue - and re-submit with a new application at the end of February (for 2013 Free School opening). Time is against us - but a collective decision will be agreed this afternoon.
Watch this space for what we choose to do - not an easy decision, thats for sure.
Big day today - looking forward to the Chancellor's Autumn Statement.
Clearly a lot of the growth projects have been trailed, but I am especially interested of course to get greater detail about those growth projects targeted at the North.
Clearly, news yesterday from OECD of possible 'double-dip' recession is pretty bleak - this really does focus attention on today's statement.
On Saturday Northern Region Conservative Future held their Christmas dinner in Sheffield. Over 100 delegates, MPs, MEPs, came together for what was a simply fantastic event. All congratulations should go to Philip Smith, Sarah Nazer and James Gould for their wonderful organisation.
Later this week we will be meeting with DfE Officials to discuss why our Paces Free School application has fallen at the last hurdle. Of course, given that only 3 speacial Free Schools have been given the go-ahead, there is little shame in just missing out. But even so, it remains very frustrating that so much time and effort has just fallen short. Tim to pick ourselves up and move on to another application perhaps!
Not good news today - have just heard that our Paces Free School application will not be allowed to go to the next phase. Needless to say we are all devastated by this news - but will no doubt pick ourselves up and continue to strive to get there in the end!
What a wonderful Policy event at the Bridge today. Nearly 70 delegates from all over Yorkshire coming together to suppot CPF. All sincere thanks to Anne, David, Amanda and Robert for everything they have done to make today possible.
Our MPs Nigel, Stuart, Alec, Andrew and Julian were also simply fantastic. My thanks to everyone who took part.
Michael Gove, Education Secretary, yesterday announced a £2 miilion a year partenrship between the DfE and Institute of Physics to attract the best graduates to become physics teachers.
Around 100 scholarships worth £20,000 each will be offered every year. This is wonderful news, and a really concrete signal from Government that if we want the very best teaching in the world, we must attract outstanding people into the teaching profession.
These scholarships will no doubt help raise the status of the teaching profession and in future years make a big difference to learning taking place in many of our schools.
With the rate for lending to Italy now over 6.5% the focus has shifted it seems from Greece. However, until some semblance of stability can be brought to the Greek situation - perhaps wih the establishment of a Government of National Unity - the markets will continue to remain jittery.
I still cannot understand why the European Central Bank is not forced to become active. Without a huge 'bazooka' - of the size that only the ECB can give - we cannot make progress.
This is without doubt a critical 24 hours in the Greek crisis. I just cannot see how the Greek Prime Minister will survive the proposed vote of No Confidence tomorrow. His Cabinet is publically split and at least one of his MPs has said they will not be able to support the Prime Minister - this on a tiny majority of just 2 in the Greek Parliament.
So, I think we are not talking referendum here - we are talking the disolving of Government and all-out Greek elections. I hope this is not the case, but I cannot see any other course of action given the terrible discontent in Greece itself. Of course all-out elections will take perhaps further time to organise - and this will cast even greater uncertainty on the markets.
It looks more and more clear that the Greeks will have to default - the so-called 50% 'hair-cut' no longer achievable. Clearly, the sudden announcement by the Greek Prime Minister to go to the people and ask if the Euro-deal is acceptable in the form of a referendum will continue to put pressure on the markets. No one can honestly know where this will end up - but one thing is for sure - events will get much worse across the Euro area before they start to stablise, and then hopefully, get better.
Appearance on yesterday's regional segment of the Daily Politics show was short and to the point. However, the serious discussion about having politicians people can trust - and a politics which works - was indeed an important debate. I was also especially impressed with Yatterbox - I will look into this further over the coming days!
Very pleased that agreement overnight on a possible Eurozone way forward was reached in Brussels. However, the devil is always in the detail - and of course, how the markets react in the next 7-10 days.
As a country we do 40 percent of our exports with the Euro block. We need this important trading area to grow and remain stabile.
Very interesting weekend - wonder how the EU referendum vote will go in the Commons tomorrow.
I will be recording a piece for the regional segment of the Politics Show with BBC political reporter James Vincent tomorrow am.
The following motion proposed by David Nuttall MP is now agreed for debate in the Commons on 27 October:
The House calls upon the Government to introduce a Bill in the next session of Parliament to provide for the holding of a national referendum on whether the United Kingdom
(a) should remain a member of the European Union on the current terms;
(b) leave the European Union; or
(c) re-negotiate the terms of its membership in order to create a new relationship based on trade and co-operation.
Currently the press awash with suggestions the Prime Minister will 3-line whip his MPs to vote against the motion. Personally, I think it is to early to tell in this regard - but should be a very interesting debate regardless!
Sheffield City Council Come Out in Support of Paces Free School Application.
I am so very grateful to the children, schools and families section of Sheffield City Council for today officially supporting in writing our Free School application at Paces. For the school to be a true success we must and will work in positive partnership with all leading local and sub-regional providers - and so this is really such positive news from the City Council today.
Slovaks Vote "No" - but will they get it Right second time round?
One of my biggest frustrations with the European Union is the way they seem to press on with their own view - regardless of Nation state opinions. The recent Slovak "No" vote to further EU bailouts we are told will need to be taken again - I suppose in order to get the right response second time round - a "Yes" vote.
I really do feel the EU needs to stop this once and for all. Do put the vote to Nation States - but lets be bold enough to respect their opinion first time round. Not continue to ask the question over and over again in order to get the said required response!
Media often take a lot of flak but I really do want to commend Toby and his BBC Radio Sheffield colleagues for an excellent 'jobs' debate this morning. Over 30 guests joined Toby for what was a very well-balanced and informative discussion on the way forward given the very difficult economic times the country faces.
On occassions such discussions can really turn into political football matches - but Toby and the team really were able to facilitiate a most informative debate. Well done to all the Radio Sheffield early morning team!
Just heard The Bank of England has announced that it will embark on another round ofquantitative easing - QE - to tune of an additional 75 bn (on top of previously agreed 200 bn). It clearly is not a good situation that the Bank feels it needs to do this - plenty of sensible opinion says that this is not the right course of action. Indeed, Ros Altman of SAGA has said the latest round of QE is a "titantic disaster" for pensioners and savers. My personal opinion is QE is not the solution - but time will tell.
Looking forward very much to what the PM will have to say to conference and the nation at 2.30pm this afternoon. Given the news overnight relating to Italian credit rating down-grade this speech is especially significant.
Just arrived here in Manchester at Party Conference. I am looking forward to the first Conservative Policy Forum event - the David Willetts MP lecture at 12.30pm. More to follow.....
Tim Montgomerie says the following in today's FT: "...recruit a lot more northern candidates...Skip Tuscany and go on holiday in the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales. Invest in northern infrastructure...In summary: Wake up every morning worrying that the north might go the way of Scotland if the Conservatives are seen as the “southern” party"
As ever Tim has his finger on the button - our Party's fight is here in the North as we have been saying for many years now. Looking forward to Conference, and so will be offline over the following days - will make sure I tweet regularly!
We have just recieved the simply fantastic news that Paces School has been allowed to move to the business/financial planning stage of our Special Free School application. The school it seems is one of only a handful of such special schools moving to the financial planning stage for opening as a Free School in September 2012.
So many people have worked so terribly hard but I would like to publicly congratulate Norman Perrin and his executive team - in particular Ray and Karen -for this outstanding achievement. Only they know the struggles since 1992 to secure a clear future for this wonderful school. Well done to everyone associated with Paces - now begins the really hard work!
There can be no doubt now that the Greek debt position is becoming unsustainable. Surely the best way forward is for the Euro zone to allow an ordely, and planned, default on the Greek debt crisis. It is imperative that the Euro countries work quickly to calm the markets - and the only way to do this is to be clear about how the current debt crisis will be given a route-map to recovery.
I had the very great pleasure of meeting today HRH The Duke of Gloucester. He was visiting Paces Campus where I am the Deputy Chairman of Trustees.
The visit was to open our newly completed teaching rooms at Paces School for young people with cerebral palsy. It was a wonderful day and the trustees, governors, teachers, pupils and parents at Paces are all so very grateful to His Royal Highness for taking the time to visit our school.
On Friday night Charles Heslop, Party Board Member, was our guest of honour at an Association event here in Sheffield. I can't thank Charles enough for his kindness in taking the time and trouble to travel down and support us. Charles is a fantastic speaker and the fifty or so members had a most enjoyable evening. All our sincere thanks Charles!
I have been thinking overnight about the ongoing Euro problems - especially of course the serious issues surrounding the Greek debt burden.
Whilst it remains prudent for Germany and France to work hard to see if they can hold things together I personally feel we have now passed the point of no return now. There can be no further justification to throw good money after bad - the Greeks will need to default and come out of the Euro.
The ramifications of such an action will of course be considerable, and we will not go unaffected here in Britain. Indeed, we hold some 2.9 billion Euros of Greek debt (compared to approximately 10 billion Euros in Germany and 9 billion Euros in France). But I really see no other possibility.
On the back of my comments yesterday relating to our relationship with the EU, I am very pleased to see today the Prime Minister's thoughts relating to Human Rights law.
The PM is considering offering MPs the opportunity to vote to ignore human rights law, or if this was not possible, then override said laws nationally. We are told that these proposals are the most far reaching of possible reforms relating to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Other possible proposals include asking retired Judges to help reduce the backlog of human rights cases, asking the Strasbourg court to only offer advisory opinions - I like this one in particular - or indeed asking Strasbourg to consult with national parliaments before taking a ruling. Again a sensible possible change.
Whatever is agreed and taken forward we really do need to halt this stupidty once and for all.
We Do Need to Redefine Britain's Relationship with Europe.
National press are today reporting that up to 80 Conservative MPs are looking to redefine Britain's relationship with Europe. Whether this is indeed the case or not I do strongly agree that our UK Government needs to toughen its stance towards the European President and his Council.
The fact that the Prime Minister and Chancellor have signalled that they are supportive of a so called two-speed Europe is a positive 1st step in the direction of a firmer stance. However, when Mr. Van Rompey the EU President insists that the EU has always been a 'political' project and that further 'harmonisation' was vital one wonders whether other European countries have as yet grasped that there needs to be route and branch change across the union.
Thankfully even the Germans now see things need to alter when its Constitutional Court ruled that any future EU rescue packages must at the very least be approved by the German Parliament.
This will be a critical Autumn as many of these crucial issues will and must come to the for in our public debate.
Apologies for not writing in recent weeks. A combination of the end of term holidays and beginning back at work have taken its toll - but now back full-time at work and so should be easier to pen a regular daily thought.
Those of you who might have read my short offerings on this site know how passionately I care about Free Schools - and the very real difference I know they will make in our country over the years ahead.
This week is of course a fantastic milestone in the campaign to drive Free Schools forward - some 24 Free Schools are opening their doors to pupils over the coming days. I really want to wish all these schools the very best as they break new ground in our country on an educational level. They really are the trail-blazers.
Just seen the play-back of last night's Newsnight relating to the Sally Bercow entering the Big Brother celebrity house.
I have to say I have never been big fans of Christine and Neil Hamilton, but saying that, last night they spoke complete and utter common sense - and indeed the truth - my hat off to them both.
And as for Jacob Rees-Mogg MP - well have a look at the clip and make your own judgement.....
I cannot say how appalled I was to see the rioting and wanton vandalism on the streets of our country whilst away on holiday. Shortly after my return I was invited onto BBC Radio Sheffield to discuss the issue with an Academic who reasoned that this behaviour could be put down to a large measure in lack of investment in our young people – and limited ‘things’ for them to do.
As a teacher I most strongly agree that every effort should be made to ‘invest’ in our young people – they are our future. But as I expressed on radio – a criminal act is a criminal act. If you put a brick through a shop window you should be arrested and the law courts will deal with you. If you steal goods that do not belong to you once again you will be put before the courts and dealt with accordingly. Right is right and wrong is wrong.
Apologies for the silence - just back from a fantastic family holiday to Spain. Hope to get active once again on my blog in the next few days!
Yesterday I attended a South Yorkshire Magistrates Drug Awareness day. It was an excellent and informative training session but most importantly discussions kept coming back to how society addresses the huge problem we have.
It is clear that education and making sure young people get the best possible advice at the earliest points in their school career is essential. I am also sure we need to adopt a hard-hitting PR campaign to get the message home - society has been successful in turning the tide of smoking, getting people to buckle-up, and has started to raise awareness of alcohol issues - we must now put full effort into winning the drugs 'message' battle on our TVs and Radios!
In today's Daily Mail Leader article you can read that nearly 1,000 children are suspended for abuse and assault every school day. And that almost one teacher a week is being so badly beaten by a pupil that they need hospital treatment. Truly a shocking snapshot of the state of classroom behaviour and discipline in our schools today.
Knowing this the Education Secretary's latest statement has been to scrap Labour's confused and hugely bureaucratic 600-page guidance note on how to 'approach' school discipline. Instead and quite sensibly it is up to the teachers to decide how best to take charge of bad behaviour.
As is noted by the Daily Mail this is all good common sense but this will of course not be easy to achieve. But a positive start even so.
A very important anouncement seemed to slip by the news desk yesterday. Jeremy Hunt MP, the Culture Secretary, launched a new scheme it is hoped will encourage philanthropy by establishing an endowment fund that will be available to match funds raised from private donors for grants of up to £5 million.
I do welcome this important step in placing the Arts in this country on a stronger financial footing. As Mr. Hunt has quite rightly said: “World class cultural organisations should have world class financial resilience."
Oliver Letwin MP has today encouraged members to attend CPF events at this year's Party Conference. Looks as if there will be a substantial number of opportunities for Party members to take part in policy discussion across the spectrum of areas - this is very good news.
My colleague David Ashforth has just shared this very interesting Free School information -wealthier voters (ABC1s) oppose Free Schools by 9 points (33% to 42%) but poorer voters are evenly split (36% to 36%). Perhaps most interestingly poorer voters were 10 points more likely, 44% to 34%, to say that parents didn’t have enough power in running schools.
Government has exceeded its ambition of delivering 50,000 adult Apprenticeships (announced May 2010) over the 2010-2011 financial year, by actually achieving 103,000 adult places. This is a simply fantastic start to this most important programme.
However, I do agree with the responsible Minister John Hayes MP when he says that there is “no room for complacency”. Clearly the Coalition has got off to a very good start here, but pressure must be maintained to make sure that further secure and viable places are achieved.
In particular it is making sure that Apprentices stay on their placements and complete their courses that should also figure highly. Drop out rates it seems remain high and this is an important issue which must also be addressed.
Now that Paces School have our Free School application in with the DfE my mind often wonders how we will do. Of course, we so desperately want the chance to progress onto the next stage - but time will no doubt tell in this regard. The Secretary of State Michael Gove MP has now released figures saying that 281 schools have applied to become Free Schools in this latest round. This is a simply fantastic number. I remember well the very negative comments from some saying this would never take off. Well here you have it - 281 schools applying! A conversion rate of about two schools per day currently. I am also very pleased to see that research shows that a clear majority of Free Schools approved are in the most deprived neighbourhoods of the country. I do fully agree with Mr. Gove when he says: "The rationing of good schools must end. Our reforms are about creating a generation of world-class schools, free from meddling and prescription, that provide more children with the type of education previously reserved for the rich". Free Schools are here to stay and I know will become even more popular as parents and teachers realise the benefits associated with them.
I'm so very pleased that so many schools across the country are taking a serious look at Government Free Schools proposals. I will shortly be visiting the Elsworth School on the outskirts of Rotherham. This faith based primary and secondary school have recently submitted their application to the DfE. I have no doubt that the exciting opportunities associated to Free Schools have really awakened huge interest - and indeed support - from all sorts of different parent led organisations and groups in every part of the country.
I am in full agreement with the excellent Robert Halfron MP when he says that motorists are being fleeced by sky high petrol prices and that it's time for reform. In 2000 when the fuel protests broke out petrol was about 80p a litre. But now even the cheapest pump in Sheffield is costing at least 133p per litre.
Robert quite rightly points out that the average motorist will now be spending in the region of £1,700 a year to fill their tank. A tenth or so of an average local income. He goes on to note that the Government defines 'fuel poverty' as spending more than a tenth of your income to stay warm - but what about spending a tenth of your income to drive to work?
I am especially supportive as we try to reduce the cost of fuel of the propsoed establishment of a Commission to look at radical ideas. Why shouldn't we consider other methods of raising revenue for the Government - such as toll roads - in order to help drive down the overall cost of fuel to the motorist.
Anyway, well done to Robert for taking the bold step of raising this important issue more publically.
I have just read Simon Reevell's article on ConHome - 'The Bahrain Grand Prix must not go ahead'. I do fully agree with him when he says that "this is a decision which will inflame an already toxic situation". I really do hope that FIA will see sense and at the earliest opportunity cancel the event.
The Free Schools initiative is mercifully challenging the notion that there's a ‘set’ way of educating special needs children - here below is a short piece which has just been published on ConservativeHome.
Paces School will shortly be submitting its application to the DfE to be considered as one of the first cohort of Special Free Schools in the country. The school, which was set up over a decade ago by parents of children with cerebral palsy, is currently a non-maintained special school offering a conductive curriculum.
Many years back now, the trustees and management team became inspired by the possibility of becoming a Free School. The history of Paces School to date has been one of ongoing struggle as pupils, parents and teachers fought an ever complex local authority structure. Indeed, almost every pupil of the current twenty-seven strong student body has a story to tell about how difficult it has been to secure funding and support from their local Councils. Sadly, appeals and tribunal adjudications have not been isolated incidents for pupils and parents wanting to attend the school.
I think it is fair to say Paces School was a Free School well before such a school ever existed. The school was set up by a small number of parents who believed the Hungarian approach of conductive education would help their children best as they learned to deal with the complex demands of growing up - and going to school - with cerebral palsy.
Here in Sheffield I often have discussions with individuals who are frankly diametrically opposed to Free Schools or Academies. "Why would you want to waste your time indulging in such applications?" is a common question posed. Well, when a school like Paces has long struggled to gain recognition from the ‘powers that be’ and over the years has had to fight for its very existence, it gives an indication of why the school would want to be funded directly from Government. Just to become a Free School in itself publicly validates the work of the pupils and teachers and recognises the excellence achieved.
It also remains clear to us that in the ‘old’ approach to special needs teaching, if you offered a curriculum outside of the ‘norm’ it became even harder for a school to exist (regardless of our very high Ofsted results to date). Clearly, one of the most exciting parts of the Free Schools initiative is that it challenges the very notion of a ‘set’ way of educating special needs children. Indeed, quite the opposite is encouraged within the Free School approach, asking educators to provide new and radical approaches to driving upwards educational outcomes. No longer will ‘one size fit all’ in the class room and we of course hope that our hugely successful conductive curriculum will as a result find greater support nationwide.
Of course, special needs education has extra complexities that quite rightly have required Government to tread more carefully as the Free School agenda is offered to special schools. Funding formulas, the correct statementing of children, the need to develop joint care and teaching programmes, amongst many other things, mean that the application of any new special school bids will take greater time and consideration.
However, it is hugely commendable that Government is forging ahead with this exciting agenda and I do firmly hope that Paces School and the children we educate will shortly be helping to pave the way for other special schools across the country.
I suppose no surprise that the Sheffield City Airport application went through yesterday. I really cannot understand how having spent such a large amount of money on a City runway it can just be discarded in such a way. On a more positive note, I attended another Free School meeting last night at Paces - we hope to have our new application complete by the end of this month, giving the team time to make any last minute changes before submission by 15th June at the latest.
Another very important planning application relating to the ongoing saga of the Sheffield City Airport goes before City Councillors this afternoon. Since Sheffield Airport was closed in 2007 numerous questions have been quite rightly asked about how such a decision could have come about. Clearly, huge investment from all sorts of bodies was needed to put the runway and surrounding infrastructure in place - only for the venture to be stopped in its tracks. I hope the Council will listen to objectors today and defer any further decision in light of concerns expressed. Indeed, including concerns from our MEP Timothy Kirkhope.
I have been wanting to write something about our Paces Free School application for some time now. Unfortunately, the various election campaigns took over and so this is my first real chance to update our progress. All Free School 'special' applications have to be re-submitted - and so this will be our second attempt. This was as a result of the DfE reconsidering their key criteria for SEN applications. This slightly delayed process in all honesty has been no bad thing. It has given the Trustees and Management team at Paces more time to think about our application. Clearly, such applications are complex pieces of work and over recent weeks we have been working hard to get the detail right. It is our hope that even though the deadlines are tight - we are well on course to get our application in by early next month. Here's hoping we get the right result, and can become one of the first special Free Schools anywhere in the country!
This is another very important constitutional week - coming fast after the NO AV referedum vote - where the Deputy Prime Minister will announce historic proposals to make the Lords a mainly elected and much smaller chamber. I look forward to getting the details of these proposals.
Last night's YouGov daily tracker poll had the Labour Party ahead by just 2%. Previous to this poll Conservative and Labour were both at 40% in the latest Ipsos MORI poll. And Populus has Labour on 39% and Conservatives on 37%. Given that Labour had developed a healthy poll lead in the early part of this year it is very pleasing to see that the gap has narrowed so significantly.
Finally been able to catch my breath after what has been a very busy election period. I am hugely pleased that the Party's vote share across the country not only held up, but actually went up two percentage points on our showing at the General Election last year (from 36% to 38% national vote share). To add approximately 80 new councillors is an outstanding achievement, especially as many pundits were predicating we could lose in the region of 1,000 concillors. And to top it all, such a convincing and resounding NO vote to the AV referendum! Lots of work still to be done, but a most pleasing set of election results. My congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to gain these wonderful results.
A considerable batch of last minute AV referendum polls have come our over the last 24 hours or so. ICM has NO2AV with an overwhelming 68%-32% lead - 36 points. If this was the final split after today's vote then it would be a devastating blow to the Yes campaign. But, as ever, it is for the voters to give their opinion. An interesting day ahead!
Well we are in the home-straight now! This coming Thursday will be a big electoral test, not least because of course the AV referendum will take place. Here in Sheffield I am sure there will continue to be great national interest in what transpires towards the end of this week.
I see that the first AV referendum poll since the bank holiday weekend from YouGov is out. And it is really good news for our NO2AV campaign - NO polling shares of 59% to YES shares of 41% - so an 18 percent lead - slightly up on last polling. Still a long way to go, but seems the fact that AV is overly complex is starting to resonate.
Tomorrow I will be travelling down to London to attend the 'New Schools Network Free School Proposers' Workshop' - a long title, but another very important step as we try to achieve Free School status for Paces School here in Sheffield.
It has to be said that we haven't really be helped in recent days. The new application guidelines in some respects make it harder, not easier, to apply and be successful. That being said such a radical step forward for Paces and the young children supported and helped at the school was always going to be a struggle. But a struggle worth having, and I hope worth winning, in the end!
Just noticed that Joan Ryan, Director of Labour NO to AV and former Vice Chair of the Labour Party, has been quoted as saying that some 375 Labour Councillors who are contesting the local elections have appealed to everyone voting for the Labour Party to reject the "unfair and expensive" Alternative Vote.
This is clearly an overwhelming show of support from Labour Councillors from every corner of Britain to say that on May 5th Labour members and supporters should vote NO2AV.
Whilst on the AV referendum I have also just seen a very interesting article by Paul Waugh at PoliticsHome talking about differential turn-out and voter demographic. Highly recomend taking a look at this most interesting piece.
I am very interested to read that the Edcucation Secretary Michael Gove is proposing that there should be 'spot checks' in schools - without prior notice to Head Teachers - after claims that Heads send home disruptive pupils and poor teachers on scheduled inspection days. The article said that such spot-checks would be introduced in an effort to improve behaviour in our schools. The report continued by saying that it would also be legal for students to be searched for phones, iPods, cigarettes and pornography.
HS2 High Speed Rail Link is Needed Urgently in the North.
Living and working as I do here in Sheffield I do strongly support the letter printed today in the Telegraph newspaper by eight Conservative MPs, four of whom are Yorkshire MPs.
Their letter quite clearly sets out that high speed rail will reduce the North-South divide, help rebalance our economy, with local economies here possibly benefiting to the tune of billions.
Under Labour, the South East received the majority of infrastructure funding for transport. I really do hope that the Government won’t change its mind on this – the North needs HS2.
Of course all elections - whether they be local or parliamentary - are interesting. But having just posted the latest YouGov voting intention for this year’s locals on my twitter feed, I can’t help but think that this year will be especially interesting.
Clearly, the Alternative Vote referendum will no doubt get greater regional and national air-time as we get closer to polling day. This will add an extra perspective, but what struck me most when I looked at the figures from YouGov was how low the Lib Dem voting intention had gone – just 13%, when I am sure that at the previous locals their voting intention would have been around the 23% mark. Interesting days ahead!
Budget day today and the Chancellor has just announced current levels of debt at 60% share of national income this year. If this wasn't bad enough debt levels as a share of national income will go up to 71% in 2012. We really have inherited a terrible debt legacy from the previous Government.
The news overnight of the UN resolution to action a No-Fly zone over Libya is a very welcome development. Tim Montgomerie from ConservativeHome quite rightly writes: "The newspapers over recent weeks have obsessed with the FCO's supposedly incompetent handling of the Libya crisis.... Pundits have talked about William Hague losing his mojo. They have missed the big story. Behind-the-scenes Hague and Cameron have been working hard, patiently and successfully to deliver last night's very significant UN authorisation of action to protect Libya's civilian population. There was cheering in Benghazi last night when a frightened people, yearning for freedom, learnt that the world was not going to look away". Both the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary deserve great credit for succeeding in getting the UN to take action.
I am hugely honoured to have been appointed Sectoral Head for Policy Development in the area of Education, Higher Education and Culture. Our newly re-established Consevative Policy Forum, under the excellent leadership of our President Fiona Hodgson and CPF Director Natalie Elphicke is developing strongly - to date three discussion papers have gone out to CPF groups across the country. If you are interested to join a group, or get further information, please do visit our new website: www.conservativepolicyforum.com
I am so very heartened to see the Government has just unveiled new proposals for the biggest programme of reform in the education and health support for children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities.
As the Deputy Chairman of Paces, a Charity which oversees Paces School for young people with Cerebral Palsy, I welcome these proposals which are clearly designed to deliver the care and respect children with SEN and their parents deserve.
The impetus for the proposals is the battle that parents of children with special educational needs too often have to get the support their child needs. Parents report endless delays, multiple layers of paperwork and bureaucracy, and a lack of coordination between services.
The Government’s proposals include a legal right to give parents control of budgets for their child’s care; a single assessment process with a combined education, health and care plan to replace the current confusing system; and a simpler new school based category to help teachers focus on raising attainment. The above is just fantastic news. I commend the Government for being so radical in this critical area of supporting and helping young people with special needs.
Just back from the Party Spring Conference in Cardiff. A fantastic weekend, with excellent speakers throughout, and a very well attended CPF Fringe event. I was invited to join Tim Montgomerie from ConservativeHome on Sky News - we we're talking about the new Enterprise Zones announced by the Chancellor on Saturday.
Barnsley by-election is just one day away. James, Nigel and the whole Conservative team have done a fantastic job and I do wish them all the very best for a strong result tomorrow!
It was unfortunate that the Yes to AV campaign decided Not to take part in last night's debate.
Invitations had clearly been made for the Yes camp to have an equal platform with NO2AV - and Hallam FM we're very kindly all ready to Chair this open and balanced exchange from both sides.
By pulling out at the very last minute the Yes campain appeared petty. They were also not helped by the small demonstration on their behalf which was staged as people arrived to attend the event.
I hope very much that all of the future debates can and will take place. Lets see what the Yes campaign decide to do as the focus moves to other centres like Leeds.
Here are the reasons why I will be voting NO in the AV referendem, which will now definately take place on 5th May.
AV is unfair. With First Past the Post, everybody gets one vote. But under AV, supporters of extreme parties like the BNP would get their vote counted many times, while other people's vote would only be counted once. AV doesn't work. Rather than the candidate with the most votes winning, the person who finishes third could be declared the winner. AV is expensive. Calculating the results is a long, complicated process, which would cost the taxpayer millions. No-one wants AV. Even the 'Yes' campaigners don't actually want AV - they see it as a convenient stepping stone to yet more changes to how we vote.
The AV referendum debate gets into full swing this week here in Sheffield. The non-partisan, cross-party NO campaign against AV will be led this week by David Blunkett MP.
The debate, Chaired by Bernie Keavy from Hallam FM, have invited Nick Clegg MP to attend and speak on behalf of the Yes campaign. It will be very interesting to see if Mr. Clegg does indeed attend.
Significantly the AV referendum is hugely expensive – and will cost the taxpayer £250 million to hold. I am looking forward to the debate!
NO2AV Kicks-off in Sheffield.
The first public debate about the AV referendum will be held on Thursday 17th February, 6.30 p.m. Sheffield Community Enterprise Development Unit (SCEDU), 53 Mowbray Street, Sheffield S3 8EN.
If you would like to attend this important event RSVP either by calling 0844 573 6444 and asking for the debate team, or emailing debates@no2av.org
Yesterday in Birmingham nearly 200 Conservative Party volunteers joined Party Co-Chairman Baroness Sayeeda Warsi and Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Letwin MP at the re-launch the Conservative Policy Forum.
It is really excellent news that the Party remains committed to grassroots participation in order to help develop Conservative policies for the period leading to the publication of the next Conservative manifesto.
There is a large structure of some 600 CPF contacts in place – an impressive base of activists working hard to discuss and formulate Party policy. These are exciting times in terms of policy development and I really do hope activists across the North of England engage fully with this important process.
Government has this week released information about their new work experience scheme. This new scheme offers the opportunity for young people to get up to two months experience in business.
Figures also released this week state that approximately 250,000 young people grow up in workless households - a truly shocking number. Clearly the last Government’s New Deal and Future Jobs Fund have not worked, merely putting the young into short-term, usually public sector jobs which are unsustainable.
The Government’s approach of offering demand-led training systems fit for the needs of 21st century Britain should be applauded. It will put employers in the lead in running apprenticeships and give better information, choice and flexibility to all young people wishing to raise their skills and find sustainable employment.
Good to see that family doctors here in Sheffield are planning to be at the forefront of Government Reforms to allow GP surgeries to lead the planning and buying of local health services.
Some ninety GP surgeries across the city have put themselves forward and have now been announced as ‘pathfinders’. Its really good news to see that our local practices here in City are leading the way with these important NHS reforms.
The Government has today confirmed that it will remove the ‘Default Retirement Age’ therefore giving people more choice when to stop working.
This is a hugely progressive step forward in our society clearly stating that retirement should be a matter of choice rather than compulsion.
People deserve the freedom to work for as long as they want and are able to do so. Older workers play an incredibly important role in the workplace and it is correct that this type of outdated discrimination is stopped.
I am so very pleased to see that already 407 academies are now open in England, with the figure for secondary school academies at 371 representing some11% of all secondary schools in England.
Critically it seems to me that the doubters have been clearly proven wrong. Headteachers and teachers, who know best how to run their schools, are opting to take more autonomy and an opportunity to thrive free from inteference from Government.
At least one school has converted to become an Academy every school day since September, with 204 new Academies opening in this time. Under Labour, it took four years to open the first 27 Academies. These are very exciting times for education in our country.
Eric Pickles MP should be commended on his ground-breaking Localism Bill, which was announced yesterday. This Bill will start to re-address the hugely centralised Government control we currently endure with in its place a new era of local people power.
Government has become too big, overly bureaucratic, and often all controlling. This approach has limited local accountability and left communities powerless to address problems given the dominant top-down governance adopted by Labour.
There can be no doubt that by letting local Councils and communities run their own affairs we can and will build a stronger and fairer Britain. In particular, I look forward to a time when here in Sheffield we will have a locally accountable Mayor.
The Coalition is once again proving that it is a truly prgoressive Government ready to make the radical decisions necessary to move our country forward.
Yesterday afternoon I joined the tuition fees debate on BBC Radio Sheffield's drive-time show.
Personally I believe the Government's proposals given the dire financial situation inherited from the previous administration are fair.
Indeed, if we are to invest in high quality university education they do strike the right balance.
Under these proposals no one will pay up front - parents don't pay and students don't start paying anything until they graduate and begin employment.
And the Government is saying that no one will pay a penny back until they are earning at least £21,000.
I am very pleased that most papers have today backed Government plans for elected police commissioners.
I have long held the view that there is a terrible lack of transparency in the current system of holding the police to account. Indeed, it seems to me that Chief Constables have become too powerful and often – not always – distanced from the local people they serve.
Most importantly, by giving the local population a say in the election of their police commissioner you have a much greater opportunity that this duly elected individual will be known in their community. That has to be better for local accountability.
Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education, should be congratulated on today’s education White Paper.
I do fully agree with journalist Toby Young when he says that ‘just about everything in it is sensible’.
But most importantly, for myself as a teacher, the one shining light is that from now on Ofsted Inspectors will be instructed to judge schools according to four key criteria;
Teaching Standards, Leadership, Pupil Behaviour and Attainment
I am so pleased that we are fast moving back to an educational environment where these most important four bench marks are held at the centre of any school assessment.
EU 'Lock' will mean Powers Cannot be Transferred without Referendum.
The Government has introduced a new Bill to the House of Commons which is designed to provide an 'EU lock', and thus ensure that any further handover of powers from Britain to the EU will require a national referendum.
My Party understands that people in Britain feel disconnected from the EU and this 'lock' is a way of ensuring that politicians - both present and future - have to consult the public before handing over any further powers.
Only the British people will hold the key to the referendum 'lock'.
The EU Bill places on a statutory footing the common law principle that Parliament is sovereign and that EU law only takes effect in the UK by virtue of the will of our Parliament expressed through Acts of Parliament.
This new Bill is good news indeed, and will no doubt be welcomed by a clear majortity of electors in our country.
There is much talk in the press and political circles about the expected new intake of Conservative Peers this autumn.
There are clearly many worthy individuals who have worked hard for our Party over the years and would offer considerable talent and varied experience to the second chamber.
Top of my list of individuals who should be ennobled is Timothy Kirkhope MEP.
Timothy, who was of course also a former MP in Leeds, is a hugely talented politician and one of the most dedicated Conservative MEPs. He has led our Conservative MEPs for many years, only shortly to stand aside at the upcoming AGM, and covers literally hundreds of miles each week working hard on behalf of the people of Yorkshire and the Humber region.
I feel that Timothy really does deserve this honour and I have no doubt that he would be a great asset in the Lords.
Michael Gove MP, the Education Secretary, should be hugely congratulated for the ground-breaking policies he is progressing within his department.
His most recent announcement is that a white paper will be published later this year to introduce plans for a new fair and transparent formula to re-allocate approximately £5 billion in funding direct to Head Teachers. Such an approach would thereby side-step local authorities and thus give these Head Teachers much more power to control directly their own budgets and school priorities.
I was also very pleased to see that The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has come out and said it supports such proposals for a national funding formula.
This is really very good news for education in our country. Effectively placing all schools on the same financial footing as the outstanding Academy programme, could potentially be a step-change in the way education is developed for years to come.
I am very sorry to see that what should have been a peaceful student march in protest against tuition fee increases has spilled over into violence at Millbank Tower.
Any modern democracy should welcome and embrace peaceful demonstration. But such violence and mindless vandalism will quite rightly be condemned.
The NUS must realise that people in our country will appalled at these terrible images from central London and that this type of action does absolutely nothing to advance their cause.
I note with interest the fact that Ken Clarke MP will today announce that more help should be given to people with drug addiction - and that imprisonment should not necessarily be the path of choice if offenders present such drug addictions.
Having sat as a Magistrate for nearly 10 years, I know only to well from personal experience, that many offenders would be far better served getting help for their addiction - than being sent to prison.
Such help is not an easy option, and almost certainly if going to work would need to be a fully residential course. And this doesn't come cheap - far from it - hugely expensive.
But I have no doubt that this is the right thing to do. Helping people deal with their addiction will not only reduce offending, but for many, help addicts reform their lives.
I welcome Mr. Clarke's radicalism in this important area of prison reform.
I very much support yesterday’s signing of two new treaties on defence and nuclear co-operation with France.
In particular, it can only be a good thing to see that as a result of this historic new co-operation at least one aircraft carrier will be at sea any one time.
And most importantly, as stated clearly by the Prime Minister, such an approach is about defending our national interest and also hard-headed co-operation between two sovereign countries.
Given last week’s furstations with Europe about the proposed EU budget for 2011 this type of national co-operation should surely be welcomed.
My visit to Brussels last week strongly re-affirmed the excellent work our Conservative MEPs are doing at the European Parliament. The new political group titled European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) has in a very short time managed to form a centre-right coalition operating in a number of areas that are of importance and where they are winning many arguments.
Clearly, it is often a difficult job trying to get the European Parliament to see sense. It is just incredible that given most countries across Europe are implementing wide-ranging budget-cuts that the last session in Strasbourg saw MEPs reject Conservative amendments led by Timothy Kirkhope MEP for an EU budget freeze for 2011, with Parliament instead voting to increase the budget.
Given such reckless actions it is quite understandable why many people in our country argue for a complete withdrawal from the EU. However, this I do honestly believe would be a terrible mistake.
We now have a Government in Westminster that is eager to engage and make Britain's case forcefully in Brussels. We have a strong group of centre-right Conservatives who are clearly focused on swimming against the tide of ever-increasing EU spending.
The opportunity is there to win these critical arguments and make sure that the EU better reflects the hopes and aspirations of its nation states.
TaxPayers' Alliance: National Debt has hit £7.9 trillion!
I have just learned of a report by the well-respected TaxPayers' Alliance, which places national debt at a staggering £7.9 trillion - or £130,000 for every man, woman and child in the country.
This is clearly significantly higher than the Government's own offical figure of £890 billion.
If correct, this is simply terrible news, and adds even further weight to the fact that the debt and deficit must be dealt with urgently.
I’ve just read a post on ConHome by Charlie Elphicke, the excellent new member of Parliament for Dover.
In his article he notes that as a direct result of Labour’s mismanagement of the economy the UK we will be borrowing a staggering £109bn this year.
Significantly, this £109bn has nothing to do with the recession but is simply the case of needing to loan this amount to fund our overspending. This is as a result of Government spending much more than it has received over many years. Our credit card is maxed out!
Charlie goes on to say that this £109bn equates to borrowing of an extra £4,000 for every home in the UK. And, that over the course of the current Parliament, the total cost of this pure overspending will amount to an astonishing £292 bn. That’s some £12,000 for every household in the UK.
When you read facts like the above I find it astonishing to hear Labour politicians defending their actions. They should be ashamed of the terrible financial legacy they have left the people of this country.
I agree with David Nuttall MP: the smoking ban should be relaxed!
I begin this short post by saying I have never smoked in my life, and personally would prefer a totally smoke free environment. This would no doubt be best for the health of our nation.
However, it cannot be right in our often cold and wet climate to force people to stand outside on the street (A fair and modern country should be able to find better solutions in such circumstances).
This coupled to the fact that reduced business is it seems forcing pubs and clubs across the country to close down clearly demands a common sense approach to this issue.
David Nuttall MP, a colleague who I have known for many years and respect immensely, has come forward with a Bill which would exempt pubs and clubs from the blanket ban on smoking in public buildings.
Such a Bill would give individual pub landlords the right to choose for themselves whether or not to allow smoking to take place in a separate room with air extraction. Importantly, David’s Bill will clearly state that all areas in which food is being served would need to continue to stay entirely smoke free.
I have always believed choice and the devolving down of powers from the centre to local communities will always be the driver of even greater community cohesion. Local people, and local communities, are best placed to decide on such matters. What works in one part of the country, doesn’t always work elsewhere.
I wish David the best of luck if proposing this Bill.
I am really very shocked to learn that Katherine Birbalsingh, the London secondary school teacher who spoke out so passionately about the chaos in our state education system, has been suspended from her classroom and told to work from home. I was in the hall to hear Katherine speak and was hugely impressed by her common sense, direct and pragmatic approach to teaching . What kind of society do we live in when a professional person like this cannot speak out in public without fear of disciplinary action? My thoughts go out to Katherine and do sincerely trust she will be reinstated to her class immediately.
Welcome to my new website, which is launched today - the second day of our Party Conference. I plan to give regular updates to my news section and look forward to your thoughts and comments in the weeks ahead.
I am so very honoured to have been appointed as a Trustee of Paces School. Over the summer we submitted our proposal to be considered as a Free School – this was sent in early August. Clearly there will be many applications for the DfE to evaluate at this time, but we remain hopeful that a response will be forthcoming in the not too distant future.
I continue to work with Norman Perrin and his wonderful team at Paces School to see if we can secure ‘Free School’ status. Our application to be considered for this status, which would be based on the much talked about Swedish model, is about to be submitted. The New Schools Network is also very kindly assisting us with our application.
I have been very touched by the large numbers of residents who have called, e-mailed and texted to express their sadness that I was not successful on this occasion. Local Conservatives fought a positive campaign, focused on the issues which matter most to local people; levels of crime and ant-social behaviour, the appalling state of our roads and pavements, the need to get much better parks and play facilities across the constituency. Our Conservative team will continue to hold to account our newly elected MP and the local authorities. These are exciting political times. David Cameron and our new coalition Government with the Lib Dems has important work to do if we are to deal with the sizable problems the country is facing. I will continue to do everything I can personally to make sure that we make progress to address these issues – both locally and nationally. Again, all my sincerest thanks to the people of Penistone & Stocksbridge.
I was delighted to welcome David Cameron to Hoylandswaine yesterday afternoon. He spoke about the launch of our contract between the Conservative Party and local people.
Dominic Grieve, Conservative Party spokesman on Justice, today visited Deepcar, Bolsterstone and Stocksbridge. He was in the constituency to hear first-hand the problems relatant to rural policing and rural crime.
I continue to highlight the simply terrible state of our roads and pavements in north Sheffield. If you have any photos of particularly bad pot-holes or damaged roads and pavements in the area, please e-mail them to drspencerpitfield@yahoo.com - I will then make sure the local authorities are made aware of these problem sites.
Yesterday we were joined in Chapeltown by Conservative Party Chairman Eric Pickles. He came to support our campaigning at the ASDA store and then went out with a big team door-knocking.
Had an excellent day on Saturday meeting local people in Stocksbridge. We held our NHS action day and had lots of really positive responses to our policies.
So very pleased to see that TC Harrison JCB are taking on more apprentices. This programme allows young people to gain hands on work experience and skills in conjunction with their education.
Posters highlighting Labour’s record in Government have this week gone up in High Green, Ecclesfield and Chapeltown. The choice at this election is five more years of Gordon Brown’s tired government making things worse or David Cameron and the Conservatives with the energy, leadership and values to get the country moving. I hope to meet many more local people in the coming weeks on the campaign trail.
Really very pleased that Arup Engineers have now started the second assessment of the DonValley Heritage and Commuter Railway scheme. I will continue to do everything I can to make sure these exciting proposals get off the ground as soon as possible.
I’m very grateful to other candidates in South Yorkshire for coming over to Stockbridge to help with our litter-pick of the town centre. I will continue to make the reduction of litter across the whole constituency a top priority.
I am working closely with Penistone West Councillors to make sure that urgent action is taken to provide a safer pedestrian crossing at Millhouse Green School. Barnsley MBC has confirmed that it will re-assess whether further improvements can be made to the crossing on this very busy road.
I really enjoyed my recent visit to the Wortley and Thurgoland luncheon club. It is wonderful to see voluntary organisations like this one working hard in the community to provide such a valuable service for local people. All my congratulations to the club on their 25th Anniversary later this year.
I recently visited the fantastic Lip Reading Class, which is held every Thursday lunchtime at Stocksbridge Library. The class is at risk of having to stop due to lack of funding and I am doing eveything I can to make sure help is found to save it. Community classes like this are of a huge value to local people and must be retained at all costs.
The local Conservative team continue to place pressure on Barnsley MBC to bring forward tougher weight restrictions for HGVs on some rural roads. This is a very serious problem in villages like Silkstone as lorries are just not suitable for these country lanes.
The same spot on Hog Close, Victoria, has been hit by cars five times in just six months. Urgent action needs to be taken at this accident blackspot if we are to avoid a very serious accident. I am working closely with local Councillors to achieve a solution for this very dangerous corner near Crow Edge.
Enjoyed very much my visit to Sheffield Wednesday FC with Baroness Warsi, Shadow Minister for Sheffield. The fantastic work that the club is doing to support the local community is a great credit to all concerned. I am sure that the proposals for a much enhanced community space will bring huge benefits for young people and residents across Sheffield and beyond.
Local Conservative Councillors and I spent time on Sunday afternoon cleaning litter in central Penistone. I am very committed to keeping our local areas clean and well kept. A tidy streetscene is a key concern of local people in the area and the Conservative team will continue to work hard to enhance our environment.
I send my sincere congratulations and thanks to employees of both Councils for the incredible effort they have put in to keep our roads clear of snow and services running. I would also like to place on record my thanks to all of our wonderful emergency service personnel for the tremendous support they have given local people through these treacherous conditions.
We have launched our General Election campaign this week. I’m pictured here with one of our posters in Ecclesfield – we’ll cut the deficit, not the NHS. I’m proud that on day one of what seems set to be a 17 week long election campaign we are talking about how we want to get our country back on it’s feet. People want real change and are fed up with dodgy dossiers and puerile personal attacks. I know from talking to people across the constituency that they want politicians who work together to solve our problems and aren’t interested in point-scoring and political dividing lines.
Local Conservatives have sent letters to hundreds of people in Penistone & Stocksbridge warning them of the dangers of bogus doorstep callers. Our letters, which were sent out after Christmas, also include an anti-crime sticker which can be put up at the door to warn-off problem callers. We will continue to work hard to reduce crime levels in our area. Please do report all crimes to the police – however small. You can do this by calling the Police on non-emergency 0114 2964912 or emergency 999.
Over the coming weeks the local Conservative team will be hand delivering 25,000 Annual Reports across Penistone & Stocksbridge. All my thanks to everyone who has responded to my regular surveys and canvassing. I look forward very much to meeting many more local people in the weeks ahead.
I was pleased to see Cameron Direct here in Penistone & Stocksbridge. People were able to address David directly with the many and varied issues that concern them, and I know he takes very seriously all the questions that have been asked.
The fact that David Cameron visited the Constituency to listen to local people’s views once again demonstrated that local Conservatives are working very hard to best represent the views of all people in our area.
Really so very pleased that Hilary Gay will be our candidate for Stocksbridge and the Upper Don ward at next year’s local elections. Hilary has lived in Deepcar for many years and has a strong track record of supporting and campaigning for the local community.
Out campaigning with Conservative Future
‘Cameron Direct’ comes to Penistone and Stocksbridge on Friday 11th December. This is a great opportunity for everyone in the area - whatever their political persuasions – to come along and ask David Cameron any question they want the answer to.
I am really pleased David has chosen to come to Penistone and Stocksbridge and look forward to a lively debate.
The event is free and open to all local residents, but tickets have to be obtained in advance. To apply please e-mail cameron@yorkshireconservatives.com
I really enjoyed my visit to CoSY Computers at the Paces Campus in High Green. This is a fantastic venture and I really do hope Dave and his team can continue their expansion into new premises in Stocksbridge in the very near future
I am so very pleased that Sheffield City Council has now finally agreed to re-surface the pavements where Mrs Taylor had her terrible fall earlier in the year. This is a victory for Mrs Taylor and local people but I will continue to campaign to see that she also receives compensation for her broken glasses.
The Rt. Hon. William Hague MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary, this week visited Penistone & Stocksbridge. William met with business leaders from across South Yorkshire and also offered strong support for my local campaign.
Baroness Warsi and I visiting Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.
Last Thursday 15th October local Conservatives hosted a Charity Fashion Show for the Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Helpline (BSARCH). The fashion show, which was held at the Brooklands Hotel in Dodworth, raised over £900 to support BSARCH. All thanks to everyone who supported the event and this fantastic local charity.
Just returned from Party conference in Manchester where I was delighted to meet with the Royal British Legion. I have pledged to do my bit to support the whole Armed Forces family and would encourage everyone locally to visit the Royal British Legion website to find out more about how you can support our troops – www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk
This week I am sending 5,500 Wind Farm surveys out across Stocksbridge, Deepcar, Green Moor and parts of Penistone. With the Sheephouse Heights wind farm application about to go to Barnsley MBC planning board I hope very much that my survey will help to inform this important debate and give local people a strong voice regarding the proposed project.
Busy day at the Penistone Show, where my team and I were campaigning on Action for Rural communities. It was great to meet so many people and there was genuine shock when people realised what Labour’s record was on closing rural post offices, schools and police stations.
- Am hugely honoured to become a Honorary Vice-President of Northern CF.
- Just heard the Foreign Secretary Rt. Hon. William Hague MP speak at our regional conference.
- On BBC Radio Sheffield this morning - education debate.
- Latest YouGov from 2-3 Feb. Con 39% Lab 40% LD 9%.
- Will be on BBC Radio Sheffield at 7.45am talking about elected mayor proposals.
- Will be on Toby's BBC Radio Breakfast show just after 8am talking about Big Society.
- Very pleased to hear that Philip Smith has been elected Deputy National Chairman of CF - well done Philip!
- Latest YouGov Poll Con 41% Lab 39% LD 10% Others 10% - first Con lead shown by YouGov since December 2010.
- Sunday Mail reporting 62% of respondents support the PM's decision.
- Very impressed with how well the Prime Minister handled the Euro discussions - our demands were modest and fair but met with intransigence.
- Very pleased I am now linked with the Education Foundation.
- New poll from Angus Reid out: Lab 42% Con 33% LD 8% UKIP 7% - could UKIP soon pass LD in percentage vote share??
- Four times Academy Award winner Nick Park will be at school tonight - am sure it will be a very interesting evening.
- All thanks to everyone who took part in our first regional CPF conference at the Bridge today. Fantastic day!
- Very pleased to be supporting the Fair Fuel Campaign who are now following me!
- Latest ComRes phone poll Con 34% Lab 38% Libs 14%.
- Very grateful to Timothy Kirkhope MEP for supporting Sheffield Conservatives this weekend.
- Will be on approx. 12.30pm BBC 1.
- Should be on BBC 1 Politics Show between 12 and 1pm.
- Very impressed with overall level of debate tonight in the Commons.