Winter 2011
Dear Resident,
It's time for my last update of 2011, and below are some of
the main issues and events I have been involved in since August, beginning with
Parliamentary issues and moving on to those in Richmond and North Kingston.
As ever, I have kept the details brief, but have included links to most of the
stories for anyone wanting to read more.
Very best wishes and Happy New Year,
Zac Goldsmith
*See my interview on BBC HardTalk: LINK
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PARLIAMENTARY ISSUES
RE-ZONING OF KINGSTON STATION
I organised a meeting with Kingston MP, Ed Davey and Transport Minister,
Theresa Villiers MP, to discuss the need to re-zone Kingston Station to zone 5.
Kingston and Surbiton Station's are currently situated in zone six and
passengers face unreasonably high fares travelling into Central London. Theresa
Villiers MP has agreed to look at the proposals, and has allowed Surbiton
academic and campaigner Dr Tim Leunig work alongside Department for Transport
officials on the case. If the campaign succeeds, 20,000 season ticket holders
stand to save up to £3 on their weekly travel cards and £10 on their monthly
cards.
INQUIRY INTO SOLAR SUBSIDIES
As a member of the Environmental Audit Select Committee, I helped initiate an
urgent joint Select Committee inquiry into the subsidy regime for solar PV
(with the Energy and Climate Change Committee). There has been widespread
concern about the decision to lower the tariff at such short notice. Our report
called for among other things, the introduction of an immediate community
tariff, and a new formula to prevent the need for a sudden change to ever
happen again. The report can be found on the Committee's website. LINK
DAYLIGHT SAVING BILL
The Government has reaffirmed its support for the Daylight Saving Bill. If
passed, the Bill could trigger a trial that will advance the UK's time by one
hour for all or part of each year. As a co-sponsor of the bill, I am following
developments closely, and will take part in the debate when it returns to the
Chamber early in the year.
EXTRADITION REFORM
I took part in a Westminster Hall debate, and strongly urged the Government to
reconsider the UK's current extradition arrangements with the EU and the USA.
In my speech, I referred to the European Arrest Warrant, and a case which saw a
constituent repeatedly arrested in different countries, without ever being told
why or on whose instructions. The system is imbalanced and needs immediate
reform. LINK
FISH FIGHT
I have continued my fight to reform the failed Common Fisheries Policy. In the
most recent exchange, I reminded the Government that Parliament unanimously
supported my Motion calling on the Government to renegotiate to repatriate
control of our 'sovereign waters', and pointed out that it remains the case
that while UK laws apply to our own fleet, foreign vessels are still able to
disregard them in our waters. LINK
EU REFERENDUMS
Along with 80 colleagues from the Conservative
party, I voted in support of a motion calling for a referendum on our
relationship with the EU. LINK
and LINK
PEOPLE'S PLEDGE
I continue to support the People's Pledge which is calling for a British
referendum on EU membership. For more information about their campaign and to
read about their 2000-strong rally in Westminster, see the following LINK
BINDING LOCAL REFERENDUMS
I was appalled that Lib Dem Peers deleted a provision in the Localism Bill
allowing local residents to trigger local referendums. Although the provision
was insufficient (the referendums wouldn't have been binding), it was a step in
the right direction. I therefore tabled an amendment to the Bill, which would
have given local residents the power to instigate local referendums on any
issue. In my speech, I told the House that no one is better placed to decide
the nature, shape, form and future of an area than the people who live in it
and I urged the Government to think again. LINK
NATIONAL PLANNING REFORMS
As they currently stand, the planning
rules are grotesquely undemocratic, and need radical reform. But like many
people, I was concerned about the implications of the Government's
controversial new proposals. I am campaigning to ensure that the new rules
genuinely empower local people, provide the protections we all want for our
communities, and do not represent in any way a blank cheque for developers. I
have facilitated meetings between the Planning Minister and campaign groups
like the CPRE. I also asked the PM to meet the National Trust to discuss the
plans. He agreed.
LINK
to PMQ re- National Trust
LINK
to my article on the reforms
CELEBRATORY LUNCH FOR DR EVA SCHLOSS IN PARLIAMENT
I hosted a lunch
for Dr Eva Schloss, Auschwitz survivor and step-sister of Anne Frank, at the
House of Commons, to celebrate her mission and achievements to date.Among the
guests was the Russian Ambassador, Alexander Yakovenko, who later hosted the
play documenting Eva's life, at the Russian Embassy. LINK
SUCCESS ON 'WARM HOMES FOR HEROES' AMENDMENT
I welcomed the news
that the Ministry of Defence and Energy Departments are to work together to
improve the energy efficiency of service family accommodation. Poor energy
efficiency is one of the biggest sources of complaints for service families.
The announcement was made by Greg Barker MP, and followed my 'Warm Homes for
Heroes' campaign to improve and upgrade Military service family accommodation
both in North Kingston and nationally.
LINK
PLASTIC BAG FREE OLYMPICS
I teamed up with a fellow Patron of the Greener Upon Thames Campaign, Roz
Savage, to co-host a meeting between Greener upon Thames and the US-based 5
Gyres Institute. The meeting gave the two environmental organisations an
opportunity to exchange the latest scientific information about the impacts of
plastic bags on the world's oceans. LINK
THE GREEN DEAL
I have been leading calls for the Government to introduce additional incentives
to encourage early uptake of the flagship energy efficiency programme - the
Green Deal (such as a stamp duty rebate for homes or a council tax holiday for
households that are participating in the Green Deal). I was therefore pleased
to hear the Treasury's announcement in the Autumn Statement that £200 million
has been allocated for that purpose. The Department will develop options for
how best to use these funds over the winter, and will provide further details
on proposals next year. LINK
EU OVERREGULATION
I spoke out against the EU's Food Supplement's Directive at the Consumers for
Health Choice Parliamentary Reception, which I hosted. I pointed out that EU
legislation enveloping the natural products industry is a classic case of a
burdensome 'solution' being brought in for a problem that doesn't exist. The
proposed legislation will destroy jobs, shops and choice for millions of
people. LINK
CRUEL COSMETICS CAMPAIGN
I have always believed that animal testing for cosmetic products should stop
immediately. Contrary to popular belief, toiletries and beauty products which
are tested on animals outside the EU, are still on sale and widely available
throughout the EU, and in the UK. I am supporting BUAV's No Cruel Cosmetics
campaign, which calls for an end to animal testing on these products sold in
the EU. LINK
HEATHROW TRIALS
The Operational Trials have begun at
Heathrow Airport. The trials are running in two phases; November-February 2012,
and July-September 2012. During these periods, BAA will be making use of both
runways at times of severe congestion and in 'emergency situations'. I have
made clear to the Aviation Minister, Theresa Villiers MP, the importance constituents
have placed on transparency, consultation and engagement with the local
community while the trials take place. LINK
HEATHROW NIGHT FLIGHTS
I continue my campaign for a ban on night flights between
11pm and 6am. In addition to having arranged a series of meetings with the
Aviation Minister and MPs from the constituencies which fall beneath the flight
path, I have asked BAA to create models demonstrating whether night arrivals
could be rescheduled to arrive during the day. In my role on the Environmental
Audit Committee, I have secured their insistence on a ban on a third runway.
EAC's report on Air Quality, reports: LINK
RECALL PROPOSALS EMPOWER MPS NOT VOTERS
The Government has produced
a draft Recall Bill which they say, gives the public the right to recall their
local MP if they are found to have engaged in serious wrongdoing. However, the
recall power is dependent on a parliamentary committee finding a MP guilty of
'serious wrongdoing'. True recall empowers people, not Parliamentary
Committees, and although there must be safeguards, constituents should be to
recall their MP when a majority of them have lost confidence or trust in them.
I will continue my campaign for Direct Democracy and seek to strengthen the
Government' proposals, and have won the backing so far of 53 MPs. LINK
To read my own Recall of Elected Representatives Bill: LINK
And to read my related Early Day Motion, LINK
LITERACY GROUP IN PARLIAMENT
I joined the cast of Wicked, with children's book author, Cressida Cowell at
the House of Commons, to help launch the National Literacy Trust's All
Parliamentary Party Group on Literacy. The group will promote knowledge and
support among MPs for the latest research, policy and best practice, in
addition to highlighting the importance of best practice literacy in schools,
early years settings, families and communities. LINK
CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE
I took part in two debates at this year's Conference in Manchester. First, a
fringe event organised by, The Association of Convenience Stores, entitled,
'Can Localism can save the High Street'. I was joined on the panel by principal
author of the Conservative Green Paper "Open Source Planning, John Howell
MP and Director of the Co-operative Group, Ruairidh Jackson. LINK
I also joined Culture Minister Ed Vaizey MP and Hugh Grant on the panel of Hacked
Off's fringe event. We debated the News of the World phone-hacking scandal, and
after panelists' speeches, we took part in an audience-led Q&A
APPRENTICESHIPS PROGRESS
I am a big believer of
apprenticeships, and I am delighted that the Government, under the direction of
the excellent Skills Minister, John Hayes MP, is ramping up its apprenticeships
programme. For many young people, a chance to experience real work in a dynamic
environment is the best possible preparation for work life. I therefore warmly
welcome the work of John Hayes MP on his progress in this area. LINK
MARY PORTAS - IMPROVING OUR HIGH STREETS
I met Mary Portas with Pamela Fleming, Richmond's brilliant
Cabinet Member for Communities and Development, and also Barnes Retail
Champion, Sue Nichol to discuss Mary's campaign for improving the UK's high
streets. The Prime Minister announced in May that Mary Portas would be
undertaking a review of UK High Streets. This has now been published, and is
available to view here
This has now been published, and is available to view here: LINK
JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRIVACY AND INJUNCTIONS
I gave evidence to the Joint Committee on Privacy and Injunctions about press
intrusion. Witness statements were also heard from Hugh Grant, Max Mosley and
Steve Coogan. The transcript can be found here: LINK:
And my comment: LINK
GREEN TECHNOLOGIES
I met Trade Minister Lord Green, to talk about the implementation of the
Coalition Agreement's commitment to end UKTI and ECGD support for "dirty
fossil-fuel energy production". I am pushing the Minister to
announce the Government's decision on how the commitment will be put in place
by the beginning of next year.
LOBBYING GOVERNMENT
I have facilitated correspondence for many hundreds of constituents with
Ministers, on a wide range of issues, including on: NHS reforms, the
Equitable Life scandal, Pension reforms, Child maintenance reform, Night
Flights, Teachers Pensions, Welfare Reform, Junior ISA's, the Riots,
Immigration, Ministry of Justice reforms, Protection of Freedoms Bill, the
European Arrest Warrant, Probation... and much more.
__________________________________________________________________________________
DEBATES AND SPEECHES
I have participated in several debates in Parliament in the last few months,
including:
- Solar Panel Feed in Tariffs: LINK
- Extradition in Europe and US: LINK
- Common Fisheries Policy: LINK
- Localism Bill: LINK
- Environmental Protection and Green Growth: LINK
and: LINK
- National Referendum on the European Union: LINK
And: LINK
- Procedure Committee Reports on Reform of Parliament (various
interventions) LINK
- Food Security and Famine Prevention (Africa): LINK
- The Durban Climate Conference: LINK
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EDMS/QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS
I have proposed, signed and seconded over 94 Early Day
Motions since becoming an MP
LINK:http://www.edms.org.uk/mps/24911/ And I have asked 734 written
questions to minister on a vast array of subjects. You can keep up with all the
issues I've been raising in Parliament, be it in speeches, debates, written or
oral questions here: LINK
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RICHMOND PARK & KINGSTON ISSUES
NORTH KINGSTON SCHOOLS UPDATE
Kingston Council still
faces a major challenge in providing enough primary and secondary school
places.
I have bombarded the Secretary of State and Lord Hill with letters on the
subject, and have urged other Kingston residents to do the same. I welcomed the
announcement that the Borough is to receive part of a £500m grant this autumn,
but this still isn't enough, and so I am now embarking on a campaign to obtain
a proper 3 year settlement which will allow the council to secure a loan to
build the new Secondary school.
HEATHROW PUBLIC MEETING
I organised and chaired a special public meeting, which gave local residents an
opportunity to question, BAA executives about the Operational Freedom Trials
and the upcoming consultation over night flights. LINK
THAMES WATER RULE OUT BARN ELMS
I was delighted to
hear that Thames Water have ruled out Barn Elms as the preferred site for
construction of the main drive shaft for the proposed Thames Tunnel. This
was a real victory for local people, who have campaigned tirelessly to protect
this valuable site. LINK
Phase Two of Thames Water's consultation will begin on the 4th of November and
will end on the 10th of February 2012, and you can register your views here: LINK
THE VINEYARD COMMUNITY CENTRE
The Vineyard Project, which served as a day centre for the
homeless for 33 years, was forced to close its doors earlier this year after
funding from local charities dried up. Fortunately a new volunteer-based
charity, the Vineyard Community Centre, is soon to continue meeting local needs
from the same premises. Following my letter to our generous residents,
some £7,000 has already been raised. The official opening will be on Thursday
8th March 2012. You can read more about the centre (and how to support it)
here: LINK
COOMBE VALE BY-ELECTION SUCCESS I warmly welcome our
brilliant new councillors, Lynne Finnerty and Julie Pickering, who despite (or
perhaps because of) a characteristically negative and shaming counter campaign
from the Lib Dems, turned a marginal Ward into a safe Conservative ward. Both
Councillors have lived in the ward for more than 20 years. Before being
involved in politics they have actively worked on local campaigns - relating to
school places, protecting green spaces and have been representatives on local
panels.
To read more about Lynne and Julie, please visit the Coombe Vale website at: LINK
RICHMOND PARK AND NORTH KINGSTON CONSERVATIVE POLICY FORUM
I hosted and took part in Richmond's first cross party
Question Time Forum in Richmond. All the major political parties were
represented, and the debate was both popular and informative.
Panellists included, Sam Gyimah MP, Nigel Farage EP, Serge Lourie, and Emily
Thornberry MP.
SUSTAINABLE LIGHTING COMPETITION
Congratulations to Elsa Haughton of Tiffin Girls School, who won a design
competition launched by Abacus Lighting Ltd (and co-judged by me). In addition
to helping raise awareness of the benefits of environmentally friendly
lighting, she has secured her school a new sustainable lighting scheme, which
will be maintained by Abacas: LINK
COMMUNITY UPON THAMES Q&A
I participated in a Business Breakfast in Kingston, hosted
by the newly launched Social Enterprise, Community upon Thames. The Q&A
session gave small businesses an opportunity to raise issues of concern
including: business rates, complicated employer legislation and a new emphasis
on social enterprises. LINK
Click here to learn more about Community upon Thames: LINK
BARNES CINEMA TO BE DECIDED BY PLANNING COMMITTEE
A planning application for the reinstatement of a boutique
cinema at Church Road, Barnes, will be decided by the Planning Committee on
22nd December 2011. The primary objective is to create a community facility
that Barnes can be proud of, which will revitalise the area, and provide
employment and entertainment. If you haven't already, please join me in
registering your support. LINK
INNOCENT SMOOTHIE LAUNCH AT EAST SHEEN PRIMARY SCHOOL
I joined Innocent Drinks at East Sheen Primary School, to
launch their Schools Program, which demonstrates to teachers and pupils the
different, and delicious, things which can be made with fruit, instead of
sending it to waste. This special project will last eight weeks and will be
rolled out to other schools early next year. LINK
TESCO LICENCING APPEAL
I welcome the announcement that Tesco's in Mortlake has
withdrawn its Licensing Appeal.
This followed a concerted campaign by local residents, who felt that the sale
of alcohol from the earlier time of 8am would have been entirely inappropriate
and unnecessary. LINK
FEEDING THE 5000 LAUNCH
I joined MPs and food businesses at the House of Lords, to
launch Tristian Stuarts's fantastic Feeding the 5000 Initiative. The event,
supported by Boris Johnson, highlighted the growing problem of food waste.
The actual event saw5000 people, including 100 pupils from our local schools,
congregate in Trafalgar Square to enjoy a free lunch made entirely from what
would have been wasted food. LINK
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OTHER NEWS IN BRIEF
KINGSTON COLLEGE STUDENTS IN PARLIAMENT
It was a pleasure to meet students from Kingston College in
Westminster, and I was impressed with the broad ranging and difficult questions
they put to me: LINK
BARNES CHARITY FASHION SHOW
I compered Barnes' first Charity Fashion Show, organised to
highlight the importance of Barnes's many independent shops and boutiques.
Proceeds from the event went to the Barn Elms Sports Trust, Castelnau Community
Centre and The Friends of St Mary's Barnes. LINK
FIRST FARMERS MARKET IN KEW
Trials began for a new Village Community market in Kew in
September. Requested by 91% of local residents and implemented by local
councillors, the monthly markets have been a great success.
The market is community led, and all profits raised will be distributed to
local charities.LINK
RICHMOND YOUTH PARTNERSHIP FORUM AT YORK HOUSE
I was invited to speak to young adults at the Richmond Youth
Forum, a body established to give the youth of Richmond a voice, at York House
in October. Vince Cable MP and Susanne Rauprich (NCVYS) joined me on the panel,
and we spoke to young adults and school pupils from across the borough. LINK
RICHMOND BUSINESS AWARDS
I was delighted to be invited to present
prizes at the Richmond Business Awards 2011. Local businesses competed to win
prizes in 12 categories at the highly successful event, which was jointly
sponsored by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the Richmond and Twickenham
Times.
ENERGY NETWORKING EVENT
Richmond Council, in partnership with the Carbon Trust, organised a business
breakfast networking event in Twickenham last month, as part of their GO Green
Richmond sustainability drive. I was invited to address the delegates about the
greening up of local businesses. For more information about
GO GREEN Richmond, see: LINK
HOLLY LODGE CENTRE - STEPPING STONES
I was given a Tour of Richmond Park's Holly Lodge Centre, and was wildly
impressed. To read more about the centre's activities and educational programme
visit: LINK
VICTORY FOR BACK GARDENS ON THE ROBIN HOOD ESTATE
I was delighted
that after a successful, community-led campaign, the Maldens and Coombe
Neighbourhood Planning subcommittee decisively rejected a plan to build Huf
houses in a garden on the Robin Hood Estate. LINK
______________________________________________________________________________________
Very Briefly
- I fired the cannon to start off Kew's Autumn 10K Richmond
River Run LINK
- I appeared on the BBC's programme Hard Talk. LINK
- I spoke to the Richmond Upon Thames Forum for Older People,
and answered the group's questions on local and national issues
- I have arranged many Parliamentary tours and Big Ben Clock
tower visits for local schools and community groups, and where it has been
possible, I have taken part in Q&A's with pupils.
- I have welcomed local lobby groups to Parliament, to discuss
issues including, the Government's Health reforms, Israel/Palestine, Meningitis
and Pension Reforms.
- I have begun participating in monthly interview sessions
with the Richmond Talking Newspaper about my work as an MP in Parliament and in
the constituency.
- I joined councillors and residents to attend the closure of
Kingston's Magistrate's Court
- I joined the RSPB ramblers on their walk through Richmond
Park, to celebrate the Forest sell-off plans turn-around.
- I attended Christ School to view student's impressive GCSE
Citizenship projects
- I hosted a fundraising dinner in Parliament, in aid of Pig
Business and their successful 'Food from Farms not Factories' campaign. LINK
- I attended Home-Start UK's 15th anniversary celebrations at
Pembroke Lodge, with HRH Princess Alexandra, Patron of Home-Start UK.
- I joined Kingston Hospital staff members Committee meeting,
and was quizzed by Medical staff about the Government's Health reforms.
- I have organised meetings with Councillors and Officers from
Kingston and Richmond to prepare for the sale of Latchmere Prison grounds, and
to ensure sympathetic development on the site.
- I joined pupils, teachers and parents at Sheen Mount
School's Christmas Fair
- I met the Rugby Football Union to talk about the impact of
Twickenham matches on Richmond residents.
______________________________________________________________________________________
BLOGS
- ZAC CALLS FOR RADICAL REFORM OF EUROPEAN ARREST WARRANT
LINK
- EDMUND BURKE AND DIRECT DEMOCRACY LINK
- PLANNING REFORMS MUST INSPIRE CONFIDENCE LINK
- SUPPORTING DAIRY FARMERS LINK
- THE RIOTS LINK
- HEATHROW TRIALS LINK
- LOSING CONTROL OF LONDON LINK
- THE CASE FOR PARLIAMENTARY REFORM LINK
__________________________________________________________________________________
CONSTITUENCY GATHERINGS
In addition to my thrice- weekly constituency surgeries, I
continue to hold coffee mornings and public meetings wherever possible. I have
held more than 120 local public meetings, resident's gatherings and coffee
mornings since my becoming MP.
__________________________________________________________________________________
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Climate Week - 12-18 March 2012 Climate Week will take
place from 12 - 18 March 2012, and will bring together senior representatives
from every sector of society to share their ambition to create a sustainable
and secure future for Britain and the world. LINK
Schumacher Panel Event - Thursday 26th January 2012, 7.30pm
A Panel discussion with Zac Goldsmith MP on what economist Dr. E. F. Schumacher
might say about sustainable economics and well-being today. LINK
Film Preview of the Iron Lady - Thursday 12th January 2012,
7.30pm at the Richmond Odeon. Zac will be hosting a private screening of
the film The Iron Lady, with special Guest Speaker
You can reserve tickets by contacting Christina O'Kelly (North Richmond Ward)
on 07951 898213 or christina.bartos@gmail.com More details coming soon. Please
check my website at: www.zacgoldsmith.com
__________________________________________________________________________________
FINALLY...
If you'd like to arrange an appointment at one of my surgeries to discuss any
local or national issues, you can contact me at: zac@zacgoldsmith.com or call the office on
020 8939 0321.
Keep updated with all my news on the website:
www.zacgoldsmith.com
Or why not follow me on Twitter: @ZacGoldsmith
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