Graeme Lyall-Chief Excutive Officer of Gateshead Carers Association, Debra Sales-Carer and mum, David, Jimmy Miller- Chairman of Gateshead Carers Association, Elsie Johnson - pensioner carer.
Return to Homepage | Current News
David says there are no surprises in a report which gives the A1 as one of the most congested roads in the country.
And the Western By pass is sixth in the country for congestion, according to Trafficmaster. David also protested in the Commons when the Transport Minister said it was people in the North East who had said that dualling the A1 was not a top priority.
David said,
"I don't think there are any surprises in this. Those of us who have to use this road are only too well aware of the fact congestion is getting worse by the day. We're also aware of the fact something has to be done about it. There has to be an alternative to using the roads, which is affordable and efficient."
21 Dec 2006
David wants the government to give Nexus back the money it had to spend to implement the concessionary travel scheme.
He says the formula for grants for the scheme penalised Tyne and Wear, and if the money is not repaid, even more problems will arise when the travel scheme goes national in 2008.
In his letter to Local Government Minister Phil Woolas and Transport Minister Gillian Merron, David wrote,
"As you are only too painfully aware, Tyne and Wear suffered disproportionately as a result of the distribution of the £350m allocated for concessionary travel through formula grant. I hope that the Bill will allow some recognition of this and ensure not only does this situation not recur but there is provision to reimburse the money that had to be found this year in order to implement this scheme.
"Unless this is done, any new system of bus regulation and moves to ease congestion by encouraging greater use of public transport would leave Tyne and Wear at a distinct disadvantage as they would not be starting from a level playing field."
David's letter has drawn support from the Chair of Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority, David Wood.
8 Dec 2006
|
|
|
Graeme Lyall-Chief Excutive Officer of Gateshead Carers Association, Debra Sales-Carer and mum, David, Jimmy Miller- Chairman of Gateshead Carers Association, Elsie Johnson - pensioner carer.
|
David has handed in the Carers' Petition to 10 Downing Street.
With almost two and a half thousand signatures, it calls for action to protect Carers against the complete loss of their allowance if their income rises slightly.
This was highlighted by the recent rise in the minimum wage which took some carers just a few pence over the earning threshold, but they lost all of their carers allowance.
David said,
"The response was really good and I would like to thank everybody who signed up for their support."
David also raised the same problem with the Chancellor in the Commons during the debate on the pre budget report.
7 Dec 2006
David has voiced his concerns about the renewal of the UK's nuclear deterrent.
The £20billion the system is expected to cost is a huge amount which could be better spent in other ways, including improving the transport infrastructure.
David said,
"I'm very, very concerned at the amount of money these would cost. This kind of investment could really help the country in a number of ways, including transport."
5 Dec 2006
David has said that road pricing on Tyneside would be unacceptable without a huge improvement in public transport.
He also urged a new fast rail link to the south.
On concessionary travel, he said the government should return the £7.2 million councils had to pat last year to run the scheme.
David went on,
"If they're going to bring in road pricing on Tyneside, as they seem determined to do, they must bring in major improvements to public transport and roads in the area. It'll be just another unpopular tax without better buses and trains as an alternative."
1 Dec 2006
The government has been accused of starving North East roads of funds in favour of London.
David was blunt with Transport Minister in a session of the Transport Select Committee, of which David is a senior member.
Douglas Alexander tried to say that all areas would receive investment but then said that London has "distinctive features" which deserve recognition in terms of the decision we reach".
David want on the offensive, pointing out of the North East road network's 'distinctive features',
"The North-East is lagging behind the rest of the country when it comes to transport and particularly road infrastructure. We need the government to give us much more priority when they hand out taxpayers money."
"When we have a motorway network which boasts just two lanes, are struggling with our links from east to west and haven't got a proper dual carriageway to the border, let alone the problems of the Western Bypass, we need more priority as a matter of urgency."
The full transcript of David's interrogation of the Minister on behalf of the North East will be available shortly.
Date 2006
A "Travel Tsar" is being appointed to ease congestion at Team Valley.
Development at the huge trading estate has been blighted the Highways Agency with its Article 14 blocking orders. The idea is that better planning of travel could reduce the number of vehicles travelling to and from the estate.
David welcomed the idea,
"I have no argument that developers and businesses need to do what they can to reduce congestion, so if this proposal can assist, I think it's a good thing and could go a long way to resolving some of the problems we're facing."
The North-East fares badly compared with London in terns of road spending, with less than one third of spending on roads compared with London. And this money has to cater for maintenance, lighting and improvements, leaving for new roads. David emphasised the need for investment in the North-East's roads,
"Road transport will be a major feature of our country's social and economic activity for the foreseeable future."
17 Nov 2006
David has said that there should be a limit on political parties can spend on elections.
In the wake of the 'Cash of Honours' row, he said that a cap on national campaign spending by all parties was essential.
He said of the Honours investigation,
"This has undermined whatever trust there was in politics, which recently has been very little. That is very worrying indeed for a democracy."
David also thinks one way forward might be state funding of political parties, saying,
"I haven't made my mind up yet but it may be needed. What is essential, though, is a cap on the amount of money political parties spend on national campaigns."
16 Nov 2006
David has wasted no time in the new Parliamentary session, tabling five Commons motions to back up his campaigns.
One draws attention to people on Carers' allowance who have lost it because of the rise in the minimum wage, and calls for justice for carers. (Read more and Sign the Petition on-line). Others back a motorway link for the North-East, encourage the use of Travel Cards and welcomes local council support for Maglev.
The five Early Day Motions are:
EDM 78
CARER'S ALLOWANCE
15.11.2006
Clelland, David
That this House notes with extreme concern that, whilst most workers rejoiced at the increase in the minimum wage to £5.35 per hour from 1st October, many carers in employment found that they lost the whole entitlement to £46 per week carer's allowance because the additional 30 pence per hour in their wage packets took them over the £84 earnings disregard limit; further notes with concern that carers with children are restricted to working at least 16 hours per week in order to qualify for working families tax credit and that this basic amount will automatically bring the working carer to a weekly wage of £85.60, £1.60 over the earnings threshold of £84; and calls upon the Government to review this situation urgently to ensure justice for carers.EDM 79
NORTH EAST MOTORWAY LINK
15.11.2006
Clelland, David
That this House welcomes the call from the Northern Way initiative for the North East of England to be fully linked to the UK motorway system as a step in the right direction and a major contribution to the aims and objectives of the Go for Jobs campaign in the region; and recognises that, while it is true to argue that congestion cannot be resolved by simply building more roads, a fully integrated motorway system throughout the nation is nevertheless an essential part of promoting economic growth in the regions and reducing regional disparities and that the current isolation of the North East from the rest of the motorway network unfairly and unreasonably discriminates against the North East.EDM 80
MAGLEV
15.11.2006
Clelland, David
That this House congratulates the local authorities in the North East of England for their decision to promote Maglev as the preferred future inter-regional rapid transport mode; recognises that current thinking on high speed rail links is based on old technology that will be as outdated as steam trains by the end of the 21st century; and welcomes the recognition by North East councils that the region needs modern transport links that will close the North-South divide and stimulate the region's economy.EDM 81
TAXATION OF TRAVEL CARDS
15.11.2006
Clelland, David
That this House believes that the provision by employers of travel cards, season tickets and bus passes to staff is an encouragement to use public transport and therefore entirely commensurate with the Government's policy of reducing congestion and promoting the greater use of public transport; and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to recognise the merits of such schemes by abolishing the rule that considers such provision as a taxable benefit.EDM 82
GATESHEAD COUNCIL
15.11.2006
Clelland, David
That this House congratulates Gateshead Council and all concerned in achieving first place and a Gold Award in the UN Environment Programme-backed Livcom Awards which aims at improving the quality of life through the creation of liveable communities; and commends Gateshead for winning the overall prize at the United Kingdom Fleet awards after reducing carbon emissions by 300 tonnes per year, and for playing its part in the fight against climate change by reducing vehicle mileages by 7 per cent. and running most council vehicles on biodiesel and gas.
15 Nov 2006 2006
David has launched a new campaign to protect children from abuse.
Using posters with slogans such as You Won't Tell Your Mummy, will you? and Let's Keep This Our Little Secret, the campaign aims to make children and parents aware of the dangers that can lurk on the internet.
David is not anti-internet, saying,
"The internet is a source of enjoyment and communication that can be accessed by all ages but it is a dangerous place for the naive and the vulnerable. The reality is that child abuse sites proliferate. Individuals and criminal gangs make money from them.
"Thanks to the Internet Watch Foundation and the Government agency, the Child Exploitation and On-line Protection Centre, the number of illegal child abuse websites in the UK has fallen dramatically.
"The posters raise awareness of the dangers. They send out the clear message that something can be done to stop these sites"
The slogans are the kind of things that potential abusers may say to a child to prevent discovery.
David recently gave the keynote address at the Newcastle Conference of the Internet Watch Foundation. Anybody with doubts about a website can contact the Foundation at www.iwf.org.uk.
14 Nov 2006
|
|
David with Bernard Garner, Chief Executive of Nexus the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, together with ministers Phil Woolas - Communities and Local Government, and Gillian Merron - Transport(buses)
|
David has returned disappointed from a meeting in London with Phil Woolas, Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government. David and Nexus boss Bernard Garner were hoping for a resolution to the Nexus funding crisis.
Last year Nexus dug into its reserves to fund unprofitable bus routes and pensioners' travel, but this year, that cash is not there.
David said,
"We got a lot of sympathy, but we didn't make a lot of progress. The Government can't just give money away - they've got to have legal grounds. But they're still no further forward in that than they were last year."
David says the formula by which grants are allocated fails to take into account the circumstances of Nexus and leaves it at a financial loss. The funding gap this year is over £5M.
One ray of hope is that local councils might be given more control over buses.
David added,
"The Minister did suggest there might be more flexibility in local government budgets, but then it will be up to local authorities to decide if that's what they want to spend it on."
Gillian Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Transport, has hinted that this could be a way forward. David said of that,
"We didn't get any detail, but we seem to be moving in the right direction."
10 Nov 2006
|
|
Ian Pearson (left), David and Gateshead Council Deputy Leader Cllr Ian Mearns (right)
|
David gave a warm welcome to Gateshead this week to Ian Pearson, Minister for Climate Change and Environment.
The occasion was his address to invited guests about the importance of the Gateshead and Newcastle Warm-Zone projects.
David said,
"Warm Zone is not only important because it saves energy, it also saves lives."
The project helps residents with home heating and insulation, sometimes to 100% of cost.
9 Nov 2006
The Highways Agency has changed its view on the infamous Article 14 orders.
It has used these orders to block development, and therefore jobs, when it felt there would be extra traffic as a result. This affected Team Valley in particular.
The change comes after the Agency was criticised by a committee of MPs, on which David sits, the Transport Select Committee. The agency has agreed to draw up a "Memorandum of Understanding" to work with local authorities.
David said,
"Anything which improves the situation in terms of economic development is welcome, particularly around the Team Valley trading estate. What the Highways Agency have to do is win the confidence of local authorities and the business community in the areas concerned. Up to now, they've manifestly failed to do that."
8 Nov 2006
|
|
Stacy Hall - ONE North East, David, Jon Armstrong - London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Tim Cantell Jones - Sport England.
|
David is fighting hard to see that Gateshead and Newcastle get their share of Olympic action.
Not on the track or field, but in terms of jobs and money.
He has been meeting with others from the region and Olympic stakeholders to see what can come north. He met Stacy Hall of ONE North East, Jon Armstrong of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Tim Cantell Jones of Sport England in the House of Commons this week.
9 Nov 2006
The Commons Transport Committee, of which David is a member, has called for more use of safety cameras.
They said it was disgraceful that government guidelines on camera placement meant people had to die before a camera is installed.
The group also called for more enforcement of 20 mph speed limits in residential areas, rather than relying on humps etc.
The decline in the number of traffic police officers should be reversed. David said,
"Just taking ordinary officers and putting them on traffic duties is not good enough. We need specialists who have the powers that will ensure motorists behave in a sensible way."
1 Nov 2006
David has warned that Tyne and Wear Transport operator Nexus faces "meltdown" next year if more cash is not forthcoming.
The funding formula used for transport services by central government leaves Nexus without enough cash to cover its costs.
Last year Nexus dug into its reserves to fund the shortfall and cut some services.
David said,
"Last time we had all the furore over the concessionary fares, Nexus partly funded that from their balances. The fact is they can't do that again next year."
"The Government need to make more effort this time. I'm very, very much afraid Nexus will be in a state of meltdown if we don't get some resolution to this problem before next May."
Nexus welcomed the MP's support and said they were still in talks with government about the budget.
David has also tabled an Early Day Motion calling for Ministers to meet with local MPs.
EDM 2896
TYNE AND WEAR PASSENGER TRANSPORT AUTHORITY
31.10.2006
Clelland, David
That this House expresses grave concern that the financial position of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority is yet again under threat as a result of the introduction of free bus fares for people over the age of 60 years; and calls upon representatives of the Government urgently to meet Tyne and Wear hon. Members in order to pursue a solution to the financial difficulties of the authority brought about by Government policy.
30 Oct 2006
David has highlighted the problems faced by Carers because of a rise in the National Minimum wage.
Many working carers now find they have lost all their carers allowance because of their pay rise.
Further problems arise for carers with children because of family tax credit rules, many losing £46 pw because of a gain of just £1.60 pw.
The Early Day Motion reads:
EDM 2881
EFFECT OF NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE ON CARERS
30.10.2006
Clelland, David
That this House notes with extreme concern that whilst most workers rejoiced at the increase in the minimum wage to £5.35 per hour from 1st October, many carers in employment found that they lost the whole entitlement to £46 per week carer's allowance because the additional 20 pence per hour in their wage packets took them over the £84 earnings disregard limit; further notes with concern that carers with children are restricted to working at least 16 hours per week in order to qualify for working families tax credit and that this basic amount will automatically bring the working carer to a weekly wage of £85.60, £1.60 over the earnings threshold of £84; and calls upon the Government to review this situation urgently to ensure justice for carers.
30 Oct 2006
David is urging children to shine in the dark.
|
|
Children shine in reflective clothing
|
With the clocks going back this weekend and the darkening evenings, he stresses the need for kids to be seen in the gloom.
David said,
"With the return of the winter nights, our children face greater risks on our roads."
Ideally wear at least one item of reflective clothing so that they shine in vehicle headlamps, and wear light clothing.
28 Oct 2006
David is continuing his campaign to get better road links for the region.
He has tabled two Commons motions which call for a motorway link to the region, and also urging the government to back the North East 'Go for Jobs' campaign and obtain greater co-operation from the Highways Agency.
The full Early Day Motions are:
EDM 2859
NORTH EAST MOTORWAY LINK
25.10.2006
Clelland, David
That this House welcomes the call from the Northern Way initiative for the North East of England to be fully linked to the UK motorway system as a step in the right direction and a major contribution to the aims and objectives of the Go for Jobs campaign in the region; and recognises that, while it is true to argue that congestion cannot be resolved by simply building more roads, a fully integrated motorway system throughout the nation is nevertheless an essential part of promoting economic growth in the regions and reducing regional disparities and that the current isolation of the North East from the rest of the motorway network unfairly and unreasonably discriminates against the North East.
EDM 2857
NORTH EAST GO FOR JOBS CAMPAIGN
25.10.2006
Clelland, David
That this House is concerned to learn that potential developers in the North East of England are being discouraged by the belief that the Highways Agency is less than co-operative and that development proposals will be unreasonably delayed; notes that developments on Gateshead's Team Valley Trading Estate and Riverside Park are particularly affected; calls on the Roads Minister to live up to his statement that he will `kick backsides' where such things happen; and further calls on the Government to co-operate with the aims and objectives of the North East Go For Jobs campaign and put economic development in the region at the forefront of Government policy.
25 Oct 2006
David says the government is looking favourably on a plan to build a thousand new homes in Gateshead.
He has met with Ministers to discuss the council's bid to develop the former Freightliner terminal for homes.
David said,
"I have had positive vibes from the minister Yvette Cooper and we could be receiving official confirmation about that decision within days. This is an important part of Gateshead's regeneration. It's going to provide a lot of new housing which will be needed because we'll have a lot of new employment in that part of Gateshead."
23 Oct 2006
|
|
HMS Calliope along the quayside in front of The Sage
|
HMS Calliope sits along the Gateshead quayside on front of the Sage Centre and some believe it is a blot on the landscape and prevents further development of the Gateshead side of the river.
David said,
"I think HMS Calliope does a great job and should continue to be on the River Tyne," said the Tyne Bridge MP.
"But while this was a suitable site in the 60s and 70s, the dramatic changes to the quayside mean that it is no longer appropriate to have what is basically a corrugated iron-roofed square block squatting in front of the beautiful symmetry of The Sage Gateshead, Baltic and Gateshead Millennium Bridge. But I want to know what Tynesiders think."
18 Oct 2006
David is backing a campaign for better access to a vital cancer drug.
Altima, which is used to treat those suffering from the asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma, has been turned down by NICE for use by the NHS.
David said,
"It is the only drug for mesothelioma and I fully support the campaign."
Campaigner Christine Knighton, whose husband Mick Knighton died from the disease, met with MPs including David at the House of Commons. She founded the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund to after her husband's death in 2001.
18 Oct 2006
|
|
The cheque was presented by National Express Director Malcolm Pheasey to David Clelland and community association staff Kath and Gina
|
David has chaired a meeting about the new rail franchise for the area.
As part of their consultations on the vital new rail franchise serving Gateshead, Newcastle and the surrounding areas, the National Express team visited Gateshead to meet with key stakeholders to discuss the services that they expect any successful bid to deliver for the area.
Gateshead's Trinity Community Association hosted the meeting which David chaired. National Express presented the Community Association with a cheque in gratitude for their hospitality.
17 Oct 2006
|
|
Fingers lost forever by misuse of a firework
|
The potential for disaster is obvious, and is exacerbated by the illegal smuggling of alcohol and possibly sub-quality, dangerous fireworks.
David said,
"I have been contacted for help by Gateshead residents fed up with disturbance from fireworks that are apparently being set off by kids who have also bought alcohol illegally. This combination of booze and bangers is potentially lethal. I've met with Gateshead councillor Kevin Dodds, who chairs the committee that licenses shops selling alcohol, and he shares my view of the seriousness of these claims."
The pre Bonfire Night period for the sale of fireworks starts on Monday, but the best advice is to attend an organised display.
14 Oct 2006
|
|
Victorious candidate (Cllr) Pauline Dillon
|
David has congratulated Pauline Dillon on her victory in the Dunston Teams by election.
Labour Candidate Pauline won with a comfortable majority on a low turn-out (21.3%) over the Lib Dems.
Her majority was 425 over the Lib Dems (not 225 as reported in the press) and the Tories were pushed into fourth place.
David said,
"With all that has gone on in the last few weeks it was a very good result for Labour and down to the hard work the Labour team put in."
The Lib Dems had a 3% swing from the independent and the Tory and Pauline had a 1% swing in her favour.
The result was as follows;
| May 2006 | |||
| Labour | 694 | 55% | 54% |
| Lib Dem | 269 | 21% | 18% |
| BNP | 226 | 18% | 13% |
| Con | 76 | 6% | 9% |
| Ind 6% | |||
| Turn out | 21.3% | 30.3% |
29 Sep 2006
David backing pensioners in their efforts to avoid rogue traders.
He is setting up a register of reliable tradesmen that elderly and vulnerable people can rely upon.
David said,
"We're only too familiar with stories in the Press of dodgy dealers preying on elderly and vulnerable people. I don't want Gateshead's pensioners pushed into paying a fortune for building work that they neither need nor want.
"The Newcastle register already has more than 500 tradespeople on the list, who have carried out over 750 jobs this year alone. Much of the basic legal work has already been done by Anchor Housing and could easily be extended to Gateshead."
12 Sep 2006
|
|
David meets TUC leaders at the conference
|
David has called for fast action to stop the flow of manufacturing jobs away from the North East.
The Northern TUC is holding a conference today at St. James's Park on manufacturing which David expects to produce results.
David said,
"This conference is expected to be the largest ever held on this subject. It will not be a vehicle for empty rhetoric - we have to take action, and fast, to stem the flow of manufacturing jobs away from the North-East."
The conference is called "Unite for Manufacturing" and follows an extensive survey by the Northern TUC of businesses in the region.
6 Sep 2006
|
|
Clogged Western By Pass
|
David has called again for the Western By Pass to be improved.
Photographs published in The Journal show how much economic growth has taken place in the area in the last twenty years, but the road hasn't changed.
David said,
"I think everybody who's used the road over that period recognises the build up in traffic is not only because of increasing car ownership, but also because of increased economic activity around there.
"That's one of the reasons the Highways Agency gave for restricting future development because of its effect on the road - which of course we think is the wrong way round. You should improve the road rather than restrict economic activity."
The Highways Agency had been putting a block on further economic growth using Article 14 orders until recently.
4 Sep 2006
|
|
Maglev train in Germany
|
David has said that "heavy metal trundling along steel rails" is not the way forward for the region's transport needs.
His comments come amid fears that plans for a high speed 200 mph rail link linking north and south could be scrapped.
But David and others are urging the government to think along even bolder lines, and go for a 300 mph maglev link, where trains hover with no friction above an electromagnetic rail.
David said,
"It would be very disappointing if Sir Rod Eddington ruled out a conventional high-speed North-South link because the South-East will continue to drive the economy for the foreseeable future making out links to the capital. We should be brave about our future transport needs and we should be more futuristic."
A maglev link could almost halve current journey times to London.
30 Aug 2006
David has highlighted the failure of bus privatisation which has led to services being disconnected from each other and the Metro and in many cases withdrawn.
In an article published in the Newcastle Journal, he recounts how the Tories' much vaunted competition has all but vanished giving big profits to a few companies.
David will be pressing the government to change the law in the next session of Parliament to allow more integration of transport services.
26 Aug 2006
|
|
David back in Saltwell Park
|
David returned to his childhood play area to see new sports facilities in Saltwell Park.
The games area in the park has been funded by Barclays from their Spaces for Sports Programme.
David said,
"Not only will the project encourage people to take up sport and improve their health, it will also bring people together and strengthen community spirit. This is a fantastic facility for young people and residents from the local area."
Barclays have £30M to spend on community sports facilities to help people get fitter.
25 Aug 2006
David has warned against using the North East as a pilot for road charging.
This follows news that Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander is looking at road charging as a way of reducing congestion.
The A1 Western By Pass could be in the frame, but David is opposed to it as part of a pilot scheme.
David said,
"There needs to be some experimentation. I would have thought the A1 Western bypass is a possible candidate, but I would hope it wouldn't be a pilot. I wouldn't be opposed to pilots but they would have to be in places with more flexibility than we have here."
It would be counter productive to impose charging on routes where there us no viable alternative and could scare investors and jobs away from the region.
7 Aug 2006
David has called for benefit cheats to be tracked down more effectively.
This follows the release of figures showing that in the North East alone, cheats were costing taxpayers £28M.
David said,
"This is a genuine problem. It is a burden on the taxpayer and it affects those who are legitimately applying for benefits. It means there is less available in the welfare system for genuine claimers, who are often among the most vulnerable members of society. We could afford to pay for hundreds more doctors, nurses, police officers and other public sector staff, if we didn't have this burden.
"Tougher sentences for benefit cheats could be part of the solution, but we also need to be more effective in tracking them down. There is a lot of work to do. The problem is we will never really know how many benefit cheats are out there. A lot of fraud is not being detected. This figure of £28m could just be the tip of the iceberg."
The DWP in the region says there are a number of ongoing operations to tackle fraud.
David went on to say,
"While benefit fraud is a problem there are also huge, indeed far greater, costs to the system resulting from tax evasion. And it is my belief that as much attention should be focussed on that problem as on benefit fraud."
2 Aug 2006
|
|
|
Clogged Western By Pass
|
David has hit out at the North East being by passed again on road spending.
As work begins on work to connect English and Scottish motorways in the west, he has criticized the failure to improve the roads in the North East.
David said,
"We always seem to miss out when there is money being handed out for roads. There is an urgent need to improve transport infrastructure in the North-East and it is frustrating when we see millions being spent in other regions.
"The North-East has the poorest road infrastructure of any region in England and the Government needs to give it greater priority. We need a major motorway link from Scotland to the South which passes through the North-East, not just along the west coast.
"I would like to see the M1 extend all the way to Newcastle and the A1 dualled from Newcastle up to the Scottish border. The Government has promised some upgrades, although whether they will be sufficient remains to be seen."
25 Jul 2006
David has given his support to shop workers who face verbal abuse from customers.
A staggering 95% of retail staff have been verbally abused and half a million suffer verbal abuse every day. The shop workers union, USDAW, organised Respect for Shopworkers day for Wednesday July 12th 2006.
David was happy to lend his support. He said,
"We live in an era of virtually 24-hour shopping. Shopping has become a leisure pastime for many people. Yet the very people who make this possible run a daily risk of verbal abuse."
USDAW members report that serious instances of graphic swearing, sexist comments, homophobic abuse and racist taunts from out of control shoppers are rising sharply. Shop workers have the 'red card' spreading the message that anyone abusing staff can be removed from stores or even prosecuted.
13 Jul 2006
David has lent his support to a scheme to use the Crimestoppers number to help stop under age drinking.
Alcohol plays a large part in many crimes, and the plan is for adults to use the number to report cases of selling alcohol to under 18s.
The plan is being considered by Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police, but David thinks it's a great idea and should be extended to other areas.
He said,
"It is an excellent idea and I have suggested Gateshead Council leader Mick Henry, who is chairman of the Association of North East Councils, tries to get it adopted by others.
"I also intend to take it up on a national basis to encourage all local authorities to follow Gateshead's example.
"Gateshead appears to be leading the way with this and I am sure other councils could adopt the same thing."
8 Jul 2006
|
|
Baroness Quin with David
|
The Gateshead Ethnic Minorities Group - Joyce and David were Vice Presidents for many years - organised a reception to honour her elevation.
David said,
'Joyce and I have worked together, literally shoulder to shoulder on so many issues, trying to do our best for Gateshead. I wasn't able to be present when party members held a reception for her last September, so I'm delighted to have this opportunity to present Joyce with a small personal gift - this is a necklace woven from silver wire, made by people from the local community who are learning these skills by attending classes at the Bensham Grove Community Centre.'
8 Jul 2006
|
|
Cllr Peter Gibson and David at the opening
|
In his speech, David harked back to some of his childhood memories of Gateshead, and outlined how the job of firefighting has changed over the years. He also paid tribute the work of firefighters, and remembered their professionalism and skill on 7 July 2005 in London.
David's full speech reads,
I was honoured to be asked to open this new fire station today. Not least because this was my local fire station for many years as I lived only a few hundred yards from here. I remember the site well when I was growing up and even before there was a fire station here. The building next door, now a snooker hall, was the Shipcote cinema and I went there every Saturday morning to see batman and superman and various cowboys of yesteryear.
Ironically, on the corner of this site was a place that sold paraffin, and I remember getting cans filled and taking it back home to feed the paraffin heater that formed part of the home heating system. In those days, not surprisingly, house fires were more commonplace, as were factory fires in the large industrial complexes that were also commonplace on Tyneside.
Times have changed since then - actually not much for me, I still enjoy superman films and am looking forward to seeing the latest - but central heating and flame retardant materials have cut down the number of house fires, increased numbers of road traffic accidents as car ownership rises, the loss of heavy industry too, have all contributed to the changing nature of the firefighter's job.
The tragic events that took place in London on this day a year ago, also starkly highlighted the crucial importance of the new role evolving for the fire and rescue service. Our firefighters may not be supermen or superwomen - but what they did that day, and what they do every day to protect us all certainly makes them seem so sometimes. We owe them a great deal.
Back in my school days, me and my mates were likely to get a clip round the ear from the station master for straying too close to the shiny engines. But only two weeks ago, I was able to join literally hundreds of mums, dads and kids who enjoyed a family open day at the new Colby Court Fire Station. It was great - bouncy castle, climbing wall, dancing displays, loads of activities and kids of all ages were able to get right up close to those fabulous fire engines!
And there were young firefighters, learning not only about the firefighter's skill, but to respect our communities and each other and the art of team-work.
And that day also underlined for me the evolving role of the fire service. For whereas, in my day, the fire service seemed separate from the community, to be called on if needed but not a place to casually visit, the modern fire and rescue service is very much a part of our community, welcoming local people in.
Just to give an additional illustration, the Colby Court station was busily promoting the national blood service, particularly amongst ethnic groups, after local Muslim leaders had expressed their concern about the poor take-up of blood donation amongst the Muslim community.
So I am absolutely delighted to be able to formally open this new station today. A real community fire station here in the heart of Gateshead.
I know it must have been difficult for the fire fighters who have had to work in temporary accommodation in the Territorial Army barracks for such a long period of time - and frustrating as the delays were extended because of disputes over the colour of the bricks, but I'm sure - now that those difficulties are behind us, and we have finally got this fantastic new building - that everyone will join with me in congratulating the members of the Fire Authority for their vision and foresight in putting together the whole scheme.
Don't forget, this is only one of a series of new buildings, that will provide state of the art bases from which the Tyne and Wear fire and rescue service can meet the challenges of the 21st century - but, equally important, that will become much more a part of the communities they serve.
That is why it gives me particular and personal pleasure to declare this Gateshead fire station open.
7 Jul 2006
David has sponsored a Commons motion calling for more money to be spent on public transport.
While praising the improvements in London, the motion notes the gap which has opened up between London and other metropolitan areas and says this should be addressed.
The full Early Day Motion reads:
EDM 2500
TRANSPORT AND THE COMPREHENSIVE SPENDING REVIEW 2007
04.07.2006
Stringer, Graham
That this House notes the Government's achievement in the last comprehensive spending review in working with the Mayor to agree a £10 billion, five year investment programme for Transport for London; further notes the consequent success in driving up public transport usage in London and contributing to key Government objectives on sustainability and social inclusion; and now calls on the Government to use the opportunity presented by the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 to raise significantly the level of spending on public transport in the UK's other metropolitan areas in order to support their continuing and sustainable economic regeneration, and to address the gap in spending per head on transport that has now opened up between London and the UK's other major conurbations.
4 Jul 2006
|
|
David laying the stone on cairn during Isle of Man's Tynwald ceremony, watched not only by the Speaker of the Manx House of Keys, the Hon James Brown but also by Thorbjorn Jagland, the Norwegian Labour MP and former President of the Norwegian legislature - the Storting -with his wife in national costume. Also watching in national costume is Ms Solveig Petursdottir, President of the Icelandic Parliament, the Althingi.
|
David will be taking a stone from his home town of Gateshead to the Isle of Man for Tynwald Day on 5 July.
Each year on the Manx National Day or Tynwald Day, the Manx Parliament and the government for the Island go out to Tynwald Hill in St Johns to read a summary of the laws passed over the last year.
This year, David will be joining other guests and each has been invited to take a stone from their home town to lay on a commemorative cairn.
Gateshead born and bred, David will take a stone from Saltwell Park, his childhood playground, to add to the cairn.
David said,
"My stone had to come from Saltwell Park. I lived a stone's throw from the park, so I spent most of my childhood playing here. It was the best back garden a kid could have. My own children played here too and now my grandchildren enjoy it as much as I did. I'm proud to be able to take a little bit of it to the Isle of Man."
03 Jul 2006
|
|
David with Dr Ladyman
|
David has lobbied hard at Westminster on the issue of these orders blocking development in the North East and depriving the area of jobs. David was with Dr Ladyman who was visiting the area to open the (as yet unfinished) Scotswood Road dual carriageway.
Article 14 order are used to block development when it is felt that there would be too much traffic congestion as a result. But Dr Ladyman said,
"The Article 14 notice should be used very infrequently. If the developer and Highways Agency start talking to each other at an early enough stage, you almost always don't need an Article 14 notice. It's a tool and one we should use sparingly."
David welcomed this, saying,
"I think he's learned from his experiences here. I think we will see improvements coming out of this."
The government will now lift an Article 14 order preventing a major new development in the south of Sunderland, and plans for the A1, due to be put forward later this year, will be looked at favourably.
30 Jun 2006
David is urging the government to change the rules on Carers' Allowance.
Currently, as soon as a carer earns more than £84 per week, they lose the whole of their £47 a week allowance. David says carers save the taxpayer enough to pay for the whole NHS, but the government takes advantage of them.
David gave just one example of a local mother struggling to bring up her disabled son.
"One of my constituents, Debbie, is a bright, vivacious young woman who is a single mum bringing up seven-year-old Aaron, a lovely little boy with Down's Syndrome.
"She told me she really enjoyed going to work while Aaron is at school but if she earned even a few pence over £84 the allowance was taken off her. How can that be just or fair? Aaron's needs haven't changed just because she earns £84.75 per week.
"Debbie dare not work more hours and dare not take on more responsibility at work.
"The Carers' Allowance is supposed to help people with caring responsibilities but the rules aren't helping this bright, capable young woman from either helping herself or Aaron.
"There is an army of more than six million carers out there, unsung heroes who care for someone who might otherwise be in a home or a hospital bed.
"They save the state around £57 bn per year, the size of the entire NHS budget. But the state is effectively taking advantage of their commitment to people that they love.
"The rules need to be reviewed urgently."
27 Jun 2006
David has called for more vigorous action to secure a regional travel scheme for students.
He has previously highlighted the problems faced by students who need to cross boundaries, and has criticised One North-East for a lack of enthusiasm.
David said that government, local councils and the Learning and Skills Council were all ready to contribute, but singled out ONE.
He said,
"They've just not shown any enthusiasm for it. This is about training and educational opportunities. A better, region-wide scheme could be done, and it wouldn't cost them an arm and a leg.
"We need someone who would be leading on this, and I would have thought One North-East would be ideal to do this."
26 Jun 2006
|
|
|
Maglev train in Germany
|
David is giving Parliamentary support to plans for a high speed Maglev link.
He has tabled a Commons motion backing the calls by local councils in the North East for a new high speed link, up to 300 mph, to London based on magnetic levitation technology.
David said,
"I've been saying for years, to ensure economic regeneration in the North-East, the region needs a real high speed rail link. There's a huge gap between the economic prosperity of the South and the North. Bridging that gap means thinking outside the conventional lines. Beamish Museum is the place for some of our current rail network."
The full Early Day Motion reads:
EDM 2351
MAGLEV RAPID TRANSIT
12.06.2006
Clelland, David
That this House congratulates the local authorities in the North East of England for their decision to promote Maglev as the preferred future inter-regional rapid transport mode; recognises that current thinking on high speed rail links is based on old technology that will be as outdated as steam trains by the end of the 21st century; and welcomes the recognition by North East councils that the region needs modern transport links that will close the North-South divide and stimulate the region's economy.
13 Jun 2006
David has called for travel cards, season tickets and bus passes provided by employers to be tax free.
At present, they are taxed as part of income, but David says they reduce congestion and encourage use of public transport.
He has tabled a Commons motion calling on the Chancellor to abolish taxation on travel benefits.
The full Early Day Motion reads:
EDM 2309
TAXATION OF TRAVEL PASSES
06.06.2006
Clelland, David
That this House believes that the provision by employers of travel cards, season tickets and bus passes to staff is an encouragement to use public transport and therefore entirely commensurate with the Government's policy of reducing congestion and promoting the greater use of public transport; and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to recognise the merits of such schemes by abolishing the rule that considers such provision as taxable benefits.
6 Jun 2006
David has raised the concerns of residents about an extension to a homeless hostel.
The six new bedrooms are being built now, but David says he has had letters from residents near the Elliott House hostel on Bentinck Road in Benwell about the behaviour of some of the people from the hostel.
David said,
"The men may be controlled inside the hostel but it is their behaviour outside of it which is an issue."
The hostel is operated by the Tyneside Cyrenians charity and men living at the hostel are building the extension. Its neighbours say that that since the hostel was opened in 1990, they have experienced anti social behaviour from some of its residents and they are concerned that more residents will increase the problem.
31 May 2006
The Highways Agency has markedly reduced the number of Article 14 orders it has issued to block developments in the North East.
David has found the Agency has the power to block developments if it thinks extra traffic congestion will result, even if it is one extra vehicle!
Along with local organisations in the North East, David has been fighting the Highways Agency over its policy, including an attack on the Agency's Chief Executive in the Commons Select Committee.
David said,
"I think the Go For Jobs campaign, together with the Select Committee grilling the Highways Agency received, has obviously had an effect, but there's still some way to go."
The way the Agency has used Article 14 orders is seen as a reflection of its own failure to maintain the standard of roads in the North East, with congestion in some areas, including the now notorious Western By Pass, reaching gridlock, and no three lane roads linking the region to the rest of country, north, south or west.
Read David's encounter with the Highways Agency's Chief Executive here
25 May 2006
David is backing a campaign to have former collieries marked in OS maps.
He is cosponsoring a Commons Motion so that future Ordnance Survey maps will use a pithead symbol so that the history of mining is not lost.
The full Early Day Motion reads:
EDM 2181
CAMPAIGN TO MARK FORMER COLLIERIES ON ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPS
16.05.2006
Anderson, David
That this House warmly welcomes the initiative led by young people from former mining communities to have all the former UK collieries marked on future Ordnance Survey maps with a scale of 1:25,000 with a pit wheel symbol; acknowledges that the pits have shaped both communities and the local landscape; believes it is important that they are recorded by Ordnance Survey in the same way as other archaeological and historical information; welcomes the positive response so far from Ordnance Survey to this campaign and the assurance that they will give the matter serious consideration; and looks forward to the history of the coal mining industry being permanently recorded on reference maps in the future.
17 May 2006
|
|
Could GNER lose out uinder ICE plans?
|
Proposals for a new high speed rail link from London to Scotland have been backed by Network Rail. But Newcastle could miss out.
The plan, put forward by the Institute of Civil Engineers, says the time savings and economic benefits would be great, but Network Rail have said it should by pass the North East.
The planned route, according to Ian Coucher of Network Rail, would be London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh.
David said,
""It would be unacceptable not to route it through Newcastle."
The ICE document is not specific on the route, but Network Rail want to leave Newcastle out.
9 May 2006
|
|
|
HMS Calliope along the quayside in front of The Sage
|
The building in front of the Sage Music centre is seen as an eyesore out of keeping with the development of the Newcastle-Gateshead riverside development.
The base for HMS Calliope has been on the site for many years but alternative sites are on offer.
David said,
"Gateshead Council has long wanted the Royal Navy to move HMS Calliope from in front of The Sage to open up the riverside view and create a tourist trail. It's an important Navy support base and we don't want it to close, but to move elsewhere on the riverside.
"Newcastle City Council has offered a site near the Spillers flour factory, which is larger. And now South Tyneside Council has offered them an alternative much nearer the mouth of the Tyne. Both would be better, with the one on South Tyneside much more convenient for ships and the sea."
David met the Minister at Westminster to enlist his support.
21 Apr 2006
David and other local MPs will keep fighting for more money to finance the free travel schemes in Tyne and Wear.
Intervention by the Prime Minister did not produce the hoped for breakthrough and then One NorthEast refused to get involved. David had hoped they would 'match fund' with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
David said,
"It's regrettable that One NorthEast feels unable to help. I'm disappointed but I won't be giving up and I will continue to pursue the matter with ministers.
"We had hoped we had found a way forward with help coming from One NorthEast. We understood that if they had found some money the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister would have been able to find some as well.
"Fares for young people have already gone up but we are now concentrating on concessionary fares for students. We are also concerned about what happens next year."
When Parliament reconvenes after Easter, David and local MPs will carry on the fight.
13 Apr 2006
David has said that the government must find a balance between investment in roads and economic development.
|
|
Alistair Darling
(Photo: Michael Foster MP) |
David said
"It doesn't really tell us anything more. We can all see there are occasions when the Highways Agency will have to issue warnings against massive increases in traffic in a particular area. But unless we can grow development in this area, we will never regenerate the economy.
"The Government can't have it both ways - they can't say they're not going to invest in transport infrastructure on the one hand, but not allow us to have economic development that would help pay for that on the other. We have to get a balance."
Local business leaders say that the government's policy in this area is resulting in potential developers and investors holding back from job creation in this area.
13 Apr 2006
The ongoing saga of transport funding on Tyne & Wear has reached another level.
David has secured a meeting with the Prime Minister next week when he and other local MPs will put the case for more money now.
David said,
"We want the Prime Minister to find a way through the logjam. Ministers recognise there is a genuine problem but are unable to find a way around it. We need the PM to find a way. I remain hopeful this will be resolved."
PTA chiefs say that Gordon Brown's free travel scheme for pensioners and concessions has not provided them with enough money, and to fund it they are making other cuts and digging deep into reserves so the scheme can start on time on April 1st.
But the government says it is providing all that the law allows for. The Prime Minister says it is vital to find a solution.
17 Mar 2006
David's pressure to secure a Commons debate on the free travel fiasco in Tyne and Wear has paid off.
Although at first the Leader of the House said there wasn't time, fellow Labour MP Nick Brown asked again and this time, space in the Parliamentary timetable was made available.
There will be a Commons debate on the Tyne and Wear problems on March 13th.
David said,
"I'm delighted Nick has got his debate. We shall all be there making the case for the extra money needed to pay for pensioners travel in Tyne and Wear. What should have been a major benefit for pensioners in the area is turning into a nightmare for the local councils. However, I'm optimistic a solution can be found to keep up the pressure on ministers."
3 Mar 2006
David has come out in favour redeveloping West Gate College.
He is concerned about plans for a City Academy to be built in Newcastle's west end which will be disruptive and create problems for residential area.
The City Academy is being backed by a Scottish millionaire along with taxpayers' money. But residents are up arms, have got up a petition and they cannot see why the money cannot go to redeveloping West Gate College instead.
City Councillors will be asked to give the Academy their approval next Friday.
25 Feb 2006
David has congratulated a local school on achieving specialist Business and Enterprise status
Kingsmeadow School in Dunston will officially assume specialist status in September.
David said,
"From September 2006, the school will become a Centre of Excellence for Business and Enterprise, playing an active part in the learning community with other local schools and businesses. It will be sharing resources and disseminating good practice.
"It's a fantastic achievement for a school that goes from strength to strength. It will give local youngsters the opportunities for the experience, skills and training they need to play a full part in the economy of the region."
10 Feb 2006
David Clelland has said he will try to get traffic problems over the Team Valley Jockey site sorted out.
UK Land Estates wants to develop the site and bring jobs back but the Highways Agency have said the traffic assessment for the Western By Pass was not satisfactory.
David said,
"I'm just astounded that this is happening yet again. I spoke to Stephen Ladyman and we were assured that we would get co-operation in future. I will do what I can to alleviate this. It's very aggravating."
David will be contacting Dr Ladyman, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, again to find a way round the problems. The highways Agency is under attack from both business and unions for preventing the development and the jobs it would create.
4 Feb 2006
|
|
Freight train at Newcastle - underused capacity?
|
David is backing a Commons move to get unused freight space on the East Coast Main Line used for passengers.
All the train companies using the line want to increase passenger services and there are moves to introduce new routes. The competition over the existing capacity has led to disagreements.
But MPs are urging the companies to work together to release used freight capacity, of which only a third is currently used.
David has pointed out a need for caution though. He said,
"GNER paid a certain amount of money to the Treasury for this franchise and they did so on the basis of the capacity as it was. This could, for them, lead to claims that people are trying to change what has already been negotiated,"
The MPs are asking that the government bring forward the implementation of the ECML Route Utilisation Strategy from December 2007 to December 2006 and to ensure that there is sufficient extra capacity for passenger services.
3 Feb 2006
From today, homes around Dunston should get warmer.
David is backing the Warm Zone Project which starts today assessing homes in Dunston.
The aim is make homes more fuel efficient and eliminate fuel poverty from up to 30,000 homes by advising on energy efficiency to keep bills low.
1 Feb 2006
David is urging the BBC to broadcast Radio 5 Live on FM.
He has tabled a Commons motion praising the station's style and pointing out that it is only transmitted on AM frequencies at present.
The Early Day Motion reads:
EDM 1534
RADIO 5 LIVE
31.01.2006
Clelland, David
That this House congratulates the BBC and all concerned for the excellent service provided by Radio 5 Live and the refreshing change in interviewing techniques from the gladiatorial style of Radio 4's Today programme; considers Radio 5 Live's presenters to be entertaining as well as informative and thereby hugely more successful in their efforts to extract real information and disseminate it to their listeners; is concerned that 5 Live is only broadcast on AM and digital frequencies; and calls upon the BBC to broadcast Radio 5 Live on FM so that the station can be more fully enjoyed by a wider audience.
31 Jan 2006
David has welcomed the appointment of fitness motivators by Gateshead Council.
He has co-sponsored a Commons motion supporting the decision to promote fitness for all ages but noting especially the emphasis on facilities for the elderly.
The full Early Day Motion reads:
EDM 1396
FITNESS MOTIVATORS IN GATESHEAD
17.01.2006
That this House welcomes the decision by Gateshead Council to recruit four physical activity development workers in a bid to encourage local people to take more exercise; notes that the new team, which is funded by Active England and based at the Gateshead International Stadium, will co-ordinate several programmes in the town and work closely with the Gateshead Primary Care Trust to support businesses in encouraging staff to participate in physical activity within or near the workplace; further notes they will co-ordinate exercise and cardiac rehabilitation for people referred for health reasons, as well as targeting school leavers through mentoring and sports outreach programmes; and particularly welcomes the planned work with volunteers from Age Concern to increase facilities available to older people.
The motion also has the support of other local MPs.
19 Jan 2006
Return to Homepage | Current News
| Promoted by Ken Childs on behalf of David Clelland, both of 19 Ravensworth Road, Dunston, Gateshead. NE11 9AB |