Subject: News

Bulletin from Conor Burns MP #94 Date: Friday, 29 June 2012 18:18:02 United Kingdom Time From: To: Conor Burns MP news@localconservatives.com

In this edition:
Conor Burns MPs Diary Website of the Week: Challenge Navitus Conor in the media: Conor speaks out against Deputy Prime Ministers plans to abolish House of Lords Conor in Parliament: Conor questions PM over Eurozone Assessment makes the case for action to improve West Howe Conor in Parliament: Conor questions Defence Secretary on a replacement for Trident Conor in Parliament: Conor questions Cabinet Office Minister on Civil Service Reform 12.1million cash injection to improve transport links for Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset Conor in Parliament: Conor questions Foreign Office on Bahrain Conor in the papers: Bournemouth cricket club nets victory in home ground battle How to contact Conor Burns MP

Issue 94 Friday 29th June 2012

Since the past edition, Conor has:

Met with Martin Baker, Chief Constable of Dorset Police to discuss issues around local policing, especially the calculation of crime rates and police funding formula. Was a Speaker at the St. Peters School Records of Achievements day. Appeared on BBC Radio 4s Today Programme and BBC Twos Daily Politics show to argue against the Deputy Prime Ministers plans to abolish the House of Lords. Questioned the Prime Minister in the House of Commons regarding the Eurozone. Held a constituency surgery at the Triangle in Bournemouth west where he was interviewed about the importance of Social Care at Bournemouth University. Met with the Armenian Ambassador, Karine Ghazinyan, to discuss issues affecting Armenia and its links with the United Kingdom. Questioned a Foreign Office Minister in the House of Commons regarding Bahrain. Attended a Garden Party in Central Ward, Bournemouth. Met with the Chair of the Poole Tourism Management Board, Dean of the School of Tourism, Bournemouth University, Mike Smith to discuss the National Coastal Tourism Academy bid which has just been submitted. Questioned the Cabinet Office Minister in the House of Commons regarding the Civil Service. Met with Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs, about how best to support dialogue between Bahrains government and opposition. Attended an event hosted by Sky at the OXO Tower in London. Questioned the Secretary of State for Defence in the House of Commons regarding Trident. Appeared on BBC South Today regarding the Public Sector Unions call for an end to the public sector wage freeze. Been quoted in The Guardian, Evening Standard, ITV News website and BBC News website regarding the House of Lords.

Website of the Week:

www.challengenavitus.org.uk
If you are interested in how you can help us to oppose the planned wind park so close to land then take a look at the local Challenge Navitus website. The campaign aims to get the wind farm built much further offshore so that it does not impact of the visual beauty and serenity of the Dorset coast, around which so many livelihoods are based. It points out that: When Eneco built the Prinses Amalia windfarm off the Dutch coast, it posted the following message on its website. "In the North Sea off the Dutch coast of Ijmuiden we have developed and constructed Prinses Amalia Windpark. Situated 23km out to sea, in deep waters, this generates energy for approximately 125,000 households without spoiling the uninterrupted sea views enjoyed so much by beach goers. With this project we have shown that offshore wind farms can be safe and profitable". The Prinses Amalia windfarm is almost twice as far from the coast as the Navitus Bay development area, with just 60 turbines, 99m tall in an area less than 10% the size, so its effect is tiny by comparison.

Conor in the media:

Conor speaks out against Deputy Prime Ministers plans to abolish House of Lords
On BBC Radio 4s Today Programme:

On BBC Daily Politics:

Click on the links below to read articles quoting Conor on this issue: The Guardian Evening Standard BBC News website ITV News website

Conor in Parliament:

Conor questions PM over Eurozone

Click on the image above to watch Conors question to the Prime Minister. The full text of the exchange was as follows: Conor Burns (Bournemouth West, Conservative): The Prime Minister referred in his statement to the changes of governance in the eurozone and the remorseless logic of being in a currency union. Those of us who have consistently called this right over the past 20 years have serious reservations about asking countries such as Greece, Spain and Portugal to make the democratic sacrifices that we ruled were unacceptable to the United Kingdom. Does he share our concern that when countries find they cannot change the policies of their Government through the ballot box, it could lead to profound instability in Europe? David Cameron (Prime Minister; Witney, Conservative): My hon. Friend makes a very good point, but the point that I would make in response is that it is not for us to tell those countries what to do. If countries want to join a currency union, understand that to make that currency union work they have to give up all sorts of sovereignty and freely enter into that bargain, that is a matter for them and not a matter for us. It is for us to decide whether we want to do that, which we do not, andand, frankly, it is all right to do thisto give advice about what would make a eurozone work better than it is working today.

Assessment makes the case for action to improve West Howe

Conor has welcomed an announcement that Bournemouths West Howe housing estate could be the next area in line for investment and improvement following a major study. Police, health workers, schools, community organisations, residents and Bournemouth Borough Council were among those to take part in the Strategic Assessment, which was commissioned by the Bournemouth 2026 Partnership. The area is among the most deprived in England, with 37 per cent of residents living below the poverty line, according to the report, which advocates action to address the root causes rather than simply the effects of deprivation. Jane Portman, Chair of West Howe Regeneration Partnership and an executive director at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: One thing that shone out from the report is that despite the deprivation, 71 per cent of residents are satisfied with life in West Howe. Theres a great tide of volunteers here working to make life better, community spirit is higher than most other areas and perceptions from outside the estate really dont match the reality. But investment is sorely needed. The report makes the case for a new community centre in West Howe and calls for action to address worklessness and to create a rights respecting community ethos. It highlights problems with doorstep lenders, who can charge exorbitantly large interest, points to the cost of childcare as a barrier to some residents returning to work and raises concerns of high levels of long-term illness. It praises the strong work being carried out to improve education attainment by some schools in the area but, with just six out of ten adults having a qualification of some kind, more work is needed. Debbie Clifton, of the Bournemouth 2026 Trust, added: This complete audit of West Howe gives us a very clear picture of the issues and enables us to help plan its future and we hope it will help us attract funding for improvements. Bournemouth Borough Council has already committed 35,000 to get the project running and the Bournemouth 2026 Trust will consider releasing funding for initiatives which are supported by the West Howe Regeneration Partnership. The project comes hot on the heels of Backing Boscombe, a campaign launched by Bournemouth 2026 after its strategic assessment there revealed high levels of deprivation, crime and health concerns. The West Howe study was carried out by Paul Iggulden Associates. Paul, a local Public Health Specialist, led on the work with support from Roland Stout who is an expert in market research. Commenting, Conor said: This is very encouraging news for an area which has seen much deprivation and hardship over the years. Its great that so many organizations and people from different sectors are coming together, as part of a thoughtful process, to see how they can improve the lives of the residents in West Howe. Conor supports this action and has been working closely alongside West Howe Now and the Fearnheath Play Association for a longlasting change.

Conor in Parliament:

Conor questions Defence Secretary on a replacement for Trident

Click on the image above to watch Conors question to the Defence Secretary. The full text of the exchange was as follows: Conor Burns (Bournemouth West, Conservative): Many of us remember the pivotal role of strong nuclear deterrents in our victory in the cold war and retain a passionate commitment to the United Kingdoms having an independent nuclear deterrent. The Secretary of State has been pressed a couple of times about the review. The review notwithstanding, will he confirm that the decisions that he has announced today will make it easier logistically for the Government in 2016 if they decide to commission a replacement for Trident? Philip Hammond (Secretary of State, Transport; Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative): I can go further than that. Without the measures that I have announced today, it would not be possible for the Government to make the decision to proceed in 2016, because the long-lead items would not have been ordered and purchased, and we would get to the end of life of the existing Vanguard submarines without a successor replacement being available.

Conor in Parliament:

Conor questions Cabinet Office Minister on Civil Service Reform

Click on the image above to watch Conors question to the Cabinet Office Minister. The full text of the exchange was as follows: Conor Burns (Bournemouth West, Conservative): My right hon. Friend rightly began his statement by saying of the civil service: It is there to implement the policies of the Government of the day, whatever its political complexion. He will be aware, through his role as a constituency Member of Parliament and as a Minister, of the frustrations expressed by many Ministers at the lack of determination of some in their Departments to implement the programme on which the Government of the day were elected. What assurances can he give us that this programme of reform will keep its central facet namely, that the civil service is there to implement the will of the people as expressed by those elected to the House of Commons? Francis Maude (Minister for the Cabinet Office; Horsham, Conservative): That is a fundamental tenet of our system, and if there were widespread concern that that was not happening, pressure to change the system along the lines that John Healey has outlined would become hard to resist. The key point, however, is that the permanent secretary of a Department is under an obligation to provide Ministers with officials who are capable of delivering the Ministers priorities. If that is not happening, Ministers are entitled toand shouldmake quite a fuss.

12.1million cash injection to improve transport links for Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset
Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset have been allocated a massive 12.1million by the government to improve the main east west transport links between Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch. Specific initiatives due to be rolled out over the next three years include: Bus priority measures at junctions Improvements to the cycle network Upgrading of all bus shelters along the route to a consistent high quality Improvement of major bus hubs (including Sea View - Poole, Boscombe Bus Station, Somerford - Christchurch) More crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists Expansion of Smartcard ticketing for public transport Targeted travel planning for major employers, schools and colleges 'State of the art' traffic management systems Public realm improvements The cash injection comes from a national 600 million Fund, designed to help local transport authorities support the local economy and reduce carbon emissions from transport. Cllr Michael Filer, Bournemouth Borough Councils Cabinet Member for Transport, Cleansing & Waste, said; We are absolutely delighted to have this funding in place, 12.1million is a lot of money and it allows the three councils to produce a package of measures across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch which will help to make the cross town journey quicker and safer. Equally important it shows that the three towns are working closely together for the benefit of all their residents as well as the millions of visitors who wish to use the attractions of the whole area. For example we want to improve walking and cycling facilities, improve the public transport service by supporting our partners to provide a more efficient and enhanced service, as well as improve traffic management across the conurbation all of which will help encourage people to travel smarter. Cllr Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio holder for Transportation and Local Economy, Borough of Poole, said; Winning the bid for this money is a real success for all three local authorities as it reflects the government's confidence in the area's potential for growth. We hope this will also serve to attract more businesses into the area. Investment in new and improved bus, cycle and walking infrastructure should lead to faster and more reliable journeys including peak times for workers. We hope to encourage more and more people to use these more sustainable modes of transport and leave their cars at home. Conor commented, This is great news for our area. People often complain to me that public transport in our area is not as good as it could be and this extra money will go a long way to rectifying that.

Conor in Parliament:

Conor questions Foreign Office on Bahrain

Click on the image above to watch Conors question to the Foreign Office Minister. The full text of the exchange was as follows: Conor Burns (Bournemouth West, Conservative): May I follow up the point raised by Ann Clwyd? The Government of Bahrain have consistently held the view that the door is open for a meaningful dialogue with members of Opposition parties, which are, of course, recognised in Bahrain. The Government cannot have that dialogue on their own. The Opposition have a moral responsibility to come to the table and engage in meaningful dialogue with the Government in order to make progress. Alistair Burt (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Afghanistan/South Asia, counter terrorism/proliferation, North America, Middle East and North Africa), Foreign and Commonwealth Office; North East Bedfordshire, Conservative): My hon. Friend is right. Bahrain is sometimes portrayed as having no Opposition activity, with marches postponed or cancelled, but in the run-up to the Grand Prix recently Al-Wefaq, the main Opposition party, held authorised demonstrations. However, as my hon. Friend says, if a meaningful dialogue is to take place, there must be two sides to it. We will continue to urge both sides, both Opposition and Government, to engage in such a dialogue, because the implementation of the commissions recommendations is just as important as the recommendations themselves.

Conor in the papers:

Bournemouth cricket club nets victory in home ground battle

Bournemouth Echo Monday 18th June 2012 A cricket club can stay on its historic ground in Bournemouth now nets will stop stray balls hitting people. Club chairman Richard Rigler said: Its been a nightmare year it took a lot of hard work and frustration to sort it out. Suttoners had to abandon their 45-year-old home at Kinson Manor because the councils insurers, Zurich, refused cover. Broken windows were covered by the club but the club needed cover through the council for injuries to people. Suttoners now have a 40ft high fence thanks to grants from the recycling charity Sita and the English Cricket Board. The clubs second and third teams played a special celebratory match with guests including MP Conor Burns, who helped their quest. More than 40 balls a season had been going out of the ground. Mr Rigler said no balls had got over the two sections of net in five weeks of play this year. He said: It means a heck of a lot to people to be back here and I want to thank the residents for their support. We are back where we belong the other grounds didnt always have the good facilities we have got here. This is a challenging part of Bournemouth but everybody from this area loves coming here to play. Last year the clubs teams played at Dean Park, Slades Farm and Meyrick Park. Cllr Amadeo Angiolini, who helped with the work, said: Its great to see the community working together. Andy McDonald, the councils parks service delivery manager, said: We continue to work in partnership with the club to discuss future options and monitor results of works already undertaken.

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