News Releases

If you would like to be kept up to date with the latest news from Alan Whitehead's office, please email
news@alan-whitehead.org.uk

Go to 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003

2005

Scoring for Millbrook School

Alan Whitehead scored for Millbrook Community School when he won 10 new footballs in a keepy-uppy fundraising challenge at this year's FA Community Shield.

The balls were won as part of a football coaching programme aimed at giving more children access to organised football coaching. (4th Nov)

Alan meets Trade Justice groups

I met with local Southampton groups campaigning for debt relief and fair trade on a rainy day in Westminster (2nd Nov)

"Thanks for the opportunity to talk yesterday and the time you spent as I walked round Westminster. I’m not too sure that some MPs gave anywhere near the same amount of time." - Trade Justice Campaigner

Alan debates local government funding

Alan speaks in parliament during the opposition debate on Council Tax Revaluation, criticising both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat policies on local government finance and offered his own views for the future of the Council Tax. More...

Alan supports Southampton's Make Poverty History Fair

(17th Sept) Alan Whitehead continued his support for the Make Poverty History and Fair Trade campaigns - attending the Southampton city centre fair held to raise local awareness.

Alan opens Jamie's Computer Club

(14th Sept) Alan Whitehead opened Jamie's Computer Club, a learning and training project of Southampton homeless charity, The Society of St James.

The centre provides courses, the chance to recycle and take home your own computer as well as a place to meet people in modern facilities based in Mount Pleasant. For more information about Jamie's Computer Club including how you can get involved go to www.jamiescomputerclub.org.uk

Alan publishes autumn newsletter

Alan Whitehead has today published his autumn newsletter to constituents of Southampton Test. The autumn newsletter outlines Alan's work since re-election as Labour MP for Southampton Test.

Alan Whitehead MP, for Southampton Test, said,
"My autumn newsletter is part of an on-going commitment to keep constituents of Southampton Test up to date with my work as their Member of Parliament. It gives details of what I've been doing for Southampton since the General Election, including the campaigns I am championing and how I can be contacted. Read it first at www.alan-whitehead.org.uk."

Alan visits young carers project

Alan Whitehead met with workers who assist young carers in Southampton through a project run by Southampton Voluntary Services. The meeting gave Alan the chance to listen to views regarding care services in Southampton and what measures are needed to help young carers in the city. (1st August)

Alan Whitehead MP Supports Shopworkers on 'No ID, No Sale'

Alan Whitehead MP met with shopworkers' union Usdaw and several teenagers as part of the union's campaign for a culture of 'No ID, no sale' and for a national Proof of Age scheme for youngsters.

Alan Whitehead MP, for Southampton Test, said,
"It was virtually impossible to guess the youngsters' ages so I fully understand how difficult it is for busy shopworkers to try to police under-age sales. The young people that I met were law-abiding and extremely charming, but unfortunately many youngsters become very aggressive and intimidating when shop staff ask them to prove their age. I fully support Usdaw's campaign for 'No ID, No Sale' and I believe that age identity cards will help hard-pressed shop staff who are trying to prevent under-age sales of dangerous products including knives, cigarettes, alcohol and solvents." (13th July)

Civil Service Sports Ground sold to Bovis : 'don't back down' says Whitehead

The Civil Service Sports Ground has now been sold to the giant house building company Bovis. This means that Freemantle's only significant green space is under threat of being developed for housing.

Alan Whitehead MP said, "one of the questions that needs to be asked is will the city council roll over and allow the whole site to be developed? At present, only a fraction of the site is zoned for development; the rest designated as open space. Labour is working hard to ensure the covenants on the land remain and the land can once again be used for leisure and recreation." (Jul 05)

Think again, urges MP

Alan Whitehead MP today expressed support for people with dementia and their carers in Southampton Test in the run up to Alzheimer's Awareness Week. The theme of the week, which will run from 3rd to 9th July 2005, is 'Think again', and the Alzheimer's Society will be focusing on the issue that affect younger people with dementia. These include financial and employment issues.

Alan Whitehead MP said,
'I am very happy to be supporting the Alzheimer's Society during Alzheimer's Awareness Week. When we think of dementia we usually think of older people and it is important to remember that dementia can affect anyone at any age. More than 855 people living in Southampton Test have dementia and more than three times are affected by the consequences.'

For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the national Alzheimer's Helpline on 0845 300 0336. (July 2005)

Alan visits Southampton Father's Project for National volenteering week

Alan paid a visit to a Southampton father's project (2nd June) as part of National Volunteering Week. The project, run by Southampton Voluntary Services, is aimed at fathers and their children and includes a supervised play area.

Alan helped build sand castles with the children and played table-tennis with some of the dads. He said "the Father's Project is really appreciated by all the parents and chldren and I am delighted to see new investment will update the premises. Many thanks to everyone who made me feel so welcome."

Alan wins a third term as MP for Southampton Test

Following the General Election of May 5th, electors in Southampton Test returned Alan Whitehead as their Member of Parliament. Alan said: "Many thanks to all of you who helped to re-elected me as your MP in Southampton Test. I will continute to speak up for Southampton in Parliament and represent all constituents to the best of my abilities."

The full results were: Alan Whitehead (Labour) 17,845 (42.7%); Conservative 10,827; Liberal Democrats 10,368; Green 1,482; UKIP 1,261.

Sports Minister joins Alan for a visit of Redbridge Community School

Tessa Jowell, Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, joined Alan on a visit of Redbridge Community School, a specialist sports college. They were given a guided tour of the newly-built secondary school with its fantastic sports facilities.

Highlights included listening to pupils talk about the school's pairing with a school in South Africa and joining in a very memorable dance class! (April 2005)

Alan Whitehead invites community workers to Number 10 Reception

Alan Whitehead MP invited two Southampton community workers, Marie Draper and Geeta Uppal, to a reception at Number 10 Downing Street in recognition of their outstanding work in the community.

Marie Draper, Youth Co-ordinator at Outer Shirley Regeneration and Geeta Uppal, from Southampton Institute and Art Asia, joined Alan and the Prime Minister for a reception on Monday 14th March. Alan Whitehead MP, for Southampton Test, said,

"The Prime Minister wishes to give proper recognition to people on the front line who are playing a leading role in our community. I was delighted to be able to recommend Marie and Geeta who have both worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for young people in Southampton."