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
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2006
December 14: Keep warm this Christmas
Dr Whitehead has joined the Warm Homes campaign to raise awareness of support for people who cannot afford to properly heat their own homes. The campaign builds on Dr Whitehead's work on the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006, which created a statutory duty on local government to monitor and tackle fuel poverty. More
December 12: Campaign to build more social homes
Dr Whitehead has teamed up with Shelter to highlight the desperate need for more social housing in Southampton.
Read about the campaign for more social homes
Join the campaign here: www.shelter.org.uk/wallofshame
December 8: Carers' entitlements
Today is Carers Rights Day. Dr Whitehead is backing a campaign to improve carers' awareness of what help is available, and is also calling on the government to act on their pledges on carers' pensions. More
December 7: Policies for a low carbon economy
Dr Whitehead has written a chapter in a new Smith Institute publication, 'The Green Shift: Policies for a low carbon economy.'
Read a summary on the Smith Institute website
Read the whole document (pdf file)
December 6: Debt on our doorstep
"The Consumer Credit Act 2006 introduces an unfair credit test that makes it easier for people to take unfair lenders to court. But many people in the position I have described would no sooner take lenders to court than they would fly to Mars."
- Read about Alan's work to secure a Commons debate on cracking down on doorstep lenders
- Listen to Alan's Today interview about doorstep lending (requires Realplayer; interview starts 25 minutes into the segment)
December 5: Debate on capping doorstep lenders
Some doorstep lenders target the most vulnerable people in Southampton and charge extortionate interest on payments owed. Tonight Dr Whitehead will call for a price cap on the total charge for credit offered on the doorstep. More
November 23: How to improve Southampton's transport system
Public transport is a lot more regular and accessible in other parts of the country. What can we do to bring Southampton's public transport closer to the standard of, say, London?
- Read Alan's latest article on public transport in Southampton
- Read Alan's question in Parliament about Passenger Transport Authorities
November 22: New money for parenting education
The government has announced £4 million of new funding for parenting education as part of a long term strategy to cut anti-social behaviour. The funding addresses a key issue raised in Alan Whitehead's summer survey on respect in Southampton.
November 21: Four substantive initiatives to cut carbon emissions
In yesterday's Queen's Speech debate on local government and the environment, Dr Whitehead set out four key initiatives for cutting carbon emissions. More
November 20: Climate Change Bill makes the Queen's Speech
The Queen's Speech on Wednesday confirmed that the government would introduce a new Climate Change Bill in this session of Parliament. More
Read Alan's Activity Report for November.
November 15: How green is your MP?
The Independent has today published Alan Whitehead's answers to questions posed by the editor of The Rough Guide to Climate Change.
November 13: Some progress on parking, but more must be done
The campaign to improve parking arrangements around the General Hospital picks up on Wednesday at a hearing of the council's Transport and Environment scrutiny committee.
- Read about the parking campaign
- Read the results of Alan Whitehead's survey on parking in Coxford
November 3: Message for Guy Fawkes Night
Police have new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour on bonfire night this year. More
Congratulations to Southampton business woman Reena Pau, who has been nominated for the Blackberry Women & Technology Awards. More
October 30: What should be in the Climate Change Bill?
Dr Whitehead weighed in to the debate on the proposed Climate Change Bill this weekend. He argued that targets alone are not enough and that "The mechanisms have to be there for the targets to be real."
- Read the article for the Politics Show
- Read about the Climate Change Bill that Dr Whitehead introduced in the last Parliamentary session
October 27: Regenerating Mansel Park and defending the Civil Service Sports Ground
A £50,000 regeneration of Mansel Park is launched today. Read about the improvements to the site and about the campaign to save another green field site for community use. More
Read Alan's latest question to the Environment Secretary on nuclear waste.
Read Alan's latest In My View on how to tackle anti-social behaviour
October 25: Monthly Activity Report published
Read a personal report from Alan Whitehead on what he has been working on this month.
Read the report for October
Read previous reports
October 24: Energy Saving Week
This week is Energy Saving Week. Read Alan's advice on how you can save 20% from your energy bill.
October 19: Council finally agrees to close the M271 footbridge
The Council has finally listened to a long campaign by Alan and residents' groups to shut down an anti-social behaviour magnet in Redbridge.
October 18: Friends of the Earth meeting this Thursday
Alan will be speaking at a meeting organised by Southampton Friends of the Earth on Thursday 18th October. He has spoken in Parliament on the carbon trading scheme (featured on Channel 4 news) and green taxes this week.
- Details of Alan's speech to Southampton Friends of the Earth
- Read about the carbon trading scheme
- Read about the green taxes debate
Southampton's mental health services have been rated as 'excellent' by the healthcare commission. Find out more about what they've achieved and what further improvements are planned.
October 12: More computers for schools
IT in classrooms has been a big spending priority for the government. Thousands of pounds worth of additional equipment will be pumped into Southampton schools this week as part of the Tesco Computers for Schools project. On Friday Alan will meet some of the benefitting students. More
October 5: The future of the Labour Party
At Labour Conference Alan Whitehead and a group of other Labour MPs launched a policy document titled "New Labour: Rebuilding the Coalition" as a contribution to the debate about the future direction of the Labour party and the country. You can now read the entire policy document online and send Alan your comments.
October 3: Radio Solent Interview
On Saturday Alan Whitehead was interviewed by Radio Solent's Peter White about climate change and energy efficiency. For the next week you can listen to a stream of the interview on the Radio Solent website. The interview with Alan starts approximately one hour into the show.
September 29: Autumn newsletter on energy and the environment
Dr Whitehead's newsletter for Autumn 2006 is now online. The newsletter pulls together all of Alan's work on fuel poverty, energy policy and climate change over the past year. It covers local projects in Southampton and his work in Parliament. Download the newsletter (pdf file).
For more information on the projects listed, please visit our energy section or contact the office.
September 15: Happy 7th birthday to Sure Start
Today is the 7th birthday of Sure Start in Southampton. Since their founding in 1999 the 5 Sure Start centres in the city have provided a range of services to thousands of Southampton children. More
September 12: Opening new specialist hospital unit
Yesterday Dr Whitehead opened a new ward for critically ill patients at Southampton General Hospital. The eight-bed Surgical High Dependency Unit has been developed for patients who are critically ill before and after surgery. More
You can watch a video of the opening courtesy of the Southern Daily Echo here.
September 11: A nuclear cuckoo in the renewable nest?
In my latest article for the MP's House Magazine, I analyse the results of the Energy Review and argue that it will be very hard to engineer a market that works for both renewables and for nuclear power.
You can read the article here.
September 5: Working for a new health centre in Portswood
Click here to read about the work to get a new health centre as part of the redevelopment of the Portswood bus depot site.
August 29: Send my friend a teacher
Students from Oakwood School and the Compass Centre have designed some fantastic 'ideal teachers' to represent the 15 million teachers still needed to ensure every child in the developing world gets an education. More
August 29: Campaign to cut CAP and boost aid to Africa
Over 500 people from Southampton Test have signed a petition calling on the EU to slash the subsidies paid to rich European farmers and spend the money on helping AIDS victims in Africa. More
August 23: M271 Footbridge Update
Residents in the Gover Road area of Redbridge still have time to respond to the Council’s consultation on closing the M271 footbridge.
I have campaigned with Labour Councillors Peter Marsh-Jenks, Cathie McEwing & Dennis Harryman (pictured) to close the bridge since 2003. More
August 21: Celebrating 60 years of child benefit
August 2006 marks the 60th anniversary of the introduction of child benefit, which has given a degree of financial stability to families over the decades. More
August 18: Respect Plan for Southampton
Over the past few months I have been writing to constituents asking for their views on how anti-social behaviour should be dealt with. Read about the action I'm taking based on your responses. More
August 18: A-level students deserve to be proud
Less than half of all 18 year olds pass one A-level. So the A-level results gained by Southampton students today deserves high praise. More
August 16: I Spy on Reading Agents
Find out how young readers in Southampton are boosting their literacy and espionage skills. More
August 1: Why we won't need new nuclear
Read my article, published in last week's Daily Echo, on why the Energy Review isn't quite as good news for nuclear as some people seem to think. More
July 28: We need to learn the lessons of past conflicts
Read my full analysis of the violence currently taking place in the Middle East. More
July 26: Statement on the current violence in the Middle East.
Today I, along with many other British MPs, call for an immediate ceasefire by all parties involved in violence in Israel and Lebanon. Read my statement.
July 24: New 'energy & climate change' section published
A new section of www.alan-whitehead.org.uk website is launched today. My 'energy section' pulls together all of my articles and statements on climate change and energy politics since 2002. I hope it will become a useful resource for anyone interested in green issues. You can always feedback what you think of the website and how you would like it to be improved by emailing me at alan@alan-whitehead.org.uk
View my new energy page.
July 13: Nuclear power: the unanswered questions
The Energy Review has been published, but three big questions about the future of nuclear power need to be answered. My statement. Statement from the SERA group of Labour MPs.
July 6: Ten minutes to reduce CO2 emissions
Yesterday I secured a ten minute rule bill on further action to cut Britain's C02 output. The Bill would call for the Secretary of State to make an annual report on our progress on meeting CO2 reduction targets and propose clear action if the targets look like they are going to be missed. More
July 5: Tougher knife laws are still needed
The recent knife amnesty has taken 637 lethal weapons off Southampton streets. Now we need tougher laws on the sale and possession of knives, and to tackle the knife culture head on. More
June 27: Challenging NICE over Alzheimer's drugs
Draft guidance by NICE threatens to withdraw the prescription of anticholinesterase drugs for people suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's. More
June 21: Climate Change Bill gets Royal Assent
Today the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill gets Royal Assent and becomes an Act of Parliament.
My amendments to the Bill mean all new homes will be more energy efficient and that it will be easier for all existing homes to install micro-generation devices like mini-turbines. More
June 19: Adjournment debate on Wind Power
On Friday I secured a debate in the Commons on the future of wind power. I argued that with proper planning, deeper-water offshore wind farms could act as a new 'base-load' of electricity for the UK.
"Why not a new phase in which the North sea once again provides energy security, reliability of supply and low cost electricity in exactly the way that gas has done over past 30 years? In the context of our future energy planning, perhaps the question is not why, but why not?" More
June 16: It's HIP to be energy efficient
Home Information Packs will help everyone to be more informed about the energy efficiency of their homes. More
June 15: Parents and schools deserve a fair hearing
I've been contacted by a lot of parents who are angry about the City Council's plans close Millbrook Community School. Proper consultation was the key and it was severely lacking here. More
June 14: Meeting carers and health workers for Carers Week 2006
June 12th - 18th is Carers Week 2006. During the week I will be campaigning to get better recognition for the vital work done by carers and to ensure they get the health and financial support they need. On Monday I visited the Tannesbrook Unit at the Western Hospital and on Friday I will be speaking at a Carers Award Ceremony at the Civic Centre. More
June 13: Sweating it out for Sports Relief
Last week I and several other MPs competed in the Westminster Mile to raise money for Sports Relief. Runs across the country (including Southampton) will happen on Saturday 15th July. More
June 3: 158 weapons handed in so far
158 knives have already been handed in to police stations in Southampton as part of the national knives amnesty. More
May 25: Good News on Pensions
On Thursday the Government published its proposals for the future of Britain's pensions. The core proposals are a low-cost savings scheme which workers will be enrolled in automatically, re-linking the Basic State Pensions to earnings; and recognising the work done by parents and carers. More
May 24: Southampton is a Low Carbon City
I am delighted to announce that Southampton has one of the lowest carbon dioxide outputs of all major British cities. More
May 24: Get Knives Off Our Streets
Today begins a month long knife amnesty, backed up with a tough police enforcement campaign.
"There is too often a view that a knife is a less dangerous weapon than a gun for example and therefore is more acceptable. However, this is not and should not be the case - a knife can inflict the same fatal injuries as a gun. This is the message that we need to convey to encourage people to take part in this amnesty."
More
May 22: Early Day Motion on Nuclear and Renewables
I urge all MPs to sign EDM 2204, which argues that there are important questions on the economic and environmental viability of nuclear power that have yet to be addressed. More
May 17: Loophole Closed in Controversial Bill
Many people are concerned over the new powers given to government by the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill. The Bill is designed to allow government to get rid of antique regulation without going through long-winded Parliamentary procedures, but there were concerns that loopholes in the Bill could be used to bypass proper Parliamentary scrutiny. I've just succeeded in closing a crucial loophole. More
May 12: Major victory for the Climate Change Bill
I am very happy to report that the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill has today received approval from the House of Commons, despite continued wrecking tactics from Tory backbenchers. The Bill includes many important measures to combat climate change and reduce energy costs, such as making it easier to install microgenrators in the home. More
May 11: Our Youth Parliament
I will today be a judge for the national Youth Parliament Competition. In the competition, 11-18 year olds from 20 schools will debate a Parliamentary Bill of their choice. My congratulations to all the young people who have taken part, particularly Southampton's Cantell College, who received a Special Award for a Strong Performance. More
April 27: Praising Young Football Talent
I was on hand to present victorious footballers from Oaklands and Bellemoor with tubes of footballs they had won at a Solent Skills Quest event. I also talked to students from both schools about politics and, as a reward, had a kickabout with them! More
Photo: www.andyscaysbrook.com
April 26: Do we live in an age of "anti-politics?"
I recently proposed a 'bottom up' formula of state funding targetted towards local political parties and grassroots political activism.
I argued in Parliament and in my new pamphlet "Anti-Politics and Political Parties: The Case for State Funding" that such a system would help to restore trust in political parties and reinvigorate local democracy. More
April 21: Speak Up for Respect
I have written to over 6,000 residents in Southampton Test to make sure the Government's Respect Action Plan takes into account all your experiences of anti-social behaviour.
I always want to hear from you about anti-social behaviour in your area - so please don't hesitate to contact me. The more feedback we receive the better chance we have of stopping anti-social behaviour in its tracks so please do get in touch. More
March 29: The case for nuclear has yet to be made
I and 7 other Labour MPs have written a pamphlet on the future of Britain's energy policy.
In What's in the Mix: the Future of Energy Policy we argue that renewables and conservation offer a viable alternative to increasing dependence on nuclear power. More
March 16: Tory backbenchers try to wreck Climate Change Bill
The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill is in danger of being wrecked by the irresponsible actions of two maverick Tory MPs. More
Feb 22: Presenting Community Fellowship Awards to local volunteer groups
I presented a number of awards to organisations working to encourage volunteering in and around Southampton. The Community Fellowship Awards, organised by the University of Southampton, were presented at the John Hansard Gallery and recognised efforts made by local groups in developing a number of community projects.
Feb 16: Backing knives amnesty
I have backed the announcement of a nationwide knives amnesty to be held between 24 May and 30 June.
"This knife amnesty is about to creating safer streets throughout Southampton and the UK. Previous amnesties like this have already taken deadly weapons off the streets. Often those who carry a knife or dangerous weapon mistakenly believe they are protecting themselves but coupled with drink or drugs these weapons all too often lead to bloodshed. Please to do the right thing for your community, stop carrying knives and hand any you have over to the police. This is a chance for you to come clean - but it is only for a limited time."
February 10: Saving St Mary's Leisure Centre
I have renewed my backing to the campaign to save St Mary's Leisure Centre. The Leisure Centre is under threat in the City Council's forthcoming budget negotiations.
"Once again I support the campaign to keep St Mary's Leisure Centre open. It is a well-used facility serving a community in particular need of accessible leisure and sports facilities. I hope the City Council will work towards saving the centre and finding a long-term plan for keeping it open."
February 7: Welcoming the Government's proposals for the forthcoming education bill but further clarification needed
I welcome the letter from the Secretary of State for Education, Ruth Kelly, which offers considerable movement in the right direction ahead of the publication of the forthcoming Education Bill.
Dr Whitehead, along with a small group of other MPs, co-authored the document 'Shaping the Education Bill - Reaching for Consensus' . This influential document sparked off a serious and informed debate on the direction of the Government's proposed education reforms as laid out in the White Paper. Particular concern has focused on the admissions process, the role of the Local Education Authority and the issue of Trust Schools. More
Jan 6: Action on Resident's Parking
Alan Whitehead has published results of an extensive survey of local residents regarding parking issues around Southampton General Hospital. The survey was in response to number of letters from residents complaining of parking problems in the area.
"The huge response shows parking levels around the General Hospital area are still a matter of great concern - even impacting on residents living beyond the existing parking zone. The survey has highlighted several problems which need addressing and I will press the NHS Trust and city council to take action where appropriate." Read the Report