October monthly report

Jobs and growth

In a recent debate I spoke about how the economic conditions are affecting people in Hackney South and Shoreditch.

An increase of 18 per cent in Job Seeker's Allowance claimants in Hackney is having a huge impact locally. The increase in unemployment in Hackney is particularly bad for young people under the age of 24 and for people over 50. Claimants over 50 have increased by 29 per cent over the last year, claimants under 24 have increased by 18 percent.

We risk having a lost generation of young people who despite achieving better exam results each year still cannot get a job.

I also highlighted the impact of the downturn on small businesses.

The economy needs people in jobs, paying tax and able to pay their way rather than people out of work and struggling to make ends meet on benefits.

European Union membership

On 24 October there was a debate in the House of Commons on a motion calling for a referendum on membership of the European Union. The motion was introduced following a petition signed by over 100,000 members of the public.

The ability for the public to suggest topics for debate in Parliament is new and a move I welcome.

I believe that membership of the European Union is vital to Britain's growth and prosperity. The UK's trading links with Europe help create 3.5 million jobs. European markets account for half of the UK's overall exports of goods and services. Eight out of the UK's ten main export markets are in the European Union.

I am concerned that a referendum on membership of the European Union is a distraction from the more important priority of improving economic growth and getting people back to work. A referendum would create uncertainty and risks cutting the UK off from the major export markets that British jobs depend on.

When I was a minister i negotiated for the UK in Europe. I am convinced of the benefit of being in the EU.

I can see no benefit in having a debate now on whether Britain should remain in the EU.

Any referendum on European questions should take place when the Government seeks a major change to Britain's relationship with Europe.

All leaders of the main UK parties agree that it is in Britain's interest to remain members of the European Union.

Libya

The death of Gadaffi closes one chapter on the recent conflict in Libya. The challenges facing the national transitional council remain great.

The NATO effort played a vital role in bringing Libya to this historic point. The international UN backed MP support has helped end brutality, protect civilians and set Libya on a path to a secure, peaceful and democratic future.

Co-operative housing

My colleague Jonathon Reynolds introduced a 10 minute rule bill aiming to address the chronic shortage of affordable housing.

This Bill would enable co-operative housing can become more viable and widespread. It would also allow tenants to organise themselves and their neighbourhoods.

Ten minute rule bills rarely become law but it raises this important issue.

Planning reform

The Government is introducing a new national planning policy framework. This will replace all planning guidance, and the presumption will be in favour of development.

This does not give sufficient protection of the countryside. It also risks antagonising local communities rather than engaging them. This is likely to result in greater opposition, more appeals and a less effective planning system.

The Government has also weakened the "town centre" first policy which prioritises development in town centres. This out of date approach could make economic deserts of our town centres.

Response to the Riots

I recently spoke in a Parliamentary debate on the response to the riots.

I raised concerns about some of the knee jerk comments made by Government ministers. References to feral children and ghettos are insulting.

I spoke about the negative impact that stop and search can have on young people's attitude to the police.

In Hackney police officers have lost their jobs in the past few years because of inappropriate attitudes. Common courtesy must be the bottom line in policing by consent.

I told ministers about the good work in Hackney in the aftermath of the disturbances.

The Trading Places scheme run through the Crib youth group makes young people trade places with key professionals including police officers to help understand each others' points of view. This is just one Hackney example that could be built on elsewhere in the country.

Public accounts committee

I have just joined the Public Accounts Committee. This is an influential select committee that scrutinises spending by Government departments. It also receives reports on value for money and investigates efficiency and effectiveness of public expenditure.

Individual Electoral Registration

The Government has published a draft bill on the issue of individual voter registration.

Currently one member of a household can sign the registration form on behalf of all electors living there.

In 2009 the previous Government introduced the Political Parties and Elections Bill which set a timescale for introducing individual registration. The Bill had full cross-party support. The proposals then had included safeguards to ensure moving to individual registration would not result in a drop in the number of people registering to vote.

The new draft bill removes the safeguards and speeds up the timescale. It proposes removing the penalties for failing to return an electoral registration form.

Currently not registering to vote can lead to a fine. The Government is also consulting on ending the annual canvas which is when the council send staff to people's homes to remind them to register to vote.

Hackney Council estimate is that around 20 per cent of electors will drop off the register.

The electoral register is not just important because it enables people to vote.

It is also used as the basis for constituency boundaries. Banks and lenders also use the electoral register to check identity. I have written to Mark Harper MP, minister for political and constitutional reform in the Cabinet office to raise my concerns.

Register of lobbyists

Recent events throw up some serious issues about the links between a minister and those seeking to influence him.

I believe that transparency is important. The Freedom of Information Act and the ministerial code are essential. I am however not convinced of the benefit of a statutory register of lobbyists. The big lobby firms are already easily identified.

As a member of parliament I am lobbied by many different groups and individuals. Many of these would not necessarily describe themselves as lobbyists.

I, in turn, lobby ministers on behalf of constituents and to promote the interests of Hackney South and Shoreditch.

Improper requests for favours or secretive meetings are entirely wrong but these are already prohibited and I am not convinced a register of lobbyists would achieve what some suggest.

Parliament Week

Parliament Week is a new, national initiative which runs from 31st October to 6th November 2011 with activities to help people explore the work of Parliament

A number of external partners are joining with Parliament to host events about democracy and political engagement

The UK Youth Parliament will sit in the House of Commons chamber on Friday 4 November and is being screened live by BBC Parliament.

BBC Question Time is being broadcast from Westminster Hall for the very first time on 3 November. Westminster Hall is the oldest part of Parliament and where VIP guests including the Queen, Nelson Mandela and President Barack Obama have spoken.

More information can be found on the Parliament week website

Respect for shop workers week

I recently attended a reception held by USDAW, the Trade Union which represents shop workers.

The reception was held to publicise Usdaw's Freedom from Fear campaign seeks to prevent violence, threats and abuse against shop workers.

As part of the campaign Usdaw are organising a Respect for Shop workers week which will take place during the 7-11 November.

The campaign highlights particular problems in the run up to Christmas. Usdaw members report increased incidents of verbal abuse during this period. Customers are stressed, shops are really busy and tempers can fray.

As part of my improve Hackney high streets campaign I want to support shop workers, especially those working alone.

Usdaw is also raising concerns about the impact of police cuts as part of this campaign. See more at www.usdaw.org.uk

Fire safety

The London Fire Brigade has been in touch with some fire safety advice. Some areas in the borough are deemed to be at particular risk and I will be in touch with residents in these postcodes.

Advice is that sticking to a simple bedtime routine is key. Checking everything is safe before you go to bed - including switching off electric blankets and having them checked regularly helps keep our homes safe against fire. An escape plan, just in case a fire happens is also important.

Keeping communal corridors or areas clear of prams and bicycles is a good idea. Dial 999 if there is a fire.

For more advice visit the LFB website The fire service will also visit you
for free to do a safety check. To make an appointment call 08000 28 44 28

University technical college

The government has agreed to funding a university technical college in Hackney.

The college will be based at Hackney Community College and will officially open in September 2012. It will focus on young people between the age of 14 and 19.

University technical colleges combine recognised qualifications such as apprenticeships, foundation and higher degrees with practical, hands on learning. Colleges are university sponsored. Students will also have the opportunity of work experience with local and national employers who will also give support.

The scheme has been developed by the Baker-Dearing education trust. The college in Hackney is one of three in London. Each college will have its own specialist area, influenced by its university sponsor. The Hackney college will specialise in digital and health technologies

New Mossbourne Academy

The highly successful Mossbourne community academy is to open a brand new school in Hackney.

The last Government delivered 4 brand new academies in Hackney. I am delighted that the current Government has agreed to a proposal for a new 800 place Academy near Victoria Park.

The new academy will be an extension of Mossbourne Community Academy, which is one of the best schools in the UK.

Mossbourne community academy, which opened back in 2004, has continued to achieve excellent standards. This year, 82 percent of students achieved five good GCSEs including English and Maths and Ofsted have rated it outstanding in two consecutive inspections.

I am looking forward to seeing the achievements of the new Mossbourne Academy and the continuation of excellent results and standards.

Hackney Central station

Network Rail has announced that vital engineering works will be carried out on Hackney Central station. It is installing two new lifts so that, at last, there will be direct, step free access from the ticket office to both platforms.

The work will mainly be carried out in the daytime, between 8am and 6pm, although there will be some overnight work. Network Rail have assured me they will notify local residents.

The station will remain operational while the works are carried out. Works will start on the 22 October and be completed by April 2012

Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau

The Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau has been campaigning to tackle the scams which con Hackney residents.

The Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau, is a vital source of advice for local people with a range of problems. It is also working to prevent scams in the future such as cold call credit brokers tricking vulnerable people over non-existing loans and financial services.

Hackney CAB has surveyed its clients and from October will be working with trading standards to take action against unfair and rogue trading and frauds.

Chess in schools

The Chess in schools and communities project goes into schools in the most deprived areas around the country to teach chess. Learning chess has numerous academic benefits.

Queensbridge Primary School takes part in this scheme.