High Peak Liberal Democrats

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Child exploitation and trafficking is a cross border problem

Article: Jul 11, 2013

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By Catherine Bearder MEP in British Influence EuropeWatch

Closer police cooperation across Europe has made life tougher for trafficking gangs. Catherine Bearder MEP explains why opting out of EU crime fighting measures would be a backward step in the fight against child exploitation.

Ah, 'peddling the paedo line, eh Mrs Bearder?! Out to petrify the public again!'

Political opponents have been circling on Twitter.

There is nothing that gets people animated in 140 characters like the proposed Government's Justice and Home Affairs opt-out on EU crime fighting measures.

And I, apparently, am a chief scaremonger. By scaremongering, my critics must mean: pointing out some facts.

I presume they object to a host of examples where criminals have been collared at home and abroad thanks to UK and other EU police forces working together.

And, when it comes to my main campaign - fighting human trafficking - cross border cooperation is integral to tracing gangs and helping victims.

Combating this awful crime is a top priority in the European Parliament. It was, in theory, top of the coalition Government's 'things to do list' as well.

But Tory pressure to pull out of EU policing measures flies in the face of that particular target.

The jailing at the Old Bailey of an horrific child exploitation and trafficking gang from Oxford highlighted this real life crime in our neighbourhoods.

And we need to be doing more at home and abroad to stop it.

It was not that long ago that the Government threw its weight behind new EU laws aimed at fighting sex and labour trafficking, as well as child exploitation.

The effectiveness of the European Arrest Warrant squeezes the space for criminals to hide in the other member states. They can be arrested and quickly put on planes to face court.

Meanwhile, teamwork between European police, as well as criminal record exchanges, are undeniably our most powerful tools in smashing trafficking rings.

There is no doubt without it catching criminals would be a slower, more complicated process.

A House of Lords committee reported earlier this year that any decision by the Government to opt-out could have "negative repercussions" for UK internal security.

Eurosceptic tub-thumping of promises to repatriate powers may appease Tory backbenchers, but it does little to enable UK authorities to tackle real threats to our safety.

Backing out of this key crime fighting partnership inadvertently gives the green light to modern-day slave masters and paedophile networks.

In Prime Minister David Cameron's constituency, a 27-year-old man from Witney, Oxfordshire, was captured after a video was posted online of him sexually abusing a child.

The operation to snare this vile individual was impressive not only in its hi-tech approach, but its speed.

The video was flagged to Danish Police who, thanks to the EU link, could contact officers in the UK, who made the arrest within 14 hours of the film appearing on the web.

A result which was borne out of quick and effective police work, which - it would be fair to suggest - may not have happened without the partnership.

This is not a one-off example. Criminals have faced justice in every corner of this country thanks to this improved way of working.

But, hey, I suppose I'm just scaremongering again.

Catherine Bearder MEP

Catherine Bearder is one of two Liberal Democrat MEPs who represent the South East region in the European Parliament. She is a member of the Parliament's Committee on Regional Development, Committee on International Trade and a substitute member of the Transport committee. She is also a member of the Parliament's delegation to the Joint Parliamentary Assembly between the EU and the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Regions) which requires working with representatives from some of the poorest countries on the planet. Previously Catherine was Director of Campaigns for Britain in Europe in the South East region, in which role she worked to highlight the economic benefits of EU membership.
Toyota gets millions to help create new models

Article: Jul 11, 2013

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By Paul Whyatt in Derby Telegraph

CAR-MAKING giant Toyota has landed a £6.3 million cash windfall to help it develop "the next generation of vehicles".

Bosses said the Government money would safeguard jobs at the company's Burnaston factory - and possibly create more.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is set to visit the plant today (Thursday) to confirm the news and tour the manufacturing operations.

He will confirm Toyota is among 102 businesses across the UK which have won a grant from the fourth round of the Regional Growth Fund - a pot totalling £500 million.

In rounds one to three, the East Midlands got less than every other UK region.

Tony Walker, deputy managing director of Toyota Manufacturing UK, said he was delighted extra funding was now forthcoming.

He said the cash injection would in itself "leverage a multi-million-pound investment.

He said the money meant there was now potential for "creating new opportunities" at Burnaston, as well as within its network of UK-based suppliers.

He said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this funding and thank the Deputy Prime Minister for taking the opportunity to visit TMUK and see for himself how it will further help secure and develop our world-class manufacturing capabilities.

"We are proud of our achievements at TMUK, and together with our own investments this new funding will help ensure that we can continue to develop and produce new generations of Toyota vehicles here in Britain.

"It is a great vote of confidence in Toyota and our members, securing jobs today and opening up new opportunities for the future."

Mr Walker added the investment would make an important contribution to sustaining Burnaston's role as one of Toyota's "most valued" global production centres.

A spokeswoman for the company said it "was not possible to say" whether the funding boost would lead to another production line being built, or a entire new model being developed to go alongside the Auris and Avensis.

The Regional Growth Fund was launched by Mr Clegg in 2010. To win a share of the tens of millions on offer, companies had to demonstrate they could create sustainable private sector growth if awarded a grant of at least £1 million.

They have to submit a report confirming the project or programme represented value for money and that it would deliver the benefits set out in the application.

Mr Clegg said he was pleased to be visiting Burnaston to announce Toyota is among the latest crop of companies to win funding.

He said: "Toyota was the first car plant in Europe to make a hybrid, low carbon car. This money is a great vote of confidence in Toyota - securing jobs today and opening up opportunities for the future.

"This will be a big boost for jobs in the region in Toyota's supply chain.

"I know they buy their seats from Johnson's Controls, a firm based just a few miles away from the Burnaston plant."

Toyota chose Derbyshire for its first European manufacturing base in 1989, a decision that took into account the strong tradition of car manufacturing, the availability of a skilled workforce and the support from local and national government.

TMUK began operations in 1992 and has benefited from more than £2.1 billion Toyota investment to date.

TMUK currently employs over 3,800 members across its two sites in Burnaston and Deeside, Wales.

Toyota's continued investment has been used to build several generations of key Toyota models for the UK and European markets.

TMUK was chosen by Toyota as its first European centre for hybrid vehicle production, with the introduction of the Auris Hybrid in 2010.
Income inequality at its lowest since 1986 - A good result for the liberal democrats in government

Article: Jul 11, 2013

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By Caron Lindsay in Liberal Democrat Voice

The Office of National Statistics has released information showing that income inequality is at its lowest rate since 1986.

From the BBC:

The largest fall during this period was a 6.8% drop for the richest fifth of households. They still had an average income, before tax and benefits, of £78,000 in 2011-12.

This was 14 times greater than the poorest fifth of households, who had an average income of £5,400. However, this group has seen their average income rise by 6.9% since the economic downturn.

After all taxes and benefits were taken into account, the top fifth of households had an income of £57,300, compared with £15,800 for the poorest fifth - a ratio of four-to-one.
West Lindsey Council asks public for ideas as it tries to save £3 million

Article: Jul 11, 2013

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In Gainsborough Standard

West Lindsey District Council is asking residents to help make decisions as it tries to save £3 million over three years without cutting frontline services.

Due to the scale of the challenge - including a 10 per cent cut in Government funding to local councils - the council wants to discuss a range of options with residents.

Coun Tom Regis, chairman of the council's policy and resources committee, said: "We want to offer everyone the opportunity to have their say on the options available to us. It is important to hear from all members of the community, so I hope people can spare some time to attend one of the events."

Local events are being held on 24th July at Scotton Village Hall, 1st August at the Guildhall, Marshall's Yard in Gainsborough and 5th August at Sturton by Stow Village Hall, all from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

To take part contact Katy Allen on katy.allen@west-lindsey.gov.uk by 15th July.
Core strategy for Lincolnshire gets the green light at committee meeting

Article: Jul 11, 2013

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By Ric Metcalfe in Gainsborough Standard

A document shaping development through central Lincolnshire over the next 20 years has been given approval.

The Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee, made up of representatives from North Kesteven District Council, City of Lincoln Council, West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council, gave the Core Strategy for the area the green light on Monday.

Under the proposals, up to 42,800 homes will be built in Central Lincolnshire over the next 20 years, with supporting infrastructure alongside.

People will have the chance to have a say on the proposals and submit formal representations when a six-week period gets underway on 29th July.

Coun Ric Metcalfe, chairman of the committee, said: "This is a long-term plan to give people the jobs and homes they need in communities that are self-sufficient with all their needs for transport, goods and services met."
Spending Review 2013: What it means for carers

Article: Jul 10, 2013

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In http://www.carersuk.org/

The Spending Review, announced by the Chancellor in June 2013 sets out Government spending plans for the financial year 2015 - 2016. This review follows the Comprehensive Spending Review in 2010 which set out budgets from 2010 to April 2015.

The Chancellor announced over £11 billion of cuts on top of existing spending reductions, and detailed where these cuts would fall between Government departments.

This briefing sets out the major announcements in policy areas which affect carers and gives Carers UK's verdict on what the changes will mean for families with caring responsibilities.
Petition To NHS Services Nationwide To Provide Complex Wheelchairs To Everyone Who Needs Them

Article: Jul 10, 2013

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In http://samedifference1.com/

Readers, you may or may not have seen this before. It started circulating last night- I first saw it on Facebook.

You may or may not already have signed it.

But, readers, this is important to me because of the number of stories I have heard through my charity work of the NHS only providing basic wheelchairs. Basic wheelchairs are not always suitable and even when they are, they don't always allow independence for the disabled person.
Full Text Of Lord Ashley Memorial Lecture

Article: Jul 10, 2013

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In http://samedifference1.com/

Lord Ashley Memorial Lecture - July 1st 2013

Thank you, My Lords, Ladies, Gentleman and Colleagues - It is a very great pleasure to be here tonight. I would like to thank Mr Speaker for his hospitality, and also the family of Lord Ashley for inviting me to speak tonight. It truly is an honour.

I didn't know Jack well but he had a massive influence on my early life. He was the first 'real' disabled person I saw on the television. I saw his campaigning work and how he challenged people's perceptions of impairment in a positive way.
British public wrong about nearly everything, survey shows

Article: Jul 10, 2013

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By Jonathan Paige in The Independent

Research shows public opinion often deviates from facts on key social issues including crime, benefit fraud and immigration.

A new survey for the Royal Statistical Society and King's College London shows public opinion is repeatedly off the mark on issues including crime, benefit fraud and immigration.
Raising income tax threshold key to lowest income inequality since 1986 - Williams

Article: Jul 10, 2013

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Commenting on the Office for National Statistics' annual report on the effect of taxes and benefits on household income, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Treasury Committee, Stephen Williams said:

"In Government, Liberal Democrats have been working hard to build a stronger economy in a fairer society even while we have had to make difficult decisions to bring the deficit down.

"Today's figures show that our manifesto pledge to take the poorest out of tax and give millions of low-earners a £700 tax cut is making Britain a fairer place.

"The ONS figures confirm that the tax and benefits system we have created leads to income being shared more equally between households than ever since 1986.

"We will be doing more in the coming years to build on this towards the fairer society Liberal Democrats want to see to enable everyone to get on in life."

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Catherine Bearder MEP

Liberal Democrat Voice