| Lawrie Quinn | Press Releases |
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Last week Lawrie Quinn MP for Scarborough & Whitby welcomed two community leaders from the constituency to Westminster and also to a reception with the Prime Minister at Downing Street. The two 'community leaders' were Sue McLaughlin, of Whitby Musicport, who goes that extra mile to make sure world music is accessible to the people of Whitby, and Mary Budda who runs Elder Street day centre for elderly people, in Scarborough and who works hard to make sure they have plenty to occupy their time she even gives up her Christmas Day to prepare lunch for them. Mary and Sue enjoyed a tour of the House of Commons and also a reception at Downing Street where they were introduced to the Prime Minister, Tony Blair.
Lawrie said:
"The reception was an opportunity to give proper recognition to the incredible work these individuals do in Scarborough & Whitby, Mary and Sue are just two of many community leaders who put in hours of work to help people in the community. I share the Prime Minister's appreciation of the diversity and calibre of the guests that attended the reception."
16 Dec 2004
Lawrie Quinn, the Member of Parliament for Scarborough & Whitby facilitated a meeting yesterday with Charlotte Atkins the Minister for Transport to explore a mechanism for ensuring that the Scarborough Integrated Transport Scheme starts in the near future.
At the meeting the Minister made it very clear that decision making on this scheme had been constrained by the High Court Challenge period to the statutory orders.
Nevertheless the delegation that came away from the Ministerial meeting, which included Mike Moore from the County Council and Jan Anderson from Yorkshire Forward were encouraged by the references made in the meeting to the fact that the scheme had not been removed, that it could still come back into the timetable and the Minister would consider a funding decision immediately after the High Court Challenge period had expired.
Lawrie Quinn said:
"I am pleased that the hopes for this important transport investment, held by many people at the Yorkshire Coast and across North Yorkshire, are back on track after a very positive hearing by Department of Transport Ministers and officials yesterday"
Mike Moore, speaking on behalf of the County Council, said that he was encouraged by the comments made by the Minister as the scheme still represented an essential part of the regeneration development for Scarborough, in its own right the scheme represented very good value for money and he saw no reason why a positive response shouldn't come from the Minister's office in early January.
10 Dec 2004
Lawrie Quinn MP220 Portcullis House 13 December 2004 Dear Charlotte 2005/06 Local Transport Capital Expenditure : Scarborough Integrated Transport Scheme Thank you for the meeting held on Thursday 9th December with Mike Moore from North Yorkshire County Council and Jan Anderson from Yorkshire Forward - the Yorkshire and Humberside RDA.- and myself. I found our discussion extremely positive and was encouraged by your reference to the procedural problems you are faced with due to the current High Court Challenge period for the scheme. With that in mind you were very clear to express the view that the Scarborough Integrated Transport Scheme has not been removed from the National Programme and that it can continue on timetable once the potential for legal challenge is passed over. The mechanism for this of course is an early submission from the County Council as close to the 6 January as it can be. This will enable advice to be prepared for you to consider funding the scheme, hopefully for an early start. In the meantime I know that Mike's office will continue to work with the Government Office to ensure that all the information that is required for your decision making is made as quickly as possible on or after the 6th January 2005. Yours sincerely cc
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Following the announcement on Monday 29 November of the Local Transport investment of £700 million in the Yorkshire and Humber region, Scarborough & Whitby's MP has been working to resolve technical issues behind the reason that the Scarborough Integrated Transport Scheme was not confirmed for a start on site for early in 2005.
Working closely with North Yorkshire County Council Members and Officers, Lawrie Quinn held a meeting with the Secretary of State, Rt. Hon Alistair Darling MP, yesterday to discuss the concerns of the community at the Yorkshire Coast.
Following a very fair hearing of the case for the scheme the Secretary of State has facilitated a meeting later this week at the Department of Transport with the Minister responsible for the local transport budgets, Charlotte Atkins MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport. The meeting at Great Minster House is scheduled for early afternoon on Thursday 9th December.
The delegation is expected to consist of Lawrie Quinn MP, Mike Moore, Corporate Director for Environmental services North Yorkshire County Council, alongside representatives from the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber and Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward.
Lawrie said:
"I am satisfied that the Secretary of State has listened to the case I have presented to him on behalf of the community at the Yorkshire Coast and the rest of North Yorkshire. I welcome him organising the meeting on Thursday afternoon when all the key players behind the Scarborough Integrated Transport Scheme will have the opportunity to update the Minister personally on the background, history and progress already made on this much needed investment to the infrastructure of Scarborough."
7 Dec 2004
Lawrie Quinn MP today described Chancellor Gordon Brown's pre-budget report as "good news for parents, children and pensioners".
Mr Quinn said,
"Gordon Brown and Charles Clarke's plans for childcare show that Labour is on the side of local families. Good quality childcare and nursery education improves children's performance when they reach school and boosts their chances throughout life. Labour's plans will extend free, high-quality childcare to 15 hours a week for all three and four year olds by 2010, towards our goal of 20 free hours a week. By guaranteeing good quality, affordable childcare and nursery education for every family, Labour will ensure that no child in Scarborough & Whitby is left behind."
"Parents in this constituency want to be able to balance their work and family life and I want to ensure that they have real choice to do so. That's why I am backing Labour's plans to extend paid parental leave to nine months from 2007 on the way to extending it to a full year. So for all parents in Scarborough & Whitby there is real choice and freedom in deciding how best to balance work and family life, especially in the first year of their baby's life.
"And to do more to meet childcare costs for working families on modest incomes, Labour will meet up to 80% of the cost - up to £175 a week for the first child and £300 for two children.
Lawrie continued,
"For pensioners aged 70 and older, the Chancellor announced a £50 payment to help them with their council tax bills next year. Around 10,330 pensioner households in Scarborough & Whitby will get the £50 extra payment next year.
"Gordon Brown and John Prescott also announced extra cash for North Yorkshire County Council and Scarborough Council to keep council tax rises down for all council tax payers.
"That cash should mean that our local councils can improve their frontline services - in classrooms, in their care for older people, in cleaner streets - while at the same time keeping down council tax bills. The combination of lower council tax rises and the £50 pensioner payment will be a real help.
Lawrie said,
"Unemployment in Scarborough & Whitby has fallen by 52.5% since 1997. Having the right skills that the economy needs is the best protection against unemployment and the surest route to higher wages. But 8000 local workers in Scarborough & Whitby have no or low skills. To help local people get the skills they need, Gordon Brown announced that every employer will be able to offer every adult worker with low skills the chance to acquire skills up to a first Level 2 qualification, for free. I want to ensure that every employer in Scarborough & Whitby knows about the help they can get to boost the skills of their workforce, and that low-skilled workers can get the training they need.
"Gordon Brown's announcements add up to good news for council tax payers, families, pensioners and workers who need new skills. We can go ahead with these decisions because of the tough measures Labour took to pay off debt, bear down on inflation and get the public finances on a sound footing. We avoided the global recession that affected every other major economy and today inflation and mortgage rates are at their lowest for thirty years and more people are in work than ever before. What a contrast with the Tory years, when interest rates soared to 15 per cent and there were three million people unemployed."
"Gordon Brown's Pre-Budget Report shows we are delivering on the promises I made to people here in Scarborough & Whitby. Labour is on the side of families and pensioners, and Labour is the party of economic strength and stability. That's what local people voted for, and that's what we are delivering."
Tory cuts would lead to council tax hikes in Scarborough & Whitby and cuts in local services
Lawrie Quinn MP went on to welcome Labour's extra £ 17 million for North Yorkshire County Council and £ 300 000 for services provided by Scarborough Borough Council, meaning that hard working families in our area will continue to benefit from Labour's record investment in local services.
He also challenged local Tories to come clean on the effects their policy of cutting Labour's investment in our public services would have on council tax levels and local services in Scarborough & Whitby.
Lawrie Quinn MP said:
"Our Labour government has said that it will increase by an extra £17 million for North Yorkshire County Council and £300 000 for services provided by Scarborough Borough Council this financial year."
"I believe this will be welcomes by the majority of local families, who will benefit from this extra money, for local schools, for making the community cleaner and safer places to live and in regenerating our area."
"This money should also keep council tax bills down. I particularly welcome the extra £50 the Chancellor announced for every household over the age of 70, to help them with their council tax bills."
"But local people need to be aware that if the Conservatives were in power nationally they would slash Labour's budget for local government."
"So today I challenge Robert Goodwill to come clean and say by how much would they let council tax increase in Scarborough & Whitby and which extra local services they would slash to meet Michael Howard's promise to slash funding for local government joining the recently announced closure of Borough Council Children's playcentres in Whitby, Eastfield, Barrowcliff and Falsgrave."
"The truth is if the Tories were in power nationally, their cuts agenda would lead to massively high hikes in council tax and deep cuts in local services, hitting hard working families and the most vulnerable in our community the hardest."
Notes:
Oliver Letwin announced in his Medium Term Expenditure Strategy in February 2004 that the Conservatives would apply a two-year cash freeze to all departmental budgets other that for the NHS and schools:
"I have agreed with my Shadow Cabinet colleagues that the baseline for spending across all of these departmental budgets will be 0 per cent growth for the first two years."
Oliver Letwin, Medium Term Expenditure Strategy, 16 February 2004-12-02
With Labour's plans an announced in the Spending Review 2004, local government spending will be £51,016 billion by 2007/8. Freezing the local government budget for two years - in line with the Conservatives' Medium Term Expenditure Strategy - means spending would remain at £46,174 billions - a real-terms cut in the local government budget of £4,842 billion.
2 Dec 2004
Margaret Hodge MP, Minister for Children will visit Scarborough on Saturday (27 Nov 2004) to promote what the government is doing to improve and increase child care.
Mrs Hodge will hold a joint press conference with Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, and Scarborough Borough Councillor, Brian Simpson, at 53 Westborough, Scarborough
The Minister will answer questions about the Government's proposals in the new session of Parliament to support hard working local families and children at the Yorkshire Coast and across the country.
Following a keynote speech at the Scarborough Spa conference centre for the Childminder's National Conference, the Minister will accompany Lawrie Quinn to Eastfield Play Centre. Mrs Hodge will listen to the management and volunteers of the four community play centres, which will move from the control of the Borough Council next year. She will also meet with local councillors who are helping to set up sustainable arrangements for these much valued community facilities following the withdrawal of SBC support.
27 Nov 2004
Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough & Whitby met with Joy White, Chair of the Patient & Public Information Forum for the Ambulance Service, earlier in the summer. As a result Lawrie requested a meeting with the Chief Executive, Jayne Barnes, and Chair, Nicolas Varey, of the Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service (TENYAS) NHS Trust.
Lawrie is visiting York's Ambulance HQ on Monday to congratulate staff at the TENYAS NHS Trust after they improved their performance last year and to discuss how they intend to improve the Trust's performance further.
Lawrie Quinn said:
"In 2003-4 TENYAS was an underperforming zero star NHS Trust. The staff at the trust have worked hard to gain one star status this year and I congratulate them. I want the trust to continue to improve until they get a top-ranking three star status."
TENYAS Chairman, Dr. Nicolas Varey said:
"We are delighted that Mr Quinn is to visit TENYAS. The way patients get NHS services is changing dramatically. We see TENYAS as playing a key role as point of first contact for the public and not just as an emergency service. We very much look forward to discussing our vision for the future with him to help build on the one star rating that we achieved this year".
8 Nov 2004
With Guy Fawkes night approaching, Scarborough & Whitby MP Lawrie Quinn today issued a stark warning - those found misusing fireworks will face £80 on the spot fines under new police powers.
The three fireworks offences for which a new Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) can now be issued are:
Lawrie said:
"I have been campaigning for many years for laws to combat dangerous and nuisance use of fireworks. These new fixed penalty fines will allow our local police to get tough on those who misuse fireworks and make people's lives a misery in Scarborough & Whitby."
"Those that use fireworks to make peoples lives a misery now face and increased fine and court action if they refuse to pay the £80 on the spot fine.
"The reality is that fireworks can cause harassment, intimidation and in worst cases, serious harm. The Government will not tolerate this. We have brought in new laws so that the police can punish offenders immediately with on-the-spot fines, pursuable if necessary through the courts."
4 Nov 2004
Lawrie Quinn has welcomed No. 10's riposte to allegations of a secret deal with Washington about RAF Fylingdales.
Asked for a reaction to reports suggesting that the Government had struck a secret deal with the US to install a missile system in the UK, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman said that the reports were rubbish.
Lawrie said,
"As I said yesterday to the Scarborough Evening News the suggestion that secret deals had been struck behind closed Washington doors did not match the completely open book approach both myself and John Greenway have had on this important local issue ever since I arrived in Parliament in 1997.
As an Engineer I remain very sceptical about the practicalities of such a system ever working and firmly believe that the testing programme underway will need several years of appraisal and the endorsement of the new President after next month's US Elections...who ever wins.....The speculation raised in last weekend's press seems as credible as the most of the script of TV's "West Wing"...I am pleased that the Prime Minister and the MOD have clearly responded as per today's statement.
I hope that local people will endorse the actions and scrutiny I've been able to take since the weekend and that the US Elections result in this system being spiked so far as Pentagon planners are concerned"
19 Oct 2004
Lawrie Quinn, Labour MP for Scarborough and Whitby is pleased to announce that the Christmas Day (Trading) Bill has passed its final stage in Parliament.
The Bill, backed by Usdaw, the shopworkers' union, means that all large stores must close on Christmas Day and this would give most shopworkers at least one day off at Christmas.
Lawrie said
"I have backed this Bill from the beginning and I am delighted that it has now become law.
"Even Scrooge gave his staff Christmas Day off. Staff in large retail stores work exceptionally long hours in the run-up to Christmas. This new law should provide them at least Christmas Day off, to spend time with their families. This is important for everyone, but especially for people with children.
"It also ensures that Christmas Day remains special for us all and doesn't become just another shopping day."
John Hannett, Usdaw's General Secretary, was quick to thank Lawrie Quinn for his support,
"We are very grateful to Lawrie and to all of the MPs who helped us to make sure that Christmas Day is protected. I would like to thank them on behalf of Usdaw and the millions of shopworkers and their families who will benefit from this legislation."
Notes
1. Previous legislation did not prevent large stores from opening on Christmas Day, unless it fell on a Sunday.
2. New legislation prevents all large stores of over 3,000 square feet (the size of a tennis court) from opening on Christmas Day, whichever day of the week it falls on.
3. The Bill is sponsored by Kevan Jones MP (Labour, Durham North).
4. Further information on Usdaw's campaign to Protect Christmas Day can be found at www.usdaw.org.uk or by e-mailing christmasday@usdaw.org.uk or phoning Usdaw's Political Office on 0161 249 2452.
5. Or contact Lawrie on pager number 076 4400 6857.
6. Contact Clare Billing 0207 219 5937 for photograph.
18 Oct 2004
The launch of a new service to protect customers in Yorkshire and the Humber has been welcomed by Lawrie Quinn MP.
Consumer Direct is one of the biggest developments in consumer advice and support and the first service of its kind in England.
From a £20 pair of jeans, to a £2000 house repair or a £20,000 car, Consumer Direct will give people the knowledge, tools and confidence to resolve disputes.
Lawrie Quinn MP said:
"The Consumer Direct scheme is more good news for consumers, it offers protection from dodgy salesmen and shoddy goods. Anyone who feels they have been ripped off or is unhappy with the service they have received can ring the hotline and get expert advice on seeking redress. The hotline is a quick and easy source of information for people in Scarborough & Whitby and I'm sure it will help save local people a great deal of wasted time and money."
The scheme, funded by the DTI, was first launched in Scotland in July, with Yorkshire and the Humber the first English region to come online. Consumer Direct will be rolled out across the UK over the next couple of years.
The new service will also offer practical information and advice via a website, and online users will be able to e-mail their queries to advisers.
Fully trained consumer advisers, based at the new contact centre in Leeds, will offer help on how to avoid possible pitfalls when buying goods or services, and give advice on consumer rights.
Consumer Minister and Bradford South MP, Gerry Sutcliffe said:
"Consumer Direct will empower consumers by increasing their access to clear practical advice. For the first time people across Yorkshire and the Humber will get quality advice from fully trained consumer experts via a single national telephone number.
"From now on, any consumer who thinks they have been treated unfairly, or needs to know what their rights are will have access to prompt, practical advice from one source."
Research by the DTI has shown that 50% of consumers didn't know where to go for advice and don't pursue complaints. Two thirds of consumers lack confidence in dealing with consumer issues.
Evidence from a pilot project shows that each consumer who used the service saved an average of £100.
At the moment Consumer Direct is only available in Yorkshire and the Humber and Scotland. By the end of the summer Wales and the South West will have come online, and Consumer Direct will be available in all UK regions by spring 2007. Consumers will be able to access advice via a single national telephone number: 08454 040506.
Consumer Direct, though primarily a service for consumers, will also be able to help businesses by providing them with information and advice on consumer issues. And if consumers have been caught out by a rogue trader or dodgy salesman, Consumer Direct will be able to pass details onto the relevant Trading Standards department so enforcement action can be taken.
Notes to editors
24 Aug 2004
Lawrie Quinn MP has welcomed new powers to crack down on the misuse of fireworks. The new powers are part of the Fireworks Regulations 2004.
The principle purpose of the new powers, which come into force on Friday 7 August, is to regulate the supply and use of fireworks in order to curb anti-social behaviour and prevent death, injury or damage to property.
The powers make it an offence:
Lawrie Quinn MP said:
"I have been campaigning for some time for legislation to combat the anti-social use of fireworks.
"Many of my constituents have complained about very noisy fireworks being used in completely the wrong places. In a professional display, in a large park, noisy fireworks are part of the fun; but going off in your neighbour's back garden is quite a different matter. These fireworks scare young children and animals, particularly. They should not be allowed in these settings and from Friday, thankfully, they will not be.
"Local people have also complained about fireworks going off at all times off the day and night, so the curfew element is particularly welcome. It is quite right that on Guy Fawkes and Diwali, for example, fireworks are allowed after 11 p.m.. These are one off celebrations. But most of us want to enjoy fireworks up to a certain time and then leave it at that. I know that virtually all of my constituents will welcome the Government's determination to get tough on this problem."
Ends
NotesFor further information contact Lawrie Quinn on pager number 076 4400 6857 or Clare Billing on 020 7219 5937.
3 Aug 2004
Lawrie Quinn welcomed the Spending Review unveiled today by Chancellor Gordon Brown. He said this is "a massive boost for Scarborough & Whitby children and will make our local streets safer"
Lawrie Quinn MP said,
"Gordon Brown's Spending Review is good news for parents and children in Scarborough & Whitby."
"Gordon Brown allocated new money to create 2,500 Children's Centres across the country towards Labour's goal of a new Children's Centre in every community.
"The Chancellor also announced an extension to the successful Bookstart scheme which provides free books for youngsters. To help parents balance work and family life he also committed to creating 120,000 more childcare places by 2008.
"He also announced new investment in our criminal justice system, in policing, in tackling anti social behaviour and in improving the quality of life for towns such as Scarborough & Whitby."
"I believe that to make Scarborough & Whitby streets safer and more secure today's announcements will mean more money to recruit more Community Support Officers and Police officers.
"In addition to investing in education and the fight against crime, the Labour Government has announced significant other extra investment including
- new funds of £250 million to get tough on anti-social behaviour
- additional resources of £1 billion for housing
- £2 billion more for the Department of Transport to invest in our infrastructure to improve rail travel and tackle road congestion
- more funds for international aid
- more support for the Regional Development Agency and regional economic development
"This long-term investment is only possible because we have delivered economic stability. Today inflation is at its lowest sustained rate for thirty years, mortgage rates are at their lowest for thirty years and employment is at record levels"
"What a contrast with the Tory years when interest rates soared to 15 per cent and there were three million unemployed. The Conservative Party oppose this investment and are committed to cutting £18 billion from public services - that would mean cutting at least £27 million here in Scarborough & Whitby."
"The Chancellor outlined today how Labour is making the necessary investment in schools, skills, training and enterprise to ensure our continued economic success and to lock in economic stability for a generation."
"The investment the Labour Government has announced today enables us to build efficient and strong public services for Scarborough & Whitby delivering greater opportunity and security not just for some but for all."
12 Jul 2004
Local MP, Lawrie Quinn, today expressed support for people with dementia and their carers in Scarborough & Whitby, to highlight Alzheimer's Awareness Week.
The theme of the week, which runs from 4 - 10 July, is children, younger people and dementia. The Alzheimer's Society, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is using the week to help children and younger people understand what dementia is and how it might affect someone they know. The Society has produced new information for children including a video of children talking about dementia in the family, which will be shown in schools.
Mr Quinn said:
"I am very happy to be supporting the Alzheimer's Society in Alzheimer's Awareness Week. We all need to understand that dementia is caused by a disease of the brain and is not a normal part of ageing. We must help everyone - whatever their age - cope with the impact of dementia."
"I hope people will support the events planned in Scarborough on 6th, 8th and 9th July"
More than 1150 people living in Scarborough & Whitby have dementia and more than three times that number are affected by the consequences.
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society said:
"I am very pleased that Lawrie Quinn MP is supporting Alzheimer's Awareness Week. Twenty-five years ago, the odds stacked against the Society's survival were almost overwhelming. Today, we have achieved more than our founders might have believed possible. With so many people behind us, we will be able to continue our vital work to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers."
5 Jul 2004
To find out more about Alzheimer's Awareness Week please call 020 7306 0813 or 020 7306 0839.
Notes for editors:
For further information contact Lawrie Quinn on pager number 076 4400 6857 or Clare Billing on 020 7219 5937.
The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers and celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2004.
Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a disease of the brain that causes memory loss, personality changes and physical disability.
Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336 or visit the website at www.alzheimers.org.uk
Events in Scarborough:
6 July Tin collection, Kwiksave, Scarborough, 10am-4pm.
8 July Awareness & tombola stall, Westborough, Scarborough, 10am-4.30pm.
9 July Awareness stand organised by Scarborough & NE Yorks Healthcare NHS
St Nicholas Hotel, Scarborough, 9am-12.15pm.
Rt. Hon. Nick Raynsford MP, The Minister for Local and Regional Government visits Scarborough on Monday 28th June to listen to local community stakeholders regarding an elected assembly for the Yorkshire and Humber region and local government reform in North Yorkshire.
Lawrie Quinn said
"I am particularly pleased that the Minister is taking the time to visit Scarborough and the Yorkshire Coast to consider these important issues of how our community is to be governed at a regional and local level".
"Before the meeting the Minister will be visiting the house he lived in when he was 2 years old, in Prince of Wales Terrace in Scarborough, where his early interest in quality housing was probably formulated!"
Nick Raynsford said
"I am delighted to be back in Scarborough and able to visit the property I lived in shortly after the war. I have visited the town on many occasions, and have many happy memories of Scarborough. Fortunately I was too young to remember the ceiling which nearly collapsed on my head more than 50 years ago!"
28 Jun 2004
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Lawrie Quinn is presented with his odd sock by Steve Cram
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Lawrie Quinn completed the Westminster Mile.
The charity event for Sport Relief took place on 16 June. Instead of the Comic Relief Red Nose, Sport Relief participants were given one Red Sock before the race saying 'Doing It' and one after saying 'Done It'.
Lawrie raised £250 and has earned the right to wear his second sock.
The pre-event press release is below with more details.
Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, joins Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon and Sports Minister Richard Caborn today (Wednesday 16 June) in a special Mile event for Sport Relief.
The 47 year old MP from Fylingthorpe (near Whitby) is one of more that 100 MPs and Peers from all parties who will put aside their political differences to raise money to help underprivileged people both at home and abroad.
Labour MPs, Tories, Lib Dems and Independents will rub shoulders with Peers of the realm from both sides of the House led by London 2012 Chair, Lord Coe, as they run, walk or hop a Mile specially marked out through the paths of St James's Park in London. Olympic stars Steve Cram and Tessa Sanderson will also be on hand to offer encouragement to the runners.
The cause that is breaking down the political boundaries is a good one. The charity, Sport Relief was set up by Comic Relief in association with BBC Sport to tackle poverty and disadvantage, in both the UK and in some of the poorest countries around the world. Sport Relief's debut, in 2002, raised more than £14 million and this time round hopes to do even better.
Lawrie Quinn said: "This is a fantastic one off opportunity to get each party to 'Go The Extra Mile' for Sport Relief. I hope I can stagger around the course. I won't be breaking any records but that's not the point. It's supposed to be fun too."
The Westminster Mile is a stepping-stone to kick start the public to take part in the Fitness First Sport Relief Mile on Saturday 10th July when everyone is being encouraged to get together to do the Mile in 14 venues up and down the country. In addition a whole heap of local Fitness First Sport Relief Mile events are being organised by sports clubs, leisure centres, local town authorities and other groups.
Instead of the Comic Relief Red Nose, Sport Relief participants will be given one Red Sock before the race saying 'Doing It' and one after saying 'Done It'.
Sports Minister Richard Caborn said: "I shall wear my Red Socks with pride."
BBC One will be on hand to film the efforts of our MPs and Peers to be shown on the night of 10th July as part of their five-hour coverage. BBC presenters such as Sue Barker and Jeremy Clarkson are playing their part with special versions of their popular TV shows. A Question of Sport Relief, Stars in Fast Cars and an unusual version of Superstars are all part of the mix.
For more information and details of how you can join in the fun, go to Register online at www.sportrelief.com or by phone on 08712 44 44 11 (calls cost 10p/minute) or register through any one of the 149 Fitness First health clubs.
For further information contact:
Lawrie Quinn on pager number 076 4400 6857 or Clare Billing on 020 7219 5937.
Paul Barnes at DCMS on: paulbarnes@culture.gsi.gov.uk or call 020 7211 6142
General Sport Relief Information - Press Office
Amy Wyld on a.wyld@comicrelief.org.uk or call 020 7820 6930
Rebecca Farquhar on r.farquhar@comicrelief.org.uk or call 020 7820 6050
For Photos: Kate Knowles on k.knowles@comicrelief.org.uk or call 020 7820 5536
Notes to editors
Further ways to get involved with Sport Relief
Buy a Speedo Sport Relief T-shirt for £14.99 from kitbag.com
To make a donation call 08457 910 910 (calls will be charged at a LoCall rate)
Where does Sport Relief money go?
Half of the money raised by Sport Relief will be spent in the UK funding projects that make a difference through sport.
The other half will be spent on work trying to help kids who are having really tough lives in some of the poorest countries in the world.
Sport Relief history
Sport Relief made its debut in 2002 and raised a staggering £14.4 million. The first Sport Relief in 2002 saw some seriously big names - David Beckham, Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Michael Owen and Denise Lewis, to name but a few.
In the UK, Sport Relief '02 cash is levelling the playing field - helping tackle poverty and bringing young people that have been divided by conflict and tension together through sport.
Overseas Sport Relief '02 is helping children like 10-year-old Elisabeth, who lives in Peru. Elisabeth used to get up at 5am every day to work in the quarry making bricks. Thanks to the money that everyone helped to raise, Elisabeth can now go to school and be a child again.
Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568.
16 Jun 2004
Lawrie Quinn, Member of Parliament for Scarborough & Whitby said today that he wanted to remind everyone of the Patient and Public Involvement Forums for the Ambulance Service, which were established in December last year.
He said,
'It is a marvellous opportunity for people to have a say in how our public services are run'.
The Tees, East & North Yorkshire Ambulance Service covers a vast area and meetings take place all over the Tees and North Yorkshire area. The next meeting will be held in York on 14th July then in Middlesbrough on 22nd September. If you are interested in joining the forum, have a comment to make on the ambulance service or would just like a copy of their first quarterly report, you should contact Lynn Clark on 01482 499042'.
11 Jun 2004
Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough & Whitby, is calling on all secondary schools in this constituency to get involved in Giving Nation, an independent UK-wide initiative encouraging 11-16 year olds to switch on to charity and the community.
Lawrie said,
"Our secondary school pupils already do a great deal to support good causes by volunteering their time and putting their efforts into creative and energetic fund-raising. Giving Nation is a chance to recognise and celebrate their efforts, motivating young people to stand up and make a difference, hence building on giving for the future.
"I want to see all our schools involved because young people need to realise that they can make a difference and it is good for them and good for our community."
Giving Nation has been designed to support the citizenship curriculum for 11-16 year olds and is funded by the Department for Education and Skills and the Home Office Active Communities Unit. It aims to help young people understand the power of giving and the importance of charities in shaping a fair and inclusive world. It promotes initiative, participation and choice - giving young people the tools they need to tackle the issues they care about.
Giving Nation offers a free resource pack for teachers, and an interactive website www.g-nation.co.uk for teachers and pupils. So far, over 3,000 schools have requested the packs - this represents over half of all UK secondary schools.
Giving Nation is also hoping that schools will participate in the annual "Giving Week" or "G-Week", this year from 26 June - 2 July 2004, to celebrate pupils' involvement.
Schools can order their free Giving Nation pack by calling 020 7401 4070.
28 May 2004
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The Prime Minister with Lawrie Quinn MP
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The Big Conversation was launched in September 2003 by the Prime Minister, who said,
"We should have the confidence to open up debate, to be honest about the challenges, lay out the real choices."
Government Ministers have travelled all over the country listening to people express their views on difficult issues facing the country today.
Lawrie said,
"I was very pleased that the Prime Minister found time to meet with me for feedback about the Big Conversation at the Yorkshire Coast. Many people in my constituency have taken part in discussions with myself and I want to continue the debate. The Health Services meeting, at the end of April, with Rosie Winterton MP, Minister from the Department of Health, was particularly successful and brought forward some interesting ideas."
26 May 2004
Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough & Whitby this week welcomed the announcement from David Blunkett, the Home Secretary, to issue free 10 year passports to all over 75 year olds.
Lawrie Quinn said,
"All British passport holders over 75 will be eligible for free ten-year passports in grateful commemoration for their wartime efforts".
"As we approach the 60th anniversary of D-Day and other World War II campaigns, this is a unique opportunity to offer free ten-year passports to World War II veterans to allow then to continue to visit the battlefields of remembrance. The scheme will also include all others aged over 75 (on 2nd September 2004) as many would have contributed to the war effort in a non-military way. This scheme will ensure that everyone who helped the UK through the war years can benefit from free passports."
Speaking in Westminster, Lawrie said,
"The determination of those who fought and worked during the World War II must never be forgotten."
"It is only right that veterans should be able to return easily to the battlefields where they bravely fought and where their comrades died and that those who worked hard on the home front should be rewarded as well".
Notes:
19 May 2004
Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough & Whitby, yesterday sponsored a Bill calling for a ban on unsolicited cold calling for property repairs.
This important Bill was introduced by Gordon Marsden MP for Blackpool South. The initiative, which has the support of Help the Aged, Neighbourhood Watch, the Federation of Master Builders, Trading Standards, Sense and senior police officers, follows the Office of Fair Trading report on doorstep sales published last week.
Lawrie Quinn said:
"The Bill is not intended to damn all those who promote goods door to door or companies who over many years have demonstrated their probity and professionalism this proposal would not impose any more than a mild inconvenience on them. But only the absolute clarity of a ban backed up with tough enforcement powers will protect elderly and vulnerable people from the vultures who prey on them."
"This proposed legislation highlights disturbing evidence that criminal gangs are selling on details of houses where vulnerable or elderly people have previously been targeted successfully - leading to as much as £80,000 being taken from them."
"I know Ministers are looking closely at ways in which we can deal with the repellent and criminal activity masquerading as business, and I hope that they will look closely at a ban as the best way to protect vulnerable and elderly people."
19 May 2004
On Monday 26th April Lawrie Quinn MP will be taking part in the Oxfam back to School Day, visiting Caedmon School, in Whitby, the Scarborough Sixth Form College and Pindar School, as part of the Global Campaign for Education Week of Action.
Lawrie Quinn welcomed Hilary Benn MP's announcement this week of £12m for an international fund to help developing countries provide education for the world's poorest children
Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for International Development, was talking at an event where 659 children from schools all over the country asked politicians how they would help the estimated 150 million children in developing countries with no access to education.
Lawrie said
"I am delighted that so many schools in Scarborough & Whitby have been involved in this initiative".
Speaking at the event, Hilary Benn said:
"The £12 million we are announcing today will go, on your behalf, to an education fund run by the World Bank. The fund will help a specific group of developing countries, including Yemen, the Gambia, and Guyana, that desperately need a quick injection of money to get their education systems up and running. In addition, this year we have spent over £170 million on education in developing countries, providing things like books and building new schools. That figure will rise to over £250 million a year, from next year onwards. The UK - working in partnership with other countries - is making a significant difference to the lives of children all over the world. For example in Bangladesh more girls than ever before have access to education and in Rwanda, ten years after the terrible events of the genocide, almost the same number of girls go to school as boys."
23 Apr 2004
Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, today welcomed plans to improve taxi service as a "means to increase efficiency at the local level."
The plan from the Department of Trade and Industry is a response to the Office of Fair Trading report on how the taxi trade operates across the country. The DTI will consult local authorities in order to improve the taxi and private hire vehicles (PVH) services. These authorities will be asked to justify their current limitations on taxi numbers as well as reviewing these restrictions every three years. Additionally, it was recommended that there be a maximum fare rate rather than the existing minimum or mandatory rate.
Mr Quinn said,
"I believe these are sensible plans which will decrease consumer costs and waiting time, and also increase the quality of service by increasing competition in the market. I have personally received over a hundred representations about the original terms of the OFT report on taxis and was delighted to make sure ministers understood the concerns of people at the Yorkshire Coast. I believe they have listened and understood local peoples concerns.
"This new policy will not only benefit the elderly and those with lower incomes, but also will aid those who would like to start a taxi business. This decision has obvious benefits for all. By keeping the consumer in mind at the local level, everyone will benefit from improved taxi service. There has been an strong level of local lobbying and I will be responding to all the local letters giving the details of the announcement."
19 Mar 2004
Lawrie Quinn welcomed the Budget unveiled today by Chancellor Gordon Brown as "good news for children, families and pensioners here in Scarborough & Whitby."
Lawrie Quinn MP was commenting after listening to the Chancellor deliver the Budget which announced more money for each of the 50 schools in Scarborough & Whitby and gave pensioners aged 70 and over £100 to help with their council tax bills.
Lawrie Quinn MP said,
"Gordon Brown's Budget demonstrates that education is Labour's number one priority and today's Budget means more money for pupils here in Scarborough & Whitby.
"The Chancellor told MPs that education funding is set to increase by £8.5 billion. In 1997 we spent £2,500 per pupil and today we spend £4,500. As a result of the extra investment announced today by Gordon Brown, by 2008 we will spend an £1,000 more - a total of £5,500 for each and every school pupil in Britain. The Chancellor also announced funds to renovate every secondary school in Scarborough & Whitby over the next ten years.
"Today's Budget also delivered a boost for pensioners in Scarborough & Whitby. Gordon Brown announced today that pensioners aged 70 or over are set to receive an extra £100 to help with their council tax bills. Together with the Winter Fuel Payment pensioners aged 70 or over will receive £300 and those aged 80 or over will receive a total of £400 this year.
"We can only go ahead with these decisions because for the first time we have managed to avoid the global recession that has affected every other major economy. Today inflation is at its lowest for thirty years, mortgage rates are their lowest for thirty years and new figures today show that employment has increased by 1.8 million with unemployment falling by 36% in Scarborough & Whitby since 1997.
"What a contrast with the Tory years when interest rates soared to 15 per cent and there were three million unemployed. The Tories are committed to cutting £18 billion from public services - that would mean cutting £27 million here in Scarborough & Whitby.
"The Chancellor outlined today how Labour is making the necessary investment in schools, skills, training and enterprise to ensure our continued economic success and to lock in economic stability for a generation. By cutting out waste and bureaucracy Gordon Brown also confirmed he will release additional resources for local services.
"This Budget shows we are delivering on the promises I made to people here in Scarborough & Whitby. More jobs and improved skills, better schools and hospitals, more help for families and more help for pensioners - that's what local people voted for, and that's what we are delivering."
17 Mar 2004
Today's announcement by Trade and Industry Minister Patricia Hewitt that the minimum wage is to be increased to £4.85 per hour, and that a new minimum wage will be implemented to protect 16-17 year old workers, has been warmly welcomed by Lawrie Quinn MP.
Lawrie said:
"The minimum wage is a flagship Labour Party policy, it has made a real difference to thousands of people's lives in Scarborough & Whitby and millions of people's lives across the country.
"Raising the existing adult and youth minimum wage levels will bring a real change to these people's lives. The new rate for 16-17 year olds means the protection of a minimum wage is now extended to more people than ever before. Younger workers are more likely to be exploited by unscrupulous bosses so I am very pleased they will have the protection of a new minimum wage."
These are the recommendations in the low pay commission's 2004 report, which the Government is accepting. They will take effect from 1 October 2004.
The adult rate of the minimum wage should be increased from the present hourly rate of £4.50 to £4.85 in October 2004. The youth rate (which applies to 18-21 year olds) should be increased from the present hourly rate of £3.80 to £4.10 in October 2004. The Government should introduce a minimum wage for 16-17 year olds, set at an hourly rate of £3.00 in October 2004.
Apprentices aged 16 and 17 and participants on specified pre-apprenticeship programmes should be exempt from the new rate
Secretary of State at the Department for Trade and Industry Patricia Hewitt MP said:
"Today's announcement means 1.6 million workers will benefit from an hourly rate of £4.85 while young people between 16 and 17 will be given protection from exploitation for the first time.
"Our first priority is to encourage young people to remain in full time education or training that is why we are offering extra support and incentives through Education Maintenance Allowances from September.
"But where young people chose work without training we have a clear duty to protect them from exploitative rates of pay," she said. Patricia Hewitt added: "We do not want to discourage employers from offering training places, which is why apprentices are excluded from the youth new rate.
"However, the Government believes that there is a good case for improving the financial support available to apprentices and we expect to be able to make an announcement on this shortly."
15 Mar 2004
Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough & Whitby, welcomes the recent news that there has been a significant drop in cancer deaths over the last generation.
Death rates have fallen across a number of cancers. In Scarborough & Whitby, since 1981, the rate of women's deaths from breast cancer has fallen by 30%. During the same period deaths from lung cancer have dropped by 34% while deaths from all cancers (excluding skin cancer) have fallen by 23%.
Cancer Research UK has launched their 'All Clear' campaign which aims to highlight the considerable advances made over the last generation in the treatment of cancer. More patients are recovering and many of those diagnosed with cancer now have a greatly improved chance of survival thanks to research findings. The introduction of screening and improvements in chemotherapy over the last generation has had a marked effect.
Lawrie said,
"There is significant investment being made into Scarborough Hospital at present, and it is to be hoped that the new developments, which include new radiology equipment and an MRI scanner, will help improve treatment and diagnosis still further."
"Cancer is a disease that touches every family in Scarborough & Whitby, and despite the great progress made against many cancers much more needs to be done."
8 Mar 2004
After arriving at York railway station the Minister of Transport David Jamieson MP will travel to Scarborough by car to inspect the A64 between Askham Bar, York and the Eastfield Business Park, Scarborough accompanied by Lawrie Quinn MP and a representative from the Highways Agency.
The Programme for the Visit is as follows:
| 11.00 | Arrive at Scarborough Building Society, Eastfield Business Park, Scarborough for presentation of A64 Economic Study followed by round table discussion with local business community leaders and members of A64 Regional Partnership chaired by Lawrie Quinn MP
Media representatives welcome. |
| 13.00 | Minister to be given escorted tour of Scarborough to be updated on progress on Scarborough Urban Traffic Management Project, local community traffic issues including Wykeham Street area and transportation relationships for North Bay development traffic issues (NYCC and SBC to lead presentations during trip) |
Lawrie Quinn said,
"I am particularly pleased that the Minister is taking the time to visit these crucial transport links to the Yorkshire Coast after his previous interest which led to the commissioning of the Study by the regional sub regional partnership. It will also be a timely opportunity for local business leaders to outline their supporting case for the future economic development at the Yorkshire Coast."
25 Feb 2004
From Monday morning next week the cultural talent of the North Yorkshire town of Whitby will be taking pride of place at Westminster. Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough & Whitby, is sponsoring an exhibition produced by a talented local sculptor in the Upper Waiting Hall, Exhibition area of the House of Commons.
Lawrie continues to push forward his campaign for Whitby to be recognised as one of the world's principal centres of culture. Lawrie Quinn says.
"As well as being very proud of the extensive achievements of Whitby as a centre of culture in the past I believe it is my duty to promote the impressive local artistic talents of today."
Darren Yeadon learned his craft while serving his time as a stonemason at a North Yorkshire quarry near Whitby. Around 10 years ago when he was 23, Darren was involved in a serious car accident. He was not expected to live, was in a coma and subsequently suffered with total amnesia, loss of speech and an inability to walk. When Darren recovered he made a decision to use his talents to become a sculptor.
Lawrie Quinn said,
"I am pleased to support this event. Darren's strength of character and great talent have impressed me and I am honoured to be his MP. I would also like to thank Yorkshire Water and the Kelda group for their support in helping this event to be the success I am confident it will be. Darren's exhibition in parliament will celebrate the strong community links and impressive investment made by the company at the Yorkshire coast in recent years."
14 Jan 2004
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