Stephen Metcalfe MP takes to the river with the Port of London Authority

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, recently visited the Port of London Authority (PLA) to discuss a number of issues affecting local ports.

The local MP was introduced to the hydrographic department to learn about their role in local shipping and port activities before taking a trip along the river the London Gateway to see how the new port is progressing.

Mr Metcalfe also had the opportunity to discuss proposals that would see much of the Thames designated a Marine Conservation Zone. Whilst this is currently on hold, it could have potentially far reaching consequences for the local port economy.

He commented: “The river and local ports are integral features of Thurrock’s identity and of the local and national economy. It was great to see the industry thriving and also extremely informative to hear the perspective of the PLA on a number of issues.”  

“I look forward to working with the PLA and other local agencies in the future to ensure that local ports continue to flourish and are not hampered by unnecessary regulation.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP welcomes local schools to Parliament

This week Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, welcomed two local primary schools to the Houses of Parliament.

Northlands Junior School and Great Berry Primary School each sent representatives from their school councils for a guided tour of the House of Commons and House of Lords before meeting with the local MP for a question and answer session and photo’s in Westminster Hall.

Mr Metcalfe takes every opportunity to ensure that local schools can engage with the Houses of Parliament and Britain’s democratic processes via visits to the Palace as well as making frequent visits to local schools throughout South Basildon and East Thurrock.

He commented: “It always a pleasure to meet with local students both here in Westminster and in the constituency. The children were fantastic ambassadors for their schools and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the work of their respective school council’s and responding to their insightful questions.” 

“I look forward to welcoming more local schools to the Houses of Parliament in the future and to continuing my work fighting for better standards, more opportunities, and greater aspirations in South Basildon and East Thurrock.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP congratulates Gable Hall on National Award

Stephen with Headteacher, Dr Asong, and students from the school

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and Thurrock, has congratulated Gable Hall School for receiving a national Educational Outcomes Award.

The Award recognises the outstanding progress made by Gable Hall students at GCSE level and the value added by the school to student’s achievements.

Gable Hall’s success was identified in a recent in-depth analysis of official Department for Education data on all state funded schools in England by SSAT, the national school’s membership organisation for improvement and collaboration. The school qualified for the award by being in the top 20% of schools nationally for progress made by pupils between their key stage 2 results at primary school and their GCSE results at age 16.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “This is an exceptional achievement and a real testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and pupils at Gable Hall. I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to all involved and my thanks to everyone who works so hard to maintain these standards.

“I look forward to seeing the school go from strength to strength and hope that it demonstrates what schools in South Basildon and East Thurrock can achieve.”

Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of SSAT said: “Gable Hall School have proved themselves to be leading the field in improving GCSE outcomes for their students. There is so much good practice that this school could share, and I hope many schools will join us at the celebration ceremony for the chance to network and share strategies with award-winning schools.” 

“These results are testament to the commitment and hard work of the students, teachers and leadership team at Gable Hall School, and show what can be achieved when skilled teachers have high expectations and ambition for every young person. I am proud that this school is a member of the SSAT network.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP: Crime continues to fall in Essex

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed the

news that crime has fallen once again over the last twelve months. Latest figures from the independent Office for National Statistics show that since 2010 recorded crime in Essex has fallen by 3%.

This trend is supported by the independent Crime Survey of England and Wales and a fall in violent crime shown by fewer people going to hospital with injuries from violent incidents. 

More broadly across England and Wales, crime is down by more than 10% since the general election and down 15% in 2013 meaning that it is now at the lowest levels since records began in 1981.

Commenting, Mr Metcalfe said: “It is great news that crime has fallen in Essex and local police officers in South Basildon and East Thurrock can be rightly proud of their success in cutting crime.” 

“The Government has cut police red tape and given them one simple target: cut crime.  And that’s what they are doing.   This means people are safer on the streets, at home, and at work – helping to build better communities in the local area and across Essex. I have every confidence that this trend can continue and look forward to seeing even safer streets in the future.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP pitches in at Project 58:7

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, recently visited Basildon based Project 58:7 and pitched in with their work helping the homeless.

Run by volunteers from 10 churches in Basildon, Project 58:7 works to implement the words in Isaiah Chapter 58 verse 7 which encourages the sharing of food, the provision of shelter and clothes, and urges the reader not to turn away from those in need.

Working in partnership with a number of local agencies including Basildon Citizens Advice and Bureau and Basildon Community Resource Centre, the project provides invaluable assistance to the homeless through the provision of  hot meals and drinks, prayer, clothing, sleeping bags, and signposting to other agencies who may be of help. Last year alone they provided 3,200 meals to rough sleepers.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “Homelessness is something I have worked on in the past so It was a real privilege to visit Project 58:7 and to pitch in with serving food. The volunteers work selflessly to provide for others and in doing so demonstrate the crucial role that local churches can play in our communities.” 

“I would like to thank all involved in running this service and whilst I obviously wish there was no need for it, I look forward to supporting their work in any way I can.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP: Unemployment falls again in South Basildon and East Thurrock

Local MP Stephen Metcalfe has welcomed the news that unemployment has once again fallen in South Basildon and East Thurrock.

The number of job seeker claimants has fallen by 769 since March 2013 and by 54 since February 2014.

Nationally unemployment is also down with long term unemployment falling by 93,000, the largest annual fall since 1998. Over one million of the jobs created have been full time and the number of young people claiming Jobseeker’s allowance has been falling for the last 22 months.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “These strong job figures are fantastic news and suggest that our long term economic plan is working. There are now a record number of jobs in Britain and we have taken a step further in meeting the ambition the Chancellor has set for full employment.” 

“This is not to say that there is not more work to be done. I appreciate that times are difficult for many households but I am confident that we are heading in the right direction and that living standards will follow suit.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP welcomes yet more investment in Thurrock

Following news that the Solena Fuels in partnership with British Airways has committed to building the world’s first facility to convert landfill waste into jet fuel in Thurrock.

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for the area said: "I am delighted that this groundbreaking initiative is coming to Thurrock. It is fantastic news for the local economy, creating jobs and ensuring that this site is put to good use. Basildon and Thurrock are proving once again that they are the places to invest and I look forward to seeing my constituents reap the rewards of this excellent project." 

"Needless to say this is also fantastic news for the national economy, for the environment, and for the aviation industry. I am grateful to British Airways and Solena Fuels for their commitment to this initiative and I hope to be able to visit the plant when it is up and running."