Page 68 - Phonebox Magazine August 2011

Out and About with Mark Lancaster
Our local MP
From the rural north to the centre of the city, milton Keynes boasts, among its many assets, an abundance of green space. Combine that with the beautiful weather that summer (ought to) bring, and you have the recipe for wonderful gatherings with friends, family, games, drinks and, of course, barbecues. But, as I have learnt, these barbecues, namely the disposable ones, do not guarantee carefree fun in the sun. Because the fire service has recently seen a wave of danger and damage wrought by poorly-attended barbecues, burning through bandstands and scorching the ground. We are very lucky that nothing more serious has happened. and to ensure that it doesn’t, as
I learnt when I met firefighters and community rangers at Willen’s Peace Pagoda last month, there are ways of making this pursuit safer – placing the barbecues on bricks or a slab, using the stands that they are sold
Firefighters ready with the water as Mark displays with, taking water
vulnerable people. the plant khat is completely legal in the uK, but banned in many others across the world. It was brought to my attention by constituents in Somali communities who fear that the addictive stimulant is making causing family breakdown, health problems, unemployment, deprivation and community tensions. I took this problem to Parliament by calling a special debate on the matter and I am glad to say that the Government has pledged to make the issue a priority.
Mark Lancaster MP raises the issue of khat
his cooking skills
out with you, and
the thing our city ought to be most
proud of is our young people. last
month I met with year eight pupils from Stantonbury and sixth formers from ousedale. Far from being the disengaged and apathetic youth that the media portrays, each and every one of them showed that the teenagers of this city are engaged, hardworking and interested in what’s going on in this country. I admired Stantonbury’s eagerness to learn more about politics and put their mP under the spotlight – asking about everything from my Parliamentary routine to what car I drive.
the questioning at ousedale’s Question time event, as part of their Shine Day, showed that they are clued-up on current events and keen to steer the future of this country. I also want to note that having appeared on radio 4, three Counties radio, look east that same week, by far the toughest questioning came from the students at ousedale, and that’s something they should be very proud of!
throwing them away sensibly. after all, we want milton Keynes to continue to be
reputed for beautiful spaces, not spates of fires.
another thing that milton Keynes boasts is a fantastic variety of manufacturing. I went to see the beverage can makers rexam at Northfield last month to see what exactly goes into making your can of fizzy drink. I was delighted to see the production line in action and learn that this firm is behind more than a tenth of the cans in this country. the Government is placing great importance on such highly skilled work, and is seeking out the country’s best examples in its made by Britain
Mark takes questions from the pupils of Ousedale Sixth Form during Question Time
initiative,
something I am
keen to get
involved in –
particularly as
milton Keynes
offers such a
range of goods,
from the last
parchment
maker in the
uK to globally
renowned racing
cars. anyone who
is keen for me to come and see what they make in their business can contact me on 01908 686830.
Something which milton Keynes will not want to be known for is the proliferation of a drug which is having a detrimental effect on
ContaCt information:
mark Lancaster tD mP
Suite 102, milton Keynes Business Centre, foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood, milton Keynes mK14 6GD
tel: 01908 686830
68 Phonebox Magazine
Mark and manager Ian Clayton at can manufacturing plant Rexam