Page 39 - Phonebox Magazine June 2013

Out and About with Mark Lancaster
The Queen’s speech sets out the governments legislative agenda for the next parliamentary year. This year’s speech was the coalitions second and the content of it has been the topic of much discussion both in Westminster and across the media. While not included in the Queen’s speech, I was particularly pleased to see that parliament will see, through James Wharton’s Private Members Bill, the opportunity to vote for a referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union.
I will be supporting the bill as I think it is absolutely right that the British public have the chance to vote on our membership. This is particularly important, in my view, as only those aged 56 or over has been able to have their say on our relationship with the EU and as its powers further impose on our parliament’s sovereignty it seems only right. With the future of the UK’s relationship with other countries high on the list of discussions, I was honoured to be invited to the launch of the IF Campaign at the United Reform Church in Newport Pagnell. The IF campaign is being run by Christian Aid to highlight that there at one billion people across the world who are hungry or malnourished and the United Reform Church are holding events to raise money and awareness.
Until recently I was part of the Secretary of State for International Development’s team, having been Shadow Minister for many years while in opposition. This gave me the opportunity to see rsthand the appalling impact hunger has across large numbers of countries. In 2013 it is simply not acceptable and I am very proud that Britain is leading the ght against global hunger; evidence of this will be seen at the G8 summit where we will drive for further global action to reduce hunger and malnutrition. I would encourage everyone to support the United Reform Church’s local efforts for this campaign.
On the theme of supporting local projects, I recently joined Great
Linford Parish Council on a Tidy Up morning around the local shops. I was staggered by the amount of rubbish in the area which after a mornings work came to 5 buckets of glass, 9 bags of recycling & 23 bags of litter. Also found were a car tyre and battery, 2x 5ltr full drums of used oil & 2 lters, a ratchet and claw hammer, Gas cylinder and a sh tank!
While the ndings were quite shocking, I was incredibly impressed by the 14 volunteers who came out to support the Parish Ranger Simon Bates and I will certainly be joining them again. I would encourage everyone to support projects such as these, which sees the local community coming together to improve the area for all.
It is all too easy sometimes to not think about the impact your actions have on the local area so I would ask everyone to be mindful to pick up their litter next time they drop it!
I recently attended the 20th anniversary of the Milton Keynes Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre. Run by volunteers’ it offers sufferers of the disease a place to receive massages and use of an oxygen tank to help relieve symptoms. The centre serves the City and its surrounding area, I am a great supporter of theirs and would highly recommend anyone who has MS to get in touch with the Stacey Bushes based charity.
One to watch locally at the moment is the Four Pillars in Olney which I have nominated for the Tif n Cup. The Tif n Cup is an annual competition held in the House of Commons to discover the best South East Asian restaurant in the country with MP’s nominating a restaurant each year. The Four Pillars is my local and I have high hopes for them, I will make sure an update appears here as soon as we get one. As ever, if you have anything you would like to speak to me about or if you would like me to come and visit your organisation please do get in touch on 01908 686830.
Our local MP
Phonebox Magazine 39