Out and About
With Mark Lancaster MP
- Historic Vote to Ban Khat -
I am absolutely delighted to have achieved a historic vote in Parliament, which classifies the plant called Khat as a class C drug.
The vote came despite opposition from the Liberal Democrats on the committee who voted against a ban. I have been campaigning to reclassify the drug after Somali constituents were concerned about the impact the drug was having on social cohesion and family breakdown in Milton Keynes.
Khat is a plant grown mainly in Kenya and chewed by the East African community in the UK. It contains the banned substances Cathine and Cathinone, and the UK is the only Western European country not to have banned the plant to date.
Police enforcement will take the form of an initial caution, followed by a £60 fine for drug users and the risk of imprisonment for dealers .
I'm pleased that the Committee , with the exception of the Liberal Democrats, supported the Home Secretary's decision to ban Khat. I know that this will be welcomed among much of the Somali community across the UK, but we need to be sensitive as the ban is brought in.
care homes play a significant role in allowing residents to continue to live in the area they are familiar with. Bay House is playing its part, and it is vital that they are recognised for the exceptional care they provide and continue to thrive.
- - All Sounds Good To Me! --
My invitation to visit Witch Hat, a manufacturer of high-end audio systems in Newport Pagnell, gave me the opportunity to experience the true definition of high quality sound through state-of-the-art amplifiers. The team (and Toby, the dog) moved their business from Kent in 2013 , recognising that Milton Keynes had the infrastructure, transport links and vibrant business community to enable them to develop their innovative ideas.
The team - Nicholas Burke, Mark Slade and Christopher Ives - told me that 98% of their previous business was mail order, and now roughly 20% of their customers choose to drop off and collect, simply because they are now easily accessible from J14 of the M1. Initially born from offering maintenance services for high-end audio systems , the cutting edge amplifiers have been designed for a quality sound and are, without doubt, aesthetically pleasing on the eye. Witch Hat's research discovered that, for the system to be accepted in the home environment, they must have a partner 's approval!
I was suitably impressed with the dedication and ingenuity of the team at Witch Hat. As they are a new business to Milton Keynes, I will support them, and I will watch with
interest as their business develops in the local area.
- Tea and Smiles at Bay House -
Broad smiles and a wonderful atmosphere greeted me as I arrived at Bay House Care Home in Olney.
The building, in Weston Road, has played an integral part in the town's history since it was built for the Charles Wells Brewery. Bay House has been extended to accommodate up to 23 elderly people, and I was fortunate to spend some quality time with two of the residents.
Enid and Phyllis were both keen to share with me how happy they were, and gave high praise to the team who provide their 24-hour care.
The team is led by manager Ann Watts, who has worked at Bay House for 25 years. Coming in a close second is Debbie, the care supervisor who has dedicated 16 years of her career caring for the elderly.
For me, it was apparent that our smaller local 14 Phonebox Magazine
Strength in MK.'s
--- Business Community - --
Further encouraging news came in the first quarter report from Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce .
It reveals that confidence levels remain high among the 52 canvassed Milton Keynes businesses. Local figures revealed that more than 60% of respondents attempted to recruit new employees.
We also have a continuing healthy labour market, with none of the manufacturers surveyed reducing their wor kforce and 30% said they were expecting their employee ratio to increase over the coming months.
I commend the efforts of Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce and the report is clearly an indication that the government's long-term economic plan is working .