Press Releases from
Lawrie Quinn MP

Captain Cook Statue

Ashok, Lawrie and the Arts Minister will be meeting at the site of the vacant plinth on the North West side of the Square at 11.30am. Ashok said

"As someone representing a parliamentary constituency where in what is now the Middlesbrough suburb of Marton, Captain Cook was born and raised, I want to see that plinth filled by his statue. We have had support for this bid from across Teesside and indeed from across the world. I have had letters from the US, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Captain Cook was the father of British exploration and a great natural scientist and to my mind certainly deserves this accolade."

" I too represent a constituency where Captain Cook first learnt his trade as a sailor at Staithes where he first met and worked with fisherman and mariners, and later in Whitby. The Endeavour was a Whitby build ship the vessel of choice for exploration on the part of Cook who learnt his trade on the North Sea coal trade between the East Coast and London. Again, there is tremendous enthusiasm for this bid in Whitby and I am sure both Alan Howarth and the advisory panel chaired by Sir John Mortimer QC, who will be making the final recommendations to the Secretary of State cannot but be impressed by this support."

20 Dec 1999

MP announces over 9000 local pensioners to get free TV licenses.

The pre-budget report also included a commitment to pay the new £100 winter fuel allowance to pensioners, not only this year, but every winter.

Lawrie Quinn said,

"This pre budget report will provide real assistance where it matters most for the pensioners of Scarborough & Whitby.

By extending the £100 Winter Fuel allowance, abolishing charges for eye tests and cutting VAT on fuel, this Government is helping 22,991 local pensioners.

We are putting right years of harm inflicted on pensioners. The last Government introduced charges for eye tests. We abolished them. They put VAT on fuel. We cut it."

November 23, 1999

MP praises Queen's Speech and Labour's new programme.

"Our new legislative programme is based on enterprise and fairness and creating a modern Britain. It will build on the economic achievements of the last year.

• Record number of people in work
• The claimants count for unemployment at its lowest level for 9 years
• The introduction of the national minimum wage.

And it will help build a platform of economic stability and steady growth.

It will prepare Britain as a dynamic, knowledge-based economy and will help to make the UK the best environment world-wide in which to trade electronically.

It will offer real improvements in the standards of training and education for over 16 year olds. And it will make it easier to reduce burdens on business. Vital services such as the Post Office, the Utilities and public transport which each play a part in the competitiveness of British Industry will also benefit.

In addition to this further push to improve the UK’s economic efficiency the programme will also address the important issue of social exclusion. The support available to young people leaving local authority care will be improved, measures to improve standards and stamp out abuse in social services introduced and the education of children with Special Educational Needs strengthened".

"After Gordon Brown’s pre budget announcement last week Her Majesty’s Speech shows our commitment to end the cycle of boom and bust inherited from the previous Government. Our focus is on putting economic stability in its place, which allows us to keep inflation on target. Already, Government borrowing has been cut by £20 billion and long term interest rates and mortgage rates are at all time lows.

I am pleased to be able to demonstrate to the people of Scarborough & Whitby that this Government is delivering its commitments to families and communities through rising living standards for all. We will continue on this stable course into the next century."

November 17, 1999

Lawrie Quinn MP welcomes Chancellor's Pre Budget Report

"Today's pre budget report shows that Labour is delivering work, enterprise and fairness for all. The government is taking long-term action to lock in economic stability and open the way to steady growth, leaving behind the boom and bust of the past. Building on this platform of stability, the Chancellor has today delivered a new boost for jobs here in Scarborough & Whitby.

The New Deal is already delivering results and today Gordon Brown announced that it is being extended. Since the election youth unemployment in this constituency has fallen by 75% and long-term unemployment has fallen by 57%.

Total unemployment has fallen by 29% in Scarborough & Whitby since the election and today's announcement of new measures to help the long term unemployed and lone parents who want to work will help provide opportunities for the 2.090 people still unemployed here in Scarborough & Whitby.

I also welcome the Chancellor's initiatives to ensure that enterprise is open to all, including helping more employees to buy shares in their own companies.

And with today's announcement of a free television licence for every pensioner over 75, around 9,196 pensioners will benefit here in this constituency. Together with the other measures announced today for pensioners, all pensioner households in Scarborough & Whitby will be an average of £300 a year better off.

Gordon Brown also cut the tax on savings down to 10p and announced a potential £300 million worth of resources for the National Health Service across the UL and extra money for education.

Labour has shown that enterprise and fairness can go hand in hand. This is a pre budget report which delivers work, enterprise and fairness for all the people of Scarborough & Whitby"

November 9, 1999

MP welcomes Labour's Winter Fuel Payments

In Scarborough & Whitby almost 30,000 pensioners and across the country over seven million pensioner households will benefit from the £100 payments. These payments have increased five fold since they were introduced for the first winter of the new Labour government in 1997.

Lawrie Quinn MP said,

"Thanks to the Labour Government, every pensioner household in the country will be getting an extra £100 this winter to help with heating costs and it is tax free. It is vital that pensioner can turn the heat up when it is cold without worrying."

"For the first time pensioners in Scarborough & Whitby will get the money in their hands before Christmas, when they need it. No one needs to claim, it is automatic".

For further details on eligibility contact Linda Brittain or Clare Dossor on 01723 507000 or 01947 821733 For comments please page Lawrie Quinn on 01523 523 523 and ask for 826762

November 9, 1999

Lawrie Quinn says "Get Involved" in Make a Difference Day 99

MADD is the UK’s biggest single day of volunteering and has been organised by the national charity, Community Service Volunteers.

Mr Quinn said,

"Getting involved couldn’t be easier, it could be anything from spending a day with an elderly neighbour to organising family and friends to decorate your local community centre or tidy up a local beauty spot. I’d encourage everyone to get stuck in. I'm sure that you’ll not only receive warm appreciation for your commitment, but that you'll also find the experience rewarding and enjoyable."

October 12, 1999

Lawrie Quinn welcomes Government's Annual Report

"I am proud of what the new Labour Government is doing for the people of Scarborough and Whitby, we are making progress, but there is more to do."

Lawrie Quinn MP went on to say,

"In our manifesto we set out 177 commitments, 90 of which have been delivered, 85 are in progress and only two have yet to be time tabled. In the past year we have -

• Provided more money than ever before on health and education, an extra £40 billion.
• Supported families with a record rise in child benefit.
• Two million people have gained from the minimum wage.
• Youth unemployment has halved with the New Deal.
• 10p rate of income tax and lowest ever mortgage rate for 30 years."

July 27, 1999

Youth & Women’s Conference

On Saturday morning, at the Spa Lawrie Quinn will make a welcome speech to over a thousand delegates to the Labour Party Youth and Women’s Conference. He will be followed by the Chair’s address by Hilary Armstrong MP and a keynote speaker.

Other members from Westminster visiting this weekend include Tessa Jowell, Jim Murphy, Phil Woolas, Stephen Byers, Baroness Margaret Jay, Beverly Hughes and Members of the European Parliament.

Lawrie Quinn said,

"I am delighted that the Labour Party make Scarborough their first choice for these medium size conferences. It will certainly bring increased trade into the area which is good for local businesses in Scarborough."

July 7, 1999  

MP votes to help working families

The Working Families Tax Credit, due to replace Family Credit from October 1999 means guaranteed take home pay of £200 a week for any family with a full time worker. No family with earnings of less than £235 a week will pay income tax. Lawrie Quinn MP said

"I voted to support the Working Families Tax Credit because it will provide a better deal for working families in Scarborough & Whitby. Together with the National Minimum Wage and National Insurance reforms working families will take home more of what they earn".

" the Labour Government are supporting families when they need it most, when they are bringing up their children

June 24, 1999

MP urges people to vote in Euro Election

Lawrie Quinn M.P. said

"The elections on 10 June are important in building a modern and reformed Europe and Labour would be at the fore front in pushing forward change". He added "Scarborough and Whitby needs to be part of a Europe that puts jobs and enterprise first, assists business and gives new rights for employees".

"Of course I want everyone to vote Labour as their leadership and influence in Europe is getting results for the British people".

June 8, 1999

MP welcomes High Court Agreement for Ex- Miners

Lawrie Quinn MP said ' Any retired miner or miners widow who feels they have a claim should telephone 01144 203 4478 and freephone numbers of solicitors involved in the claims procedure in this region will be supplied.'

Claims will be handled, as quickly as possible and medical tests will be held not more than 25 miles from home. Medical tests are in two parts 1) by spirometry test, after the result a claimant may chose to receive a full and final settlement or 2) proceed to a full medical assessment in three parts a) living function test b) medical records check and c) consultation with a specialist. Miners proceeding to a full medical assessment will be prioritised according to age and degree of disability.

There are no minimum years of employment rule preventing anyone claiming compensation under the respiratory disease compensation.

Lawrie Quinn MP said 'It was a historic agreement in the High Court, excellent news for ex miners and their widows. We must now get on with the business of paying compensation.'

20 April 1999

Lawrie Quinn MP holds consultation on Rural England.

The Government's Manifesto included specific pledges on the countryside: to recognise the special needs of rural areas, not to allow rural transport and other public services to deteriorate, to give greater protection to wildlife, and to give greater freedom for people to explore the open countryside.

Lawrie Quinn MP said

'This is an excellent opportunity for anyone living, working or concerned about the future of our countryside to come along and share his or her views. The government wants your involvement in the preparation of the White Paper; the solutions to many of the challenges for rural communities lie in working together.

If you would like a copy of the discussion document contact Linda Brittain on 01723 507000.

20 April 1999

Lawrie Quinn MP urges support for Gift Aid 2000

Lawrie Quinn has expressed his support for 'Gift Aid 2000' to promote the Millennium Aid scheme. The MP said: "It is a tragedy that 30,000 children die every day from preventable diseases and millions of children do not even get full primary school education. If British people could give a small, regular donation, as little as £5 a month, it could make a real difference to millions of children.

"The Government has set us a fourfold challenge for making real progress on debt relief and poverty reduction: To cut debt, to boost the aid, to give £l billion and to sell the gold.

"What makes it even more special is that if you give, the Government gives as well making your contribution go even further. It is an exciting innovation that for every £100 that is given to UK charities working in the world's poorest countries, the Government gives almost £30 in tax relief. I would encourage as many people who can afford it to help mark the millennium in this way. There is a local rate phone number - 0845 075 2000 - which people can call from today to make their donations.

31 March 1999

MP backs NSPCC Campaign

Backed up by a series of hard-hitting TV and poster advertisements, the Full Stop Campaign puts across the message that protection of children is everyone's business. It aims to bring about huge changes in the way children are treated and heard in schools, in homes and in local communities.

Lawrie Quinn MP said "Politicians and the public must unite to help the NSPCC rid society of cruelty to children" and he urges everyone to support the campaign.

24 March 1999

Lawrie Quinn MP says Labour keeps promises to pensioners

The Minimum Income Guarantee will raise the standard of living of Britain's poorest pensioners from 12 April to £75 per week for a single person and £116.60 for couples.

It is the government's intention, over the longer term, to increase the minimum guarantee in line with wage rises rather than prices to make sure that poorer pensioners share in the growing prosperity in Britain. In the budget, the Chancellor announced that the pensioners' guarantee will rise with earnings when it is uprated for the first time in April 2000. On the government's present forecasts, that means £78 and £121 for single pensioners and couples respectively.

Lawrie Quinn MP released figures showing that an estimated 3,900 single pensioners and 300 couples in Scarborough & Whitby will benefit from the guarantee. In North Yorkshire as a whole, 11,700 single pensioners and 850 couples will get the Minimum Income Guarantee.

But it is not just the poorest pensioners who will gain from the Chancellor's Budget. All 29,472 pensioners in Scarborough & Whitby will receive a fivefold increase in the winter allowance, which is rising from £20 to £100 per household.

Those who have saved in occupational or personal pensions and have to pay income tax after retirement get an added boost from the Chancellor with the introduction of a Minimum tax Guarantee. Age-related income tax personal allowances will be increased by up to £200 above inflation, which means that no pensioner aged 65 to 74 with an income of £110 per week or less will pay income tax and no pensioner aged over 74 on £115 per week or less will be taxed.

Lawrie Quinn MP said;

"All pensioners will be better off after the budget. Every pensioner household is getting the £100 winter allowance. On top of this, better off pensioners are getting tax breaks under the Minimum tax guarantee, and the poorest pensioners on income support will receive more money from our Minimum Income Guarantee.

"This means the average pensioner household will be £240 a year better off. It shows the Government is keeping its promise to support pensioners."

15 March 1999

MP to discuss "Right to Roam"

Lawrie Quinn MP said,

"The new statutory right to access will give people greater freedom to explore our open countryside and will provide fresh opportunities for walking and other recreational pursuits, balanced with a responsibility to protect the environment."

12 March 1999

Lawrie Quinn MP welcomes plans to help ease Third World Debt

Lawrie Quinn said

"The Chancellor's plan will bring tremendous relief to the people and economies of developing countries. The Chancellor proposes to

1. Restructure the World bank and International Monetary Fund debt relief schemes to reduce debt by £31.25 billion
2. To urge rich countries to increase aid by £37.5 billion for social, health and education initiatives.
3. Provide tax relief on charitable donations of more than £100 to encourage charities and other organisations to give an extra f£625 million in aid by 2001
4. Establish a debt relief scheme funded by the sale of £625 million of international Monetary Fund gold reserves targeted at the worst affected Debtors."

8 March 1999

Lawrie Quinn MP welcomes fall in Hospital Waiting Lists

Lawrie Quinn said

"The Trust should be proud of its achievements, they are the first Trust in the region to have no patients waiting more than 12 months. The Governments target for Trust is no patients should have to wait longer than 18 months by the end of this Parliament. Scarborough have clearly excelled in these expectations".

3 March 1999

MP welcomes new A1 road signs

Lawrie Quinn said

" This is excellent news for the constituency and the tourist industry and it also demonstrates that the Highways Agency were listening when I met with them following a campaign by local organisations to improve the directional signs for Scarborough".

18 January 1999