Page 16 - Phonebox Magazine November 2014

Out and About with Mark Lancaster MP
Hospital work is underway
Work has already started on the £2.9 million upgrade for the new A&E building at Milton Keynes Hospital.
Iain Stewart MP and I visited the site to see the first phase, where five new bays have already been completed. A further six are currently being constructed for phase two. The £2.9 million investment was announced by the government back in July when the Secretary of State for Health insisted that there was no question of both Bedford and Milton Keynes A&E departments being closed.
The investment came following a robust campaign by myself, Iain and the Milton Keynes Citizen.
I’ve been consistent in my view that our hospital has a bright future and this investment clearly demonstrates the government’s commitment to Milton Keynes and our A&E department. These extra bays are only the first phase, but after lobbying hard for this money, it’s great to see the physical changes implemented on the ground.
Taxi licensing
Baroness Kramer, Minister of State for Transport, has responded to my letter regarding the regulations on taxi licensing. Her letter confirms that the government is in conversation with the Law Commission, who conducted a review of the taxi licensing policy in 2011. The recommendation is for a standard set of core values when issuing licenses. These values would apply nationally across England and Wales and a response from the government is expected in due course.
I’m delighted that the government is already addressing the issue and this will ensure that those with criminal convictions cannot take advantage of some local authorities’ more lenient guidelines.
Politicians of the future – Mark with children at Olney Middle School.
Voting fever hits Olney
With the next general election just seven months away, it was a very poignant moment to officiate at Olney Middle School’s elections. In fact, the process and principals in voting for your class representative are not that different to voting for your chosen political party.
Adam Palmer, a teacher at the school, asked the question, “Who might be interested in becoming class representative?” and, unsurprisingly, we had almost every hand up in every class.
As May 2015 is not that far away, I asked the children to explain in their own words how they felt during their campaigning and again it all became very familiar for me.
Emily Cuddeford, Charlotte Askew-Lloyd and Ivo Duncan said, “We were trembling. Butterflies were fluttering in our stomachs and after Mark had said some fascinating words and answered our questions, Mr Virnuls announced the class reps for each year group.
“Huge applause arose from the crowd. We went up to the front to shake hands with Mark, even though we couldn’t believe it.
“Once everyone had left, the class reps had their photo taken with the MP. It was the best day ever.”
I couldn’t have put it any better myself and a sentiment that I echo. Who knows, we may have the makings of future political leaders right here in MK!
Back to work in MK
September saw another decline in the unemployment figures for Milton Keynes North.
Statistics show that during the month claimants continued to fall significantly. Compared to this time in August, there are now 152 less claimants and overall there has been an encouraging 49% drop in unemployment in MK North since May 2010. Youth unemployment has also seen an encouraging and consistent decline, with figures for September down a further 50 on August.
This indicates that youth unemployment has fallen by 60% over the past four years across my constituency.
This is very encouraging and the figures demonstrate a continuing positive message that this government is determined to increase employment opportunities, give hard-working people an income and help them to provide for their families.
EU Referendum up for discussion
As I write, parliment are discussing the EU referendum Bill and it’s a subject that I believe passionately about. I think it’s vital that we should give the British people a say in how we shape our future. I know that across the constituency this topic is high on the agenda and the vast majority of people I speak to share my views.
Mark Lancaster at Milton Keynes Hospital with a hospital representative and Iain Stewart. 16 Phonebox Magazine