Opt-In to Internet Porn (22 Aug 2011)

Andrea Leadsom MP has joined a cross-party group of MPs to support a campaign for an Opt-In access model for internet pornography.

MPs are encouraging UK based Internet Service Providers to restrict universal access to pornographic material by implementing an opt-in system at the network level of their service that uses age verification checks to allow a user to access adult material. The group is also launching a Parliamentary Inquiry into the current state of online child protection beginning in September, has written to the Prime Minister to ask for his support and met Ministers to ask for assurances that government will regulate internet content if the industry fails to find its own solution.

Andrea said,

"Parents are understandably worried about the ease with which their children can view pornographic content on the Internet. We are calling on British Internet Service Providers to share the responsibility of keeping our children safe online and on Ministers to regulate if the industry fails to come up with a solution".

Notes to Editors:

Claire Perry, MP for the Devizes Constituency, called last November for an Opt in Model to Internet porn in a Parliamentary debate. To read the debate click hereSince then, 60 MPs from all political parties have formed a campaigning group to improve online child protection. The Group will be holding a Parliamentary Inquiry at which the Executive Officers of Britain's largest Internet Service Providers are invited to give evidence, in September 2011.

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Ensuring fairness in our Welfare System (22 Feb 2011)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire has welcomed the Government's shake up of our welfare system, the most radical in 60 years. The Welfare Bill and Work Programme deliver on a number of Conservative election promises to mark the beginning of a new era of 21st century welfare.

At the election, the Conservatives promised to work to reduce the high marginal tax rates faced by people on low incomes who want to return to work or increase their earnings. The Welfare Bill the Government introduced this week delivers on that promise. The Universal Credit will simplify the system, ensuring it will always pay to work.

The Conservatives also made a promise to impose sanctions to remove benefits from those who will not take work when it is offered and they have delivered on that promise as well. If you're unemployed and refuse to take either a reasonable job or to do some work in your community in return for your unemployment benefit, you will lose your benefits for three months.

The Government will also ensure fairness for taxpayers by introducing an annual cap ensuring no family can get more in benefits than the average family earns by going out to work.

Andrea Leadsom MP says;

'These reforms show that this Government is on the side of people who want to get ahead. These measures will get people into work and will reform the welfare system to ensure that work always pays and no one can say they are better off on benefits.'

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Andrea joins cross-party coalition calling on Government not to delay in fight to tackle legal loan sharking (22 Feb 2011)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire has joined a coalition of MPs from all three major parties calling on the Government to set out a timetable for action to prevent exploitation in the high-cost lending market, in response to new evidence showing the speed of growth in the sector.

Andrea is one of 15 MPs to sign a joint letter to Ed Davey, minister for consumer affairs,

Andrea Leadsom MP says;

"With high-cost lenders expanding aggressively and no adequate protection in place for vulnerable consumers, the case for action is becoming clearer every day. There is a wide range of support for the introduction of a range of caps on the costs of credit, not only among MPs from all parties but also among consumer groups and debt advice agencies, and I'm pleased to be a part of this campaign. We need to act in order to ensure that consumers in XXX and around the country are no longer locked in cycles of debt thanks to the unscrupulous practices of payday, home credit and hire purchase lenders."

Meanwhile it has emerged that Wonga.com, an online payday lender, has borrowed £73mn in order to expand its operations. The news comes after Dollar Financial, an American payday company that owns MoneyShop, was revealed to be planning to expand its presence in Britain from 350 stores to 1,200.

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Onshore Wind Farm Debate (10 Feb 2011)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire, who is leading the debate says:

Energy Gap and Energy Security

"Britain is facing an energy gap of up to 32 Giga Watts by 2015 as coal and nuclear power stations are shut down. We must move away from our reliance on oil and coal for our energy security.

"The previous Government's policy was to close the gap and meet its renewable energy targets by using wind power however the amount of electricity generated by wind farms will have to increase by around 11.5 times or from around 7,600 Giga Watt Hours (GWh) to 87,000 GWh by 2020"

Facts about onshore wind in the UK

"Currently 283 wind farms in the UK produces 2.1% of the UK's energy (5,200 Mega Watts (MW);) and making them the largest single renewable energy source. However, if the Government is to meet its renewable target by 2020 it will need to build 10,000 new turbines. That is 2.5 new wind turbines every day!"

Effectiveness of Onshore Wind

"Denmark has led the way in producing wind energy and they have concluded that wind energy is expensive, inefficient and not even particularly green. The Danes pay the highest electricity bills in Europe. Wind turbines only produce electricity when the wind blows but if it blows too much they are turned off. A back up supply of power is always needed for when the wind is not blowing.

"They are inefficient during cold weather;

In December 2010 the UK experienced average temperatures of -0.7oC which was 5.3oC below the long term average;The cold temperatures pushed up the demand for energy and the average demand in December 2010 was around 7% above the December 2009 level; The drop in temperature also meant that the wind dropped as well. Therefore, at a time when the UK required more energy, our wind farms were not

producing any."

Wind power is expensive

"The Royal Academy of Engineering has calculated that the cost to the consumer of generating electricity by;

Nuclear power is 2.3p per Kilo Watt hour (KWh);Coal-fired power stations electricity costs 2.5p per KWh;Onshore wind is 5.4p per KWh to the consumer.

"To meet the 2010 target the previous Government commissioned report estimated it would cost between £4 billion and £5.4 billion a year until 2020 which is the equivalent of between £1,900 and £3,000 per household."

Communities and People

"The impact on the people the wind farms are built next too is vast, visually and with noise pollution. A turbine is audible 800 feet away. The resulting sound of several towers together has been described to be as loud as a motorcycle, like aircraft continually passing overhead, a brick wrapped in a towel turning in a tumble drier, as if someone was mixing cement in the sky, like a train that never arrives, a relentless rumble like unceasing thunder from an approaching storm."

"In a 2002 Spanish study they estimate that the number of animals killed by wind turbines and their power lines are:

11,200 birds of prey;350,000 bats;3 million small birds."

Other Renewables

"I know that we need renewable but I suggest that others would be more effective. Nuclear energy is cheap, reliable, produces little or no waste and is carbon free and therefore does not contribute to pollution. Other renewable are available I have seen a company in my constituency who turn methane from landfill sites into biofuel. The tides and waves are more predictable than wind energy and solar energy, therefore they are reliable and once they are built they are cheap to maintain. There is Hydroelectric power is also cheap to maintain and water can be stored cope with peaks in demand. Ground source heat pumps systems need to be explored. They have been called the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available. Biogas generation has potential and is extremely environmentally friendly and Biomass uses waste products and is Cost effective"

Call to action

"Wind Farms are not the solution. I have put in an amendment to the Localism Bill which will give local the communities the ability to object to wind farms development. We need to increase our nuclear power capacity and investigate fully other renewable."

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National Apprenticeship Week MP Visits Scheme in Brackley (09 Feb 2011)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire yesterday visited T-Sport in Brackley in order to support National Apprenticeship week. T sport is a Brackley based Formula 3 team that competes in the British Formula 3 Championship. They currently employ a National College for Motorsport student as an Apprentice Race Technician. Andrea was given a tour of the workshop where three F3 cars are being rebuilt and met apprentices old and new.

Alan Woodhead, CEO of the T-Sport British Formula Three Racing Team says "The National College for Motorsport based at Silverstone circuit provide us with 1st year Apprentice Race Technicians who are able to fit straight into our racing program with a good base knowledge of the motorsport Industry"

Andrea Leadsom says, "The apprenticeship arrangement is so successful and so sensible. The apprentices are given 6 months theory and then 6 months technical training before being found an apprenticeship in February just as the Motor Sport teams are preparing for their new racing programs.

"South Northamptonshire is the heart of British Motorsport and I was delighted to see how Tresham College, based at Silverstone, is making such a strong contribution in providing high calibre apprentices to local businesses. T Sport is a local Brackley business we can be very proud of."

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Onshore Wind Farms (01 Feb 2011)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire has secured a debate to be held in Parliament on Onshore Wind Farms on Thursday 10 February from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. The debate is a result of Andrea's appearance before the Backbench Business Committee this week. As the Member of Parliament in charge of the debate Andrea has the right to open it and wind it up at the end.

Andrea Leadsom MP says: "Onshore Wind Farms blight the lives of those who live near them and this is not only a problem in my constituency but across the whole country. I am keen to have this debate as I believe the pros and cons of Onshore Wind Farms need debating. In my view the need for renewable energy sources should be balanced against the needs of local communities. Many feel that there is not sufficient power at a local level to resist or change applications. Onshore wind farms do not meet the country's need for more renewable energy. However, off shore wind farms may hold part of the answer."

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Localism Bill – Andrea puts Onshore Wind Farms (18 Jan 2011)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire spoke in yesterdays Localism debate in the House of Commons and put forward an amendment to the Bill. Andrea focused during the debate on the problem with Wind Farms being forced on communities by central government strategy.

In the Bill, onshore wind farms of less than 50 MW capacity will become part of neighbourhood plans and therefore the local community will have a say over the siting of wind farms and over whether they are willing to have a wind farm in some of the sensitive sites that developers are putting in applications.

Andrea has tabled an amendment to the bill proposing that the capacity of onshore wind farms that fall within neighbourhood plans be increased to 100 MW, in line with offshore wind farms.

"Wind farms have such an enormous impact on the communities that have to house them. The Localism Bill is a superb attempt by the Coalition Government to give power back to communities and I want to make sure that the siting of wind farms becomes a clear part of the neighbourhood planning process. Communities' views must be properly taken into account. For example four villages in South Northamptonshire, Alderton, Helmdon, Sulgrave and Greatworth, are currently dealing with planning applications for wind farms within 500 metres of the village."

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Residents of a South Northamptonshire Village Deliver a Greetings Card to No 10 (14 Jan 2011)

A group of residents from Boddington and Aston Le Walls severely affected by the proposed high speed rail link (HS2) have prepared a New Years greeting card to David Cameron to protest against the scheme. They will deliver the card to 10 Downing Street with their Member of Parliament, Andrea Leadsom on Monday 17th January at 11am.

The residents admit that initial opposition was based on so called "Nimbyism". However, they say that thanks to such attitudes this project has been carefully scrutinized and appraised and the findings are quite staggering. The business case for HS2 is flawed, using over optimistic forecasts on passenger numbers and too great an emphasis placed upon the cost benefits of time savings whilst travelling on trains. In addition any environmental benefits it claims are unproven. A scheme which is destroying virgin countryside using trains that require 3 times more power can not be considered as environmentally friendly in any circumstances.

Anne Wadland, Villager says, 'We have all written letters to MP's and the Transport Select Committee, we felt that a huge card containing simple messages inside may get noticed, and even if Mr Cameron does not read it – it was certainly a cathartic experience for a lot of us to vent our anger and frustration. We are dumfounded that this Government continue to commit huge funds to such a project, when they are being so ruthless cutting essential services for thousands of others. I am gravely concerned about what our Government considers is a priority.

"The residents are convinced that HS2 is not just a problem for those who live along the line, it is a huge mistake for which the nation will have bear the cost, currently estimated at £17 billion. They say that this is a vanity project which will benefit few but for which we all will pay."

Andrea Leadsom MP says: "I am not happy that the HS2 business case makes sense and I believe other alternatives need to be properly considered in order to deliver the improved train infrastructure that Britain needs."

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Treasury Select Committee Grills Bob Diamond (12 Jan 2011)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire, as of a member of the Treasury Select committee, interviewed Bob Diamond, Chief Executive, Barclays and Anthony Jenkins , Chief Executive, Global Retail, Barclays on Bankers Bonuses in yesterdays Select Committee hearing during a two and half hour session.

Andrea Leadsom says: "It was a long session but as I said at the end, I really felt that Bob Diamond did not understand that currently change is needed in relation to how bonuses are awarded. Mr Diamond constantly argued for the status quo.

"It is simply not true that the City would lose all its business and competitors will take a banks best staff if the banks don't pay huge sums. There are always a number of non-financial reasons, such as family and quality of life, why bankers might stay in a particular role.

"The Government cannot and should not be legislating on what private companies pay their staff. However, in the current situation, when most taxpayers are struggling the banks need to recognised that serious restraint is needed. They need to recognise the likelihood that they too would have failed if the taxpayer had not bailed RBS out. Then there would have been no bonuses.

"The banks need to start showing some leadership not just on bonuses, but also on dealing with genuine concerns about lack of competition and the "to big to fail" issue. "

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Giving Planning Power back to Communities (12 Jan 2011)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire held a Westminster Hall debate today on the Government's Proposals for Planning Control in the Localism Bill, the Second Reading of which is on Monday the 17th January 2011.

Andrea congratulated Bob Neil MP, Minister for Communities & Local Government, for abolishing the Regional Spatial Strategy and top-down housing targets and giving planning strategy back to the democratically elected local councils. Andrea then discussed three issues that the Localism Bill is not addressing clearly.

St Crispin housing development in Northampton The West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC), a quango whose days are numbered under the new government, has just approved planning for a further 80 houses ignoring the continued objections by local residents and councillors.

Andrea Leadsom MP says: "There are serious local infrastructure concerns including roads not adopted, insufficient parking, worries over the number of school places, hospital capacity and stretched local Council services to support these new homes."

WNDC Planning powers will return to Local Councils and WNDC will be disbanded once the Localism Bill is on the statute Book. In South Northamptonshire last year WNDC spent £17.8 million and £15.9 million of which was a grant from Central Government. Andrea asked the Minister to set very clear guidelines that Councils should follow in planning matters prior to the Localism Bill becoming law.

Andrea Leadsom MP says: "I am delighted the WNDC will be disbanded. I don't believe my constituents received value for money. During the next few months before the Localism Bill becomes law, we will need clear guidance on how to defend against unwelcome development proposals that are submitted under the old legislation."

Wind Farms Andrea urged the Minister to make sure that Wind Farms are clearly included in the Localism Bill so that Local Communities through their Councils can object to Wind Farm developments in their local area.

Andrea Leadsom says: "I entirely accept the need to include renewables in our energy mix to ensure our energy security. However, I am not convinced that onshore Wind Farms are the answer to our renewable energy needs. During the latest cold snap there was hardly any wind, so at the time of great demand wind contributed next to nothing to our energy resources. Wind turbines do blight the lives of local communities. The villages of Helmdon, Sulgrave and Greatworth are currently dealing with the prospect of having a wind farm built in the middle of them - I want them to have the power to say no."

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Prime Minister asked about High Speed Rail Consultation (23 Dec 2010)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire quizzed The Prime Minister, David Cameron on High Speed Rail during the last Prime Minister's Question time in 2010.

Andrea was lucky enough to receive a slot to question to The Prime Minster and she used it to ask him if he was "aware of the concern of many people at reports in the press that he plans to support High Speed rail regardless of next year's consultation? Will he spread a bit of Christmas cheer by reassuring my constituents that he will keep an open mind and that he will not be railroading through a railroad?"

David Cameron, The Prime Minster then assured her that he understood the peoples' concerns and that it would be a "proper consultation". He went on to say, "I do believe that high-speed rail has a really effective role to play in bringing our country closer together and spreading economic benefit throughout all our country."

Andrea Leadsom MP says: "I am delighted to have both Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Transport's confirmation that this will be a thorough consultation and will take into account the concerns of my constituents. For my own part, whilst I agree that we that desperately need an improved transport infrastructure to support economic growth, I think that this project, with its vast costs and devastating impact on communities, is not the right one. "

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MP To See How Brackley Postmen and Women Make A First Class Effort (10 Dec 2010)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire will visit Royal Mail's Brackley delivery office on Friday 17th December to see for herself how postmen and women in the area get Christmas sorted.

The MP will take a tour of the delivery office to see how we deal with the mountains of festive mail. She will also chat to our hardworking staff who make sure they deliver a first class Christmas for Brackley residents.

Andrea Leadsom MP will make an early start in order to meet Richard Lambert, Delivery Office Manager, and some of the 32 postmen and women, who are responsible for ensuring that Brackley's massive Christmas mailbag is delivered to over 8000 addresses at Royal Mail's busiest time of year.

The visit will be in time to post any cards and presents for delivery before Christmas, with the last recommended posting date on Tuesday 21st December for First Class mail.

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Northampton MPs Join PFI Campaign (06 Dec 2010)

Andrea Leadsom, the MP for South Northamptonshire, has launched a campaign with fellow MPs to consider the possibility of renegotiating certain Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts.

PFI is the funding of public buildings such as schools and hospitals with a combination of public and private funds – it was an option the last Government used to finance hundreds of new building projects. Northampton has one of the biggest PFI contracts in Europe that saw the rebuilding and refurbishment of over 70 schools.

A group of MPs have launched a campaign to persuade PFI providers to look again at the contracts in these difficult economic times. More flexibility in terms would help Northampton's schools to do more out of normal school hours and would be a benefit to the community. Renegotiating contracts would also help those schools in Northampton that want to consider converting to Academy status.

Along with Brian Binley, MP for Northampton South and Michael Ellis, MP for Northampton North, Andrea is writing to Northamptonshire County Council to obtain more information on Northampton's PFI contracts. The campaign will be looking to arrange a debate in the House of Commons in the New Year.

Andrea has also tabled Written Parliamentary Questions to the Treasury asking what plans they have to secure savings for the taxpayer by renegotiating PFI contracts. Rt. Hon. Danny Alexander MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and number two to the Chancellor has responded saying that PFI projects are not immune from the process of cutting the deficit and the Treasury has had discussion with 'major equity holders and other key industry players.'

Andrea said, 'There is no doubt that Northamptonshire has benefitted from the new school buildings under PFI but the deals struck have not always given flexibility of use and in difficult economic times it would be good to see PFI providers doing their bit for local people.'

'PFI debt in Britain is yet another millstone around the neck of taxpayers and yet another example of Labour's spend now, pay later legacy. I want to see PFI providers recognising the mess we are in and showing some support for the taxpayer by showing a willingness to look again at these contracts.'

For more information on the PFI campaign visit www.pfi-rebate.org.

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Early Attachment Westminister Hall Debate Press Release (25 Nov 2010)

Concentrating resources on Infant Mental Health will make savings in the future

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire has organised a Westminster Hall debate on Infant Mental Health on the 26th October 2010. Andrea has been working with OXPIP, a charity which helps parents form loving and secure attachments with their babies, for over 10 years.

OXPIP offers intensive therapeutic help to parents and their babies in the first two years of life.

Andrea Leadsom says: "The mental health of infants plays a significant part in determining the fate of our society. The earliest experiences of the human baby 'hard wire' the infants brain and have a lifelong impact of the baby's mental and emotional health. I believe if we can intervene early enough to help parents (and other carers) who are struggling to form a bond with their baby we will prevent later social problems. I want this debate to allow for an in depth discussion of the possibilities and advantages of early intervention".

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MP Taken-over by local School Girls (15 Nov 2010)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire's took part in the National Takeover Day on Friday 12th November 2010. Takeover Day offers children and young people across the country the chance to work with adults and get involved in decision-making. The aim is that adults benefit too, gaining new ideas, insight and creativity, as well as an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to listening to children and young people.

Andrea was joined by Gemma Theobold from Sponne School and Hayley Hall from Northampton School for Girls as she went around her duties in her South Northamptonshire Constituency. Firstly the girls joined Andrea at Towcester Farmers Market for Andrea's monthly drop-in advice centre where constituents can meet their MP and ask questions.

The girls and Andrea then had lunch with Simon Kennedy the Managing Director of the Northants Newspapers. They discussed the issues regional press are facing and the Government's plans to limit the publishing of local papers by Local Authorities.

The group then moved on to visit the nearly finished Towcester Museum. The museum has just won a National Heritage Grant to create a series of exhibitions over three years looking at 5,000 years of the town's history. The exhibition will open in June.

Andrea Leadsom MP says: "It was lovely to have Gemma and Hayley with me for the day. They are both such bright and highly motivated young women. It was great to hear their views about the future and listen to their perspective throughout the day. They both do a lot of work with the Young Peoples Forum.

"At Towcester Museum we were shown, amongst other ancient artefacts, a roman clay lamp which had been found just outside the town. We tried rubbing it for three wishes but the Genie had long since gone. The museum will be a huge asset to the area and a good example of the Big Society as it will be totally run by volunteers."

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MP to back tragic family’s move for review of cycling law (15 Nov 2010)

An MP is to back attempts by a tragic couple to have the road traffic acts changed, after their teenage daughter was killed by a cyclist.

Rhiannon Bennett was 17 in April 2007 when she was run down by a cyclist and killed. The cyclist was prosecuted, but only under a minor law which meant that when found guilty he could only be fined for causing Rhiannon's death.

Now, South Norrthamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom has promised to look into the current laws and see if there is hope for change for Rhiannon's parents' through parliament.

At that time the Bennett family lived in Buckingham. Aylesbury magistrates heard at the trial of Jason Howard, 36, that he had yelled to Rhiannon and a group of her friends: 'Move because I'm not stopping'.

Howard was found guilty of 'dangerous cycling', and fined £2,200.

" I am deeply sympathetic to the Bennetts for the tragic and unnecessary loss of their daughter. I agree that the punishment of a fine seems too low to do justice to Rhiannon".

The Bennett family are seeking a change in the law, though it is claimed that there were other laws which could have been used in this case.

Mark Wardrop is a partner with Pictons solicitors of Luton, who are advising the Bennett family on civil proceedings against Howard.

'The Crown Prosecution Service claim that the charge of dangerous cycling was the most appropriate,' says Mark Wardrop.

'But it's difficult to see why, despite representations made by my firm on behalf of the family, they didn't decide on bringing a charge under the Offences Against the Person Act instead.

'The Bennett family understandably consider the outcome of the prosecution offensive to their daughter's memory.

'They would have much preferred to face the possibility that a more serious charge might not have resulted in a conviction, since it would at least have shown that their daughter's death had been taken seriously.'

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Andrea Leadsom MP Campaigns for PFI Savings (10 Nov 2010)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire's has welcomed remarks by the Chancellor, George Osborne, that he will be targeting the Private Finance Initiative for future savings in public expenditure.

Mr Osborne said that "as for the pointless quangos, the poorly negotiated PFI deals, the target chasing, the peace pods and the contemplation suites, all that Labour nonsense will go."

Andrea has joined several Parliamentary colleagues in calling for a rebate from PFI providers across the UK. The rebate would mean pound-for-pound savings for hundreds of hospitals and schools affected by the financial crisis—including Caroline Chisholm School in Northampton.

Andrea Leadsom MP says: "It's excellent news that the Chancellor appears to be looking hard at PFI deals. Many of these were poorly negotiated and have long been very advantageous to the provider organisations.

"In the midst of a major financial crisis it is absolutely right that PFI providers should play their part."

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High Speed Rail Lobby Day at Westminster (25 Oct 2010)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire's High Speed Lobby Day today in the Houses of Parliament was attended by both Theresa Villiers, Minister of State for Transport and Philip Hammond, the Secretary of State for Transport.

Over 150 people and 16 MPs, including the Speaker of the House John Bercow MP, joined Andrea to listen to the speakers :

Theresa Villiers MP gave the Governments position on their support for a High Speed Rail project. Theresa assured the room that there would be a long consultation period and that representations made during the consultation period would allow people to make a real difference to the project.

Chris Stokes, former Director of the Strategic Rail Authority, argued against the supposed business case for High Speed Rail. Chris argued that the growth forecasts for Rail travel of 133% were unsubstantiated. He showed that for example the actual growth for the channel tunnel rail was only 37% of what was forecasted. He argued that the business case for HS2 is not yet proven, and at best marginal.

Professor Mike Geddes, Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick, spoke on the wider economic impacts of High Speed Rail. He asked whether the case was deceiving the regions as many expert studies have suggested that it is in general the larger the local economy the more it will benefit. So-called 'agglomeration benefits' flow primarily to the most economically powerful existing agglomerations i.e. London rather than the regions. He felt the damage to the regions would far outweigh any economic benefit outside London.

Mark Sullivan, the Technical Director of CPRE Warwickshire who previously worked on HS1 in Kent and Joe Rukin, a convenor of StopHS2, then spoke on the HS1 Experience and 'Speed is not Green' respectively.

Philip Hammond then joined the meeting taking questions from both MPs and constituents. A number of MPs spoke out against HS2 asking was it really financially viable. Philip Hammond once more assured everyone that compensation would be available for anyone affected by the final route. Representatives from HS2 attended but did not speak.

Andrea Leadsom says "I am really pleased that people got the chance to air their views to a number of members of Parliament and Minsters. There were some excellent points made in the presentations which raise significant questions about HS2. Britain is too small and congested an island to accommodate such an insensitive project."

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Concentrating resources on Infant Mental Health will make savings in the future (25 Oct 2010)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire has organised a Westminster Hall debate on Infant Mental Health on the 26th October 2010. Andrea has been working with OXPIP, a charity which helps parents form loving and secure attachments with their babies, for over 10 years.

OXPIP offers intensive therapeutic help to parents and their babies in the first two years of life.

Andrea Leadsom says: "The mental health of infants plays a significant part in determining the fate of our society. The earliest experiences of the human baby 'hard wire' the infants brain and have a lifelong impact of the baby's mental and emotional health. I believe if we can intervene early enough to help parents (and other carers) who are struggling to form a bond with their baby we will prevent later social problems. I want this debate to allow for an in depth discussion of the possibilities and advantages of early intervention".

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Contaminated Blood and Blood Products Debate (19 Oct 2010)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire spoke up for the people who were infected by contaminated NHS supplied blood and blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.

However, along with the majority of MPs Andrea did not vote to agree with Lord Archer's recommendation that compensation payments should be at least the equivalent to those made by the Republic of Ireland as it is estimated that implementing a similar scheme to Ireland's here in the UK, would cost in excess of £3 billion.

Andrea Leadsom says: "There was no question that in the Chamber MPs were supporting their constituents who were victims of this tragedy and urging the Government to find closure. They have suffered long enough.

"Unfortunately, the motion before the house is not something we could agree with. I, personally, could not commit the Government to following the same compensation scheme as Ireland because it was made under different circumstances. We voted against the specific motion with heavy hearts, but I welcomed the Minister's pledge to review the compensation before Christmas. I will be meeting the Minister with my constituent, Stuart Fuller, as soon as possible to discuss the issue further."

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Brackley Bus Services – Changes need to be made (19 Oct 2010)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire attended on Friday, 15th October 2010 public meeting arranged by Bus Users UK Northampton Group in Brackley Town Hall. The meeting was attended by around 80 local residents.

Andrea believes there are three main issues that came out of the meeting, and believes that changes to these would significantly improve the bus services serving Brackley.

Bus service Oxford to Northampton –Route X88

This service is currently run by two providers necessitating a change of bus company at Silverstone. The timetables are designed to match up but road works on the A34 out of Oxford often cause a long wait at Silverstone where there is no shelter.

Andrea Leadsom MP says "an excellent suggestion came out of the meeting that each of the towns on the route should be seen as a transport hub, and any changes should be made only at a hub, not in a village. Changing bus at Silverstone on this route makes no sense - it should be made at Brackley where there is always light and shelter. The current situation is particularly hard on the young and the elderly."

Bus Service Oxford to Cambridge - Route X5

This service currently stops at Bicester and Buckingham. The suggestion at the meeting was that this service should be re-routed via Brackley.

Andrea Leadsom MP says "the rerouting of the X5 via Brackley would solve the difficult current journey from Brackley to Oxford."

Bus service Brackley to Banbury - Route 500

This service currently stops at 6pm. A show of hands at the meeting was almost unanimous that this should be extended later into the evening.

Andrea Leadsom MP says "Stopping at 6pm is definitely too early. Banbury provides a number of facilities that Brackley does not have, and there should be services into the evening to enable people to leave the car at home."

"This was an extremely well attended public meeting. Changing these bus services is not complicated and I noted that both the NCC representative and the Stagecoach Director expressed a willingness to get together to make improvements to the network. I will be writing to the Council to encourage them to look carefully into these issues - Brackley should become one of the local transport hubs - this would be good for residents as well as being good for the local economy."

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Andrea Leadsom MP organises High Speed Rail Lobby Day at Westminster (15 Oct 2010)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire is organising a Lobby Day on Monday 25 October 2010 in the Houses of Parliament.

The Lobby Day aims to be an opportunity for affected MPs and their constituents to discuss and challenge the proposed plans for High Speed Rail. Representatives from the Department for Transport and HS2 have been invited to allow a full discussion of the issues surrounding the current plans for High Speed Rail and how to mitigate the impact on the constituencies through which the proposed line will pass.

The event will be chaired by Sir Paul Hayter, Chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural England in Northamptonshire. There are 21 parliamentary constituencies which will be affected by the current route from London to Birmingham and all their MPs have been invited with six local representatives. Currently 15 MP's have accepted and they will be bringing 6 representatives each from their constituencies.

Andrea Leadsom MP says: "I know there is a lot of momentum towards the High Speed Rail Project. Philip Hammond, Secretary of State for Transport made a keynote speech on the government's plans for High Speed Rail and David Cameron mentioned the project in his 2010 conference speech. Nevertheless I hope there is still a good chance we will be able to persuade the Government to think again as to how to achieve the goal of a dramatic improvement in transport infrastructure, which I agree the country needs.

"I want the Lobby day to allow MPs with their constituency representatives to challenge the case for HS2, as well as to make clear how the current plans would destroy their communities and businesses. I am glad that Philip Hammond has agreed to attend the Lobby Day and hear from affected residents up and down the proposed route."

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Minister engages with MP's and High Speed Rail Protesters in Brackley (06 Oct 2010)

Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Transport, attended a meeting with Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire and Tony Baldry, MP for Banbury to answer questions on the High Speed Rail project.

Up to 300 High Speed Rail protesters waited outside the Crown Hotel in Brackley to show their opposition to the project and over 100 people attended Andrea's Public meeting in Brackley town hall afterwards. In the public meeting Andrea reported on the Minister's answers to their questions. During the meeting the Minister had:

Indicated that a 250 mile per hour high speed train network is necessary to enable Britain to compete with the likes of China and Brazil in the 21st century.
He intends there to be a lengthy consultation period in 2011 and he currently believes that Route 3 (the current proposed route) will be the one consulted on.
Andrea says: "I do not support the project as it is currently proposed although I entirely support the need for a significant improvement in our transport infrastructure.

"I was disappointed that the Minister seems to be committed to the need for trains to have a speed of 250 miles per hour. This means that the track will have to be laid in a straight line. I believe we should be looking at existing transport corridors to deliver the improved infrastructure the UK needs. Very high speed trains give me safety concerns in a populated Island like ours.

"One positive to come out of the meeting is that Philip Hammond assured us that he intends to broaden the statutory compensation so that no family ends up subsidising the project through the loss in value of their home or business."

At a busy public meeting at Brackley Town Hall, following the Secretary of State's visit, Andrea stressed that there was a long way to go before a final decision was made and therefore urged everyone to continue to write letters and make representations to Philip Hammond and to do everything they can to make sure their voices get heard.

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Minister to Walk High Speed Rail’s Proposed Route in Northamptonshire (20 Sep 2010)

Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Transport, will on the 22nd September 2010 be walking the route with engineers.

The Minister will then meet privately with Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire and Tony Baldry MP for Banbury. They will be holding a press conference at 4.30pm at The Crown Hotel, Brackley.

Andrea Leadsom MP will then hold a Public Meeting from 5pm – 6pm at Brackley Town Hall. Andrea will be joined on a panel by representatives from South Northamptonshire Council and South Northants Action Group (SNAG) to answer questions.

Andrea Leadsom MP says: "I am hoping that once the Minister has walked the line he will re think the High Speed Rail project. In our small and crowded Island we need to use existing transport corridors for new transport projects. We simply do not have the space, unlike in say France or the U.S., to plough across the country without permanent damage to people, communities and the destruction of unspoilt countryside."

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Local MP Welcomes Announcement on Equitable Life (24 Jul 2010)

Andrea Leadsom, the Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire has welcomed an announcement made today, Thursday 22 July 2010, on Equitable Life Payments.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mark Hoban MP announced that the Coalition Government would introduce a Bill to Parliament, which will enable payments to be made to Equitable Life policyholders.

On May 26, the Government said that it would establish an independent commission to advise the Government on the best way to allocate payments to policyholders and help develop scheme design, in light of the Ombudsman’s recommendation that the payment scheme should be independent of the Government.

Mr Hoban made clear, ‘The Commission will start work imminently so that we can begin making payments as soon as possible. They are expected to report by the end of January 2011.’

He also announced that the Government would publish the final report by Sir John Chadwick in relation to the losses suffered as a result of the previous Government’s maladministration in the regulation of Equitable Life. Whilst, Mr Hoban thanked Sir John for his work, he was eager to make clear that, ‘Sir John’s review is just one of the building blocks in resolving what is a complex matter and that there are other judgments to be made in determining the final shape of the scheme.’

Mr Hoban also added that any scheme would have to take into account impacts on the public purse. The scheme will be a significant spending commitment for the Government and cannot be considered in isolation from the other spending decisions that it will need to make over the coming months, and what is affordable in that context.

Andrea commended the Government for their commitment to justice for Equitable Life policy holders and their swift action in setting up a Commission, bringing a Bill to Parliament and setting out a fair payment scheme.  Andrea continued, ‘Whilst this is welcome news, it is a great shame that the Government has to take into account the state of the public finances which have been left in a complete mess by the previous Government.’

‘I hope that after 10 years, the end may be in sight and Equitable Life policy holders may receive the justice they deserve.’

ENDS

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Local MP Lends Support to Charity Shops (23 Jul 2010)

Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire, spoke out in support of charity shops in the House of Commons, after an astounding and unfair attack on charity shops by Mary Creagh MP, an Opposition spokesman in the shadow Treasury team.

During the Third Reading of the Finance Bill on Tuesday 20 July 2010, Mrs Creagh suggested that second hand goods, especially items for babies and young children, were of poor quality, unhygienic and might be unsafe.

David Moir, Head of Policy and Public Affairs for the Association of Charity Shops, said he was ‘astonished’ to read Mrs Creagh remarks. Mr Moir said that to portray ‘charity shops as a rather poor, desperation-only choice seems to me to be a grossly unfair slight on an established, vital fundraising source for many charities, supported by millions from all walks of life.’ Mr Moir continued, ‘They surely deserve better from Honourable Members.’

Andrea intervened on Mrs Creagh to speak out in support of charity shops making the point that many of these shops offer good quality, affordable second hand products. Regarding baby products in charity shops, Andrea explained, ‘having been involved for a long time with a charity that works closely with families and their babies, there is an abundance of those items in charity shops.’

Andrea agreed whole heartedly with the comments of Mr Moir and understood his obvious frustration. Andrea also called on Mary Creagh to apologies for her remarks and for the offence her comments will have caused to many volunteers working in charity shops across the country.

ENDS  

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Energy Saving (21 Jul 2010)

“SAVE AROUND £250 OFF YOUR ENERGY BILLS AND GO GREEN FOR FREE” Urges LOcal mp

- MP urges hard-pressed homes in South Northamptonshire to take advantage of new scheme -

Andrea Leadsom, Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire, is urging her constituents today to save money from their energy bills and reduce their carbon emissions under a free scheme run by British Gas.

This summer, Britain’s largest domestic energy supplier is set to help up to 50,000 of the UK’s most hard-pressed households by offering up to £10 million-worth of free energy assessments and energy efficiency measures.

The measures could cut energy bills by around £250 per year for each home.  In addition to making financial savings, the households will also be doing their bit for the planet, cutting their carbon emissions by a total of nearly 10,000 tonnes across the country – the equivalent of nearly 50,000 people travelling to America by jumbo jet.

To be eligible for the free makeover, households need to be British Gas customers and either over 70 or on income or disability related benefits.

British Gas will be working with charities, such as National Energy Action, the RNIB and Scope to ensure that help is targeted where it is most needed. 

Andrea said, “The best way for people to cut their energy bills is to use less energy.  The best way to do that while staying warm and keeping the lights on is to make our homes more energy efficient.  There are many people in South Northamptonshire who will benefit from free energy efficiency measures and, during these financially difficult times, save money.”

Maria Wardrobe, Director of Communications at the NEA, said, "This scheme is an excellent opportunity for vulnerable people to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.  It will help cut energy bills and at the same time contribute to carbon saving."

Phil Bentley, Managing Director of British Gas, said, “Improving energy efficiency in our homes is the quickest way to cut our bills and lower carbon emissions.  And this initiative will particularly help our most vulnerable and hard-pressed families. By targeting free energy assessments and other measures at those who need it most, we can make a real difference to the quality of their lives and do our bit for the planet at the same time.”

The British Gas in-home energy assessment is a full energy efficiency survey of the home.  All households will receive a personalised and printed energy assessment, which will include behavioural, energy efficiency and money-saving advice as well as a free insulation survey.  Eligible households will also receive free insulation and other products, such as electricity monitors and standby savers.

Energy efficiency is the quickest and easiest way to save money on energy bills.  Simple measures such as loft insulation can save £150 per year.  Many homes do not have the basics in place with 5.5 million homes, more than a fifth, in the lowest two bands of energy performance and nearly 13 million lofts without the recommended depth of insulation. 

-ENDS-

Note to Editors

1. Energy efficiency is the quickest and easiest way to save money on energy bills.  Simple measures such as loft insulation can save £150 per year.  Many homes do not have the basics in place with 5.5 million homes, more than a fifth, in the lowest two bands of energy performance and nearly 13 million lofts without the recommended depth of insulation.  Earlier this year British Gas announced its plans to create its own insulation business leading to 1,100 additional jobs. http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article6740762.ece http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/feb/12/carbon-emissions-miliband

1. The average recommended financial saving of a household carrying out a British Gas home energy audit from December 2008 to end of November 2009 is £254 per year.  British Gas is giving away up to 50,000 free energy audits which would give a combined national saving of £12.7million and 9,237 tonnes of C02.

1. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that there are 5.5 million homes in the lowest two bands of energy performance and nearly 13 million lofts without the recommended depth of insulation.

1. A jumbo jet omits 20,000 lbs of Co2 in one hour of flight = one transatlantic flight to NYC omits 150,000 lbs/67 tonnes (7.5 hours of flight time approximately).  The estimated carbon savings from 50,000 energy efficiency packs is 9,237 tonnes – the equivalent of 138 transatlantic flights a year.  The average jumbo jet seats 358 passengers.  138 flights at 358 passengers is 49,404 passengers. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_seats_does_an_average_747_jumbo_jet_have

Terms & Conditions for “Free Insulation”: Offer ends 31 December 2010. British Gas install in mainland GB only, subject to availability and survey. Not valid in North and West Scotland. Offer applies to properties up to but no larger than 140m2 (cavity wall) and 80m2 (loft). Offer excludes scaffolding and any specialist equipment if required. Offer only applies where the thickness of existing insulation is less than 60mm.

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Second Election Success for Andrea Leadsom MP (29 Jun 2010)

Andrea Leadsom, the MP for South Northamptonshire has been elected to the Treasury Select Committee.

The Treasury Select Committee is elected by Members of the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of HM Treasury, HM Revenue and Customs and the associated public bodies such as the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

 At this crucial time for the British economy, the committee has an extremely important job to do, and its reports are well respected and recognized by many financial institutions, as well as the Treasury. Andrew Tyrie MP was elected as the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee on Wednesday 9 June and has said, ‘A big job lies ahead of the Committee in the coming weeks and months. It has a crucial role to play in Parliament and more widely at a difficult time for the economy.’

The election to the Committee took place on Wednesday 23 June 2010 with the results being announced on Thursday 24 June 2010. Andrea has been working hard to secure the votes of her colleagues and to convince them that her financial background and experience meant that she was the right person for the job. Andrea beat off strong competition from 13 of her fellow Conservative MPs to secure one of the four places available on the Committee. Those elected along with her were Michael Fallon MP, Jesse Norman MP and David Rutley MP.

Andrea said she was thrilled with the result and explained that, ‘although I will be a lot busier, I am looking forward to making a real difference to the Committee’s work.’

ENDS

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Andrea Delivers Maiden Speech During Crucial Budget Debate (23 Jun 2010)

Andrea Leadsom MP for South Northamptonshire has used her Maiden Speech in the House of Commons to call for the Government to give powers and responsibility back to the Bank of England and restore the health of our financial sector.

On Tuesday 22 June 2010, Andrea Leadsom delivered her Maiden Speech to the House of Commons during the crucial Budget debate. At 12.30pm the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon. George Osborne MP, delivered his first budget and Rt Hon. Harriett Harman MP, the Acting Leader of the Labour Party responded for the Opposition. The debate on the eagerly anticipated emergency Budget then began with many Members, including Andrea, looking to catch the Speaker’s eye.

At 5.11pm, the Deputy Speaker finally called Andrea to speak for the first time as the Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire. Andrea began by praising her predecessor, Tim Boswell, the popular and hard-working former MP for Daventry, who will take his place in the House of Lords very soon. She then spoke about her constituency, calling it, ‘a gem of a place to live, to work and to visit,’ and acknowledging the challenges such as high-speed rail and the effects of housing growth on long-standing communities.

Andrea then turned to the subject of the budget. She praised the Chancellor for giving back responsibility to the Bank of England and stressed how important it is that we take action now to deal with the deficit. ‘There is no doubt that the actions we take now to cut our deficit and make our banking system safer will determine how quickly our economy recovers.’

Andrea has also added on the budget that, ‘it is tough but fair,’ with a sensible balance being achieved on Capital Gains Tax, which will see CGT frozen for basic rate taxpayers and rising for higher earners from 18% to 28%, and the right decisions being taken to protect the most vulnerable in our society, for example on pensions.

After her speech, Members on all sides of the House congratulated Andrea, with one calling it an, ‘excellent speech,’ and another commending her obvious economic experience and saying, ‘she will be a huge asset to her constituents and her party.’ The speech was also headlined on conservativehome.com today.

Andrea has said that now she has done her Maiden Speech she looks forward to speaking in the House more often.

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Westminster Hall Debate on High Speed Rail (09 Jun 2010)

Today, 9 June 2010, Andrea Leadsom, the Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire attended a debate in Westminster Hall on the proposals for High Speed Rail.

The debate had been called for by Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith and was well attended by MPs from constituencies that would be directly affected by the High Speed Rail network. Mark Lazarowicz spoke out strongly in favour of HSR claiming it would bring great economic benefit to Scotland.

Other MPs then contributed, including Tony Baldry, Member of Parliament for Banbury, who spoke for his and Andrea’s constituents (she was unable to speak as she has not yet made her Maiden Speech in the House). Mr Baldry pointed out that ‘everyone wants the stations, but no one wants the track’ and explained how damaging the current preferred route would be to residents of his and Andrea’s constituencies, as well as those of the Speaker, John Bercow MP.

He called for clarification from the Minister, Theresa Villiers MP, on the process of a timetable for consultation. He also questioned whether slower speeds for HSR would be considered in order that the route could curve, enabling better mitigation of the environmental impact. He finally asked how the Minister plans to engage with local communities and whether alternative routes will be considered.

Willie Bain MP then responded for the Opposition and made clear that the Labour Party were in support of a High Speed Rail Link.

When Mr Bain had concluded his remarks, Theresa Villiers MP, the Minister of State for Transport and the former Shadow Secretary of State for Transport began her response on behalf of the new Government to the issues and concerns that many attending the debate had raised.

From the debate Andrea drew the following points:

·         All political parties are in support of a High Speed Rail network in principle;

·         Work on the new High Speed Rail network is intended to begin by 2015;

·         A Hybrid Bill on the new network will be brought before the House within this current Parliament, essentially meaning within the next 18 months;

·         The Government will take very seriously the issue of blight to local communities;

·         There will be a detailed consultation before an exact route is decided on;

·         Concerns arising from the Exceptional Hardship Scheme will be carefully considered when the scheme closes;

·         Philip Hammond MP, the Secretary of State for Transport, will be making a full statement to the House as soon as possible.

Following the debate Andrea reiterated her commitment to protecting and promoting the interests of her local constituents and promised to continue to consult with the Government on the proposed High Speed Rail network.

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4 days to go (03 May 2010)

.....until the most important General Election in a generation.....

 None of us can predict what we will wake up to on Friday morning. Every vote is critical. Every vote counts. We need to ask ourselves - what sort of Government do we want for this country?    

After all the noise of the campaign the fact remains that what is fundamental to the standard of living of every person in Britain is the strength of the economy. The prospect of a hung Parliament is frightening - the problems faced by Britain are severe and require decisive and immediate action. A hung Parliament would be incapable of delivering strong firm Government and uncertainty about the direction of our economy would be disastrous. I honestly believe that it is only the Conservative Party that can sort out the mess of our economy.  But according to the Polls we are still around 15 seats away from winning a clear majority.

 Northampton North, with our excellent candidate Michael Ellis, is one of the seats that will make the difference between a hung Parliament and a Conservative Government.  If you are able to spare any time at all this week, please would you call the constituency office on 01604 859721 to give some help with delivering leaflets, telephone canvassing, helping at a polling station on Thursday, or whatever you feel able to do.  This election may swing on the slimmest of margins and we would be so grateful for your help in winning in Northampton.

 Best wishes

Andrea

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Boddington Parish Council Meeting (28 Apr 2010)

Last Wednesday I went to  a meeting arranged by Peter Deeley, Parish Chairman of Upper Boddington, for the residents of Upper and Lower Boddington to discuss the Government’s HS2 rail proposals. I was on a panel with Liz Williams and Berry King who, with other local residents, have created the South Northants Action Group (SNAG) to lead the protest against the proposals.  Also part of the panel were County Cllr Ken Melling, District Cllr Rosie Herring and Scott Collins the Liberal Democrat candidate. Matthew May the Labour candidate was unable to attend due to a function at the school where he is a teacher.

There was a briefing about the proposals, the impact on the local area and the need to respond urgently to the Government’s consultation on ‘Exceptional Hardship’.  The briefing and the advice from SNAG and debate that followed were extremely informative for the packed hall of residents.  It was very clear to me how deep are the feelings of fear and anger, and how determined residents are to fight the proposal.

The timing of the Government’s announcement has left people’s lives and plans in limbo. The issue of blight has instantly become a very real problem for all those living close to the preferred route.  There will be 2 urgent questions needing to be asked of whoever forms the next Government.  Firstly, in the current economic climate, when we know cuts will need to be made in public spending, will the huge financial cost be affordable?  Secondly, on the cost/benefit for Britain – do the national economic benefits of the link outweigh the destruction of the valuable countryside, historic villages and ancient monuments of this small island?  We do not have the luxury of vast unpopulated spaces which, for example, the people of France are able to utilize for their high speed transport system.

I am committed to protecting and promoting the interests of the people of South Northamptonshire and will do everything I can to help SNAG defend the interests of residents.

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Cogenhoe Parish Open Meeting (22 Apr 2010)

I was invited by Cogenhoe Parish Council along with the 2 other main party candidates to meet residents of all the local villages on Tuesday evening to discuss the proposals to build 22 000 houses on green belt countryside.

Not surprisingly, there was extremely tough questioning from the floor. Did the candidates support the proposals? No. Then, what would each one do to ensure the development did not happen? I made it clear that the Conservatives are the only party with the policies to ensure that planning is put back into the hands of local people. 

Conservatives would abolish the Regional Spatial Strategy under which housing targets are imposed centrally with no consultation with local communities. Conservatives would disband Labour’s unelected quangos putting planning responsibility firmly back into the hands of locally elected representatives where it belongs.

Conservatives would create a new duty for councils to create a ‘Local Plan’ in consultation with residents ensuring that any development meets with local approval.  There will be a ‘carrot’ to encourage new house building, where government would ‘match’ new council receipts for the first six years after new homes are built.  That way, if a community decides to accept new housing, there will be a financial reward for doing so.

The Labour and Liberal Democrat candidates were not able to point to how their parties would prevent the current planning madness.  Since neither had attended any of the previous parish meetings to discuss the threatened development nor taken part in any of the demonstrations to protest against it I would question how determined they really are about protecting the interests of local people

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On the Campaign Trail (18 Apr 2010)

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the MP for South Northants, has been very busy on the campaign trail for many months now, but in the last couple of weeks she has been out with her team, family and friends canvassing in every corner of the constituency.

Andrea said:

“Meeting people and talking about what really matters to them is one of the things I enjoy most about the campaign. Some questions have been quite challenging like being asked for my views on feed in tariffs for domestic scale renewables and the future funding of the probation service but it all adds to my knowledge of what is important to local people and how I can represent them as effectively as possible in Parliament.”   

 Some days are better than others. Andrea said:

“As with all things in life there is an 80/20 rule. 80% of people are happy to have the opportunity to meet their candidates;  10% are pretty abusive which, in the words of my 14 year old son – leaves you feeling really flat, sad and miserable. The last 10% are delighted to see their prospective MP, offer a cup of tea and would spend the whole day having a chat!  It’s so true that everyone is different, and if I am elected, representing 76,000 voters in South Northamptonshire will always be a fascinating challenge.

”Details of Andrea’s campaign diary can be obtained from her assistant at odette.emt@hotmail.co.uk. She says do come along and meet her.

Andrea Leadsom

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Voter Apathy (14 Apr 2010)

VOTER APATHY – WHY BOTHER TO VOTE?

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the MP for South Northants, is very concerned about voter apathy.  She has regularly visited with the sixth forms in the area to try and promote the importance of democracy and ensuring that young voters, in particular, don’t waste their vote.

Andrea said:

“The level of enthusiasm for democracy and the quality of debate in schools is impressive. Many of the young people I have met clearly value the opportunity to vote for the first time at this election. As a prospective MP, I believe it is so important to support the democratic process and exercise the right to vote. In Britain many people feel the democratic process is flawed, but it’s worth remembering the many sacrifices made and fights won to secure the vote for all.

As a woman prospective MP I cannot fail to be aware of the struggles that have been waged to secure the vote for all men and women on the same terms. It was not until 1918 that the first women were able to vote or until 1919 that Nancy Astor the first woman MP took her seat at Westminster. I would be honoured to follow in her footsteps less than a century later and urge everyone to participate in the democratic process by casting their vote on May 6.”      

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Crtime-how will they bring it down? (12 Apr 2010)

  CRIME  - HOW WILL THEY BRING IT DOWN

South Northamptonshire has low crime rates but in comparison, the number of people who fear crime is relatively high. Some people are worried by anti-social behaviour and crime in our local villages and towns.

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the MP for South Northants, said:

“We need to rebuild confidence in the system and convince people it is working to protect them. Nowhere is the Conservative Party’s approach of transparency, accountability and decentralisation more important. Our aim is to restore responsibility and discretion to the police – getting them out of police stations and onto the street fighting crime – while making them truly accountable to the people they serve.”

 Problems with vehicle crime and burglary in certain hotspots remain in South Northamptonshire. Andrea said:

“We will give people the power to elect an individual who will set the policing priorities for their community, and we will provide detailed data about crime area by area. Local people will have robust information and real power so that they will be able to force the police to focus on the crime that matters most to them. Under a new Conservative Government I am confident that the people of South Northamptonshire will see an efficient and effective use of Police resources to combat local problems.”

Fighting crime is about much more than catching criminals. To bring crime down for good we must break the cycle of reoffending and give ex-prisoners a chance to play a positive role in society. Under Labour the, prison system is in crisis, and incapable of properly rehabilitating prisoners. Andrea said:

“At the moment, many criminals leave jail and immediately lapse back into a life of drugs and crime. We will never bring our crime rate down or start to reduce the costs of crime until we properly rehabilitate ex-prisoners. Under a Conservative Government when offenders leave prison, they will be trained and rehabilitated by voluntary and public sector providers. I know from my personal experience as Chairman and trustee of a local charity helping families in difficulties that investment in people when they are in trouble pays dividends for them and for society in the long term.”

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Visit of Shadow Housing Minister (12 Apr 2010)

VISIT OF SHADOW HOUSING MINISTER

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the MP for South Northants, is delighted to confirm that Grant Shapps MP, the Shadow Housing Minister will be visiting the constituency this Friday, 16 April. He will attend an Open Public Meeting at Parson’s Memorial Hall, Great Houghton from 1.15 – 2.15pm to meet with the residents of South Northamptonshire and discuss the Labour Government’s proposals to build 20 000 new homes in and around the area to the south of Northampton.

Andrea said:

“I have campaigned strongly against this development which has been imposed centrally on local people as a result of Labour’s Spatial Strategy. Once again local residents have not been properly consulted on important planning issues which will have a serious impact on their lives. I encourage as many people as possible to attend the meeting to make their views known to the Shadow Housing Minister. We are grateful to him for finding the time to visit South Northamptonshire and hope that the election of a Conservative Government will give him the opportunity to implement the views of local residents.”           

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Use of the internet during this General Election (10 Apr 2010)

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the MP for South Northants, is sure that the internet will have an impact on the vote on May 6. She has worked hard to create an accessible and comprehensive website where you can learn more about her and her policies. Just take a look at www.andrealeadsom.com.

 Andrea said:

“More than in any previous election the internet makes the candidates more available to the voters and this has to be a good thing. The immediacy of the network makes for a much faster paced debate and much easier voter engagement. I think younger people are the most likely to want to use the internet, with Facebook and Twitter as good sources of information. Though I am determined to meet as many people as possible during the course of the campaign the internet provides a valuable forum for debate.”

 Andrea’s policies and views ranging from the economy to the countryside are clearly set out on her website. She said:

“I hope that being able to read my position on specific policy points will help undecided voters make up their minds on the issues perhaps instead of traditional party loyalty. In particular I hope that people who use the internet more than newspapers to gain information find my website helpful. I am confident that the Conservatives are the only party with the policies to turn this country around and welcome any comments the people of South Northamptonshire might like to make via my website, twitter or facebook.”      

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Hustings at Wootton (09 Apr 2010)

At Wootton Memorial Hall on Thursday evening about 35 local people took part in a wide ranging discussion with the six candidates standing for South Northamptonshire. The 6 candidates are:  Andrea Leadsom (Conservative), Matthew May (Labour), Scott Collins (LD), Marcus Rock (Green), Barry Mahoney (UKIP) and Tony Tappy (English Democrats).

Andrea said:

“It was evident that people feel passionately about the issues our country faces today. We had an excellent discussion ranging from what each party would do to rebuild communities, how each one plans to revitalize the business economy and how they would help graduates into work. As the General Election gets closer, we all welcome the opportunity to put our policies to voters and I would like to encourage people to attend the planned hustings.”

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Getting started at last (06 Apr 2010)

 ANDREA DELIGHTED TO GET STARTED AT LAST

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the MP for South Northants, is delighted that after so much anticipation, the date of the General election has finally been announced and campaigning in earnest can get underway. She said:

“I am truly convinced that the Conservatives are the only party that can turn this country around with the policies to make Britain great once more. After 13 years of Labour rule we desperately need a new direction and focus to mend the damage which Gordon Brown has inflicted on us all.”

Andrea is looking forward to hitting the campaign trail and addressing her constituents’ problems and concerns personally. She has organized a series of hustings throughout South Northamptonshire when the six candidates will answer questions from the floor. Andrea said:

“This will give local people a real opportunity to quiz the candidates on any topic. Under Labour we have seen far too much central Government control to the detriment of South Northamptonshire on issues ranging from house building to wind farms to, most recently, Labour’s announcement on high speed rail.

  I am looking forward to meeting as many people as possible over the next four weeks and relish the opportunity to convince them that I am the best person to represent their views in Parliament. I promise that I will do everything that I can to protect and promote the interests of the people of South Northamptonshire.”                               

Andrea will visit every community in the constituency and is keen to meet as many local residents as possible. For information about her busy schedule and where you can find her please contact - Odette.emt@hotmail.com

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Action Group leads the way (06 Apr 2010)

ACTION GROUP LEADS THE WAY

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the MP for South Northants, attended the inaugural meeting of the South Northamptonshire Action Group (SNAG) to oppose the High Speed Rail Link last Wednesday in Chipping Warden. Around 60 local residents attended the meeting.

Andrea said:

“There can be no doubt that the timing of the HS2 proposal has caused maximum damage and uncertainty in peoples’ lives, and has blighted our beautiful area.  I greatly admire the way that local residents are grouping together to protect the interests of South Northamptonshire.”

The Action Group, under the guidance of Liz Williams (a Moreton Pinkney resident), decided to establish ten different sub groups, each with the brief to focus on a different aspect of the HSR proposal. From ‘Legal and Policy’ to ‘Conservation’ to ‘Fund Raising’ residents were invited to join the group where they have the most relevant expertise. Each group then appointed a Leader and agreed on 5-7 objectives for their group.

 Andrea said:

“I was impressed by the speed at which South Northamptonshire has been able to pull together an effective and efficient Action Group. Our model will now be used by other communities up and down the proposed route to create a coordinated and coherent opposition. I am proud that South Northamptonshire is leading the way in the fight to protect our countryside.”      

Andrea Leadsom

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Politics Day at Magdalan School (31 Mar 2010)

Press Release

For Immediate release, March 30^th, 2010

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the MP for South Northamptonshire, joined the pupils of Magdalen College School in Brackley yesterday for an ‘extended learning’ day with a focus on parliament and politics.

Together with Paul Boskett, Elections Outreach Officer of the UK Youth Parliament, Matthew May, the Labour parliamentary candidate and Brendon Glynane, a Liberal Democrat Councillor at NCC she spent an informative and fascinating morning with the Year 13 group of 17 and 18 year old pupils for an extended learning day.

Andrea said:

“During the morning we took part in question and answer sessions with 3 different groups of students asking about an incredibly wide range of issues including what to do about potholes, University tuition fees and the future for Israel and Palestine.”

At lunchtime, Andrea met with Year 10 students who will be candidates at their own ‘General Election’ scheduled to coincide with the national Election Day.  

After lunch Andrea, Paul and Brendon attended a mock House of Commons debate the motion was “that the voting age should be reduced to 16”. The Magdalen school chapel was transformed into an impressive debating chamber with the speakers rising to make their points and voters filing to the left and right at the end.  Paul Hoskett did a grand job as the Speaker.

The result was 38 votes to the Noes and 8 votes to the Ayes.

Andrea said, 

“Not only did I have a thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable time with the students but I was so impressed by their level of maturity and responsibility. The result of the vote reflected the view expressed by many of the students that at 16 young people do not have sufficient real life experience to be able to vote effectively . It was refreshing to see the seriousness with which the democratic process was debated and it was a privilege for me to be there.”     

Andrea Leadsom

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate

South Northamptonshire

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High Speed Rail Link (26 Mar 2010)

Press Release

For Immediate release, March 26^th, 2010

Since the public meeting on High Speed Rail organized a week ago by Andrea Leadsom, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for South Northants, she has discussed the anger and alarm which the surprise announcement of the proposed route has caused to South Northants residents with Cheryl Gillan MP, (Chesham and Amersham), John Bercow MP (Buckingham) and David Lidington MP, (Aylesbury) whose constituencies are similarly threatened.

Andrea is grateful to Cheryl Gillan who as a result posed a question at David Lidington’s adjournment debate in the House of Commons on 23 March on her behalf. Mrs Gillan asked the Minister of State for Transport, Mr Sadiq Khan, to confirm what moneys will be available to local community groups and councils who will be undertaking vast amounts of extra work to participate in the consultation. She pointed out that some of our smaller voluntary organizations will not be able to muster what they need to make a case for a better alternative route and hoped that moneys would be forthcoming from the Minister. He failed to answer the point.

Andrea said:

“This is unfortunately typical of the Government’s complete lack of understanding of the reality of the heartache and damage its proposed route has already caused. It is outrageous that the announcement has been made so close to the calling of a General Election when parliament will be in recess and MPs will be unable to answer residents’ concerns and queries about the consultation process. People will potentially be left in limbo for months not knowing what will happen to the value of their homes and businesses. It is very difficult to see any justification in the real world for making the announcement now.”

Andrea will be wholeheartedly supporting the Action Group. She said:

“I believe that a national high speed rail network could have significant potential benefits for our economy.  However, decisions on the route should take into account the advice and experience of the local community which has not yet been consulted.  I do not believe that the Government’s proposal is right – not only is the route destroying hundreds of miles of some of the most beautiful countryside in England, but also a proposed line only stretching from London to Birmingham costing billions for the sake of a 20 minute time saving is a complete nonsense”.

On Tuesday Andrea met Theresa Villiers, the Shadow Transport Secretary, at the House of Commons to put the case on behalf of the residents of South Northamptonshire. The Shadow Transport Secretary, Theresa Villiers, has already written to Andrea explaining that the Conservatives, if they form the next Government, would not accept Labour’s proposals but are instead planning a full national high speed rail network, in the first instance stretching from Heathrow to Leeds and Manchester, and they would be considering all possible routes.   She will respond in writing to Andrea’s further questions on behalf of local residents.

Andrea said:

“From every perspective there is much that needs to be resolved. Not only does there need to be a strong financial case for HSR at a time when our economy is on its knees, but locally there is a very real personal price at stake and we need to have a coordinated approach to protecting our interests. I intend to represent the views of the people of South Northamptonshire as strongly as possible to secure a complete rethink of the route for High Speed Rail.”  

Note to Editors:   the first meeting of the Action Group to oppose the route of the High Speed Rail link will take place at Chipping Warden Parish Council on Wednesday 31^st March at 7.30pm.

Andrea Leadsom

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate

South Northamptonshire

m: 07920 402365

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Silverstone Study Centre (15 Mar 2010)

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the Conservative MP for South Northants, recently visited the Silverstone Study Centre. It is a joint venture between the race track and the County Council providing fantastic learning opportunities for our young people with a focus on motor sport.

Andrea said:

“This is a dream come true for many young boys and girls who come here to learn at the heart of British motor racing. It is state of the art delivery of the curriculum in a fun environment. I met Liz Behrens, the Headteacher of Cosgrove  primary school, and her pupils as they enjoyed a Dragon’s Den experience, competing to make money selling lemonade via an on line game. Trevor Wadham, the Centre’s manager, gave an impressive impersonation of Alan Sugar asking the pupils “why shouldn’t I fire you?” which we all enjoyed.”

Local schools have the opportunity to visit the Centre once a week over a ten week period. At the end pupils are awarded a certificate to record their achievements.

 Andrea said:

“This is an innovative and impressive way to teach children in a marvellous building. It is a great way to learn. I also met the Headteacher of Newbottle and Charlton primary school and her students who were really excited to discover what the Centre has to offer. We are very lucky to have this fun educational facility at the centre of our community.”      

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New high speed rail link (12 Mar 2010)

High Speed Rail Link

The Government’s proposals for the route of the High Speed Rail link are a Consultation Document only.  People have to have sufficient time to calmly and reasonably be able to consider these proposals and respond.

There has been a lot of public debate in Birmingham and London as to the location of the stations for the High Speed Rail link but there has been no previous debate or discussion in the areas of the proposed track.

I believe that there have been one or two discussions with local councils, with officers bound to secrecy of what was discussed, so these proposals, for almost everyone locally, have come entirely out of the blue.

 It is rather a mystery why Government Ministers feel that they want to make this announcement so near to a General Election.

 Clearly no decision of any kind is going to be made this side of a General Election and there is going to need to be a considerable period of time for people to be able to reflect and respond.

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A new Job Club for Brackley (10 Mar 2010)

I am delighted to tell you that a Brackley Job Club will be launched on Thursday March 25^th, 2010 at Brackley Town Hall from 10am until 2pm.   I am very grateful to Nick Fry, Chief Executive of Mercedes GP in Brackley, who has kindly offered to officially launch the Job Club and say a few words at 10.30am.

The Job Club follows in the footsteps of the highly successful Towcester job club that was started in August 2009.  We intend to follow a similar programme with around ten different agencies and businesses attending the launch to provide practical advice and support for local job seekers.   The job club will subsequently meet each Thursday at 10am in the Town Hall and refreshments will be served by volunteers.  The club is entirely free of charge to the members.

Since 2008, unemployment in S Northants has risen by around 175% and job clubs are a good way to find out about local job opportunities, further education, help with writing a CV and/or support for starting a new business.

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Violent Crime (09 Mar 2010)

A recent survey of households in the new South Northants constituency by its Conservative candidate, Andrea Leadsom, shows that the greatest concern of local residents is crime and anti-social behaviour. And yet Labour have consistently argued that crime, particularly violent crime, is falling across the country.
 
Well, new figures out today following research carried out by the House of Commons library (who are independent of politicians) suggest that violent crime against the person has risen 44 per cent since between 1998-99 and today. The figures demonstrate how Labour have failed Britain in this key area of all our lives – our personal safety - and that the question of the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour should be one of the central issues at the next General Election.
 
Andrea said: “Local police do a fantastic job in South Northants.  Nevertheless, people worry a great deal about becoming a victim of crime and they also worry about increasing anti-social behaviour.  A Conservative government would cut back on the red tape that keeps front line police off the beat.  We would also make sure crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots would be ‘mapped’ on line so that residents have clear facts on criminal activity instead of government spin”.
 
 
 

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Community Policing (08 Mar 2010)

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the Conservative MP for South Northants, was delighted to meet Sergeant Paul Beard and Police Community Support Officer Ron Culvert at the Wootton Community Hall last week. She heard at first hand about the strong focus on community policing and getting police officers and police community support officers out and seen in the local community.

Andrea said:

“It is important that the public have confidence that something is being done to combat crime and anti-social behaviour and that there is a visible police presence. Our PCSOs work at building a good relationship with our young people so that there is a real awareness of a structure of discipline and approachability. They also visit people who  have been victims of crime to provide reassurance to them and support in making their home more secure.  They do a great job in the prevention of crime by their presence on our streets; the strong commitment of the police force to making our community safe and secure is impressive.”

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Planning (01 Mar 2010)

“Open Source” planning will help residents shape future of South Northamptonshire

Bold new policies to make planning system more responsive and accountable

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the next Conservative MP for South Northamptonshire, has welcomed major new policies from Conservatives to reform England’s ‘broken’ planning system. A new system of local democracy and neighbourhood involvement will help deliver sustainable development across Northamptonshire. Whitehall targets and unelected quangos will be scrapped, to be replaced with collaborative working and new incentives to promote and reward local homes and jobs.

This comes as official Government surveys show only 1 in 3 people think they can influence decisions in their local area, and just 1 in 5 people think they can influence national decisions.

Under a new policy initiative, entitled Open Source Planning, Conservatives will:

 •                 Abolish the undemocratic and ineffective tier of regional planning overseen by unelected quangos. This would include scrapping the Regional Spatial Strategy and the West Northants Development Corporation that Labour forced upon Northamptonshire in order to deliver its growth agenda.

•                 Use collaborative democracy to allow local communities to create ‘bottom-up’ local plans, helping South Northamptonshire’s residents shape and protect the character of their neighbourhoods.

•                 Tackle the scourge of ‘garden grabbing’ and over-development in residential roads, giving local councils new powers to protect the character of neighbourhoods.

•                 Reward local councils and communities through incentives to encourage building new homes and businesses, in contrast to the current regime where Whitehall effectively grabs back the money raised from new homes and business.

•                 Maintain national Green Belt protection and other special protections for wildlife and the countryside, whilst allowing sustainable development elsewhere in accordance with the local plan.

•                 Use new local infrastructure blueprints to coordinate strategic matters crossing boundaries, with a new duty on public authorities – including the Highways Agency and Network Rail – to cooperate with county councils.

•                 Abolish Labour’s new unelected and unaccountable central planning quango – the Infrastructure Planning Commission, whilst retaining a fast-track process to avoid planning inquiries taking years; and give Members of Parliament a new role to vote on and ratify national planning policy.

•                 Increase council and police powers to tackle unauthorised traveller sites and illegal trespass.

•                 Change Whitehall’s restrictive parking rules to ensure more parking spaces are provided in family homes and near local shops, taking the pressure off crowded residential streets.

Andrea  said:

“The Government’s planning system is a source of immense frustration and concern for many residents across Northamptonshire. Under Labour, too many decisions are taken by unelected officials and planning rules are too complex, giving far too little weight to the views of local residents.

“This bold Conservative vision will put Northamptonshire residents back in the driving seat to help shape our community, transferring power from Whitehall bureaucrats and Labour’s unelected regional quangos. This will help deliver new homes and jobs for South Northamptonshire, whilst championing local democracy and protecting our local amenity and environment.”

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Good result for Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Service (11 Feb 2010)

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Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Service (18 Jan 2010)

Just before Christmas I discovered that the funding of Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Service (NMPAS) was under review.

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Results of local survey (14 Dec 2009)

Andrea Leadsom, who hopes to be the Conservative MP for South Northants, has recently received the results of a survey she sent to all households in the constituency.

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Comment on pre-budget report (09 Dec 2009)

 With a 25 year career in banking and finance, Andrea Leadsom Conservative MP for South Northants was astonished to hear Alastair Darling’s decision to tax banks to the value of 50% of any bonus they pay out above £25,000.

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Another Accident on A45 (09 Dec 2009)

Another pedestrian has been hit by a car whist crossing the notoriously dangerous A45 in South Northamptonshire.

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Silverstone to Keep the British GP (07 Dec 2009)

Silverstone is to keep the British GP for at least the next seventeen years.

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Climate Change in South Northamptonshire (07 Dec 2009)

 A press release dealing with the potential effects which climate change may or may not be having on Andrea's constituency of South Northamptonshire. 

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Parliamentary Delegation visits Silverstone (24 Nov 2009)

 Andrea's thoughts on the delegation visiting Silverstone, and the desire of the local residents to keep F1 racing in the local constituency.

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Response to the Queen's Speech (19 Nov 2009)

 Andrea lays out a critical response to the Queen's Speech, given after the official state opening of parliament.

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Andrea Leadsom meets the Brawn GP team (10 Nov 2009)

 Andrea meets the Brawn GP team, and reiterates her belief that the British Grand Prix should remain at Silverstone

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Northamptonshire villages suffer sharp decrease in bus routes (06 Nov 2009)

 Prospective candidate Andrea Leadsom expresses concern with the scarcity of bus routes now running through villages in South Northamptonshire.

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Issues Surrounding the Caroline Chisholm School (02 Nov 2009)

 Andrea comments on the recent news concerning the over-subscription of the enterprise and business school, Caroline Chisholm.

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Local Conservative Candidate leading the way on Cameron's calls for 'New Politics' (02 Jun 2009)

 Andrea Leadsom highlights the need for a different kind of politics, specifically through the use of Social Action Projects to affect the local community in positive and practical ways.

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Local Conservative Candidate has the 'Inside on Cameron's Conservatives' (02 Jun 2009)

 Andrea Leadsom is selected as one of only three prospective candidates to be on a board entitled 'Inside Cameron's Conservatives'.

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