David Cameron is forcing through the biggest re-organisation in the history of the NHS. As I’ve previously written this reckless and risky reorganisation is unnecessary, unwanted and damaging. Thousands of patients and NHS staff have already called on the Government to drop its Health Bill, but David Cameron is ploughing […]
The award-winning GAP (Gaining a Place) Project in Beaumont Leys is run by the East Midlands Housing Association. It provides young parents with decent accommodation while they get back on their feet. That might mean help to learn how to properly manage the family budget, or support to get the […]
I’m sure most of us associate Walker’s Crisps with Leicester legend, Gary Lineker but last week I met with the people who do the real work to bring these products to our supermarket and corner shop shelves. I toured the Walkers factory in Beaumont Leys, which has a long history […]
On Friday, I met staff working for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA), including Andy Williamson, the Chief Executive. The DLRAA is a charity that works closely with the NHS to provide a vital emergency service, which often […]
I’d like to wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year. As I reflect upon 2011, two things stand out for me above everything else. Firstly, it’s been an extremely tough year for many of my constituents. People are struggling to […]
On Monday 28 November I had the great pleasure of speaking at an event held in Parliament on the ‘Grey Pride’ campaign. The campaign calls on the Government to appoint a dedicated Minister for Older People with responsibility for championing the needs of people aged over 65 at Cabinet level. […]
The Shama Women’s Centre in Highfields is a brilliant organisation that provides services and support to women throughout Leicester. By offering training opportunities, such as NVQ and ESOL courses, and a range of other services like supporting new mums to breast feed, Shama helps women, particularly from disadvantaged communities, to […]
I recently visited Denham Garden Village, which is a development of retirement homes run by Anchor in south Buckinghamshire. The village is home to some 500 elderly residents, who all have access to a 24-hour support service, an on-site GP surgery, and other facilities that help them stay fit and […]
I recently visited Great Croft in Camden, a day centre for older people run by Age UK. I spent a couple of hours talking to the people who use the centre, and the fabulous Age UK staff, and I even had the chance to make myself useful by helping to serve […]
There are around 6.4 million unpaid carers in the UK who provide care and support to family, friends and neighbours. Not only do carers provide a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable older and disabled people in our society, they also save the country an estimated £119 billion each […]
On Thursday evening, I sat on the BBC Question Time panel with Energy Secretary Chris Huhne, Sainsbury’s Chief Executive Justin King, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales and Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan. We talked about the strikes, press intrusion, executive pay, green government and criminal apologies. You can watch the show by […]
Christmas is a special time, particularly for children. But I also know this time of year can bring added pressure and stress. Many families in Leicester West are struggling to make ends meet and worrying about how they are going to find enough money to give their children even the […]
