Conservative MPs in Bexley and Bromley have published a document setting out key principles to guide the forthcoming administration of the South London Healthcare NHS Trust.  The MPs have delivered a copy of “Improving Hospital Services in South East London” to the Department of Health just days before a special NHS administrator is expected to take over the running of local hospitals.

James Brokenshire delivered a package of letters, messages, drawings and other work from children at Birkbeck Primary School to 10 Downing Street on Friday (6 July) as part of the ‘Send My Friend to School’ campaign.  The school’s initiative forms part of a national campaign highlighting that over 67 million children around the world are still missing out on an education.

James Brokenshire has given his support to a campaign run by the Reading Agency to encourage all primary school children to join their local library and take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge - the UK’s biggest reading promotion for primary school children.

James Brokenshire has condemned the theft of metal from the roof of Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, resulting in the temporary closure of two operating theatres. Thieves stole cabling from the site in the early hours of last Thursday morning.

James Brokenshire is urging Southeastern train passengers to get involved with a new public consultation on local rail services and help shape improvements on trains serving stations in Bexley.  The public consultation which has been launched by the Department for Transport is the first stage in the process to award a new contract to run rail services on the South Eastern Network from April 2014.  

James Brokenshire has heard how simple steps could help cut cancer as part an awareness raising event in Westminster.  James heard from cancer nurses how early diagnosis can help save lives as he stepped aboard the Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Awareness bus as it made a special stop outside the Houses of Parliament last week.

James Brokenshire joined the Mayor of Bexley and other guests at a special Diamond Jubilee Concert at St John the Evangelist Church, Sidcup on Saturday (23 June 2012).  The Greenwich Concert Band led by its Musical Director Chris Lloyd entertained a packed audience with an evening of stirring and patriotic music. (Photograph courtesy of Roger M Stevens) 

James Brokenshire has said news that fuel duty will be frozen until the end of the year is a welcome boost for motorists, families and businesses coping with tight finances.  Chancellor George Osborne’s announced this week that a 3p increase in duty due to be introduced in August under plans made by the last government would be delayed.

James Brokenshire has said news that the South London Healthcare NHS Trust could be put into administration was a “sad inevitability” but that the move could speed much needed reforms to improve clinical services.  SLHT which runs Queen Mary’s Sidcup, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich and the Princess Royal University Hospital in Bromley has been suffering losses of £1 million a week and posted a deficit of £69.8 million in 2011/12 alone – the largest in England.

James Brokenshire has paid tribute to the commitment and dedication of personnel working in the armed services as he joined local civic and political leaders for a special ceremony to raise the Armed Forces Day Flag outside the Civic Offices in Bexleyheath this morning (25 June).  Armed Forces Day is Saturday 30 June 2012 and is an annual opportunity for the nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.