Stephen Metcalfe MP: New figures show immigration measures are working

Stephen Metcalfe, Conservative MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed figures showing that net migration has fallen by almost a quarter. This is new evidence that the government’s hard-hitting measures to reduce immigration are working.

 

The figures also show that inward migration to the UK fell to its lowest level since 2004. Despite this, Labour continue to oppose every step we have taken to bring immigration under control.

 

Commenting, Stephen Metcalfe said: “People across South Basildon and East Thurrock will be pleased to see that Conservatives in Government are getting immigration under control.”

 

“Under Labour immigration was unchecked – with net migration totalling 2.2 million people. We have taken tough steps to reduce the uncontrolled immigration that Labour presided over.  This reduction in numbers shows that our measures are working.”

 

“It beggars belief that Labour still oppose every single one of these steps, including our cap on immigration.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP sings praises of Le Danse Fantastique at Salvation Army celebration service

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, accepted the invitation from the all ability dance group ‘Le Danse Fatastique’ (LDF) to join them in a special celebration service hosted by the Salvation Army last weekend.

LDF is a long standing performing arts school who welcome students of all abilities with a passion for dance.

Having taken part in a wide range of high profile performances, from auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent to representing Basildon and Essex in an Olympic performance, LDF took the opportunity of the celebration service to sing two festive songs before previewing a piece from their new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed the celebratory service and was extremely grateful for the opportunity to see the talents and enthusiasm of all those who took part in Le Danse Fantastique’s wonderful performance.”

“It is extremely encouraging to see an activity in which all abilities can partake in and the performance was something that all the students should be extremely proud of.”

Stephen added: “I would like to thank the Salvation Army for hosting this service and LDF for the kind invitation; no doubt it won’t be the last time I see them perform.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP gets some good news from the Regional Director of Lloyds TSB

Last week, Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, met with Steve Arnold, the Regional Director of Lloyds TSB at the Stanford-le-Hope Branch, to discuss measures that the bank is taking to promote growth and increase lending to both individuals and businesses.

Mr Metcalfe, who has proved to be a strong advocate for businesses, commented:  “I make a concerted effort to meet with people such as Steve Arnold to make sure that I am aware of current banking issues and how these issues might affect my constituents and businesses within my constituency.”

Mr Arnold had encouraging news from Lloyds. Not only is the bank lending more than ever to businesses, but it has initiated a number of new projects to help people onto the property ladder and to manage their finances.

Mr Metcalfe added: “I was delighted to hear the good news from Mr Arnold. Lloyds TSB are beginning to see positive signs of business growth and are expanding their range of services to help people manage in these difficult economic times.”

“As we emerge out of a recession it is extremely encouraging to hear news that offers hope for individuals, businesses and the country as a whole.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP supports the Basildon Disability Equality Forum

Stephen Metcalfe MP signing the Pledge
 with Forum Chairman, Mark Dale

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, spent last Friday afternoon with the Basildon Disability Equality Forum in celebration of the International Day of Disabled People.

The Forum, who seek to fight against stigma of mental and physical disability, treated Mr Metcalfe to a blindfolded three course meal to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by blind people.

Commenting, Stephen Metcalfe said: “It was quite an experience attending the forum meeting. Whilst it was only for a short period of time, being blindfolded helped me to gain a deeper appreciation of the problems faced by those who have lost their sight and I have the upmost respect and admiration for people living without sight on a daily basis.”

After the meal local councillors, council staff and Mr Metcalfe were asked to pledge one thing that they would do over the next year to support the disabled community.

Mr Metcalfe added: “The whole event proved to be an extremely educational and insightful experience. I have pledged to continue to work with the Forum to promote positive views on disability and to stay in regular contact with them to keep up to date about issues affecting disabled people in my constituency”

“I would like to thank all involved in the meeting for their hard work and dedication in fighting the stigma against disability and I look forward to being involved with the organisation in the future.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP welcomes Government consultation to tackle binge drinking

Stephen Metcalfe, Conservative MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed this week’s launch of an alcohol consultation by the Government. 

As part of the wider reforms the Government has introduced to tackle binge drinking and the impact it has on our communities, hospitals, and town centres, the Government have announced a consultation on a range of measures to reduce alcohol consumption, cut crime and save lives.

The ten week consultation will seek views on:

·         a ban on multi-buy promotions

·         a review of the mandatory licensing conditions

·         a minimum unit price of 45p

·         a new health-related objective for alcohol licensing, and

·         cutting red tape for responsible businesses.

Commenting Mr Metcalfe said: ‘I am sure many of us like an occasional or social drink and drink responsibly, but for too long the problems associated with alcohol abuse have been ignored. Alcohol misuse and irresponsible drinking is estimated to cost £21 billion annually.’

‘This consultation is aimed at finding the right balance between tackling alcohol abuse while not penalising responsible drinkers.’

‘Speaking to many people across South Basildon and East Thurrock, the issue of anti social behaviour is frequently raised as a serious concern.  In many instances this behaviour is fuelled by drink, and I welcome the Government’s consultation as it seeks to address the root cause of this problem.’

Stephen Metcalfe MP helps to tackle food poverty this Christmas

 Stephen with Store Manage Anthony Jones and staff at Tesco’s

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, gave his time this weekend to the nationwide food-drive run by Tesco’s and FareShare to help tackle hunger across the UK.

The Tesco’s at Langdon Hills is one of thousands of stores up and down the country who are joining forces with local communities to support people facing food poverty this Christmas. On entering the store, shoppers are given a special shopping lists to encourage them to buy everyday food items like cereals, rice, instant coffee, tinned food and sauces which can then be redistributed to those in need.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “I’m really pleased to have supported the ‘Million Meal Appeal’ with Tesco’s and FareShare. Each year, FareShare redistributes food to over 700 local grassroots projects in the UK. Last year alone they provided food for 8.6 million meals and helped feed 36,500 people a day.”

“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Tesco’s, to FareShare and to all local residents at Langdon Hills who have been so generous with their time and money so that the invaluable work of FareShare can continue. It demonstrates how by coming together, we really can make a difference to those in need.”

Research has found that in total, around 10 per cent of people have suffered from some form of food poverty in the last 12 months, with seven per cent of people skipping meals and eight per cent relying on friends or family to provide food. This is a problem that only worsens over the cold Christmas season.

Philip Clarke, Chief Executive of Tesco said: “Tesco feeds more families in the UK than any other supermarket, and we work hard to make sure people can eat well even if they don’t have a lot of money.  This Christmas, we want to use our scale and our links with communities across the country to help tackle this growing problem.”

“We recently held some local food collections and were overwhelmed by the support from our customers, who have shown incredible generosity.  I hope they’ll support the biggest ever food collection in the UK and help us to feed hundreds of thousands of people in need.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP supports new Studio School in Basildon

Stephen Metcalfe MP with Katy Quinn, Vice Principal

of Employment & Skills at Seevic College

In continuation of his mission to drive up educational standards in South Basildon and East Thurrock, Stephen Metcalfe MP has lent his support to the new Studio School due to open in Basildon in September 2013.

Sponsored by Seevic College, and supported by Anglia Ruskin University, the Studio School at New College Basildon will deliver unique and employer focused high quality education to young people of the local area.

Following his visit to the Studio School Open Day on Saturday, Stephen Metcalfe MP, who has made education in South Basildon and East Thurrock a top priority, commented: “I am extremely excited about the Studio School at New College Basildon. Not only does it add depth and breadth to the educational landscape in my constituency but it provides new opportunities that will help to maximise the potential of each individual student.”

In September the school will welcome students aged between 14 and 19, offering a range of mainstream qualifications for up to 340 pupils of all abilities through practical projects which will see students working closely with local employers from an early age.

Whilst at the Studio School, pre-16 students will study for their key GCSEs in English, Maths, Science and ICT. Alongside these core GCSEs, students will choose either the English Baccalaureate or choose a specialist vocational qualification in Health & Social Care, or Sport. Post-16 options will include a range of A Levels, as well as vocational qualifications in Health & Social Care, or Sport, allowing students to specialise and prepare for employment in these fields.

Local employers will be involved in all aspects of the curriculum, and will help to identify skills gaps in the workplace. Students will also spend a significant amount of time outside of the classroom in paid and unpaid work placements linked directly to employment opportunities in the local area.

Mr Metcalfe added: “I very much look forward to seeing the future results of the Studio School. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain vital qualifications whilst simultaneously building relationships with employers to gain the skills needed for the workplace. It is just what is needed in the current economic climate and I will do all I can to support both staff and pupils.”