Lark in the Park's Flying Visit

One of the Metropolitan Police's helicopters paid a flying visit to Sidcup as the highlight of this year's 'Lark in the Park'. Traffic on The Green was brought to a halt on Saturday lunchtime as the 'Eurocopter' came into land for a special visit to the community event at Sidcup Place.

Lark in the Park has become an annual highlight for Sidcup with over 300 volunteers providing community fun for all the family.  The event is organised by the church community in Sidcup with the support of the police and other local agencies and organisations.  Arts, crafts, music, dance, sport and a range of other activities for young and old alike provide a full programme of events over 16 days.  

Old Bexley and Sidcup MP James Brokenshire praised those involved in the organisation of Lark in the Park 2010.  Commenting he said:

"Lark in the Park is a fantastic event for Sidcup and continues to go from strength to strength.  It is amazing to think that thousands of people will take part in such a varied programme of activities between now and 8th August.  Congratulations and a huge amount of thanks go to Paul Weston and all of the team of volunteers for continuing to put on such an amazing event for the benefit of local people and for the service they give to the local community.  It really is the 'Big Society' in action and everyone involved should be very proud."

Pictured in the photograph are James Brokenshire MP with Paul Weston and PCSO Kirsty Bambrough from the Longlands Police Safer Neighbourhood Team who was instrumental in securing the visit of the Metropolitan Police 'Eurocopter'.

Crackdown on Stolen Mobile Phones

Crime Prevention Minister James Brokenshire has launched a new code of practice to regulate how mobile phone recycling companies check to see if the phones they buy are stolen.  The code will see mobile phone recycling companies check the details of every phone they are offered against a national database, which lists mobile phones that have been blocked, stolen or voluntarily registered.

If the phone is blocked, recyclers will refuse to buy it and details of the phone and the person or organisation who offered it to them will be passed on to police.

Although 90 per cent of handsets reported stolen in the UK are blocked across all networks within 48 hours of being reported, they can still be used overseas. The mobile phone recycling industry exports many of the handsets it buys and this has created a new market for stolen phones.  The regulation will stop an estimated 100,000 phones from being sold to recycling companies every year.

In return, the companies that sign up to the code will be placed on an approved list of recyclers, which consumers will have access to, and which the mobile phone industry will recommend people buy from.

James Brokenshire said that the code would close 'a multi-million pound loophole that has been exploited by criminals.'

He said, 'Tackling crime effectively is not just a job for government alone, action at all levels of society is needed to make a real difference. This new agreement is a perfect example of what this approach can achieve.

'By joining forces with the police, the mobile phone industry is closing a multi-million pound loophole that has been exploited by criminals and the industry should be congratulated. Alongside the impressive work on blocking stolen phones, this code will make mobile phone theft an even less profitable crime.'

Brokenshire visits Rothbury

Home Office minister James Brokenshire has shown his support to the town devastated by the actions of Raoul Moat.

The minister paid tribute to hero policeman PC David Rathband after visiting him in hospital.  The Northumbria Police traffic officer was left blind after Raoul Moat shot him in the face at point blank range.

But PC Rathband told crime prevention minister James Brokenshire he was determined to return to the force despite the horrific injuries he suffered.

Mr Brokenshire met PC Rathband on a visit to the North East which included a trip to Rothbury, where Moat shot himself dead. The minister also spoke to Northumbria Chief Constable Sue Sim, as well as local police officers and community leaders.

'Raoul Moat had a devastating impact on his victims, on Northumbria Police, and on the people of Rothbury,' said Mr Brokenshire.

'I wanted to show the government's appreciation to the people and police of the North East for the magnificent way they responded.

'I want to make particular mention of PC David Rathband. His courage in dealing with the devastating injuries he suffered is absolutely exceptional. He is truly an inspirational man.'

Brokenshire announces NRG-1 to be Class B Drug

Naphyrone - often advertised as 'NRG1' - and its related compounds are to be banned and made Class B drugs, Minister for Crime Prevention James Brokenshire announced today.

This follows recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).

Today the government laid a Parliamentary order and legislation will now follow at the earliest opportunity. This will include a generic definition to prevent drug manufacturers tweaking the chemical structure in an attempt to get around the law.

James Brokenshire said, 'I am deeply concerned about the use of this potentially dangerous 'legal high' and I want to make it illegal as soon as possible.

'We have already taken action to ban its import into the UK and we will continue to target those unscrupulous dealers who try to bring these substances onto our streets.'

'I also want to send a clear message to anyone considering buying a 'legal high' - just because they are advertised as 'legal' does not mean that they are safe and they may not be legal. You are putting your health at risk and could be committing a criminal offence.'

Naphyrone and related compounds - often advertised as 'NRG1' are often sold labelled as '100 per cent legal' or as 'plant food'. The ACMD report, published on 7 July 2010, showed that due to its potency naphyrone has considerable potential for misuse and accidental overdose. The likely harms include adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels, hyperthermia, dependence and psychiatric effects.

The ACMD report also highlighted research that found that in many cases substances sold as 'NRG1' actually contained already banned drugs, such as mephedrone. The ACMD will continue to look at 'legal highs'as a priority as part of their ongoing work.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) is now able to seize and destroy naphyrone and related compounds at the border. Following a similar ban on mephedrone and related compounds in March 2010, UKBA have already prevented more than 115kg of suspected mephedrone reaching our streets.

Deaf Awareness Week

To mark Deaf Awareness Week (28 June - 4 July 2010), James Brokenshire MP is supporting leading charities and calling on his constituents to help remove communication barriers faced by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

James Brokenshire MP attended a deaf awareness reception in the House of Commons organised by the UK Council on Deafness (UKCoD) and supported by RNID and the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS). The event highlighted important ‘dos and don'ts' to help improve communication with adults and children who are deaf or hard of hearing including:

• Do learn some basic signs and fingerspelling
• Do repeat yourself or rephrase until you're understood
• Do face me when you speak
• Do think about communication support
• Don't have lots of background noise
• Don't shout
• Don't avoid conversation.

James Brokenshire MP says: "Many shops, services and residents in Old Bexley and Sidcup may not realise the barriers faced by people who are deaf or hard of hearing and how small changes, such as holding face-to-face conversations in well lit places, can significantly improve communication. I encourage others to join me in learning about the communication needs of people who are deaf or hard of hearing."

Chair of UKCoD, Susan Daniels, said: "Adults and children who are deaf or hard of hearing face communication barriers due to a lack of awareness in the community which can lead to issues such as isolation and exclusion from society. We're urging everyone in Old Bexley and Sidcup to follow James Brokenshire MP's example and improve their everyday communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing."

UKCoD, RNID and NDCS are encouraging everyone to get involved in the discussion on ‘do's and don't's' of communication by uploading a photo of their top communication tips and sharing their thoughts at www.flickr.com/groups/daw2010

One in seven people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing, and of those, over 45,000 are deaf children.

APOH suspended

The Chief Executive of the NHS in London has confirmed to Old Bexley & Sidcup MP James Brokenshire that the controversial ‘A Picture of Health' plans for hospital care in Outer South East London have been put on hold pending a formal re-examination. In a letter to the MP, Ruth Carnall revealed that Simon Robbins - the Chief Executive of Bromley PCT and the South East London Sector NHS Chief Executive - had been appointed to lead the review into proposed changes to hospital services at Queen Mary's Sidcup, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Royal University hospitals.

The news confirms the earlier announcement by the Secretary of State for Health, Rt. Hon. Andrew Lansley MP, that hospital reorganisations should be tested to ensure that they satisfy four new criteria:

1. Support from GP commissioners will be essential;
2. Arrangements for public and patient engagement, including local authorities should be further strengthened;
3. There should be greater clarity about the clinical evidence base underpinning proposals;
4. That proposals should take into account the need to develop and support patient choice.

Ms Carnall said:

"The review will focus on the implications of the strategy for South London Healthcare NHS Trust, including those for the Queen Mary's Sidcup site. This means that implementation of the decisions taken by the Joint Committee of PCTs on 21 July 2008 will be suspended, pending the outcome of the review."

In a separate letter to James Brokenshire, the Health Minister Simon Burns MP has said that the South London Healthcare NHS Trust "welcomes and will follow the Department of Health's guidance". Mr Burns added that:

"The Trust is awaiting further clarity from the Department about how to implement the guidance locally. I am informed that, in the meantime, the Trust will increase its dialogue with local GPs."

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"I welcome the commencement of the formal review into local hospital changes. NHS London has rightly underlined the need for this to be a meaningful process. Significant concerns were expressed when ‘A Picture of Health' was originally drawn up and it's important that the clinical case for change is re-assessed. I will be making strong representations on the importance of retaining services locally and securing the long-term future of Queen Mary's, Sidcup.

"The views of local doctors will be a significant part of the review. That's why I'm continuing to meet with local GP practices to underline to them the essential role they have to play. The public also need to be involved given that patient choice is a key factor. I will be working with other Parliamentary colleagues to makes these points clear once the details of the review process have been finalised."

Brokenshire warns festivals over 'legal highs'

James Brokenshire has asked organisers of summer music festivals to warn people about the dangers of so-called 'legal highs'.  The Minister for Crime Prevention has written to the organisers of the Glastonbury and Latitude festivals, as well as other popular music festivals, asking them to be aware of the dangers of drugs that are known as 'legal' or 'herbal' highs.

One such drug, mephedrone, was banned recently, but others are still sold. Last year during festival season, police reported a rise in the sale and consumption of such drugs.  Sellers of these substances hope to exploit users who think that 'legal' means 'safe'. But Mr Brokenshire emphasised that these are not harmless substances, and nor are they necessarily legal.

'During the festival season we know that people may be tempted to try potentially dangerous new drugs,' he said, 'particularly when they are advertised as "legal" or "herbal".'

He pointed out that drugs like 'NRG1', or naphyrone, are often labled as 'plant food' or 'bath salt' but have a chemical structure closely related to cathinone derivatives such as mephedrone, and may share the same risks. They may also actually contain illegal drugs such as mephedrone or methylone. Anyone caught in possession of such a 'legal high' could be charged with a crime.

'That is why we are asking festival organisers and police to work with us to send out the message that these substances may not be safe, and could contain illegal drugs,' Mr Brokenshire said.

'We are going to change our drug laws so we can respond quickly to emerging substances by introducing a temporary ban while we seek full scientific advice.'

For further details visit the Frank website.

GPs critical in deciding future of local hospital services

Old Bexley and Sidcup MP James Brokenshire has launched a series of meetings with local GPs to assess their views on proposed changes to local hospital services. The local MP held two separate meetings with local doctors in Sidcup and Bexley on Thursday and Friday with more sessions planned in the next few weeks. The meetings with General Practitioners come in the wake of new Government criteria by which proposals to change hospital services are to be assessed. These make clear that support from GP commissioners will be essential.

The importance of the new requirements has been underlined to James Brokenshire in a letter from Health Minister Simon Burns. In his letter Mr Burns said that:

"...in future all service changes must be led by clinicians and patients, not be driven from the top."

The Minister also confirmed that NHS bodies with current reorganisation proposals - including those which are ongoing - will be asked to revisit their plans to ensure that they meet the Coalition Government's new requirements. Mr Burns said that he expected that this will require further work with the public, GP commissioners and local authorities.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"Before the last General Election we said that if both the public and GPs supported the retention of services such as A&E and maternity there should be no forced closures. The new strengthened criteria for NHS changes follows through on this commitment. It underlines the importance of public and patient engagement and says that the support of GP commissioners will be essential.

"I am in little doubt as to the public view on retaining services at Queen Mary's Hospital. But what is clear is that the views of local doctors will be pivotal in deciding what should happen.

That's why I've met with Bexley Care Trust and am arranging a series of meetings with local general practitioners.
"There has been some suggestion that the existing ‘A Picture of Health Plans' can continue regardless of the new requirements. I have been assured by local NHS managers that final decisions on the implementation of key service changes services will only be made if the Government's new criteria have been satisfied. The input of local GPs will be critical in determining the outcome."

Carers Week

Brokenshire calls for greater recognition for the UK's six million carers

Old Bexley and Sidcup MP, James Brokenshire, has teamed up with GMTV news reporter and presenter John Stapleton to support this year's Carers Week (14 - 20 June) and celebrate the contribution made by people in Old Bexley and Sidcup, and throughout the UK, who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.

The theme of Carers Week is ‘A Life of My Own' with calls for greater understanding and support for the army of carers who provide vital care for their families, friends and communities. In doing so, many sacrifice much in their own lives, unable to do the little things that most of us take for granted. All too often, these unsung heroes also suffer ill health.
James Brokenshire met up with John Stapleton at the House of Commons to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles. James Brokenshire said:

"A trip to the cinema, or even a full night's sleep - these are luxuries for many of the thousands of carers in Old Bexley and Sidcup. I am supporting Carers Week and all those helping to raise awareness of carers, and their priceless contribution they make to our local community. I hope that as a result of Carers Week, many more carers will find out about services and support that exist to help them.

John Stapleton, who has cared for both his wife and his mother, said:

"Working without pay and often with little recognition - many carers give up their lives as they once knew them, but never give up on caring. They are not the forgotten few, but the forgotten millions. This Carers Week let's speak up for carers - let's not leave them isolated and lonely, financially, physically and emotionally broke. Let's start caring for the carers, give them back a life of their own."

Other celebrities supporting Carers Week, all of whom have had experience of caring, include: Lynda Bellingham, Cilla Black, Jonathan Dimbleby, Sir David Jason, Claire King, Phyllida Law, Miriam Margolyes, Angela Rippon and Tony Robinson.
Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 7 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Care, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, Parkinson's UK and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

For information about Carers Week, including local events and activities, and where carers can find information and assistance, visit www.carersweek.org or call 0845 241 2582

Do Your Country Proud in South Africa

  As thousands of British football fans jet off for the World Cup in South Africa, James Brokenshire, Minister for Crime Prevention and MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup has called for good behaviour off the pitch to match what he hopes will be a strong performance on the pitch by England.

Mr Brokenshire said: 'I want England fans to have a great time, and enjoy what will be a unique event - the first World Cup in Africa. But I also want them to be sensible and behave themselves.

'It is now 10 years since the last major hooligan incident abroad, but the eyes of the world will still be upon England supporters.'

He revealed some details of an operation already underway, led by the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers, to ensure that known football hooligans don't make it to South Africa.

Preparations for securing the World Cup have been years in the making, and a UK delegation of 11 expert football officers is working closely with South African colleagues to help keep the tournament safe.

This week, about 3,000 supporters with football banning orders were ordered to hand over their passports to police. This is in addition to the 9,000 people already barred from international tournaments since the banning orders were first introduced.

The work is supported by an operation where 18 air and sea ports will be manned by specialist police equipped with mobile passport scanners linked to the police national computer.

Mr Brokenshire said the Home Office and police are working hard to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly, as there is a lot at stake.

He said: 'With the London Olympics just two years away and an England World Cup bid on the table I want the fans to do their country proud.'

Queen Mary's Meeting

Old Bexley & Sidcup MP James Brokenshire and George Jenkins and Dr Chris Streather, the Chairman and Chief Executive of the South London Healthcare NHS Trust met on Friday to discuss the future of services at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup.

The meeting came in the wake of a letter sent by Sir David Nicholson the Chief Executive of the NHS in England to all health trusts highlighting new requirements by which health service reorganisations are to be assessed.

Four key tests are now to be applied:

1. Support from GP commissioners will be essential;
2. Arrangements for public and patient engagement, including local authorities should be further strengthened;
3. There should be greater clarity about the clinical evidence base underpinning proposals;
4. That proposals should take into account the need to develop and support patient choice.

Sir David Nicholson's letter added that:

"PCTs and other NHS bodies with current reconfigurations proposals will be asked to revisit their processes to date to ensure they meet these new requirements. This applies to all future reconfigurations and those that are ongoing. I expect that in many cases this will require further work to be done locally and, in consultation with the IRP, assure the Department that these new standards are being applied."

During the private 90 minute meeting at Queen Mary's Hospital, the hospital trust managers sought to highlight the potential benefits of the ‘A Picture of Health Plans' which would see A&E, maternity and other services transferred off the Queen Mary's site whilst James Brokenshire underlined that the proposals would reduce the availability of services for Bexley residents.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"We both agreed that clarification was required on how the new national assessment standards should be applied. I will be writing to the Department of Health to follow up on a number of points arising from the meeting asking that appropriate directions be given to the Trust.

"What is clear is that the Trust will need to demonstrate that it is following the requirements set out by the Chief Executive of the NHS in England. Despite what was a helpful meeting, I remain of the view that the ‘A Picture of Health' plans do not satisfy the new criteria and that significant changes need to be made in the best interests of Bexley residents and to secure the future of Queen Mary's Hospital."

Dealing with Drugs Offences

Tackling drug misuse and reducing the impact of drug-related crime is a key priority for the Home Office, James Brokenshire emphasised today on a visit to Kent.

The minister - who has responsibility for crime prevention - met with police in Gravesend to see the success they have had tackling prolific offenders with drug addictions on the Kings Farm Estate.

He also met with drug workers at the Horizon project which provides support for drug users overcoming addictions, helping them turn away from crime.

James Brokenshire said the work he saw reinforced the message that working together can really make a difference.

‘It is really encouraging to see how Kent police are working so closely with housing teams, drugs workers and residents to address the issues that really matter to local people, and in doing so helping make the area a safer place to live,' he said.

‘We want to target both prolific drug-users and the unscrupulous people who bring drugs onto our streets.'

100 Years of Guiding

James Brokenshire joined hundreds of Guides, Brownies and Rainbows from across Bexley to celebrate the centenary of the Girl Guide movement.  The special event in Danson Park featured a range of activities from crafts, dance and climbing.  The day was rounded off with live performances on the big stage with music and entertainment into the evening.

The Centenary is being used as an opportunity to celebrate the impact that the organisation has made on the lives of girls and young women and how modern guiding continues to support over half a million members around the UK to make new friends, develop skills and achieve their full potential in a unique girl only space. Locally, girls take part in activities such as camps and adventure holidays, international travel and community action.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"Congratulations to everyone involved in organising this event to mark 100 years of the Girl Guides.  Everyone I spoke to had a fantastic time.  The Girl Guide movement has come a very long way in the last 100 years and it is great that local groups in this area have had the opportunity to come together to mark this important milestone."

Government Appointment

James Brokenshire has been appointed as a junior minister to serve in the Coalition Government. The Old Bexley & Sidcup MP was called by the Prime Minister on Tuesday evening to invite him to join the Government as a Home Office Minister working with the new Home Secretary the Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP. James's ministerial responsibilities include policy on drugs and alcohol and measures to prevent crime.

Commenting James said:

"It is a huge privilege to have been asked to serve in the new Government. I'm particularly pleased to have been appointed to the Home Office. It will give me the chance to follow through on some of the policies and proposals I have been working on over the last few years. I'm very much looking forward to the challenges ahead and in helping to make our communities safer places to work, live and be."

Action on Queen Mary's Hospital

James Brokenshire has written to the Health Secretary Rt. Hon. Andrew Lansley MP urging him to call a halt on proposals which would see A&E and maternity services stripped from Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup. The Old Bexley & Sidcup MP has been campaigning to retain services at Queen Mary's and to secure the long terms future of the local hospital. The Coalition Agreement for the new Government makes specific reference to a moratorium on further hospital A&E and maternity reorganisations and says that local GPs and the public will be given a much say on hospital services.

In a separate move, James Brokenshire will meet with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the South London Healthcare NHS Trust which runs QMS next Friday (28 May) to discuss the extent of implementation of the ‘A Picture of Health' hospital reorganisation plans signed off by the last Government. James has also written to local GPs to seek their views and is arranging a series of meetings with them.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"I know how much people in this area care about Queen Mary's Hospital and that's why securing the future of our local hospital is my top local priority. I'm seeking urgent confirmation from the Department of Health on the impact of the new Coalition Government's policies in relation to Queen Mary's and am pressing as hard as I can for the current closure plans to be stopped."

Immigration Controls

James Brokenshire has given his backing to an annual limit on the number of people from outside of the EU being given work permits. Speaking on the BBC1 London Politics Show, the Old Bexley & Sidcup MP said that controls on immigration were necessary after the last Government had failed to put appropriate measures in place. The annual limit would help to bring net migration to levels in the tens of thousands rather than the hundreds of thousands experienced under Labour.

Responding to questions on the potential impact on businesses wanting to employ skilled staff in London, James said that he wanted to see the brightest and the best encouraged to come to work in the this country. The MP added that quarterly controls on the release of visas would assist in the management of the system for firms.

Queen Mary's Hospital Update

Conservatives have pledged to freeze further cuts in services at Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup and launch a new public consultation on the future of the local hospital.  The announcement was made after discussions between James Brokenshire and other local Conservatives with Andrew Lansley, the Shadow Health Secretary.  Local residents had been seeking clarity on what actions a Conservative government would take in relation to the future of Queen Mary's.

Accident & Emergency, maternity and other services at QMH have been threatened with closure after Labour ministers rubber stamped the much criticised ‘A Picture of Health' proposals which would see emergency care focussed on the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich and the Princess Royal University Hospital in Bromley. Overnight A&E cover at Queen Mary's was closed ‘temporarily' last autumn and full closure had been scheduled for September of this year. However, local NHS managers are now suggesting that this timetable could slip.

Local Conservatives have committed that:

• A Conservative government would place an immediate moratorium on hospital re-organization.
• Under a Conservative government, hospital services would be commissioned by GPs in consultation with their patients.
• If the GPs & people of this area want to see accident and emergency, maternity and other services maintained at Queen Mary's Sidcup, there will be no forced closures.

Commenting, James Brokenshire who has campaigned consistently against the cuts said:

"We need to look again at Labour's flawed proposals which undermine the future of Queen Mary's Hospital.  Our local hospital is currently being allowed to wither on the vine. That's why we need to put an immediate stop to further changes and go back to the public and local GPs on the services that should be provided from Queen Mary's."

MPs Expenses Questions

James Brokenshire reaffirmed his commitment to the introduction of a recall mechanism for MPs during this week's Churches Together political hustings in Sidcup. Responding to questions on the abuse of expenses James said that voters should be able to sack MPs who are guilty of misconduct rather than having to wait for an election to get rid of them. James also said that the rules on Parliamentary privilege should be changed to make it absolutely clear that they could not be used as a defence to MPs who had broken the law.

On the general issue of expenses, James highlighted that the national newspapers had been through his expenses in detail and had held him up as an MP who had not broken the rules. James was the MP for Hornchurch between 2005 and 2010. The seat was the only constituency to be abolished in London in boundary changes drawn up by the Boundary Commission.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"Our political system needs to change. We need to make politics more accountable, more transparent and more local. Confidence in politicians and the political system has been badly damaged by the expenses debacle. We need to start the process of restoring faith in politics and a much greater sense of public service in those holding public office."

Controlling Immigration

James Brokenshire has been highlighting how Conservatives would control immigration. Speaking during a BBC Radio 5 Live political panel before a live audience in Luton, James fielded questions on how a Conservative government would reduce net migration to the tens of thousands rather than the hundreds of thousands under Labour.

A Conservative government would:

Create a new border police force tasked with dealing with illegal immigration.

Put an annual cap on the number of visas issued to those seeking to work in the UK from outside the EU.

Introduce new controls on student visas - described as the ‘Achilles heel' of the immigration system.
Create new language tests for marriage visas.

Commenting James said:

"Under Gordon Brown this country has seen the biggest and most sustained increase in immigration in British history. Net migration is three times the level it was when Labour came to power in 1997. Labour has failed to put proper controls on immigration.

"A Conservative government would take action to reduce net migration back to the levels that existed in the 1980s and 1990s.

"By contrast, the Liberal Democrats would introduce an amnesty for illegal migrants an unworkable regional visa system and moves towards a common EU asylum policy. I believe this would take Britain in the wrong direction."

Brokenshire Backs Mephedrone Ban

James Brokenshire has given his support to measures which would make the so called 'legal high' Mephedrone a controlled drug. The Order makes Mephedrone a 'Class B' drug reflecting its broad equivalence with amphetamine. Speaking in the Commons James Brokenshire urged the Government to take urgent action to get supplies of the Mephedrone off the streets and to ensure that appropriate health and educational advice was provided in connection with the banning of the drug.

But the Shadow Home Affairs Minister criticised Labour Ministers for failing to take action sooner. Speaking during the Commons debate James Brokenshire said:

"It would seem that the Home Office knew of this problem months before. Why didn't the Government act sooner? Why did it sadly seem to have taken the reporting of the deaths of several young people to have finally prompted the Government into taking action?

"Policy making should have been capable of being developed in a measured way rather than the sudden realisation that there was an issue because of media coverage. It has been apparent for quite some time that there has been an emerging problem with this group of so called ‘legal highs'.

"It is desperately sad that as many as 25 deaths have been linked to Mephedrone in some way. Our thoughts go to the families who have lost loved ones. The question that needs to be considered is whether any of these tragic cases could have been avoided if the Government had acted sooner and a more robust mechanism had been in place for addressing newly emerging psychoactive substances had been in place."

James also criticised the Home Secretary's dealings with the Advisory Council for the Mis-use of Drugs following the sacking of Professor David Nutt, the former Chair of the ACMD triggering the resignations of several members of the Council - the most recent being at the weekend. James said that the Home Secretary's actions had caused "inertia and damaging delay at the heart of Government drugs policy."

Brokenshire Questions Ministers over Falklands Sovereignty

James Brokenshire has quizzed Ministers about the ongoing diplomatic issues between the UK and Argentina over the sovereignty of the Falklands. James pressed Ministers over the decision by the Argentine authorities to impose new permit rules over shipping using their waters to travel to or from the Falklands. The moves were prompted by oil exploration works of the Falkland Islands raising concerns over whether Argentina would attempt to stop ships seeking to travel to the Islands.

Foreign Office Minister Chris Bryant assured James that the situation was being monitored closely, although there had been no attempt to introduce any ‘blockade' of the Falklands. James was assured that sovereignty of the Islands would be upheld and that the principle of self-determination for the Falkland Islanders would be protected.

Gang Crime in London

James Brokenshire has called for policies combining prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation and spanning the short term and long term if the problems of youth violence are to be addressed. Speaking during a Parliamentary debate on Gang Crime in London, the Shadow Home Affairs Minister said that the brazen and shocking nature of some of the recent teenage stabbings in the Capital underlined the continuing problems of violent youth crime and the need for vigilance. James called for new powers of stop and search for the police as well as support in schools to prevent vulnerable children being drawn into gang membership.

James said:

"If we are to make the sustained change that our communities need to break gang violence and the scourge of knife crime we need a change of approach. One which recognises the need for clear and robust sanctions for those who break the law. Which devolves greater powers and responsibility to those responding to the problems on our streets. But which also recognises that strong families and communities are more effective at instilling a culture of respect and responsibility as any law, rule or regulation. And that ultimately societal change is required to promote safer and more cohesive communities in our Capital and across the country."

Legislating For New 'Legal Highs'

Shadow Home Affairs Minister and Hornchurch MP James Brokenshire has called for changes in the law to provide a speedier mechanism for dealing with the problem of legal highs. His call comes as the Home Office awaits the recommendations of the Advisory Council for Misuse of Drugs as to whether the drug Mephedrone should be banned. The drug which is also referred to as ‘meow meow' has been linked to the deaths of at least three people in recent weeks.
James Brokenshire has said that two principal changes should be made to the drugs laws:

1. Introduce a new temporary drug classification which would apply for a maximum period of 12 months.

„X The temporary classification would enable legal controls on sale and supply to be made where significant public health concerns have been highlighted about a new psychoactive substance.

„X This 12 month period would allow time for expert input and analysis to be provided to inform decisions on whether a formal classification should be made or not whilst addressing immediate public safety risks.

„X It would also enable appropriate health alerts to be given in a structured manner as one of the criticisms of FRANK (the Government's drugs advice line and website) was that it was slow to react to Mephedrone because it was not a controlled substance.

2. Amend the drugs laws so that modified drugs of existing controlled substances are captured within the framework of the Mis-use of Drugs Act

„X There has been a growing trend for existing controlled substances to be chemically modified to create a new derivative drug but with the same base chemistry as the existing controlled drug. These so called 'analogues' may fall outside of the existing legal framework and be capable of being sold legally. Conservatives would amend the Mis-use of Drugs Act to address this potential loop-hole.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"Many young people have mistakenly thought that because a drug is legal it is safe. As we have seen from the tragic cases in recent weeks, they aren't and we need to get this message across as a priority. It's clear that the current system for dealing with the dangers of new recreational drugs just isn't up to scratch in the internet age.

"We need a speedier mechanism to respond to potentially dangerous substances. There will be many more drugs like Mephedrone which will come into circulation and we need to be better prepared."

Dovers Corner Development

Proposals which could see high rise blocks of flats at Dovers Corner in Rainham could be being resurrected after it was revealed that updated planning documents have been submitted to Havering Council.

Weston Homes first published details of their planning application to construct nearly 729 dwellings in March 2008. If granted permission by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, the plan would see 95 houses and 634 flats constructed on the site as part of a mixed housing, retail and commercial development on the current Dovers Corner Industrial Estate.

After a storm of local opposition the proposals had gone quiet and in the light of the market conditions in the property sector some had thought that the plans had simply gone away. But this week Havering Council published notification of receipt of revised and updated documents relating to the application.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"When these plans were first revealed my view was that this was over-development on a massive scale and nothing has changed. This is completely inappropriate and would be a disaster for Rainham.

"If these plans are approved they would set a hugely damaging precedent for future development in the area. We may need more homes but this high-density horror simply isn't the way to do it."

Details of the Weston Homes Planning application can be found at:
http://planning.havering.gov.uk/pls/portal/HAVERWEB.RPT_APPLICATION_DETAILS.SHOW?p_arg_names=reference&p_arg_values=U0002.08

Policing Pledge Costs

New information obtained by James Brokenshire has shown that the Home Department is spending over £5 million publicising the 'Policing Pledge' even though many police forces are struggling to balance their budgets.

In an answer to a parliamentary question raised by the Shadow Home Affairs Minister, the Home Office revealed that it spent £3.43 million on publicity for the Policing Pledge in 2008-09 and is spending a further £1.9 million this year. The Policing Pledge has resulted in new requirements for inspection of police forces to assess compliance with the Policing Pledge adding a further bureaucratic burden on police officers already struggling with Government red-tape. Conservatives have pledged to instruct Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary not to inspect police forces against the Policing Pledge.

In 2008-09 the Home Office spent £3.43 million promoting the Policing Pledge including:

• £781,000 on posters
• £1.69 million on press
• £670,000 on radio
• £290,000 online

In the current financial year they will spend £1.9 million on publicity in the following areas:

• £743,000 on TV
• £322,000 on radio
• £380,000 on press
• £234,000 on direct mail
• £220,000 online

The Policing Pledge has been criticised as providing statements of the obvious. By way of example the direct.go.uk website claims that:

"Through the national policing pledge, every police force promises to listen to you and your neighbours, and to act on any problems you raise with them."
(See: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/ThePolice/DG_181995)

Commenting James Brokenshire said;

"The public want to see police on their streets not adverts in newspapers or on the TV. Just imagine how many police officers this money could have paid for. Talking about action isn't the same as taking action yet the Government fails to understand the difference.

"This is a typical waste of public money by a tired Labour Government obsessed with spin. Spending money on PR isn't going to make our streets safer. At a time when the Government has left the public finances in such a perilous state this sort of excess is simply irresponsible."

Fair Fare Funding

James Brokenshire has called on the Department for Transport to think again over plans to claw back £28 million of Government grant to help fund the Freedom Pass, London's concessionary fares scheme for over 60s travel on public transport. Responding to the formal consultation over the proposal to cut the special grant to London councils next year by nearly half, the MP said that unless the plans were changed they would be seen as a calculated move to penalise Londoners.

Commenting in his letter on the Government's proposals James said:

"If confirmed this will leave a significant and unexpected gap in the budgets of London boroughs which has not been provided for and which can only be met by cuts in other services or an increase in the council tax at a time when residents are already struggling with the recession. The timing of the proposed change is particularly problematic, given that London councils are struggling to finalise their budgets and have a significant new uncertainty with just a few weeks before approvals have to be given."

The Freedom Pass allows Londoners aged 60 and over to travel free on the capital's buses, trains, London Underground, trams, and the Docklands Light Railway. It costs around £240 million a year and is funded by a combination of central Government grant and council tax contributions from all London boroughs.

In 2008 the Government agreed to give a special grant to London of approximately £58 million a year for three years as part of the introduction of the national concessionary bus scheme in England. But on 4 November 2009 the Department for Transport said that it was re-opening the third year of the funding settlement (2010/11), and launched consultation proposals to reallocate £28.6 million of London's special grant to other parts of the country. The impact of the change could be as much as £1 million to the budgets of councils like Bexley and Havering.

James Brokenshire has raised his concerns over the funding for the Freedom Pass on a number of previous occasions and despite fears that Ministers minds are already made up on the issue, his letter of representation has made a further call on the Government to go back and review their plans:

"London Council's assert that following the change envisaged by the consultation document, London would be the only part of the country where concessionary fares are not wholly funded by a combination of formula grant and special grant. Despite the Government's claim to be acting on the basis of fairness, on this basis the proposed arrangements would cause significant financial issues for London authorities and create a system where London council tax payers are put at a significant disadvantage. I would therefore urge the Department for Transport to think again."

The public consultation ends on 30 December 2009.

Details of the Department for Transport consultation document on the re-allocation of concessionary fares funding can be found by following the link set out below:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/specialgrantfunding/consultationdocument.pdf

Securing Queen Mary's Future

Conservative campaigners will take to the streets this week as part of the launch of a new public campaign to put pressure on local health managers to stop the cuts in services at Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup and set out a clear plan for its future.

Since the autumn the hospital has seen the closure of its accident and emergency department at night and the shutting of a stroke rehabilitation ward. Yet plans to add services to secure the long term viability of the hospital have yet to come to fruition despite the proposed closure of all A&E facilities at the site which South London Healthcare NHS Trust now expects to complete by May of next year.

Despite promises that the hospital would become a centre of excellence for planned surgery under the controversial ‘A Picture of Health' plans even this scaled back ambition for the hospital is being questioned. The South London Healthcare NHS Trust is considering plans to transfer elective care from Orpington to Bromley instead of Queen Mary's. The Trust claims that if implemented this would be an interim measure with the intention to transfer the services to Queen Mary's by 2011. But the fear is that once transferred to the Princess Royal University Hospital the onward move to Sidcup will fail to materialise.

Conservatives are asking local residents to sign a petition opposing any further cuts in services at the hospital and urging local health bodies to take immediate action to secure the future of Queen Mary's Hospital for the benefit of Bexley residents. A street stall to enable people to sign the petition was in Blackfen this afternoon and will be in Sidcup on tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"Despite promises to make Queen Mary's a centre for planned surgery, even these scaled back proposals have question marks hanging over them. Queen Mary's simply cannot be allowed to ‘wither on the vine'.

"With two cash hungry PFI funded hospitals to run at Greenwich and Bromley, the risk remains that QMH will simply get squeezed out. This is despite serious outstanding questions on existing patient safety standards and the ability of the other two hospitals to cope with increased patient flows.

"The current hospital reorganisation plans are unacceptable and should be called to a halt. That's why we're asking the public to sign the petition calling for a stop to the cuts in services and demanding a clear commitment to the future of Queen Mary's Hospital."

Freedom Pass Funding Cut

James Brokenshire has attacked the Government for having already made up its mind to claw back £28 million of funding from London boroughs intended for the Freedom Pass, even though a consultation on the proposals still has nearly three weeks left to run. The impact of this U-turn could leave London councils like Bexley and Havering with an unplanned hole of £1 million in their budgets.

The Freedom Pass allows Londoners aged 60 and over to travel free on the capital's buses, trains, London Underground, trams, and the Docklands Light Railway. It costs around £240 million a year and is funded by a combination of central Government grant and council tax contributions from all London boroughs.

In 2008 the Government agreed to give a special grant to London of approximately £58 million a year for three years as part of the introduction of the national concessionary bus scheme in England. But on 4 November the Department for Transport said that it was re-opening the third year of the funding settlement (2010/11), and launched consultation proposals to reallocate £28.6 million of London's special grant to other parts of the country. The consultation period is supposed to end on 30 December.

The MP's criticisms were made following comments by John Denham MP, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, during a House of Commons debate yesterday on local government finance. During the debate Mr Denham admitted that

"...we needed to make some changes to the distribution of [concessionary fares] funding, because as the system came in, we could see that some areas were gainers and some were losers. That was the right thing to do."
He added that: "Even if adjustments in the formula have been proposed for the future, that reallocation was the right thing to do."

Speaking during the debate James said:

"I listened carefully to what the Secretary of State said, and it struck me that he had a closed mind, that no consultation is really taking place and that the Government have decided that that funding will not now be put in place. Saying to councils at the last moment, "We promised you the money, it's not there, you've got to deal with that now", hardly makes it easy for them to ensure that they deliver the value for money and council tax freezes that we want. The Government are reneging on the deal at the last minute and placing councils in an extremely difficult situation."

Commenting afterwards, James added:

"It's now pretty clear that this is a ‘done deal'. The Department for Transport is going through the motions of a consultation but in reality Minister's minds are made up. The impact is that London will be stripped of £28 million next year and councils and council taxpayers are simply being left to pick up the pieces. Ministers are effectively penalising local residents for the failings of their own policy in other parts of the country."

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

The full text of the local government finance debate on 8 December 2009 can be found by following the link set out below:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm091208/debtext/91208-0016.htm

Details of the Department for Transport consultation document on the re-allocation of concessionary fares funding can be found by following the link set out below:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/specialgrantfunding/consultationdocument.pdf

City Airport Debate Call

MP calls for Parliamentary Debate on ‘double whammy’ effect of flight changes at London City Airport.

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has written to the Speaker of the House of Commons seeking a debate on increasing flight noise from London City Airport after a decision to route more flights over Havering was rubber stamped.  Plans to alter the departure routes for aircraft leaving London City had originally been including in wider changes to alter the airspace in the southern half of the country – referred to as ‘Terminal Control North’ (TCN). 

The TCN proposals for all London airports were put out for public consultation last year and the process has been deferred until next year to allow further public consultation to take place.  However, it was decided by the National Air Traffic Service and the Civil Aviation Authority to press ahead with the changes at London City Airport rather than allow further public consultation.  The effect is that aircraft are now flying on the new routes with the impact that more flights are being directed over Hornchurch and Havering.  This comes on top of a decision by the London Borough of Newham to permit a 50% increase in flights using London City Airport.

James Brokenshire is seeking a Parliamentary debate to raise concerns about the nature and extent of the consultation on the Terminal Control North proposals and why the changes at London City Airport were fast-tracked.  The MP had previously made representations opposing both the change in flight routings and the increase in the number of flight movements using London City Airport.

Commenting James said:

“I’m angry that residents living in this area are bearing the brunt of two bad decisions.  Increasingly, people will notice the noise nuisance from airliners climbing out of London City as the number of flights increase in line with the new permissions.  It’s a double whammy effect for Havering residents and it’s totally unacceptable. 
“Most people will be totally unaware of the decisions that have been taken against their wishes. I believe that the inability of the public to object to these plans simply isn’t right. That’s why I am seeking to bring these concerns to the notice of the Department for Transport through a formal Parliamentary debate and press them to reverse these damaging changes.”

The MP is also encouraging people to express their views on increasing noise nuisance from London City Airport by taking part in a noise consultation currently being conducted by London City Airport itself.  The consultation on the airport’s ‘Noise Action Plan 2009-14’ runs until 15 January 2010 and further information can be obtained from London City Airport’s website at http://www.londoncityairport.com/LandingPage.aspx?Page=noiseactionplan

Poppy Appeal Theft

Brokenshire hits out at ‘mindless selfishness’ of theft of Poppy Appeal collection boxes.

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called on those responsible for the theft of two Poppy Appeal collection boxes from St Andrew’s Church, Hornchurch to return the stolen funds.  News of the theft of the cash donated by parishioners and intended for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal was revealed in the Church’s parish notices.  As a consequence, the funds able to be passed across to the British Legion from St Andrew’s were much reduced.

Commenting James said:

“What a depressing parable of our times that someone should want to steal money raised in remembrance of those who have given their lives in the service of our country.  It’s difficult to think of a much greater act of mindless selfishness and insensitivity.  It may be a vain thought, but as we enter this festive season of thinking of others, those responsible should search their consciences and return the funds intended for good causes rather than lining their pockets.”

Online Crime Committed Every Ten Seconds

Commenting on news today that over a thousand fraudulent websites - that claim to sell cheap designer goods - have been shut down today by the Metropolitan Police.

Shadow Home Office Minister James Brokenshire said:

"I welcome any action to crack down on bogus and fraudulent websites but we need a more concerted approach. The police estimate that an online crime is committed every ten seconds yet the Government's response has been pedestrian. We believe that greater co-ordination and emphasis on both prevention and enforcement is needed to stop more people becoming victims of computer crime."

Health Safety Assurance

Health Secretary Andy Burnham MP has given an assurance to Old Bexley & Sidcup Conservative Parliamentary Candidate James Brokenshire that safety concerns at hospital trusts highlighted as "significantly underperforming" in a report at the weekend - including South London Healthcare NHS Hospitals Trust (SLHT) - will be investigated. In its 2009 good hospital guide independent health consultants Dr Foster gave SLHT a score of 4.79 out of 100 and ranked it in the lowest of five performance bands. Dr Foster highlighted that SLHT was unable to provide figures on accidents in which ‘foreign objects' are left in patient's bodies after surgery or where patients received an operation on the wrong part of the body. The trust was also unable to provide figures on the number of operations cancelled at its hospitals.

Speaking during a special Parliamentary debate on patient safety, Mr Burnham said that the hospital regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), would be looking into the serious weaknesses highlighted in the Dr Foster guide. Responding to a question from James Brokenshire, Mr Burnham said that CQC would ‘follow up' on concerns raised about the hospital trusts (including SLHT) and that he would keep MPs updated on any further action.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"The information provided by the Dr Foster Guide raises a number of serious questions and I welcome the fact that these will now be followed up with South London Healthcare NHS Trust and other trusts identified as having significant issues. What is particularly worrying is that the concerns highlighted by Dr Foster contradict some of the previous assurances on standards provided by the Care Quality Commission. The sooner we can get some certainty on the safety procedures adopted at local hospitals and the robustness of the independent inspection and assessment regime the better."

The full text of the exchange between James Brokenshire MP and Health Secretary Andy Burnham MP was as follows:

James Brokenshire: The Secretary of State must appreciate that throughout the country there will still be considerable uncertainty as to the standards of care provided at hospitals. In his statement, on the one hand, he implied that the CQC was authoritative, yet on the other hand he said that, where legitimate concerns had been identified, they would be followed up. Can he be more specific on how they will be followed up, and assure the House about the timetable for this, so we can get some greater certainty given the information that has been provided over the past few days?

Andy Burnham: I can, indeed, give the hon. Gentleman that assurance. That is the job of the CQC: its job is both to provide regular supervision of performance across the national health service, and where concerns are identified, to intervene and ensure that the necessary action is taken. It acted in respect of Basildon and Thurrock, and because it had not seen sufficient improvement, its concerns have now escalated and it is working in tandem with Monitor. That is how the process works. Where there are concerns about other trusts, it will follow them up with those trusts. I repeat what I said in my statement: I will update the House where any action has been taken.

Elm Park Christmas Lights

The streets of Elm Park were crowded with people on Friday night as the lights on the Elm Park Christmas tree were officially switched on to mark the start of the festive season. Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire led the countdown to the big switch on and Councillor Roger Ramsay, the Mayor of Havering, thanked the Elm Park Regeneration Partnership and local traders for making the event such a success. "Illuminating Elm Park" has become a regular fixture in the local calendar with the shops in and businesses in Elm Park staying open late and entering into the festive spirit - this year dressing up as characters from pantomimes.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"It was a really great atmosphere and the Christmas spirit came early to Elm Park with carol singing, mince pies and lots of goodwill. We don't have enough of these sorts of community events and I am proud that Elm Park marks the start of the festive period with such a special event.

"Ingrid Brandon, the Chair of the Elm Park Regeneration Partnership and the local businesses deserve a huge amount of thanks for making this such a fun, family event each year. It's fast become one of the Christmas traditions and long may it continue."

Health Safety Call

James Brokenshire has called on hospital managers at South London Healthcare NHS Hospitals Trust (SLHT) to conduct an urgent review of patient safety standards and to put an immediate halt on re-organisation plans after a damning report by the independent health monitoring organisation Dr Foster. SLHT was one of just 12 acute trusts described by Doctor Foster as "significantly underperforming" on basic safety measures.

In its 2009 hospital guide, "How Safe is My Hospital?" Dr Foster assessed all NHS acute trusts across a range of safety indicators and assigned a banding and score based on their performance. The best rated hospital according to the guide - University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - received a score of 100. By contrast SLHT which runs Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich and the Princess Royal University Hospital in Bromley was given a score of just 4.79 - joint sixth lowest in the country.

Dr Foster's report highlighted that SLHT was unable to provide figures on accidents in which ‘foreign objects' are left behind in people's bodies after surgery, or where patients receive an operation on the wrong part of the body, despite claiming to have systems to record such serious incidents. The trust was also unable to provide figures on the number of operations cancelled at its hospitals.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"The Dr Foster Guide paints a deeply worrying picture on the standards, systems and governance in operation within the trust. Patients will want urgent reassurance in the light of this report as to the quality of care provided at local hospitals and the trust board needs to take a long hard look at these criticisms rather than sweeping them under the carpet. Against this backdrop I find it virtually inconceivable that the trust should press ahead with implementing its hospital reorganisation plans which seem certain to put even greater strain on the local health service."

Mr Brokenshire is writing to George Jenkins, the Chairman of SLHT, highlighting his concerns and asking Mr Jenkins to confirm what steps will be taken in conjunction with the other non-executive members of the Trust Board to assess governance procedures. Mr Brokenshire is also contacting the Care Quality Commission to ask them to investigate safety standards at the Trust.

A copy of the Dr Foster 2009 hospital guide "How Safe is My Hospital" can be downloaded from: http://www.drfosterhealth.co.uk/docs/hospital-guide-2009.pdf

Remember

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire joined the Deputy Mayor of Havering and other community leaders and members of the public on Sunday in remembering British service personnel who have lost their lives in the service of their country. The MP laid a wreath at the Hornchurch War Memorial as part of the Remembrance Sunday service of commemoration which was followed by a special service at St Andrew's Church. The event was rounded off by a march-past by the Hornchurch Branch of the Royal British Legion and the Romford Drum & Trumpet Corp through the streets of Hornchurch.

Commenting James Brokenshire said

"The current conflict in Afghanistan reminds us of the huge debt we owe to those who put themselves in harms way to protect our interests and our very way of life. We must never forget the service and sacrifice of those who have paid the ultimate price. Quite literally they gave their tomorrows for our today's. It was really heartening to see so many people attending and paying their own personal tributes to these brave young men and women."

Christmas Shopping Abuse

Hornchurch MP James Brokenshire joined staff at the Elm Park Co-Op this week to show his support to a campaign against assaults and aggression against sales assistants, cashiers and other shop staff. The ‘Freedom from Fear' campaign is organised by the shop-workers union USDAW and is aimed at tackling abuse directed at those working in retail businesses. Shop-workers are often at the receiving end of physical and verbal abuse and this gets worse in the Christmas period when shops are full and there's a high level of stress.
Commenting James Brokenshire said

"Christmas should be a season of cheer and goodwill, but for those working in shops and other retail outlets that can be far from the case. Whilst shopping for Christmas presents can be stressful, there is absolutely no justification for venting frustrations on those working in shops - they deserve respect and understanding not aggression and abuse. That's why I'm asking shoppers to keep their cool and make Christmas shopping a better experience for everyone."

One in Ten on DNA Database

The number of profiles stored on the DNA database by police forces in England and Wales has topped 10% of the population for the first time according to information obtained by Shadow Minister for Crime Reduction and Hornchurch MP James Brokenshire. As at 15 October 2009 5,532,847 individual profiles were held on the National DNA database by police forces in England and Wales amounting to more than 1 in 10 of the population.

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the current blanket and indiscriminate retention of DNA profiles of people suspected but not convicted of offences was an interference with the right to respect for private life violating article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Home Office recently announced that they were dropping plans to introduce changes to the current retention arrangements in favour of new proposals that would be brought forward in the Queen's Speech later this year.

James Brokenshire has given his backing to a system similar to that used in Scotland where the DNA profiles of those not convicted of an offence would only be retained in circumstances where charges relating to a crime of violence or a sexual offence had been brought. In these circumstances DNA profiles could be retained for three years subject to an extension for a further two years with court approval.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"The Government has been obsessed with growing the DNA database for the sake of it regardless of guilt or innocence. Despite being told that their approach is unlawful they have been dragging their feet about doing anything about it. Conservatives have set out a workable approach to deal with this issue balancing personal freedom against community safety. Just how many more DNA profiles of the innocent have to be added before the Government is prepared to act?"

Dartford Crossing Debate

This week Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire will call on the Department for Transport to speed up its review of the Dartford River Crossing - including options to scrap the tolls - notwithstanding a recent announcement that the crossing could be sold off. The MP has secured a Parliamentary debate on Wednesday afternoon (28 October) to highlight continuing congestion at the Crossing and the impact that increased toll charges have had on hold-ups for motorists.

In a letter to James Brokenshire earlier this month, Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said that his Department was prepared to consider scrapping tolls on the QE2 Bridge into Kent as part of ‘better use' options for the Crossing. But concerns have been raised about this commitment following an announcement by the Treasury that the Dartford Crossing was a on a list of Government assets which were up for sale.

Commenting James said:

"Anyone who uses the Dartford Crossing on a regular basis will appreciate the sheer frustrations of being stuck in miles of jams. The Department for Transport needs to get on with its review of the need for additional road capacity across the Thames and in particular the better use of the existing crossing.

"The current tolling arrangements are adding to the delays and congestion and motorists shouldn't be seen as a soft target. That's why Ministers need to give an assurance of their commitment to measures that will help beat the queues - such as scrapping the tolls into Kent - rather than simply viewing the crossing as a cash cow for the Treasury."

QE2 Bridge Tolls Could be Scrapped

The Department for Transport has confirmed to James Brokenshire that it is prepared to consider scrapping tolls on the QE2 Bridge into Kent. The details were provided in a letter from Transport Minister Sadiq Khan MP. In his letter to James Brokenshire Mr Khan said that the Government would take forward work on examining 'better use options' for the Bridge and the two tunnels as well as considering the need for additional capacity through a potential new crossing.

The two options under consideration to make better use of the existing crossing are:

• maintaining the existing toll plazas but increasing their efficiency through the use of new technology and a revised layout; and
• removing the southbound charges and creating a revised northbound toll plaza layout to address issues of cars 'weaving' as they approach the tunnel entrances.

Mr Khan said:

"We will need to understand the potential benefits and impacts from the possible introduction of a one-way charging regime at the existing crossing, particularly if there are any diversionary effects which could impact on other parts of the strategic and local road networks."

Commenting, James Brokenshire who has campaigned to cut the hold-ups at the Dartford River Crossing said:

"This is certainly a step in the right direction, but there still seems to be a reluctance to accept that the current tolling arrangements are contributing to the congestion and the misery of drivers. Despite traffic numbers falling delays have been increasing.

"It could take the Transport Department eighteen months to complete their study. I will press the Government to speed up their review in the hope that motorists will soon be able to speed up their journeys when using the Crossing."

Office Changes

From Monday 19th October Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire will be transferring his constituency casework and support operation from Hornchurch to Westminster as part of transitional arrangements in advance of the next General Election.  As a result of boundary changes the Hornchurch constituency will be abolished when the Prime Minister calls the election - expected to be no later than the end of March next year. The changes - whilst maintaining all existing constituency support functions - are intended to help manage the six month transitional period leading up to James Brokenshire ceasing to be the MP for Hornchurch and Rainham.

All telephone calls and post will be transferred to the Westminster office.  The changes will not affect James's regular advice surgeries which will continue to be held at venues across the constituency.

Commenting James said:

"The harsh reality is that I will cease to be the MP for this area from next spring and it seemed sensible to try to manage the transitional period appropriately.  Constituents shouldn't notice any change in the service they currently receive from my office as virtually all queries are dealt with by email, phone or letter.  Having my support team all in one place may actually improve the response to complaints and queries in some ways.

"It is important that I remain available to meet local residents to discuss their problems and my constituency advice surgeries will ensure that the continuity of service is maintained.  Equally, I will continue to fight for the issues that matter to my constituents whilst I remain as the MP for Hornchurch and Rainham in the same way that I have done for the last four and a half years."

With effect from 19 October, James Brokenshire's contact details for all enquiries will be House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA, Telephone: 020 7219 8400, email: brokenshirej@parliament.uk

Shop Crime Report

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has been presented with a report this week highlighting the problems that shops and other retailers are facing with increasing crime.  The report by the Conservative Retail Crime Commission outlines how neglect of retail crime has had a debilitating effect on local communities and businesses and makes recommendations for change.

Thefts from shops are now at their highest level since 1997 having risen ten per cent in one year from 290,624 incidents in 2007/8 to 320,846 in 2008/9.  Even more alarming, thefts with violence in shops rose by 11 per cent between 2007 and 2008.  The cost of crime against business now stands at a staggering £12.6 billion with retailers experiencing the highest number of crimes amongst all business sectors in 2008.

The Commission recommends that:

• The existing sanctions regime should be reformed so that Fixed Penalty Notices are only used for first time offences and are recorded to ensure repeat offenders are identified.
• Community based sanctions are used for first time offences, helping restore confidence to the public and social responsibility among perpetrators.
• Police must be obliged to record where crime occurs in retail premises and citizens given access to crime statistics so they can hold police to account for crime in their locality.
• Police forces must be encouraged to collaborate and share information to address cross-border criminal activity.
• Drug policy should be focused on breaking the cycle of addiction and acquisitive crime by getting addicts off drugs rather than maintaining them in addiction. 
• Greater emphasis should also be given to intervening early to deal with the underlying causes of crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Commission which was chaired by Philip Dunne MP, the former Chairman of Ottakar’s booksellers, presented its findings to James Brokenshire in his role as the Shadow Minister for Crime Reduction in order that its recommendations can be considered by him as part of future policy proposals. 

Commenting, James said:

"I welcome the publication of this report and thank the Commission for their work.  I will be considering closely the proposals which have been made.  Shop theft has been largely ignored in recent years with police forces being told to de-prioritise it.  Offenders receive little more than a slap on the wrist even when they are caught.  It's hardly surprising that we are now seeing a sharp rise in shoplifting with all of the consequences for businesses and communities that have to count the cost."

British Retail Consortium Director General Stephen Robertson said:
 
"Retail crime is not petty and it's not victimless. It imposes a major human cost for staff who find themselves on the receiving end of abuse and violence and a huge financial cost that undermines retailers' ability to play their vital role at the heart of local economies and communities. It should be taken seriously. We are delighted to have contributed to the work of the retail crime commission. We welcome its recommendations and the recognition that retail crime needs tackling urgently and comprehensively."

Phillip Hagon, Head of Corporate Security at J Sainsbury said:

"Retail crime is often regarded as a victimless crime but nothing could be further from the truth. Retail crime funds many other areas of serious crime, often leads to injury or trauma and causes serious public harm. The Commission has rightly recognised the importance of vigorously combating retail crime and we welcome these findings"

Andy Godfrey, Public Policy Manager at Alliance Boots commented:

“Attractive town and city centres with vibrant High Streets are important for all communities, and they make a vital contribution to the quality of people’s lives. Communities want thriving town centres, recognising them as providing a unique retail, leisure and cultural offer. A welcoming, attractive, crime free environment is a vital component for any successful High Street.

“Without sufficient focus, or policy support, retail crime can have a devastating effect on town centres, and have a major impact on retailers, their employees and customers. The need to ensure that retail crime is afforded a higher priority is paramount to maintaining safer shopping environments, and Boots has been keen to participate in, and contribute to, the Commission's Report.”

Mega Church Appeal Rejected

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that this morning's decision by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to turn down the appeal for what would have been the largest church in the country is 'the right outcome for Rainham'. The Kingsway International Christian Centre had sought to overturn the ruling by Havering Council and the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation to refuse planning permission for an 8,000 seat auditorium and place of worship at the Beam Reach 5 Business Park in Rainham.

The Secretary of State's decision comes after a public inquiry earlier this year at which James Brokenshire and other local campaigners gave evidence as to why local transport links would not support such a facility and why the land should be kept for industry and job creation.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"The overwhelming evidence at the public inquiry was that this was the wrong development in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Secretary of State's decision has confirmed this. Beam Reach is intended for economic regeneration and job creation and the KICC application simply didn't meet these requirements. With poor local public transport and the prospect of thousands attending the site, their plan just didn't stack up.

"This is the right outcome for Rainham and we now need to get on with fulfilling the vision of economic regeneration for the area. That said, I do have a lot of sympathy with KICC having lost their previous site because of the Olympics. I wish them well in securing a new long term base to meet the needs of their growing congregation"

Freedom Pass Funding Threat

Havering could end up having to make savings of as much as £1.8 million next year if the Government goes through with threatened plans to cut central funding for the Freedom Pass.  Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has written to the Department for Transport urging Ministers not to unpick the current three year deal to pay for the concessionary fares scheme after warnings that a Government grant to London is under threat.
The Freedom Pass allows Londoners aged 60 and over to travel free on the capital's buses, trains, London Underground, trams, and the Docklands Light Railway.  It costs around £240 million a year and is funded by a combination of central Government grant and council tax contributions from all London boroughs.  In 2008 the Government agreed to give a special grant to London of approximately £55 million a year for three years as part of the introduction of the national concessionary bus scheme in England. 
London Councils – the body which speaks on behalf of all London boroughs - has been told by the Department for Transport that Ministers are considering re-opening the arrangements because some councils outside of London have suffered losses as a result of the new national scheme.  If London’s special grant is reduced by as much as £50 million - as London Councils fears - it could mean that Havering will have an estimated £1.8 million hole in its 2010/11 budget that will have to be met by either increasing council tax or making difficult decisions on council services.  Ministers are expected to make a decision on the issue within days.
Commenting James Brokenshire said:
“The Freedom Pass is something I regard as a really important service for the over 60s and the Government tinkers with it at its peril.  Londoners already pay much more to fund concessionary fares than elsewhere in England and it’s a bit rich for Ministers to penalise the capital for problems caused by their own scheme in other parts of the country. 

“I’ve warned the Department for Transport that they shouldn’t unpick the current settled funding arrangements.  Taking grants away from London would be damaging for the Freedom Pass and potentially damaging for local services if unexpected savings have to be found in Havering’s budget.”

Alcohol Health Pressures

New information disclosed by Hornchurch & Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire has revealed the health toll of excessive alcohol consumption.  Analysis of alcohol related admissions through A&E departments across England since the introduction of Labour’s licensing laws highlights the strain on hospital staff.  Between 2004/5 and 2007/8, finished admissions through casualty departments in England of patients with an alcohol-related condition jumped from 337,549 to 448,813 – an increase of 33%.

But Barking Havering & Redbridge NHS Trust - which runs the Queen’s Hospital in Romford and King George’s Hospital in Ilford - saw a bigger increase.  Alcohol related A&E admissions jumped from 4,048 to 6,048 - a rise of nearly 50%.  The information was obtained by James Brokenshire in response to a Parliamentary question to the Department of Health. 

Commenting James said:

“These figures are a stark reminder of the increasing pressures excessive drinking is placing on our emergency services.  Across the country doctors and nurses in casualty departments are having to deal with the health consequences of binge boozing with this area seeing a higher than average increase in admissions. 

“What is becoming increasingly clear is that we need a change of approach.  That’s why I support plans which would strengthen licensing enforcement, ban below cost sales of alcohol and use targeted taxes on those products most closely linked to binge drinking.”

BINGE BOOZING

Earlier this week David Cameron visited Hull to see for himself the challenges police officers have in dealing with alcohol fuelled crime.  After going out on a late night police patrol he highlighted the need for “serious changes” to our alcohol laws.

The reality of Labour's failed policies on alcohol has been communities blighted by drunken and loutish behaviour.  The police are being stretched in the early hours of the morning by violent incidents and doctors and nurses in casualty departments are being quite literally left to pick up the pieces.  There is also the risk of being more vulnerable to becoming the victim of a sexual or violent assault whilst intoxicated. 

But it's also the public health implications of Labour's errors that are becoming ever clearer.  The number of people who die from a condition linked to chronic alcohol consumption continues to rise each year.  This disturbing picture is made even starker by the number of young people dying from drink.

The solutions combine a number of issues.  Better enforcement, stronger licensing powers for communities and better public knowledge of the dangers linked to binge boozing - including the risk of becoming a victim of violence or sexual assault as a result of being intoxicated.  But price is also a relevant factor.  That’s why Conservatives have already said that we would ban below cost sales of alcohol and use targeted excise duties to increase the tax on those products most closely linked to binge drinking. 

David Cameron has said that we need to look at the round the clock availability of very cheap drink.  He is right to do so.

CRIME PREVENTION FUNDING

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has written to the Home Office to find out why small shops and retailers in Havering have missed out from new funding for crime prevention measures.  On 6th August, the Home Office launched £5m Small Retailers Grant Fund to buy security devices such as alarms, UV markers or radios.  But the funding was limited to shops and retail businesses located in what were described as 50 ‘target’ areas.

Havering was excluded from the list and the Essex Federation of Small Business has criticised the decision saying that local shop keepers have been “left to fend for themselves to combat crime.”  It comes at a time when retail crime is rising.  According to the latest crime figures published in July 2009 shoplifting has jumped by 10% in one year from 290,624 in 2007/8 to 320,846 in 2008/9.  Thefts from shops are now at their highest level in ten years and the Home Office acknowledges that there is significant under reporting.

James Brokenshire has written to Home Office Minister Alan Campbell seeking an explanation on how the 50 priority areas were identified and what consultation took place with business and retail groups in reaching this decision.  Commenting James said:

“It is becoming increasingly clear that the downturn in the economy is leading to an upturn in acquisitive crimes like shoplifting.  Small businesses are finding it hard enough as it is without having to deal with additional losses from thefts.  It is very disappointing that retailers in Havering have missed out on the opportunity to apply for grants to help them protect their businesses from robbery and other crimes.  The Home Office needs to explain why this is the case.”

DARTFORD CROSSING REVIEW

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire is calling for a review of tolling arrangements at the Dartford River Crossing as figures reveal that traffic levels at the Crossing are now at their lowest levels for nearly ten years.  According to information published by the Highways Agency, the number of vehicles movements has fallen by over 1.5 million in twelve months. 

Yet despite the falls, delays at the Crossing remains as bad as ever.  Ministers maintain that the toll charges help to manage congestion, but a Government commissioned study by consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff investigating the causes of delays published earlier this year confirmed that the toll plaza layout was “the primary constraint to vehicles using the Crossing.”

Total vehicle numbers at the Crossing have fallen consistently since 2004 and in the year ended March 2009, 51,662,878 vehicles used the QE2 Bridge and the two tunnels – well down on the 53,240,629 that used the Crossing in the previous year.  According to the new statistics an average of 141,542 motorists used the Crossing every day – the lowest figure for nearly ten years.

James Brokenshire has written to the Transport Minister Andrew Adonis calling on the Department for Transport to confirm proposals for better use of the Bridge and the tunnels and asking that the impact on traffic flows of the recent power outage in Dartford leading to motorists not being charged at the Crossing for several hours be examined.  Commenting, James Brokenshire said:

“Nearly half of all motorists experience hold ups at the Crossing and it has one of the highest levels of delays on the national road network.  The Government argues that the tolls at the Crossing are intended to control congestion yet even by their own admission, they are the cause of the congestion. 

“Vehicle movements have been falling for several years and it is perverse that delays seem to be getting worse not better.  We need a complete re-think as the current situation simply isn’t acceptable or sustainable.”

HOME REPOSSESSIONS

Over 400 home re-possession orders were made by Romford County Court in the second quarter of 2009 according to official statistics just published.  According to the Ministry of Justice, the local court granted 190 possession orders to mortgage companies and 235 landlord possession orders in the three months ended June 2009.  The numbers are an increase on the first quarter when 183 mortgage re-possessions and 216 landlord re-possessions were granted.

Separate data by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) indicates that across the country possession orders fell during the second quarter, although CML has warned that while the economy remains weak and with unemployment still growing, arrears and possessions are likely to rise in the second half of the year.

Commenting, Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire said:

“These numbers highlight the real life impact of the recession.  Many families are struggling to keep up payments on mortgages and meet rent payments and it is distressing to see the number of people who have lost their home this year.

“It’s important that if people are struggling to meet their outgoings they contact their mortgage company or seek other advice.  Some lenders have telephone help-lines or debt counselling facilities to assist making contact. Help and advice is also available from a number of other organisations.

“One of the key challenges is stopping more firms from going under and maintaining people in work.  That’s why I support the introduction of a £50 billion national loan guarantee scheme to encourage the banks to lend to firms whose cash flow is being stretched and keep them in business.”

HELICOPTER SUPPORT

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has raised concerns with the Government about whether British soldiers fighting in Afghanistan have got the necessary helicopter back-up.  Earlier this week the MP pressed the Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth during a Parliamentary question and answer session on the adequacy of helicopter support and the ability to transport supplies by air rather than by land convoy to reduce the risk to troops.

Paying tribute to British service personnel who had lost their lives in Afghanistan, James Brokenshire told the House of Commons that: "They died serving their country and, to use those immortal words, for our tomorrows they gave their today."  He then questioned the Defence Secretary on why the Government felt that the current provision of helicopters was sufficient.  In response Mr Ainsworth said that additional helicopters were expected to be sent to Afghanistan later this year with more to follow in 2010.

Commenting, James said:

“The Defence Secretary's answers weren't satisfactory.  The number of British troops in Helmand has doubled since 2006, yet we've got the same number of helicopters.  The inevitable consequence of this is that more journeys have to be made by road with all of the risks that this entails.  If our forces on the ground are saying that more helicopters are needed, the Government needs to offer some very clearly and overriding reasons why these requests should not be met."

SCRAP ID CARDS

Hornchurch & Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire has this week accused a Government Minister of acting out the political equivalent of Monty Python’s Dead Parrot Sketch during a debate on ID Cards.  The MP’s comments followed a Government climb-down by saying that airside workers at London City and Manchester Airports will no longer be compelled to have an identity card – they can simply have one if they wish.  The Home Office has also questioned an original commitment that the cards should ultimately be compulsory for everyone.

Rather than being about the prevention of terrorism or serious crime as had previously been claimed, Ministers are now saying that the controversial proposals are to help enable people to identify themselves when obtaining services. However, James Brokenshire ridiculed the suggestion during a Parliamentary debate on new regulations to implement the troubled plans suggesting that the flagship policy was now little more than a costly way of giving new rights to queue jump.
Commenting James said:

“The bottom line is that this is a policy that has been drifting for some time. It is without support and remains devoid of a solid purpose or justification. However, the Government seem intent on pumping millions and millions more public money into a project that, if it is not a dead parrot, is certainly a white elephant.

“The Government should face up to reality and scrap the national ID card scheme for UK citizens.  If it wants to do something useful it should concentrate on projects that will deliver real benefits and value for money to the public in these difficult economic times.”

FIESTA NUMBER FIVE

The centre of Elm Park was filled with music, entertainment and fun on Saturday (6th June) as the 2009 Elm Park Fiesta took to the streets.  It’s the fifth year that the Elm Park Regeneration Partnership - bringing together the businesses and community of Elm Park – have organised the day long extravaganza.  The centre of Elm Park was closed off with traffic replaced by steel bands, stilt walkers and majorettes.  The weather didn’t even dampen the spirits as heavy rain in the morning gave way to sunny spells for the lunchtime opening. 

The Deputy Mayor of Havering – Councillor Melvin Wallace - was on hand to welcome everyone and Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire thanked the organisers and launched the countdown to mark the opening of the Fiesta.  The MP was presented with the new Elm Park tea towel - on sale at the event for the first time - highlighting the heritage of the area and how some of the finest rhubarb in London was grown in Elm Park prior to large scale house-building.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The Elm Park Fiesta goes from strength to strength and it’s a great way of bringing the community together in a fun way and showcasing local shops and businesses.  Ingrid Brandon and the team have done another fantastic job and it was great to see the streets full of people enjoying themselves.  At a time when some local businesses are finding it hard with the downturn in the economy, an event like this really lift the spirits.

“The team are always really imaginative with the ideas they come up with.  First there were special Elm Park postage stamps which have become collector’s items and then there was the special Elm Park calendar. Now they’ve produced the Elm Park tea towel commemorating the history of the local area and I’m delighted to have been presented with one.  It seems pretty apt that the theme should be about rhubarb as many people think that’s what most politicians speak a lot of the time! 

“I’m only sorry that this was my final Fiesta as the MP for Elm Park.  It has been a real privilege to have supported the event over the years and I’m delighted that it has now become an established and successful fixture in the calendar.”

CYBER STRATEGY

Hornchurch and Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire has called for a national cyber-security strategy to combat growing threats to this country’s interests during a keynote speech to police officers and other law enforcement staff at a conference on hi-tech crime organised by Microsoft.  The MP’s comments followed President Obama’s announcement of proposals for securing US computer networks with America’s digital infrastructure being treated as a strategic national asset.  President Obama commented that the on-line threat was one of the most serious economic and national security challenges facing the US. 

In 2007, government, political and business websites in Estonia were shut down after being bombarded by spam email claimed to have been directed by computer hackers based in Russia.  In response, NATO established a specialist unit to combat on-line attacks against national or economic assets, but according to responses provided to questions raised by James Brokenshire the UK is only a ‘virtual’ participant in its work.

Commenting, James said:

“President Obama was candid in his analysis of the threats posed by cyber attacks saying that the United States wasn’t as prepared as it should be.  Well if the US isn’t as prepared as it should be – then where does that leave this country?  And how better prepared will we need to be with the challenges of the 2012 Olympics looming ever larger?

“That is why we need a proper cyber-security strategy for this country.  That’s why we would appoint a dedicated minister with the responsibility for co-ordinating policy across government on cyber-crime, cyber-security and cyber prevention.”

COMBATING PIRATE RADIO

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire will use a Parliamentary debate on Monday (1st June) to call for a more co-ordinated approach from Government to combat illegal 'pirate' radio stations.  Rather than the anti-establishment image of pirate radio stations of the 1960s, today's illegal broadcasters are more likely to be linked to organised crime. Some stations are well organised criminal businesses generating as much as £0.25 million in cash a year. The broadcasting regulator Ofcom estimate that at any one time there are up to 90 illegal stations transmitting in London with 150 nationwide.

Signals from illegal broadcasters not only interfere with legitimate radio stations but can also disrupt emergency and critical services including National Air Traffic Services.    The installation of transmission equipment and the damage caused is also resulting in some local authorities forking out as much as £250,000 a year in repairs.  In order to protect installations, illegal broadcasters have been known to booby trap roof access doors with live mains and by securing razor blades, syringes and broken glass to roof access ladders.

James Brokenshire first raised his concerns in Parliament three years ago, but feels that not much progress has been made since then.  Commenting James said:

"Films like 'The Boat that Rocked' paint a nostalgic, rose-tinted image of illegal stations.  Today's reality is very different with illegal broadcasters linked to money laundering, drugs supply and firearms offences.
 
"Part of the problem is that this is simply seen as a revenue issue equivalent to not paying your TV licence.  Consequently the fines issued by the courts are little more than a small running cost to these illegal businesses. It's much more serious than that with real risk of harm to the public and kids being exploited by paying for the 'privilege' of broadcasting on one of these illegal stations. 

"Ofcom is doing what it can with raids and prosecutions but the illegal broadcasters have remained pretty constant.  We need a much more co-ordinated strategy from Government as current efforts simply aren't working effectively to combat this serious menace."

SCHOOL KNIFE SEARCHES

A high-profile Government initiative to reduce the risk of knives coming into the classroom simply isn’t being used according to information obtained by Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire.  In October 2006 the then Schools Secretary Alan Johnson MP announced that he was giving head-teachers a new power to screen pupils for weapons using knife arches and knife wands claiming that it would act as a “strong deterrent” to anyone thinking of bringing weapons into the classroom.  The initiative was described as “breaking new ground in protecting pupils and staff from violent crime”.  Further powers were added to allow teachers to search pupils suspected of carrying weapons without the pupil’s consent.

Yet the Government has been forced to admit that the powers simply aren’t being used and no records are being kept anyway.  In response to a Parliamentary Question Sarah McCarthy-Fry the Schools Minister told James Brokenshire that the department wasn’t monitoring the use of the power, but anecdotal inquiries suggested that “few” head teachers were exercising the new powers.  The Minister added that schools were being encouraged to work with local police teams when searching for weapons in any event.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“This is yet another example of sound-bite policy than a sound basis for dealing with serious crime.  Rather than head-teachers being encouraged to search pupils for weapons, schools should be getting the police to do this job and the Government have now been forced to admit this. 

“What we need is more visible policing on the streets, in communities and - where appropriate - in schools working with head-teachers.  Schools have an extremely important role to play in preventing youth violence but carrying out searches for weapons without police support isn’t the way forward.  It’s amazing the Government ever thought it was.”

CHILD KILLINGS RISE

A child under ten is being killed virtually every single week according to new information obtained by Hornchurch and Rainham MP.  In 2007/8, the latest year for which information is available, there were 51 cases of murder or manslaughter of children under the age of 10 – an increase on the 49 victims in 2006/7 and the 38 victims in 2005/6.

The highest numbers of homicides of very young children were in the Metropolitan Police force area with 10 victims, Devon and Cornwall with 5 victims and Leicestershire and South Yorkshire with 4 victims each. The information was supplied to Shadow Crime Reduction Minister James Brokenshire in response to a Parliamentary question.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“These disturbing figures highlight the number of young lives that are being lost to violent crime.  It’s shocking to think that the lives of so many infants, toddlers and young children are being cut short. 

“These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community but rather than receiving support and protection too many children are victims of violence.  It underlines the need for more effective safeguards so that children who are at risk are identified before it’s too late.”

PRISON MEETING

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has highlighted local concerns about the prospect of a new prison on the edge of Rainham during a meeting with Ministry of Justice officials this week.  The MP requested the meeting after the announcement of Government plans to build a new prison at Beam Park in Dagenham.  The site is part of land previously forming part of the Ford Dagenham plant and is right on the Havering Borough boundary on the Dagenham side of the River Beam.

During the meeting officials confirmed was that the prison was intended to be a 1,500 offender category B jail – the second highest category – which includes those convicted of serious crimes including murder.  Other details that were revealed during the session included:

 The Ministry of Justice will be organising public exhibitions providing further details of their proposals in advance of plans being submitted to the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation.
 The jail would be likely to be constructed on 4 storeys
 The timeline for procuring and building the prison would be about 4 years from the submission of the planning application – expected early next year.
 The prison could create as many as 800 new jobs (not including those involved in the construction work).
 Consideration was being given to the impact on public transport and the need for improved transport links in the local area.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“It was helpful to obtain further details on the Government’s plans, but significant concerns remain about the impact of these proposals on areas such as the Mardyke.  People are worried about the potential for increased crime arising from visits and I was told that these issues would be addressed directly in the presentations.  Practical issues such as the visual impact of such a large construction with a high perimeter wall have also been raised.  There is a long way to go with these plans and it’s essential that local people are kept closely informed and have their say as matter progress.”

EXPENSES SUMMARY

The following table sets out my expenses for the last three years.  Figures for the 2008/9 financial year are expected to be published in the autumn.  The information has been taken from the independent website www.theyworkforyou.com and the indicative rankings have been compiled by them.

The “Additional Costs Allowance” is the so called “second homes allowance”.  I do not claim for a second home as I have a single family home and commute into London each day.  The claims in the 2007/8 financial year relate to overnight hotel stays in pursuance of my Parliamentary duties.

The “Incidental Expenses Provision” relates to the costs of the running of my office.  This includes the rental of my constituency offices at 23 Butts Green Road, Hornchurch for which I pay £375 per month to the Hornchurch & Upminster Conservative Association and which incorporates rates, electricity, water and other services.

The “Staffing Allowance” as the name suggests represents charges for my personnel.  I employ three members of staff – two at Westminster and one in the constituency for the performance of my Parliamentary duties.  I do not employ any family members on my staff.

The “Communications Allowance” covers all promotional material and advertisements including my Westminster Reports.  This allowance was introduced in 2007/8 and had previously been incorporated within the Incidental Expenses Provision.

MPS’ EXPENSES MEETING

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called a public meeting to allow constituents to quiz him and to share their views about the system of expenses for Members of Parliament.  Public anger has been growing after a series of revelations in the national press about abuses of the system.  The meeting will be held at the North Street Halls, North Street, Hornchurch on Wednesday 27 May 2009 commencing at 8pm.

Commenting James said:

“I am in no doubt as to the seriousness of the current situation.  Trust and confidence in politicians, political parties and the political system is in meltdown and the current arrangements for MPs’ expenses has been utterly shattered and cannot continue.  People are right to be angry that public money has been paid out on grounds seemingly verging on the fraudulent. 

“The current rules on MPs’ expenses are unclear, uncertain and questionable in so many ways.  The sooner that Sir Christopher Kelly’s independent review makes its recommendations for reform the better.  We need a system that is fit for purpose for the 21st century, not the 19th century.

“At a time like this, I believe that it’s right and proper that I should make myself available to the people who elected me.  That’s why I’ve arranged this meeting for my constituents to answer their questions, to take on board their comments and allow them to express their feelings.   I’m sure it won’t be a comfortable evening but I think it’s important and necessary.”

KNIFE SALES CONVICTIONS

Information obtained by the Conservatives has revealed that just one person has received a custodial sentence for selling knives to children since 1997 and no-one has received the maximum fine of £5,000.  The news comes less than three months after the Home Secretary launched an initiative to curb under-age sales of bladed weapons highlighting what she described as “tough laws”. 

Figures just released by the Ministry of Justice in response to a Parliamentary question raised by Shadow Crime Reduction Minister James Brokenshire show that in 2007 – the last year for which figures are available – just 32 people were sentenced for selling knives under age with the most significant punishment handed down being a fine of £2,000 – less than half of the statutory maximum.

Commenting, James Brokenshire said:

“It’s shocking that so few people are getting punished by the courts for selling blades to kids. Even when they do they get fined a fraction of the £5,000 that could be given to them.  Shopkeepers who are caught selling knives under-age should expect to receive a more significant punishment.

“It’s all very well Jacqui Smith talking about tough laws on knife sales, but laws are only as good as the enforcement that underpins them.  On the basis of these figures the Government simply isn’t following through on its promises get knives off our streets.”

PRISON PLANS RELEASED

"A victory for the residents of Rainham" - that's the reaction of Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire to the news that the Beam Reach Business Park is not to be the site of a new 1,500 offender prison in East London and Essex.

In a statement to the House of Commons, the Lord Chancellor Jack Straw MP revealed that instead the Government would be pressing ahead with two new prisons at Beam Park West in Dagenham and Runwell near Wickford in Essex.  The Prisons Minister David Hanson MP telephoned James Brokenshire just before the announcement to confirm that Rainham was no longer on the Government's agenda.

Just over two years ago it was first revealed that the Beam Reach Business Park off Marsh Way was being actively considered as the preferred location for a new East London jail.  In April 2007 James Brokenshire joined local councillors, campaigners and thousands of residents who marched through the streets of Rainham in opposition to the plans which threatened to undermine Beam Reach as a catalyst for investment and new employment in South Havering.  As recently as February of this year, the Ministry of Justice confirmed in a letter to James Brokenshire that Beam Reach was on the short list for a new prison. 

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"This is a landmark day for the future of Rainham.  Everyone who backed the campaign to stop Rainham Jail can take credit for this decision. 

"Plans for a jail at Beam Reach have hovered over the future regeneration of Rainham like a big black cloud.  It has hampered development and raised serious questions over the future of this key site.  We've now got to get on with the urgent task of harnessing the potential for Beam Reach to create new jobs, to attract investment and help transform the outlook for the local economy.

"We've also got to understand the implications of the proposed prison at Beam Park West.  It's just over the local authority boundary in Dagenham and will have an impact on this area.  The Government will need to address the understandable concerns of residents about having a new prison on our doorstep."

PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has welcomed news that a national prostate cancer screening programme is to be looked at.  The Department of Health have asked the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) to review new evidence on the effectiveness of prostate cancer screening programmes after one study suggested that death rates could be cut by as much as 20%.  Havering has one of the highest incidences of prostate cancer in London.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and affects almost as many men as breast cancer affects women.  There are 35,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year compared to 44,000 women with breast cancer. 10,000 men die of prostate cancer every year compared with just over 12,000 women that die of breast cancer each year.  Yet, whilst women are invited for a mammogram to screen for breast cancer, men are not currently screened for prostate cancer.         

In 2006 the UKNSC ruled against a general screening programme, but a recent European study on 162,000 men from eight countries has suggested positive benefits from screening.  The UKNSC will now review this new evidence and make recommendations.  The news comes as a welcome boost to prostate cancer awareness month which The Prostate Cancer Charity has been running during March to raise awareness of the condition.

A diet rich in fat, dairy products and red meat, this may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.  Over 85% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over 60.  Signs of prostate cancer include a weak urine flow or needing to urinate more often, especially at night.  Other symptoms of prostate cancer may include new pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis.

Commenting, James Brokenshire said

“Screening is a vital component of cancer treatment based on clinical evidence and effectiveness.  That’s why I welcome this new review into prostate cancer screening.  Prostate Cancer claims too many lives each year yet too few of us know enough about it.  There are ways in which men can reduce their chances of getting the disease, such as changing diet or checking for symptoms.  That’s why it’s important to raise the profile and prostate cancer awareness month is a good way of doing this."

You can find out more about Prostate Cancer Awareness Month at the website www.prostatecancermatters.org.uk

BUSINESS BURDEN “MADNESS”

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has accused the Government of pushing local firms and small shops to the wall by hiking their business rates during the recession.  As business rate demands are being sent to local firms across Havering, many firms are seeing startling rises in their bills this year, with the prospect of even bigger hikes next year.  After rent and staff, business rates are the next biggest cost to local firms.

Business rates - which are set by the Government - are to rise by 5.0 per cent next week, despite RPI inflation forecast to be negative, due to a statistical quirk in the way business rate rises are calculated.  This will increase the burden of rates by £1 billion a year.

This comes as a survey by the Local Government Association has found that 4 out of 5 councils are reporting an increase in empty shops in town centres.  The British Retail Consortium has warned that the increase will be “disastrous for the retail sector” adding that it risks leading to further insolvencies and job losses, particularly among smaller businesses.

James Brokenshire has already raised his concerns about the tax hike with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.  Commenting James said:

“Gordon Brown is dragging local firms down the road to ruin. It is the height of economic madness to be increasing taxes on local businesses in the depths of a recession.  I fear that local shops in Havering will be hardest hit by these rises, leading to more closures on the high street and yet more job losses.  The Government needs to review this situation urgently.  Increasing business rates won’t raise additional revenues for the Treasury if the firms aren’t there to pay them.”

ECO EASTER EGGS

James Brokenshire MP joined chocolate company Cadbury and the National Trust this week to cut down on unnecessary packaging in order to help conserve the environment.  At Cadbury’s annual Easter reception in the House of Commons, James Brokenshire MP pledged to avoid buying products with too much packaging and to recycle more plastic and cardboard waste. This follows Cadbury’s commitment to cut packaging on its Easter ‘Eco-Eggs’ as part of its ‘Purple Goes Green’ environmental initiative.

James Brokenshire MP said: “It is important that companies like Cadbury take action to protect the environment, but we all have a part to play.  For example, every time you recycle a ton of newspaper you potentially save 24 trees.”

Easter is usually one of the confectionery industry’s most packaging-heavy times of the year, but Cadbury has been reducing the amount of cardboard and plastic that it uses to package its Easter eggs.  By taking these measures, Cadbury has saved approximately 302 tonnes of cardboard, the equivalent of 5135 trees and approximately 283 tonnes of plastic, enough to make 6.74 million 1.5L plastic bottles.

BROKENSHIRE ON MEGA CHURCH

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has set out his thoughts on proposals for an 8,000 seat church on the Beam Reach 5 Business Park in Rainham.  His statement was issued as Robert Mellor - the Government appointed Planning Inspector - opened the public inquiry into the plans by the Kingsway International Christian Centre for what would be the biggest church in the country.  James Brokenshire has told the Inspector that he wishes to give evidence to the Inquiry which is expected to last for three weeks.  The full text of his statement is as follows:

1. In determining this appeal there is a need to assess the optimum use of Beam Reach in both planning terms - but also in connection with the regeneration of Rainham and this part of the Thames Gateway.  Notwithstanding current market conditions, there will be an increase in housing along the A1306 corridor heading out of Dagenham and into Rainham.  The Mardyke Estate will shortly be torn down and rebuilt as part of the urban renewal of this part of the London Borough of Havering.  Rainham Village itself will see investment in the area around the station to improve the transport inter-change.

2. With housing growth there will be a need for investment in social capital to ensure that we have a strong and cohesive community for the future reflecting an increasingly rich diversity of faiths and backgrounds.  This includes churches and other places of worship which can play an important role in binding people together and defining the culture, outlook and sense of society within a neighbourhood. But it will also mean a need for significant employment uses and new opportunities for people to work in this area – preferably with a broader range of jobs in an area which is currently low skill and low wage.  And it will also require significant investment in transport infrastructure as the Rainham area is poorly served by public transport at present.

3. The development of Beam Reach 5 is an essential part of this vision which is why the outcome of this appeal is so important.  Under the Havering Local Development Framework, Beam Reach 5 has been zoned for employment uses – principally skilled manufacturing employment – B1.  It has been described as a ‘zone of change’ and a catalyst to help kick-start investment and regeneration. Given the current economic situation there is an even more pressing need to create new jobs.  Therefore, a decision to deviate from the clear economic and strategic arguments and explicit planning designation for this land for employment uses would need to be justified by significant and tangible benefits for this area in support of regeneration.

4. I believe that the KICC proposal falls short of this requirement. The potential benefits of their proposal do not outweigh the loss of a significant part of this prime employment site.  Whilst KICC’s application does envisage the creation of some new employment, the quantum and nature of the jobs created in the context of the scale of the land utilised do not justify a departure from the clear planning policies for Beam Reach 5.
 
5. This weakness is compounded by significant concern that the travel plans for transferring people to and from the 8,000 seat auditorium will cause significant disruption for local residents and business users in this area. Whilst some members of KICC’s congregation do reside in Havering, the vast majority come from other parts of London – most notably around Hackney - and therefore travel plans are an essential element of the consideration of this application.  No upgrades or additions to public transport are envisaged by KICC, save for the specific dedicated bus transfer arrangements proposed for members of the congregation to coincide with services of worship but which have yet to be tested in practice. 

6. Against a backdrop of existing poor public transport,  it seems highly likely that there will be additional pressure from car borne users that could not be met by the proposed car parking arrangements.  Accordingly, I do not believe that KICC's proposals are robust or sustainable or that it will be possible to enforce any condition effectively in connection with the proposed travel plan offered by KICC.

7. More fundamentally, I do not believe that the London Development Agency has done enough to identify a suitable alternative site for KICC closer to their original base on the Olympics site in Stratford.  I am sympathetic to KICC’s situation and their aspirations but believe Beam Reach is simply the wrong site for them.  They would be better served by the LDA identifying land closer to Stratford.  Indeed, I was told by KICC that they would have been prepared to help build and finance one of the sites on the Olympic site with a view to taking the facility over after the Games for their worship, but that this idea was rejected by the relevant authorities.

8. KICC have argued that there is no planning designation under the Local Development Framework for places of worship.  As such, they will always be a ‘non conforming’ use in any area in which they seek to make an application.  Whilst I have some sympathy with KICC in this broader debate about the formulation of planning policy and the need for recognition of places of worship in this framework, I do not believe that this appeal is the right forum for that debate.  In the context of this appeal the assessment must be whether this particular proposal is appropriate for this particular area of land in the context of current planning law and policy.

9. KICC have also argued that reports that the London Development Agency may seek to relax its own aspirations for Beam Reach 5 as landowner - potentially allowing higher grade B8 warehousing and distribution uses on the site – offers greater support to their arguments.  The fundamental assessment must be whether the proposed use and development as contemplated by an application will seek to advance the broader policy objectives outlined in the Local Development Framework and other supporting planning policy and strategy documents. 

10. The primary objective for Beam Reach 5 is job creation and economic regeneration.  The KICC proposal - whilst it does have other merits - does not advance these essential aims.  The benefits for Rainham and the wider community are also unclear and uncertain.  The clear justification for deviation from the primary planning designation of Beam Reach 5 as a strategic employment site is not made out.  Accordingly, I would urge you as Inspector to recommend to the Secretary of State that this appeal be rejected.

REPOSSESSIONS RISE

The impact of the downturn is starting to bite locally with house repossessions in Havering increasing by 10% in the last year.  According to information published by the Ministry of Justice, the number of mortgage repossession order issued by the Romford County rose from 1,025 in 2007 to 1,130 in 2008.  The national average rise was 19% with the total number of repossessions in England and Wales hitting 114,296 last year – up from 95,766 in 2007.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Sadly, these figures underline what I’ve been seeing in my post-bag with more people raising concerns about their financial situation and keeping up their mortgage payments.  Whilst the increase in repossessions in Havering doesn’t appear to have been as sharp as that seen in other parts of the country, it’s still deeply worrying and 2009 is already looking very challenging.  What these statistics also don’t reveal is the serious trauma to the individuals and families concerned who have lost their homes.

“The key message is that if you are starting to get into financial difficulties you shouldn’t ignore the problem.   The sooner you contact your lender the better, so that action can be taken to deal with the issue.  Some lenders have telephone help-lines or debt counselling facilities to assist making contact. Help and advice is also available from a number of other organisations.”

MEGA CHURCH INQUIRY

The public inquiry into controversial plans to construct what would be the biggest church in the country opens in Rainham next week.  Robert Mellor, the Government appointed planning inspector, will start proceedings at 10am on Tuesday morning on the appeal by the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) to overturn a decision to refuse planning permission for an 8,000 seat church and auditorium at the Beam Reach 5 Industrial Park in Rainham. 

Last year the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) supported by the London Borough of Havering rejected KICC’s planning application after receiving 20,000 letters of representation.  The inquiry to be held at the Centre of Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) Marsh Way, Rainham, RM13 8EU is expected to last for three weeks.  KICC’s proposals were prompted by being forced to leave their original base near Stratford to make way for the development of the 2012 Olympics.

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire will be giving evidence to the inquiry in support of the LTGDC’s decision to refuse permission for the plan.  Commenting James said:

“Whilst I have a great deal of sympathy for KICC in being forced off the Olympic site, the simple fact is that this is the wrong plan in the wrong place.  Beam Reach has been reserved to create jobs for the local area.  It is intended to help support the regeneration of the local economy.  KICC’s proposal simply won’t help to achieve this vision and risks causing traffic chaos to the local community“.

RAINHAM JAIL JOB THREAT

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has warned that possible plans for a prison at the Beam Reach Business Park in Rainham could threaten hundreds of new jobs for the local area.  Speaking on Friday night at a community meeting organised by the Adamsgate Action Group, the MP said that there was increasing interest in Beam Reach which could result in a welcome jobs boost for Rainham and this shouldn’t be put at risk by plans for a ‘Rainham Jail’.

The property industry magazine ‘Property Week’ has reported that the London Development Agency – the owners of the Beam Reach Business Park – were examining new development options for the land including for distribution use.  The report highlighted interest for distribution facilities which could create up to 500 new jobs.  In the last month the Ministry of Justice confirmed in a letter to James Brokenshire that Beam Reach was also on a shortlist of potential sites for a new prison in East London.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“At a time of economic downturn, we need to look at proposals which might create a significant number of new jobs for the local community.  My strong preference remains for skilled manufacturing employment at Beam Reach, but we have to look very seriously at development options which benefit the local economy. 

“What’s increasingly clear to me is that any plan for a prison at Beam Reach could put a big question mark over the effective development of the park to maximise the potential job opportunities.  A prison would discourage other potential businesses from coming forward. 

“I’ve written to the Ministry of Justice seeking confirmation of the factors they are using to assess the sites on their short-list.  I will be making clear that threatening wider economic development and job creation should be a material consideration.”

DNA PLANS ‘UNACCEPTABLE’

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has accused the Government of “shying away from scrutiny” over retaining DNA samples after new powers for Ministers were added to the Government’s latest crime bill at the last minute. 

Last December European Court of Human Rights ruled that the current blanket and indiscriminate retention of fingerprints, cellular samples and DNA profiles of people suspected but not convicted of offences failed to strike a fair balance between competing public and private interests and violated the European Convention on Human Rights.  But Ministers now want to give themselves the right in advance to make regulations to implement yet to be revealed plans to modify current practice in the light of the judgment with only cursory oversight from Parliament.

Amendments to the Policing and Crime Bill are being sought in advance to give the Home Secretary the right to make regulations on the retention and destruction of photographs, CCTV images, fingerprints, impressions of footwear as well as DNA samples without the need for a full debate in Parliament and without giving any indication of what they might be.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire told a committee of MPs on Thursday that the proposals were “utterly unacceptable” adding that if the Government insisted on taking this approach, the Opposition would “oppose it tooth and nail”.  Commenting James said:

"It is so typical of this Government that having received a judgment restricting their database state where everyone is treated as a potential suspect, they use it as an opportunity to give more powers to Ministers with less powers of scrutiny.  It isn't acceptable that these fundamental issues of freedom and privacy can be dealt with by Ministerial edict after the event on the vague promise of a Government White Paper sometime soon.

“The European Court said that there was a need for greater openness and accountability around the governance of DNA data and the destruction of fingerprints and samples.  The Government should act on this rather than shying away from scrutiny which would be the effect of their proposals.”

NEW FLIGHT PATH CONSULTATION

National Air Traffic Services (NATS), the body responsible for air traffic control movements in the UK, has revealed in a letter to Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire that it is revising its plans to change flight paths in this area.  NATS will be launching a new public consultation on revised proposals to redraw the aircraft route map in South East England known as ‘Terminal Control North’.

Under NATS original proposals aircraft on northerly departure routes from London City Airport which currently fly over Woodford and Chingford would have been routed to the north east over Hornchurch.  London City has already been given to increase the number of flights from the airport by up to 50%. 

In its letter to James Brokenshire, NATS reveals that:

 The second consultation will take place later this year at a time to be confirmed that would not before July;
 Revised proposals are still being formulated and assessed for safety, operational efficiency and impact on communities; and
 New precision navigation technology has resulted in additional options for some routes being brought into consideration which NATS says might “allow a degree of choice for those in the area affected”.

Commenting on the news James Brokenshire said:

“I’m pleased that the flight path changes are being looked at again, but we need to see the details of the revised proposals before thinking this might be good news.  This area already faces an increase in noise nuisance from more flights from London City Airport. Routing even more of these aircraft over Hornchurch would make the problem worse.  When the new public consultation is launched in the summer it’s important that local people take part and make it clear that this area shouldn’t bear the brunt of the environmental downside.”

CROSSING CHARGE QUESTIONS

The accounts for the Dartford River Crossing have shown that tolls from the Bridge and Tunnels raised nearly £4.5 million less in 2007-08 than they did in the previous year.  The audited figures have only recently been published and show that the net proceeds from the Crossing in the last financial year were £42.9 million – down from £47.3 million in the twelve months to 31 March 2007.  Income from road users fell by nearly £2 million.

The figures raise new questions over the timing of recent increases in charges at the Crossing.  Last November, the cash toll for a car or light van to use the Bridge or the Tunnels was increased from £1 to £1.50.  Ministers maintain that charges are to manage congestion even though the number of vehicles using the Crossing is at its lowest level since 2002/3.

Commenting, Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire said:

“Despite the assurances of Government Ministers, it is difficult not to draw a link between the slump in income and the increase in charges.  They argue that the charges were intended to control congestion, yet vehicle movements have been falling and are likely to fall further because of the down-turn in the economy.  It doesn’t stack up.

“The charges were intended to pay for the cost of the construction of the QE2 Bridge.  These costs have been paid in full for several years now and even if there is an argument on congestion management, the increase in charges isn’t justified and should be scrapped.  The Crossing wasn’t intended as a cash cow for the Treasury yet this is precisely what it seems as if it is being used. Motorists and small businesses are paying the price.”

DRUG PRICE LOWS

Hard drugs are available on the streets of Britain at prices which are at an eleven year low according to information obtained by Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire.  The Home Office have revealed in an answer to a Parliamentary Question from the MP that the street price of heroin is between £25 to £100 per gram, with the most common prices being £40 and £50 per gram and cocaine is being sold at between £20 to £80 per gram, with the most common price being £40 per gram.  The information was based on data collected from police forces and the Serious Organised Crime Agency.  In 1997, the average price of heroin was £74 per gram and for cocaine £71 per gram.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"These startling figures show the reality of drug use in Britain. Price falls of this nature indicate that the supply of hard drugs into this country has jumped.  It's a serious indictment on Labour's failure to combat drug crime and stem the flow of drugs onto our streets. 
 
"What we need is a proper border police to secure our ports and stop drugs getting into the UK.  This needs to be backed up with an abstinence-based drug rehabilitation order to break the cycle of addiction and offending, more effective rehab to help drug users beat their addiction and education focussed on preventing youngsters taking up drugs.  It's clear that the Government's approach simply isn't working and the consequences are becoming ever starker."

UNLAWFUL KNIFE SALES

Prosecutions for knife sales to under 18s fall despite rise in violence

The number of prosecutions against those found selling knives under age has fallen according to information obtained by Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire.  In 2007 – the last year for which figures are available - 32 people were prosecuted or cautioned for the offence of selling a knife or other article with a blade to a young person under age.  In 2006 the number was 45. 

In the financial year 2007-08, there were 271 fatal stabbings recorded by police in England and Wales where the weapon was a pointed or sharp instrument – the highest number of homicides since records began 30 years ago.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"At a time when knife homicides have reached record levels, it's astonishing that action against those selling knives under age is falling.  Many retailers do act responsibly and do comply with the law, but those who don't need to know that firm action will be taken against them.  There needs to be a zero tolerance approach to sales of knives to under 18s.”

BUSINESS RATES RISE

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has highlighted the pressures on local firms from increasing business rates.  In April business rates are set to jump by 5% despite falling inflation and the downturn in the economy.  The British Retail Consortium has warned that the increase will be “disastrous for the retail sector” adding that it risks leading to further insolvencies and job losses, particularly among smaller businesses.

Raising the issue at Treasury Questions in the House of Commons last Thursday, James Brokenshire asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses he expected to cease trading or go out of business as a result of the forthcoming rise in business rates.  The Chancellor Alistair Darling refused to give a number but said that he would be keeping help for small businesses under review.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Many businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water and it is easy to imagine what the impact of this sort of increase in rates will have.  Annual business rate increases are set on the basis of inflation in the previous September.  By a quirk of fate this was 5% in September 2008 - a seventeen year peak.  Since then inflation has fallen rapidly with some experts predicting it may be zero later this year. 

“The Government needs to review this situation urgently and consider what support might be made available for small businesses already facing an extremely challenging 2009.  We need to look at reliefs for empty commercial property as well as ensuring that small businesses are aware of the rebates that may be available to them.  Increasing business rates won’t raise additional revenues for the Treasury if the firms aren’t there to pay them.”

Rainham Jail Revisited

A jail in Rainham is still on the agenda according to the Ministry of Justice.  In a letter to Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire, the Prisons Minister David Hanson MP has this week confirmed that a shortlist of possible locations for a new London prison have been drawn up.  Mr Hanson said that the Beam Reach Industrial Park in Marsh Way, Rainham had been included on the shortlist.  The Minister said that he would confirm to the MP when a final decision had been made on the Government’s preferred site.

In April 2007 thousands of people marched through the streets of Rainham in protest at the news that Beam Reach could be the home for a new prison.  Beam Reach had previously been reserved for hi-tech manufacturing employment as an integral part of Government backed policies to up-skill and regenerate the local economy.  At that time the London Development Agency which owns the land said it was opposed to any prison at Beam Reach because it was at odds with redevelopment policies for what is described as a ‘zone of change’ within the Thames Gateway growth zone.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“A prison at Beam Reach would fly in the face of all of the promises to transform the local area.  It would simply re-affirm the view amongst local people that Rainham is seen as an acceptable dumping ground for London’s problems.  Yes we need more prison spaces, but to choose this site would undermine policies approved by the Government itself to use this land as a catalyst to transform the prospects for Rainham and the surrounding area.  It looks as if we will need to dust off the placards again as this is an issue that has certainly not gone away.”

75 YEARS OF DIABETES UK

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has marked the 75th anniversary of leading health charity Diabetes UK by attending a reception at the House of Commons.  The event launched a year of events that will mark the anniversary and recognise the progress that has been made in diabetes care over the last 75 years. 

The novelist HG Wells – who most famously wrote The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds - and Dr R D Lawrence, both of whom had diabetes formed the Diabetic Association in 1934, which later changed its name to the British Diabetic Association.  The charity’s aim was to ensure that everyone in the UK could gain access to insulin, whatever their financial situation.  Diabetes UK funds more than £7 million of research every year as well as campaigning and providing information and support.  For more information visit www.diabetes.org.uk.

Diabetes is a serious condition that, if not managed effectively, can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation. Short-term complications of the condition include hypoglycaemic episodes, known as ‘hypos’, can lead to unconsciousness and hospitalisation if left untreated. However, effective diabetes management from the time of diagnosis can reduce the risk of these complications.  In the UK, there are currently 2.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes and it is estimated that more than half a million people have the condition but do not know it.

Mr Brokenshire said:

“There are almost 4,000 people with diabetes in Hornchurch, Elm Park and Rainham and with four hundred people being diagnosed with diabetes every day in the UK - equal to one person every three minutes - the condition is one of the biggest health challenges currently facing the UK.  Moving diabetes up the political agenda in Diabetes UK’s 75th anniversary year is a must if we are to curb this growing health crisis and see a reduction in the number of people being diagnosed with this serious condition.”

“I’ve been pleased to support the activities of Diabetes UK in Havering – notably their annual ‘Walk in the Park’.  I wish them continued success in this very special year.”

MEGA CHURCH APPEAL

The appeal to consider the construction of what would be the largest church in Britain will open on 10 March 2009 and is expected to run for three weeks.  The details have been confirmed by Robert Mellor, the Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to hear the appeal from the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC).  KICC propose to construct an 8,000 seat church on the Beam Reach Business Park in Rainham having been forced to vacate their property within the Olympics site in Stratford.

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has told the Inspector that he wants to give evidence to the inquiry and explain why last year’s decision of the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation supported by the London Borough of Havering to refuse planning permission should be upheld.  The public inquiry will take place at the Centre for Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) in Rainham.

Over 20,000 representations were made in respect of KICC’s plans when their application was considered initially and the Inspector has revealed that a further 500 representations have been made as part of the appeal process.    A meeting to discuss the final arrangements for the Public Inquiry will be held on 23 January at 11am in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Romford.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The need for skilled employment opportunities in Rainham at a time of economic downturn combined with poor public transport in the area means that this site is simply unsuitable for this proposal.  That’s why KICC’s appeal should be rejected and I intend to make these points at the Inquiry.

“The Beam Reach Business Park has been identified as a ‘zone of change’ for skilled manufacturing employment as part of plans to regenerate Rainham and this part of the Thames Gateway.  Whilst KICC’s application does envisage the creation of some employment, the small number and nature of the jobs involved do not support a departure from the clear planning policies established for this site.

“One of the Rainham’s current weaknesses is poor public transport.  Given that KICC’s proposal envisage an auditorium with a capacity of some 8,000 people, I simply cannot see how the transport infrastructure can support this number of people travelling to and from the site.”

Five fatal stabbings a week

Just weeks after the Home Secretary was forced to apologise for leaking knife crime statistics that were condemned by the chairman of the UK statistics authority as "premature, irregular and selective", Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire MP has uncovered through Freedom of Information requests the latest annual statistics for knife homicides. These are due to be officially published in the New Year and show:

 *   Five fatal stabbings a week under Gordon Brown. New figures obtained by the Conservatives reveal that last year, the number of fatal stabbings in England and Wales was higher than at any point in the last thirty years. In 2007-08, there were 277 fatal stabbings initially recorded by police in England and Wales, equivalent to five a week. This compares to 135 recorded in 1977, the earliest year for which figures are available.

 *   Fatal stabbings up more than a third under Labour. Under this Government, the number of people stabbed to death has increased from 201 in 1998-99 to 277 last year, an increase of 38 per cent. Taking into account these new figures, the average number of deaths over the last decade has been 241 a year, compared to 203 in the years 1988-97.

Figures from Freedom of Information Requests to police forces show that:

 *   Fatal stabbings recorded by the Metropolitan Police increased by a quarter, from 68 in 2006-07 to 86 last year.

 *   Stabbings recorded by both West Yorkshire and Northumbria police last year increased from 10 to 15 in each force.

 *   The number recorded by Lancashire constabulary trebled, from 4 in 2006-07 to 13 in 2007-08.

Commenting Shadow Home Affairs Minister, James Brokenshire said:

"Knife crime is a scourge which claims too many lives and ruins countless others. Since 1997 it has increased markedly and these new figures indicate it has reached record levels.  The Government's only response has been short term, ad-hoc police operations, the results of which they spin and manipulate anyway to try and get a good story. 2009 must herald a new approach.

"Combating knife crime requires concerted action in the long and short term, not just spin. As well as deploying our police onto the streets as the norm we would introduce an automatic presumption of jail for knife possession - this may be harsh but it is absolutely necessary.

"We must also address the underlying causes of crime - like drugs, family breakdown and gang culture. These are issues that the Government has failed to address effectively but which undermine all our other efforts to combat knife crime.

Library Advice Session

Brady Primary School in Rainham is opening its new community library on 6 January 2009 and Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire will be holding a special drop-in advice surgery to mark the event.  The library will be open every Tuesday, between 3-5pm, during term time.  There will be free internet access and anyone can use the facilities, taking out three books per person.  The library also features a new range of dual language books.  Whilst the facility is available to Rainham residents, if you don’t have a child at Brady Primary you must contact the school prior to your visit.

The special MP advice surgery will take place between 3.30 and 5pm on Tuesday 6 January 2009.  If you are a Hornchurch constituent and need help or advice on any issue affecting the local community or you have a problem with benefits or other Government services, simply turn up and wait your turn.  Please bring any relevant papers or documents with you.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I am delighted to mark the opening of the new community library with one of my advice surgeries.  The library will provide a range of new facilities for people living in Rainham and Wennington.  In addition to the general library services, I hope it will help local people access advice and information more easily.  That’s why having an MP advice session is quite a fitting way to mark its opening.”

Cut Bridge Toll

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire will call on the Government to think again over its charges at the Dartford River Crossing in a Parliamentary debate today (Wednesday).  The MP will say that the recent 50% hike in cash charges for motorists should be scrapped during a special debate secured by him in the House of Commons later this afternoon.  On 15 November, the cash toll for a car or light van to use the bridge or the tunnels was increased from £1 to £1.50.

Fears of further increases in charges have been brought into focus as a result of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s recent Pre-Budget Report.  The small print of the report revealed that further work has been commissioned ‘to realise value for the taxpayers’ at the Dartford Crossing.

Charges at the Dartford River Crossing were introduced to pay for the construction of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and were expected to be ended when the construction costs had been recovered.  However when the costs had been met in full in March 2003, the Department of Transport maintained the charges on the basis that they were needed to control traffic growth.  Yet the number of vehicles using the crossing has actually fallen without taking account of the recent increase in the charge.  Last year there were 53.2 million vehicles using the Dartford Crossing – the lowest level since 2002/3.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“It’s astonishing that in these increasingly tough economic times the Government should be viewing the Dartford River Crossing simply as a cash cow for the Treasury.  They seem oblivious to the impact on small business and motorists of hiking up charges just as the downturn is starting to bite.  It’s as if Ministers have got their heads stuck down one of the bores of the Dartford Tunnel.
 

“At the same time the Government has tried to offer the sop of a discount scheme for local residents.  Yet the scheme is arbitrary and unfair.  Residents in Thurrock and Dartford living as much as 20km away from the Crossing benefit, when people living just a short distance away from the Bridge in Bexley and Havering are excluded.  At the same time £1.75 million of ring-fenced annual funding for road improvements in Thurrock and Kent have been scrapped.  It’s not a concession, it’s a con trick.”

Illuminating Elm Park

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire will join the Mayor of Havering Councillor John Clark to switch on the Christmas lights in Elm Park this Friday evening.  The event will see local shops stay open late with carols and other festive fun for all the family. 

'Illuminating Elm Park' began four years ago and has now become a regular fixture in the Christmas calendar.  The event which is supported by the Regeneration Department of Havering Council helps raise the profile of shops and businesses in Elm Park and provides a fun community evening in the run up to Christmas.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“This is a great family evening brings together all of the community in Elm Park.  In previous years we’ve had roller skating Christmas puddings, music from local schools, carol singers and competitions.  This year will be just as fun with the high point being the switching on of the lights on the Christmas tree at around 6pm.  We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for dry weather, although last year it rained and it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits!

“The local shops and businesses make a big effort to ensure that Christmas literally does come to Elm Park on this evening.  A huge amount of thanks go to Ingrid Brandon, the organising committee, the businesses in Elm Park and everyone else involved in the organisation.”

Cut Christmas Shop Crime

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has joined staff at the Co-Operative store in Elm Park for some early festive fun to show his support for the ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign, organised by the shop workers union Usdaw to tackle abuse of retail staff.  Shop workers are often at the receiving end of physical and verbal abuse and this often gets worse in the Christmas period when shops are busy and people are feeling under pressure. 

The Shadow Home Affairs Minister signed a Christmas card to wish shop staff a peaceful festive period free from abuse and violence.  The MP is currently examining the nationwide problem of shoplifting and violence and other crimes against shop staff as part of the Conservative Retail Crime Commission which is expected to make policy recommendations to the Shadow Cabinet next spring.

Commenting, James Brokenshire said:

“The festive season is a time when shop workers are under a lot of pressure with so many of us wanting to get a bargain in the sales, but it is utterly unacceptable that people going about their work should also have to put up with any violence or abuse.  We need to support them and support the police in saying that this criminal activity will not be tolerated.”

Store manager Theepan Tavarasa said:

“My staff have been handing out cards giving tips to customers for keeping their cool. One card says ‘Remember – shop workers have feelings too’, which has really been getting people thinking.  The scheme has gone down well with our customers and we’re looking forward to a harmonious Christmas here in Elm Park.”

Co-operative’s regional chief officer Mark Hudson added:

“The Co-operative has been proud to work in partnership with Usdaw over recent years to support the Freedom from Fear campaign as part of a range of pioneering initiatives we have introduced to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour in our stores and in the wider community.”

Confidence in Crime Stats

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called on the Government to put official crime statistics on an independent basis to help restore trust and confidence in the criminal justice system.  Speaking at the Welsh Conservatives Political Conference in Cardiff, the Shadow Home Affairs Minister said that that the majority of people don’t think that crime has fallen and that the public simply don’t trust the official figures.

In a key note speech, James Brokenshire said:

“The recent revelation that the crime figures for serious violence had been understated by 13 forces fundamentally undermines the public’s belief in the information they are being given. 
If these most serious of offences which have such a big impact on perceptions of public safety have been understated for as much as ten years it is hardly surprising that people should question what they are being told?  If you can't count a problem, how on earth can you combat it?”

“It is telling that even according to the Government the least trusted source on national statistics on crime is the Prime Minister closely followed by the Home Office. For public trust and confidence to be strengthened crime statistics should be put on an independent basis.  These figures should be at arms length to the Home Office so that the public know that the figures haven’t been chosen to suit the spin.”

Safe Drive, Stay Alive

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire is giving his backing to a hard hitting event to cut the number of young lives lost on local roads by attending the ‘Safe Drive, Stay Alive’ stage show at the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch today (Thursday).  The event for school aged children has been running all this week and is aimed at raising awareness of the risks and dangers associated with driving. 

The show is a joint initiative between The London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority, the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, Queen’s Hospital, Transport for London and the London Borough of Havering and is based around a video reconstruction of a road traffic collision.  It traces the events leading up to the incident and follows the actions of the emergency services in their response.  The impact is amplified by on-stage presentations from emergency service workers, an A&E consultant and most poignantly the parent of a young driver who lost their life in a collision and also from a person disabled by the actions of a young driver.

In 2006, 3,200 people lost their lives as a result of road accidents – either as drivers, passengers or pedestrians.  A third of the victims were under 25 years of age.   Whilst the total number of fatalities has decreased over the last five years, the number of fatalities amongst young drivers in the under 25 age group has actually gone up from 537 to 606 – an increase of 13%.

Earlier this year James Brokenshire put forward a ten minute rule bill to promote these kinds of awareness initiatives to cut the number of road deaths.  Since then he has met with the Minister for Transport to discuss accident prevention programmes for young people and the Department for Transport is currently evaluating various schemes.

Commenting, James Brokenshire said:

““The number of fatalities involving young drivers has shown a disturbing upward trend.   Sadly, too many young, normally male, drivers try and show off to their mates with tragic consequences.  The use of an ‘in your face’ approach to training amongst young drivers which has worked elsewhere could make a difference in challenging this behaviour and changing attitudes. 

“If new drivers were made more aware of the real-life impact of being involved in a serious accident it may make them think twice before driving in a reckless way putting themselves and others at risk.  The current number of young lives lost behind the wheel simply isn’t acceptable.” 

Drugs Admissions Jump

Hospital admissions for drugs overdoses and poisonings have risen by two thirds according to information obtained by Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire.  In 2002/3, there were 686 admissions within Barking Havering & Redbridge NHS Trust which operates the Queen’s Hospital in Romford and King George’s Hospital in Goodmayes.  By 2006/7 - the latest year for which figures are available – this number had jumped to 1,141.  There was a sharp increase in teenagers ending up in hospital – the number of 16-18 year olds admitted for treatment for excessive drugs doubled.  The information was provided by the Department of Health in response to a question raised by the MP.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Drugs crime has soared in recent years and these disturbing figures highlight the human consequences of addiction and drug abuse.  The UK has the highest level of problem drug use in Europe.  In ten years total recorded drugs offences have increased by 43%.  And by the Government’s own admission Class A drug use remain stubbornly high.  Local hospital casualty departments increasingly have to pick up the pieces.”

“The Government hasn’t helped the situation with its confusing messages over illicit drugs and lack of enforcement.  Downgrading the classification of cannabis was a mistake.  Ministers need to get on with implementing the promised upgrade of the drug to class B.  More fundamentally, there is a need for better education, prevention and rehabilitation.  Just 3% of addicts leaving current treatment programmes ‘drug free’ is utterly unacceptable.”

Airport Expansion Threat

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has pressed planners at Newham Council to defer a decision on a 50% increase in flights at London City Airport until decisions on flight paths have been confirmed.  Newham Councillors are due to meet next Wednesday evening (8 October) to consider the expansion proposals with council officials recommending that they give the green light to the plan. 

But James Brokenshire has called for a delay because key decisions on new routings for aircraft going in and out of the Docklands airport have yet to be decided.  In a recent letter to the local MP, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) confirmed that they were evaluating new options for departing aircraft from City Airport and that that this review would take “as long as is necessary”. .NATS had previously published proposals which would have resulted in more departing aircraft from City being re-directed over Havering regardless of any other more general increase in flights.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“To make a decision at this stage would be entirely premature.  Inbound and outbound departure routings are a material factor when considering the communities affected by such a significant increase in flights.  I cannot understand how on earth Newham’s development committee can come to a conclusion when such a significant issue is outstanding. 

“People living in the area I represent could end up bearing a double whammy of aircraft noise nuisance because of the combined impact of these changes.  The planning application and the current review of flight routings are inextricably linked.  That’s why I’ve made clear to Newham Council that they need to delay any decision until such time as the National Air Traffic Services review has been completed.”

Phishing Fraud

Online banking fraud increased by a shocking 185% in the first six months of this year according to an authoritative new survey.  According to APACS, the UK payments association, internet banking scams amounted to £21.4 million in the six months to June 2008.  In the same period in 2007 the figures was £7.5 million.  Phishing attacks using bogus websites and spam emails also surged in the first half of 2008 with 20,682 incidents – up 186% on 2007.

Earlier this year Hornchurch & Rainham MP and Shadow Crime Reduction Minister James Brokenshire authored a policy green paper on the growing menace of cybercrime.  He believes that a comprehensive strategy combining enforcement, education and innovation is needed to provide greater public protection.  Commenting he said:

“These figures set out starkly the rapid rise in on-line criminality.  The Government has simply failed to grasp or get a grip on this huge menace.  Cybercrime is the fastest growing crime in the UK with opinion surveys suggesting that the public fear becoming a victim of on-line scams more than being robbed on the street, having their home burgled or their car broken into.  Sadly, the Home Office still doesn’t offer any sense of urgency or focus with their recent Serious Crime Act missing out computer crime completely.

“We need to strengthen the police response, we need to give better advice to the public and we need to work with the IT industry to develop systems that are more resilient to the increasing threat of cyber-crime.  Unless we take these urgent steps banking fraud figures will simply continue to grow and grow.”

ID Cards by Stealth

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has described news that a Ministerial working party is considering extending the ID card scheme to 14 year olds as a ‘cynical ploy’ to target children.  The Shadow Crime Reduction Minister’s comments came during a fringe meeting debating whether the National Identity Card could help to tackle under age sales at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham.  Mr Brokenshire reiterated that a Conservative Government would scrap ID cards and the national identity register that would sit behind it.

The Home Office have announced that ID cards will be introduced in phases.  Foreign nationals and workers at sensitive locations will be the first groups to receive the controversial card.  From 2010, 16 and 17 year olds will be able to ‘volunteer’ to have an ID card to ‘help them prove their identity as they open their first bank account, take out a student loan or start employment.’  At the Labour Conference, one Home Office Minister said that they could be made available to 14 year olds if they ‘prove popular’.

Commenting James Brokenshire said

“It’s absurd to think that this scheme is being sought by banks or employers to help young people take up employment or open an account.  That’s unless it’s an admission by the Government of the impact of having lost 25 million records in the HMRC Child Benefit scandal. The suggestion of voluntary take up by young people is equally preposterous and paints a perverse Orwellian view of market forces.”

“It’s ironic that ID cards were spun as being essential to the fight against terrorism and now they are being foistered onto children.  This is a cynical ploy to introduce ID cards by stealth by targeting teenagers.  I am absolutely clear that ID cards should be scrapped.”

Health Finance Worries

Barking, Havering & Redbridge NHS Trust which operates and manages the Queen’s Hospital in Romford has been told it needs to take urgent action to deal with its current financial difficulties.  The finance watchdog the Audit Commission has named BHRT amongst a list of 12 NHS bodies which have failed to meet appropriate value for money standards three years running.

Auditors are under a statutory duty to satisfy themselves that NHS bodies have proper arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in their use of resources.  The Auditors’ Local Evaluation Report 2007/08 gives BHRT the lowest ranking in each of the five assessment categories.  The Commission says that there is direct link between the effective use of resources and high quality services for patients.  BHRT have been told to ‘take immediate action in the areas of weakness identified by their auditor’.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“This latest report underlines the continuing highly challenging position that BHRT is in.  There is little doubt in my mind that the Trust’s position is made worse by the ongoing costs arising from the PFI contract for the Queen’s Hospital.  The Department of Health simply fail to appreciate the shortfall between the tariff paid for the treatment of patients and the hospital’s enhanced costs base.  Over the life of the contract the hospital will cost £1.4 billion at current prices.

“New management at the Trust have put in place a recovery plan which will need some time to bed in.  However, the Trust’s finances remain in a critical condition and need to be monitored extremely closely.  It is astonishing that the Government have allowed the situation to deteriorate to such a serious extent.”

Flight Path Delay

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has welcomed news that potential changes to aircraft departure routes from London City Airport which would result in more airliners in the skies over Hornchurch have been deferred.  In a letter to the MP, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) say that more time is needed for the consideration of alternative options and feedback.  NATS had said that the flight routings could come into effect as early as next March, but this timetable has been pushed back to allow for the evaluation of further suggestions for departing aircraft from London City which will take ‘as long as is necessary’.

Under the original proposals aircraft on northerly departure routes from London City Airport which currently fly over Woodford and Chingford would instead take a flight path to the north east over Hornchurch.  The potential impact of the change has been made worse as a result of plans by London City to increase the number of flight movements from the airport by 50%. 

James Brokenshire is seeking clarification from NATS on the revised options under consideration.  Commenting, he said:

“If the current plans go ahead unchanged Hornchurch would suffer a ‘double whammy’ of a general increase in flights from London City plus more departures being directed over this area.  These aircraft will be passing overhead at around 2,000 feet as they climb and accelerate from the airport and it’s inevitable that there would be a noticeable increase in noise nuisance. 

“Whilst there may be arguments for increasing London City’s capacity, these need to be balanced by the impact of additional noise disruption.  What I object to is that this area would bear the brunt of the environmental downside without any clear upside.”

KICC Appeal

The need for skilled employment opportunities in Rainham combined with poor public transport in the area mean that plans for an 8,000 seat church on the Beam Reach Business Park should be turned down.  That’s the message from Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire to the Planning Inspector who will hear the Kingsway International Christian Centre’s appeal against the decision to refuse them planning permission. 

Earlier this year KICC’s application to build the huge auditorium – the largest church in the country - was turned down by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation.  The plans are also opposed by the London Borough of Havering.  This decision will now be the subject of a public inquiry heard by a Government appointed planning inspector.

In a letter to the Inspector, James Brokenshire said that whilst he sympathised with KICC’s desire for a new facility having been forced to move from the Stratford Olympics site, Rainham was simply the wrong choice.  The text of the letter is set out below:

“I believe that there is a need to invest in the social capital of Rainham in the context of the plan to regenerate this part of the Thames Gateway for significant housing growth.  This very much includes churches, community centres and places of worship.  It is also important that these facilities reflect the changing racial and ethnic mix of the area as families take the opportunity to move to Rainham from inner London.  In this context, I am sympathetic KICC’s aspirations and have met with them on a number of occasions to discuss their plans.

“My problems stem from the size, scale and location of their church.  The Beam Reach Business Park has been identified in relevant planning policies as a ‘zone of change’ for skilled manufacturing employment as part of the economic plan to up-skill an area of London which is low-skill and low wage.  Broadening the range of employment opportunities in Rainham is in my judgement an absolutely essential element in achieving the much needed regeneration and renewal of this area. 
 

“Whilst KICC’s application does envisage the creation of some employment, the quantum and nature of the jobs created in the context of the scale of the application do not justify a departure from the clear planning policies for the land.

“One of the current weaknesses in the Rainham area is the poor transport.  The then Mayor of London cited this as a specific reason for his decision not to support a bid for a supercasino on land closer to Rainham station.  Given that KICC’s proposal envisage an auditorium with a capacity of some 8,000 people, I simply cannot see how the existing transport infrastructure can support the transit in and out of this number of people. 

“Whilst some members of KICC’s congregation do reside in Havering, the vast majority come from other parts of London and therefore travel plans are an essential element of the consideration of this application.  KICC have submitted a proposal to bus in members of the congregation from Barking on a fleet of buses, but I do not believe that this plan is robust or sustainable or that it will be possible to enforce any condition offered in connection with the travel arrangements.

“On a final point, I remain entirely unconvinced that the London Development Agency has done enough to identify a suitable site for KICC closer to their original base on the Olympics site in Stratford.  The LDA in supporting this application and KICC’s appeal should be tested as to which other sites were offered to KICC as an alternative to Beam Reach or which might be more suitable to KICC’s needs.  I am very sympathetic to KICC’s situation but believe they would be better served by the LDA identifying land closer to Stratford.  Indeed, I was told by KICC that they would have been prepared to help build and finance one of the sites on the Olympic site with a view to taking the facility over after the Games for their worship, but that this idea was rejected by the relevant authorities.

“Accordingly, I would invite the Inspector to reject this appeal.”

A public meeting will be held at the La Salette Church Hall at 7pm tomorrow night (Friday) to discuss the KICC appeal.  Letters of representation must be received by the Planning Inspectorate by no later than 29 September 2008. 

A Problem Shared

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire believes that best practice from around the country could be harnessed more effectively in the fight against violent crime.  The Shadow Home Affairs Minister’s comments come in the wake of a visit to Greater Manchester Police’s XCalibre Task Force.  XCalibre is the dedicated police unit tasked with responding to gang related gun crime in Manchester.  During his visit to the North West James Brokenshire also visited the Bolton drug rehabilitation service to hear how they are pushing forward with abstinence programmes to break the cycle of dependency and drug fuelled crime.

Commenting, James Brokenshire said:

“Having met with the Metropolitan Police’s Trident unit a few months back, the briefing from officers from XCalibre was instructive.  I have little doubt that there are lessons and experience from Manchester that could be applied in London and vice versa.  I was particularly interested to hear how the various agencies in Manchester work in close partnership to provide a real time response where a young person is at risk from gang activity. 

“Best practice needs to be shared more consistently if we are to see a sustained reduction in violent crime here in London and across the country.  There are existing mechanisms but they should be strengthened and deepened.”

James Brokenshire will take part in the People’s March Against Knife Crime which culminates in a rally in Hyde Park this Saturday.

Beware Gordon bearing gifts…

It’s been revealed that the Government’s housing rescue package will be paid by cutting the funding for regeneration projects in the Thames Gateway - including in Rainham.  The London Development Agency – the business agency of the Mayor of London which owns the Beam Reach Business Park in Rainham - will see its income slashed to pay for the Prime Minister’s vaunted housing renewal scheme. 

The Government’s plans for a home buyer scheme and a temporary stamp duty ‘holiday’ for homes between £125,000 and £175,000 have already received sharp criticism for failing to get to grips with the housing crisis.  But the news that London’s economic regeneration budget is to be slashed by £60 million over the next three years to pay for the package risks making the situation worse in this area.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“What we need in this area is a much broader range of skilled job opportunities which is precisely what the Thames Gateway development was supposed to deliver.  Rainham has already been pushed down the list of priorities for investment by Government Ministers and this news is a further blow to the urgent need to meet previous promises for regeneration. 

“Without the jobs, without the investment in transport infrastructure and other services there will simply be no new housing and yet again Rainham will have been passed over.  It’s a double whammy for this area – an over-blown package of measures that will make little difference to existing housing problems and the loss of vital funds which might help the situation.”

Mayor’s Green Belt Backing

Boris Johnson has given his backing to the restoration of the Green Belt land at Mardyke Farm in Rainham.  His comments came in a letter to local MP James Brokenshire who had written to the Mayor to enlist his support in moves to see the former landfill site made safe and returned to public open space. 

Plans which could have seen the Green Belt land sold off for a huge housing development were beaten off earlier this year after strong objections from James Brokenshire and campaigners from the Rainham and South Hornchurch Green Belt Action Group.  In his letter the Mayor pledges to “protect the Green Belt from inappropriate development” revealing that Mardyke Farm has been included in an ‘East London Green Grid’.  

Boris Johnson said:

“The framework brings together a range of project ideas to improve the open space network and includes Mardyke Farm.  While the project does not have funding at the moment both the policy context set by the London Plan and the partnership work that we have been involved in to improve the open space network in East London demonstrates my support for the efforts and the aims of the Rainham and South Hornchurch Green Belt Action Group.”

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“It’s really positive news that Boris shares the aspiration of the local community to see Mardyke Farm made good.  It is currently a wasteland and is becoming a potential danger by attracting off-road motorbike riders. We need to see that previous commitments for the land to be remediated and turned over to public open space are followed through.  Whilst there is a lot more work to be done with the Council, the Environment Agency and the landowner to turn this into a reality, having the backing of the Mayor in this way is an important step forward.”

Terror Plan ‘Muddle’

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called on the Government to scrap plans to increase the period that terrorist suspects are detained without charge and concentrate on practical measures to protect the public.  The MP’s comments came after the publication of a highly critical report on parts of the Government’s “42 day” proposals by an influential House of Lords committee. 

The Lords Constitution Committee described measures to extend the pre-charge detention period as "muddled" adding that arrangements requiring a vote in Parliament to go beyond the existing 28 days were “a recipe for confusion that places on Parliament tasks that it cannot effectively fulfil and arguably risks undermining the rights of fair trial for the individuals concerned."  The measures contained in the Terrorism Bill were approved by the House of Commons in June, but are expected to receive strong criticism when they are considered by the House of Lords in the autumn.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“It’s becoming ever clearer that that these proposals will not work in practice and will not provide any further meaningful protection to the public.  The Government should drop these plans and concentrate on practical steps which will make a difference in making this country safer.  This includes setting up a dedicated UK border police and making greater use of intercept evidence to bring suspected terrorists to justice.”

Home Pack Problems

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has described plans to extend the information contained in the controversial Home Information Packs as “absurd”.  The Government is considering new proposals for sellers to fill out a compulsory "Property Information Questionnaire" providing details of building work, new bedrooms, bathrooms, double glazing, parking spaces and their previous council tax band.  The local MP is concerned that the new requirement will not only add to the hassle of putting a home on the market, but also pave the way for property details being logged and catalogued by the Valuation Office Agency – the Government’s council tax inspectors.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“It’s absurd that at a time when the housing market is under real stress, Ministers should be considering adding to the burden of bureaucracy in moving house.  Home Information Packs are unwieldy and unnecessary and recent reports suggest that thousands of people are simply turning their backs on them. 

“What worries me is that adding a requirement for Property Information Questionnaires is simply a ruse to conduct council tax revaluations and re-banding by the backdoor.  The public would end up being clobbered twice - once for a costly Home Information Pack and then again in the form of higher council tax bills for home improvements.  The Government should be easing the problems of the housing market not adding to them and scrap Home Information Packs at the earliest opportunity.”

Online Banking Warning

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire is writing to the British Bankers Association urging them to ensure that new regulations aren’t used by banks as a means of avoiding paying out to victims of on-line scams.  Concerns have been raised that banks may use the rules to justify taking a less sympathetic approach to victims of internet fraud if, for example, security software hasn’t been updated on your PC.  .  Online banking fraud losses were estimated to be £22.6 million in 2007 with bogus banking websites being set up at the rate of 3,000 a month by the end of last year (Source: APACS – “Fraud the Facts 2008”).

The updated banking code published by the BBA in April and adopted by banks at the start of last month incorporates new ‘advice’ on the steps customers should take to protect themselves when home banking on the internet.  The precautions include keeping your computer secure by using up-to-date anti-virus and ‘spyware’ software and a personal firewall as well as treating emails from senders claiming to be from your bank or building society with caution particularly when asking for personal security information

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I am concerned that these changes should not become a back-door way for the banks to avoid paying out on internet frauds.  Let’s not forget it is the banks themselves who have encouraged and promoted the use of on-line banking knowing the potential risks involved.

“I accept that people do need to be more vigilant about PC security and the guidance provided in the revised BBA code is sensible.  What worries me is that it shouldn’t be set as a rigid standard with banks turning round and saying to a victim of fraud ‘it’s your responsibility’ simply because they haven’t installed the most recent software update on their computer.”

Flight Noise Challenge

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has made a formal objection to proposals which could see a 50% increase in aircraft traffic at London City Airport.  Flights would increase from 80,000 to 120,000 movements a year if Newham Council's planning committee give the go-ahead to the airport’s expansion plans.  London City Airport is forecasting that it will handle up to 3.9 million passengers by 2010 with long term plans to accommodate up to 8 million passengers by 2030.

The move comes on top of plans by National Air Traffic Services (NATS) to change the departure routes for aircraft taking off from London City which would result in more flights being routed over Hornchurch.  Under the NATS proposals aircraft on northerly departure routes which currently fly over Woodford and Chingford would instead take a flight path to the north east over Hornchurch.  Newham Council are unlikely to reach a decision on London City’s expansion plans until the NATS study has been completed.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Hornchurch potentially faces the double whammy of a general increase in flights from London City plus more departures being directed over this area.  These aircraft will be passing over Hornchurch at around 2,000 feet as they climb and accelerate out of City Airport.
When you combine all of these factors it is inevitable that there will be significant additional noise nuisance for local residents. 

“Whilst there may be arguments for increasing London City’s capacity, these need to be balanced by the impact of any such change such as additional noise disruption.  As matters currently stand, this area would bear the brunt of the environmental downside.  I don’t believe this is acceptable which is why I have written to Newham Council to raise my objections to the expansion plans.”

‘Ladette’ Culture

Fixed penalty notices issued to young women for drunken behaviour have nearly doubled in two years according to information obtained by Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire.  Home Office figures show that fixed penalty tickets handed out to girls aged 16-25 for being drunk and disorderly and drunk in a highway increased by 92% between 2004 and 2006.  Over the same period penalty notices given to men increased by two thirds.  The details were revealed in response to a Parliamentary Question raised by the Shadow Home Affairs Minister.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“These figures underline yet again the serious impact of the Government’s policies on alcohol.  More and more people across the country are being issued with penalty notices for being drunk and disorderly.  This yobbish behaviour is something that blights far too many communities and hasn’t been helped by the Government liberalising the licensing laws nationally without thinking through the consequences. 

“Whilst drunken loutishness is something that is a particular problem amongst men, what’s noticeable in these figures is the sharp increase in drunk and disorderly penalties for young girls.  Rather than the ‘café culture’ promised by the Government we seem to be getting a growing ‘ladette’ culture.

“The Government needs to get a grip on the situation by strengthening the powers of local councils to control alcohol licences and freeing up the police’s time to be out on the streets to curb booze fuelled crime.  We also need to introduce restrictions on below cost sales of drink to avoid the absurd situation of alcohol being sold literally cheaper than water.” 

Reading Challenge

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has presented a set of children’s books to Hornchurch Library today (Friday) as part of the ‘Summer Reading Challenge’ to encourage youngsters to get stuck into a book over the holiday season.  The books were accepted by ten year old Hannah Fisher who is just one of the 550 children who have already registered to take part in the Challenge at Hornchurch Library. The MP heard that nearly 2,000 children at libraries across the Borough completed the challenge last year - Havering has one of the highest participation rates in the country. 

The Challenge to children is simple – read six books through your local library this summer. Children are given a special pack and a set of incentives to collect as they read, with a certificate or medal for those that successfully complete the Challenge, which has a different theme each year. This year’s Challenge – ‘Team Read’ - has a sporting theme with Hornchurch Library creating its own ‘Olympic Village’.  The event, celebrating its tenth year this year, is created and run by The Reading Agency in partnership with the UK library network.  The books which James Brokenshire donated were provided by children’s book publishers at a House of Commons reception to launch this year’s event.

James Brokenshire said: “It is fantastic to hear that so many children are taking part in this fantastic scheme.  Some of the children I spoke to have already got through a number of books and are well on their way to meeting the Challenge.  The summer holidays are a great time to get stuck into a book and I know how much I enjoyed reading when I was younger.  I’m certainly looking forward to catching up on a few books when I get away and reading some more to my own kids.”

Benefiting from Benefits

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has given his support to  a campaign by the Citizens Advice Bureau to encourage people to check that they are getting the benefits they’re entitled to.  According to the CAB, despite growing anxiety about the rising cost of living nearly £10 billion in means tested benefits went unclaimed last year affecting as many as 6 million people. 

Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Working Tax Credit are particularly under claimed.  The CAB is encouraging people to contact them now to receive a free confidential benefits check, particularly as the Government is planning to change the rules from October to reduce the time period for backdated claims from 12 months to three months.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“One of the problems is that the Government have made the tax benefits system so complex that those in real need are put off by the bureaucracy.  Many simply assume that they won’t qualify. 

“We need to reform and simplify the system, but more immediately if people are unsure about entitlements they should check to see that they aren’t missing out.  That’s why I welcome the CAB’s initiative to provide guidance on what might be available and help some people who are struggling with increasing costs of living.”

Details of the Citizens Advice Bureaux in Havering can be found at www.haveringcab.org.uk

Holiday Reading

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has given his support to the Summer Reading Challenge, which aims to keep 650,000 young people across the UK active and reading throughout the summer holidays. The event was marked at a reception at the House of Commons this week.

The Summer Reading Challenge to children is simple – read six books through your local library this summer. Children are given a special pack and a set of incentives to collect as they read, with a certificate or medal for those that successfully complete the Challenge, which has a different theme each year. This year’s Challenge has a sporting theme and is called Team Read, with a programme of activities, incentives and an interactive website.

The Summer Reading Challenge is 10 years old this year. It is created and run by The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to get people reading more, in partnership with the UK library network and supported by children’s book publishers. 

James Brokenshire said: “I was pleased to attend the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge which is supported by libraries in Havering each summer. I am delighted by this year’s sporting theme, and hope it will encourage more children than ever to join in.

“The challenge should keep the children of Hornchurch active and interested throughout the long summer holidays, and could help develop a positive attitude towards leisure time which they will take with them into adult life.”

During the House of Commons reception James Brokenshire was presented with a set of books, donated by children’s publishers, which he will donate to Hornchurch library.

Crime Stats Questions

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called for crime figures to be compiled on an independent basis to build greater trust and confidence in the information being published.  The MP believes that many people simply don’t believe the statistics provide a reliable assessment of levels of crime.

Currently there are two measures: crimes reported to the police and the British Crime Survey (BCS) – a nationwide survey intended to provide a broader measure of criminal activity.  But reported crime fails to capture incidents not notified to the police and the BCS fails to cover crimes against the under 16s, crimes against business and serious crimes such as murder.  The Government’s ‘Respect Tsar’ has recently said that the public have little faith in the crime figures and has called for a change in the system. 

Crime figures published in the last week have provided a break-down of knife crime incidents for the first time.  They indicate that in the last year there were over 22,000 knife offences nationwide with nearly 7,500 of them in the Metropolitan Police area.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Many people simply have no faith in the published crime figures.  They just don’t believe the numbers and when you consider that the British Crime Survey doesn’t even count crimes against the under 16s you can understand why.  There is no point trumpeting reductions in crime unless you have confidence in the data. 

“The priority must be to give the police the powers they need and to slash the bureaucracy and paperwork to maximise the time officers spend on the streets.  But at the same time, if Government is to combat the scourge of violent crime it needs to get a true picture of the scale of the problem.  Putting the data on an independent basis would go a significant way to achieving this.”

Failing the Grade

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire is calling on the Government to sack the company responsible for marking school Sats tests after the fiasco over delayed papers and questionable results.  For some pupils in Havering it’s already too late for Sats results to be incorporated into their end of term reports with just days to go before local schools break up for the summer holidays. 

The results for 11 and 14 year old pupils - even when they do arrive - are being questioned with claims of shoddy and inconsistent marking.  Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 papers are currently marked by ETS Europe under a contract awarded by the Government’s Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“This isn’t the first year there have been problems.  Sats results were delayed last year and talking to one local Head there was almost a sense of inevitability that the exam marking would come out late this year.  It simply isn’t fair on children that schools are writing reports on them without the benefit of their exam information, but frankly teachers have little choice. 

“ETS Europe should be sacked and the Government should apologise to pupils and teachers for this shambles.  If it turns out that they can’t terminate the ETS contract, it will draw the Government’s competence into even further question.  Ministers must act now to ensure next year’s exams are run properly. 

“The Department for Children Schools and Families have commissioned a report on what has gone wrong which is due to be published in the autumn.   That’s too late – they should publish an interim report now as confidence in their handling of this problem is ebbing away.”

Maternity Improvement

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called for continued focus on local maternity services after a report put the Barking Havering and Redbridge NHS Hospital Trust (BHRT) in the ‘least well performing’ category.  The Trust which has responsibility for the running of the Queen’s Hospital in Romford was put in the lowest category of performance by the Healthcare Commission in its 2007 review of maternity services.  The healthcare watchdog noted that least well performing trusts were ‘lagging behind other trusts in some key delivery areas’ although the ranking does not indicate unacceptable practice.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The Healthcare Commission have highlighted that local services are not improving at the rate seen in other parts of the country.  Given the general problems experienced in the first twelve months of the opening of the Queen’s Hospital, it is probably not too surprising that maternity care has not been ranked highly. 

“There have been some improvements during the course of this year with new procedures and systems being put in place and I know that staff are working extremely hard.  However, the Healthcare Commission’s comments underline the need for continued focus on maternity and antenatal care.  Expectant mums rightly expect high standards and there is clearly still a lot more work to be done.”

Web Threat

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called for a range of new measures to address fraud and criminal activity on-line – according to the Police the most rapidly expanding crime in the country.   Speaking at a conference on cyber-crime organised by software safety company McAfee, the Shadow Home Office Minister outlined a number of specific proposals to confront the growing menace of on-line crime.  These included a specialist cyber-crime complaint centre and police unit, improved IT training in schools and strengthened international co-operation.  During the conference McAfee gave an example of the risk to computer users of surfing the web for information on the Beijing Olympics because of the number of websites in China and Hong Kong which have been infected with malicious computer code ready to attack unprotected PCs.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Cyber-crime and Cyber-terrorism are two sides of the same coin.  The two go hand in hand, adopting the same approaches, the same techniques and the same methods.  The only difference is the motivations.  If you don't prioritise cyber-crime you compromise national cyber-security.  If you accept cyber-criminality you heighten the risk of cyber-terrorism.

“The Government’s naïve over-reliance on massively centralised data systems and its recklessness with the personal data held on such systems has left us vulnerable both as individuals and as a society.  It is the worst of all worlds – the perfect conditions for the perfect cyber storm.

“To protect ourselves - against both the persistent criminal threat and the rarer but more devastating terrorist threat - will require a shake up in attitudes and strategy, including the whole mindset of Government. 

Hot off the press

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire discovered how a little bit of Fleet Street has come to Rainham when he visited the Newsfax printing centre on the Beam Reach Business Park in Rainham on Friday.  Newsfax International Limited employ around 150 people in Rainham producing many of the newspaper titles we read each day including the Metro, the London Newspaper and City AM as well as editions of the Financial Times.

Newsfax relocated to Beam Reach from Stratford after their previous facility was needed for the construction of the London Olympic Games.  Further investment in a new printing line is also underway to further increase the printing capacity and capabilities of the Newsfax operation at Rainham.  One of the attractions of Beam Reach was the ability to transport finished newspapers into the City and Canary Wharf quickly.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Businesses like Newsfax help to raise the profile of Rainham and the range of skilled manufacturing opportunities in this important area for regeneration.  It is great to think that many of the newspapers we read have been printed in Rainham.  This is a hi-tech, round the clock operation and it was fascinating to see the investment that has gone into this state of the art facility.  To realise the potential of this area, we need to attract more businesses of this kind to Rainham and help kick-start the rejuvenation that is so needed.”

Flood Defence

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire unveiled a plaque on Saturday morning to mark the official opening of a £4.1 million investment in flood protection works on the Beam River next to the Mardyke Estate in Rainham.  Nearly 600 homes have been made safer as a result of the creation of new flood storage areas having the capacity to retain over 340,000 cubic metres of floodwater during periods of heavy rainfall and high river flows.

A flood risk management strategy study for the River Beam was completed by the Environment Agency in 2004 recommending the reconstruction of the Washlands flood storage area. The risk of flooding was brought into stark focus when the existing embankments were breached in December 2002.  The works have also resulted in the replacement of the existing sluice gate as well as environmental improvements and upgrades to footpaths.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I welcome this important investment to make residents in the Mardyke safer from the risk of having their homes flooded.  Increasing development and concreting over of areas of land reduce the amount of soil for heavy rain to be absorbed into.  The consequence is that if there is a downpour, the rain is channelled into the water-courses and into the rivers heightening the risk of flooding.  It is reassuring to know that action has been taken by the Environment Agency in this area and that 570 homes have been made safer as a consequence.  The next step is the consideration of the wider Thames Estuary 2100 plan to address the risk of flooding from the Thames owing to rising sea levels.  Further details of this plan and the potential impact on the South Havering area will become clearer in the autumn.”

A Bridge Too Far

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire is seeking answers from the Department of Transport on how much money is being raised from the toll at the Dartford River Crossing and what it is being spent on.  The MP's questions have been raised after the Government confirmed that toll charges are going up from £1 to £1.50 for Havering car drivers, yet people living in Thurrock and Dartford will be eligible for a discount.  

On 12 June the Department of Transport announced that residents of Dartford and Thurrock will benefit from discounts at the Dartford Crossing.  Under the discount scheme local residents will be entitled to 50 free crossings per year on payment of a £10 annual administration fee.  Thereafter crossings will cost 20p each.  For everyone else the charge will increase to £1.50.

The Dartford toll was originally planned to pay the construction costs of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, with the intention that charges should end when the construction costs had been paid.  The costs were met in 2003, but the toll has been retained on the basis that the crossing is already exceeding its planned capacity and removing the charge would make things worse. 

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"It is absurd that some people living in Havering will be as close to the crossing as some Thurrock residents yet Havering residents will be penalised for using the crossing.  If the tolls are to remain there should be a benefit for all road users in the area leading to the bridge and not just a select few.  The Government needs to come clean on the millions it is raising and what the money is being spent.  The charges at the Dartford River Crossing were put in place for a specific purpose but the Government is hitting motorists in this area with what amounts to yet another tax increase on drivers."

School Safety

A year on from the introduction of new powers for head teachers to search without consent any pupil they suspected of carrying a weapon, Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has revealed that the Government isn't collecting any data on these searches nor if any weapons are being recovered.  According to Parliamentary answers obtained by the MP, the Government isn't collecting any information on searches for weapons in schools despite investment in knife arches and metal detection wands on school premises. 

The Government admits that schools are not 'obliged to tell us when they conduct searches or if they find weapons'.  Whilst schools are encouraged to contact the police to conduct searches where a pupil is suspected of carrying a weapon, the Home Office doesn't compile data on these police searches either.  Powers to screen pupils with metal detection arches were introduced in October 2006 and the power to search pupils without consent was brought into effect in May 2007.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"There is real concern about young people carrying weapons and potentially taking knives beyond the school gates.  It's astonishing that the Government isn't following through on the use of searches for weapons.  How on earth can Ministers get a proper impression of the threat of knife crime and school safety if they aren't even monitoring the number of weapons found on school grounds?  This really smacks of complacency."

PM's 'Movie' Nightmare

'Casino Royale' or 'Temple of Doom' – that was the movie choice offered by Hornchurch MP James Brokenshire to Gordon Brown to describe the PM's first year in office.  The exchange during today's Prime Minister's Questions was prompted by a magazine interview in which the Prime Minister said that he favoured Indiana Jones to James Bond as a movie hero. 

Gordon Brown marks his first anniversary in 10 Downing Street tomorrow (Thursday).  The last twelve months have been marked by a catalogue of difficulties for the Government including Northern Rock, the loss of the records of 25 million people by HMRC, the 10p tax fiasco and the election that never was.  In response to James Brokenshire's question, the Prime Minister said that he was "proud" of the Government's achievements.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"The last twelve months have been a disaster for Gordon Brown and a disaster for the country.  It's hardly surprising that the Prime Minister said in response to my question that ever day he has 'difficult decisions' to make – largely caused by problems of his own making.  Someone suggested to me that 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' might have been another good film title to describe the last year in the light of the Northern Rock debacle.  I suspect that this is an anniversary the Prime Minister will not be celebrating by a trip to the movies."

Night-time Crime Initiative

Hornchurch and Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire saw a demonstration of how Essex Police are using new technology in the fight against serious crime on a visit to Southend Police Station on Friday.  The Shadow Minister was shown how knife arches, knife wands and a highly sensitive drugs itemiser which can detect very small quantities of illicit substances were being used in pubs and clubs in Southend. 

Essex Police have been working closely with nightclub door-staff as well as the local council to provide a safer environment for people going out for a night’s entertainment in Southend and to help identify potential problems.  The visit had been arranged in conjunction with Rochford and Southend East MP James Duddridge.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“What’s impressive about this new equipment is the additional flexibility and evidence that it provides to the police.  Detection equipment like this can be deployed quickly in response to specific intelligence but it can also be used to provide more general reassurance to the public about violent crime.  It was interesting to hear how many of the nightclubs have been working in partnership with the Police to use this equipment to identify potential trouble-makers and increase the sense of safety in their clubs.

“We need to ensure that mobile scanners and other equipment can be used effectively by maximising the time police officers are actually on the street.  That means cutting down on the bureaucracy, paper-work and central targets that get in the way of local police priorities and the time officers can be out in the community.  I would also give an additional time-limited power of stop and search to Police Sergeants who are at the heart of community policing so that they can respond quickly to intelligence about problems in their neighbourhood.”

Insolvency Rise

There has been a sharp rise in the number of Havering residents being made bankrupt according to new figures released by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.  Last year 230 people in the Borough were forced to declare themselves insolvent, a jump of more than 25% on the 2006 level and an increase of nearly 150% on the number four years ago.  The figures come amidst increasing evidence of tougher financial conditions ahead with increasing food and energy prices, a squeeze on credit and increasing pressure to keep wage bills down.

Commenting Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire said:

“This rise in personal insolvencies paints a worrying picture of an increasing number of people getting into crisis with their finances.  It’s also an indication of the strain that many households are under in order to keep up payments on mortgages, credit card loans and other borrowings.

“There is little doubt that current financial conditions are now more even more difficult than the period to which these figures relate.  With the end of cheap loan deals, higher interest rates, a slowing housing market and increasing prices for everyday household needs such as fuel and food we now have an even less rosy picture.  That’s why it’s so damaging that the public finances have been allowed to get into such a poor shape with the Government itself borrowing and borrowing as if there were no tomorrow.  The Chancellor has failed to put much away for a rainy day just a time when there are some pretty dark clouds on the horizon.”

Teen Psychosis

The cost to the NHS of prescribing anti-psychotic drugs to teens and children has increased by nearly two thirds in just four years according to new information obtained by Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire.

In 2004 NHS Primary Care Trusts spent £ 1,689,195.32 on anti-psychotic drug prescriptions for children under 16, but by last year the drugs bill had jumped by £1 million to £ 2,719,187.84 – a rise of 61%.  Cases of psychosis have been linked to cannabis consumption and particularly home-grown super strength skunk found increasingly on Britain's streets.  The details were revealed by the Department of Health in response to a parliamentary question raised by the MP.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"These are disturbing figures suggesting an increasing prevalence of psychosis in the young.  This is further evidence justifying the re-classification of cannabis as a class B drug.

"It also underlines the potential human costs of the Government's dither and confusion in policing this dangerous drug.  The Government's mixed messages on cannabis have caused real harm and we won't know the full extent of the damage for years to come."

'Bin It'

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire says the Government should call an immediate halt to the ratification of the Lisbon Reform after Ireland rejected the EU constitution treaty in a referendum. The MP’s comments came in an interview on LBC 97.3 where he added that if the Government failed to stop the ratification process it would be demonstrating contempt for the British people and the treaty approval process requiring the consent of all EU Member States.

The new treaty includes provisions to abolish over 60 national vetoes.  These include Justice and Home Affairs, where police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters will now be subject to majority voting meaning that Britain could be out-voted.  It creates a new EU President and an EU Foreign Minister.  It also makes the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding.  The Government has claimed that protections have been negotiated to protect British interests, but there are significant doubts that these protections will withstand a legal challenge before the European Court and once ‘opt-in’ rights are exercised there is no going back. 

At the last General Election the Government gave a commitment to put the then European Constitution to a referendum in this country.  Even though the Lisbon Treaty incorporates virtually all of the points in the original constitution, the Government has refused to put the Treaty to a vote in this country.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The Government needs to face up to reality and despite its best efforts to rail-road the EU constitution through the back-door, it needs to consign this plan to the bin.  The Irish have said no and the Government should do the right thing and stop the ratification process in this country immediately.  We should have had a referendum on this flawed and damaging plan in this country, but the Government bottled it for fear of knowing what the result would have been.  If the Government doesn’t call a halt now, they will be treating the public and the whole process with contempt.”

Diabetes Walk

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire and the Mayor of Havering Councillor John Clark were on hand to set off the walkers on this year’s Havering Diabetes ‘Walk in the Park’ event.  The annual event is aimed at raising awareness of diabetes and the support services available to people living with diabetes in Havering.  Warm sunshine greeted those taking the 2 mile stroll around Thorndon Park near Brentwood on Saturday morning. 

The local event formed part of around 100 walks around the UK as part of Diabetes Week to raise crucial funds for diabetes research projects.  There are currently over 2.3 million people with diabetes in the UK and there are more than half a million people with diabetes who have the condition and don’t know it.   

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Diabetes affects many people across Havering and it’s important that they know there are local support services on hand.  Diabetes can lead to strokes, heart attacks and other very serious complications if left untreated.  That’s why I’m delighted to support this event and help raise awareness of the work of Havering Diabetes.  With the prevalence of diabetes on the increase much more research is needed on the causes of the condition which is why these sorts of fundraising events are so valuable.”

Knives & Drug Awareness

Hornchurch and Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire joined 1,500 year 7 students from across Essex at the Brentwood Centre on Friday to watch the 2 Smart Roadshow highlighting the risks, dangers and consequences of drugs and knife crime.  The Roadshow has toured a number of venues across Essex over the last few weeks delivering a range of thought provoking messages about bullying, drugs, alcohol and knives.  The event features music, drama, dance, comedy in a 90 minute show to engage children aged between 11 and 12.  Follow-up sessions supplementing the event are provided within Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) classes.

The 2 Smart Roadshow is supported by Essex Police and a range of other partners.  The visit was organised after James Brokenshire took part in a TV discussion on knife crime with Ann Oakes-Odger, the founder of knifecrimes.org and one of the key supporters of the event.  Ms Oakes-Odger’s son Westley was murdered in a knife attack in September 2005.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Drugs and knife crime sadly touch the lives of too many people across the country.  Any events or projects that can help reduce the risk and get someone to stop and think must be welcomed.  That’s why I am really pleased to have been able to see the 2 Smart Roadshow as it confronts some of these really difficult issues.  The Roadshow is very well put together and I was impressed to hear how it links into further sessions back in the classroom.  The team behind the project and all of the sponsors and supporters should be congratulated. 

“The visit has certainly given me a lot to think about in terms of how this sort of approach could be applied in other parts of the country.  I am extremely grateful to Ann Oakes-Odger for inviting me to experience the 2 Smart Roadshow.  The passion, drive and commitment of people like Ann is truly humbling.”

Fiesta Fun

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire welcomed crowds of people to Elm Park as he opened the fourth annual Elm Park Fiesta on Saturday.  This year’s theme was television programmes with staff from shops and businesses joining in with the party spirit by dressing up as characters from their favourite programmes.  Special Elm Park stamps and a 2009 calendar sold well and visitors were entertained by music from Dunningford Primary School, dancing from Ayloff Primary School and the Hornchurch Drum & Trumpet Brigade. 

The Fiesta is masterminded each year by a small but dedicated team of volunteers at the Elm Park Regeneration Partnership.  The event is aimed at drawing the community of Elm Park together and to encourage residents to support local businesses in Elm Park.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“This has been the biggest Fiesta yet and it was noticeable how many more people there were.  This is a fun community event, but with the serious purpose of showcasing Elm Park.  It’s important that we show our support for our local shops and businesses. Ingrid Brandon and the rest of the team at the Regeneration Partnership do a tremendous job in helping to put Elm Park at the centre of attention with these really positive events.  There’s always a positive spirit and it’s great to see the Fiesta going from strength to strength.”

CCTV Checks

The Home Office has admitted that it has no idea whether its CCTV systems comply with appropriate legal requirements and industry standards according to information obtained by Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire. This is despite the Home Office urging other CCTV operators to check that their systems are ‘fit for purpose’. 

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker has admitted that ‘no overall assessment has been made’ on whether Home Office CCTV systems comply with the Data Protection Act, the CCTV Code of Practice published by the Information Commissioner and relevant BSI standards.   The Home Office published the National CCTV Strategy last October calling for improved standards with the possibility of new rights of inspection and new legislation to tighten regulatory deficiencies.

Commenting, Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire who obtained the information through a Parliamentary question said:

“It’s a bit rich for the Home Office to be lecturing others when they can’t be bothered to check whether their own house is in order.  They should be leading by example rather than leading by dik-tat.  Typically, the Home Office are adopting a ‘do as I say’ rather than ‘a do as I do’ approach.  Yet again, the Government have shown their scant disregard for data-protection requirements when it applies to them.”

Volunteering Report

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has welcomed the publication of a report calling for better recognition for volunteering within the benefits system and more flexibility in the work-place and within the voluntary to enable more young people to volunteer.  The report of the cross party Morgan Inquiry said inflexible unemployment benefit rules deterred jobless young people from volunteering and called for volunteering to be promoted as a legitimate job seeking activity for those who claim Jobseeker’s Allowance. Other recommendations included establishing a unified formal award programme to recognise the skills gained through volunteering as well as promoting a scheme to release people from work or studies for a day to volunteer.

James Brokenshire was a member of the panel of MPs and experts which heard evidence as part of the Inquiry chaired by Baroness Sally Morgan.  The inquiry was set up investigate volunteering in the UK for people between the ages of 18 and 24.  The Havering Chamber of Commerce, the Essex Federation of Small Businesses and the Havering Business and Enterprise Partnership took part in an ‘on air’ evidence session hosted by James Brokenshire as part of the Inquiry which was broadcast on Link FM - Havering’s community radio station supported by local volunteers.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The contribution which volunteering makes to society is huge.  Many services in our community simply couldn’t function without the contribution of those who give up their time freely week in week out.  Everyone recognises volunteering is a good thing. But it’s not always straightforward to get involved and there are real and perceived obstacles which act as barriers to many young adults.  This report makes a number of practical recommendations to promote volunteering and make it easier to take part.  I hope that the proposals will be considered carefully by Government and acted upon.”

Knife Crime

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that the scourge of knife crime had blighted the lives of too many families.  Speaking during a Parliamentary debate on Thursday the Shadow Home Affairs Minister said that it was impossible not to be deeply moved by the individual tragedies detailed, with appalling regularity, in the newspapers and on the television.  The MP called for strengthened community policing, enhanced powers of stop and search for Police sergeants and a wider package of measures to tackle the problems of social breakdown, drug abuse and binge drinking.

But the MP attacked the Government for being slow to act saying that Ministers had “lost their way” in knowing how to tackle knife crime.  James Brokenshire told MPs:

“The Prime Minister is now belatedly talking about prosecutions for knife possession, but only after 6,000 cautions and warnings have been issued in just two years. Home Office Ministers used to talk about the importance of knife amnesties until it became clear that the most common knives out on the street can be found in the kitchen drawer.”

He added:

“The Prime Minister's statements today on more prosecutions for knife possession are the latest admission of failure. It is an acceptance that the policy agenda of a slap on the wrist rather than a conviction before the courts was fundamentally flawed. The Home Office was wrong. The Government were wrong. The Prime Minister was wrong. We will not forget and neither will the public.”

Neighbourhood Warden Watch

Building repairs, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour were the focus of attention when Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire joined Homes in Havering's neighbourhood wardens Carol Foley and Nadeem Mohiuddin on patrol on Friday afternoon.  The MP spent time in Hornchurch and Elm Park shadowing the wardens as they inspected properties maintained by Homes in Havering and talking to residents.

Homes in Havering has nine mobile wardens patrolling the Council's housing stock across the Borough.  The wardens work with Estate Officers and Tenancy Service staff at Homes in Havering together with the Police safer neighbourhood teams to help address concerns over anti-social behaviour, graffiti and fly-tipping.  They also monitor and report damage to buildings and other repair problems.

The MP saw damage to a lift in one block caused by vandals earlier in the week and fly-tipping at the back of properties away from public view. The MP and the wardens were later confronted by two bull terriers running around off their leads.  The owner was warned to keep the dogs on a lead.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"It was a good opportunity to get an insight into the work of the wardens.  This sort of service is particularly important to people who may feel isolated or at risk and the wardens keep an eye on what’s going on around the community.  It’s important that residents know that the service is there so that they can call on the wardens if there is a problem.

"Moving forward we need to do is strengthen the communication and joint working between the Council's and Homes in Havering's anti-social behaviour units, the police and the wardens.  That way we can ensure that when there is a problem with anti-social or criminal behaviour that it is dealt with in a co-ordinated and more effective way."

ASBO Breaches Up

More ASBOs are now being breached than are being issued in certain parts of the country according to information obtained by Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire.  Home Office information has shown that in Essex, Dyfed Powys, Hampshire, North Yorkshire and Surrey reported breaches were running ahead of new ASBOs issued in the latest year for which information is available.  The details were revealed in a Parliamentary answer to the Shadow Home Affairs Minister and also disclose that there has been a significant rise in the national ASBO breach rate in the four years to 2006.  In 2003, the ASBO breach rate was 41%.  By 2006 it had risen to 66%. 

The Home Office has also admitted that the Respect Squad intended to provide advice and guidance to practitioners on complex cases of anti-social behaviour handled just 53 cases between Summer 2006 and December 2007 before the initiative was put on ice.  Just three weeks ago the Home Secretary announced that the squad would be reactivated and receive £255,000 to help provide advice on anti-social behaviour and early interventions.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“ASBO breaches have become a badge of dishonour for the Government’s policies.  They used to be proud to talk about ASBOs as the centre-piece of the Respect agenda.  Now they try and emphasize other gimmicks and initiatives which are also failing.  This new data shows just how much of a mess the Government have got into over their strategy to combat anti-social behaviour.

“What we need is strengthened community policing freed up from the form filling and bureaucracy which are the hallmark of Labour failure. We need communities to have a more informed say over local priorities through crime mapping information.  We need more effective enforcement through the Courts.  A Conservative Government will deliver this and make our communities safer.”

Child Killings

Nearly one under ten is being killed every week according to new information obtained by Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire.   In 2006/7, the latest year for which information is available, there were 49 homicides of children under the age of 10 – an increase on the 38 victims in 2005/6.  In the Metropolitan Police area 12 young children were the victims of murder or manslaughter - up on the seven victims in the previous year.  The information was supplied to the local MP by the Home Office in response to a Parliamentary question.

This latest revelation comes in the wake of other indications of a rise in violence against the very young.  A study by the University of Cardiff has suggested that the number of children under 10 being admitted to A&E departments for injuries sustained from violence has doubled in the last year.  And according to information obtained by James Brokenshire from the Metropolitan Police, 4,917 under 10 year olds were reported to have been the victims of violence against the person in London in 2007 - a rise of 8% on the previous year.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“These figures bear out other reports of an increase in crimes of violence against the very young.  These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community and it is shocking to think that so many infants, toddlers and young children are losing their lives.  Rather than receiving support and protection too many children are victims of violence. It underlines the need for vigilance and early intervention.”

Nature Play

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire and his family took part in the fun to mark the opening of a new play facility at the RSPB’s Rainham Marshes nature reserve on Saturday.  The adventure playground is the latest addition to the facilities at Rainham Marshes and is intended to encourage families with children to enjoy the natural habitat whilst having some fun at the same time. 

The RSPB Reserve was opened to the public last spring and its visitor centre provides a wonderful view of the marsh landscape as well as the river.  Rainham Marshes forms part of what will become a huge country park stretching all the way up to Rainham village and providing much greater public access to the Thames riverside.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I always enjoy coming down to the RSPB nature reserve and appreciating this unique environmental.  It’s not just the wildfowl that are attracted to the marshes but also water voles, butterflies and other species.  We really are lucky to have this facility on our door-steps.

“I hope that many more people will enjoy the surroundings this summer and take in the views of the Thames that were previously off limits to the public.  It’s also about getting young people to appreciate the natural environment which is why having facilities for families such as the new play area are so important.”

Queens Question Time

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire will take part in a question time session on Wednesday at the Queens Hospital in Romford with the questions being raised by those working at the local hospital.  Healthcare staff will have the chance to raise their concerns about the NHS and the local health service with the MP as well as John Goulston the Chief Executive of the Barking Havering and Redbridge NHS Hospitals Trust.

The Queens Hospital has dominated the headlines for all of the wrong reasons in recent months.  Complaints have been highlighted about standards of service with recent news that ambulances have been queuing up in the car park to discharge their patients through A&E and receive their trolleys back.  Barking Havering and Redbridge NHS Hospitals Trust which operates the Queens is under significant financial pressure and is thought to have run up a financial deficit of nearly £40 million in the last financial year alone.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“There is little doubt that the Queens Hospital has faced some significant problems since it opened eighteen months ago.  Based on the complaints I receive through my post bag significant challenges remain. 

“That’s why I am particularly pleased to take part in this question time session at the hospital.  I hope that it will give me a clearer picture on how I can support those at the ‘sharp end’ at the Queens and work with them to improve standards of care and overcome the problems they have to confront on a daily basis.”

Prostate Cancer

Havering has one of the highest incidences of prostate cancer in London according to information from the Office for National Statistics.  In 2005, the last year for which figures are available, there were 141 new diagnoses.  Havering’s reported figures were the third highest of all the London boroughs, although the number of cases was down on the previous year when Havering had the most cases in London.  The information was released in response to a Parliamentary Question. Around 30,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed across England each year and it is the most common form of cancer in men.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I welcome the fact that there has been a slight reduction in new cases of prostate cancer in Havering on the basis of these figures, but it is disturbing that we have such a high rate in this area.  In part, this may be explained by the age profile of people living in the borough as prostate cancer tends to occur in later life.  However, it underlines the need for men to be aware of the symptoms and to receive appropriate treatment.

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and yet there is still very little discussion or focus on this serious issue.  With three men newly diagnosed in Havering each week, it underlines why this matters so much.”

Lung Health

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has given his support to a campaign to raise awareness of
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the steps people can take to reduce their risk of contracting the disease.  COPD is the UK’s fifth biggest killer, claiming around 30,000 lives a year, yet nine out of ten people in the UK have never heard of it.  At a House of Commons Reception the local MP heard how the British Lung Foundation are highlighting the need for better education on lung health issues as well as the requirement for improved support for people suffering from a lung disease.

COPD is an umbrella term for a number of conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD leads to damaged airways in the lungs, causing them to become narrower and making it harder for air to get in and out of the lungs. The most common cause of COPD is smoking.  Occupational factors, such as coal dust, and some inherited problems can also cause the disease.  The UK’s death rate from respiratory disease is almost double the European average and the 6th highest in Europe

The British Lung Foundation is urging members of the public of all ages to protect their lungs and to keep them healthy by taking regular exercise.  The BLF also wants people to protect their lungs from smoke and other substances because of the risk of long-term damage.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Lung disease is one of the UK’s biggest killers so it’s vital that people understand how important it is to take more care of their lungs.  I’m delighted to support the British Lung Foundation’s campaign to encourage us to look after our lungs. We don’t realise how fragile our lungs are and what an important job they do in keeping us mobile and active.”

Cannabis Cultivation

Information obtained by Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has shown that premises manufacturing cannabis have more than doubled in the last two years.  According to replies received by the Shadow Home Affairs Minister to Freedom of Information requests to all police forces across the UK, there has been a surge in the number of offences for cultivating cannabis and premises identified as growing cannabis.  Between 2005 and 2007 there was a national rise of over 140%.

Much of the British-grown drug is ‘skunk’ which is more than twice as potent as traditional forms of cannabis.  In the year to December 2007, 58 cannabis factories of 50 plants or more were identified by Essex Police.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Whilst the Government has reviewed, dithered and delayed, cannabis factories have doubled.  These home-grown farms are much more likely to produce skunk with all of the associated risks of psychosis, paranoia and long-term mental health issues.  The rise in these drug factories has also spawned new criminal gangs with links to people smuggling and other serious offences.

“The confusing message put out by the Government over the classification of cannabis has been deeply damaging both in terms of public attitudes and the priorities of the police.  The drug dealers have flourished while the Government has floundered.  The consequences are becoming ever starker.”

Roads Deaths Discussion

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire will use a meeting with Roads Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP to highlight plans aimed at reducing the number of young drivers killed on Britain’s roads.  The meeting comes in the wake of the House of Commons giving the local MP permission to introduce a private members bill calling for hard hitting training and education within the driving test on the consequences of being involved in a serious road accident.  The measures have been backed by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Crime and KidsCount the leading youth think-tank

In 2006, the last year for which figures are available, 3,200 people lost their lives as a result of road accidents – either as drivers, passengers or pedestrians.  A third of the victims were under 25 years of age.   Whilst the total number of fatalities has decreased over the last five years, the number of fatalities amongst young drivers in the under 25 age group has actually gone up from 537 to 606 – an increase of 13%.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“What I want to see is some pretty hard hitting and graphic training on the impact of being involved in a road smash introduced into the driving test process.   It would help bring home the stark reality of being involved in a serious accident and make people think about the consequences of reckless driving on both themselves and others around them.  I hope the Minister will listen to the points outlined in my Bill and take some of these proposals forward.

“The number of fatalities involving young drivers has shown a disturbing upward trend.   Sadly, too many young, normally male, drivers try and show off to their mates with tragic consequences.  The use of an ‘in your face’ approach to training amongst young drivers which has worked elsewhere could make a difference in challenging this behaviour and changing attitudes.  The current number of young lives lost behind the wheel simply isn’t acceptable.”

Closure Condemned

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has reacted angrily to news that the Hylands Post Office on the Hornchurch Road in Hornchurch will shut.  In an announcement  released earlier today the Post Office revealed that it had confirmed previous closure plans which formed part of a London-wide review.  The closure is expected to take place in a matter of weeks.

Residents had lobbied Post Office representatives to reverse their plans during a public consultation. But officials have ignored support for the Hylands branch, ignored evidence on the poor public transport to alternative post offices and disregarded information on the impact on the vulnerable.  A petition was also delivered to Downing Street to highlight the strength of local opinion.

Commenting, James Brokenshire who represents the Hylands area said:

"This shameful decision flies in the face of all of the evidence in support of keeping the Hylands Post Office open.  The elderly and the vulnerable who rely on their local branch will be the ones who pay the price. It's even worse that 'Postwatch', the so called consumer champion, have sat back and let this happen.

"The Post Office aren't suggesting that the Hylands branch isn't making money.  It's just that they have to cut outlets across the country as a result of the Government's complete mismanagement of the Post Office business.  I am utterly disgusted by this perverse decision which will rob people of an important local service."

Study Centre

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has unveiled a plaque to mark the formal opening of the Chafford School’s new Environmental Studies Centre.  The new building which includes three spacious classrooms was declared open at a ceremony last Thursday.  The £350,000 facility also incorporates computers with interactive screens.  The additional teaching space is currently planned to be used to teach a new 14-19 diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies as well as qualifications in Leisure and Tourism.  A significant part of the funding for the project was provided by the Veolia ES Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I am delighted to open this new facility.  It is great to see this investment in education in Rainham with the prospect of a broader range of qualifications being made available to young people in this area. I hope that the new centre will offer more opportunities for local students as well as providing an important new community facility.”

Mrs Cheryl Hassell, the Head-teacher of the Chafford School, said:

“We intend to involve other local schools and members of the local community with environmental work based at the new building. This project is one of a number of new developments taking place at the Chafford now that it has obtained Foundation School status.

“We plan to add more rooms to this new block and the intention is to have 12 new classrooms in all.  These new classrooms are intended to be mainly devoted to sixth form teaching, once the school regains its sixth form, as it plans to do in the near future.”

Congratulating the school on its achievement in getting the new building completed so quickly, Paul Levett, Executive Director, Veolia Environmental Services said:
 

“I understand that eventually this building will be used by students undertaking the new Diplomas in Environmental and Land Based Studies.  I look forward to inviting them to the Veolia Integrated Recycling and Waste Management Facility at Rainham – where our range of activities reflects the same resource management approach as the modules.

“We will continue to work closely with the school to investigate other partnership opportunities related to the practical side of these National Curriculum modules”.

Doug Benjafield, the Chairman of the Veolia ES Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust, which provided the external funding for the building added:

“I am delighted to be back at The Chafford School to mark the completion of the third project we have funded here.  This latest contribution forms part of the £5.5 million the Trust has put into the South Hornchurch and Rainham wards over the last ten years.  The total support for the borough is currently £10.8 million – which has levered a further £16.9 million into Havering over the last decade.”

Mr Benjafield presented Lewis Outten (Deputy Head Boy) and Brogan Sargeant (Head Girl) with a challenge shield, which will be presented annually to the student who has produced the best environmental project.  Presenting the award Mr Benjafield said “I look forward to coming to The Chafford School next year – and for the next 11 years to present this award.”

Data Abuse

It’s been revealed that 610 staff at Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs have been disciplined or dismissed for breaking data security rules in the last three years.  The information was revealed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Hornchurch and Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire.  There were 238 people disciplined in 2005, 180 in 2006, and 192 in 2007 for “inappropriate access to personal or sensitive data”. 

Treasury Minister Jane Kennedy stated in the reply that “HMRC has a strict policy forbidding staff to access customer records, unless they have a legitimate business need. Breaches of this policy are taken seriously and any breach will result in the commencement of disciplinary proceedings. Each case is treated on its merits but in many cases the disciplinary penalty for breach is dismissal.”

In November 2007 HMRC lost two data discs in transit between London and Newcastle containing the records of 25 million child benefit recipients.  Despite extensive police enquiries the discs which were unencrypted have still not been found.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The Government have failed to secure people’s personal data and now we know the scale of misuse even when they manage to keep hold of it. It’s shocking that so many public officials have been sacked or disciplined for abusing people’s private details.

“Government should be setting an example on information security - instead they are a serial offender.  It underlines why the reckless handling of personal data by government officials should be made an offence.”

Child Violence

Hornchurch and Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire has warned that the exposure of very young children to acts of violence risks some of them committing violent crimes themselves in later life.  The MP’s comments came during a parliamentary debate this week on teenage knife crime. 

A study by the University of Cardiff has suggested that the number of children under 10 being admitted to A&E departments for injuries sustained from violence has doubled in the last year.  And according to information obtained by James Brokenshire from the Metropolitan Police 4,917 under 10 year olds were reported to have been the victims of violence against the person in London in 2007 - a rise of 8% on the previous year.

Commenting, James Brokenshire said:

“What path are we setting young people on at the very start of their lives if rather than receiving support and protection they are actually becoming victims of violent crime?

“The risk is that for some this desensitisation can lead to the use of extreme violence become an accepted social behaviour.  This risk is heightened by social and economic deprivation, family breakdown, lack of values and structures, under achievement in schools and poor job prospects. 

“When combined with involvement in the drugs trade, this can spiral into involvement in territorial rivalries between gangs seeking to exercise control over their areas through the use of violence.”

Parade Day

Scouts from across Hornchurch and Upminster converged on Emerson Park School on Sunday morning for their annual St George’s Day parade and service.  Hornchurch MP James Brokenshire and the Mayor of Havering Councillor Georgina Galpin attended the event and took the salute at the parade.  Several hundred Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers took part in the annual commemoration of the patron saint of England and the patron saint of scouting.  Rev. Bob Love, the vicar of South Hornchurch and Chaplin to the local scout organisations led the prayers at the service which also featured awards to scouts and scout leaders for their contribution to the scouting organisation.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:  “I remember my time in the scouts and how much I learned fm the experience.  It is great to hear that numbers have really grown in the last year and that local scouting organisations are going from strength to strength.”

Underground Upgrade

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called on Tube maintenance company Metronet to take action to improve the lighting of the pedestrian bridge crossing the railway track at Elm Park after complaints from residents over safety.  Metronet have said that they are investigating the issue and are in discussions with Havering Council on the existing lights and cabling which are currently inoperative.  The MP's call comes after residents expressed concerns over the safety of using the bridge at night and that it was acting as a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

Mr Brokenshire toured Elm Park and Upminster Bridge Underground stations on Friday to see the work that Metronet are carrying out to refurbish the stations and install new lighting, safety and information systems.  The MP was also given an assurance that a number of heritage features at Upminster Bridge station would be retained as part of the works.

Commenting James said:

"Commuters and other tube users will be pleased to see the upgrading work that is being carried out.  With the uncertainty surrounding the administration of Metronet and the associated financial problems it is good to see the refurbishment that is underway, albeit that some timelines have had to be pushed back.  I'm told that most of the on-site work should be completed by the middle of the summer.

"Safety issues are a key concern which is why I raised the lighting on the pedestrian footbridge at Elm Park.  This has been a concern for some residents for quite some time and I hope that Metronet, in conjunction with the Council and Network Rail, will address the lighting as most people I've spoken to simply won't use the bridge at night."

Separately James Brokenshire has written to Network Rail about the delay in completing the structural works on the rail bridge crossing the road at Upminster Bridge.  Temporary traffic lights remain in operation causing continuing disruption.  James added:  "Local residents are starting to become frustrated and angry at the length of time it is taking to complete these repairs."

Home Con Crime Up

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has condemned fraudsters for preying on elderly and vulnerable Havering residents after crime figures revealed that the Borough has one of the highest rates of distraction burglary in London.  According to figures released by the Home Office this week, offences where conmen pretending to be officials or representatives of utility companies gain access to people’s homes, distract them and then steal money and valuables have significantly increased in Havering in the last year.  In 2005-6 there were 101 reported cases but in 2006-7 this had risen to 169 – the seventh highest in London.  Across the capital distraction burglary has increased by around a third.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“It is disturbing that the number of bogus caller crimes has jumped in the last year.  These figures underline the need for people to be vigilant and to ask for proper ID before letting people into their homes.

“This sort of crime really is the lowest of the low, with con-men deliberately preying on the most frail and vulnerable members of our community.  These fraudsters deserve nothing but contempt.” 

Information on practical steps you can take to keep safe can be obtained from Havering Neighbourhood Watch on 01708 779502 or via their website at http://haveringnhw.org/

Family GPs in peril?

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has warned that proposals to create new super-clinics or ‘polyclinics’ risk breaking the link between patients and their GP.  The Department of Health’s proposals for healthcare in London have polyclinics as a key reform in plans to a shake-up of primary care services.  The new centres would potentially combine a number of GP practices with diagnostic and other treatment facilities in one building.  However, one of the consequences of the proposal is that the established link of patients having an identified GP could be ended breaking the continuity currently offered by a family doctor over a number of years.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The GPs I have spoken to are very angry at these plans.  They see polyclinics as a back-door way of breaking the GP – patient link.  Most people have an on-going relationship with their family doctor over a number of years and I believe that continuity enhances the care that GPs provide.  Moving to an impersonal ‘customer service’ type relationship, albeit in more modern premises, would break a fundamental part of what people expect from the NHS and the service they currently enjoy. 

“It’s also questionable how the ‘polyclinics’ model would fit in with the new-build health clinics which have recently been established in the Borough, such as the South Hornchurch Health Centre. The Primary Care Trust has signed up to these new facilities on the back of long terms contracts with the private sector.

“I think we do need to improve the scope and nature of health facilities in the community to reduce the need for people to have to go to hospital for care and treatment.  But this should not be at the expense of the established GP relationship.  People appreciate having a doctor they know and trust and can call on at times of need when they are sick.  We shouldn’t just throw this away.”

Road Safety Move

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire will seek permission from MPs today to introduce a bill aimed at reducing the number of young deaths on Britain’s roads.  The Road Traffic Safety Bill would introduce a new offence punishable by up to three years imprisonment of aggravated dangerous driving for driving dangerously after failing to stop when requested by the police.  The measure is supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Police Federation.  Other proposals would require much greater emphasis in the driving theory test and road safety campaigns on the impact, realities and consequences of being involved in a serious road traffic accident.

In 2006, the last year for which figures are available, 3,200 people lost their lives as a result of road accidents – either as drivers, passengers or pedestrians.  A third of the victims were under 25 years of age.  Whilst the total number of fatalities has decreased over the last five years, the number of fatalities amongst young drivers in the under 25 age group has actually gone up from 537 to 606 – an increase of 13%.

In 2006/7 155 people were killed or seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions on public roads during immediate/emergency responses and police pursuit.  A number of pursuits occur when offenders choose to evade arrest having committed relatively minor offences.  Research has shown that the main reason offenders use a vehicle to try to make their escape is that they are not deterred by the low level of punishment they perceive will result from their actions.  Some reports indicate that the prospect of a custodial sentence would cause offenders to abandon their vehicle at an early stage and escape on foot.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Over recent years the number of fatalities involving young drivers and the number of deaths arising from pursuits has shown a disturbing upward trend.  These figures also don’t convey the tragedy of a life cut short and the loss of the friends, family and love ones left behind.  I’ve heard some moving testimony from those involved with the aftermath of a serious road smash and believe that relatively minor changes to the law could help to reduce the death toll on Britain’s roads.

“I believe that by putting greater emphasis in the driving test on the consequences of dangerous driving and bringing home the stark reality of being involved in a serious accident would help to change attitudes.  Sadly too many young, normally male, drivers think it is the right thing to do to try and show off to their mates when they are behind the wheel of a car with tragic consequences.

“Similarly, the instant someone decides to accelerate away from the police to avoid capture they make a decision to enter an extremely high-risk arena where a number of lives other than their own are put at risk.  I believe that the current law isn’t working and that the deterrent of a custodial sentence would result in offenders simply abandoning their vehicle rather than engaging in pursuits which are inherently dangerous and difficult to contain.

“These are practical, proportionate and sensible measures to cut road deaths.  I hope they will receive the backing of MPs.”

High-rise nightmare

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has described a plan application to construct nearly 750 dwellings in blocks of up to 10 storeys high in Rainham as utterly absurd and completely unacceptable.  Weston Homes has submitted an application to Havering Council for permission for a mixed housing, retail and commercial development on the current Dovers Corner Industrial Estate. 

The plan would see 95 houses and 651 flats constructed on the site incorporating a 10 storey tower block right on the Dovers Corner roundabout.  The public have been told that they only have until 24 April to submit their objections to the plans which will ultimately be determined by the un-elected, Government-appointed London Thames Gateway Development Corporation.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Rainham’s nightmare continues with yet another wholly inappropriate development.  There is some irony that we have recently celebrated the news that the tower blocks of the Mardyke Estate just down the road will be pulled down and yet this plan risks repeating the mistakes of the 1960s all over again. 

“It is over-development on a massive scale and would create a blot on the landscape setting the tone for future application and blighting the historic Rainham conservation area just next door.  The creation of a competing retail area could also suck the remaining life-blood out of the shops in Rainham village and compromise plans for the creation of a village square to promote a greater strength of community. 

“Yes we need more homes in this area but this high-density, high-rise horror simply isn’t the way to do it.”

On-line Child Protection

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has renewed his calls for the Government to implement an international treaty on crimes committed through the internet including child pornography.  The MP’s comments come as the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) released its latest annual report this week showing that in the last year it has identified 2,755 child sexual abuse websites hosted abroad.  Whilst the IWF says that this number has remained relatively static it is urging improved international action to combat the menace of on-line child pornography and to enable more effective investigation and enforcement across borders.

The Government signed the European Convention on Cytbercrime in 2001 which was the first international treaty on crimes committed via the internet including child pornography.  As well as aligning cybercrime legislation internationally, it also incorporated provisions to speed up cyber-based investigations across borders with other participating countries.  Yet despite countries such as the United States having ratified its provisions, seven years on the Government has admitted that it only plans to start the implementation process this month with no date given as to when ratification will be completed.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The IWF have rightly highlighted the need for more concerted international action to combat child sexual abuse websites.  It is therefore even more remarkable that the Government is dragging its heels on measures that would help achieve this end.

“Despite signing an international convention to promote cross-border enforcement of these appalling on-line offences, seven years on the Government still hasn’t ratified the treaty.  This complete lack of urgency on such an important issue is scandalous and putting young people at risk.”

Conflicting Visions

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has taken Grant Shapps MP, the Shadow Housing Minister on a walkabout in South Hornchurch and Rainham earlier today to contrast two conflicting visions for the future of the area.

The visit started at the Mardyke Estate to meet with representatives from the Old Ford Housing Association and the Mardyke Youth and Community Association to hear how the direct involvement of residents is helping to shape the future redevelopment of the area.  Havering Council and Old Ford have recently been given the go ahead to demolish the six ageing tower blocks on the Mardyke and completely transform the whole community.  Old Ford took control of the estate at the start of this month to commence the process. 

The Shadow Housing Minister then took the short walk to the Beam Reach Industrial Park in Manor Way, Rainham owned by the London Development Agency and part of the Thames Gateway. The land is supposedly earmarked as a ‘zone of change’ to deliver new skilled employment opportunities, but is virtually undeveloped and has been a source of controversy following plans for a prison, a mega church and an Olympics rubble transfer station on the site.

Commenting Grant Shapps said:

“This was a really interesting visit and I enjoyed hearing the importance that has been placed on the involvement of residents in plans for the redevelopment of the Mardyke Estate.  I think we should give more say to local communities on decisions in their area rather than using ‘top down’ centrally driven targets that don’t work and don’t take account of local needs. 

“By contrast, interference by Ministers, a myriad different organisations and priorities and a lack of local engagement is simply failing to deliver the potential of the Thames Gateway.  We need to partner with communities rather than riding roughshod over them.”

James Brokenshire said:

“I wanted to show the Shadow Minister the difference that proper community engagement can make.  In one part of Rainham we are seeing exciting new plans to transform part of the community. In another a hotch-potch of controversial proposals that fail to deliver the promises of regeneration given to local people.

“In large measure this is because residents are actively involved in one and the Government is driving the process in the other to suit their own wishes.  It’s hardly surprising that Rainham residents are so angry about the controversial proposals that are coming forward.”

Supporting Teachers

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has given his support to Conservative measures to improve behaviour within schools and raise standards.  The proposals include changing the law so that teachers can physically restrain violent pupils if they need to without fear of legal sanction, establishing new protections for teachers from false and malicious allegations and allowing head-teachers to ban any items they think may cause violence or disruption in schools.

Bureaucratic rules imposed by the Government have made it harder for teachers to keep order, while false allegations and assaults on teachers have never been higher.  59% of head-teachers say that false allegations have been made against them or their staff within the last three years. Teacher surveys suggest that a third of teachers have been physically attacked and nearly one in five have been threatened with a weapon.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“There are too many legal and bureaucratic obstacles which prevent schools from excluding violent or disruptive pupils and hinder teachers from maintaining order in schools. Children can also undermine authority by making false allegations against teachers. 

“The capacity of teachers to deal with violent pupils is also constrained by a spreading culture of “no touch” - an approach that forbids teachers from touching pupils in any way. 

“We need to restore some common sense to the classroom and give teachers and heads the powers they need to tackle disruptive kids and improve standards.  I believe these measures would help achieve this goal.”

Maintaining Addiction

Figures obtained by Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire have shown that the cost of methadone prescriptions have risen by 40% in the space of just two years.  In 2006 (the last year for which figures are available) the cost of Methadone prescriptions – the heroin substitute – was over £22 million a rise of over £3 million on the previous year and £6 million higher than the amount spent in 2004. The figures were provided in response to a Parliamentary question raised by the Shadow Home Affairs Minister who said that the growing cost of methadone prescriptions was further evidence of the Government’s failure to tackle addiction and drugs.

Commenting Mr Brokenshire said:

“It is telling that in the Government’s recent drug strategy there are only two references to “recovery” and neither is in relation to recovery from drugs.  Fundamentally, the Government’s approach isn’t about ridding people of addiction - it’s about switching people from one illicit drug to a substitute prescribed drug. 

“The necessity of abstinence, which in other European countries is recognised as the key step on the road to recovery is absent from the Government’s whole approach.  We need a zero tolerance approach to drugs from our shores to our streets – with a proper border police force, the re-classification of cannabis, abstinence based rehabilitation and drug treatment in prison.”

Road Safety Move

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire is seeking backing from MPs for a private members bill to help cut the number of young people killed on the roads.  The MPs plans include introducing requirements into the driving theory test for new drivers to be tested on the real life impact of being involved in a serious motor vehicle accident as well as creating a new offence of ‘aggravated dangerous driving’ aimed at deterring people from driving recklessly to avoid arrest.

In 2006, the last year for which figures are available, 3,200 people lost their lives as a result of road accidents – either as drivers, passengers or pedestrians.  A third of the victims were under 25 years of age. Many young people are killed along with their friends in their cars, pointing to young drivers showing off and trying to show their friends what their cars can do.  Whilst the total number of fatalities has decreased over the last five years, the number of fatalities amongst young drivers in the under 25 age group has actually gone up from 537 to 606 – an increase of 13%.

James Brokenshire will outline more details of his proposals on Tuesday 22nd April.  Commenting he said:

“Too many young lives are lost on our roads each year.  If new drivers were made more aware of the real-life impact of being involved in a serious accident it may make them think twice before driving in a reckless way putting themselves and others at risk. 

“We also need to reduce the number of serious accidents arising from police pursuits through a new aggravated offence for people who knowingly drive dangerously having been asked by the Police to stop.  I am receiving support from other MPs for these plans and I hope that it will help to contribute to improved road safety.”

Reclassification Call

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has issued an ultimatum to the Home Office to avoid further delay and reclassify cannabis as a “Class B” drug to send out a clear and unequivocal message that the drug is illegal and dangerous.  The MP believes that the immediate change is necessary because of the increasing amounts of super strength ‘skunk’ cannabis seized on the streets with its link to psychosis, paranoia and schizophrenia.

The impact of the change would mean that people found in possession could face a five year jail term.  At the moment the maximum sentence is up to two years in prison, but in practice charges are rarely brought against people found in possession of small quantities of the drug.  The classification of the drug was downgraded in 2004. Last September the Prime Minister suggested that he was in favour of a change in the law, but the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs asked by the Prime Minister to report to him on the issue is said to have come out against a change.

Speaking during a House of Commons debate earlier today (Thursday), James Brokenshire called on Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker MP to make an immediate change in the law urging him “to commit right here and now to reclassify cannabis.  He has the evidence he has the power to do so, frankly he has the duty to do so.”  However, the Minister said he would await the formal outcome of the Advisory Council’s report.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"The Government's cannabis policy has descended into chaos.  This shambles has been caused by Gordon Brown's complete inability to make a decision.  Rather than take action, he took the soft option of ordering a review. He has allowed the expectation that he will reclassify to gather momentum – now he must act.”

Last Post?

In a strongly worded letter to the Post Office, Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that the loss of the Hylands branch is “completely unacceptable”, demanding that the local sub post office should remain open.  The Hylands sub post office is just one of hundreds of post offices threatened with closure across London as part of the Post Office’s ‘network change’ programme.  The consultation period on the controversial plan closes next Wednesday (2nd April)  and the MP’s letter will need to be considered by Post Office bosses as part of the consultation exercise.

In his letter James Brokenshire said:

“The Hylands branch is well supported and it strikes me as perverse that it should be forced to shut up shop on the basis of a misconceived concept of driving footfall to other post offices.  This will have the impact of making queues at the already crowded Hornchurch main post office even worse.

“Three years ago, the Hornchurch constituency suffered the loss of 5 sub post-offices on a previous ‘reorganisation’, including the branch at Albany Road, Hornchurch.  At the time the Hylands sub post office was put forward as an alternative facility for residents to use going forward - yet this branch is itself now threatened with closure. 

“During the consultation on the closure of the Albany Road post office, Postwatch recommended that this branch should not close because of the elderly population in the vicinity (there is sheltered accommodation complex nearby) and the complete lack of any public transport from the Albany Road area.  If the Hylands branch were to shut, this would compound the issue even more as the area to the south is parkland and residents would be forced to travel to the north off their own backs as there are no bus services to take them. 

“Residents in my constituency have already been hit hard by the loss of post office services arising from the mismanagement of the Post Office business and compounded by the completely inept way that the Government handled the move from ‘over the counter’ benefit payments to direct benefit payments which crystallized the current crisis.  The loss of this further important local service would be extremely damaging with some of the most vulnerable members of our community being the ones to bear the brunt.  This is completely unacceptable.”

A petition will be delivered to Downing Street next week to demonstrate the strength of opposition to local post office closure plans.

Casualty Cost

Figures obtained by Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire have shown that alcohol admissions at casualty departments run by the Barking, Havering & Redbridge NHS Hospital Trust (BHRT) have risen by an astonishing 80% since the introduction of 24 hour drinking laws.  Finished admission episodes through local hospital A&E departments where the primary or secondary diagnosis was alcohol related shot up from 897 in 2004/5 (the year prior to the introduction of the Licensing Act) to 1,620 in 2006/7.  BHRT runs the Queens Hospital in Romford and King George’s Hospital in Goodmayes.

Across the country alcohol related admissions have risen by 26% since the introduction of the licensing laws, with the average rise across London being 31%.  The information was provided by the Department of Health in response to a parliamentary question raised by the local MP.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“These figures put in stark focus the real cost of excessive alcohol consumption and the pressures faced by our local hospital casualty departments.  I am astounded that hard pressed doctors and nurses are having to deal with 80% more alcohol cases at A&E in the space of just two years. 

“It highlights just how cavalier and irresponsible the Government were in introducing 24 hour drinking with virtually every corner shop and petrol filling station now holding a booze license and with big retailers selling alcohol around the clock.  The consequences are more drink fuelled violence in the early hours of the morning with A&E departments increasingly having to pick up the hangover of excessive booze consumption.

“We have simply got to give councils much stronger controls on the licenses that are issued and the conditions that are attached to them.  The current situation cannot be maintained.  This should be backed up by concerted action to deal with below cost sales, tougher enforcement on under-age purchases and targeted taxation on those products most closely associated with binge boozing.”

Death Drink Toll

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has revealed that nearly 7,000 people are dieing each year where alcohol is a factor - and the number is going up every year.  Details provided to the MP by the Office of National Statistics showed that in 2006 (the latest year for which figures are available) there were 6,964 alcohol related deaths– a rise of 5% on the previous year and an astonishing 46% jump on the numbers ten years ago.  The largest increases have been amongst men in their fifties.  Alcohol related deaths have been rising year on year since 1997.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“These figures put in stark focus the true cost of excessive alcohol consumption.  When you look at the clear upward trend identified in the number of alcohol related deaths it is astonishing that the Government has take such a laid back approach to booze consumption.  It also highlights that they were completely cavalier in the introduction of the Licensing Act which boosted supply, with virtually every corner shop and petrol filling station now selling alcohol and the big retailers being granted 24 hour licenses. 

“It’s almost inevitable that the death rate will continue to rise as excessive alcohol consumption over a number of years starts to cause serious health issues.  We need concerted action to deal with below cost sales, strengthened enforcement on under-age sales and targeted taxation on those products most closely associated with binge boozing.  More generally we need a change in attitude to drinking if this inexorable rise in alcohol related deaths is to be halted.”

Gagging Order

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has described as ‘appalling’ attempts by the Government to stop Coroners from making critical comments regarding the deaths of British service personnel.  Lawyers acting on behalf of Defence Secretary Des Browne MP have applied to the High Court to stop inquests from appearing to apportion blame.  The move comes in the wake of comments made by Andrew Walker the deputy assistant coroner of Oxfordshire last month who criticised the lack of basic equipment available to troops.

Commenting James Brokenshire:

“This application amounts to seeking a gagging order on Coroners and potentially has far –reaching implications on the comments Coroners can make at inquests generally.  You can’t view this case in isolation.  If Corners are prevented from making critical comments in relation to deaths of service personnel then the same restrictions will apply in all other cases.  One of the benefits of the inquest system is that it allows for a finding of fact and if systemic failures are highlighted then I think it is precisely the Coroner’s job to highlight them and bring them to wider attention.” 

“If the Government thinks there is such a problem then they need to review the whole system.  It’s appalling that the Secretary of State for Defence should be making this application when the draft Coroner’s Bill proposing reform of the inquest system has been sitting on the shelf collecting dust for almost two years.  If they are serious about this issue, then they should make Parliamentary time to bring forward proposals properly rather than rushing off to Court to try to silence critical coroners.”

'Plastic Pain' risk grows

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has warned people to be vigilant in monitoring fraudulent transactions on their bank and credit card accounts after plastic card fraud rose to more than £0.5 billion last year.  Figures released this week by APACS, the UK payments association, show that credit and debit card fraud losses on UK issued cards rose by 25% in 2007 to £535.2 million. Some of the biggest rises involved the use of counterfeit cards.  This type of fraud has been identified in some petrol filling stations (including in Hornchurch) where account information is ‘skimmed’ when cards are put into electronic terminals for payment and the information ‘cloned’ onto a new card which is then used by criminals, often abroad.  Other sharp rises involved internet fraud.

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has hit out at the Government failings in dealing with this growing threat.  Since April 2007 financial fraud cannot be reported to the Police directly – it now has to be reported to the bank or credit card company first who then decide whether to report the matter to the Police.  Even if they do it is then at the discretion of local forces whether they do anything about it.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I suspect that the real picture is even worse than these figures suggest.  It is absurd that the system for dealing with financial frauds introduced by the Government almost encourages under-reporting and inaction. 

“If you try and report this type of crime to the Police you get turned away.  If you do inform your bank, there’s no incentive for them to pass the matter onto the Police for recording for fear of raising concerns over the true scale of the problem.  Even if they do Government targets do nothing to incentivise the Police to do anything about it anyway. 

“I’m calling for the system to be changed urgently with new reporting and recording mechanisms to provide better intelligence and better enforcement.  Too many people are falling victim to the ‘plastic pain’ of card fraud and people need to be vigilant.”

Further information on fraud prevention can be found at www.apacs.org.uk.

Lethal Blade Ban

MPs are expected to give their final approval to new regulations restricting the sale, re-sale and import of lethal samurai swords next week.  Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has been campaigning for a change in the law for several years after three serious incidents in the Hornchurch area - one where a man’s hand was severed, another involving a serious assault and a third where mothers and toddlers were forced to flee from a play-site when a man started wielding a sword in the area that the youngsters were playing in James Brokenshire has hit out at the ease with which samurai swords can be bought with the lethal blades available on the high street, in market stalls and at car boot sales.  The MP introduced a private members bill in 2006 seeking restrictions on the sale of the weapons which have become increasingly linked to organised gang crime and has been pressing the Home Office to change the law.

The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment) Order 2008 will make it an offence punishable by six months imprisonment or a fine to manufacture, sell or hire a samurai sword.  There are further restrictions on their import into the UK.  Exemptions will apply for martial arts enthusiasts, historical re-enactments and collectors of rare Japanese artefacts.  Subject to the backing of a committee of MPs on Monday, the new law will come into effect on 6 April.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“This measure is long overdue. Whilst it is only a small step in the fight against knife crime, if it helps to save one life it will have been worth it.  I’ve been shocked at how easy it is to buy one of these deadly weapons – almost as easy as buying a Lotto ticket. 

“It’s right that restrictions should be put on their availability.  This new law strikes the right balance as it targets the blades used by criminal gangs as a weapon of choice without penalising lawful martial arts enthusiasts and collectors of rare weaponry. 

“This will give the Police an additional tool to help combat the increasing menace of knife crime.  It is now their responsibility to ensure that this new power is used robustly and effectively to help protect the public.”

Combating On-line Crime

“We should establish a new police unit dedicated to fighting the increasing menace of internet crime” – that’s the message from James Brokenshire in a policy report authored by the Hornchurch and Rainham MP which was published yesterday.  “Cybercrime in the UK” highlights the growing threat posed by criminal gangs and fraudsters using the internet to prey on unwary computer users.  A recent report, by online identity experts Garlik, suggests that more than three million online crimes took place in Britain last year - one every ten seconds.   Yet nine out of ten offences go unreported because victims believe the police will be unable or unwilling to investigate.

Other proposals include:
 establishing a Fraud and Cybercrime Complaint Centre – a single reporting centre for cybercrime;
 promoting cybersafety and cybersecurity as a core part of all ICT training in schools and colleges;
 designating a single minister for cybercrime - responsible for co-ordinating policy on cybersecurity, cybercrime prevention and international co-operation; and
 imposing an obligation on financial service companies to report all malicious security incidents affecting their computer systems to the Information Commissioner and if required by him to notify their customers.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“We need both tactical and strategic improvement to deal with the growing threat of cybercrime.  We need a response that addresses gaps in our knowledge and the scope of the problem and which places the concepts of on-line risk assessment and risk mitigation as a much higher priority within government, business and amongst individuals.  Current Government inaction and inertia is putting us all at greater risk.”

Total recall

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has told the BBC’s Politics Show that he supports the idea that electors should be able to petition for their MP to be subject to a recalled election if they have been in serious breach of standards.  The concept is already in place in a number of states in the US where a certain proportion of the electorate can call for their representative to be subject to a run-off election.  In the television interview due to be broadcast on Sunday the MP will say that he believes that such a measure should be introduced in the UK to reconnect politicians with those who elect them and to help restore trust and confidence in the political system.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The vast majority of MPs go into politics out of a sense of public service and many give up careers and well-paid jobs out of a sense of wanting to make a difference for the community they represent.  Yet there is a problem at the moment in terms of the faith that members of the public have in their elected representatives with a view that ‘you’re all as bad as one another’.

“To an extent this can be addressed by a proper review of our benefits and salaries and the way in which we disclose information.  We also need to look at the procedures of the House of Commons which seem very distant, arcane and irrelevant to many.  But this is only part of the picture. 

“I think there needs to be a much stronger on-going connection between politicians and their electorates.  I just don’t think it is sustainable to say that if there has been a significant breach of the rules, well you will just have to wait to vote that person out at the next election which could be in several years time.  Having a recall procedure, subject to appropriate safeguards to ensure that it isn’t used by political opponents for partisan or policy differences, would provide a mechanism for an MP’s removal if things do go badly wrong.”

Drive Survive

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called for a hard hitting education scheme aimed at reducing the number of young people killed or injured in road traffic accidents to be made more widely available.

By dramatically highlighting the consequences of inappropriate driving and vehicle control, 'Drive Survive' aims to educate young people of the risks involved and to prevent serious injury or worse.  The courses are open to 16 to 25 year olds. The aim of the Drive Survive scheme is to "save young lives" and to assist in achieving that aim, the content is graphic and hard hitting - and includes personal accounts from families affected by the loss of a relative in a car crash.

Road Traffic Collisions in the United Kingdom claim the lives of 3,500 people each year, a third of which are aged between 17 and 25 years of age. A number of young people are killed along with their friends in their cars, which points to young drivers showing off and trying to show their friends what their cars can do.

The project was established by the Cheshire emergency services and MPs received a taster of the Drive Survive presentation at the House of Commons last week.  The event was organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Child and Youth Crime of which James Brokenshire is the co-chairman.  Commenting James said:

"Too many young lives are lost on our roads each month and we need to do more to reduce this toll.  Drive Survive is hard hitting and deliberately so. It is perhaps more effective because all of the cases are real and told by those directly involved - whether that be from the fire service officer cutting someone out of a vehicle to the hospital consultant trying to save a life.

"Having sat through the presentation it certainly brings home the stark reality of reckless driving.  Drive Survive is something that could be valuable for all young drivers who are the group at highest risk and I hope this type of scheme is replicated in other parts of the country".

Action on under-age Binge Drinking

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has given his backing to Conservative proposals announced this morning (Friday) to tackle ultra cheap booze bargains and under age sales.  The plans include new legislation to put a ban on promotions selling alcohol below cost and the introduction of a tough 'three strikes and you're out' licensing policy for retailers selling alcohol to children.  The fine for persistent under-age alcohol sales would also be doubled from £10,000 to £20,000.

The announcement comes as the Shadow Home Affairs Minister visits an innovative alcohol reduction initiative in Cambridgeshire.  The St Neots Community Alcohol Project joins together Trading Standards, the Police, the Local Authority, local schools and retailers to create a strong partnership to combat under age sales.  The programme has been hailed as setting best practice nationally with Tesco calling for the scheme to be rolled out across the country.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"I welcome the new proposals as they send a clear signal to the small minority of retailers who turn a blind-eye to those buying alcohol under-age.  They will also tackle the problem of deep discounted booze bargains which in some cases result in alcohol being sold cheaper than water.

"There is no single or simple solution to the problems of binge drinking and the mayhem it causes.  What certainly hasn't helped is the irresponsible way in which the Government introduced the 24 hour licensing scheme.

"One aspect of this is to strengthen compliance with the law.  Part of this comes through education, part through maintaining effective standards and partly through tough enforcement.  The St Neots Community Alcohol Project embraces all of these concepts which is why I was so keen to meet those involved to see what lessons can be learnt for the rest of the country."

Plastic Perils

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has hit out at the way in which reports of financial fraud are reported and handled saying that the new system has created ‘double inertia’.  Since April 2007 financial fraud (such as credit card cloning and on line banking scams) can no longer be recorded by the Police directly but first have to be referred to the relevant bank or credit card company.   It is then a matter for the financial institution to decide which crimes it refers to the police for recording and subsequently up to individual chief officers to decide which crimes will be investigated.

In a Parliamentary debate this week an example of a petrol station in Bedford was used to highlight the failures in the current referral process, where 745 individual credit card details had been skimmed and yet the matter had not been referred to the Police.  According to the Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS), the trade body for the banks and financial institutions, the use of counterfeit cards using skimmed details is a growing trend.  For the first six months of 2007, plastic card fraud losses as a whole rose by 26 per cent. to £263.6 million. Of that figure, counterfeiting losses, of which skimming forms a part, amounted to £72.3 million - a rise of 37 per cent.  Full year figures for 2007 will be released next month.

Speaking during this week’s debate in Parliament James Brokenshire said:

“It seems that the system is falling down on two levels, because there are questions about whether any of the incidents are properly reported to the police and—even when they are—whether anything is done about them.  It is almost as if double inertia has been created within the system, which masks the true extent of what is going on. 

“Although we have the figures provided by APACS, the association admits that banks and financial institutions have no common standards governing the reporting of data to the centre or, indeed, whether to report it at all. That raises significant concerns because financial institutions almost have an incentive not to report. There is a fear that they do not want to show the true scale and nature of the problem, and nothing actively encourages them to do so.”

Soaring Translation Costs

Figures obtained by Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire have revealed that Police forces across the country are spending over £24 million on translation and interpreter costs per annum.  The figure has risen by £9.4 million – a jump of nearly two thirds - in just four years.  The latest total amounts to an astonishing £2,700 every hour.  A number of police forces have indicated that recent sharp increases in migration have put pressure on budgets and police time, with officers having to communicate with witnesses and suspects in as many as 100 different languages.

The information was revealed in responses received from Freedom of Information Act requests raised by James Brokenshire with the 43 police forces in England and Wales.  Responses from the Metropolitan Police showed that the force spent £9,625,989 on translation costs in 2006/7 – over £2 million more than they spent in 2003/4.  Essex Police spent £527,510 in the last year – a rise of 136% on the figure four years ago.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"These figures demonstrate very clearly the direct consequences on police forces of the Government's lack of control on levels of migration.  At a time when Labour is squeezing budgets, it is astonishing that the police are spending a high – and increasing – amount on translation and interpreter services.  This increased cost over four years could have funded nearly 200 additional officers to crack down on crime.
 
"In a week when the Government is talking about raising money from potential migrants to help fund public service costs, these numbers underline that this money could get swallowed up by the police alone.  It underlines why annual limits on migration reflecting both economic need and the impact on public services are so important and just how divorced from reality the Government has become."

Post Office Closure Plans

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has condemned Post Office plans to close the Hylands sub-post office on Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch as part of a ‘Network Change Programme’ for London.  The plan published on Tuesday forms part of a national programme to shut 2,500 post offices across the country and proposes the closure of around 170 branches across the London boroughs including 4 other sub post offices in Havering.  The Post Office has put its plans out to public consultation until 2nd April with no proposed closures being implemented before June.

Over the last few years the post office business has been hit hard by the loss of a number of key services.  The Government’s decision to stop paying benefits ‘over the counter’ at the post office in favour of transfers into people’s bank accounts resulted in a significant reduction in trade which was compounded by a failure to market the Post Office’s own bank account effectively.  The ability to obtain TV licences, driving licences, passports and tax discs from other retailers and on-line has also had a significant impact on the business.  Last May the Government announced that 2,500 post offices would need to shut up shop as part of a recovery plan.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Many people rely on the post office to access services and this latest news coming on top of the five post office closures just three years back highlights the Government’s mismanagement of the Post Office business.  Rather than finding solutions to attract new business and to allow sub-post offices to offer new services, the Government seems happy to simply manage their decline.  The damage to the network was made worse by their mis-handling of the transfer of benefits from cash payments to crediting bank accounts directly.

“In 2005 the Hylands Post Office was put forward up as an alternative location when the Albany Road Post Office was shut.  Now this supposed alternative is being taken away.  With sheltered accommodation close by and areas served by the Hylands branch not linked with effective public transport, closure is not an acceptable option. I will fight this plan tooth and nail.”

School Merger Debate

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire will this week use the opportunity of a House of Commons debate to highlight the impact of Government regulations on school proposals in Havering.  Under plans currently being considered by Havering Council, Dunningford School in Elm Park has been ear marked for closure with a new two form primary school being constructed on the site of Ayloff School.  Originally the Council had planned to merge Dunningford and Ayloff as part its school reorganisation proposals to satisfy Government requirements to deal with surplus primary places within the Elm Park area in a way which maintained equality of treatment between the two schools.  But education officials were forced to re-think the plans after it became clear that recent changes to schools regulations prevented a merger to go ahead on these terms.  The Council then opted to close Dunningford rather than adopting a new ‘competition’ process which has yet to be tested in practice. 

James Brokenshire wrote to Ed Balls MP the Secretary of State for Children Schools and Families seeking an exemption from the new regulations to allow the original merger plan to proceed.  However, the Department declined to provide a waiver saying that they were not satisfied that the new combined school “would contribute to raising local school standards, increased diversity and greater parental choice.”

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The Council are being told by the Government that they have to take action to deal with the surplus places in Elm Park and in other parts of the Borough.  Yet at the same time regulations introduced by the Government appear to prevent an option which provides certainty and equality of treatment between two of the schools concerned.  In a situation where a Council is having to address capacity issues I question whether a complex competition process designed for the opening of a brand new school facility is necessary or appropriate.  This is a difficult and sensitive issue for everyone concerned, particularly the children, parents and staff at Dunningford and Ayloff.  I hope that this week’s debate will at least provide some clarity on the operation of the schools regulations and the application of the surplus places rules which lie at the heart of the decision making process.”

Odds Against on Alcohol Crime

Figures obtained by Hornchurch MP show chances of receiving any form of punishment for buying booze under age are tiny

'It's not quite the same odds as getting struck by lightning but its getting close'.  That's the view of Hornchurch MP James Brokenshire after uncovering that the chance of a young person receiving any form of sanction for trying to buy alcohol under age is around 1 in 282,000.

According to answers received from the Home Office to Parliamentary Questions tabled by James Brokenshire the number of prosecutions or other sanctions for those buying alcohol under-age was as follows:

• The number of defendants aged 10-17 proceeded against at magistrate’s courts for purchasing
alcohol illegally was 10 (2004); 14 (2005) and 10 (2006).

• The number of offenders cautioned was 32 (2004); 23 (2005); 13 (2006)

• The number of 16 and 17 years olds receiving a fixed penalty notice for purchasing alcohol
illegally was 17 (2005) and 62 (2006).

By contrast, according to a survey conducted by members of the British Beer and Pub Association in March 2007 more than one million people a month are being turned away from pubs for being under-age or not having the right proof of age.  Whilst there is no off-trade wide data covering refusals it is thought retailers have as big a problem with under-age attempts, with one national off-licence chain alone reporting 25,000 refusals a month.  According to the Wine and Spirits Trade Association "the pressure facing retailers is getting worse".

Assuming a conservative estimate of 24 million refusals per annum and to take 2006 as the year with the highest number of recorded sanctions in all categories issued against youngsters for buying alcohol at 85 in total, this would give you odds of 1 in 282,000 of receiving any form of sanction for trying to buy alcohol under-age.

Commenting James Brokenshire MP said:

"Whilst we don't want to criminalise thousands of young people, it is clear that the law simply isn't being enforced.  These figures show that the law is meaningless for youngsters attempting to buy booze under-age, as the risk of receiving any kind of sanction for breaking the law is miniscule.

"It is absolutely right that licensees selling alcohol illegally should be punished, but there are two sides to this and more needs to be done to stop youngsters trying to purchase in the first place.  This imbalance isn't right and we need to look at ways in which teenagers can be made to appreciate that they are responsible for their actions and there are meaningful consequences if they break the law."

Hospital update

Financial issues continue to put pressure on Barking Havering and Redbridge NHS Hospitals Trust as the local health provider forecasts a deficit of £40 million for the current financial year.  At a meeting with Trust Chairman Eric Nath and Acting Chief Executive John Goulston this week, Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire heard that the health body which runs the Queen's Hospital in Romford still has significant challenges ahead in order to turn around its performance.

But despite the down-beat assessment of the Trust's debt position, the MP was told that a number of improvements were being made to some key clinical services.  Managers also emphasized that the Trust was working hard to reassure patients over quality of care issues highlighted by a number of incidents reported in the press in recent months.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"The new Trust management need support to help find their way through the very difficult position they have been put in.  The priority in the short term has to be to re-build confidence in the services provided at the Queen's after so many stories of poor patient care.

"It will take time to turn around and the Trust recognise that there is still an extremely big job ahead of them.  However, I welcome the open and straight-forward approach which the new senior management team adopted at our meeting and hope that the service improvements we discussed will be forthcoming in the very near future."

Child Crime Exploitation

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has highlighted the urgent need to address the increasing problem of child trafficking during a parliamentary debate this week.  Press reports and information from the police indicates that young children are being brought across to this country from Romania and other parts of Eastern Europe by organised criminal gangs and are then being used to carry out petty crime and other unlawful activity. 

A report by UNICEF has indicated that in an in an 18-month period, 330 children were believed to have been trafficked into the UK.  Of this number 183 had gone missing from the care of local authority social services departments even when they had been identified and supposedly brought into care.
Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The fact that children face a life of enslavement at a time in their lives when they should expect to be nurtured, protected and supported is one of the worst, most disturbing and distressing aspects of any system imaginable.

“A horrendous situation exists in which children come into the protection of the state, but the state cannot deliver on its obligations to them; they should be protected.  Arrangements should also be made to ensure that they are returned swiftly to their country of origin and that once there they are no simply re-trafficked.

“The recent focus has been on Roma children but another example concerns the Vietnamese community and the cannabis factories that are being raided at the moment, and there are findings of children being exploited, misused and abused.

“These very are serious issues and deserve real focus and attention, as well as action from the Government rather than just words.”

Post Office Threat

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire will meet with officials from the Post Office this week to discuss proposals which could lead to even more sub-post offices being shut across Havering and the rest of London.  The Post Office is due to release proposals in the course of the next few weeks as part of its “Network Change” plan for the London area.  In other parts of the country this has led to the loss of a number of branches.  Yet it is little more than three years ago when five sub-post offices were closed in the Hornchurch constituency.  Questions are already being raised about the future of the Hylands branch on the Hornchurch Road with suggestions that it will be named on a hit list for closure.

Over the last two years the post office business has been hit hard by the loss of a number of key services.  The Government’s decision to stop paying benefits ‘over the counter’ at the post office in favour of transfers into people’s bank accounts resulted in a significant reduction in trade which was compounded by a failure to market the Post Office’s own bank account effectively.  The ability to obtain TV licences, driving licences, passports and tax discs from other retailers and on-line has also had a significant impact on the business.  Last May the Government announced that 2,500 post offices would need to shut up shop as part of a recovery plan.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“It seems ludicrous to me that we should be discussing any more closures in this area given the cuts that have already been made in the last few years.  The Government has completely mis-managed the situation and seems to have its heads very firmly in the sand over the importance that the post office network provides to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.  I will fight any further planned closures in the Hornchurch area tooth and nail.”

Train Capacity Questions

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that news that train operator C2C could receive 10 additional 4 carriage trains to ease overcrowding is a positive development, but other measures will be required to ease the crush for commuters travelling into London. 

Earlier this week Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly MP announced details of additional rolling stock to increase train capacity and ease overcrowding.  C2C services (which run through Rainham and Upminster) are earmarked for 40 more carriages.  The plan covers the period through until 2014 but provides no details on when the additional trains, which are likely to be re-deployed from other existing services, would be delivered.  Under the plan longer trains are proposed for the morning and evening peak services.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The promise of additional rolling stock is all very well, but for this plan to work we will need the additional infrastructure to go with it.  Before the last election Rainham was promised a station upgrade to allow 12 car trains to run on the line to Fenchurch Street.  Yet straight after the election the plan was kicked into the long grass. 

“Signalling and other constraints mean that there is a physical limit on the number of trains running into London. Commuters are already putting up with overcrowding on rush hour services without taking account of expected passenger growth.  If the Department of Transport is serious about delivering improvements for commuters in this area, it will need to commit to extending the platform at Rainham.  If it doesn’t, this week’s announcement of additional rolling stock will be meaningless.”

A walk on the wild side

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has welcomed the opening of a new footpath in Rainham as an important step in providing much greater public access to the Thames river frontage in the south of Havering and to improve access to the RSPB Nature reserve at Rainham Marshes.  The local MP cut the ribbon at a ceremony on Friday to mark the official opening of the shared footpath and cycleway from Coldharbour Point to Aveley Bay.

The new 1.7km link forms part of the Rainham to Purfleet Riverside Path and is part of the national cycle network promoted by the charity Sustrans.  Sustrans was recently awarded a £50 million People’s Lottery grant for their Connect 2 project to revitalize walking and cycling projects in 79 communities across the country including a link between the Weald Park in Brentwood and Rainham Marshes.  Sustrans Chief Executive John Grimshaw attended the official ceremony as the footpath opening is the very first part of the Connect 2 project to be delivered.

The new path has been provided by environmental services company Veolia as part of its obligations in connection with the restoration of the Rainham Waste Management Facility in Coldharbour Lane.  Other partners included Transport for London, the London Borough of Havering and the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation.  The path around the Freightmaster Estate from Coldharbour Lane to Purfleet is the first stage of improving public access to the marshes from the centre of Rainham.  The aim is to enable more people to appreciate the quality of the environment and landscape of the Thames river frontage and Rainham Marshes as part of the London Riverside Conservation Park known as ‘Wildspace’.

Commenting, Hornchurch and Rainham MP, James Brokenshire said:

“At the moment you can live in Havering and have absolutely no idea that the Thames is on your doorstep.  We need to change that and open up the river front to greater public access so that we can all enjoy this fantastic natural resource.  The new footpath and cycle path is part of this plan to open up the Thames and I am delighted to have been invited to declare this route open.  This is good for education for our kids, good for getting people out and leading healthier lives and good for Rainham.”

Managing Director of Veolia Environmental Services, Paul Levett said:

“I am delighted that so many partners who contributed towards delivery of this stage of Wildspace are with us today, to celebrate the official opening of the footpath around the Freightmaster estate from Coldharbour Lane to Purfleet.  We always try to work with local community partners to deliver both amenity and environmental benefits.  This will culminate in the restoration of the landfill site in 2018 for controlled public access and nature conservation purposes as part of the Wildspace Vision.”

Prison Plan Update

The Ministry of Justice has said that the planning policies relating to Beam Reach in Rainham offers ‘support for the use of the site as a prison’.  The startling news is contained in a letter to Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire and confirms the Government’s continuing examination of the Beam Reach site as the location for a large new jail. 

Nearly a year ago it was first revealed that the Rainham business park was the Government’s preferred option for a new 1,500 offender prison in East London and Essex.  10,000 people marched through the streets of Rainham last April to demonstrate their opposition to the proposals.  The land is supposed to be being used as a “zone of change” within the Thames Gateway to kick-start the local economy and act as a magnet for high skilled manufacturing companies.

A number of points are revealed in Prisons Minister David Hanson’s letter to James Brokenshire:

 The Freightmaster site in Rainham has been ruled out as a possible alternative location.  The Minister says:

“As our initial consideration of all potential sites is not yet complete, I am unable to say whether there are any possible alternatives to Beam Reach in your constituency.  I will advise of the position once this study is complete.  We do not regard the Freightmaster Site as suitable for prison development on the grounds of contamination (it is a former landfill site); foundation design; location; access and lack of public transport.”

 The Government intends to act on the recommendations of Lord Carter on prison capacity including the building of 3 large ‘Titan’ jails housing around 2,500 prisoners each in London, the West Midlands and North West.  In relation to how Beam Reach might relate to these revised policy objectives, David Hanson says that the Ministry of Justice needs “to assess how [the Titan jail plan] fits with the original proposals to provide new prison places in these areas.”

 The Ministry of Justice believes that the planning policies relating to Beam Reach are helpful to any prison plan for the site.  David Hanson notes in relation to the Havering Local Development Framework (the main planning policy document for the borough):

“Specific representations were not made in respect of the use of the Beam Reach site as a prison because at the time of the consultation [on the LDF] no decision had been taken about the proposed site.  Nevertheless the site’s local planning designation together with the strategic planning context and national planning advice support the use of the site as a prison.”

 Other Government Departments have been advised of the Ministry of Justice’s “interest in the Beam Reach site”.

 Despite the Ministry’s stated interest in Rainham, no decision has yet been taken to proceed with the development of a new prison at Beam Reach and no timescale has been set for reaching a decision.  The Minister says: “I cannot indicate when a final decision will be taken.  This will depend on the outcome of our ongoing work to examine all potential sites.”

Commenting, Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire said:

“The prospect of a mega prison continues to hover like a huge great storm cloud over plans to regenerate and renew the Rainham area.  It is inevitable that the continuing uncertainty will affect the appetite for new businesses to relocate to Rainham and start to offer the skilled employment opportunities that the area is crying out for. 

“Despite the huge show of public opposition last Spring, this letter doesn’t suggest that much has changed since we first heard that Beam Reach was the Government’s ‘preferred option’ for a new prison in East London and Essex.  No other sites are referred to and the Minister makes clear that one alternative site has actually been ruled out.  The references in the Minister’s letter to the proposals for the new ‘Titan’ jails also indicate to me that Rainham is being considered as a potential home for one of these huge prisons. 

“The Government have got themselves in a complete mess over prison capacity and are scrabbling around for solutions with Rainham in the firing line.  Local people will be beginning to wonder what on earth they have done wrong as, yet again, the area is at risk of being used as a dumping ground for the rest of London’s problems.

“It looks as if the placards will need to be dusted down again.  This is an issue that has certainly not gone away.”

Business Briefing

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has met with local representatives of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to discuss the current economic environment and the challenges facing firms in the local area. 

At a meeting at the House of Commons the MP was told of the FSB’s serious concerns about proposed changes to business taxes and their likely impact on entrepreneurs and family run enterprises. On a more day to day matter FSB representatives highlighted how delays by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in processing VAT registrations was resulting in additional costs and practical problems for firms having to re-issue invoices.  The MP also heard that many local businesses aren’t claiming rate relief to which they are entitled as there is no duty on local authorities to let firms know that they may be entitled to a reduction in their rates bill.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“This was a very useful meeting as small businesses are the backbone of the economy.  It looks as if 2008 is going to be a tough year for all firms in the context of the credit crisis, rising costs and a potential market slow-down. 

“We need to listen carefully to the concerns of those at the sharp end and lobby Government where it is clear that the system isn’t working and is acting as an unnecessary burden on business.  I have taken away a number of points, particularly on VAT and business rate relief and will be making further enquiries on the concerns that were expressed to me.”

Holocaust Memorial

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire will sign a book of commitment this week as part of nationwide events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.  The MP will pledge is support for the annual day of remembrance on Sunday 27th January and will join other civic leaders in Havering at a special commemoration to honour those who were killed in the Holocaust and individuals who risked their lives to help those being persecuted.

This year’s events will have greater poignancy for the MP who visited the death camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau with local students at the end of last year.  The Holocaust Educational Trust arranges for sixth form students from across the country to visit the Nazi concentration camp and gain a much better understanding of the nature and scale of the crimes committed.  James Brokenshire will produce and present a special programme on Havering’s community radio station Link FM 92.2 between 1 and 2pm on Saturday 26th January to reflect on his experiences of visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

It is estimated that as many as 1.5 million people perished at the death camp between the years of 1940-1945.  The vast majority were Jewish deportees who perished in the gas chambers immediately after arrival.  January 27th is chosen for Holocaust Memorial Day to mark the anniversary of the liberation in 1945 of Auschwitz-Birkenau, probably the most infamous concentration and extermination camp.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Anti-Semitism, racism and prejudice sadly still continue to be a part of life in Britain in 2008. That’s why Holocaust education is more important than ever.  The aim of Holocaust Memorial Day is to remind people of the past and to motivate people to ensure that the horrendous crimes, racism and victimisation committed during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides are neither forgotten nor repeated.

“I am glad that I’ve been able to see Auschwitz for myself and will remember the experience for the rest of my days.  It is harrowing.  It does show the absolutely darkest side of humanity.  But it underlines why we must always remember, why we must cherish the freedoms we enjoy today and ensure that acts of such evil, brutality and sheer depravity can never be allowed to happen again.”

Stronger communities to combat crime

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that a combination of tough enforcement and strengthening the ‘social fabric’ of families and communities is required to bear down on crime and anti-social behaviour.  The Shadow Home Affairs Minister’s comments came during a key note speech to over 200 Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators in Nottingham.  During his forty five minute presentation on addressing unacceptable behaviour the MP praised the work of Neighbourhood Watch for drawing people together “with the shared responsibility of preventing crime, stopping criminals and making communities safer.”

James Brokenshire told Neighbourhood Watch representatives:

“If we are to make long lasting and sustained changes we have to deal with the underlying issues of social and family breakdown, the symptoms of which are shown through the unacceptable behaviour played out in our communities and through the coarsening of our inter-relationships with one another.
 
“There is a direct link between broken homes (and fatherlessness in particular) and the educational under-achievement, emotional instability and social disengagement which can lead to crime and unacceptable behaviour.  A fundamental challenge for our society is therefore to help families stay together.

“Crime and unacceptable behaviour are also partly a response to idleness and lack of spending money.  Proper employment is the most pressing need for many young people – even if they do not recognise the need themselves. There are more young people not in education or employment today than there were ten years ago and there are now nearly five million people on out of work benefits. 

“As young people approach adulthood they should be full of enthusiasm for their future. They should see opportunities calling to them from every direction in society. They should see obstacles as exciting challenges, and they should feel connected, valued and supported.

“For many young people in Britain today, this optimism is far from their sense of reality. The unacceptable behaviour committed by the minority blight the lives of far too many people and stigmatise young people as a whole.”
 
He added that:

“There is a clear responsibility on Government to ensure that the police are able to stop criminal and unacceptable behaviour.  That’s why I believe that police reform is so important to free them from the paperwork, targets and bureaucracy and make them accountable to local people. 

“That when someone has broken the bounds of acceptable behaviour that the penalties are more effective.  That’s why we need to give magistrates more powers and make the sanctions available more robust.”

Fallen into Disrespect

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has described the Government's approach to combating anti-social behaviour as lacking "coherency, consistency or any vision of how to address the underlying causes of social and family breakdown of which crime and unacceptable behaviour are symptomatic." The Shadow Home Affairs Minister's assessment comes in a detailed analysis of the Government's 'Respect' Action Plan which was launched two years ago.

In the document entitled "Fallen into Disrespect" the MP highlights the fact that since the launch of the Government's Respect initiative, anti-social behaviour has increased, a number of key measures have been scrapped and various targets missed.  The document was released by David Cameron, the Leader of the Opposition, on a visit to Salford yesterday.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"The Government itself is part of the problem.  Its short term measures have thrown up new problems with the absurdity of the ASBO being viewed as a 'badge of honour'. And its rigid, centralised, bureaucratic command and control structure has failed to empower communities to address their local problems.

"I believe it is time for an entirely new approach. Recognising that families and communities are more effective at instilling a culture of respect and responsibility than any laws, rules or regulations.  That societal change is required to promote safer and more cohesive communities.

"Rather than yet another cosmetic exercise we need a fundamental change of thinking.  We need to address the broken society rather than a broken Government."

Drug Delays

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that a new report on the way in which the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) approves new health treatments raises a number of important and serious issues for Government.  The House of Commons Health Select Committee has urged the Department of Health to examine the current process which NICE uses to approve new drug therapies.

The granting of NICE approval enables Primary Care Trusts to authorise payment of such new treatments for patients on the NHS.  In Scotland, which has a separate vetting process, drugs can be approved for use in a matter of months, yet in England & Wales validation can take anything up to a year.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"It is right and appropriate that there should be a proper assessment mechanism for new drug treatments to ensure that they do offer clear clinical benefits at a proportionate cost.  But with continuing innovations and scientific break-throughs in combating serious illnesses, it is important that patients should be able to access appropriate new treatments at the earliest practical opportunity.

"It does seem odd that patients 'north of the border' should be able to benefit from innovative new remedies considerably earlier than similar patients in England.   For some people who are seriously ill this could literally be the difference offer life or death. That's why I think it is entirely right for this report to highlight this serious issue and raise searching questions of the Department of Health."

New Year Financial Squeeze

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has warned that many families will find it difficult to pay their bills in 2008 as double digit increases in gas and electricity charges combine with a squeeze on credit.  Utility company nPower has revealed that electricity prices for its domestic customers will rise by 12.7%, while gas bills will see a 17.2% increase.  The higher changes come in from today (Saturday). 

The news comes at the same time as the Bank of England is forecasting tough financial times ahead.  In its latest quarterly Credit Conditions Survey, it warns that the number of households defaulting on their mortgage payments is expected to rise in the first quarter of 2008 and that "recent financial market turbulence as well as expected changes in the cost and availability of funds, would point to lower credit supply".

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“This news will be a very unwelcome start to the New Year for many families.  There have been warning signs for some time about levels of personal debt and the fiasco over the Northern Rock and the associated reduction in the availability of credit have brought this to a head.  Whilst some people may have got used to borrowing their way through short term financial difficulties caused by increases in the cost of living, it does look as if loans will be harder to come by in 2008.

“With levels of personal debt reaching record levels at around £1.3 trillion we have created a culture of live today, pay tomorrow with a view that tomorrow will never come.  This simply isn’t sustainable and sadly for some these increases in gas and electricity charges will provide a serious reality check.

“At this time of the year I’m particularly concerned at the impact that these sharp rises in utility charges will have on those on fixed incomes such as pensioners.  With winter still very much with us it is important for pensioners on low incomes to know that help and advice is available from organisations such as Havering Age Concern.  They can be contacted on 01708 796600.”

Tougher Data Laws

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that he welcomes a Parliamentary report calling for more stringent data protection laws.  In its report “Protection of Private Data”, the House of Commons Justice Select Committee highlights the lack of any criminal offence for intentional or reckless disclosure of personal information and the fact that as the law currently stands, Government departments or agencies cannot be held criminally responsible for data protection breaches.  The report comes in the wake of Government losses of the personal details of 25 million child benefit claimants and DVLA information on 3 million candidates for the driving theory test

Commenting, James Brokenshire, said:

“We live at a time when personal data is becoming the currency of the modern age making it more important and more valuable.  There need to be effective safeguards to ensure that the protection of this sensitive information is given greater priority.  The current framework has not kept pace with the speed of change and the increasing volume of sensitive information on all of us which is being shared between Government agencies and other organisations. 

“It is right that we should look at penalties, but it is equally important that the Information Commissioner who has responsibility for investigating breaches should have sufficient enforcement powers to conduct spot checks where suspicions have been raised.  I also think we need to examine positive requirements for people holding personal information to be required to notify the Information Commissioner as soon as practicable after a data breach has come to light.

“The recent scandals involving HMRC and the DVLA have highlighted the urgency of the situation and.  It is high time that the current law received a full overhaul.”

Anti-social Behaviour Shambles

Government spin doctors have issued press releases saying how useful a weapon against anti-social behaviour the non-emergency 101 number will be over the festive period – despite the fact that they have withdrawn funding for this project.  To compound this shambles, in response to a Parliamentary question raised by Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire, the Home Office have revealed that the cost to the tax-payer of launching, spinning and then abandoning the 101 number was £41m.

In March 2006 the non-emergency 101 number was launched with Ministers claiming it would combat issues like “vandalism, graffiti, fly-tipping, abandoned cars, relentless noise and nuisance neighbours” which “have a long lasting and corrosive effect on the quality of people's lives."  They claimed it would “tackle the anti-social behaviour that blights local communities.” It was a Government pledge in the 2005 Labour party manifesto.

Yet last month it was reported that funding for the 101 number will cease in March 2008.  Despite this the Home Office have had the audacity to issue press releases highlighting how “drunk-fuelled rowdy behaviour, loud parties, threatening and abusive behaviour” can ruin Christmas and saying if residents “don’t want it they can 101 it, and be certain to reach a highly trained adviser who will be on-hand 24/7”.

Commenting, James Brokenshire, said:

“While it is small comfort that the line will be available over the festive season this is yet another example of Labour’s approach to combating the scourge of anti-social behaviour: Announce a measure with a massive fanfare, promising it will make a real difference, only to quietly drop it a short while later, leaving towns and communities up and down the country no-better off. In this case the tax-payer has also been landed with a £41million bill.

“When will the Government learn that the scourge of anti-social behaviour causes real anguish and distress to communities all over Britain? It requires sustained and consistent action ranging from putting more police on our streets to catch and deter offenders, to tackling the causes of crime such as family breakdown and truancy.  As long as they remain convinced that there role is merely to launch an initiative and spin it for all it’s worth every few months, without making it work, they will show themselves to be part of the problem, not the solution.”

Shop Violence

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has described a new report showing that violence against retail staff had jumped by 30% in the last year as ‘very disturbing’.  The Co-operative Movement Retail Crime Survey 2007 shows that the number of incidents of assault at 15 participating stores had increased from 667 incidents in 2005/6 to 870 incidents in 2006/7 – the highest number since the survey began in 2000.  Overall, reported crime incidents increased by 15% and recorded losses from retail crime jumped by 15% from £3.79million in 2005/6 to £4.37million in 2006/7.

James Brokenshire visited the Co-operative store in Elm Park in July to discuss the problem of assaults on employees and heard how a member of staff had been forced off work after a serious assault.  According to the shop workers union USDAW, over 10,000 retail workers are physically assaulted each year and hundreds of thousands are subject to verbal abuse and intimidation.

Commenting James said:

“The festive season is a time when shop assistants and other staff are under a lot of pressure with so many of us wanting to get a bargain in the sales, but it is utterly unacceptable that people going about their work should also have to put up with any violence or abuse.  Increasingly, shop staff are on the front-line in dealing with the anti-social and abusive behaviour that has become all too common in recent years.  We need to support them and support the police in saying that this criminal activity will not be tolerated.”

Data Law

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire is calling for a review of the law after it was revealed that the latest Government loss of personal information was only notified to the data protection regulator months after officials knew there was a problem.  DVLA data on three million candidates for the driving theory test was lost in transit in the United States in May when a computer hard drive disappeared.  The information stored included names, addresses and phone numbers. Yet the Information Commissioner who has responsibility for data protection issues was only informed of the breach two weeks ago.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I think that there is a case for placing a statutory duty on public bodies to inform the public of serious data breaches.  It's extraordinary that Ministers were under no duty to inform the Information Commissioner's Office of the latest loss of personal data, and we now know that they failed to do so for months.”

“Public confidence has been undermined not just by the Government's serious mishandling of personal data, but by the sense that people are being kept in the dark.  The Government has a responsibility to handle data properly, and that should require it to notify the public, through the Information Commissioner, immediately if personal data has been compromised.”

Youth Volunteering

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire is to join a cross-party panel to investigate the issue of young people in volunteering and what benefits this brings for the individual, the organisations they support and the wider community.  The Morgan Inquiry will focus on the 18-24 age group with the aim of looking at ways of encouraging more young people to volunteer, the barriers which currently prevent young people from doing so and practical recommendations for change.  The Inquiry will run from early 2008 for six months concluding in June and is being chaired by Baroness Morgan of Hutton.  The inquiry is being supported by the Scout Association and the All-Party Parliamentary Scouting Group.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I welcome the opportunity to take part in this investigation.  Young people already make an important contribution through the time they volunteer to community groups and local organisations, but it is activity which should be encouraged and supported.  I hope this inquiry will make some practical recommendations on how this can be achieved and in so doing help to emphasize the positive things that so many young adults do week in, week out in support of their communities.”

Costly Queens

Barking Havering & Redbridge NHS Hospitals Trust will be paying £40.7 million pounds to contractors each year for 36 years under the private finance initiative contract for the building of the Queen's Hospital in Romford.  This would imply an aggregate charge of nearly £1.5 billion (excluding VAT) over the life of the contract with monies being paid to Catalyst Healthcare.

The financial arrangements were detailed by the Health Minister Ben Bradshaw MP in response to a  Parliamentary question raised by Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire with the Department of Health.  Commenting James said:

"These figures provide a stark picture of the continuing financial pressure which the new Queen's Hospital will continue to place on the local health economy. BHRT is already weighed down under the burden of accumulated deficits and this cost can hardly help the situation.

"You are left with the impression that this scheme was a very expensive way to fund a new hospital with the local health trust being saddled with this huge cost hangover for many, many years to come.  My concern is that patient care should not slip any further in the drive to deal with the huge financial challenges facing the new team at BHRT."

Waste U-Turn

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has received confirmation this week that plans for a controversial waste treatment plant in Rainham will not be going ahead after all.  Environmental services company Veolia had received planning permission for the construction of its 'autoclave' facility at its site in Coldharbour Lane in June 2006.

The plans involved constructing a plant to heat treat waste from Tower Hamlets in large rotating machines (the autoclave).  Approval was granted in the face of strong opposition from local people which culminated in a large protest outside of the planning meeting of the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation in Stratford.

Veolia has now indicated that it will be disposing of the waste in other ways.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"This was a highly controversial plan as it would have meant that waste operations would have continued at Coldharbour Lane well after the main landfill area is scheduled to be turned over to the public in a restored country park.  It also re-affirmed the view of Rainham as London's dumpster.

"This is one small piece of good news for Rainham residents who have had to put up with a lot of less welcome developments in recent weeks.  I hope it will give a boost to current campaigning to promote a 'Rainham renaissance' rather than the normal plans which treat the area as a dumping ground for everyone else's problems."

Sword Victory

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has welcomed news that the Government will adopt his proposal to ban the sale, re-sale and import of lethal samurai blades with effect from next year.  The Government is expected to make a formal announcement to Parliament confirming the move tomorrow (Wednesday).

The measure follows the introduction of a private members bill by James Brokenshire restricting the sale of the deadly blades, subject to exemptions for collectors and martial arts groups.  According to research by the Home Office the lethal swords have become the weapon of choice amongst some criminal gangs and have been involved in a number of horrific incidents.  James Brokenshire introduced his proposals to change the law after three serious incidents involving the swords in Havering.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"It seemed absurd to me that buying one of these weapons was as easy as buying a Lotto ticket and I am glad the Government has listened.  I remember my horror at wandering past a shop in Hornchurch High Street and seeing a number of these weapons on display for sale following on from a very recent samurai sword attack in the local area.

"I recognise that this measure is only a small change in dealing with the serious problem of violent crime, but I hope that it will help the Police and Trading Standards officers to crack down on the sale of these potentially lethal weapons to those intent on using them to harm or threaten others."

Alcohol Plan 'Shambles'

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has accused the Government of incompetence after the Home Office was forced to withdraw draft regulations creating Alcohol Disorder Zones just a fortnight after they had been laid before Parliament.  The regulations which were published on 21 November were due to be debated by a committee of MPs (including James Brokenshire) tomorrow but have been pulled from the Parliamentary business without any reason being given, although it is thought that the drafting contained a number of errors.

The proposal to allow local authorities to designate areas as Alcohol Disorder Zones (ADZs) were first announced by Hazel Blears in January 2005 as a key part of the Government’s strategy to combat alcohol-fuelled crime.  They were intended to allow councils to charge premises selling alcohol within the specified zone for the cost of additional policing and enforcement activities.

Despite Ministers saying that the process for establishing ADZs would be ‘flexible and as speedy as possible’ they have been beset with difficulties in ironing out the details of which businesses selling alcohol would be covered, how the designation process would work and what formula should be applied for levying additional charges.  The Association of Chief Police Officers has questioned the level of bureaucracy involved and it now seems that the ill-fated proposals have run into further difficulties.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“These proposals were ill-considered from the outset and have become mired in problems which still haven’t been resolved.  This latest news highlights yet again just how shambolic the whole process has been.  Because these zones were a manifesto commitment, Ministers clearly feel they can’t ditch them even thought there is absolutely no enthusiasm for them.

“The ADZ structure is so complex and so bureaucratic that it is difficult to see that any authority would want to go through the process of establishing one.  Alcohol Disorder Zones have all the feel of a back of an envelope solution which does nothing to address the real problems of booze fuelled crime.

“What we need is greater control for local councils over licensing, more visible policing on the streets and a firmer approach in dealing with those who cause disorder having drunk to excess.  Proposals like ADZs show just how out of touch the Government has got.”

You Tube Talk

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has met with senior executives of Google UK at their London headquarters to discuss concerns about cyber safety and the posting of inappropriate or offensive material on video sharing websites.

In recent months attention has been drawn to 'happy slapping' and other images of violence or abuse posted onto sites hosting 'user generated' content.  There are also concerns at new trends in cyber crime such as concerted attempts by criminal gangs to promote fake websites through internet search engines which download corrupting software onto the computers of those visiting them enabling the computers to be used remotely to perpetrate attacks on commercial, government and other IT systems.

The Shadow Home Affairs Minister discussed with Dennis Woodside the Chief Executive of Google UK the various product and systems enhancements and other initiatives being developed by the company on these and other issues.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"It was helpful to hear of the steps that Google is taking to address the inappropriate or unlawful use of its services and to gain a clearer understanding of its approach to dealing with complaints about video clips posted by users.  There is still the question of what more could and should be done by both Government and business to protect people using the internet from falling victim to cyber crime or ensuring that inappropriate material posted on the web is removed.  These are issues that I am considering carefully as part of the continuing Conservative policy review process."

Up the Creek

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said he is astounded at news that Rainham has been air-brushed out of new funding plans within the Thames Gateway for the next three years.  In spending plans announced by the Department for Communities and Local Government in the last week, the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation has been given an investment budget of £120 million over the next three years for infrastructure and development projects in its area. 

This sum is much less than it had requested but the situation has been made significantly worse by the fact that the Government has specified which projects are to be prioritised with Rainham being specifically excluded.  The newly published Thames Gateway Delivery Plan even goes as far as to say that if the Development Corporation wants to invest in Rainham "this will be for discussion with the Minister."  The decision significantly delays or puts in doubt a number of projects for the area such as the Rainham creek crossing and the development of the Rainham interchange.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"This decision is a huge blow to future regeneration prospects for Rainham in the near term.  It is unbelievable that an area which is predominantly low wage and low skill and which would benefit so directly from strategic investment in local infrastructure projects has been so pointedly and so deliberately excluded from the benefit of funding in the next investment cycle.  It is even more absurd when you consider that the Development Corporation has already committed millions of pounds buying up land in Rainham to facilitate some of the regeneration projects.”

“I can only draw the conclusion that the Minister, Yvette Cooper, has got it in for Rainham and despite all previous promises, the Government are simply not interested in transforming the opportunities and prospects of people living in this area.   I am very passionate about the potential for Rainham and the positive vision that could be achieved through the Thames Gateway to promote improved opportunities for people living in this area and I get very angry when confronted with decisions like this that appear to hold local people in contempt.”

Christmas comes to Elm Park

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire joined the Mayor of Havering on Friday evening in marking the start of the festive season in Elm Park with the official switch-on of the Christmas lights.  Despite heavy rain the weather didn't dampen the spirits of the crowds of people who took part in the fun family event.

'Illuminating Elm Park' first started three years ago and has now become a regular fixture in the calendar.  The event which is supported by Elm Park businesses and the Regeneration Department of Havering Council is intended to raise the profile of Elm Park and provide residents with a fun community evening in the run up to Christmas.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"A huge amount of thanks go to Ingrid Brandon, the organising committee, the businesses in Elm Park and everyone else involved in the organisation.  It was a really fun evening and with carols, Santa, Elmer the Elm Park elf and a roller-skating xmas pudding it certainly got everyone into the festive mood!

"This is a really positive event that brings the whole community together and I am delighted that each year it has got better and better."

Whitehall Spin City

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that he has utterly appalled at details of the number of press officers employed in Government departments and other state organisations.  The ‘White Book’ of Government press contacts shows that there were 3,252 press officers and spin doctors employed in Whitehall last year.  Further details also reveal that the Metropolitan Police Service has 66 press officers and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, currently caught up in the ‘Discgate’ scandal, has 55.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“If the Government spent more of its time focussed on running things rather than spinning things they might not be in the problems they are at the moment.  That’s without considering the huge cost of employing all of these presentation people which runs into millions of pounds which could have been channelled into front-line services.

“Sadly we are left with a situation of incompetence and cock-up owing to mistaken priorities and money being wasted on what some have described as ‘the wages of spin’.  It seems that the promises that were made by the Prime Minister about a ‘new politics’ to end the spin culture have come to nothing and it is simply ‘business as usual’ for this Government.”

Prison Questions

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has written to Jack Straw MP, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice to obtain confirmation of the status of the Government’s potential plans to locate a new prison on the Beam Reach Business Park in Rainham.  The MP has not received any update on the status of the dramatic plan since news was released that EWS Railways were submitting a planning application to use the same site for a railway yard in connection with the 2012 Olympics construction.  James Brokenshire is seeking clarification from the Lord Chancellor of the Government’s current intentions; whether it may still use compulsory purchase powers over the Beam Reach site; and whether any other locations in the Rainham area are being considered for a new prison by the Government.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Until we get a clear statement of what the Government plans to do, this dark cloud will continue to hover over Rainham and plans to regenerate and renew an area of the borough which is in urgent need of investment.  Beam Reach should be being used to create new high-tech, high-skilled jobs to fulfil the vision for the area and upgrade the employment opportunities available to local people.  This is supposed to be the Government’s plan as part of the Thames Gateway yet so far all residents have been presented with is a prison, an Olympic train depot and a mega-church. 

“I recognise the need for more prison cells to deal with the shambles the Government has created over prison capacity, but I believe this is entirely the wrong site for this type of use and flies in the face of previous promises.  In order that we can get on with the urgent task of attracting new business to the area, the Government needs to put its cards on the table and say what it wants to achieve for the local community.  The ongoing uncertainty is damaging and is delaying the regeneration of Rainham long promised to residents who are starting to lose hope.”

Cannabis Warning

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire says that Government figures showing a doubling of the number of cannabis warnings being given in the Borough in the last year underline the need for a fundamental review of the way in which the drug is being treated by law enforcement.  According to figures released by the Home Office this week 354 formal warnings for cannabis possession were issued in Havering in 2006/7 – an increase of 107% on the 171 warnings given in the previous year.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“These figures are deeply disturbing when you consider the increasing evidence of the link between cannabis use and serious mental health problems including psychosis.  The Government’s decision to down-grade Cannabis from a Class B drug to a Class C drug was irresponsible and is increasingly shown to have been a mistake.  Down-grading the drug gave the impression that no-one was bothered and that in some sense it had been de-criminalised.  Even the Association of Chief Police Officers who previously recommended the change have had second thoughts. 

“Cannabis should be re-classified as soon as possible and possession dealt with in a much more serious way than a slap on the wrist.  Merely giving a warning doesn’t send out a strong enough message that it is unlawful, it isn’t acceptable and the long term health effects can be extremely dangerous.”

Information Access

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire is calling on the Government to reduce the number of agencies authorised to obtain details of our phone records.  Under regulations implemented last month phone and telephony companies are now required by law to maintain the telephone number from which a call is made, the name and address of the subscriber and registered user of the telephone, the time and duration of calls and the number dialled.  This information is then available to be accessed by 795 different Government agencies including the Department of Health, the Immigration Service, tax authorities and 475 local councils.  The police and intelligence services will be able to see the full details.  Police requests need the approval of a superintendant or inspector.  Councils and other bodies require the approval of a senior official to retrieve less detailed information. 

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire is tabling a series of Parliamentary questions to Government departments on access and availability of personal information and believes that a detailed examination is needed of whether Government agencies need to retain or have access to personal information and, if they do, what safeguards are necessary.  Commenting he said:

“In the wake of the ‘lost discs’ shambles at HM Revenue & Customs we need to examine whether personal information really does need to be shared between so many arms of Government.  It is obviously important for the police and the security services to have access to sensitive phone information for public protection but is it really appropriate for officials at the local council to have these details?  There is a fundamental distinction between ‘need to know’ and ‘want to know’ which seems completely lost on the Government.

“Increasingly you are left with the impression of an information ‘free for all’ with a lack of oversight of how and why public bodies are using records.  The HMRC case also highlights the fact that quite junior officials can have wide access to sensitive details that you would have thought would have been more rigorously controlled.  This shocking situation is utterly unacceptable and to suggest that ID cards with an even bigger database behind them will make the position better is utterly absurd.”

People with concerns over the potential loss of child benefit data should contact the HMRC helpline on 0845 302 1444 between 8am and 8pm on any day of the week (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and new Years Day).

Financial Woes

Figures released by the Government this week confirm that Barking Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust (BHRT) which runs the Queen’s Hospital in Romford is the second worst performing health trust in terms of finance in the country.  According to information provided by the Department of Health, BHRT is forecast to have run up a deficit of £14.295 million pounds by the end of the current financial year.  Only the Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust is expected to put in a worse performance.  BHRT is amongst 14 health trusts forecasting a deficit position this year.

Commenting Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire said:

“These figures highlight the scale of the challenge facing the new management of the Trust.  It is clearly an extremely difficult position and this level of annual financial deficit simply isn’t sustainable.  The significant ongoing costs associated with the contract for the Queen’s Hospital make things even more challenging. 

“What I’m concerned about is ensuring that patient care isn’t compromised by the trust’s dire financial position.  The Chief Executive of NHS London has assured me that patients will come first in any recovery plan, but given some of the stories that have come to light at the Queen’s in recent months, there will be a continuing need for vigilance.”

Youth Justice

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has questioned whether the creation of a new Government body will make any difference in the fight against youth crime.  The Government has announced that it is setting up a “Joint Youth Justice Unit” sharing previous responsibilities held by the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Children Schools and Families.  It is claimed that this new shared arrangement will help develop policy and law in relation to children and young people who offend and to see that young people in contact with the criminal justice system “achieve all five outcomes of Every Child Matters” including “to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being.”

But James Brokenshire has questioned whether this will actually result in a reduction in high rates of youth re-offending and whether it is little more than window dressing.  Commenting he said:

“Simply re-organising arrangements between departments won’t make the difference in cutting youth offending and preventing young people from getting sucked into the spiral of crime.  It’s claimed this new unit will promote joint working between departments, yet the Government’s record isn’t great.  Less than two years after the launch of the cross-departmental ‘Respect Action Plan’ to combat anti-social behaviour key pledges have been broken, the Respect Taskforce has been wound up and the plan itself is set to be ditched in favour of yet another scheme next year.

“The Government remains in denial about the scale of social breakdown which feeds into offending.  Re-badging, re-organising and re-launching may give the impression of action but the real test is whether this will actually make any difference at all.  The risk is that this change is more about presentation than progress.”

ADHD Conference

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire joined over 100 parents, children, your people and professionals yesterday (Thursday) to promote greater understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the support services that are available to the families of children with the condition.  The event was organised by the Hornchurch based charity Add+UP which runs parenting skills groups and activity programmes for children and young people with ADHD.  Sessions were led by specialist ADHD practitioners including consultant paediatrician Dr K Puvanendran, educational specialist Finton O’Regan and behavioural specialist and Channel 5’s ‘teen tamer’ Lorrine Marer.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“There is a real lack of information on ADHD both in terms of the condition itself and the availability of services to support families with a child with ADHD.  That’s why an event like this is so important not just in terms of informing parents and young people but also in ensuring that healthcare, education and welfare professionals recognise the symptoms and know how best to offer support.

“Our local charity Add+Up does fantastic work with both the children and their parents and has made an important contribution in helping to promote greater awareness and understanding of ADHD here in Havering.  I am very pleased to support the work of Add+Up and to have had the opportunity to take part in this highly informative event.”

Add+Up can be contacted on 01708 454040 or via email at addup@addup.co.uk.  For further information on ADHD and local support services please visit their website at www.addup.co.uk.

Thames Gateway Turmoil

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that he isn’t surprised by a damning report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the weaknesses in delivering the Thames Gateway regeneration project covering the area between Canary Wharf and the mouth of the River Thames.  The Government intends to create 180,000 new jobs in the area and build 160,000 new homes by 2016.  However,  the PAC Report entitled “The Thames Gateway: Laying the Foundations” says that “without significant improvement in the overall management of the programme it will remain a series of disjointed projects that is unlikely to achieve its potential to make a major difference to economic regeneration and sustainable housing.”  Other key findings include:

 The Government’s management of the programme has been weak and has not demonstrated added value to the programme.
 The Government has not translated the vision for the programme into comprehensive and measurable objectives, nor are there robust systems to measure progress.
 The delivery chain for the Thames Gateway is unclear.
 The Government does not know how much the regeneration of the Thames Gateway will cost the taxpayer.
 There is a risk that the economic benefits of the regeneration will not reach existing residents.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“This report bears out what we are seeing on the ground.  The promised investment and regeneration is failing to materialise largely because of the number of organisations involved and the lack of any meaningful leadership.  Development when it is happening is taking place on a piecemeal basis and without any consideration for the supposed big vision for the area.  Questions on the provision of key pieces of infrastructure such as transport, public services and utilities are met with a stunning silence.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity that is being squandered through Government mismanagement.  Residents in my constituency were promised much by the Thames Gateway regeneration, yet they have seen virtually nothing delivered.  On the basis of this report, there seems little prospect of this situation changing any time soon - if at all.

Internet Safety

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that the Government’s latest ‘Get Safe Online’ campaign is a worthwhile initiative but won’t make a lasting difference unless the Government starts taking e-crime seriously.  This week’s awareness event has highlighted the risk that people may become unwitting victims of identity fraud by disclosing personal details on social networking sites.  The Research for Get Safe Online found that:

• 25% of all people using social networking sites have posted confidential or personal information such as their phone number, address or email, on their online profile. This includes 34% of 18-24 year olds and 30% of 25-34 year olds.
• 27% of 18-24 year olds using social networking sites have posted information or photos of other people without their consent online. 7% have passed on contact details from someone’s online profile to another person without their consent, and this is twice as likely to happen (14%) amongst 18-25 year olds.
• Younger people feel most at risk from internet crime – 23% of 18-24 year olds said that it is what they are most at risk from.
• Almost one in three internet users have not done their banking online due to their fears about safety and security.
The latest campaign comes at a time when unsolicited email frauds are on the rise with reports that on-line ‘phishing’ attacks are up by 40% in the first half of this year.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"Whilst this is a worthy initiative, it will amount to little more than window dressing unless the Government changes its attitude to the threat of on-line crime.  Until I highlighted the issue the Home Office appeared to think that salmon poaching was more serious than computer crime and the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has rightly described the Government as having its head in the sand on personal internet safety.

"One example of this ostrich like approach is that the Home Office have absolutely no idea how many prosecutions have been brought for posting violent or racist videos on the internet or how many police requests have been made to have such offensive material removed.  If the Government has no idea of the extent of the problem how can it know whether existing protections are effective? 

"Advice on how we can better protect ourselves from on-line crime is appropriate, but the bigger issue is Government inaction and indifference which is putting us all at greater risk."

Act of Genocide

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has described a visit to the Auschwitz death camp in Poland as "overwhelming" and "truly humbling."  The MP joined around 200 sixth formers from across London including four students from Coopers Company and Coburn and Sacred Heart of Mary schools in Upminster on a day long tour organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust. 

As many as 1.5 million men, women and children, mainly Jews, are thought to have perished in the gas chambers at Auschwitz between 1940-45.  During the visit the MP went to the two main camps at Auschwitz which have been set aside as a museum and memorial to those who lost their lives in the Genocide.  Some of the items shown included the hair taken from 40,000 of the victims as well as vast quantities of shoes and suitcases.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"There were moments during the day where you could hardly comprehend what you were viewing.  Walking through a large hall where on either side were thousands and thousands of individual shoes brought home the reality of what happened.  It was horrendous to see the number that belonged to very small children.

"What was so disturbing was the clinical way in which the largest camp at Birkenau was operated.  The mass execution was almost treated like some sort of industrial process.  It was utterly sickening.

"It is also incredible that whilst the Nazis tried to destroy some of the gas chambers towards the end of the war, a lot of the buildings remain exactly as they were forty years ago.  Seeing pictures taken at that time and being able to visualise that you are standing in precisely the spot where the photo was taken was quite chilling.

“This has made a lasting impression on me and I am glad that I was able to see Auschwitz for myself.  It is harrowing.  It does show the absolutely darkest side of humanity.  But it underlines why we must always remember, why we must cherish the freedoms we enjoy today and ensure that acts of such evil and sheer depravity can never be allowed to happen again.”

School Age

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called on the Government to tackle existing problems of truancy rather than compelling students to remain in school until 18.  In this week’s Queen’s Speech, the Government confirmed its intention to raise the school leaving age by two years with the risk that those who don’t comply would be prosecuted and fined.  Yet the number of persistent truants at the current leaving age is already at a ten year high with a quarter of a million pupils missing at least one day’s school a week.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“If the Government is unable to make truants attend school it is difficult to see how they can possibly make this policy work.  It may actually make post 16 education worse by maintaining disruptive children in schools and colleges who simply don’t want to be there.  Whilst I agree that we should encourage more young people to remain in education, introducing compulsion to 18 is ill considered and misses the point.

“What we need to do is to put more resources into the early years so that we have fewer youngsters dropping out of school in the first place.  It simply isn’t acceptable that nearly half of children leaving primary school nationally can’t do basic reading, writing and maths. 

“As far as post 16 education is concerned we need to offer a wider range of options so that students make a positive decision to continue their education and training.  Forcing them into something which they don’t think will be useful and they don’t want to do will simply burn more taxpayers’ money without any clear benefit.”

Auschwitz Horror

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire will get a glimpse of the scale and sheer horror of the Nazi Holocaust when he spends a day at Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland.  During the visit the MP will be shown several barracks at Auschwitz 1 including registration documents of inmates, piles of hair, shoes, clothes and other items seized from prisoners as they entered the camp.  The visit will then continue to Auschwitz II - Birkenau where the vast majority of victims were murdered where the remnants of barracks, crematoria and gas chambers can still be seen. 

It is estimated that as many as 1.5 million people perished at the death camp between the years of 1940-1945.  The vast majority were Jewish deportees who perished in the gas chambers immediately after arrival.  The visit is being organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust which works in schools, universities and in the community to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust and its relevance today.  With support from the Treasury the Trust is arranging visits to Auschwitz for two students from every school in the UK.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The reality of what took place here has to be given as much awareness as possible so that we do all that we can to ensure that something like this cannot be allowed to happen again.  I congratulate the Holocaust Educational Trust for all of the work they do in promoting greater understanding of the Holocaust and for enabling so many young people to visit Auschwitz and to appreciate its relevance today.”

“It is impossible to comprehend the sheer inhumanity that took place at Auschwitz.  I am not sure how I am going to react to being confronted with such unimaginable horror other than with complete physical revulsion.  I can’t say that I am looking forward to this visit, but it is something extremely important for me to do.” 

Housing ‘Fairness’ Probe

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that a joint investigation by the Equalities Commission and the Local Government Association (LGA) into the perception that migrants are ‘jumping the housing queue’ was very welcome.  The independent study announced this week is intended to examine whether the housing system is being abused to the detriment of anyone and, in particular, whether there was any evidence of ‘unfair advantage’ to new arrivals in the UK.  News of the review comes in a week when local authorities have been calling for additional funding to deal with costs associated with rapid population growth.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I very much welcome the announcement of this study.  People continue to contact me with claims that there is bias in the housing system and having a proper independent review of the situation should allow the facts to be established once and for all.  If the investigation reveals unfairness then this can be dealt with and if no evidence is identified then it will put this issue to rest.

“What is clear is that we need a coherent long-term population strategy.  Whilst there is little doubt of the benefits of some migration to economic growth it has to be at sustainable levels.  With increasing birth rates, increased life expectancy and population numbers expected to rise sharply, largely driven by net migration, our future well-being depends on getting this right.  The trouble is that the Government doesn’t seem to be able to count the problem let alone control it.

Migration Matters

The following is an article by James Brokenshire MP for the Essex and East London Enquirer 

In the last twenty years our population grew by around 4 million.  In the next twenty years it’s projected to grow by around nine million – more than double.  In part this can be explained by rising birth rates and increases in life expectancy.  But the most important source of population, accounting for around 70% of the growth, is migration from abroad.

Whilst there is little doubt of the benefits of some migration to our economy and our continued prosperity it has to be at sustainable levels.  Yet increasingly local services and facilities are failing to keep pace with current rates of net migration into the UK.

450,000 children at primary schools in England don’t speak English as a first language adding to the pressures of teachers and resources to cope.  It’s estimated that funding for twenty five local authorities fails to take account of their population increases leaving them short-changed and cash-strapped.  And that’s without considering the impact of lack of affordable homes in this area.

That’s why a Conservative Government would introduce an annual limit on non-EU economic migration backed up by a proper Border Police Force equipped with powers to track down immigrants who over-stay or enter this country illegally.  We would also ensure that any new country joining the EU is subject to transitional controls on its workers coming to the UK to seek employment. 

Controls on marriages across national borders would also see the minimum age for a spouse coming to this country, and for their sponsor, raised to twenty one with a requirement that the spouse should demonstrate a basic level of English.

But just as important are measures to get people off benefits and into work.  This would help reduce demand for migrant labour and promote the opportunity culture that I hold as a core political belief.  That’s why we need a revolution in skills training and radical welfare reform.

Britain needs a coherent long-term population strategy.  Our future well-being depends on getting this right.  Yet we have a Government that can’t even be trusted to measure the problem properly let alone manage it effectively.  The next election couldn’t come any sooner.

Halloween Patrol

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire will spend Halloween night with local Police officers as they see that trick or treat pranks don’t get out of control.  On 31 October last year a significant number of disturbances occurred in Elm Park with eggs and flour being thrown at passers by and a firework being let off on one of the buses.  The local MP highlighted the concerns of residents about the incidents at the time and has had a number of discussions with local police about preparations in the run-up to Halloween 2007.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Last year people living in some parts of Elm Park suffered an unacceptable level of disturbance at Halloween.  The egg and flour strewn streets that I walked along late that evening gave an indication of the unacceptable behaviour by some large groups intent on causing trouble. 

“From the discussions I have had with the Police in recent months, a detailed strategy has been put together to control disorder on Halloween involving pro-active work with retailers and youth organisations.  I am looking forward to joining officers on the beat on Wednesday night to see how effective this plan is in ensuring that people can enjoy the night without the fear of yobbish behaviour.”

Stop and Search

Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire has called for an extension of existing stop and search laws to strengthen the role of community police sergeants in the fight against serious violent crime.  During a debate on the Government’s Serious Crime Bill earlier this week the Hornchurch & Rainham MP outlined plans for a new right for police sergeants to authorise stops and searches of pedestrians and vehicles in a specific locality for a period of up to six hours if they reasonably believe that incidents of serious violence may occur in that area or that people are carrying guns, knives or other offensive weapons in that area.

This authorisation would be capable of being extended to a maximum period of 48 hours by further direction of an officer of the rank of superintendent or above.

The Shadow Minister told MPs that the intention behind the proposal was three-fold:

 to provide communities with greater protection from gun, knife and other violent crime and to help stamp out the possession of illegal weapons;

 to give police at the operational level greater flexibility to respond to intelligence and potentially fast-moving situations; and

 to strengthen the role of community policing within the communities that it seeks to serve and protect.

The plan has the backing of the Police Federation.

The proposal comes against a back-drop of a significant increase in cases of serious violent crime.  In 1998-9, 864 people were injured or killed using a gun. In 2005-06 this had jumped to 3,821, a four-fold increase (Home Office, Homicides, Firearm Offences and Intimate Violence 2005/6, January 2007, Table 2b, pg 36). A study by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies at King’s College London has found that attacks in which a knife was used in a successful mugging have risen from 25,500 in 2005 to 64,000 in the year to April 2007 (The Sunday Times, 19 August 2007).

Commenting James Brokenshire MP said:

“We believe that this is a practical, common-sense change that will help the police to combat gun and knife crime within local communities.  It also provides a greater degree of operational flexibility which may be important in responding to a developing incident and intelligence provided by the public. 

“This is all about strengthening community policing on the ground where the beat or neighbourhood sergeant has a key role.  The sergeant is likely to have a closer connection with local issues and local people and we think this should be recognised within the framework and constraints of existing stop and search powers.  That’s why we believe a six hour authorisation for sergeants is appropriate and proportionate to give greater assurance to the public in the fight to stamp out illegal weapons on the street.

“This change is just one part in a three dimensional approach to dealing with violent crime and social break-down.  But we believe that it can help to make a difference in preventing serious violent incidents and contrasts with a Government that remains in denial about the extent and nature of the problem.”

Sexual Disease Control

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire is calling on Havering Primary Care Trust to initiate a Chlamydia screening programme in the Borough after a Government Minister revealed that Havering was just one of four health trusts nationally which have failed to give a start date for local screening.  Chlamydia is one of the most common Sexually Transmitted Infections, affecting as many as one in ten sexually active young men and women, but can be easily cured with antibiotics. However, if untreated in women it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

In November 2005, the Government announced that the National Chlamydia Screening Programme was being extended to cover the whole of the UK with the target of offering full coverage across the country by 2007.  Yet in response to a Parliamentary question, Health Minister Dawn Primarolo has revealed that at 30 June 2007 the screening programme had been rolled out in 64% of Trusts and whilst almost all remaining health trusts had active plans in place and were recruiting staff to begin screening by the end of December 2007, Havering, Devon, Hillingdon and Sandwell Primary Care Trusts had failed to provide a commencement date for the programme to the Health Protection Agency.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“There has been more than a threefold increase in cases of Chlamydia since 1997 and Havering shouldn’t be left behind from the national prevention programme.  Given the large increase in sexually transmitted infections it is important that greater emphasis is given to sexual health issues.  If picked up early enough Chlamydia is something that can be treated easily which is why screening is so important.  I am writing to the PCT to find out when this service is to be made available locally and why there has been an apparent delay.”

Tax Credits Crunch

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that a survey carried out by Citizens Advice highlighting the personal pressures caused by the overpayment of tax credits was “sadly unsurprising”.  The details were revealed in the results of a survey by the advice agency of 1,500 people visiting their ‘advice guide’ website.  It comes on the back of a 21% increase in the number of tax credit related enquiries at Citizens Advice Bureaux across the country in 2006/7 with over 186,000 people seeking help.

The key findings of the survey were:

 More than half of respondents reported that they felt that their last award notice was difficult to understand
 80% of respondents had been overpaid, most of these people said they did not find it easy to understand why.  Over a third of respondents were overpaid more than £2,500 and one in ten more than £5000.
 71% reported that the recovery of overpayments had or was causing their families financial difficulties.
 Most worryingly almost half reported that their experiences of claiming tax credits meant that they were less likely or definitely did not want to claim tax credits in the future.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Sadly this survey reflects what I see in my Constituency post-bag.  Tax credits were supposed to help people on lower incomes, but the complexity of the system and the way that it is administered is putting too many families under serious personal and financial stress.  Almost two million people a year receive the wrong tax credit payment and face having money clawed back with all the hardship that brings.  This simply cannot continue.”

Referendum Refusal

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has accused the Prime Minister of ‘treating us like fools’ in refusing to put the new EU Constitution Treaty to a referendum.  His comments come in the wake of EU leaders agreeing the terms of the treaty in the small hours of this morning at a summit in Portugal. 

The new treaty includes provisions to abolish over 60 national vetoes.  These include Justice and Home Affairs, where police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters will now be subject to majority voting meaning that Britain could be out-voted.  It creates a new EU President and an EU Foreign Minister.  It also makes the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding. 

Whilst the Government claims that protections have been negotiated to protect British interests, there are significant doubts that these protections will withstand a legal challenge before the European Court and once ‘opt-in’ rights are exercised there is no going back.

At the last General Election the Government gave a commitment to put the then European Constitution to a referendum.  The constitution was subsequently dropped after “no” votes in France and Holland, but has been revived in this latest treaty which incorporates virtually all of the points in the original constitution but in a different format and under a different name.  This view was recently confirmed by the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee (made up of MPs from all political parties and with a Government majority) which described the new EU Treaty as 'substantially equivalent' to the EU Constitution.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Gordon Brown claims that this treaty either doesn’t make much difference or that Britain’s interests have been protected in any event.  If he is so confident that these proposals aren’t significant, if he is so certain that his ‘red lines’ won’t simply be rubbed out what has he got to fear from putting these issues to the public? 

“The Prime Minister is treating us like fools if he thinks that by re-branding the constitution as a treaty and tinkering with the format he can claim that everything is different from before.  Gordon Brown gave a commitment to put these proposals to the public.  He needs to honour that pledge and call a referendum.  To do otherwise would be a fundamental breach of trust.”

Community Punishment Problems

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire believes that a sharp rise in the number of unpaid work requirements issued by Courts in London as part of community punishments shows the continuing pressure on probation services across the Capital.  According to information released by the Ministry of Justice, 2098 work orders failed to be completed between 2006-7 - in the previous year the number was 418.

Unpaid work requirements can form part of community orders or suspended sentence orders issued by the courts and came into effect in April 2005.  The orders are supervised by the National Probation Service.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"These figures highlight a worrying picture of punishments not being followed through.  Victims of crime will rightly feel robbed of justice if offenders having been convicted of an offence are effectively let off their punishment.

"With the crisis in the prison system, courts are being forced into considering alternative punishments more and more and community work orders are one of the options.  However, the judges have to have confidence that the punishment they hand down will be effective and these figures send out a negative picture.

"My fear is that this is another symptom of over-stretch on the Probation Service which remains under huge pressure in monitoring offenders and ensuring that they comply with the orders that they are supposed to be subject to."

Green Belt Challenge

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has voiced his utter dismay at news of a further national review of green belt zones between towns and urban areas and the countryside.  Natural England this week announced plans for a green belt review which could lead to it recommending that the Government release part of the land to meet projected housing demand.

The news comes hot on the heals of a ruling by a Government appointed inspector that the Mardyke Farm area of Rainham should retain its green belt status.  Suggestions had been made that the land should be taken out of the green belt and re-developed for high-rise housing.

Commenting, James Brokenshire said:

"The green belt satisfies two main requirements - green space and a physical buffer between communities to give a sense of place and prevent urban sprawl.  I am utterly dismayed that Natural England appear to be wanting to re-visit these concepts.

"Yes we do need more housing in Havering and across the country.  But I don't believe the numbers that the Government is demanding for new build and I don't believe it should be at the cost of sacrificing the green belt.

"There is a significant quantity of brownfield land in this area. We should ensure that this is developed to its full potential before considering anything else."

Gun Crime Age Concern

Hornchurch & Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire has highlighted a disturbing trend that the ages of those committing and falling victim to gun crime are getting younger and younger.  Trend analysis from Trident – the Metropolitan Police’s unit that investigates violent gun crime within London’s black communities – shows a clear drop in the ages of Trident murder victims.  In 2003 16% of victims were under the age of 20.  In 2006 this proportion had nearly doubled to 31%. 

In evidence to a recent House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee Inquiry, Superintendent Leroy Logan, deputy borough commander in Hackney told the committee of “growing incidents of gratuitous violence committed by younger age groups… predominantly among themselves with an increasing use of weapons in an attempt to gain respect through violence.”

Speaking at a ‘fringe’ event organised by one of the leading youth crime charities ‘Kids Count’ at the Conservative Party Conference in Blackpool this week, James Brokenshire said:

“I certainly do not shrink from the comments made by David Cameron about Britain’s “Broken Society”. The sad fact is that in certain parts of the country concepts of a civil society, of the protection offered by the law, of basic rights to live free from intimidation, violence and fear have been perverted by the activities of serious criminal gangs acting with little or no conscience or any sense of any responsibility to anyone other than themselves.”

The MP added:

“We need to have a much more visible Police presence to show communities that there are no, no go zones.  And that means giving greater discretion to local communities to set the priorities of officers through an elected individual and to cut the paper-work and central direction that stops the police from them doing their job.

“The over-riding imperative is for the police to stamp out the possession of illegal guns and other offensive weapons.  I believe that this may require a more responsive arrangement for officers on the ground. That is why a Conservative Government would urgently review the power of stop and search subject to appropriate restrictions to ensure that any extension of such powers are used proportionately and reasonably. 

“I also believe that much more needs to be done to stop illegal weapons getting into this country in the first place whether through smuggling or simply through the post.  That is why a Conservative Government will create a dedicated border police force to protect the UK in a much more structured and co-ordinated way.”

Conference Call

Hornchurch & Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire will be leading four debates on crime and anti-social behaviour at the Conservative Party Conference this week.  The events on the Conference “fringe” at Blackpool include:

 Discussing the causes of gang violence and the battle to beat violent crime with a panel including Richard Taylor from the Damilola Taylor Trust and representatives from Operation Trident, the Youth Justice Board, the charity Defending da Hood and Kids Count – the leading voluntary organisation on youth crime giving young people a voice at the centre of policy development;
 Highlighting the challenges faced by victims of crime who suffer from mental illness in gaining access to justice at an event sponsored by the leading mental health charity MIND;
 Debating the solutions to youth crime and anti-social behaviour and the need to put children at the heart of policy on social justice at a meeting sponsored by the charity 4Children
 Making the case for urgent action to combat on-line crime and cyber-fraud at an event organised by the Conservative Technology Forum.

The MP will also be having meetings with a range of campaign groups, charities and other bodies on a range of issues relating to community safety.

Commenting, James said:

“I am looking forward to a busy conference and the opportunity to highlight some of the failings in current Government policy in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and how Conservatives would make a real difference.  We need a three dimensional approach to dealing with crime that sees the police and the courts better equipped to deal with offenders and gets to grips with the underlying causes of criminality such as family breakdown, drug addiction and educational under-achievement.  Despite numerous initiatives, summits and new laws designed more at achieving headlines than real change, Labour has simply failed to deliver on making our communities safer places to be.”

Backing Boris

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has rung Boris Johnson to congratulate him on being chosen to fight to become the first Conservative Mayor of London.  The current MP for Henley received the overwhelming backing of Conservative supporters across the capital.  Boris Johnson has already been on a whistle-stop tour of all of the London boroughs including a stop in Havering when he chatted to shoppers in Romford Market.

Commenting, James Brokenshire said:

"I think Boris Johnson would be a breath of fresh air for London if he becomes Mayor of London next week spring.

"One of the most noticeable changes would be that the current drive to hoover up powers from the boroughs and give more decisions to the Mayor will stop.  Only this week Ken Livingstone has been crowing about his new housing strategy which is all about him having more say over the building of high rise blocks of flats in places like Rainham.

"We need a Mayor that can represent all of London and not just Zone 1.  We need a Mayor who is more in touch with the people of Havering.  I think Boris is just the ticket."

Delayed Treatment

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has described as deeply disturbing a new report suggesting that local waiting times for digital hearing aids have got considerably worse. 

The study by the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists which was carried out over the summer suggests that patients at the Queen’s Hospital in Romford are having to wait 143 weeks – almost three years – to receive an appointment for a hearing assessment and then to be fitted with a digital hearing aid.  According to the same study the average waiting time across the UK is between 36 and 38 weeks and only patients at the Princess Royal University Hospital in Orpington in Kent wait longer than at the Queen’s.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Despite highlighting my concerns with the Department of Health on a number of occasions this report, if correct, suggests that the problem of extended waiting times for digital hearing aids is actually getting worse.  This is despite the Government having set milestone targets for patients to have at least received an assessment within 13 weeks.

“Digital hearing aids have been shown to make a significant difference to people suffering from hearing loss.  It is unacceptable that they should literally have to wait years to receive equipment that could transform their lives.”

The MP intends to call for a debate on the issue when the House of Commons returns from its summer recess in a fortnight’s time.

Valuing Carers

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has welcomed a new report by Carers UK showing that the value of unpaid care has increased significantly.  It revealed that 23,223 carers in Havering are saving the state a staggering £330.9 million per year.  Nationally, the value of unpaid support that carers provide has now reached £87 billion a year - more than the annual total spend on the NHS, which stood at £82 billion in the year 2006-7.

The new figure, calculated by the University of Leeds for Carers UK, the leading charity for people caring for their sick, disabled or frail relatives and partners, is 52 per cent higher than previous estimates of how much carers save the UK - £57 billion in 2002 - and the average carer is saving the nation over £15,260 a year.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“When you put a monetary value on carers’ contribution to the economy, it shows the stark reality of the true costs.  It is clear that without carers, our NHS and social care systems would collapse. Indeed their input is so vast that it has kept pace with the extra investment put by Government into the NHS. 

“We need concerted action from Government, employers and public bodies to end social exclusion among carers.  We need to look much more closely at respite services for carers to ensure that their health and well-being is looked after.  Carers are invaluable here in Havering and to the rest of the UK – it is time they were given the support and recognition they deserve.” 

Health Inequalities

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has warned that places like Havering should not be made to suffer as a result of a new Government plan to prioritise improvements to NHS services in deprived areas.   Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced this week that priority would be given to ensuring that the health of the poorest improves the fastest to combat health inequalities.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"There is a real danger that in implementing this policy, Havering may miss out on much needed improvements in GP services because of the myth that it is a well funded leafy idyll awash with cash and well provided in terms of primary care.

"In certain parts of Rainham and South Hornchurch healthcare provision is poor and there are significant pockets of deprivation.  Adopting a blanket approach on a borough by borough basis risks making the situation worse.

"This proposal is also a bit rich from a Government that has presided over increasing health inequalities and which has squandered millions of pounds by ploughing money into GP and consultants pay without any associated improvement in the service provided to patients."

ASBO Dead End

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that a newly published analysis of the effectiveness of ASBOs underlines the need for detailed qualitative analysis of measures to combat anti social behaviour.

In "The ASBO Wrong Turning - Dead End", Chief Superintendent Neil Wain, a borough commander on the Greater Manchester Police Force, questions the over-use of ASBOs and their effectiveness as a tool.  The senior police officer highlights that ASBOs are being breached on a regular basis and aren't controlling the behaviour of those subject to them.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"This analysis by a senior serving police officer is a scathing critique of the Government's favourite measure to tackle low level crime and anti-social behaviour.  Ministers have simply put their heads in the sand over the effectiveness of the measures they introduced to address this significant problem which blights so many of our communities.

"The drive to issue ASBOs like confetti highlights the one dimensional approach of the Government and its failure to address the underlying causes of crime such as social and family breakdown and drug addiction.  With increasing breach rates and questions raised about whether they are being used in an appropriate way, rather than championing 'Respect' the ASBO is itself falling into disrespect."

Pregnancy Care Improvements

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has been given a tour of the new dedicated gynaecology ward which has been opened at the Queen’s Hospital in Romford after the case of an expectant mother who gave birth to her still-born son in a toilet at the Queen’s was brought to the attention of hospital chiefs by the MP. 

The appalling case of Catherine Brown whose son Edward was born without medical staff being present has led to significant changes at the Queen’s Hospital. A dedicated gynaecology ward for use by expectant mothers between 12-20 weeks of pregnancy has been opened in the last couple of weeks and work on an early pregnancy unit with scanning and counselling facilities within the same ward is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

During his visit the local MP discussed the changes with senior management at the hospital as well as nursing staff.  In a separate development NHS London – the London wide health authority which supervises healthcare in the capital – has asked to receive an independent review which is being conducted into pregnancy services at the hospital.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I was very impressed by what I saw and it certainly looks as if significant changes have now been made to improve clinical care at the Queen’s Hospital for mothers in the early stages of pregnancy.  The feedback from the nursing staff was very positive. 

“The hospital has responded quickly to the significant issues raised by this deeply disturbing case and it is pleasing that further improvements are underway.  This should provide significant reassurance to expectant mothers, but I will be continuing to monitor the situation closely.

“We are still left however with the serious question as to how Catherine Brown’s treatment which was utterly unacceptable on any level could have been allowed to have happened.  The hospital trust itself is still conducting further investigations and I am writing to the independent Healthcare Commission to ask them to investigate the circumstances and background to this shocking case.”

On-line Friend or Foe?

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has urged internet users to think very carefully about the amount of personal information they provide on social networking sites.  The MP’s comments were prompted by news that the leading social networking site ‘Facebook’ is to open up its website so that member profiles can be discovered through online search engines such as Google and Yahoo! 

In a separate move some employers have announced that they are putting blocks in place to stop employees spending working time on sites like Facebook, MySpace and Bebo.  Research by the law firm Peninsula has estimated that the use of social networking sites is costing firms at least £132 million every day in lost productivity.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The huge growth in the social phenomenon of networking sites is certainly raising a host of new considerations.  One of the issues that has concerned me for some time is the potential mis-use of information posted by individuals on these sites either for fraud or unwanted marketing. 

“Whilst people will understandably wish to exchange messages, pictures and other information with their friends on-line, the use of search facilities and the open nature of the internet increases the likelihood that details provided may be abused.  Many people haven’t even met some of their on-line ‘friends’ and a degree of care and caution needs to be exercised about providing personal identification details for obvious reasons.

“As far as blocking use in the workplace is concerned, that’s up to individual firms and employees to agree, but it’s really a question of being sensible and proportionate given that the internet is very much here to stay both at work and at home.”

Policing Pressures

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has told a conference of police officers, academics and representatives from local government that more needs to be done to bring policing closer to the communities that they are trying to serve.  In a key note speech to a crime conference at the Harper Adams University College in Shropshire yesterday (Thursday), the Shadow Home Affairs Minister said that central direction from the Home Office was skewing the priorities of the Police and stopping them from doing their job effectively.

James Brokenshire said:

“The police response to crime should reflect the nature of and requirements of the area they are policing.  The closer law enforcement is to the community, the better it is.

“It isn’t right that the police should be so heavily burdened by the targets and bureaucracy set in Whitehall which hampers their ability to respond to the specific needs and demands of the communities which they are supposed to serve. 

“It isn’t right that average police officer spends more time on paperwork than he or she spends out on patrol, particularly when resources are already stretched and response times pressured.

“That’s why I believe it is essential that a large number of national targets should be scrapped and local control and accountability of the police significantly strengthened.”

Child Drink Concerns

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has expressed his concern at the latest national survey of alcohol consumption by young people which indicates a rise in the volume consumed amongst those youngsters who drink.  The annual poll of 8,200 11 to 15-year-olds by the Information Centre found of pupils at 290 English schools who had drunk in the last seven days, the average consumption was 11.4 units, up from 10.4 units in 2000.

While there are guidelines for adults about the amounts of alcohol they can drink without risking their health, no such guidelines exist for adolescents.  It has been suggested that no amount of alcohol is safe for youngsters to drink.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“With increasing evidence of the alcohol fuelled crime and disorder which blights our neighbourhoods it is deeply disturbing that children as young as 11 should admit to be drinking the equivalent of at least one pint of beer for every single school night. 

“It is clear that current campaigns on responsible drinking to help young people and their parents make informed decision about alcohol are just not working.  This is probably unsurprising against the backdrop of the introduction of the new licensing laws which significantly increased the number of outlets selling alcohol and which were introduced without a proper pilot being conducted. 

“That decision was completely irresponsible and we need to conduct a thorough review of these measures to examine the powers granted to communities to control licensing in their areas.  We also need firmer action against those selling booze to youngsters, we need parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s drink consumption and we need more effective support for those in need of treatment to deal with alcohol addiction.”

Savings Lottery

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has described a study showing plummeting levels of personal savings as deeply disturbing and further evidence of the debt burden hanging over many families.  The research published by the Post Office shows that a quarter of people today don’t save at all and a third save infrequently. 

In contrast, 70 per cent of adults play the Lotto on a regular basis, meaning people are more likely to play the lottery than save regularly.  Lack of spare money is given as the main reason for not saving with 27 per cent of people saying they have too many debts to pay off.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“This is yet another example of the erosion of the long term savings culture in this country.  It is also an indication of the strain that many households are under in order to keep up payments on mortgages, credit card loans and other borrowings.  The savings ratio has plummeted to its lowest level for nearly 50 years whilst personal debt has soared to over £1 trillion. 

“This survey paints a deeply disturbing picture about the financial well-being of the economy and it says quite a lot about the financial culture created by this Government if people are more likely to play the Lotto than save regularly for their future.”

Rail Plan Objection

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has sent a letter of objection to a proposal which could see a part of the Beam Reach 5 Business Park converted into a rail transfer depot for use in connection with the construction work for the London 2012 Olympic Games.  A planning application has been submitted for the land off Marsh Way in Rainham to be used for the transfer of building and other materials from road to rail in connection with the works at the London Olympics site in Stratford until 2013.  The London Thames Gateway Development Corporation will make the decision whether the plan should be approved.

Ironically, the same parcel of land has been identified by the Ministry of Justice as the potential location for a 1,500 offender jail.  The Ministry’s intentions still remain unclear and questions remain as to whether Government Ministers will exercise compulsory purchase powers to acquire the land from the London Development Agency to enable the prison plan to go ahead.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The people of Rainham seem to be being presented with the absurd choice of a prison or an Olympics construction depot.  Neither of these plans fulfils the requirements for high skilled employment opportunities and neither gives effect to the positive vision of regeneration for Rainham.

“No skilled employment will be created by the Olympics rail construction application and my fear is that once granted, the use will continue beyond 2013 frustrating the master-planning for this area. 

“This is one of the first applications to be made for the Beam Reach 5 Business Park and it is important that the decision of the planning authority provides a statement of intent for the regeneration of the South Havering area within the London Thames Gateway.  This application will at best delay and may at worst make a significant contribution to preventing that vision from being achieved.  That is why it should be rejected.

Referendum Call

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has said that if the new European Treaty is not put to the public for a vote it would be a fundamental breach of trust.  The MP’s call comes as more and more European leaders have admitted that the new Treaty is virtually the same as the rejected European Constitution which the Government gave a manifesto commitment to put to a referendum. 

The new treaty includes provisions to abolish national vetoes other than on defence and gives much greater powers to the EU over criminal justice.  Whilst the Government had said that protections had been negotiated to protect the UK, on further analysis some of the ‘red lines’ may not be legally binding and other mechanisms could be used to introduce controversial proposals to circumvent them.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I believe this Treaty should not be ratified without the British people's agreement in a referendum. The referendum question goes to the heart of the issue of trust in politics and such a fundamental change to powers and role of the UK in its relations with the European Union should require the British people's explicit consent in a national vote.

“It is clear that this is the Constitution by another name. Its effects on the EU and our relationship to it are wide-ranging and profound with the abolition of our national veto in sixty areas.  Future and current criminal justice legislation, such as the European Arrest Warrant and the European Evidence Warrant, will now come under the European Court of Justice's jurisdiction and the European Commission now has the main right to propose new laws.

“We should trust the public and let them decide on these proposals and give them the referendum which they were promised”

Race Hate Review

Hornchurch & Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire is calling on the Government to review the enforcement of race hate laws after being shown disturbing video images by an under-cover television reporter which had been posted on a popular video-sharing website.  The images which were uncovered by BBC London showed a doll made out to represent someone from the Asian community being separately burnt and hung with laughter and other comments made in the background. 

As a result of the TV report which was shown last night, the Shadow Home Secretary David Davis MP has written to Jacqui Smith MP, the Home Secretary, calling for a review of the operation, application and ambit of the current law to prevent the spread of offensive images via the internet and asking how many cases of this kind have actually been brought to justice.  The details of the individual case have also been forwarded by the BBC to the Police for investigation.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The posting of offensive video material promoting images which might encourage harm to members of minority communities is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.  It is essential that firm action is taken by the police and other law enforcement agencies to prevent racially motivated attacks being inspired or encouraged.

“The public need to be confident that all appropriate measures are being taken regarding the posting of images on the internet which promote or encourage harm to members of minority groups.  The apparent lack of any coordinated effort by the Government to tackle it can only put more people at risk of being the victim of a race hate crime.  That is why we are calling on the Home Office to conduct an urgent review.

“There is also a clear social responsibility on companies hosting on-line material that they take steps to prevent offensive material from being made available.”

Financial Worries

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has given warning of difficult times ahead as figures showed that nearly 150 people are declaring themselves bankrupt every day.  Figures released by the Ministry of Justice showed that in the twelve months to June 2007, a record 54,536 bankruptcy petitions were sought by individuals.  According to the accountancy firm KPMG the average person going bankrupt owes £46,587.

In terms of the bankruptcy petitions granted by the Romford County Court, in the period from April to June 2007, there were 89 petitions presented by creditors seeking the bankruptcy of individuals (a rise of 207% on the same period last year) and 142 petitions sought by individual debtors (a jump of 48%).  Whilst these figures were down on the first quarter of the year, they highlight a significantly upward trend.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Both locally and nationally an increasing number of people are getting into crisis with their personal finances forcing them to declare themselves insolvent.  This is a deeply disturbing picture when you consider that personal debt in the UK has ballooned to £1.2 trillion.  I’ve said for some time that I don’t think this level looks sustainable.

“Many people who have taken out loans in the last few years have done so on highly leveraged terms when interest rates were significantly lower.  Now that the financial markets are starting to show the strain with a tightening of the availability of credit, people may also find it more difficult to manage their finances by simply switching their credit card debts onto their mortgages.  With higher interest rates and a slowing housing market my fear is that the situation is going to get worse.”

On-Line Crime “Playground”

Hornchurch & Rainham MP and Shadow E-Crime Minister James Brokenshire has welcomed a report published today (Friday) warning that the internet is increasingly the playground of criminals. 

The House of Lords Science & Technology Committee investigation into personal internet safety says that there is a growing perception that the on-line environment is insecure and unsafe.  It adds that simply suggesting that it is up to individuals to protect themselves compounds the perception that the internet is a lawless “Wild West”.  The Committee calls for much stronger leadership from the Government across the board to deal with the increasing threat of e-crime.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The growing problem of e-crime has been apparent for some time but the response to date has been patchy and disjointed and lacking any real co-ordination, leadership or urgency.  Losses from on-line banking fraud have risen by 174% over the last two years with some surveys suggesting that people are more in fear of becoming a victim of crime on-line than being mugged in the street, having their home burgled or their car broken into.

“Yet in the last few months funding for Police computer crime units has been cut off and changes to reporting arrangements have made it more difficult to inform the authorities of on-line financial fraud.  The Government claims that computer crime is being treated seriously, yet it isn’t referred to as a serious crime in their latest Serious Crime Bill when salmon poaching is.

“It all gives the impression that the Government isn’t interested in the growing on-line threat.  This in-action makes the UK more of a magnet for the cyber criminals and puts us all at grater risk.  The Government needs to get a grip of the situation and get a grip quickly.”

Scouts’ Centenary

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire joined scouts from Havering and from around the world at the 21st World Scout Jamboree at Hylands Park in Chelmsford this week.  The event marks the centenary of the scouting movement which was founded by Lord Robert Baden-Powell in 1907.  The Scouting Association says that the Jamboree is the biggest single event in the history of the movement.  Around 40,000 young people are taking part over 12 days and a “tent town” is housing boys and girls from around 160 countries including a restaurant able to serve more than 6,000 people at a time.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“At a time when much of the reporting of teenagers is very negative, it is a pleasure to have been part of an event which has brought together thousands of young people in a very special, very positive and very memorable way. 

“The scouting movement has made an incredible contribution in providing thousands and thousands of young people with organised activities designed to give them new skills and adventure training as well as having a strong ethos of community service at its very core.  I should know, as I have fond memories of outward bound activities and ‘bob a job’ week when I was a scout in Essex.

“It has been fantastic to be able to join in the celebrations and show my continued support for the work of the Scouts.  We have a very strong local organisation and it was good to hear that so many of the scouts from Havering have been able to take part in this year’s very special Jamboree.

“Here’s to 100 more years of success for the scouting movement and the work it does in giving opportunities for young people to learn practical life skills as well as have a lot of fun at the same time.”

ASBO Uncertainties

The Home Office does not know if offenders are receiving multiple Anti-Social Behaviour Orders or what an offender’s previous conviction history is prior to receipt of an ASBO.  That’s according to responses received by Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire after submitting Parliamentary questions on the use of the Government’s now infamous anti-social behaviour measure.  The latest revelation comes in the wake of scathing comments from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the Home Office’s lack of analysis and an admission by a leading Government minister that issuing an ASBO should be viewed as a failure. 

The PAC has hit out at the Home Office’s failure to carry out any meaningful research on the effectiveness of its various “Respect” initiatives and for providing auditors with flawed information on anti-social behaviour perception levels.  At the end of last week Ed Balls MP, the Children Schools and Families Minister admitted that the Government had failed every time that an ASBO was given out.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“From the answers I’ve received it’s hardly surprising that the Home Office hasn’t undertaken any proper assessment of the use of ASBOs as they don’t seem to even have basic data on the circumstances in which they are being issued. 

“ASBOs were claimed to be the Government’s ‘flagship measure’ for dealing with neighbourhood crime, but with a breach rate of two thirds and some youths viewing them as a badge of honour the Government now seems to be in complete retreat.

“They used to brag about the number being given out.  Now they are saying that issuing them is an admission of failure.  The failure is on the Government’s part for only now waking up to the fact that addressing the scourge of anti-social behaviour requires much more than just dolling out ASBOs and launching a plethora of short term headline grabbing initiatives.”

Identity Scans

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire is calling on the Information Commissioner to conduct a review of the growing use of identity scanning equipment in clubs and bars across the country.  The hardware is being promoted to entertainment venues to improve compliance with their licensing requirements on under-age drinking.  But other personal details are also being down-loaded at the same time and retained for "marketing purposes".

The equipment works by taking data from driving licences and other forms of ID when they are swiped through the machine by door staff.  This information may include home address details, date of birth information and even a personal photograph.

James Brokenshire has written to the Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, urging him to remind entertainment venues of their duties and obligations under the Data Protection Act and to review safeguards against the potential mis-use of personal data obtained by the use of computerised scanning equipment.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"Whilst I do welcome the use of IT like this to promote increased vigilance on under-age drinking, there is a risk that the data obtained could be mis-used for ID fraud and other criminal activity.  I also question whether people realise that their personal information is being downloaded and stored when their proof of age identification is being checked.

"Pubs, clubs and bars using this type of equipment must ensure that appropriate security measures are applied to any personal data which is obtained.  Customers should also be given a clear and informed choice about whether they want their details stored and retained as this goes far beyond proof of age requirements.

"This example of the use of new technology highlights some of the practical issues which would have to be considered if a national ID card were ever introduced."

Re-development Risk

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has expressed new doubts about the development of the Thames Gateway (which includes Rainham) in the light of the widespread flooding across the UK.  The insurance costs of the flooding are expected to run into millions of pounds underlining concerns over the potential insurability of properties planned to be constructed on areas of land at risk of flooding, such as the Thames Gateway.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

"The terrible events of the last week have put into stark focus the issue of flood risk.  The Government needs to urgently re-assess its projections on the impact of climate change on rising sea levels so that appropriate planning and flood defence works can be undertaken.

"The insurance industry has been flagging its concerns about building new homes on flood plains for some time.  These issues have got to be thrashed out and an action plan agreed so that if development takes place, insurance cover will be available.  In addition design and planning requirements need to take greater account of the potential risk of flooding.

"If the Government doesn't grasp this issue, the risk is that the necessary regeneration of areas like Rainham simply won't happen because the banks won't be prepared to fund the development schemes."

Underground Probe

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called for the National Audit Office (NAO) to investigate the public private partnership (PPP) arrangements on the London Underground system.  The MP’s call comes in the wake of this week’s news that Tube maintenance company Metronet has been placed in administration after accepting that it did not have access to the capital required to fulfil its obligations under its London Underground contract. 

Metronet is responsible for maintenance and station upgrades on nine Tube lines, including the District Line and had been working on improvements to Elm Park station.  A statement from Metronet says that “Passengers should be assured that all essential maintenance and safety work will continue to be undertaken” and that it is “business as usual” for its staff.  But it has been suggested that some maintenance works will be delayed as a consequence of the administration.

James Brokenshire has written to the Administrators of Metronet seeking an assurance that the unfinished works at Elm Park will continue to completion.  Commenting he said:

“Given the financial crisis which has unfolded culminating in Metronet’s administration, I think it is appropriate for the National Audit Office (NAO) to investigate just how badly things have gone wrong.  I’m also pressing the administrators for confirmation that the works at Elm Park are completed for the benefit of passengers using the station.

"There were many warnings at the time that the PPP contract was awarded about the structure of the arrangements.  Yet this flawed situation was forced through by the Government in the teeth of strong opposition.  Now the chickens are really coming home to roost.

During their first investigation of PPP, the NAO highlighted that nearly half a billion had been spent on consultancy fees. I fear that their conclusions could be just as worrying this time round."

Cyber-Crime Challenge

Hornchurch & Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire has said that the Government needs to get a grip quickly on the growing threat of on-line fraud and computer crime.  Speaking at the E-Crime Law Enforcement Conference at the Microsoft Campus in Reading this week, the MP told an audience of over 200 police officers and law enforcement specialists in the field of cyber-crime that there was a lack of urgency and co-ordination in combating the growing problem.

According to APACS, the banks’ trade association, losses from on-line banking fraud have risen by 174% in the last two years.  A recent survey by a Government website suggested that 10% of internet users were the victims of an on-line fraud in 2006 with the average loss per individual was £875.  Some surveys suggest that people feel more at risk of being a victim of an on-line crime than being robbed in the street, burgled or having their car broken into.

Speaking at the Conference James Brokenshire said:

“Computer crime is supposed to be being treated as a serious offence by the Government.  Yet it isn’t considered serious enough to be specified as such in the latest Serious Crime Bill when salmon poaching apparently is.  Funding for computer crime teams for each police force in England and Wales was also shut off by the Home Office in April.

“Government has got to get a grip and get a grip quickly.  This is a problem that simply isn’t going away.  As technology advances, the challenges will become even tougher.

“We have to send a clear and robust message to the criminal gangs targeting this country that the UK is taking this issue seriously; it is working in a co-ordinated and focussed way; and it is finally giving the fight against E-crime the attention it deserves.”

Waste Group Launched

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has welcomed the launch of a new liaison committee intended to provide greater sharing of information and a forum for debating issues relating to the Rainham waste processing and recycling centre at Coldharbour Lane, Rainham.  The Veolia Rainham Liaison Committee was launched on Friday night with an inaugural meeting at the Rainham Waste Management Facility.

The liaison committee was established as a result of discussions between James Brokenshire MP and executives of Veolia as a mechanism for providing greater understanding within the local community of the activities taking place on site and establishing a clear mechanism for raising questions and issues.  The group is made up of councillors, community leaders, representatives of Veolia Environmental Services (the operator of the Rainham site) as well as the Environment Agency and environmental health officers from Havering Council.  Future meetings will be chaired by Councillor Paul Rochford and held quarterly.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“I welcome the establishment of the liaison committee as this will provide a good opportunity for any potential concerns and issues to be raised and for questions to be answered.  Given the continuing waste activities at Rainham until 2018 and the subsequent plans to turn the area into a country park for the benefit of the local community, it is important that this dialogue and regular exchange of information is maintained.  The inaugural meeting was positive and productive and helped explain some of the practical measures which Veolia is taking to reduce the risk of any activities causing a nuisance to the local community and Veolia’s wish to be a ‘good neighbour’ to Rainham.”

Paul Levett Managing Director for Recycling, Disposal and Energy Recovery at Veolia Environmental Services said:

“We are grateful to James for facilitating and chairing this inaugural meeting, which we hope will set the tone for further constructive, two way dialogue between Veolia and its local stakeholders. Our common objective is to make sure that the vital services provided by our Rainham facility are operated with the minimum impact on the local community. Discussing what we do and why and how we do it with representatives from that community is extremely helpful to everyone concerned."

Pub Pride

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire ended up behind the bar of The Railway Public House, Station Lane in Hornchurch on Friday as part of “Proud of Pubs Week”.  The event was part of a national celebration of the role that pubs play within the local community.  The MP was also able to discuss what impact the smoking ban has had on trade with Diane Lyner, the licensee of The Railway.

According to research conducted by the British Beer & Pub Association, eight out of ten adults count themselves as pub goers, more than 900,000 people rely on the beer and pub industry for employment and the average pub spends £70,000 a year on local goods and services.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“Against the back-drop of the current debate about binge drinking, it’s easy to overlook the fact that pubs play an important role in helping to create a sense of character within a community and provide a focal point for people to get together.  Most pubs and licensees take their responsibilities to their local neighbourhoods extremely seriously.  More and more are seeking to promote a family friendly feel with over 90% serving food and nearly a third providing entertainment.

“I was also pleased to hear that the smoking ban has not had a significant impact on business.  In fact because the environment is a lot more pleasant without the smoke, more people are using the pub to have a bite to eat.”

Home Packs Apology

The Government has been forced to admit its concerns about the impact that the delay in the introduction of the proposed Home Information Packs (HIPs) has had on some assessors who have trained, given up other jobs and invested savings in the expectation that they would already be working under the scheme.  HIPs, which sellers would be required to prepare when putting their property on the market and which would now include certain standard search results, evidence of title to the property and an energy efficiency certificate, were put on hold after widespread criticism of the nature of the information required and a shortage of qualified assessors.  They are now intended to be introduced from 1 August for properties with four bedrooms or more.  Smaller properties would be covered by the scheme as soon as sufficient energy assessors have been trained.

In response to a question from Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire, the Housing Minister Yvette Cooper told the House of Commons that “We are concerned about the position in which energy assessors find themselves.” adding that “We are working with housing associations and local councils to bring forward some early energy certificates in the social rented sector so that we can also help to support some of the energy assessors in advance of 1 August when the programme begins.”  The Minister also admitted that the Government has spent £19.5 million on the development and trials of energy performance certificates and home information packs in the last three years.

James Brokenshire said:

“What these figures don’t include is the considerable sums spent by assessors, inspectors and businesses on qualifications, training and preparing for the introduction of the HIPs regime. It’s time that the Government apologised to them for the inept way in which they have handled this issue taking account of the impact this has had on those people’s livelihoods.”

Respecting Shop Staff

Hornchurch & Rainham MP and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Brokenshire has been told of the daily threats to staff in the retail sector during a visit to the Elm Park Co-op earlier today (Friday).  The visit was timed to coincide with ‘Respect for Shopworkers Day’ organised by USDAW the trade union representing shop assistants. 

James Brokenshire met with staff at the Co-op and store manager Sarah Manley explained some of the steps that have been taken to protect workers and cut down on crime.  These included store-wide CCTV, the use of classical music to help combat anti-social behaviour and training for staff on how to keep calm when confronted with an aggressive customer. 

However, the MP was appalled to hear that a fortnight ago one of the supervisors had been viciously assaulted outside of Elm Park station after an earlier incident at the store.  His injuries were so serious that he has yet to return to work.  According to USDAW over 10,000 retail workers are physically assaulted each year and hundreds of thousands are subject to verbal abuse and intimidation.  USDAW is running a ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign aimed at highlighting the serious problem of assaults on store staff and providing advice to workers on how to protect themselves from being the victim of crime.

James Brokenshire said:

“I was impressed by the measures that the Elm Park Co-op has been taking to address the problems of violence against its staff and other forms of retail crime.  It is utterly unacceptable that people going about their work should have to put up with any violence or abuse.  Increasingly, shop staff are on the front-line in dealing with the anti-social and abusive behaviour that has become all too common in recent years.  We need to support them and support the police in saying that this criminal activity will not be tolerated.  I was very shocked to hear of the recent vicious attack on one of the store’s team members.  My thoughts are with him and his family and we all hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery.”

Story Makers

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire joined leading authors Ken Follett, Michael Dobbs and Sally Gardner as well as other Members of Parliament in writing a few lines of a story which will form part of a special children’s book.  The event was organised by Dyslexia Action to highlight the importance of literacy and to encourage young people to enjoy books and reading. 

Each contributor had to continue the story from where the last person had left off.  The book created from the event will be used as an auction item at Dyslexia Action’s annual awards dinner in November to raise money for dyslexic learners of all ages.  Over half a million people benefit from Dyslexia Action’s work each year.

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects reading and spelling and is characterized by difficulties in processing word-sounds and by weaknesses in short-term verbal memory.  Its effects may be seen in spoken language as well as written language.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been invited to contribute to a book and having read my contribution it may well be the last!  Whatever the standard of the prose, I hope that this unique book raises a lot of money for Dyslexia Action and helps to highlight this important issue.

“About 10% of the population is affected by dyslexia to some degree, yet it need not be a barrier to achievement and success.  That’s why it is so important that the condition is properly recognized within society and charities like Dyslexia Action are supported in providing teaching, training and other practical advice to help people with dyslexia.”

Accountability Issues

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has called for improved measures to see that the work of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) is subject to greater external review and scrutiny.  Speaking during a debate on the Serious Crime Bill which will give SOCA increased responsibilities to recover criminal assets, the MP called for the Agency’s annual report to be subject to debate and examination in Parliament each year.

The Serious Organised Crime Agency was established just over a year ago and is an intelligence agency which has the role of "reducing harm", not specifically the arrest and conviction of offenders.  Its work includes combating drug trafficking, tackling organised immigration crime, and disrupting fraud other organised crime.  Parallels have been drawn between the organisation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States with some labeling SOCA as the "British FBI."

SOCA has drawn some adverse comments over its levels of bureaucracy and received recent heavy criticism by the Court of Appeal for being beyond judicial oversight.  The Agency has also refused to substantiate the level of drug seizures claimed by it.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“The work of SOCA is extremely important for the protection of this country and the nature of its work means that some operational details should not be detailed in public.  However, that does not mean that there should be no or only very limited external scrutiny.”

“Given the increasing responsibilities of SOCA, I believe that the organisation should be held accountable before Parliament with its annual report subject to debate and examination.  I believe that this would strengthen SOCA’s position and give greater confidence in the essential work that it is undertaking. 

“The Prime Minister has talked about strengthening the role of Parliament and holding the Executive to account.  Yet the Home Office appears to have set its face against this measure which would help give effect to Mr. Brown’s apparent aim.  It looks as if this will be yet another empty promise”.

Crime Concern

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire is to highlight local concern over serious incidents of violent crime when he meets with Havering’s Borough Commander on Monday.  In recent weeks, the headlines have been dominated by murders and stabbings and the MP will be seeking assurances that the Borough is being given the police numbers and res