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<title>Brandon Lewis Member of Parliament - My Work 4u in Great Yarmouth</title><description>Brandon Lewis Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth: My Work 4u in Great Yarmouth</description><link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk</link><item>
<title>Great Yarmouth’s Planet Poppadom wins place in Regional Final of the Newby Teas Tiffin Cup 2010</title>
<description><![CDATA[Planet Poppadom, which was chosen by Brandon Lewis MP to represent Great Yarmouth in the prestigious Newby Teas Tiffin Cup 2010, has won a place in the regional final.
 
The Tiffin Cup is awarded by a cross party group of Members of Parliament known as the Tiffin Club.  Seventy three restaurants were nominated for the 2010 competition, which is held annually to find the best South Asian restaurant in the country. The restaurant will now have to satisfy the taste buds of a mystery diner if it is to represent the region in the national finals. 

Brandon Lewis MP said 

“I am delighted that my nomination for Planet Poppadom has been accepted. I hope that Planet Poppadom will be chosen to represent our region in the Grand Final of such a prestigious award.”
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<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=972</link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>6th August 2010 – B&amp;Q Visit</title>
<description><![CDATA[Brandon Lewis MP visited B&Q Great Yarmouth yesterday to meet with staff who were eager to show him their new line of products. Some members of staff also discussed their on going training towards City and Guilds qualifications which help them acquire skills for their roles at B&Q. Brandon was also shown some of B&Q’s new products including new more energy efficient alternatives to old technologies. 

Brandon Lewis said:

“It was great to visit the local B&Q store yesterday and meet all the dedicated members of staff. It was really good to learn about some of the work experience and the City and Guilds qualifications which some of the employees are enrolled on; teaching some of the younger members of staff the skills required in this line of work.” 

“Alan (the store manager) showed me some of the new B&Q products, including their new range of energy saving light bulbs – its great to see companies like B&Q stocking more environmentally friendly products in order to take the vital steps towards reducing our carbon footprint.”
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<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=971</link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Government agrees station improvements will be requirement for new franchises</title>
<description><![CDATA[<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT color=#000000>The government has included station improvements in the list of requirements for the award of new rail franchises following my lobbying on this issue. The new consultation documents that have been issued by the Department of Transport include the need for station investment and repairs. Theresa Villiers MP, Minister of State for Transport, has clearly taken on board my views on this issue, which I raised with her on a recent visit to Great Yarmouth station. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT color=#000000>I have also this week met with the Association of Train Operating Companies to discuss national rail policy and Great Yarmouth station. We discussed proposals for private sector operators to have a greater say in managing stations which can lead to improvements and the idea of volunteers becoming more involved with the station.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT color=#000000>The Fix Great Yarmouth Train Station team and I have worked hard over the last seven months to reach this stage.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>This is a great step forward and a real change from the old government.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Hopefully now Great Yarmouth can look forward to the potential of a much improved station for residents and visitors in the years ahead.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=969</link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Race for Life 2010</title>
<description><![CDATA[<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT color=#000000>I attended the opening of the ‘Relay for Life 2010’ Cancer Research fundraiser at Caister High School, where I was welcomed by event organiser Stephen Bower. He emphasised the importance of events such as these in raising awareness and funds for those affected by cancer.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT color=#000000>The teams prepared themselves for the 24 hour long endurance relay and at 2:00pm started their first lap of the field; I joined several cancer survivors for the beginning of the walk. The teams were accompanied by live music and entertainment scheduled to run through the night.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT color=#000000>It is always good to see the community pulling together for such a good cause.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Cancer is a disease that affects so many of us on a daily basis and events like ‘Relay for Life’ help boost cancer research funds.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=970</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Speaking out on fire review</title>
<description><![CDATA[<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000 size=3 face=Calibri>Yesterday in the House of Commons Brandon Lewis spoke of &nbsp;Norfolk’s County Council’s fire review.&nbsp; He said that Norfolk County Council are examining saving money as well as improving the service, but consideration is being given to spending more on management in Great Yarmouth yet losing 14 retained firemen.&nbsp; Brandon asked if it is right that we do our best in our communities to put pressure on local authorities so that they do not spend money on management and instead do the logical thing of keeping in place front-line services such as retained firemen.</FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><FONT color=#000000 size=3 face=Calibri>&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000 size=3 face=Calibri>Brandon Lewis said “&nbsp; I was pleased to debate the Fire Review in the house yesterday. &nbsp;We cannot afford any reduction in cover or service, homes in our community are at risk and I will do all I can to stop this happening."</FONT><o:p><FONT color=#000000 size=3 face=Calibri>&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=951</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=951</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Demanding Network Rail move unsightly mast</title>
<description><![CDATA[<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT color=#000000><FONT face=Calibri>Brandon Lewis MP, met this week with Network Rail to move its newly erected transmission’s mast.&nbsp; Currently situated near Breydon Waters, on the Acle straight, the mast has been branded a ‘carbuncle’ and eyesore by local residents.&nbsp; As it did not require planning permission, the mast was erected with little warning, which further upset local residents, although the broads authority were contacted shortly before.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000 face=Calibri>&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT color=#000000><FONT face=Calibri>After being contacted by concerned constituents Brandon has met with officials from Network Rail and explained to them the current site was unsuitable as it was too close to both the waters and the main road into Yarmouth.&nbsp; He argued that it should be moved to a location closer to the train station where it would not stand out and damage the views in the sea.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000 face=Calibri>&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><FONT face=Calibri><FONT color=#000000>Brandon Lewis said, "I was astounded about the mast along the Acle Strait, to place a mast in an area of natural beauty seems ridiculous to me.&nbsp; I hope Network Rail see sense and move the mast nearer to a station."</FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=952</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Fighting for Great Yarmouth Schools</title>
<description><![CDATA[<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">With public finances under intense pressure and the need to make reductions in public expenditure the Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP this week announced an end to Building Schools for the Future programme. 
<P>Oriel High School and Great Yarmouth High School will be affected by this programme closure with Oriel High School’s planned investment now under review and all plans at Great Yarmouth High School stopped with immediate effect. 
<P>I know everyone connected to both schools will be disappointed by this news, the reality is that the previous Labour Government have placed our national finances in a perilous position and programmes such as Building Schools for the Future are simply not sustainable. Unaffordable and reckless Labour spending gave great expectations without a reality for the true costs. 
<P>I will always fight for investment in our education system, I know the disappointment that will be felt but I want to reassure everyone in Great Yarmouth that I will do all I can to campaign for the funds that Great Yarmouth schools need through these challenging financial. 
<P></P></SPAN>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=943</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>ASDA announces support for Fix Our Station</title>
<description><![CDATA[<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">Some&nbsp;seven months into the "Fix Our Station " campaign&nbsp;that I launched we have seen further support from ASDA, a major business located next&nbsp;to the station. They have pledged to do the following: 
<P><ASDA have pledged to do the following:<P>
<LI>Bring in a contractor to do landscape work on the area between ASDA and the tracks: removing rough grass, rubbish, treating tree roots and supplying a weed mat with slate chippings. This is an initial contribution from ASDA of £500. The contractor will also revisit every few months to keep the area up to scratch. 
<P></P>
<LI>We have agreed with Network Rail to erect signage on the fencing. We are currently arranging with them the design of the sign and hope to have it installed in the near future. </LI>
<P>This is excellent news and is just another step closer to achieving a train station of which we can all be proud. </P></SPAN>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=941</link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Giving power to local communities</title>
<description><![CDATA[<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">I have always been a great believer in local power being in the ownership of local people. That is why I am pleased to see our Government take steps towards returning powers to local councils. Labour red tape has left local decision tied up in a mess, our government will return power to local people who know best about the area where they live. <BR><BR>I have written to the Secretary of State for Communities &amp; Local Government to ask for further information about the shift of power to local councils and how the government envisage the new decision-making working. </SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=937</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>All Stars Boxing Club </title>
<description><![CDATA[<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">Last week I visited the All Stars Kick Boxing Club, they have turned a disused building into a boxing facility with changing rooms and a chill out area. The project relies on the local community to survive. The club has been awarded grants worth £28,000 to expand the upper floor. At present they have a cash flow issue and cannot use the funds they have for anything that is not structural as they are not a registered charity. I will do all I can to help them become a registered charity and fight to keep this great local community facility open. </SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=935</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=935</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Up For Adoption</title>
<description><![CDATA[<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">The UK Youth Climate Coalition have launched a campaign to get every MP across the campaign adopted. I’m pleased to say that I’m up for adoption having backed their campaign. Young people from Great Yarmouth can apply to adopt me and track me in the work I do for Great Yarmouth. It is a great campaign and hopefully will get more young people interested in politics and their local community.</SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=934</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Tiffin Cup Competition </title>
<description><![CDATA[<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">The Tiffin Cup has been awarded by the Tiffin Club, a cross party group of MP’s, for the last 5 years to celebrate the best South Asian restaurant in Britain as well as raise funds for World Vision, which works globally to speak out for children affected by injustice and poverty.<BR><BR>I want you to help us nominate the best that Great Yarmouth has to offer. If you have a local nomination then please write to me at Brandon Lewis MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA by 20th July and let’s hope a Great Yarmouth business can win the cup. </SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=932</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Wind Farm Opportunities </title>
<description><![CDATA[<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">I have met with the owners of EastPort and Seajacks about the opportunities for the harbour with the proposed new wind farm. We have the go-ahead for the world’s second-largest windfarm off the coast of Norfolk. This new farm will help to create a wealth of new jobs for local people and will help Great Yarmouth lead the way in renewable sources. I will be lobbying Government Ministers to make sure Great Yarmouth gets a fair chance on this project.</SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=929</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Beer Festival 2010 </title>
<description><![CDATA[<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">Last week I visited the Great Yarmouth Beer Festival at the Priory Centre, the four day event is now in it’s fourth. I met with the owner of the Blackfriars Brewery to pick the beer that I will be using in a beer ‘taste off’ in London against Eric Pickles MP’s beer of choice. I hold our high hopes that our beer will win such a battle.<BR><BR>Check out http://www.blackfriars-brewery.co.uk for more information on our local Brewery.</SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=931</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Fire Service Cuts </title>
<description><![CDATA[<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">For months I campaigned against the proposed fire cuts in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston. I have this week written to the Deputy Fire Chief to again outline my concerns and to let the fire service know my opposition to these cuts. We can’t afford any reduction in cover or service, homes in our community are at risk and I will do all I can to stop this happening. I want further meetings with the fire service and the Leader of Norfolk County Council.</SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=930</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=930</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Parliamentary Question: Havenbridge House</title>
<description><![CDATA[<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">I have today submitted the below question for the Chancellor of the Exchequer. .<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">"The HMRC has listed its Great Yarmouth office to move most of its staff to a central office in Norwich. There was no clear economic case for this and the last government allowed the move to go ahead against a great deal of local opposition. This move could have a large detrimental impact on the local economy costing up to 150 job loses to Great Yarmouth, an area with above average unemployment already and few government based work opportunities. Is this process already too far progressed to review or is the Treasury able to re-consider this program and look again at retaining the Great Yarmouth HMRC office in full or even centralising HMRC for Norfolk in Great Yarmouth at Havenbridge House?" 
<P><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #666666; FONT-SIZE: 12.5pt">Many local people have joined me in campaigning to keep this office open and the decision to close it was very disappointing. But, I will not give up. I still argue that Great Yarmouth would be a cost effective location for the offices and the Great Yarmouth office is right in the heart of the regeneration project area. </SPAN></P></SPAN>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=928</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=928</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 May 2010 12:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Get Tested</title>
<description><![CDATA[I was able to join hepatitis C patients and musicians from around the world at a health reception at Parliament this week to encourage people to GET TESTED! for World Hepatitis Day. It’s a tragedy that one person dies every 30 seconds from these preventable and treatable viruses. Early diagnosis is crucial to give people the chance to get treated and stop the spread of disease, I urge people at risk to get tested]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=927</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=927</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2010 12:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Fix Our Station Update</title>
<description><![CDATA[<FONT color=#000000><FONT size=4>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Brandon Lewis MP for Great Yarmouth today met with Jonathan Denby from National Express to discuss improvements to Great Yarmouth station.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">A partnership programme is to be set up with National Express, Norfolk County Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council and a meeting will be set by the end of June if possible.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The new franchise was discussed and both parties recognise that the franchise needs to be longer.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>After this meeting Brandon met with Theresa Villiers, MP Minister for Transport who recently visited Great Yarmouth to outline the outcome of the meeting.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Brandon Lewis said, “This was a very positive meeting with National Express and I am looking forward to seeing the partnership programme up and running.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>It is good to have positive feedback from Theresa Villiers MP especially as she has visited our station and has acknowledged the need for improvements. I will continue to put the pressure on the relevant organisations until we see the results we are looking for.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto" class=MsoNormal align=left></FONT></FONT></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=924</link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 12:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Coalition: Historic deal is published</title>
<description><![CDATA[<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">The 34-page document detailing the 'historic' agreement between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats was published today.</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Prime Minister David Cameron said both parties had dropped policies - but the Coalition had the 'potential to be a great reforming government'.</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">It would provide 'strong, stable government' for Britain.</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">The document, which has been put together in nine days builds on the four-page deal produced during negotiations in the days after the General Election.</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">It includes the agreements on policy areas such as banking, civil liberties, defence, the environment, Europe, immigration, welfare and political reform and plans to sell off at least part of Royal Mail. It also pledges to freeze council tax in England for a year.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Mr Cameron said the parties had managed to combine their 'best ideas and attitudes to create something that is greater than the sum of the two manifestos'.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">He said, " This coalition has the potential to be a great reforming government united behind the three principles of freedom, fairness and responsibility but also united in the purpose of bringing strong, stable, decisive government to our country."</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Mr Clegg said the document - 'The Coalition - Our programme for Government' - would 'transform our country for the better'. Although money was short there would be a 'radical' reforming programme.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">" Money may be short but that does not mean our ambition is small. There is so much more to government than simply spending money."</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">In a joint foreword, they said, " As our parties have worked together it has become increasingly clear to us that, though there are differences, there is also common ground."</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><FONT color=#000000>Brandon Lewis, MP said “It is great to be part of a new positive Government. &nbsp;We have a real chance for a new and different type of politics, politics that delivers for people and stays focused on issues and solutions. I look forward to the challenges ahead and am proud to be part of the Coalition.”</FONT></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=922</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=922</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 12:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Deputy PM pledges democratic 'big bang'</title>
<description><![CDATA[<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg today promised a big bang of democratic reform - the biggest shake-up of&nbsp; in 178 years.</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN></FONT>
<P><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Mr Clegg, who is in charge of overseeing the Government's political reforms, said he wanted to 'transform our politics so the state has far less control over you, and you have far more control over the state'.</SPAN></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">He intends to scrap the ID card scheme and National Identity Register, all future biometric passports and the children's Contact Point</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Database. CCTV will be 'properly regulated' and the storage of innocent people's DNA restricted.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Mr Clegg said, " Britain was once the cradle of modern democracy. We are now, on some measures, the most centralised country in Europe, bar Malta."</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">The deputy Prime Minister promised to give voters powers to 'recall'</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">corrupt MPs. An elected House of Lords will be based on a proportional voting system</SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">He said, " I'm talking about the most significant programme of empowerment by a British government since the great enfranchisement of the 19th Century.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">" The biggest shake up of our democracy since 1832, when the Great Reform Act redrew the boundaries of British democracy, for the first time extending the franchise beyond the landed classes.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">Incremental change will not do. It is time for a wholesale, big bang approach to political reform."</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">&nbsp;</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">He accused the previous government of 'obsessive lawmaking' and pledged to get rid of the 'unnecessary' laws and 'introduce a mechanism to block pointless new criminal offences'.</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US" lang=EN-US></SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT color=#000000><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US" lang=EN-US>Brandon Lewis said” These reforms are exactly what our country needs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;I am pleased to see that the Deputy Prime Minister is behind these reforms and is wasting no time in working towards this.&nbsp; It is time for change and the new coalition government are starting work on that change.”</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P><BR>
<P style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US" lang=EN-US><FONT color=#000000>&nbsp;</FONT></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>]]></description>
<link>http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=923</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.brandonlewis.org.uk/article.php?id=923</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 12:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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