From: Conor Burns MP news@conorburns.

com
Subject: News Bulletin from Conor Burns MP #121
Date: 7 July 2014 09:42
To: news@conorburns.com



In this edition:


Conor Burns MPs Diary

Bournemouth West MP
submits Navitus Bay
objections to the Planning
Inspectorate

Photo news:
St Michael's Primary School
visit Westminster

Conor in the media:
Dorset MPs object to
Navitus Bay wind farm plan

Photo news:
Conor visits St Michael's
Primary School

Conor Burns praises
Bournemouth business at
forefront of digital economy

Bournemouth West MP
gains insight into pioneering
epidural simulator project

Photo news:
Bournemouth University
Media School

Conor in the media:
MP wants watchdog to
probe 'overtly political'
Oxfam campaign

Conor in the papers:
MP accuses Oxfam of
making misleading claims

How to contact
Conor Burns MP




Issue 121 - Monday 7th July 2014



Since the past edition, Conor has:
Visited residents of Ivy House to join them for tea and discuss
local issues.
Joined with students and staff to celebrate Bournemouth
University Students Unions 20
th
anniversary.
Held surgeries at the Triangle and in Rossmore to help local
people with their problems.
Met with staff and students from Bournemouth International
College, and heard about their plans for the future.
Been updated on the progress of the Epidural Simulator
project of Dr Venky Dubey at Bournemouth University.
Visited local business C4L to discuss their work in making
Bournemouth a digital hub.
Celebrated the 10
th
anniversary of local business Quostar.
Attended St. Lukes School Fete.
Submitted his objections to the proposed Navitus Bay
windfarm to the Planning Inspectorate.
Attended the prize giving at Winton Carnival.
Joined with BU students and staff at this years Graduation
Ceremony.


Bournemouth West MP submits Navitus
Bay objections to the Planning
Inspectorate

Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns has this week outlined his
objections to the proposed Navitus Bay wind farm to the Planning
Inspectorate.

Conors objections, outlined in full below, are centred on his belief
supported by Navitus Bay Development Ltds own research that
Bournemouths tourism economy will suffer in the event of the project
going ahead. Thirty per cent of summer visitors surveyed said they
would not come to Bournemouth to holiday during the five-year
construction period, and half of those said they would never return.
Given the value of tourism to Bournemouth, such a fall in visitor
numbers would cost jobs and damage businesses across the town.

The potential negative impact of the wind farm on tourism, as well as
its potential threat to the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage
Site, local wildlife and to shipping, has led to the project being
opposed by both Bournemouth and Poole Councils, the Members of
Parliament for Bournemouth West, Bournemouth East, Poole, South
Dorset and Christchurch, and many local residents.

Commenting, Conor said: The potential impact of this project on
Bournemouth and the surrounding area cannot be overstated. This
project would dominate the horizon and threaten the unique setting in
which the Jurassic Coast exists and on which our tourist economy
depends. Allowing this project to go ahead will cost jobs, weaken local
businesses and damage wildlife.

"I call on the Planning Inspectorate to refuse consent for this scheme,
and would urge any interested parties to make their own submissions
as soon as possible."

Conor Burns submission to Planning Inspectorate is as follows:

I am Member of Parliament for Bournemouth West, which includes the
beaches and cliffs from which the Navitus Bay Wind Farm would be
visible. I wish to register my formal objections, and give notice that I
wish to give oral evidence to the Inspector because of the potential
adverse impact on my constituency.

I am not opposed to offshore wind in principal, but believe the project
would be bad for Bournemouth. Our economy relies heavily on
tourism, and the view to the east of Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of
Wight and of an uninterrupted seascape to the south is the hook on
which tourism hangs. The wind farm would occupy around a third of
the visible horizon. This, in my view, is why Navitus Bay
Development Limiteds own tourism survey shows that one third of
visitors would be reluctant to return during construction and many
would never return if the wind farm is visible from the town.
Bournemouth currently attracts nearly 5 million visitors annually,
contributing 425 million to the towns economy and supporting over
10,000 local jobs. A large reduction in visitors would be a devastating
blow to our local economy.

I am alarmed by UNESCOs concern for the continued World Heritage
Status of the Jurassic Coast, both in terms of the conservation of its
Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and of its protection as a tourist
destination. I quote their conclusion because of its relevance: The
Project is likely to have some adverse impacts on the underlying
geomorphological processes in the setting of the property that are
essential for the long-term maintenance of its OUV !. Furthermore,
IUCN considers that the Project will have a significant impact on the
natural setting of the property!. Any potential impacts from the
Project on this natural property are in contradiction to the overarching
principle of the World Heritage Convention as stipulated in its Article 4,
as the completion of the Project would result in the property being
presented and transmitted to future generations in a form that is
significantly different from what was there at the time of inscription and
until today. Specifically, the property will change from being located in
a natural setting that is largely free from man-made structures to one
where its setting is dominated by man-made structures. I agree that,
given the significance of this project, an independent Environmental
Impact Assessment should be commissioned.

I have been contacted by hundreds of constituents who oppose the
project, and am inviting residents in proximity to the coast to tell me
their views. The principal objections to date in addition to those set
out above include the risk to our favourable microclimate; the impact
on marine recreation; the danger to commercial shipping and to
migrating birds; and the potential for noise from the turbines. Whilst
NBDL has carried out informal consultation, a high percentage of local
people are not aware of the proposals, and residents who have
registered comments are dismayed that NBDLs response has been
minimal. NBDL has cut the number of turbines, but have refused to
specify how many there will be; has reduced the height while
refusing to specify how high the turbines will be; and has moved the
wind farm a little further from the coast without specifying where in the
Zone it will be located. I, like my constituents, believe amendments to
date are grossly inadequate.

I urge the Planning Inspectorate to refuse Development Consent.

Conor Burns MP
Bournemouth West


Photo news:
St Michael's Primary School visit
Westminster


Conor Burns with pupils from St Michaels Primary School on
their visit to Westminster.


Conor in the media:
Dorset MPs object to Navitus Bay wind
farm plan

BBC
Monday 23rd June 2014

A number of MPs representing the Dorset coast
have objected to plans for a wind farm off the
Jurassic Coast.

The Conservative MPs, including Richard Drax, told BBC Dorset
political reporter Tristan Pascoe they had submitted objection letters
during the Navitus Bay public consultation.

If approved, the development would be built off the coast of Dorset,
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Navitus Bay said research showed "majority support" for the scheme.

Plans for the development, which would comprise 194 wind turbines
up to 200m (650ft) high, were submitted in April amid claims it would
contribute 1.6bn to the economy over 25 years, and would generate
power for up to 700,000 homes.

Mr Drax, MP for South Dorset, said the project would be a "blight" on
the coastline.

The other Conservative Dorset MPs objecting to the plans are Poole's
Robert Syms, Christchurch MP Christopher Chope, and Bournemouth
MPs Tobias Ellwood and Conor Burns.

Oliver Letwin, MP for West Dorset, said as the proposal does not
affect his constituency he did not intend to say anything about it.

'Lead on technology'

Earlier this month, the Conservative group, which leads the Borough
of Poole Council with a minority, said the scheme had "major
economic, environmental and sustainability concerns".

Bournemouth Borough Council has also said key issues of concern for
councillors and residents include the effects on tourism and the visual
impact.

The plans were also dealt a blow when UNESCO said the World
Heritage Status of the Jurassic Coast could be withdrawn if the
scheme goes ahead.

However, the Green Party has spoken out in favour of the plans
calling them an "opportunity for Dorset to lead on technology of the
future".

Up to 70% of people polled during independent research supported
the scheme, according to Navitus Bay senior project manager Stuart
Grant.

The Planning Inspectorate consultation, which ends later, has
received about 1,800 comments.


Photo news:
Conor visits St Michael's Primary School


Conor Burns paying a return visit to pupils at St Michaels
School.


Conor Burns praises Bournemouth
business at forefront of digital economy

Last month Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns visited local business
C4L to hear about their work as a provider of connectivity and
communication services, and of online data storage.

The meeting followed a presentation given by C4L to Silicon South,
the body tasked with promoting the Bournemouth as a digital hub.

During his visit, Conor was given a tour of C4Ls facilities by company
chairman and founder Matt Hawkins, and was able to see at first hand
the work done by C4L to provide clients as diverse as government
agencies and FTSE 250 companies with access to over 400 data
centres globally.

Following his visit, Conor said: The digital economy is one of the
fastest growing sectors in Bournemouth, and I was delighted to have
the opportunity to visit one of the businesses at the forefront of this
industry. I would like to wish C4L every success for the future, and
look forward to more businesses basing themselves in Bournemouth
as it develops its reputation as a digital hub.


Bournemouth West MP gains insight into
pioneering epidural simulator project


Conor Burns being shown the epidural simulator project at BU by
Dr Venky Dubey.

Last month Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns paid a visit to
Bournemouth University to get an update on a medical project that he
had last viewed in 2011.

The project, led by Dr. Venky Dubey in collaboration with Poole
Hospital, has created an epidural simulator that will help to train
doctors to carry out the procedure, reducing the risk of harm to
patients.

The simulator uses complex software that mimics the variable
conditions involved in giving a real-life epidural to a woman in labour,
allowing doctors to safely practice in a way that will lead to more
successful results in real-life.

The project has been the subject of international attention, and
recently won the prestigious Institution of Engineering and Technology
Innovation Award amongst 400 entries from 30 countries.

Following his visit Conor said: It has been fantastic to catch up on the
hard work of Dr Venky and his colleagues on the epidural simulator
project. I am confident that this will, in time, make a real difference to
both doctors and patients, and goes to show the inspiring contribution
that Bournemouth University has to make to medical science.


Photo news:
Bournemouth University Media School



Conor Burns with Dean Stephen Jukes and students at
Bournemouth University Media School.


Conor in the media:
MP wants watchdog to probe 'overtly
political' Oxfam campaign

James Landale, BBC
Tuesday 10th June 2014

The Charity Commission is assessing whether a
promotional campaign by Oxfam broke its rules
by criticising the government's austerity
programme.

The charity put out a tweet speaking of a "perfect storm" caused by
"zero hours contracts, high prices, benefit cuts, unemployment and
childcare costs".

It is part of a wider campaign by the charity blaming welfare cuts for
the increased use of food banks.

A Conservative MP said he was "shocked" by the "overtly political"
campaign.

But Oxfam insisted that drawing attention to poverty and tackling it
"should not be a party political issue".

Oxfam claim that more than 20 million meals were delivered to people
living in poverty by the four main food bank charities last year.

The aid charity is getting constituents to email MPs with a letter that
highlights what it says is the "unacceptable" reliance on food banks by
a growing number of people.

The letter cites a number of reasons for food banks' prevalence
including "low incomes, rising living costs, welfare cuts, and problems
with the benefit sanctions system that stops vital welfare payments
going to people who are struggling to make ends meet".

It urges the government to keep track of the number of people using
food banks and encourages constituents to press their MPs to
"highlight the need for urgent action to address the rise in food
poverty".

'Illusion'

Conor Burns, the Conservative MP for Bournemouth West, has asked
the Charity Commission to urgently investigate whether the campaign
breaches the organisation's charitable status.

Conor Burns said Oxfam's campaign was "overtly political"

In a letter to its chair William Shawcross, Mr Burns said the campaign
was "overtly political and aimed at the policies of the current
government".

Speaking later, he added: "Many people who support Oxfam will be
shocked and saddened by this highly political campaigning in
domestic British politics.

"Most of us operated under the illusion that Oxfam's focus was on the
relief of poverty and famine overseas.

"I cannot see how using funds donated to charity to campaign
politically can be in accord with Oxfam's charitable status."

He said he had received a reply from Mr Shawcross in which he said
that "the tweet is currently being assessed to see whether it raises any
regulatory concerns".

'Speaking out'

Food bank charities say demand for their support has soared in recent
years

A Charity Commission spokeswoman said it had received a complaint
about the campaign but had contacted the individual concerned for
more information about the basis of their objections.

"It is worth being aware of the rules on charity campaigning," she
added. "Charities are often the most appropriate organisations to
speak out and campaign on behalf of their users.

"From lobbying politicians to running online petitions, charities can
engage in a range of activities to support their charity's aims. But
charities must never be politically biased or support a politician."

Ben Phillips, Oxfam's campaigns and policy director, said it was a
"resolutely non-party political organisation".

"We have a duty to draw attention to the hardship suffered by poor
people we work with in the UK," he said.

"Fighting poverty should not be a party political issue. Successive
governments have presided over a tide of rising inequality and created
a situation where food banks and other providers provided 20 million
meals last year to people who could not afford to feed themselves.

"This is an unacceptable situation in one of the world's largest
economies and politicians of all stripes have a responsibility to tackle
it."


Conor in the papers:
MP accuses Oxfam of making misleading
claims

Laura Pitel, The Times
Saturday 14th June 2014

A Conservative MP has accused Oxfam
of making misleading claims in a major
report on poverty.

Conor Burns, who represents
Bournemouth West, has written to the
charity to question its claim that more
than 20 million meals were given last year to people who could not
afford to feed themselves.

The assertion was made in a report entitled Below the Breadline: the
relentless rise of food poverty in Britain. Mr Burns said that the reports
appendix showed that more than half of the stated meals were
distributed by Fareshare, a group that gives unwanted food to
charities who use it in a variety of ways, including breakfast clubs,
community cafes and pensioners lunch clubs.

I fully support its work, Mr Burns said of Fareshare in his letter to
Oxfam. However, as these [meals] are not all means-tested, it is
simply not possible to state that these meals are consumed by people
who could not afford to feed themselves - an incredibly emotive and
powerful claim, but sadly one which is unsupported by the evidence
you have referenced.

He added: Food poverty is understandably an issue of public
concern, and that makes it all the more important that debate is based
on accurate facts. Government is understandably held to account for
its use of statistics, so could you please explain how you can justify
this claim, and what you intend to do to correct the statement?

Earlier this week, Mr Burns reported Oxfam to the Charity Commission
after it criticised the governments austerity programme. The
organisation released an advert on Twitter that said it was lifting the
lid on austerity Britain that was forcing more and more people into
poverty. The MP described the campaign as explicitly political and
accused Oxfam of misusing charitable funds a claim the
organisation denied. At the time, it said that fighting poverty should
not be a party political issue.

An Oxfam spokesman said: We stand by our report which was
produced by three non-partisan charities with expertise in tackling UK
poverty. If Mr Burns has concerns over our figures we hope he will
support our call for the government to collect official data on food
poverty in the UK, the lack of which is hampering the fight against
hunger.


Three ways to contact Conor Burns MP:

By Phone: 020 7219 7021
By email: conor.burns.mp@parliament.uk
By post: Conor Burns MP
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA

www.conorburns.com

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for Bournemouth West, coming soon!

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Promoted by Andrew Morgan on behalf of Conor Burns, both of 135 Hankinson Road, Bournemouth, BH9 1HR