Stephen Metcalfe MP helps to fight food poverty in Basildon

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has recently given his time to the nationwide food-drive run by Sainsbury’s and FareShare to help tackle hunger across the UK.

Last year’s ‘Million Meal Appeal’, which took place on Saturday 26^th November, was a huge success and involved 600 Sainsbury’s stores. Thanks to customers’ generosity, together with Sainsbury’s pledge to match donations, FareShare could deliver food for over 1.2 million meals to 700 charities and community projects it supports.

This year’s appeal saw over 900 stores involved in the two-day food-drive to help 720 charities and community projects which FareShare supports. Customers were able to choose to donate an item from the Million Meal Appeal shopping list which consists of long-life products including tinned goods, dried pasta, pasta sauce, rice, tea and instant coffee.

Stephen Metcalfe said: “I’m really proud to have supported the second-ever ‘Million Meal Appeal’ with Sainsbury’s and FareShare. The appeal at the Nevendon store was a great success. It highlighted the generosity of Basildon residents and how by working together, we can tackle food poverty in this country.”

“I would like to thank Sainsbury’s, FareShare and all the volunteers for their hard work and also all local residents who helped to make this appeal such a success.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP: Stalking is made a criminal offence

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, is said to be extremely pleased with two new laws that will protect the victims of stalking, along with a raft of other supportive measures designed to tackle violence against women and girls.

Commenting, Mr Metcalfe said: “Stalking is abhorrent. It is a crime that shatters the lives of its victims, and for too long under the last Government it went unchallenged. This Government will not stand by and see people’s lives ruined.”

“I am extremely pleased to see new laws that will help bring peace of mind to victims here in South Basildon and East Thurrock and wherever people are suffering because of stalking”.

Home Secretary, Theresa May, said: “Stalking is a sickening and cowardly crime. Too many women live in fear, forced to look constantly over their shoulder. We need to end their suffering. That is why we are acting now.”

Stephen Metcalfe added: “These new laws send a clear message that stalking will not be tolerated. This shows just how serious we are about tackling violence against women. Our priority is the victims and we will do all we can to protect them. Stalkers will not get away with it. They must be dragged out of the shadows and brought to justice”.

Stephen Metcalfe MP calls on schools to take part in autism challenge

Stephen Metcalfe with Edward Timpson, Children’s Minister

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, is supporting a nationwide charity challenge to help raise awareness of issues affecting pupils with autism and is calling on all local schools to take part.

The Anderson Schools Challenge is a joint campaign between The National Autistic Society (NAS) and the Anderson Foundation, which asks schools to complete 50 fun and easy tasks in celebration of the NAS’ 50^th Birthday.

The tasks, which range from fitting 50 items into a Smarties tube to holding an autsim-awareness assembly, can be undertaken by 50 individual pupils or a whole class, unless any pupils fancy taking on all 50. The money raised will help the NAS to provide much-needed services and support for people affected by autism across the UK.

Stephen said: “I’m delighted to be supporting the Anderson Schools Challenge and am calling on all primary schools to do their bit and help raise awareness of autism. School can be a real struggle for many children with the condition, but better understanding among teachers, school staff and other pupils can make a real difference."

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the NAS, said: “We’re thrilled that Stephen is championing this important challenge and encouraging as many schools as possible take part. Autism is more common than most people think – around 1 in 100 people have the condition and it touches the lives of over 500,000 families in the UK. This is a fun and easy way to improve awareness of autism and help us to continue supporting individuals and families across the UK.”

Mark Anderson said: “The NAS has been making a difference to the lives of children, adults and their families living with autism for 50 years. The Anderson Foundation Schools Challenge is a campaign designed to push forward autism awareness in schools as well as raising much needed funds for the NAS to continue to provide this essential support.” 

To sign up to the Anderson Schools Challenge visit: www.autism.org.uk/schoolschallenge

Stephen Metcalfe MP addresses packed public meeting to oppose Bowers Gifford development

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, reiterated his opposition to the proposed development of the land at Little Chalvedon Hall Farm, Bowers Gifford at a packed public meeting last Thursday evening.

The proposals, which would see the Greenbelt land at Bowers Gifford developed for housing by Nottinghamshire Council’s Pension Fund, has been a great source of contention among local residents. The meeting gave local people the chance to voice their concerns with Stephen Metcalfe MP who has joined with the newly formed Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet Residents Association to spearhead a campaign against the development.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “It was extremely encouraging to see so many people at the meeting. It is so important that local residents have their voices heard and meetings such as this provide a forum in which this can happen.”

“I understand that additional housing is needed in Basildon but I do not believe that these proposals are the answer. These proposals fly in the face of local wishes, they are against the Council’s Greenbelt policy and they will do nothing to enhance the local area. I will continue to do all I can to ensure that my constituents are heard and that their views are taken into consideration by the Council.”

Mr Metcalfe added: “I urge local residents once again to get in touch with either me or the Council about this issue. We must garner as much opposition as possible to the developments and this can only happen if residents make their opinions known. I hope that if we work together, we can reach an outcome that is beneficial to local residents and the community as a whole.”

Another step in support of Visteon Pensioners



Stephen Metcalfe MP with members of the Visteon
Pension Action Group



Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, chaired a meeting last week for the All Party Parliamentary Group in support of Visteon Pensioners.

The group was established earlier this year with a view to looking at the background of the collapse of the Visteon Corporation in 2009 which resulted in the loss of over 500 jobs, leaving many more with either frozen or reduced pension rights.



The meeting was attended by the Pensions Regulator who gave evidence to the group about the regulations surrounding the case and provided information for an upcoming report.

Stephen Metcalfe commented: “The consequences of the spinoff of Visteon from Ford Motor Company have been great for the pensioners and former employees. The APPG is investigating the plight of the pensioners and I hope that through these evidence sessions we will gain a clearer insight into what has happened.”

An invitation has been extended to a representative from Ford Europe to attend a meeting in the New Year so the APPG can hear their perspective on the situation.

Mr Metcalfe added: “I will work hard to highlight the plight of the pensioners and to use the APPG to conduct a thorough investigation. I sincerely hope that by the end of our enquiries we can reach an outcome that is fair to all parties involved.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP: It’s Movember and it’s time to make a difference to men’s health

Sporting an impressive moustache, Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has joined the army of men growing facial hair for Movember.

Movember is a moustache growing charity event that is held during November each year to raise vital funds for and awareness of men’s health issues, particularly prostate and testicular cancer. Mr Metcalfe is one of many men around the world who have dedicated a hairy month to a great cause.

Stephen commented: “Movember is a light hearted way of raising awareness of some very serious issues. I am passionate about men’s health and it is vital that we look beyond the moustaches and take note of the message behind Movember.”

“The statistics speak for themselves. 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This year alone, 40,000 new cases of the disease will be diagnosed in the UK. The statistics for testicular cancer are just as alarming. 47% of testicular cancer cases occur in men under 35 years and over 90% occur in men under 55 years – these are health issues that have no age boundaries.”

The funds that Movember raise in the UK are invested in programmes that address the strategic priorities Movember has identified, related to both prostate and testicular cancer. The three areas of investment are Awareness & Education, Survivorship and Research.

Globally, fighting prostate cancer continues to be one of Movember’s priorities. There are still many issues to be addressed, both pre and post diagnosis.  Here in the UK fighting testicular cancer is also a priority and last year Movember invested in world class research for testicular cancer with the Institute of Cancer Research, this research focuses on identifying genes that predispose men to testicular cancer.

Mr Metcalfe added: “It’s Movember and its time to make a difference to men’s health. We must get people talking about men’s health issues and we must support the work of organisations seeking to create a world in which these problems no longer exist.”

If you would like to find out more please viist: http://uk.movember.com/?home. If you would like to sponsor Mr Metcalfe in his efforts to change the face of men’s health, please visit: http://mobro.co/stephenmetcalfe.

Stephen Metcalfe MP meets with Borough Police Commander

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, recently met with Borough Commander Glen Pavelin to discuss crime in Basildon and Thurrock.

Mr Metcalfe, who meets regularly with the police, took the opportunity to discuss local crime issues and how these may be tackled in light of the recent Police and Crime Commissioner elections in which Conservative Candidate Nick Alston was elected.

Mr Metcalfe commented: “Meeting with the Police on a regular basis is extremely important. They are able to update me on local issues and it provides an opportunity for us to work together to find solutions to local problems.”

“I am looking forward to working with Nick Alston in conjunction with District Commander Glen Pavelin to further drive down crime in South Basildon and East Thurrock.”

“I would like to thank the Police for their hard work and dedication in driving crime down under difficult circumstances and I will do all I can to support them as they continue to make our streets safer.”