MPs make poppies for Remembrance Day at Richmond

On the 6th November,The Industry and Parliament Trust today took a cross-party group of MPs to The Poppy Factory in Richmond, Surrey.

Since 1922, The Poppy Factory (formerly the Disabled Society) has employed wounded, injured and sick ex-service personnel in its factory, and in recent years has expanded its work to facilitate employment of wounded, injured and sick ex-service men and women throughout the UK. The Richmond Factory itself employs 47 members of staff, who are responsible for the manufacture of poppies, wreaths and Remembrance crosses in the lead up to Remembrance Day.

The event was an opportunity for parliamentarians to learn about the Factory’s history, try their hand at making their own poppies and wreaths and meet with employees at The Poppy Factory. The visit is part of the IPT’s Industry Visits which involve one-day, hands-on tours for parliamentarians to some of the UK's leading and most innovative industry sites and provide a unique snapshot into the various sectors that make up our economy .

The Poppy Factory today offers a comprehensive career support package to help wounded, injured and sick ex-service men and women find and sustain civilian employment. It sources appropriate opportunities for work and seeks to help remove the barriers which might prevent ex-service men and women from easily accessing the civilian workplace.

Since the expansion of the programme in 2010, The Poppy Factory has supported 206 clients into work and is having a wider impact. The Poppy Factory’s current priority is to help 500 wounded, injured and sick ex-Service men and women into work by 2015.

Melanie Waters, CEO, The Poppy Factory said, “Ex-Service men and women have a fantastic work ethic, are disciplined, trustworthy and used to performing within a team. Many have qualifications that are invaluable for companies today. However, an injury or delayed illness can shatter their lives. We want to help them regain their self-respect and confidence in order to earn a living, so that they can feel a valuable member of society again”

Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock said, “It was a privilege to be invited on this visit and to see the work of The Poppy Factory. The work they do is incredibly valuable to disenfranchised ex-servicemen and women; I was therefore delighted to be able show my support and in some small way highlight the importance of this valuable charity.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP opens the doors to new Haematology Infusion Suite

Patients and staff have welcomed the opening of a dedicated Haematology Infusion Suite at Basildon University Hospital. Patient Sandra Wells cut the ribbon to officially open the suite, alongside Stephen Metcalfe, MP for south Basildon and east Thurrock.

The suite provides more comfortable surroundings for patients who require non-chemotherapy infusions. The suite cost around £60,000 to refurbish and will treat around 35 patients per week, Monday to Friday. Until now non-chemotherapy patients were treated alongside the chemotherapy patients in the same room at the Haematology Day Unit on Orsett Ward.

Mrs Wells, 69, from Billericay, has a genetic condition called Common Variable Immune Deficiency, which means her body doesn’t produce sufficient antibodies. She feels better with an immunoglobulin transfusion every three weeks and has been coming to Basildon University Hospital for transfusions since 1997. She said: "The new suite is such a great improvement. There is more space and air conditioning, which is better because you can feel quite hot when you’re having treatment."

Clare Panniker, Chief Executive added: "It fantastic to have this facility, a calm, tranquil area for patient who need infusions and have to visit the hospital regularly."

MP Stephen Metcalfe added: "This suite has come about thanks to the hard work and dedication of the staff. On behalf of all patients and residents of Basildon, thank you."

Stephen Metcalfe MP joins the Poppy Appeal

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, stood alongside members of Pitsea British Legion on Friday to sell poppies for this year’s poppy appeal.

Each year in November, some 30,000 Legion volunteers take to the streets armed with poppies and collecting boxes to raise millions of pounds for the Poppy Appeal.

The money collected goes towards helping and supporting serving and ex-service men and women and their dependents.

Stephen, who recently made arrangements to save the Stanford-Le-Hope Remembrance Day Parade, has proved to be a great supporter of British Legions across his constituency.

He commented: “It was a great privilege to stand with members of the Pitsea British Legion selling poppies. The Legion provides an invaluable service to the men and women who have dedicated their lives in service to this country.”

“Wearing a poppy is but a small way of demonstrating our thanks to soldiers now, and throughout our history who have put themselves in great danger to ensure that we at home can live in freedom. For this we must forever be grateful. ”

“I would like to thank all of the volunteers who work tirelessly to raise funds and provide welfare support to those who need it and hope that this will continue for many years to come.”

The British Legion is always in need of more volunteers. If you are interested in helping, please get in touch with your local Legion to find out how you can contribute to the fantastic work of the organisation.

Stephen Metcalfe MP and PCC candidate Nick Alston discuss upcoming elections with Basildon Pensioners

Last Friday, Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, visited the Basildon Pensioners Association along with Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidate Nick Alston to discuss the upcoming PCC elections.

The meeting provided a lively forum for local pensioners to quiz Mr Metcalfe and Mr Alston about crime in Basildon and the wider Essex region. The pensioners were also able to hear from Mr Alston about policies that he intends to implement should he be successful in the upcoming elections.

Elections for the news post will be held across Essex on 15 November 2012 and will have a revolutionary affect on local policing. The new PCC will set the policing budget, set the amount local people pay towards policing in their council tax, and write the local crime plan for the region.

Commenting, Stephen Metcalfe said: “I always enjoy visiting Basildon Pensioners Association and I was delighted to have the opportunity along with Essex candidate Nick Alston, to be able to discuss the upcoming PCC elections with local residents.”

“Few things are more important than the security of our communities and the safety of our families. PCCs will reconnect local policing priorities with local people’s concerns so it is vital that Mr Alston has opportunities such as this to hear the views of local residents.”

“We will soon have an important new local figure in the PCC who will lead the local effort to cut crime and make Essex safer. I am wholeheartedly backing our excellent Conservative candidate Nick Alston and I believe he will be a strong local voice fighting to cut crime in Essex.”

Minister renews commitment to move Felmores Approved Premises if alternative location is found

Stephen with local residents campaigning for the relocation 
of Felmores Approved Premises

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, can today confirm that the Ministry of Justice have renewed their commitment to move the Felmores Approved Premises if an alternative location can be found.

The current Premises, which houses former sex offenders, is a great source of concern for local residents who have long been campaigning for its relocation.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “I encourage Basildon District Council and the Essex Probation Service to double their efforts to find an alternative location either in Basildon or in another District and welcome the efforts they have made so far.”

“I am delighted that the new Justice Secretary has renewed his predecessor’s commitment to move Bail House should an alternative location be found. The current location is entirely unsuitable and I will do all I can to support Basildon Council in finding an alternate site.”

“I would like to reassure my constituents that I am not deaf to their concerns and that I will continue to work toward a result that will benefit the local residents and restore a feeling of safety in the community.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP secures House of Commons debate in support of small business

Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock, and Andrea Leadsom, Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire, have secured a debate on the floor of the House of Commons to help Small and Medium sized businesses by highlighting the problem of late payment in the supply chain of public sector contracts.

This timely debate will address the rising problem of late payment in the public sector which is crippling businesses up and down the country.

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently owed in excess of £30 billion. This is simply not acceptable. In business, cash flow is king and when this flow is interrupted a contract can become a problem rather than a solution. At best it can cost business money in terms of financing overdraft facilities at worst it stifles growth and can affect the very viability of a business.”

The debate, which will take place on Thursday 8^th November, has received wide cross-party support.

Mr Metcalfe added: “I am delighted to have secured this debate. It will give me and my colleagues the opportunity to stand up for all businesses who have suffered as a result of late payment in the public sector. Addressing this issue is unavoidable if we are serious about stimulating growth in this country and I look forward to hearing the Government’s response to the points that are raised. Ultimately, we hope that the Chancellor, following the debate, will include measures which tackle this problem.”

Broadband triumph for Bulphan

Having raised the issue of Broadband provision in rural parts of Thurrock on the floor of the House of Commons and met with BT to discuss the issue, Stephen Metcalfe MP confirms that Bulphan with be included in the bid for public funded Broadband.

In correspondence today from Essex County Council, who are leading the bid on behalf of Essex, Southend and Thurrock, Stephen was told:

“Bulphan is covered by the Essex BDUK project, I’ve seen it on the map in our data room. It is currently not down for BT to cover it under their Infinity programme as it isn’t commercially viable for them, therefore it gets picked up by BDUK funding as a Market 1 area eligible for support under state aid exemption. It may change if BT decides to include the exchange and cabinets for the village (should it become commercially viable) which would only mean it gets done by them commercially rather than relying on our public funding. I think that is very unlikely however as BT are not planning to increase their investment outside of BDUK match funding.”

Stephen commented: "This is fantastic news.I will now be seeking confirmation that other rural areas in my constituency are also included in the BDUK plan."