Stephen Metcalfe MP bringing some Christmas cheer to children at Basildon Hospital

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, recently joined Max Whitlock, silver medal winner in the all-around competition at the 2014 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and other medal Hopefuls from South Essex Gymnastics Club; Reiss, Anthony & Brinn together with their coach, Scott Hann and Club Chairman, Roy Short, to spend the morning giving out Christmas presents to children in Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital.

For the third time in as many years, Stephen Metcalfe launched a Christmas toy appeal which he hoped would bring a little Christmas cheer to the children that would spend time in hospital over Christmas.

Stephen Metcalfe said: “I was overwhelmed by the response to the appeal. In only a few weeks, we received hundreds of pounds in donations from individual well-wishers including Conservative Party Members, Community Service clubs such as the Rotary Club and businesses across Basildon and Thurrock. I was also delighted that South Essex Gymnastics Club continue  to be involved and help with this, now annual event. I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and for getting on board with this appeal.”
He continued: “No one would want their child to be in hospital at anytime, but over the Christmas period it can be especially difficult. I hope that this small gesture will bring a little Christmas cheer to the patients and their Carers.”

“I would again like to thank all those who have generously donated gifts and it was my privilege to give them out and to spend time with the children and their parents today.”

Local MP slams Labour on issue of immigration during Prime Minister’s Questions

Stephen Metcalfe, local Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock yesterday raised the issue of immigration during Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament.

During the last PMQs of the year, Stephen Metcalfe rose on the floor of the House of Commons and said: “Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is NOT “unhelpful” to discuss the concerns of voters in Basildon and Thurrock about border controls and immigration? And anyone who thinks that is, is out of touch, and perhaps they should be moved on.”

Stephen’s comments in Parliament follow the leaking of a document passed around amongst Labour Party members advising them to ‘move on’ from discussions around the issue of immigration when speaking to members of the public.

The Prime Minister David Cameron agreed with Stephen Metcalfe and said: “My hon. Friend is right. Our job as elected politicians is to respond to people’s concerns and to address them.”

Stephen Metcalfe later commented: “It is absolutely unforgivable that Labour are playing down the importance of having a sensible discussion on the subject of immigration and border control.”

“At the very moment that we as Members of Parliament should be voicing the British people’s concerns, these leaked documents show that Labour are hoping to ignore the issue entirely.”

“My Conservative colleagues and I remain dedicated to tackling these issues head-on.”

“I will certainly not be pulling any punches when it comes to voicing the opinions of the people of Basildon and Thurrock.”

Stephen Metcalfe speaks up for vulnerable Syrian refugees in Parliament

Last week, local MP Stephen Metcalfe spoke in Parliament on the issue of vulnerable Syrian refugees on the border of Syria and Turkey.

Following the ongoing Syrian conflict, many innocent Syrians have found themselves displaced and fleeing war in their home country and have sought refuge on the border of neighbouring Turkey.

Stephen Metcalfe has taken a keen interest in this issue, having visited a refugee camp on the Syria-Turkey border earlier this year.

Addressing the Home Office Minister James Brokenshire, Stephen said: “Having visited a refugee camp on the Syria-Turkey border earlier this year, I am all too aware of the conflict’s impact, especially on children. Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking the Turkish Government for all they are doing to provide support? Does he agree that the best way to resolve the problem is to find a way to end the war, however difficult that may be? Will he remain committed to providing whatever support is needed both at home and abroad?”

Minister of State James Brokenshire replied: “My hon. Friend has experience of travelling to see the very direct impact of the situation on the ground, and I commend him and other Members from across the House for their work and the real focus and attention that they have given to this very serious issue. He is right to identify Turkey’s contribution. The Prime Minister is in Turkey at the moment, and it is important to work with our international partners to seek to resolve this appalling crisis.”

Stephen Metcalfe later commented: “I have seen first-hand the damage that has been caused by this ongoing conflict on innocent families and children across these troubled regions.”

“I believe it was worth taking the time in Parliament to raise the fact that the best solution to this ongoing suffering is to see the conflict brought to an end.”

“I am glad to see that the British Government is doing everything it can to work towards the kind of solution we all want to see”.

Stephen Metcalfe MP delivers pancreatic cancer drug access petition to Downing Street

Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock, today delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street, alongside Pancreatic Cancer UK, and patients and families who have been affected by the disease.

The petition, with 2,165 signatures, calls on the Government and NHS decision-makers to recognise that pancreatic cancer has the worst survival outcomes of any of the 21 most common cancers; that there are very few treatment options available to patients; and to make sure the chemotherapy drug Abraxane is not removed from the Cancer Drugs Fund list when the CDF panel meets next Monday, 15th December.

The Cancer Drugs Fund was initially designed to give patients in England access to effective treatments deemed too expensive for hospitals to fund. But, due to the number of drugs that have been added since 2010, the fund will now introduce price restrictions for the first time. 42 drugs are being reassessed and may ultimately be removed. Worryingly, Abraxane is one of those drugs being reconsidered – and its future will be determined at a meeting of the CDF on 15th December 2014.

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all of the 21 most common cancers in the UK with fewer than 4% of people diagnosed surviving five years or more. This figure has hardly changed in 40 years. It is predicted that by 2030 pancreatic cancer will overtake breast cancer as the 4th most common cancer killer.

Abraxane when combined with standard chemotherapy treatment has been shown in trials to extend eligible patients’ life by an average of just over two months, although in some cases significantly more. Accordingly, it has been hailed as the biggest advance in almost 20 years in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Yet it has not been approved by the NHS watchdog NICE, depriving many patients from its potential life-extending benefits. The final decision is expected in the New Year although disappointingly a preliminary ‘no’ has already been announced.

The only hope for patients wanting to access Abraxane is for the drug to remain on the Government’s Cancer Drugs Fund – something which Pancreatic Cancer UK fought for back in February this year with the launch of its “Two More Months” campaign www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/twomoremonths.

Speaking after handing in the petition Stephen said; “I was pleased to be able to offer my support for pancreatic cancer patients by joining with current patients and those who have lost family members to the disease to hand in this petition to 10 Downing Street.

“Pancreatic cancer is a terrible disease that takes far too may lives and for which there are currently very few treatment options available. I urge the Cancer Drugs Fund Committee to heed what the petitioners are calling for and to keep Abraxane on the CDF list of approved drugs so that more patients can access life-extending treatment.”

Alex Ford, Chief Executive of Pancreatic Cancer UK, comments; “I would like to thank Stephen for his support today. As a charity which offers a specialist support service, we take many calls from distressed families following the loss of a loved one – and all too often they tell us that it all happened so quickly and that any amount of extra time, however small, would have made a huge difference.  This might be time that would have enabled them to complete a degree, walk down the aisle or to see another Christmas with their friends and family.”

“We hope that our petition will force key decision makers to fully consider the impact of removing Abraxane® from the Cancer Drugs Fund. Not in terms of statistics and cost efficiencies but in terms of time; something none of us can put a price on.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP supports new Care2Save shopping website to benefit hospices and charities in Basildon and Thurrock

 

Stephen with Donna Air at the special event

This week, local MP Stephen Metcalfe has showed his support at a Westminster event for care2save.co.uk, the newly-launched shopping site that will help raise funds for charities across South Basildon and East Thurrock when people shop online.

 

Online spending over Christmas is predicted to reach an all-time high of £13bn. If just 5 per cent of purchases made are through care2save.co.uk, £19.5m could be raised for good causes this festive season.

At the event, Stephen learned how care2save.co.uk provides a new income stream for hospices and charities across the UK. Donna Air – actress, designer, and supporter of Care2Save – was also at the event, having recently revealed that her grandfather is suffering from dementia and is being cared for in a hospice.

Care2Save is unique in the UK, as it is the only charity owned and run shopping website that gives 100% of the money that it makes through commission directly to the charity sector.

Stephen with Wendy Field (left), Hospice Matron and
Siobhan Horton (right), Hospice clinical director

The site offers over 12 million products from over 2,000 UK-based high street retailers, making it a one-stop shop for Christmas shopping whilst giving commission from all purchases to charity – without costing the customer a penny. 80 per cent of the commission generated through each purchase goes to a registered charity of the shopper’s choice, and the remaining 20 per cent goes to the Care2Save Charitable Trust, which supports hospice and palliative care in the UK and globally.



This enables people to support their chosen charity this Christmas and each time they shop in the future. It also provides much-needed funds for the hospice sector: a service which most families will need at some point.

 

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “I am so pleased to be supporting such a great initiative to bring more vital funding to these important charities and organisations.”

 

“There are more than 220 hospices in the UK, which collectively care for around 360,000 people each year. In South Basildon and East Thurrock we are lucky enough to have the brilliant St Luke’s hospice and I want to do all that I can to support them.”

 

“The care2save.co.uk website makes it so easy for us to raise funds for our local hospices and I encourage all local residents to visit the website this Christmas.”

Andrea Fragata Ladeira, CEO, Care2Save: “Hospice care will touch all of our lives at one point or another; whether for ourselves or those close to us. Together through Care2Save we have the opportunity to transform the hospice sector and to raise significant sums for other charities in the process. The support of MPs is vital, and we sincerely hope that the MPs who kindly joined us today and as many people as possible will now join us in making Care2Save.co.uk their shopping website of choice for Christmas and beyond.”

 

 

Local MP speaks up for Basildon and Thurrock youth employment in Parliament

This week, local MP Stephen Metcalfe has spoken in Parliament about the recent progress his constituency has witnessed in employment rates amongst young people.

Addressing the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Stephen Metcalfe rose on the floor of the House of Commons and said: “Youth unemployment in my constituency of South Basildon and East Thurrock is down by 42%. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this jobs revolution would not have happened if we had pursued the policies from across the channel, which were supported by the Leader of the Opposition?”

Labour’s Ed Miliband notoriously spoke in support of the current French President’s economic plans; something which Stephen Metcalfe was keen to highlight in Parliament.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith agreed with Stephen and said: “It is well worth reminding ourselves that when the present French President was elected, the Leader of the Opposition extolled his virtues and his plan for France. Right now, France’s unemployment rate is more than 75% higher than the UK’s and it has been rising faster, and its youth unemployment rate is 50% higher than the UK’s. If that is the prospect for the UK, I am sure I know what the result will be at the next election.”

Stephen Metcalfe later commented: “It is worth reminding ourselves of the level of economic incompetence that still exists amongst Labour ranks.”

“I am proud of the progress we have made in our local area with youth employment. After the dark economic years under Labour, the future for young people across Basildon and Thurrock is becoming brighter and brighter.”

“We cannot allow Labour to put our economic progress at risk.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP speaks up for Dartford Crossing residents’ discount

Local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock Stephen Metcalfe has recently  risen to the floor of the House of Commons to highlight the experiences of his local constituents in accessing the residents’ discount for the Dartford Crossing.

Addressing the Minister of State, Stephen asked: “Following the welcome introduction of free flow tolling and the Dart charge, a number of my constituents have experienced problems accessing the residents’ discount and transferring from the old system to the new. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on whether these are isolated incidents or whether there is a systemic problem?”

The Minister of State Mr Hayes replied by first acknowledging how Stephen is right to highlight the interests of his constituents and that he “always does so forcefully”.

The Minister then went on to commit to the opening of a “special line for my hon. Friend so he can feed into the system any concerns his constituents have. It will be a conduit by which he can articulate their needs and worries so that we can get this absolutely right.”

Stephen Metcalfe later commented: “Until the crossing is free, as I would like, the residents discount is an important feature I was pleased to have been able to bring the needs of my constituents to the attention of the Government on this matter.”

“It is only right that local residents get a fair treatment in relation to the Dartford Crossing, and I am pleased to see that their concerns will be addressed by the Government. With this new measure, the voice of local residents will carry even more weight!”

“I am keen to represent the views and concerns of my constituents on this matter, so I will be following developments closely. As always, I encourage people to get in touch with me through the usual means with their experiences and opinions on this important issue.”

Local MP hails success of Forget Never Concert

Performers from across Europe gathered in Basildon on Saturday to perform a unique one off concert as a finale to this year’s local commemorations of the centenary of the start of World War One.

The ‘Forget Never’ Project, spearheaded by local MP Stephen Metcalfe has had huge success at putting Basildon and Thurrock on the map during the nation’s remembrance events. The concert, ‘The Sons of Three Nations’, involved both musical and theatrical contributions and was a fitting way to an end such a significant year.

Fricklesome Amsel, a celebrated folk band from Heilgenhaus in Germany, performed alongside members of Basildon Choral Society and the choir of Pitsea Junior School. Local script writer Dawn Knox also contributed a script, which was performed by actors from Essex-based Theatre Company DOT Productions.

Stephen Metcalfe, speaking at the event, commented: “This concert is yet another resounding success by the team behind the Forget Never project. The whole production was incredibly poignant to watch and the team have done a brilliant job at bringing the message of remembrance home to Basildon and Thurrock.”

“As I have said before, I feel so privileged to have been a part of such a great local initiative and I feel incredibly proud every time we all get together and see our efforts pay off. Thank you again to everyone involved and well done to our great performers!”

Stephen Metcalfe MP rallies local residents for ‘Small Business Saturday’

This weekend, Local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock Stephen Metcalfe, has been busy drumming up support for the ‘Small Business Saturday’ campaign in the local area.

‘Small Business Saturday’ is a grassroots, UK-wide campaign, aimed at highlighting the successes of local businesses. Taking place on the first shopping Saturday of December each year, the campaign promotes the use of small businesses in local communities across the country.

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “I was keen to support the Small Business Saturday campaign in the local area this weekend. It is so important that we recognise the vital role that small businesses play in contributing to local communities across Basildon and Thurrock.”

On the Small Business Saturday trail, Stephen was keen to visit a number of the local businesses in the area. Amongst other things Stephen had the chance to sample the sausage rolls on offer at the well-loved King Street Bakery in Stanford le Hope as well as popping in and chatting to the team at ‘Onsite Tools’, a successful tool retailer that has been going strong since 1987. Stephen then visited a number of small business in Pitsea including Gymophobics.
 

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “Overall, it is local businesses like this that serve as the backbone to the British economy, providing jobs, boosting growth, and serving their communities. We should all be doing what we can to support them!”

Stephen also took the opportunity on Saturday to reiterate his opposition to the Car parking charges on the King Street Car Park.

Speaking at the car park, Stephen remarked: “Today has served as a real reminder as to why we should oppose any decision that might hinder the support of our great local businesses. We should be encouraging local residents to use their high street, not be making it more difficult!”

Locals to Basildon and Thurrock can find out more about the Small Business Saturday campaign by visiting the campaign’s national website at: www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

Stephen Metcalfe MP raises constituents’ concerns of level crossings to Secretary of State

Local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock Stephen Metcalfe rose on the floor of the House of Commons yesterday to highlights his and his constituent’s concerns over increased railway usage and the effect this has on level crossings.

Addressing the Secretary of State for Transport, Stephen said: “As a result of increased rail use, level crossings in my constituency, particularly at East Tilbury, are spending longer closed. Not only does that cause severe delays to traffic and commuters, it puts lives at risk. Will my right hon. Friend meet me and put pressure on the Treasury to make more money available to deal with level crossings?”

In reply, The Secretary of State for Transport Patrick Mcloughlin said: “A lot of work is currently being done with Network Rail.... I will report back to my hon. Friend and ask for a direct report on this matter.”

Stephen Metcalfe later commented: “I believe it is incredibly important to highlight mine and my constituents concerns on this matter. Many local residents have been in contact regarding this issue and I have been keen to ensure that their experiences are being taken seriously by the Government.”

“I am pleased that the Secretary of State will now look into this matter for me. I will of course be monitoring developments closely and be reporting back in due course.

Stephen Metcalfe MP: attends Tree of Life Service for St Luke’s Hospice

Last weekend, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock Stephen Metcalfe attended and helped lead St Luke’s annual Tree of Life Service in Basildon.

The service, now in its 18th year, forms part of Help the Hospice’s ‘Light Up A Life’ campaign which aims to provide members of the public with an opportunity to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one.

For many hospices, including St Luke’s, the Light Up A Life service is one the best loved and most meaningful events in the calendar.

Speaking at the service, Stephen Metcalfe encouraged people to recognise the important work that St Luke’s Hospice carries out for those in need.

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “I was so pleased to have the chance to take part in such a moving and important event. It provided a real opportunity for us to reflect at this time of year on those who are no longer with us and also remind us of the important and inspiring role St Luke’s plays in the local area.”

“I would like to give my warmest thanks to all those who helped make the service possible.”

Stephen has been encouraging his constituents to find out more about the work that St Luke’s Hospice do. Those who are interested can visit the St Luke’s website at: www.stlukeshospice.com 

Stephen Metcalfe MP: seeks reassurances from Government over NHS privatization

This week, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock Stephen Metcalfe has spoken in Parliament to seek reassurances over the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and its potential impact on the NHS.

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (or TTIP) is a trade agreement currently in negotiation between EU nations and American partners designed to reduce the barriers and red-tape that are known to make it difficult for businesses to invest in UK infrastructure. It will also help to ensure that businesses have the right to be treated fairly in their dealings with Governments.

Although this agreement has the potential to deliver £10 billion to the UK economy each year, critics have accused the Government of allowing TTIP to open up the NHS to privatization. 

Stephen Metcalfe, seeking reassurances on the subject, rose to the floor of the House of Commons, and asked the Minister for Europe to confirm that “signing up to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is not the start of privatisation of the NHS?”

The Minister David Lidington replied, “I can absolutely confirm that to my hon. Friend. In early October, both the United States and EU chief negotiators made it clear in public statements that there would be no provisions in the trade agreement that would limit the ability of Governments to regulate health provision or other public services.”

Stephen Metcalfe later commented: “I believe it was worth taking the time to seek reassurances from the Government on this issue so that we can begin to dispel some myths.”

“I have said it before and I’ll say it again, the Conservatives are absolutely committed to the founding principles of the NHS - that care is free at the point of use based on need, not on the ability to pay. There is nothing in the TTIP that would change the fact that it is up to the UK Government to decide how public services are run and it is up Parliament to vote on how the NHS conducts its work.” 

“I know that my constituents will be pleased to hear the reassurances by the Minister that the fundamental principles of the NHS are not in threat. The truth, is that if they were in threat, then I nor my Conservative colleagues would support the proposed partnership.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP welcomes Chancellor’s Autumn Statement 

Local MP Stephen Metcalfe has today welcomed the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and dubbed it as “great news for hardworking people”. 

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “Despite Labour’s criticism, we just need to remind ourselves of three simple facts. Since the Conservatives have been in Government, the deficit is HALVED, the economy is GROWING, and unemployment is dramatically FALLING!” 

“This has all been achieved against the backdrop of the toxic economic inheritance left to us by the previous Labour Government!” 

The Chancellor George Osborne in his annual Autumn Statement announced a whole range of new measures designed to ensure Britain’s economic successes are continued in the coming months. These measures included an overhaul of stamp duty so that 98% of stamp duty payers pay less tax when buying their home. 

Further measures included the abolishment of employers’ jobs tax on apprenticeships to give more young people the chance to gain the crucial skills they need. The Personal Allowance will also be raised. And savers will be supported by letting husbands and wives inherit their partner’s ISA with its tax-free status. 

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “As Conservatives, we understand that the two cornerstones of the British economy are businesses, and hard-working people.” 

“By supporting the backbone of our economy, this Autumn Statement helps ensure that the British economic recovery is safeguarded for the future.” 

“We now have record levels of employment and the fastest growing economy in the developed world, however our recovery is not completely secured and the biggest threat to all of this progress remains unchanged: Ed Miliband and the Labour Party!”.

Free tickets available for Never Forget Concert to Commemorate WWI this Saturday 

Performers from across Europe are gathering in Basildon on Saturday to perform a unique one off concert as this year’s final event to commemorate the start of the Great War 100 years ago. 

Stephen with some of the Forget Never team

The Forget Never, Jamais Oublier, Vergessen Niemals Concert will take place in front of an invited audience at St. Martin’s Church in Basildon on Saturday 6th December at 7pm. 

The Concert entitled “The Sons of Three Nations” will involve both musical and theatrical contributions and will be a fitting way to recognise the end of this historic year. 

Fricklesome Amsel, a celebrated folk band from Heiligenhaus will be performing, alongside members of Basildon Choral Society and the choir of Pitsea Junior School. 

In addition, the theatrical contribution has been written by local script writer Dawn Knox and will be performed by actors from DOT Productions. 

A huge amount of work has been put into the year’s commemorations and the concert will be a fantastic finale to the year’s programme. Demand for tickets has been high, but a limited number have been keep back and are being made available for the public. 

Anyone wishing to apply for FREE tickets should contact Lisa Smith, the Forget Never Project Manager either by email: the_laboratory@hotmail.co.uk or by calling: 07970 332097

Stephen Metcalfe MP kicks of the Christmas Festivities across Basildon and Thurrock

Last weekend, Local MP Stephen Metcalfe attended a variety of festive community events in the local area to kick off the festive season. Stephen took part in a whole range of activities from hanging street decorations in Stanford-le-Hope to visiting Santa at Wat Tyler Country Park.

Firstly Stephen joined Cllr Shane Hebb in Stanford-le-Hope, town centre to thank local residents and volunteers for their fund-raising efforts and to help them put up decorations they had purchased.

Stephen also discussed ongoing concerns around the introduction of parking restrictions at the Sand Pits Car Park in Kings Street and pledged to work to scrap the charges. 

Shane and Stephen then visited the 2nd Stanford Scout Group Christmas Bazaar held at Allott Hall. Stephen commented: “The Stanford Scout Group play such an important role in our local community that I was pleased to support them. This year they put on a brilliant bazaar and I was pleased to see the enthusiastic response they got from local residents”.

Equally well attended was St Peter and St Paul’s Christmas Coffee Morning in Horndon-on-the-Hill, aiming to raise funds to help repair the church Spire. Stephen congratulated them on the work they have done and the money they have already raised. Stephen said: “It is so important that we preserve and maintain this iconic landmark and I wish the church well with their fund raising activities.” 

From there it was off to see Santa at the Wat Tyler Christmas Market. Stephen commented: “Every year, Wat Tyler Country Park is the venue for on a great Christmas Market and this year was no exception. Over the two days, visitors were able to meet a number of local groups, try and buy local produce and of course most importantly visit Santa in his Grotto.”

Finally, having also stopped off and collected for Basildon Foodbank at Tesco in Pitsea and met with the Frost Estate Residents Association committee, Stephen headed to Corringham Town centre to join in the celebrations as the Christmas Lights were turned on.

In front of a huge crowd of excited local residents, the cast of our local Thameside Theatre Panto - Snow White, including TV’s Jeff Brazier, led the countdown to the big Christmas Lights switch on. 

Stephen commented: “It was great to join local residents and local star AJ the Entertainer this evening for the Switch On of the Town’s Christmas lights. Every year the atmosphere is absolutely brilliant and you really get a sense of the community spirit in the town. As always, the organisers have done a fantastic job of bringing the community together in this way.” 


Stephen finished: “It is great to see so many groups and organisations getting into the Christmas spirit and I hope that they and all those they serve have a fantastic Xmas.” 

Stephen Metcalfe launches local referendum on English Votes

In a joint move, Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock Stephen Metcalfe, along with the Member of Parliament for Thurrock Jackie Doyle-Price, have launched a local referendum on the issue of English Votes. 

Stephen Metcalfe has become increasingly active on the issue of English Votes over the last few months following the Scottish Referendum. As Scotland is due to receive more devolved powers, Stephen has ramped up the pressure to ensure that English voters will receive an equal treatment. 

Launching the campaign this week, Stephen Metcalfe commented: “Of course we should all be celebrating the fact that our great and historic ties to Scotland were not severed following the Scottish Referendum. But it is only natural that if Scotland are to receive more devolved powers in the coming months, that English Voters are given the same opportunity.” 

“When these powers are given to Scotland, we must make sure that only English MPs get to vote on issues that just relate to England. If Scotland are permitted to vote separately on issues of Tax, Spending and Welfare, then it is only fair that England is given the same right to do so.”

Stephen and Jackie are encouraging local residents to show support for their campaign and sign the online petition at: http://www.englishvotes4englishlaws.com