John McDonnell - MP for Hayes and Harlington

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Local MP John McDonnell highlights Manifesto for London’s Trees and Woods

Local MP John McDonnell today highlighted the release, by organisations Trees for Cities and The Woodland trust, of an eight-point ‘Manifesto for London’s Trees and Woods.’

The Manifesto highlights the need to protect and enhance London’s trees and woodlands for the health and well-being of the capital.

It covers issues ranging from trees’ ability to cool London in ever-hotter summers and soak up carbon dioxide in the face of climate change to arguing for protection of heritage trees and promoting the many benefits of getting children involved in tree planting.

The Manifesto has been jointly produced by Trees for Cities – an independent charity working with local communities on tree-planting and landscaping projects – and the Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.

They are calling for London’s politicians to endorse and offer their backing for the eight recommendations in the Manifesto by supporting tree planting and protection measures for trees that currently provide a canopy for 20% of London’s land area.

The Manifesto is backed by scientific research on the effect global wamring will have on major cities, where a modest increase in the number of urban parks and street trees could help mitigate against predicted future temperature rises. A University of Manchester study calculated that a 10% increase in the amount of green space in built-up centres would reduce urban surface temperatures by as much as 4ºc.

‘Londoners benefit every day from the capital’s wonderful trees and woodlands’ says the Manifesto. ‘Beyond the boost to health and well-being from those who visit woodlands, trees help to moderate the local climate keeping the city cool in our ever hotter climate, clean polluted urban air, reduce the risk of flooding, provide a home for wildlife and help combat climate change by absorbing harmful carbon dioxide.’

The Manisefto highlights the struggle to protect and enhance the capital’s tress, which, despite their huge value, face many threats from climate change, development and misplaced fears about health and safety and subsidence.

It calls for trees and woodland to feature in significant development proposals, including the 2012 Olympic sites, funding for a major tree planting programme, protection of ancient woodland, and integration of trees in London’s strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

The Manifesto suggests that London’s politicians should back initiatives that help Londoners get involved with their local trees and woodland and the recording of all trees and woods on a database for future monitoring and protection. The Manifesto also proposes a new London Woodlands Awards Scheme to recognise the creation of new woodland and good management of existing woodland.

Graham Simmonds, Chief Executive of Trees for Cities, adds “Our Manifesto is all about ensuring that Londoners and visitors to London can benefit from a tree and woodland resource consistent with London’s position as a leading world city – we urge politicians from all parties to do what they can in helping us realise our green vision for the capital.’

London Tree Factfile:

Greater London boasts around seven million trees, a quarter of them in woodland covering some eight per cent of the capital’s land area. Although there has been some replanting to replace the 40,000 trees lost in the last five years, one third of London’s boroughs have still suffered a net loss of street trees.

Former mayor of London Ken Livingstone launched a London Tree and Woodland Framework – ‘Connecting Londoners with Trees and Woodlands’ in March 2005.

The ‘Right Trees for London’s Changing Climate’ project has been developed from that framework, including a database for planners and landscape designers to decide which trees are suitable for planting, launched by former mayor Ken Livingstone last November as a way to help London cope with the effects of climate change.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Local MP calls for more help for women in developing countries affected by HIV and AIDS

Local MP John McDonnell has signed a motion in Parliament calling on the UK Government to help women affected by HIV and AIDS in the developing world. The Women Matter campaign, which is spearheaded by leading international development charity VSO is asking the UK's Department for International Development to put women at the heart of its new global HIV and AIDS strategy and to use its influence to encourage other international agencies to do likewise.

Local MP John McDonnell said: "When several of my constituents contacted me about VSO's Women Matter campaign, I was shocked at what I learnt. Because of violence, discrimination and inequality, women in Sub-Saharan Africa are more likely to become infected with HIV than men. I believe it is the responsibility of the UK to show leadership on this issue and make the world sit up and listen to what's happening. I will be working hard in Parliament to ensure that this issue is given the attention it so urgently needs."

Judith Brodie, Director of VSO UK said: "Until concrete action is taken to tackle women's inequality, HIV and AIDS will continue to claim the lives of millions of women in the developing world. We are pleased to see so many MPs are getting behind this issue and hope that the time has now come for real action."

To find out more about the campaign and how you can support it visit www.vso.org.uk/womenmatter

World Development Movement commend local MP John McDonnell’s position on climate

John McDonnell MP has been commended by the World Development Movement for supporting attempts to strengthen the climate change bill.

John McDonnell has joined over 200 MPs who have signed the Early Day Motion 736 - a parliamentary petition - calling for the climate change bill to include carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from international aviation and for a tougher target for cutting CO2 by more than 80 per cent by 2050.

There is growing pressure to strengthen the bill’s proposals in line with the latest science. Warnings are coming from campaigners, scientists, the UN and MPs that the bill must be tougher in order to successfully tackle climate change. Top of the list of improvements needed are toughening the overall target from a 60 per cent to an 80 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2050; and making sure that international flights are included in the bill.

Benedict Southworth, Director of the World Development Movement said:

“We are delighted that John McDonnell is supporting calls for a tougher climate change bill. If this law is really going to have any chance of helping to prevent dangerous climate change we have to reduce our carbon emissions in the UK by more than 80 per cent and include international flights in the target. The government must take leadership on tackling climate change and help to prevent the loss of livelihoods and lives of millions in the developing world.”

Local MP John McDonnell said:
“My constituents have told me they’re worried about climate change and the climate change bill is a bold and innovative move to address those worries. However, we must ensure the bill reflects the latest science and listens to the advice of the UN to include carbon emissions from all sectors. We must reduce our emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050 and include international aviation and shipping to show strong international leadership, giving the people of Hayes and Harlington and people across the world the chance of a sustainable future.”

Friday, April 11, 2008

Planning Association report on Third Runway Consultation criticises the consultation process and opposes expansion

Local MP John McDonnell today highlighted the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA)’s comprehensive and critical response to the Department for Transport’s report Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport.

The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA, http://www.tcpa.org.uk/ ) campaigns for the reform of the UK’s planning system to make it more responsive to people’s needs and aspirations and to promote sustainable development.

Their response to the Government and BAA’s consultation process on the expansion of Heathrow is highly critical of both the consultation process and the effects expansion will have on our local community.

Please find attached a copy of the TCPA report. The report criticises the consultation process for being “highly technical”, “(providing) no alternative data to allow comparison” and not allowing “for any other alternatives to be considered”.

The report goes on to provide specific answers to the 11 questions asked in the consultation document, and delivers a strong, informed and effective argument against the expansion of Heathrow.

Local MP John McDonnell said “This report provides a decisive and comprehensive rebuttal across the board of the Government’s and BAA’s arguments for the expansion of Heathrow. Yet again the TCPA has done the community a great service”.

TEENAGERS RUSH FOR CITIZENCARD ID AS LOCAL SHOPS EXPAND ‘NO ID NO SALE’ POLICY

Dozens of teenagers throughout Hayes & Harlington have started to apply for CitizenCards, the credit-card size ID cards that allow them to prove their age. The rush is on because Hayes & Harlington’s supermarkets, newsagents and convenience stores have teamed up to promote a stringent ‘No ID No Sale’ message. Supported by Trading Standards and the Police the message is designed to prevent illegal sale of tobacco, alcohol, lottery tickets, solvents and other age-restricted goods to teenagers who are too young. The legal age for selling alcohol, solvents and fireworks is 18. For lottery tickets it is 16. And on 1st October the tobacco age rose from 16 to 18.

At Hari News, 17 Station Road, Hayes Middlesex UB3 4BD, owner Dixit Patel welcomes the No ID No sale policy, adding that his staff often suffer abuse when refusing a sale:

“We often get youngsters trying to buy alcohol or cigarettes. It’s very difficult to tell their real age so we have to ask for ID. Unfortunately, customers without ID often become abusive so to prevent this we hand out a CitizenCard application form and tell them to get a card.”

Local MP for Hayes & Harlington John McDonnell strongly supports the No ID No Sale message and urges all local shops to add their support:

“It’s important that the laws on alcohol and tobacco are upheld, and I’m pleased the legal age for alcohol and tobacco is now 18. There are stiff fines for shops that are caught selling to children. But I understand how difficult a No ID No Sale policy can be to implement, and I welcome the opportunity for all youngsters here in Hayes & Harlington to get a CitizenCard. This will make their lives easier and in turn will help shop staff to stay within the law.”

Andrew Chevis, CitizenCard’s Chief Executive, added that CitizenCards are available for anyone in the population who needs to get a valid form of ID or proof-of-age:

“In the Hayes & Harlington area we already have more than 3,750 cardholders. The card is all about what people can do, not what they can’t. But we live in a world where you need to prove who you are, or how old you are. We are distributing application forms to as many shops in Hayes & Harlington as we can, but the public can also phone us for a form or they can apply online at citizencard.com”

Local MP John McDonnell calls on Porton Down veterans to come forward

Ministerial statement extends deadlines for Porton Down veterans to bring claims

Local MP John McDonnell today highlighted a ministerial statement which extended the deadline for Porton Down veterans to bring claims against the Ministry of Defence. The deadline has now been extended to 30th June 2008.

From the 1940s to the 1980s servicemen working at the MoD’s Chemical Laboratories in Porton Down were exposed to various chemical agents, including sarin and mustard gas. The veterans state that they were not informed about the nature of the chemical agents to which they were subjected before participating in the experiments, nor the health risks associated with them. Many believed they were assisting in the quest to find a cure for the common cold. It has only been over the last decade that the veterans have learned of the chemical agents to which they have been exposed.

Solicitors representing a group claim brought by 359 servicemen or their families reached a deal with the MoD in January. The solicitors instructed by a second group of 220 servicemen have begun discussions with the MoD on another group claim.

The MoD decided to extend the limitation period to allow the first group claim to brought. The department has now made the decision to further extend the limitation period to 30th June 2008 in order to allow other veterans to bring claims.

Local MP John McDonnell said “I am calling upon all veterans of Porton Down in my constituency to come forward. If you or a member of your family were affected by these experiments I urge you to take action before 30th June this year”.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

A letter from local MP John McDonnell to Ms Anita Turner of the Post Office National Consultation Team

Proposed Post Office Closures

I am writing with regard to the proposed Post Office closures within my constituency. I am aware that there are three under threat; 382 Bath Road West Drayton, 153 North Hyde Road Hayes and 1086 Uxbridge Road, Hayes.

On behalf of the community I represent I am writing to totally oppose these proposals. Indeed I have not received a single representation or met a single organisation or individual in my constituency who has expressed support for your proposals.

I wish to make it abundantly clear that I am writing on behalf of all those organisations and members of my community who have made representations to me with their concerns about these proposals. This includes local councillors, Hayes local residents associations, the local pensioners association, the Hayes and Harlington Community Development Forum, local shopkeepers and businesses and numerous individuals.

These particular branches serve high density housing estates and the communities who live there should not be expected to travel the distances proposed to access Post Office services.

Unfortunately you have not taken into account the specific geography and demographics of these estates and communities. They are based in areas of deprivation and have a large number of isolated elderly and retired people and young families.

I have also been approached by people with disabilities as well as their representative organisations. They have strongly expressed their concern about the difficulties they will experience visiting an alternative Post Office.

The closure of these branches would cause severe hardship and inconvenience to so many people and as such I have to voice my opposition to this proposal and request you think again about removing what I and my constituents regard as a vital community facility.

I do hope that your final decision on this matter will not include the closure of these branches.

Yours sincerely
John McDonnell MP

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Local MP John McDonnell supports No Smoking Day in Hayes and Harlington

No Smoking Day (12th March) is encouraging smokers in Hayes and Harlington to take The Great No Smoking Day Challenge and kick the habit. In its 25th year, No Smoking Day is challenging smokers to quit for a week and take the opportunity to find out about help and support available for when they are ready to stop smoking.

Local MP John McDonnell is supporting this year’s No Smoking Day campaign. Thousands of No Smoking Day events are taking place all over the UK. There will be many sports activities, including local football clubs getting involved. Stop smoking services, fire and rescue services, supermarkets, and many more are out and about to help and support smokers who are ready to take the challenge!

Local MP John McDonnell said: “No Smoking Day is a fantastic campaign to help and support smokers who want to stop smoking. I’m encouraging smokers in Hayes and Harlington to take The Great No Smoking Day Challenge and give up cigarettes for good!

“Visit your local stop smoking service for help and advice on how to stop smoking and increase your chances of success by up to four times.”

Dan Tickle, Chief Executive of No Smoking Day, the charity behind the annual health awareness campaign, says, “Good luck to all smokers in Hayes and Harlington who are taking The Great No Smoking Day Challenge to improving their health in the best possible way on 12 March. Stopping smoking is the ultimate lifestyle overhaul. You’ll feel fitter and healthier and have more energy and more money! Good luck!”

For a free quit pack and motivational emails/texts go to www.nosmokingday.org.uk

Monday, February 18, 2008

Local MP John McDonnell invites Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for Transport, to meet with local residents

Please see below for the text of the letter.

Dear Ruth

I am writing to formally invite you to visit my constituency to meet with local residents who will be directly affected by the expansion of Heathrow Airport, many of whom will lose their homes and whole communities. This meeting would include local councillors and Hillingdon members of Parliament.

As you will be aware concerns have been expressed that no minister has visited the area most affected by the proposed 3rd runway and 6th terminal to meet local residents. This has caused considerable anxiety locally.

I received the attached letter from your office informing me that you were attending an event hosted by the private sector body London First at Heathrow this week. You will appreciate I am sure the concerns that local people have that the Secretary of State is able to attend an event convened by a private sector body whilst no minister has found the time to meet with local residents whose homes and communities are at risk.

I am sure that you would wish to render my constituents the same courtesy that you have proffered the private sector bodies like London First that are associated with the aviation industry.

I would welcome a prompt and positive response to this request and can assure you that arrangements for your visit and meeting with local residents would be put in place expeditiously once we have received confirmation from your office.

Yours sincerely

John McDonnell MP
Member of Parliament for Hayes & Harlington

Friends of the Earth praise local MP John McDonnell for stance on climate

John McDonnell MP has been praised by Friends of the Earth for backing calls to beef up the Climate Change Bill, currently being debated in Parliament.

Mr McDonnell has joined over 180 MPs who have signed a parliamentary petition (Early Day Motion 736) calling for the Bill to include carbon dioxide emissions from international aviation and set a tougher 80 per cent target for cutting carbon dioxide by 2050.

The Climate Change Bill, due to become law by summer, will set binding targets for cutting carbon dioxide. But there is growing pressure on the Government to strengthen the proposals. Campaigners, scientists, an influential UN report and now MPs are warning that the Bill must be tougher if it is to successfully tackle climate change. Top of the list of improvements needed are toughening up the overall target to an 80 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2050; and making sure emissions from international flights are included in the Bill.

As currently drafted, the Bill requires a 60 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2050, a figure it is widely accepted is based on out of date science. The Bill also excludes international aviation emissions – a fast growing source of climate changing gases – which could seriously undermine the new climate law.

Tony Juniper, Friends of the Earth director:

“We are delighted that Mr McDonnell MP is supporting calls for a tougher Climate Change Bill. The Bill needs targets that are in line with the latest science, and it must count all of our carbon emissions, not just some bits. Aviation has to be treated like every other industry and its emissions must be in the new legislation from the start. It is ludicrous for one industry to be ignored and held apart. Having a climate law that doesn’t include our share of international aviation emissions is like having a drink driving law that ignores the effects of whisky.”

John McDonnell MP said:

"My own constituents have told me they’re worried about climate change and the Climate Change Bill is a bold and innovative move to address those worries. However, we must ensure the Bill reflects the latest science and listens to the advice of the UN to include carbon emissions from all sectors. We must reduce our emissions by at least 80% by 2050 and include international aviation and shipping if we are to show strong international leadership, giving the people of Hayes and Harlington, and people across the world, the chance of a sustainable future".

Friday, February 01, 2008

Local MP John McDonnell announces a Month of Action against the Third Runway

Local MP John McDonnell has launched a month of action to mobilise the local community in a campaign against the Third Runway during the last stage of the Government’s consultation, which ends in February. The month includes further rounds of local public meetings, briefings by John for local residents associations, street stalls in shopping areas and demonstrations in both Hayes and Parliament Square. In addition, John is requesting local religious groups to appeal for prayers and support for those families in the Heathrow Villages who will lose their homes and communities if the Heathrow expansion is allowed to go ahead.

Local MP John McDonnell said “This month of action is a month to save our communities. I am urging local people to stand up for the communities that will be lost if the Third Runway goes ahead and to support in solidarity those members of our community who face the loss of their homes, their schools, churches and communities. I appeal to everyone to work together to prevent this disaster for our local area”.

Please see below for a schedule of events.

Campaign against the Third Runway
Month of Action culminating in Final Weekend of Action


John McDonnell MP

1. Public Meetings and Local Residents Association Meetings in Hayes

Crane Residents Association Meeting, Crane Centre, Fuller Way, Hayes - 31st January

Harlington School, Pinkwell Avenue, Hayes – 5th February at 8pm

Bell Farm Christian Centre, South Road, West Drayton – 15th February at 7.30pm

Botwell Social Hall, Botwell Lane, Hayes – 21st February 8pm

2. Street Stalls in Hayes Town and Shopping Parades

Each Saturday in February

9th

16th

23rd

3. Demonstrations/Soap Box Weekend of Action 23rd February

Villages

Hayes Town

4. Religious Groups

Final Friday and Sunday – leaflet and prayers on last weekend before end of consultation for Mosques, Gurdwara and Churches

5. Hacan Rally

Central Hall 25th February

6. Parliament Square

Families Protest 27th February.

7. Mailshot of Guidance on Response Form to all Villagers

 

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