Sir Nick raises concerns about BAE systems’ US rival

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton has welcomed the response to a recent Written Parliamentary Question which he tabled seeking clarification on the background of the Ministry of Defence’s Nimrod MRA4 production contract, which the Macclesfield MP hopes will be placed with BAE Systems as a priority in order to underpin the viability of the BAE System’s site at Woodford for the foreseeable future. The Helix project could be a bonus for the company and workforce if they are successful in gaining this business.

In his question, the Macclesfield MP raised the circumstances surrounding BAE Systems’ rival firm in the United States L-3 Communications Corporation, involved in the rival Boeing Rivet Joint aircraft bid, which is facing legal proceedings following an investigation by the authorities into its business operating practices.

In his Written Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Defence, Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP asked:

“What reports he has received of the outcome of legal proceedings in the United States against L-3 Communications Corporation; if he will assess the effect on his Department's policies on (a) security and (b) ethical procurement of its contract with L-3 Communications Corporation to examine the replacement of the Nimrod R-1 fleet; and if he will make a statement.”

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Quentin Davies MP responded:

“The Ministry of Defence is aware of the legal proceedings in the USA involving L-3 Communications, with whom MOD has a number of contracts.

“We have not yet made a final decision on the solution for sustaining the Airborne Signals Intelligence Capability, currently provided by Nimrod R-1.

“All major equipment procurements are subject to MOD’s assurance processes, which include an assessment of the suitability of prospective contractors before any commitments are entered into,” concluded the Defence Procurement Minister.

Sir Nicholas Winterton MP welcomed the Minister’s fairly positive response. Approximately £400mllion had been set aside for the Helix Programme and the debate has centred on two options, namely, revamp and commission the MRA4 platform or the US Boeing Rivet Joint aircraft. The BAE Systems Woodford plant would benefit from a decision to revamp and use the MRA4 platform and the production activity would be likely to extend to 2012, safeguarding some 700 manufacturing jobs at the BAE Systems Woodford site. A further 300 or so jobs associated with production will also be secured at the other BAE Systems’ sites.

The Ministry of Defence and the Defence Procurement Agency have considered the suitability, risks and costs involved in using the Nimrod MRA4 platform or the Rivet Joint aircraft for the Helix Project. The “command and control” element of competing aircraft will have a bearing on the Ministry of Defence’s final decision – the Boeing Rivet Joint aircraft is comprised of a system inherently compatible with that used by the United States military.

Standing room only as Pickles visits Macclesfield

It was standing room only on Monday night when the Chairman of the Conservative Party, Eric Pickles MP, paid a visit to the local party.

After arriving by train, Eric first met with association officers in the Conservative Office before addressing around 70 members gathered in the Conservative Club.

Pickles, who is Member of Parliament for Brentwood and Ongar, spoke about the upcoming parliamentary candidate selection to take place in Macclesfield. He outlined the different options available to the membership in Macclesfield, and mentioned that whilst there were already a good number of approved candidates several local people had recently applied to get onto the list.

When describing the selection process for the Conservative party, Eric mentioned the way the other parties select their candidates with little local involvement and said "They look at the way we do it and it makes them jealous".

After he discussed the possible process he took questions from the floor. Once the business of the selection had been dealt with he continued to answer questions on a range of political issues including Education, Europe, constitutional reform and local government.

Chairman of the local party, David Freear, said "Eric was very well received by the membership, who appreciated him taking the time to visit Macclesfield. We all enjoyed his down to earth personality and are looking forward to the selection process due to start in September".

LOCAL MP CALLS FOR A HALT TO SHARED SURFACE STREETS

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton DL has experienced a dangerous new street design that puts blind and partially sighted people, disabled and elderly people, and young children in danger, at an event held by Guide Dogs.

The Macclesfield MP tried out a mock shared surface street whilst blindfolded as part of Guide Dogs ‘Say NO to shared streets’ campaign, at the House of Commons 10th June. These streets – when the road and pavement are built at the same level with the kerb removed – force all road users to make ‘eye contact’ to establish who moves first. This obviously undermines the safety, confidence and independence of vulnerable pedestrians. Wheelchair users have to share their space with intimidating cyclists and vehicles, and young children no longer have a kerb safely at which to stop, look and listen. MPs also learnt about the importance of safe and accessible towns and high streets for vulnerable pedestrians.

David Cowdrey, Guide Dogs Campaign Manager, commented:

“We know that shared surface streets are dangerous and discriminate against the safety and independence of vulnerable pedestrians. If people can’t tell where the road begins and the pavement ends, how can you feel safe? We need everyone to get behind our campaign so that they are free to use their town centres and high streets as they wish – instead of them becoming no-go areas.“

The ‘Say NO to shared streets’ campaign is supported by nearly 20 other national disability organisations including MENCAP, Leonard Cheshire Disability, RNID, RNIB and Arthritis Care.

LOCAL MP CALLS FOR GREATER RECOGNITION FOR UK’S CARERS

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton DL has teamed up with TV and radio presenter, Jonathan Dimbleby, to support this year’s Carers Week (8-14 June), and to celebrate the contribution made by those people in the Macclesfield constituency and throughout the UK who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.

The theme for Carers Week is ‘Carers… the UK’s secret service’ and calls for carers to receive greater recognition for the work they carry out, so vital for their families and friends, and for their communities.

Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP and Jonathan Dimbleby have joined together to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles. The Macclesfield MP said:

“There are thousands of people in the Macclesfield constituency who sacrifice their time – and often their health, finances, work and social life – in order to care for a loved one. They deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make, both to our local community and to society at large.

“I am taking part in Carers Week firstly to express my gratitude and respect for our carers, but also to make them aware that there are services and support out there to help them. Caring can be demanding and difficult, so it’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on alone.”

Jonathan Dimbleby, who has personal experience of being a carer, said:

“Just imagine for a moment what would happen if carers ceased to care and simply gave up. There would be no-one to look after millions of frail, elderly and disabled people. It would be a nightmare: chaos, panic and much worse.

“Of course carers would never behave like that. They are motivated by love, duty and compassion. But those of us who have been in that role, even for a short time, know how testing and draining it can be. That is why Britain’s ‘secret service’ must not be forgotten, ignored or exploited.”

Other celebrities supporting this campaign, all of whom have experience of caring, include Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir David Jason, Fiona Phillips and Arlene Phillips.

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 10 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson’s Disease Society, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Vitalise and WRVS. For more information about local events and activities taking place as part of Carers Week, visit www.carersweek.org or call 0845 241 2582.

Sir Nicholas shows support for improving Osteoporosis services in England

A new manifesto has been launched today that outlines steps to eradicate unnecessary broken bones and save the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds currently spent on fracture care. The National Osteoporosis Society published detailed actions that Politicians and Policymakers in England must take to stop people with osteoporosis breaking bones again and again. Manifestos for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have also been published.

“Painful and debilitating fractures are not an inevitable result of osteoporosis, yet most healthcare services do little to prevent them,” said Claire Severgnini, Chief Executive of the National Osteoporosis Society. “Thousands of needless fractures are being allowed to occur each year until this major public health problem and health inequality is tackled. Our manifesto highlights the key challenges that must be met to provide the appropriate diagnosis, care and treatments that people with osteoporosis deserve.”

Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP joined MPs at Westminster today for the launch of the Manifesto which compliments the Prevention Package for Older People, currently being developed by the Department of Health to enable the commissioning of high quality falls and fracture prevention services.
Osteoporosis causes fragile bones, which can lead to agonising and disabling fractures. It is a long-term condition which is currently putting 2.3 million people in England at risk of painful fractures, which are costly to treat. Each year, fractures in patients aged 60 years and over account for more than 2 million hospital bed days in England alone.

“Much can be done to prevent these fractures but services are scarce,” said Professor David Reid, Chair of the National Osteoporosis Society. “Fracture rates can be halved by the timely identification of osteoporosis and the consequent prescription of treatment to increase bone strength. This Manifesto provides simple guidance to significantly reduce the impact of osteoporosis and fractures.”

The Osteoporosis Manifesto identifies five areas where vast improvements are needed: the management of falls, fragility fractures and osteoporosis; clinical guidance; the assessment of clinical performance; primary care services and public awareness and education.

“With budgets pushed to breaking point, focussing on these five key areas would help to save time and money,” added Professor Reid. ”This isn’t an empty call to action; we know that these measures work. They can improve quality of life, restore independence and help to save thousands of lives each year.”

The National Osteoporosis Society is the only UK wide charity dedicated to improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. In the UK, one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone, mainly because of osteoporosis.1,150 people are dying every month in the UK as a result of hip fractures.

Sir Nicholas celebrates benefit victory for blind people

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton DL has hailed changes to benefits rules that will give local blind people an extra £30 a week to pay for travel costs that will see them able to get out and about safely and independently. On Wednesday, 20th May joined RNIB and many other blind people’s organisations to celebrate this historic change.

Currently blind people are only able to claim the lower rate of the mobility benefit, called Disability Living Allowance, paid at £18.65 per week. Following a three year parliamentary campaign, the government has agreed to pay blind people the higher rate of the benefit at £49.10 per week. This extra money will kick in from April 2011.

Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP said:

“I am delighted to be celebrating this victory for blind people. I have campaigned in parliament for the last three years to end the injustice that saw blind people unable to claim the higher rate of mobility support, worth an extra £30 a week.”

Steve Winyard, Head of Campaigns at RNIB, said:

“This extra money will make a huge difference to the lives of blind people across the country. Most of us can only begin to appreciate the massive barriers blind people face to getting around- busy roads without safe crossings, wheelie bins and advertising boards on the pavement, or public transport that is impossible to use. Now blind people will be able to pay for safe door to door transport by taxi or minicab, which is what they tell us they want.”

On 17th March, Minister for Disabled People, Jonathan Shaw MP accepted an amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill that will end blind people’s exclusion from being able to claim the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance. Over 20,000 people will be eligible for the extra £30 per week available through the Higher Rate Mobility Component. During the debate on the amendment MPs from all parties paid tribute to the tenacity of their blind and partially sighted constituents, who lobbied for over three years to get the change made.

Macclesfield MP pays tribute to manufacturers

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton raised the issue of the parlous state of the United Kingdom’s manufacturing industry in the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Question Time on 20th May. However, the Macclesfield MP first paid tribute to the outgoing Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Michael Martin MP, who announced his retirement earlier in the week.

The Macclesfield MP asked:

“Does the Prime Minister accept that manufacturing industry is one of the only sources of sustainable non-inflationary economic growth? Sadly, the number employed in manufacturing has dropped from 4.5 million in 1997 to 2.73 million today.

“Will he and his Government ensure that they do not place any additional burdens, such as the increase in national insurance, fuel tax and regulation, on manufacturing industry? We want to be competitive. Please will he encourage, and not de-incentivise, industry and manufacturing in this country?”

The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP replied:

“The future of this country will be built on modern manufacturing strength. In advanced manufacturing we are one of the great leaders of the world; we have some of the greatest companies in the world—they operate from Britain but are global players with huge strengths in new technology and in innovation. Our manufacturing strategy is to support our large companies and to encourage innovation so that we have small and medium-sized companies coming forward.

“We gave additional investment allowances for manufacturing in the Budget, our corporation tax is the lowest that it has been for many, many years, and we continue to support small businesses with enterprise grants; 128,000 businesses have now received some help from the Government during this downturn to get through these difficult times.

“As 50 per cent. of our manufacturing is exported, it is so important that the European economy moves forward as well; it is very important to us that we work with Europe so that we achieve growth and jobs for the future,” concluded the Prime Minister.