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11th August 2011

Hello again,

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about the rioting and looting. I hope this goes some way to answering those emails.

As you will know from my last email newsletter I am out of the country on holiday. However, I have been following events and of course have been monitoring the situation in Broxtowe. I am particularly grateful to Ruth Hyde, the Chief Executive of Broxtowe Borough Council and Paul Scarrott, the Assistant Chief Constable, for keeping me up to date. From the reports that I have received there have been no disturbances in the constituency and Notts police have done a good job in difficult circumstances elsewhere. I understand that Police from Broxtowe have provided support to their colleagues in Nottingham.

I was particularly struck by the brave decision not to cancel Tuesday’s football match between Forest and Notts County which passed without incident, allowing the police to tackle disgraceful criminal activity in the city, notably the attack on Canning Circus police station.

I appreciate I am damned if I do and damned if I don't but I have decided I cannot justify spending tax payer’s money to return for the statement today from the Prime Minister and the short Parliamentary debate on the events this week.

Broxtowe has not experienced the appalling rioting and looting we have witnessed in other parts of the country; I think the Prime Minister has more than ably expressed the thoughts and views of the overwhelming majority of decent law abiding people; today's debate will quite properly come from those MP's who represent the people and the areas which have suffered the most in recent days.

From what I have seen, read and been told, those responsible for the rioting, violence and burglary of shops and premises are gangs and groups of, mainly, yobs engaging in very serious criminal behaviour. The Prime Minister has made it clear that those responsible will be brought to justice and can expect lengthy custodial sentences.

As I explained this morning on Radio Nottingham these are serious offences of public disorder which usually attract prison sentences marked in years rather than months.

I agree with the Prime Minister when he says parts of our society are sick. As a criminal barrister I had too many clients who had been born into a moral vacuum without decent values and family role models. Too many of my clients lived totally selfish, amoral lives with no sense of responsibility for their own or their family’s lives. Most decided not to work, expecting welfare handouts and believing they had some sort of right to the sort of possessions and goods law abiding people work hard to buy. For way too long politicians of all persuasions failed to talk honestly about what has happened to much of our society and past attempts to cure this sickness have clearly failed.

I would like to comment on the police as I very much hope we can now have an equally honest debate about what we expect from them. I think politicians have sent out mixed messages. We expect the police to keep our streets safe from looters and rioters but we criticise them when they "kettle" protestors and there is talk of water cannons and plastic bullets.

When you are faced with large numbers of criminals who are on the streets and out of control you need to take tough action and it is not a pretty sight. There is a clear balance to be struck between taking swift and effective action against yobs setting fires on our streets and allowing youngsters to protest against government policy outside Parliament.

Respect for authority, self control and taking responsibility for your own life and actions were often condemned as "old fashioned values". If nothing else then I hope we might now understand that the sort of things we have seen on our TV screens since Sunday would not have happened if so many had not abandoned those values.

Our streets belong to us all and I have no doubt the vast majority of decent, law abiding people are heartily sick of a very small minority thinking they have sole ownership our towns and city centres.

We have many social problems in Britain and many people continue to need and deserve our support. It's all about striking the right balance which has for too long been tipped in the wrong direction.

I would very much welcome your thoughts.

With Best Wishes,

Anna

8th July 2011

Hello again,

I would like to give you an update on what I have been doing this week in relation to the revelations concerning the News of the World and phone hacking.
On Tuesday I supported the opposition in calling for a Parliamentary debate and on Wednesday I spoke in that debate.

Please visit my web site www.annasoubry.org.uk for a fuller report including a link to my speech in Hansard. I called for a boycott of the now defunct News of the World; I said there should be a pause in the process which is considering whether Rupert Murdoch can acquire a majority share in BskyB and I backed the Prime Minister’s decision to hold two public inquiries.
I took part in Newsnight on Wednesday evening which you can see on the BBC iplayer.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/bigscreen/tv/episode/b012f4zy/

As you may know, before I returned to working as a Barrister, I trained and worked as a journalist. I was a member of the National Union of Journalists and mother of the chapel (shop steward) at Central TV in Nottingham. So, I have some knowledge of how the press should work.

I share the widely held view that the closure of the News of the World is by no means the solution nor should it be the end to this week's appalling allegations and revelations.
If those allegations are true (and I would urge you to read Tom Watson MP’s speech in Wednesday's debate) then some extremely serious criminal offences have been committed and they must be thoroughly investigated by the police; those responsible must be prosecuted.

Next week the Government will give more details of the two public inquiries the Prime Minister announced on Wednesday. I welcome today's announcement that the inquiry into the original and flawed police investigation of phone tapping will be led by a Judge, though it can only begin its work when the current criminal investigation has concluded.

I can see no reason why the other inquiry into the ethics and workings of the media cannot begin its work, as soon as possible. I believe that amongst other matters, it must look at the Press Complaints Commission, which by any standard does a pitiful job in “policing” the press. There must be a way to regulate print media without curtailing press freedom, especially from political influence and favour.

I think there is a good argument for a separate inquiry into the relationship between the media and the police . This week's disclosures about the workings of the metropolitan police are extremely serious and we need to rid all police forces of corruption and restore public confidence as a matter of priority.

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me in the last few days. I update my web site regularly so it is a good way to see what I am doing and saying on this very important matter.

As ever,
Anna

21st May 2011

Hello again,

It has been a busy few weeks and so this is a lengthy newsletter. I have divided it up into sections detailing constituency work, issues and events and Parliamentary work though there has been a clear overlap, for example in relation to the use of wild animals in circuses like the one currently in Stapleford, and my considerable concerns about the forced retirement of police officers in Nottinghamshire.

I was a guest on BBC Question Time a week last Thursday with Vince Cable, David Blunkett and James O’Brien. The programme is no longer available on iplayer but a Google search may reveal it somewhere!
On Wednesday I became caught in the maelstrom concerning Ken Clarke's comments on rape and sentencing and went head to head with Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper on Newsnight (www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b011cpcj/Newsnight_18_05_2011/). I did a large number of TV and radio interviews; I am a long standing supporter of Ken as we very much come from the same “wing” of the Conservative party. Unfortunately on Wednesday he didn’t do himself justice (no pun intended) but I know Ken believes rape is a serious offence and the thrust of what he was saying was sound. The sentencing guidelines issued under the last Government quite properly, and like all such guidelines, categorise the level of seriousness.
I hope to speak in Mondays debate on sentencing and if I am called my speech will be published in Hansard http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/hansard/

I have also been selected for a ten minute adjournment debate on Tuesday which is for constituency matters with national significance. I will speak about the campaign of Kimberley’s Roy Plumb against the discriminatory age at which magistrates are forced to retire and the rather troubling changes to this important part of the criminal justice system. Again, you will be able to either watch it live on the BBC Parliament programme or read it in Hansard on http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/hansard/

This newsletter is intended to keep you up to date with my work as your MP; I have views on all the important issues that concern us and I express them in public, in Parliament where they can be challenged and recorded (and sometimes in the media where they can be scrutinised and criticised!)

Please keep in touch and enjoy the rest of the weekend,
Anna


Constituency work – local issues of concerns, action and events.

The use of wild animals in circus performances

I have backed a call for a boycott of the circus at Stapleford which uses wild animals. It’s a deplorable and degrading abuse of these magnificent creatures and I am beginning to believe we should simply ban the use of wild animals in circuses. This week the Government announced a new tougher licensing arrangement .
You can read the letter from the Agriculture Minister, Jim Paice explaining the policy on www.anna4broxtowe.com/images/stories/Wild_animals_in_circuses.pdf .
Recently Austria banned the use of wild animals in circuses but unfortunately it looks like it may fall foul of European law, hence the Government’s reluctance to go down the same route. Whilst this is being sorted out I would urge people please not to go to circuses that use wild animals and I will write to the Japanese Gardens asking them not to do further business with any circus that uses wild animals.

Women’s Refuge/ Midland Women’s Aid

I have been campaigning for the Women’s Refuge in Broxtowe to retain funding. Run by Women’s Midlands Aid this vital organisation not only provides a safe place for women and their children who have been abused by violent partners it also supports women in our community who suffer from domestic violence. This week I met with the Home Secretary , Theresa May and specifically raised the matter with her. A proposed cut in funding of one third puts the future of the refuge and the outreach workers at risk of closing. Representatives from MWA and I have already met with the Minister Nick Hurd and I have now asked the Home Secretary to intervene directly and ensure this important service is retained.

Newts in Nuthall

Thank you to those residents in Nuthall and their Borough and County Councillors (Jill Owen, Derek Burnett and Philip Owen) who have contacted me about a housing development which we all fear is threatening a protected species of newt. I think this is a good example of what seems like a small local issue but is actually very much at the heart of an MP’s work. I haven’t hesitated in writing to Natural England to make investigation with a view to prosecution of the landowner and to the Secretary of State to see if he can intervene in the decision to grant planning permission. In the meantime I continue to support Cllr. Jill Owens considerable efforts to persuade Broxtowe’s planners to take a robust view on protecting our precious wildlife and I know she would appreciate any support from people who have similar concerns to her constituents in Nuthall.

Bilborough College

I called and chaired a residents meeting with the principal of Bilborough College in an attempt to try and resolve, both in the long and short term, the problem of students inconsiderate and sometimes dangerous parking in the nearby development. Residents have formed their own action group and a web site on http://holl.org.uk/index.html
After a mix of ideas from residents, staff, and myself, the College Principal, Chris Bradford promised to take various measures to ease the situation but as yet residents tell me they have seen little change. This is a tricky situation with the College unable to offer any parking on site and a small number of students who, because of poor public transport, have no alternative to using a car.
The land is still owned by the developers until the roads are adopted and in the past they have introduced wheel clamping. I have now written to the developers asking them, once again, to intervene; I really don’t like the use of wheel clamps but if the College is unable to sort this out then I struggle to see an alternative.
After the meeting a resident raised the issue that there is no Post Box on the development. I have contacted Royal Mail and they are undertaking a survey of post box provision in the area with a visit from the Collections Manager. I will update you on the result when I have it.

Nuthall Post Office

As I wrote in a previous newsletter it was with great sadness that I learnt of the death of the sub postmaster at Nuthall Post Office in January. I made immediate enquiry about the future of the post office and was told Post Office Ltd were "committed to maintaining a Post Office presence in the local community". Unfortunately, the current premises are no longer available so PO Ltd are advertising for an established retailer in Nuthall to take up the licence. If anyone is interested please let me know and I will pass on the details.

Toton Connect Bus service

There is a rumour circulating that Trent Barton will cut the Toton Connect bus service on June 25th. I have contacted Trent Barton who will neither confirm nor deny the suggestion which rather suggests they will! This is an important and valued service so I believe if Trent Barton cut it an alternative provider needs to be in place as soon after June 25th as is possible. I have contacted the local County Councillor, Richard Jackson who is also responsible for Transport on the County Council. He assures me he is working to maintain the service and I will contact everyone who has emailed me on the subject as soon as I have any news.

Castle College merger with South Nottingham College

This has now been ratified by the Minister for Further Education, John Hayes. I welcome the merger which should secure the future of Castle College, which includes the former Broxtowe College, Ellis Grove workshops and the Arthur Mee Centre in Stapleford. A huge effort is now required to bring the College up to the highest standard and I am meeting the principal next week to discuss the future.

Blue Plaques in Broxtowe

The “blue plaque” scheme organised by the Beeston and District Local History Society to mark notable Broxtowe residents, continues with great success. I was able to attend the unveiling of two plaques in Beeston to recognise the work of the historian, Arthur Cossons and his “discovery” of the old Beeston Village Cross.
Sir Neil Cossons, Arthur's son, and his family attended the unvelings. Sir Neil is an old Beestonian and until his retirement four years ago was Chairman of English Heritage.
The work of Arthur Mee has already been recognised in Stapleford which also saw a celebration and plaque unveiling at St Helen’s on Wednesday (May 18) to commemorate the great naval commander, Sir John Borlase Warren.

Bramcote Litter Pick

I spent a pleasant sunny afternoon picking up litter in part of Bramcote along with about twenty other volunteers. I suggested the litter pick after an email from a constituent complaining about the litter in the village and Cllrs Watts, Hepinstall and Tyler organised it. If you have a particular litter problem or know of one in the constituency please let me know and a “pick” will be arranged.

Heroes Return

The Beeston BID scheme which offers discounts to servicemen and women in the towns shops, received considerable TV coverage and widespread support. It’s a great idea which I was honoured to support and thoroughly enjoyed meeting serving troops from Chetwynd Barracks, members of Beeston British Legion and shopkeepers at the standard raising ceremony in Beeston.

St John’s College Supper/Nottingham Univeristy/Karnival

My thanks to the principal, Canon Dr Christina Baxter and staff for a highly informative evening at St John’s in Bramcote which included supper and a tour. The College is home to a large number of families and single men and women studying for ordination and taking related courses.
I am also grateful to Nottingham University who invited me to their alumini day; I am not a Nottingham graduate (I was at Birmingham University) but it was an opportunity for me to get a real insight into the outstanding achievements at the University.
This week I met with students from Nottingham Uni who came to Westminster to celebrate the community and charitable work done by Student Unions. Nottingham's Karnival is the most successful, raising a staggering £1.4 million last year which by any standard is a remarkable achievement.

I continue to have meetings with a variety of local organisations, charities and campaigning groups and this Friday I met with the Manager of Notts Victim Support . If you are a member of a group or charity and would like to meet up please let me know on either 0115 9436507 or anna.soubry.mp@parliament.uk

Work in Parliament

Police Redundancies

Notts Police with the backing of the Labour chaired Police Authority, have decided to make a significant number of their most experienced officers redundant. I met with the Notts Police Federation and following our discussions, Ken Clarke and I have met with the Chief Constable. In short the Chief feels her hands are tied by the special rules concerning the employment of our police, which leave her with no alternative other than to force the retirement of officers with thirty years of pensionable service. My concern is the loss of a wealth of experience and some first rate police officers whilst 10% of the force is not on full duties. I have raised the matter in Parliament with Prison Minister, Nick Herbert and you can read Jo Watts's report in the Nottingham Evening Post http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Outrage-parties-join-forces-bash-latest-police-cuts/article-3552295-detail/article.html
I have also raised the matter with the Home Secretary, Theresa May in a meeting with her this week.
I am in favour of the Government's planned reforms to our police so whilst recognising the particular value of the work they do, we none the less have to have working practices and employment procedures that ensure we have the very best police officers.

Sure Start

In the heat of the run up to the Borough Council Elections and AV referendum there were all manner of false accusations and misinformation from the opposition. We debated Sure Start centres in Parliament and I was able to contribute that in Nottinghamshire not only have none closed, a new one has opened in Awsworth . Much of the credit goes to the villages Borough Councillor, Lydia Ball, who I was delighted to see not only returned in the May 6 elections but with an increased majority. It was a straight fight between Lydia and the Labour candidate; there was some unpleasant personal stuff thrown at Lydia and Labour fought hard to beat her. It was a pleasure to support and help Lydia who I know will continue to serve and represent Awsworth to her long standing high standard.

Sikh Turban debate

Thank you to just under 200 members of Broxtowe’s Sikh community who have contacted me about the searching of turbans at airports. I attended but was unable to speak in a short, well attended debate on the subject and am pleased to report that the Government is determined to make sure there are alternatives to hand searches. You can read the debate here which explains the issue in detail.

Notice Board

Surgery details

My next surgery is on Friday 27th May between 3:00-5:00pm at Beeston Library. We have yet to finalise the June dates so please call the constituency office if you would like to see me in surgery on 0115 9436507 or email me on anna.soubry.mp@parlaiment.uk

Dr Madely's retirement

Thank you to the constituent who contacted me to pay tribute to Dr Madeley of the Manor Surgery, Beeston who retired recently, "after many helpful and supportive years of service". I am more than happy to wish him all the very best in his well earned retirement.

Broxtowe Bin Collection line:

I’ve been asked to publicise the new web page helpline for residents who have a missed bin on http://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8798
Diary Dates
Thursday 9th June (6.45 Hop Pole pub in Beeston) Beeston and Distric Civic Society first 2011 guided walk. Prof John Beckett leads a two mile two hour guided tour titled “Victorian and Edwardian Middle Class Estates in Chilwell and Beeston”. Check out their web site on
http://www.beestoncivicsociety.org.uk/index.html
Saturday June 11th The Hemlock Happening starts at 1.00

Borough Council Elections and Welcome to the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

In 2007 the Conservatives won 16 seats, this time we won 18 making the Conservatives the biggest group with Labour rising to 17 and the Lib Dems falling to 9.
I have written and congratulated all the newly elected Councillors and assured them of my continuing policy or working with Councillors of whatever party. Whenever a constituent contacts me with a problem that can be solved by either the Borough or County Council I always copy in the relevant Councillors to any reply, to enable us to work together.

Finally, congratulations to Cllr Jacky Williams who is the new Mayor of Broxtowe and to Cllr .Margaret Handley who is the new Deputy and if all goes to tradition, the next Mayor of the Borough.

source: www.anna4broxtowe.com

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