Today Nick visited the Oasis Academy in eastern Enfield as part of a Youth Action event sponsored by Starbucks.
Around 140 people from Starbucks worked with Oasis on the day, re-vitalising the community garden at the Academy, the community centre at Hadley and the Island Youth Centre.
Starbucks were also be running a series of 'work readiness' workshops, offering help with CV writing, interviewing, presenting, an introduction to business and a coffee-making workshop.
Nick said, "I have to commend Starbucks for the contribution they've 
made through this Youth Action event".
"They've not only given advice to young people but also had an immediate benefit to the community from the work they've done to re-vitalise the community garden and community centre".
Wednesday saw the English Lacrosse Association launch their Bid to host the 2017 Women's World Cup with the help of the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson, and an array of MPs including Nick.
Nick helped demonstrate his support by signing the 'Back the Bid' England flag.
Sue Redfern, Chair of the English Lacrosse Board said "We were delighted with the response and support that we received from Members of Parliament yesterday and with over 10% of the House behind us, we believe that this puts English Lacrosse in good position in the bidding process."
Nick said, "This bid gets my support as I know the economic value it will bring to its local community. England will do an
excellent job hosting this tournament and I wish the English Lacrosse Association every success in this venture."
The final decision will be made by the Federation of International Lacrosse in June this year. The proposed venue for the event is
Surrey Sports Park, Guildford, having welcomed the Lacrosse Home Internationals in April this year and the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2010. 30 nations are expected to compete in the FIL Women's World Lacrosse Cup in 2017 in comparison to the 16 countries that competed in Prague in 2009.
Nick joined the Mayor of Enfield at the head of the annual St. George's Day parade on Sunday.
Hundreds and hundreds of people lined the streets in support of the event, led the the Enfield District Scout Band.
Nick said, "It was fantastic to see so many people come out to support St. George's Day; people in Enfield always come out for this event which is what makes it special".
Nick was delighted to attend Enfield Town's top-of-the-table clash with Leiston today.
Ryman League Division One North league leaders Leiston needed just a point from the game with Town in order to take the title back to Suffolk. But a 90th minute penalty means second-placed Town are still in with a chance of winning the league - with just the final game of the season left on Saturday.
Nick said, "At 0-0 with only a few minutes to go I thought we were heading for a draw and Leiston to take the title. Liam Hope showed remarkable nerve by putting away the penalty and I'm delighted Enfield Town will take the championship down to the last day of the season. It obviously needs Leiston to slip up against Potters Bar and a win against Grays, but it's great that Enfield are still in the hunt."
The Enfield Independent has a write up of the game here.
This evening Nick was invited onto BBC Radio 4's The World Tonight to discuss the potential reforms to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) which the UK wishes to introduce while it holds the Presidency of the Court.
The interview followed the new row over the deportation of Abu Qatada to Jordon in relation to bomb plotting charges.
If you would like to listen to Nick's interview, click this here and scroll to 12 minutes and 3 seconds.
Nick visited Kingsmead school in Enfield last month to talks about politics with the students there.
Rated as an Outstanding school by Ofsted in 2007, Kingsmead is a mixed comprehensive in eastern Enfield hosting pupils aged from 11 to 18. Kingsmead students wear a smart, business-like uniform. Classroom expectations of behaviour and commitment to learning are high and Kingsmead has received national recognition for its Behaviour improvement Programme. It has Specialist Status in Performing & Visual Arts.
Nick said, "It was a pleasure meeting students at Kingsmead and talking about politics, and what MPs do."
"The way that young people get involved in politics has changed considerably over the past 10 or 15 years; it's more issue-based than party-based and I think that's a good thing. As I saw for myself at Kingsmead, the younger generation is more engaged in politics than we sometimes give them credit for".
London Mayor Boris Johnson visited eastern Enfield this morning to meet some of the borough's apprentices.
Arriving into Brimsdown station at 9am, Boris joined Nick and GLA Conservative candidate Andy Hemsted to meet apprentices from precious metals specialists Johnson Matthey. The company have recently helped place 100 apprentices in different organisations in 100 days. As well as meeting apprentices, Boris was given a tour of part of the huge site to learn more about Johnson's Matthey's success.
During his time as Mayor, Boris has championed apprenticeships. Working in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), the Mayor's campaign has seen a total of 28,120 people finding places on schemes with companies across a wide range of the capital's business sectors. Its success means that London's share of Apprenticeship starts has leapt from just five per cent to more than 8.5 per cent nationally in a year – the largest growth of anywhere in the country.
Above: Boris, Nick and Andy are joined by Barry Connelly of Johnson Matthey in front of the Battle Bus.
In 21 days London goes to the polls to choose their Mayor. Recent opinion polls have given Boris a 6 point lead over Ken Livingstone, especially following continued criticism of the Labour candidate's tax affairs.
GLA candidate Andy Hemsted said, "The only poll that matters is the one on Thursday 3rd May, and I urge everyone that wants a Mayor who offers four more years of sensible, responsible and cost-effective government in London to back Boris".
Johnson Matthey attended the Enfield Jobs Fair in February:
The Enfield Good Samaritan Network's Recovery Champion Awards is being held on 26th April from 7 - 9pm at the Gladys Child Theatre, Southgate College - and everyone is welcome.
You can download a leaflet here.
The Enfield Good Samaritan Network (EGSN) is an initiative recently set up in Enfield with the help of Nick's fellow Enfield MP David Burrowes. The EGSN aims to aid those with addiction and mental health problems into recovery and to promote recovery within the local community. Further information can be found via the EGSN website.
The Recovery Champion Awards will recognise individuals who are championing recovery in their own lives, in the lives of others, in their organisation or in the local community. The evening will be dedicated to the celebration of recovery from mental illness and/or substance abuse and will feature testimonies from recovered addicts and those working within the local community.
This event is open and free to all who are interested in attending so please do come along.
Nominations for recovery champions should be directed to Rebecca Chard by email at chardr@parliament.uk or by phone on 0207 219 5414.
From the Enfield Independent.
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois pledged to help small businesses recruit in the borough when he met with trading campaigners.
Leaders of the Federation of Small Businesses invited the Conservative politician to back their campaign encouraging companies to take on young entrepreneurs.
In becoming a small business champion, traders hope Mr De Bois will be able to encourage managers to take on more skilled young people.
Senior development manager for north London Matthew Jaffa, said: "We want real life entrepreneurs working in apprenticeships in Enfield.
"We're looking to work with Mr de Bois in the future and he seems very keen to help businesses take on staff and remove the bureaucracy and red tape surrounding employment.
"We were encouraged he has signed up to be a champion and hope he will help us create opportunities by making businesses aware of the benefits of taking on young entrepreneurs."
During Friday's meeting, business leaders in north London exchanged their own ideas on how to best encourage employment among smaller businesses.
Mr de Bois said: "It was a very positive meeting and a good exchange of ideas. My job was to support their entrepreneur scheme, but we also discussed working on a couple of joint ideas.
"These included working with employers to encourage hiring apprenticeships and using common business facilities to get young entrepreneurs off the ground. They came up with a lot of good ideas, which was refreshing to see."
Today the Government published its planning reforms, known as the National Planning Policy Framework.
Nick had recieved lots of letters and e-mails from constituents concerned about the draft proposals and their potential impact on Enfield's Green Belt. Following today's publication of the reforms, changed following extensive consultation, Nick has said he is satisfied the revised Framework addresses the concerns raised by campaigners.
According to the Daily Telegraph, whose Hands Off Our Land campaign championed the concerns of groups including the National Trust and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the revised Framework heralded a "good day for anyone who cares about the countryside". It continues:
Following a campaign by The Daily Telegraph, Greg Clark, the planning minister, published a revised version of a hotly contested planning rule book which contained a series of concessions.
Campaigners said the rewritten version of the rules, which are now in force in England, contained "important changes" to the draft document which attracted such criticism last summer, and allayed many of their concerns.
The revised rule book was also welcomed by business groups and property developers, suggesting that attention will shift to how it is implemented by local planners.
You can read the full article here. You can also view the new NPPF in full here, and the Government's response to a Select Committee report which outlines the changes here.
Nick said, "In my view, the changes to the revised NPPF go a very long way to addressing the concerns raised by campaigners. Enfield is blessed with an wonderful expanse of Green Belt that, following the publication of the NPPF, is guaranteed for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations of Enfieldians".
Her Majesty The Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee today by paying tribute to the British virtues of "resilience, ingenuity and tolerance", and to the Duke of Edinburgh, her "constant strength and guide" over the decades.
In a landmark address to both Houses of Parliament the Queen paid tribute the "remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces", adding, "Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed."
Her Majesty repeated the vow she made on Accession Day in February this year to "rededicate myself to the service of our great country".
Nick and fellow Enfield MP David Burrowes were among the guests which included Prime Minister David Cameron.
Left: Nick and David in front of the new Jubilee window - made up of almost 1,500 pieces of glass and designed by Brit artist John Reyntien. It has been paid for by members of both houses out of their own pocket.
Nick de Bois spoke in Parliament today to call for swift enforcement against metal thieves.
It comes after Forty Hall in Enfield, currently undergoing a £3 million Heritage Lottery funding refurbishment, has been the target of metal thieves three times in the last 12 months. Threats have been made against security guards on site and the Grade I listed building damaged by the thieves as they took lead from the building.
Home Office Minister James Brokenshire told the House of Commons, "We are taking legislative action to tackle metal theft, including raising the financial penalties for rogue dealers, banning cash payments for scrap metal and giving the police powers to enter unregistered scrap yards."
Nick de Bois specifically highlighted the case of the 17th century manor house, saying "Forty Hall in my constituency is a Jacobean mansion undergoing a £3 million refurbishment. There have been three thefts in the last year including threats of violence on security guards. While speed of implementation is one thing, can the Minister assure me there will be speed of enforcement against these criminals?"
Mr Brokenshire replied, "I absolutely accept the point that my Honourable Friend has made of the need for strong enforcement and I'm clearly sorry to hear the problems that he has been experiencing at Forty Hall in his own constituency." We added, "What I can say to him is that we have put forward £5 million for enforcement and that is already bearing fruit with enforcement action taking place."
Speaking afterwards, Nick de Bois said, "Forty Hall is an incredibly important part of Enfield's history and heritage, so I'm very pleased to hear of the strong action the Government is taking to tackle metal theft. With swift enforcement I'm confident we can clamp down on the criminals responsible".
Today Nick spoke in the Westminster Hall debate on UK Trade and Investment. He called for the Government, Government agencies and also MPs and Peers to do more to win business with newly developing, fast growing economies.
Speaking about UKTI, the Government agency that works with UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets, Nick talked of it having a "Marmite effect" on many businesses:
"The CBI report in 2011, which looked back over the previous decade—I will try to resist making any political points—rightly acknowledged that the UKTI had what can only be called the Marmite effect on many businesses. It was a love or hate situation. Some experiences were absolutely marvellous and terrific and others were not. I am sure that organisation and administration had something to do with it, but in the end, as everyone says, it comes down to people and how motivated and how good they are at their jobs."
Nick went on to call for the UK to seek more trade with countries outside the Eurozone in order to boost growth:
"For the next 10 years, average growth in the eurozone will be pretty awful. The average growth for Germany is forecast at 1.4%, which does not make it a good place to invest money or to solicit sales. It is natural and right to look elsewhere... If we look at areas outside the eurozone, and match them with our historical links, the links that I have raised and where there is growth, we start to see the basis of a strategy through which we could reach out and seek future growth. Indeed, many of the countries that I am talking about are in the Commonwealth. I am not ashamed to admit that. In fact, I can think of no greater legacy in this diamond jubilee year than for the Prime Minister to make a formal, public, demonstrable commitment to boosting trade with the Commonwealth."
As well as looking to the Commonwealth, Nick argued that trade with Gulf countries could also benefit Britain. He concluded by highlighting how MPs and Peers could aid this process:
"I echo the call of my hon. Friend Priti Patel: parliamentarians—I choose that word carefully—can play an active role in that process. Parliamentarians from both Houses can do that; there are skill sets everywhere... In different parts of the world, our parliamentarians are respected and valued; sad to say, they may be more respected and valued than they are in parts of this country. We should use their talents, whereby they are consistently able to build relationships, and consistently use—frankly, let us say what it is—the power of office and patronage to help practically in opening the doors and driving our business.Above all else, if we match not only the titles but the talent, skill and expertise of our parliamentarians with the abilities of UKTI, we can make a practical demonstration of effective support from Government to meet the real needs of business."
You can read Nick's contributions in full here.
Today Nick spent all day with a team of paramedics based at Chase Farm responding to emergency calls in order to view what their jobs entail. After originally planning to spend 3 hours with the team, Nick rearranged the days other meetings to spend more time with the team.
The team, based at the London Ambulance Centre on The Ridgeway spent the entire day in Enfield attending to patients and taking them to Chase Farm Hospital.
Following his visit, Nick commented: "This has been an extraordinary day watching the paramedics at work. I have listened carefully to what they say and I think it is crucial to listen and learn from professionals themselves".
This evening Nick visited Lea Valley High School to attend the Jack Petchy Foundation Achievement Awards. Around 150 young people and 10 Leader Award Winners from 21 schools around the London Borough of Enfield were recognised for their achievements.
The Jack Petchy Foundation is an independent charitable trust which gives grants to organisations working with young people across London and Essex. The total grants available for 2012 are around £9 million which makes the Foundation one of the largest private charitable institutions in the country.
The Achievement Award scheme runs in almost 2000 secondary schools and youth organisations and is designed to recognise outstanding achievement amongst young people. Achievement comes in many different forms and the Award Scheme recognises that. Each Award winner receives a framed certificate, gold boxed medallion and £200 which they can spend on a school or community project of their choice. The Scheme also allows each school to recognise one Leader Award winner every year – an adult who has made a significant contribution to the school or community.
Following the award presentation, Nick commented: "It was great to see so many outstanding achievers receive awards. It was a very memorable evening and one the whole Borough of Enfield should be proud of."
Today Nick met with Pauline Waldron, manager of Felix Neubergh House, as part of the Care and Support Alliance's mass lobby of Parliament. The meeting gave Nick and Pauline an opportunity to discuss the Coalition Government's approach to social care, the Dilnot Commission's report, and the Care and Support Allowance's calls for a Minister for Older People.
Following the meeting Nick commented: "It was interesting to meet with Pauline today and discover her views about what reforms are needed within social care. Urgent reform is needed of the social care system in order to provide much more control for individuals and their carers, and to reduce the insecurity that they and their families face. I shall certainly take Pauline's comments away with my today and continue to support the Government as they work towards developing a system which is fair, affordable and sustainable in the long-term."
Today Nick spoke at the "Preventing Knife Crime" event which was held at the Mevlana Rumi Centre. The event aimed to facilitate a platform and parents and young people to gain knowledge and advice on how to help prevent knife crime. Nick shared the platform with Hazel Nelson Williams, from the Nelson Williams Foundation, and PC Karl Morris from the Metropolitan Police.
Nick was the first to address the audience and spoke about both his knife crime amendment, which is currently in the House of Lords, and the Government's approach to gang and knife crime. Throughout his speech Nick talked about early intervention and how such interventions are essential in preventing young people from being drawn into a life of gang or knife related crime.
Following the event, Nick commented: "It's fantastic to see such a large group of people coming together with the sole aim of preventing more of our young people becoming involved with gang and knife crime. Such problems cannot be solved alone by the police of the Government but solutions must involve communities working together and showing young people that they have other options – rather than carrying a knife."
This evening Nick attended the launch of The Big Switch campaign, which encourages energy customers to ensure they get the best deal from their supplier.
The Big Switch, launched by the organisation Which? is a completely new way for people to buy their energy. It will be the first time in the UK that a large number of people will join together as a group to negotiate a deal with energy companies. Those interested are able to join the already more than 200,000-strong group who have already signed up to The Big Switch, and to use their collective power to cut their energy bills and help shake up the market.
Which? has invited all energy companies to take part and will be negotiating with them to secure the cheapest deal. Energy companies will be asked to submit a market leading deal and take part in a reverse auction. Once the deal is secured Which? will contact everyone who signed up with a personalised savings estimate. Which? will then handle the switching process, making it as quick and easy as possible.
Following his attendance, Nick commented: "The Big Switch is a fantastic scheme and I congratulate Which? on it. I would recommend that all of my constituents who want to secure a better deal on their energy bills should visit www.whichbigswitch.co.uk and find out more".
Nick today welcomed the passing of the Welfare Reform Bill, ensuring that no family can get more in benefits than the average working family earns.
Under the reforms, the benefit payments of a household on out of work benefits will be capped at £26,000 per year so that work always pays. Under the previous Labour administration, households were able to receive up to £104,000 per year in Housing Benefits alone.
The Labour Party opposed this fair cap on benefits, voting to maintain a something for nothing culture whereby some families who don't work get thousands of pounds more in welfare handouts than the average working family earns.
Following the Bill's passing, Nick commented: "In Enfield North, the average person would have to pay tax for 24 years to pay for one household to receive £104,000 in housing benefits a year, which could happen if Labour had their way. This benefit cap shows that the Conservatives are the party of fairness, standing up for hard working taxpayers. By voting against it, Labour have once again shown they are the party of something for nothing."
Today Nick appeared alongside Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy, on BBC One's Sunday Politics: London. The topics discussed included the re-introduction of the Routemaster bus, the Occupy protests, the deportation of foreign criminals and the levels of council tax in London.
Nick's appearance on The Sunday Politics can currently be viewed here on the BBC iPlayer for the next seven days. You need to scroll to 30 minuites in to see Nick's appearance.
Enfield Island Village Trust is holding a "Community Action for Jobs" event tomorrow, 9.30 to 12.30 at the EIV community centre.
Today, along with representatives from the Labour Party, the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats, Nick took part in the Scouts Question Time hosted at the London School of Economics.
The panel were asked a full range of questions including topics such as the Health and Social Care Bill, the future of the Royal Family, the Falkland Islands and the future of youth services.
The event was attended by around 50 Scouts from all over the country who had visited London to take part not only in the question time event but also learn debating skills though taking part in mock-House of Commons style debates. The debate included the use of questions send in by Twitter users under the hastag #ScoutsQT.
Following the event Nick commented: "It was fantastic to see such a large group of politically active young people, all with their own very well considered and thought-out opinions. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and would welcome the opportunity to take part in another one. I also really enjoyed the integration of Twitter throughout the event allowing those who could not attend the ability to follow the proceedings."
Credit for the photographs goes to: Stephen Way
Today Nick was visited by the team behind Enfield-based Loving Social Media who specialise in increasing the awareness of social media within businesses and also have a keen interest in both the We Love Enfield campaign and Nick's work in supporting local high streets on the back of the Mary Portas Review.
The details of Loving Social Media's interview can be read both on their blog here, or by watching the video below.
A personal messsage from Nick
Let me say at the outset that I think our local newspapers do care about jobs in Enfield. Indeed, the Enfield Independent is running a story next week about the Enfield Jobs Fair which will be vital for publicising the event to residents. So why, you might ask, have I written such a provocative question for the headline?
In Enfield we're fortunate to have such well respected and successful newspapers as the Enfield Advertiser and Enfield Independent. The papers can print whatever they like, and however much I might like them to print more stories about me as the MP or what's going on in politics, at the end of the day they have to fill their pages with what they know their readers want to read.
It's my view that people in Enfield would be interested to read about the Enfield Jobs Fair. I'm organising an event which will be opened by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, where over 40 local companies and training providers are showcasing hundreds of genuine job vacancies. Big names such as BT, Tesco, Virgin Media, Sainsbury's, Barclays and Greggs will be there, as will local big-hitters Winchmore Brickwork, Johnson Matthey and Barclay Bros. And yet so far, in the last four editions of each newspaper, news of the Enfield Jobs Fair has only appeared in one paper. Once. On page 19.
So I need your help to make the case that the Enfield Jobs Fair is news worth printing.
By clicking to read the online stories they've posted HERE and ALSO HERE, it will drive the event up their website's "Most Read" chart. We need lots of publicity for this event where genuine job vacancies - hundreds of them - are on offer.
At the moment we're not in the Top 5 of the Advertiser's Most Read, and at number 4 for the Independent. Let's climb the chart! Feel free to leave a comment on the websites, too.
Many thanks indeed for your help,
Best wishes,
Nick
Nick de Bois MP
Nick the story is now number 2 on the Enfield Independent
- John Malcolm
Have been checking the Enfield Advertiser but the top 5 hasn't changed at all. Same top 5, same order.
- Jenny S
London Mayor Boris Johnson explains how crime is down, there are more police on the streets and he has frozen his share of council tax every single year he has been Mayor.
First thing on Monday morning Nick joined residents at the Enfield Island Village coffee morning hosted by Martine, the new RSA Trust community co-ordinator.
During the morning Nick was able to learn of the plans for developing a more robust community spirit across the neighbourhood and the wide variety of activities underway. From foreign language lessons, a jobs club, to an ambitious eco garden project the spirit of "Big Society" was very much alive and thriving.
Nick said, "It was great meeting residents here and I was delighted to see such ambitious and creative plans underway that will benefit the whole of the Island Village".
Nick visited the Oasis Enfield Island Village Youth Club this evening.
Established for over nine years the Youth club is booming. Nick's visit to the club included listening to young music artists record cover versions as well as their own music. This included original rap and cover versions of some of Adele's best known songs. He was so impressed with the artists he asked for a CD of their work which he listens to when in his car.
Nick said, "I was very impressed with the activities, all very creative including music, art and of course computer games and pool. The facilities are great, and best of all I was able to listen to some of the youngsters tell me in their own words how much help and direction they were getting from being members of this club".
Nick joined council leaders and neighbouring MP Andy Love to welcome Lord Triesman, Mayor Boris Johnson's regeneration representative for Enfield, on a tour of the proposed areas for development.
This included the plans for a third rail line along the Brimsdown Enfield Lock line to Liverpool Street and back again. In addition Lord Triesman visited the congested Bullsmoor Lane-Mollison Avenue area. Nick has been campaigning for a Northern Gateway Access Road (NGAR) to the M25 to ease congestion.
Nick said, "The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has through his Outer London Regeneration Fund already committed over £4 million to Enfield for high street regeneration in the east of the borough. My purpose today was to press for support from the Mayor's office for these key strategic developments which will shape Enfield's jobs and industrial base for the next 30 years".
Recently Nick was interviewed by Amina Taylor from PressTV about the UK's extradition treaties with both the United States of America and within the European Union under the European Arrest Warrant.
Following the e-petition regarding the imprisonment of Babar Ahmad for seven years while awaiting extradition to the United States of America, which gained over 140,000 signatures, a debate was held in both Westminster Hall and the chamber of the House of Commons on the topic of the UK's extradition arrangements.
Nick has joined with Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes to call on Enfield Council to freeze council tax next year.
All local councils are being offered access to an £805m government fund to freeze council tax for 2012/13, but Enfield Council is undecided as to whether to accept the money.
They have launched a Budget consultation paper, inviting residents to comment, with p.12 saying the Council is undecided on whether to take the Government's money.
Writing on the letters page of this week's Enfield Independent, the two MPs said, "At a time when household budgets are being stretched further by the rising cost of living, it is unthinkable that the council would hesitate in accepting Government money to help residents in this way".
They add, "Councils up and down the country will be tapping into this fund. Enfield Council should take this money on offer from the Government, rather than taking it from the pockets of Enfield residents".
Nick and David are urging residents to take part in the consultation and demand that the administration freezes council tax. You can do so by e-mailing:
Budget.consultation@enfield.gov.uk
Presumably there are reasons or considerations for the council to not accept the money, which have not been mentioned here. This should be stated or provide information on where to find the other (balanced) side of the story...?
- Dave S
I am in agreement with taking the money on offer, of course, but cannot access the link: Budget.consultation@enfield.gov.uk.to tell you - am I the only one who can't??
- margaret arnott
Today Nick, along with fellow Enfield Members of Parliament David Burrowes and Andy Love, backed a campaign to boost trade on high streets across the London Borough of Enfield.
The campaign, which was launched by the Enfield Business and Retailers Association, is called "Love Your High Street" and aims to tackle lower sales in light of the current economic climate and show that Enfield is very much open for business following the wide scale disorder in the summer.
While attending the launch, Nick helped draw the winning ticket in the raffle which was held in conjunction with the campaigns launch.
Following the launch, Nick commented: "Enfield Town has shown resilience during the difficult economic times but it would be entirely wrong to suggest that retailers are having an easy time. The local community needs to think, when spending their money, not just think of Westfield or Bluewater but think about using their own local high street which is a vital part of the local area and economy".
Today, Nick met with John Penrose MP, the Tourism Minister, to discuss the Coalition Government's support for tourism related businesses in Enfield North and the rest of the UK.
The Government has recently introduced a series of measures to boost the hospitality and tourism industries and the Minister explained how these would directly impact on jobs in Enfield North.
From abolishing red tape and reforming unnecessary regulations the Government is determined to do everything it can to help the incredibly important tourism sector, especially with the London 2012 Olympics, the Cultural Olympiad and Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee all happening next year.
Following the meeting Nick commented "I'm glad that the Government is prioritising the tourism industry as it plays such a vital part in our local economy. Many residents in Enfield North as employed in this sector so it was good to have the opportunity to make their case directly to the Minister. The plans to capitalise on the Olympic Games next year should generate over 60,000 jobs around the country and I want to make sure that as many of these as possible come to Enfield North and its residents".
As reported in a previous post, Labour-run Enfield Council has refused to seek a judicial review of the decision to downgrade Chase Farm.
In its comment piece today, local newspaper the Enfield Advertiser has accused the Council of "cowardice" and being "lily livered".
As the comment piece states, "The people of Enfield were first of all failed by their government. Now they have been failed by their council".
The previous Conservative administration had sought a judicial review of the then Labour government's decision to downgrade services at Chase Farm. In failing to act in the same way, the current administration "has proved itself a whole lot more lily livered than its predecessors".
You can read the comment piece in full here.
Labour-run Enfield Council has decided not to seek a judicial review of the downgrade of Chase Farm Hospital.
As reported on the front page of the Enfield Advertiser today (e-edition here, online article by Mary McConnell here), many residents and healthcare groups had hoped Enfield Council would seek a judicial review of Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's decision, taken in September, to downgrade Chase Farm's A&E and maternity services.
Nick gave his support to a judicial review when hopes were first raised by the Council in November.
However, Council Leader Doug Taylor said a legal challenge would be "premature" after Mr Lansley promised primary care provision in Enfield would be improved before any services at Chase Farm were shut down - although these promises that were in fact in place before the Council were considering a judicial review.
Nick said, "These are not new commitments from Andrew Lansley, so I think the council should be clear about that, as it seems odd that this is the reason for not pursuing a judicial review".
The Council has put forward the idea of appointing an independent health expert to monitor the levels of health services in the borough. Nick said, "I do believe the new clinical commissioning group led by GPs - who will be responsible for commissioning services in the borough - are best placed to monitor the quality of services and are independent of politicians. If they think an independent specialist is also required they should decide who to appoint to this role, not the council."
Nick has urged people to call a new helpline for information about staying warm this winter.
New figures reveal that in Enfield 13,800 homes are entitled to some form of assistance with their fuel bills. That help is worth an average of £250 per household and a free helpline is available for more information.
Nick said: "Around 4,500 homes in my constituency are entitled to some form of support. Anyone who is concerned about staying warm should call the Home Heat Helpline and seek advice".
The number for the Home Heat Helpline is 0800 33 66 99 or you can visit the website here. It is a free service that provides independent advice to people on low incomes on how to get help with their gas and electricity bills as well as other help such as grants for insulation or a new boiler.
The helpline advises people to turn radiators down in rooms which are only used occasionally, to regularly defrost your freezer to make sure it's operating at full efficiency and to draw curtains over windows at night to provide insulation for the room.
It also recommends moving furniture away from radiators and heaters to allow heat to circulate around the room, and to open internal doors of any rooms which get more sun than others and let the warm air travel around your home.
Today Nick attended the first community French Market to be held in Enfield Island Village organised by the Enfield Island Village Trust. The market included numerous stalls selling gifts and food, including crepes. The organisers hoped for as many Enfield residents as possible to visit in order to encourage the Market back this time next year.
Following his visit, Nick commented: "It's fantastic to see the community coming together, especially at this time of year. There were many fantastic stalls selling fresh produce, although I probably spent a little too-long at the crepe stall! I do hope that residents make use of this French Market in order to encourage it to re-attend at this location next year".
Enfield's hospitals have been left to pay a staggering £812,000 in unpaid fees from overseas visitors who have left the country without paying for NHS treatment they received.
The Enfield Advertiser reported the story - you can read it here.
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois has condemned the costs, saying it is "grossly unfair" to Enfield residents who have to foot the bill while suffering cuts to health services themselves.
Freedom of Information requests have revealed that North Middlesex Hospital is owed £460,000 for treatment given to overseas visitors since 2006. Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals Trust is owed £350,000 in unpaid charges from people that have used the NHS but, as foreign nationals, should have paid for their treatment.
Under the NHS regulations, anyone who is deemed to be "ordinarily resident" in the UK is entitled to free NHS hospital treatment in England. Non UK residents must pay for using the NHS, except when receiving treatment in an A&E department or for a small number of other instances, such as for family planning or for compulsory psychiatric treatment.
The news comes after it has been announced that 12 local voluntary sector groups, that provide health services, have been told by NHS Enfield that £755,000 of "discretionary payments" are going to cease in April next year. The cuts will hit important organisations including Age UK Enfield, who will lose nearly £150,000, and Enfield Disability Action who would go without £75,000. Over £100,000 will also be cut from mental health spending, as young carers support, counselling and end of life care.
Enfield North Conservative MP Nick de Bois said, "This is grossly unfair. People in Enfield will be appalled that their taxes are being used to pick up the bill for health tourists, while at the same time we're told there is not enough money for groups like Age UK which provide vital healthcare services to local residents".
Today Nick chaired a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Primary Care and Public Health.
Held at the House of Commons, the meeting discussed the proposed changes in the NHS and was attended by over 70 health professionals. Key speakers included Mike Farrar (Chief Exec, NHS Confederation) and Denise Hampson (Consultant Behavioural Economist).
Nick said afterwards, "I was pleased to chair this meeting as engagement with health professionals on the Government's reforms is crucial, and I look forward to continuing to discuss the changes both during and after the passage of the Health and Social Care Bill".
This afternoon, Nick addressed around 70 carers based in Enfield, and assembled organisations who specialise in providing social care at the Carers Rights Day conference, organised by the Enfield Carers Centre.
Nick's section of the conference was entitled "Does the Government Care About Carers?" and Nick set about explaining the multiple plans the Coalition Government is in the process of enacting which will be of great benefit for carers and those who rely upon their much needed care.
Nick started by explaining that the founding principles of the current Government, the Coalition Agreement includes an entire section on social care and disability, which has committed the Government to reforming the system of social care in order to provide far more control to individuals and their carers, and also that the Government is seeking to ease the financial burden that carers and those who are cared for face.
Nick talked about the different schemes being enacted throughout different Government departments like the Department of Health, the Department of Education and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills which are all seeking to ease the burden for carers and ensure that not only is their incredibly valuable care acknowledged but also that they are given the ability to continue to live their own lives alongside their caring role.
Following his speech to the assembled audience, and the subsequent question and answer session, Nick commented "The roles carers play is so incredibly valuable. While I will not claim to be an expert on carers and carer's issues, I am well aware that the 29,000 carers in Enfield – some of who care for more than 50 hours a week, are incredibly valuable and deserve far greater acknowledgement from politicians and clinicians alike. I am pleased to see that the Government is taking positive steps but there is still a great deal of work to be done. In the current financial climate we must ensure that the money we spend on social care is directed in the right places and that the money is made to work as hard as possible for our carers".
Today Nick met with Reed in Partnership which is one of three contracted providers, who work with the long term unemployed in London. Reed in Partnership has over 50 years' experience of recruitment through the Reed family of companies. Through understanding the needs of employers they create tailored recruitment and retention solutions to enable people to move into the labour market and support local businesses with fee-free recruitment solutions. Reed in Partnership has worked with over 25,000 employers from local businesses to large multi-national corporations.
Under the work programme, the provider only gets paid by results; with the longer each individual remains employed being a key factor in the level of payment.
During his visit to Reed in Partnership, who are based on Southbury Road, Nick not only met with the managers an team who are working hard to get people back to work but also members of the Reed Jobs Club to discuss how they found the work programme and how they were feeling about the prospect of finding long-term work through the use of Reed in Partnership.
Following his meeting with Reed in Partnership, Nick commented "I'm very impressed with the team here at Reed in Enfield and even more so with the results they have achieved in getting people into work. It's by meeting people on the frontline that I get to understand the challenges people face and the effect of the Government's policies in practice".
Today Chancellor George Osborne delivered his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons.
He announced permanent reductions in spending to ensure that the UK meets its fiscal targets, using some of those savings in the short-term to fund infrastructure to generate long-term growth. Alongside this, he announced measures to help households and businesses cope with higher inflation and to ensure that deficit reduction is implemented fairly.
Nick said, "If we don't stick to the deficit reduction plan, we will see a hike in the cost of borrowing to service the country's debt that will leave us in the same mess as Italy, Greece and Spain. This means we would then have even less to spend on our schools, hospitals, housing and other infrastructure projects. In addition, if the cost of borrowing goes up, that would hurt mortgage payers and the economy even further".
He added, "I was pleased to see that the three fundamental aspects of the Autumn Statement were protecting the economy, building a stronger economy for the future, and fairness. While the Chancellor is faced with an incredibly difficult economic situation I agree with his plans to continue along our current path and am fully aware of the benefits it will bring to Enfield North."
The Chancellor said that the Coalition Government is intending to do whatever it takes to protect Britain from the debt crisis, while doing all it can to build the a foundation for future growth.
Some of the key measures in the Autumn Statement include support for education, meaning that an extra £600 million will be invested in creating an additional 40,000 new classroom places and funding for 100 new Free Schools by the end of the current Parliament. Another measure introduced in the statement was the freezing of fuel duty, by deferring the 3p per litre fuel duty increase due to take effect on 1 January 2012 to 1 August 2012; the second increase originally planned for 1 August 2012 will be cancelled.
The Chancellor also announced the introduction of a Youth Contract worth £940 million – this includes 160,000 wage incentives to encourage firms to employ young people; at least 40,000 incentive payments for small firms to take on young apprentices; and offers of work experience or training for every unemployed 18-24 year old after three months on Jobseeker's Allowance.
There were also announcements of significant funding for infrastructure projects in London, including road improvements, such as the acceleration of the M25 junction to 23 to 27 scheme, and the widening of the M25 from junction 16 to 23 and Junction 27 to 30. There will also be discussions with the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) to explore options for a proposed additional river crossing at Silvertown to relieve congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel. There will also be a limiting of increases in TfL and regulated rail fares, which will include the extending of flexible smart ticketing across London and the South East. The London Local Enterprise Partnership will also receive nearly £40 million as part of the Growing Places Fund.
If you would like to read the Chancellor's full Autumn Statement, you can do so by clicking here.
On Saturday, Nick was invited along with special guest Santa Barry to open the Age UK Santa's Grotto at David Lloyds on Carterhatch Lane. Santa Barry even managed to convince Nick to don a Christmas hat while opening the Grotto.
Following the opening, Nick commented "Age UK is an incredibly valuable charity and they do a significant amount of good work in Enfield North. It was an honour to be invited, alongside Santa Barry to open their Santa's Grotto at David Lloyds. I hope as many children visit as possible visit".
Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education has today criticised Enfield Council over its lack of support for new Free Schools opening in the borough, saying the Labour-led local authority needs to "move with the times".
Last week, Enfield Council published its 10-year schools strategy aimed at providing more school places in the borough, but it has been accused of shunning the Free Schools programme as the document made no reference to supporting the scheme which has already seen two new schools opened in Enfield.
Michael Gove's comments came following a question from Nick, who said: "Enfield Council recently announced a strategy to cope with the increasing demand, but it gives no specific consideration or role to Free Schools. What advise can the Secretary of State give to those interested in setting up Free Schools who face this purely ideological barrier?"
In response Michael Gove replied that he thought it "a great pity that Enfield Labour Council is not as supportive of Free Schools as it should be", and remarked that he had visited "superb Free Schools in Enfield". He added, "I hope the Labour local authority there moves with the times and supports those Free Schools in doing a fantastic job for children in disadvantaged circumstances in a borough that deserves better".
Recruitment specialist Graham Martin has interviewed Nick on how to become an MP.
Graham, who lives in Enfield North, is known as "The Recruitment Guy" and has personally interviewed over 10,000 jobseekers and helped more than 1500 people secure permanent employment.
You can check out his website here.
Nick has welcomed news that the number of apprenticeships has increased by 120% in Enfield on last year. Figures from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills show that while there were 710 apprenticeships started in 2009/10, a huge 1,500 have been started this year.
Following the announcement Nick said: "This is fantastic news. He added: "The Enfield Jobs Fair will be returning in February and part of the Fair will be geared towards apprenticeships. I am a firm believer in the value of apprenticeships – both for businesses and the people that are given the chance to achieve their potential. A 120% increase in apprenticeship starts across the borough is superb and I want to see that success continue"
As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 years-old and not in full-time education can apply. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices' ability and the industry sector. The minimum salary is £2.60 per hour; however, many apprentices earn significantly more.
There is particularly good news in Edmonton, where there has been a 125% increase. This is above the London average of a 99% increase in apprenticeship starts, and well above the national average of a 58% increase across England.
The National Apprenticeship Service, which has had end to end responsibility for Apprenticeships in England, said "This is not only great news for young people, but also for employers and the economy. It is heartening to see that established sectors such as Construction, Manufacturing and Engineering are continuing to support Apprenticeships as well a significant increase in the service sector."
Nick today welcomed the introduction of a new service provided by Department of Work and Pensions which automatically notifies relevant government departments and service authorities of a family's birth or bereavement.
Under the new scheme, a local registrar can now support a new parent or recently bereaved person through a step-by-step process that will automatically notify central and local governments of their change in circumstances.
By notifying up to 28 difference services on their behalf, Tell Us Once is a much easier way for bereaved families and new parents to report their change in circumstances to the relevant authorities. Overall, a person using Tell Us Once can expect to contact government seven fewer times when compared to previous arrangements.
Following the announcement that Enfield Council was to adopt the Tell Us Once scheme, Nick commented "I'm glad that Enfield Council has decided to support the Department of Work and Pensions scheme which will make people's lives so much easier. Tell Us Once removes so much of the red tape involved in registering births and deaths and will save a great deal of time".
Today Nick paid tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women. Nick, along with the Mayor of Enfield Cllr Christina During and other Enfield dignitaries, joined Brigadier Paul Orchard-Lisle on a parade from Chase Side Primary School in Trinity Street to the Enfield War Memorial and then continued on to the Civic Centre on Silver Street. During the parade Nick laid a wreath at the Enfield War Memorial.
Following the parade, Nick commented: "It's at this time of year when we should all remember and pay tribute to the sacrifices of not only those who laid down their lives for our country but those brave men and women who continue to do so around the world".
He added "It has been a great honour to be involved in Enfield's Remembrance tribute".
Message from Nick:
As you can read on the website of the Enfield Independent this morning, Enfield Council is preparing to launch a judicial review of the decision to downgrade services at Chase Farm Hospital.
I support Enfield Council in this decision.
Councillors refrained from debating the issue at Full Council last night for fear of jeopardising legal proceedings. However, Conservative Group Leader Michael Lavender was able to make clear that Conservative councillors support the moves the Council is making.
In 2008 the then Conservative administration also sought a judicial review of the then Labour Health Secretary's decision to downgrade Chase Farm. This was obviously unsuccessful, but I know for certain that residents in Enfield will expect their elected representatives – whether MPs or councillors – to fight the downgrade of Chase Farm in every way possible.
Seeking a judicial review will of course cost money (and need to be backed by legal advice arguing there is reasonable grounds for seeking a review). The issue of taxpayers money was why the Labour Party criticised the Conservatives for seeking a judicial review in 2008. I am glad but not surprised that, with the roles reversed, the local Conservatives now in opposition on Enfield Council have not behaved in the same way the Labour Party did. Instead, they have quite rightly backed Enfield Council seeking a judicial review.
Enfield is united in fighting to save Chase Farm.
Currently, around £1 of every £4 spent on heating our homes is wasted because of lack of adequate insulation. And with over 6 million cavity walls unfilled, and 10 million lofts left unlagged, huge amounts of money is being wasted.
Following his attendance at the "Getting Ready for Winter" event organised by British Gas, Nick is calling on all of his Enfield North constituents to winter-proof their homes to keep costs down.
After his attendance Nick commented: "If people in Enfield North take action and get the free energy efficiency that they are entitled to, then they can save themselves hundreds of pounds every year. If they act now they can be ready long before winter".
Customers of British Gas can take advantage of the company's offer to insulate their homes free if they apply before 22nd December 2011. Customers on lower incomes, whoever their supplier is, can also call a special helpline to see if they are eligible for free insulation or discounted bills (the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 980 8177).
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has confirmed all of the communities through which the Olympic Flame will be carried through – including Enfield.
The LOCOG's announcement has realised the aspiration of taking the Olympic Flame within an hour's journey time of 95% of the population. In fact, over 95% of the population will be within just 10 miles of the Olympic Flame next summer. The street by street detail of the route will be confirmed next year.
Travelling by different methods of transport including horseback, bicycle, tram and steam-train, the Olympic Torch Relay will also include exciting moments with extreme heights, high speeds and breath-taking spectacles. Every county in England and every Local Authority area in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will host the Olympic Flame, with welcomes reaching as far north as Lerwick in Scotland to St Helier in the South, Lowestoft in the east and Enniskillen in the west. Well known landmarks including Snowdon, Stormont, Loch Ness and Stonehenge will be visited by the Olympic Flame.
Following the announcement, Nick commented "I am delighted that we will play our part in this historic occasion and this will be a fantastic opportunity for the whole community to come together to celebrate the countdown to the Olympic Games. I am urging everyone in Enfield North to start thinking about the ways that we welcome the Olympic Flame in a truly local way. We will be inviting neighbouring communities to join us in these celebrations and to cheer on the inspirational individuals from our area that will carry the Olympic Torch through the Borough."
The Olympic Flame will be lit in Olympia in Greece in May 2012. British Airways is a Supporter of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay and the Olympic Flame will arrive into the UK from Greece on 18 May 2012 on board one of its aircraft.
The 70 day Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung, will start at Land's End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012. On leaving Land's End, the Olympic Flame will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to a place near them.
The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers each of whom will have a story of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community. In December this year, successful nominees will be contacted with a conditional offer and final Torchbearer places will start to be confirmed from February 2012 onwards.
On the final day of the Olympic Torch Relay, it is LOCOG's intention that the Olympic Flame will travel down the River Thames as it makes its way to the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Last week, the Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities, Rt Hon Theresa May MP, announced that funding will be provided for 5,000 mentors to support new and existing female entrepreneurs because currently women are only half as likely as men to become entrepreneurs. Specifically trained mentors will be able to address particular concerns of female entrepreneurs such as access to finance, building confidence, achieving a work life balance and working from home.
Following the announcement, Nick commented "unleashing women's entrepreneurial abilities could add billions of pounds to our economy every year. We just can't afford to overlook the talents, skills and experience of women across Enfield North any longer – that's why it's important that the Government take action like this".
The Department for Education has today announced an additional £500 million worth of funding for school places. This includes over £10 million for Enfield.
Following the announcement, Nick commented "This announcement is great news for local schools in Enfield. The last Labour government repeatedly ignored warnings about pressure on the number of school places caused by a population rise. Just as with the economic mess, it has taken the coalition to take positive action to ensure that every local area has the school places that it needs".
Last night, Nick's knife crime amendment because part of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill which received its Third Reading on the floor of the House of Commons. It will now pass on to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. Nick's amendment which will see the introduction of mandatory custodial sentences for individuals aged 16 or over, convicted of threatening or endangering life with a knife, was widely supported.
The Secretary of State for Justice, Kenneth Clarke QC MP, praised Nick's efforts in gaining support for his amendment and his persistence in lobbying Members of Parliament and Government Ministers, calling it a "major reform of the criminal justice system".
David Burrowes MP, Member of Parliament for Enfield Southgate, who helped develop the amendment with Nick addresses the House of Commons and explained how the proposal had developed through Enfield's experience with knife crime and how he expected it would act as a strong deterrent.
Following the legislation's Third Reading, Nick commented: "I'm glad that we're now one step closer to my amendment being on the statute books. The introduction of mandatory sentences for those aged over 16 will act as a strong deterrent. Quite simply, for the first time in the Youth Justice System, if you use a knife in a threatening or endangering fashion you will receive a custodial sentence. I wish to thank all those who have been involved in the campaign including the 42 Members of Parliament who backed the amendment; the Enfield Independent and their Don't Carry Don't Kill campaign; The Sun newspaper; Brook Kinsella; the Metropolitan Police Federation; S.T.O.P, TAG, Anti-Knife UK and the Nelson-Williams Foundation".
If you would like to read the full Third Reading debate in the House of Commons, you can do so by clicking here.
This morning Nick volunteered at the Marie Curie Charity Shop on 157, Hertford Road. Nick's tasks included storing donations, hanging clothes, preparing stock for the shop and helping on the tills.
By volunteering Nick joined more than 50 MPs across the UK by taking part in Make a Difference Day, an initiative which asks volunteers to donate time rather than money to good causes. More than 75
0,000 people have volunteered their time since Make A Difference Day launched in 1996.
Following his stint volunteering, Nick commented: "Enfield is always looking for more volunteers so I hope this day will prompt more people to come forward. Marie Curie is a very deserving cause and I was very happy to donate my time to help".
Today the Government announced support for the Daylight Savings Bill. Proposed by Rebecca Harris MP, the Bill calls for a change to the way the UK sets its clocks. The Bill would see the UK adopt Central European Time, with British Summer Time plus one hour in the summer and Greenwich Meantime plus one in the winter.
The Government's announcement is supported by Road Safety Organisations, Sporting Bodies, the Tourism Industry and Community groups. Evidence suggests that moving an hour of light from the early morning to the evening could make the UK's roads safer, cut the UK's carbon emissions while boosting its economy and provide more time for leisure and sport activities.
Following the Government's announcement, Nick commented: "There's a lot further to go before we change our clocks but this announcement is a big step forward. The Bill would mandate the Government to conduct a proper review of the evidence for and against changing the clocks. There are many benefits to be had from adopting European Central Time".
Following the Ministry of Justice's announcement that it will support Nick's amendment to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, that will see anyone over the age of 16 receiving a mandatory custodial sentence for endangering or threatening life with a knife, Nick was invited onto the BBC's Daily Politics hosted by Andrew Neil.
While being interviewed Nick explained how his amendment is just one part of a larger campaign to tackle youth knife crime. He also talked about how he worked with other Members of Parliament, the Government and outside groups in order to convince the Government to back his proposals.
Last night, following weeks of negotiations, the Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke QC MP, Secretary of State for Justice, announced his decision to support Nick's knife crime amendment which would see anyone over the age of 16 receiving a mandatory custodial sentence for endangering or threatening life with a knife.
Nick's campaign had support from Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes and around 40 other Members of Parliament, The Sun, the Enfield Independent, the Metropolitan Police Federation and anti-Knife Crime campaigners including Brook Kinsella, S.T.O.P, Anti-Knife UK and TAGS.
Following the announcement Nick commented "I am glad the Government has taken the right decision and will now ensure there are strong deterrents against committing knife crime. Enfield is a prime example of where young people consider it acceptable to carry and use knives, often without the fear of being sent to prison. With the introduction of this amendment, young people who are convicted this new offence called aggravated carrying of a knife – which means they have used a knife to threaten or endanger life, will face a mandatory prison sentence. While I know this amendment will not solve the significant problem of knife crime it will become a valuable tool in the fight against it".
Today MPs and Peers were invited to attend a flu vaccine clinic, to encourage their constituents to get this season's flu vaccine in line with Government recommendations.
Last year, 73.3% of people over 65 years and 49.8% of the 'at risk' groups were vaccinated against flu in Enfield North, compared with the national average of 72.8% for the over 65s and 50.4% for those 'at risk'.
Nick commented "The seasonal flu vaccination is important to help protect those people who are more susceptible to serious complications of even death from flu. I would encourage all those that are over the age of 65 or are in one of the 'at risk' groups to visit their surgeries and get vaccinated'.
The Department of Health provides free seasonal flu vaccinations for at risk groups, which include those aged 65 and over; people with chronic respiratory disease (including asthma), hart, renal, liber or neurological disease; low immune systems; as well as people living in long-stay facilities such as nursing and residential homes, and carers of elderly or disabled people.7
The initiative is sponsored by the UK Vaccine Industry Group (UVIG) and is supported by the Department of Health as a useful way to highlight the importance of flu vaccination.
Following Monday's vote in the House of Commons on having a referendum on Britain's relationship with the EU, in which Nick voted IN FAVOUR of having a referendum, Nick wanted to post this personal message:
"I was amongst the 111 Members of Parliament who voted for the motion which would have allowed the UK to hold a referendum on whether to remain as part of the European Union.
I believe that there are occasions when conscience and principle must come first. I do not vote against the Government lightly, but on this issue the most important aspect was to ensure that I accurately represented my constituents' views, which I feel I have done.
Anyone under the age of 55 has not had the chance for a referendum on Britain's relationship with the EU, and since the last
referendum Europe has changed a great deal. I think it right that the British public have their view heard.
I will always put my constituents first and everything else second."
Was Nick right to back the motion in support of a referendum? E-mail him directly at nick.debois.mp@parliament.uk
Honouring a pledge made this summer when he first met the Ellenborough Table Tennis team at the London Youth Games Awards, Nick attended the 75th Anniversary Reunion of the Ellenborough Table Tennis Club. Almost 100 guests attended including past members, the Mayor of Enfield and Lord Davies of Oldham.
Ellenborough Table Tennis Club was formed in 1936 as a section of the Lawn Tennis Club of Wood Green. After the Second World War the club moved to the Bowes Pavilion at Tottenhall Sports Ground, Palmers Green until 1973 when the Pavilion was totally destroyed by fire. Three years later in 1976, the new club opened on its present site.
After attending the reunion, Nick commented "It was fantastic to see so many people turn out to celebrate 75 years of the Ellenborough Table Tennis Club. I sincerely expect it to continue for at least another 75 years!".
This afternoon Nick presented a petition signed by almost 700 Enfield residents calling for a new law to tackle youth knife crime.
It is hoped that this will give weight to amendment Nick has tabled to the Government's forthcoming Justice Bill. The Bill contains a proposal that an adult who uses a knife to threaten someone will get a mandatory prison sentence, and Nick's amendment would extend this to include 15, 16 and 17 year olds.
This has been supported by the Enfield Independent and a host of anti-knife crime campaign groups.
On Friday, Nick visited the Enfield Community Transport Centre which carried over 21,000 passengers in 2010 alone, using only 16 hard-working vehicles. All of these many thousands of journeys are provided by a great volunteering organisation.
Following his visit, Nick commented, "The service these volunteers offer is so valuable to the people of Enfield. They work incredibly hard and without them I doubt some of the residents of Enfield would be as mobile as they currently are."
The Sun has today devoted more column inches to Nick's campaign calling for a tougher law to tackle youth knife crime.
Running the story for the second day in a row, page 9 highlights the appalling figure released by the Sentencing Council that 30% of people committing a "level one" offence - such as an unprovoked attack which leaves the victim seriously injured - are not being sent to prison.
The Government's upcoming Justice Bill will see a mandatory 6-month sentence for an adult convicted of using a knife to threaten or endanger a life.
Nick has tabled an amendment, supported by 40 MPs, which would extend the law to include 15, 16 and 17 year olds.
The Sun conducted a poll of its readers on this specific point, and found 86% supported the law being extended to include 15-17 year olds, with 6% against and 8% unsure.
While the campaign has now gone national, the local campaign continues to gain support with the Enfield Independent this week reporting Nick's call to the Prime Minister to support the amendment at PMQs.
Nick welcomed the Prime Minister's commitment in a speech last week to "get a grip on immigration into our country".
David Cameron argued that Britain should "attract the brightest and the best", as well as "foreign investors and entrepreneurs" to come here. He said that Britain had "been enriched by the contribution of generations of migrants" and would "always be open to those who are seeking asylum from persecution".
However, David Cameron spoke of his concern that "excessive immigration brings pressures, real pressures on our communities up and down the country". He said that tension could result when "large numbers of people arrive in new neighbourhoods, perhaps not all able to speak the same language as those who live there, perhaps not always wanting to integrate, perhaps seeking simply to take advantage of our NHS".
Between 1997 and 2009 net migration reached 2.2 million people – that's twice the population of Birmingham. This Coalition Government is taking action to control immigration by capping economic migration from outside the EU, overhauling the student visa system to tackle abuses and reforming the family visa route to ensure those coming to Britain do not become a burden to the taxpayer.
The Home Secretary, Theresa May, will change the immigration rules to ensure that the misinterpretation of Article Eight of the ECHR – the right to a family life – no longer prevents the deportation of people who shouldn't be here.
Further to this, the Prime Minister promised to tackle forced marriage and announced the British citizenship test would be rewritten to include questions on British history and culture.
Nick said, "Under the previous government immigration was out control and this put unacceptable pressure on communities and public services across Enfield".
He added, "This Government has already capped economic migration and overhauled student visas to cut abuses. Our plans to reform the family visa route will help get net migration back down to the sustainable levels in the tens of thousands a year. And Theresa May will now change the immigration rules to help stop Human Rights laws being abused to prevent deportations of those who shouldn't be here".
"Labour's British citizenship test had questions on the benefit system and Europe but not on our history – it's good this is being put right."
Max Sampson from Whizz-Kidz, which provides vital wheelchairs, life skills, and work opportunities for young disabled people – quizzed Nick at the Conservative Party Conference to see how in-touch MPs are with popular culture. Questions includes what is the most played album on their MP3 player, and whether they prefer Strictly Come Dancing to the X-Factor.
You can listen to Max's quick fire interview with Nick here.
Following the interview, Nick commented: "It was great to meet Max and Whizz-Kidz at Conference and be put on the spot. It was refreshing to see a charity use fun and good humour to break the ice with politicians. I had to admit that for me Strictly beats the X Factor every time! Beneath the mischief, the charity underlined the importance of every child having the opportunity to be themselves, and have a childhood like any other".
Nick and students from Enfield Grammar, Kingsmead and Oasis Academy Hadley joined more than 200 hundred other post-16 students from around London as part of a visit to Auschwitz- Birkenau organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust.
Now in its thirteen year, the visit is based on the premise that "hearing is not like seeig". Nick and the students first visited Oswiecim, the town where the Auschwitz death and concentration camps were located and where before the war, 58% of the population was Jewish. Nick then visited Auschwitz I to see the former camp's barracks and crematoria. Finally the group visited Birkenau where the day concluded with a candle lighting and period of reflection.
The Lessons from Auschwitz Project visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau was preceded by a seminar in the UK where participants were introduced to Jewish life in Europe before the War. Following the visit, the students attended a seminar to reflect on the visit and discuss their personal responses to it. The fourth part of the project requires all students to pass on the Lessons from Auschwitz to their schools and wider community. In this way, as many young people as possible benefit from the Lessons from Auschwitz Project.
Government funding has enabled the Trust to facilitate regional visits to Auschwitz, as part of its Lessons from Auschwitz Project for thousands of students each year.
Following the visit, Nick commented "I cannot underestimate the importance of visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and recognising the full extent of the industrialised nature of the Holocaust. These events may have taken place over 60 years ago but as our society bears witness; we need to continue to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to the younger generations in order to fight bigotry and hatred today. I look forward to seeing how the students will communicate their experience to their peers and am encouraged that many more students will have the opportunity to participate in the course in future years. I hope that this will ensure that the Holocaust is never forgotten and that its lessons are truly learnt, disseminated and acted upon."
Having visited Auschwitz -Birkenau on 3 occasions I can totally agree with the view that "hearing is not like seeing".With a lifelong interest in the Holocaust, and having read extensively about the atrocities that took place,including many survivor testimonies- nothing prepared me for the sights I encountered nor the emotions they brought about.It truly brings it home to you,standing amongst the ruins of a gas chamber,seeing the crematorium ovens and all the human "paraphernalia" that is exhibited there. It also brings home how important it is to keep re-telling the stories and to keep alive the memories of those who perished, not just for this generation but for those yet to come
My own memories of Auschwitz are deeply ingrained and I would urge anyone with an interest to visit, despite the obviously disturbing sights that await visitors
- Derek Shakespeare
Recently Nick hosted an event with North London businesses and the London Borough of Enfield Council selling Enfield as a fantastic place to do business.
While addressing the 80 people who attended, which included investors and business owners, Nick spoke about how Enfield is an ideal place for businesses to base themselves. Enfield is in the right strategic location which is close to international airports, has a number of train links to Central London and other areas of the country and is easily accessible from the Motorway network.
Nick also continued by saying that "Enfield will deliver on its promises" and has a "clear strategic plan" in order to achieve those promises. Through the development of new homes, including 3000 Meridian Water homes and campaigns for a third railway line on the Cambridge to Stansted Line and a campaign for the Northern Gateway Access Road.
Following the event Nick commented "As I have always said, Enfield is open for business. Enfield has some unique facilities and is ideally situated close to transport links and Central London. I really expect that tonight's event will have encouraged yet more businesses to choose Enfield as their base."
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois has called on Prime Minister David Cameron to back his knife crime campaign.
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions today, Mr. de Bois said over 40 MPs have now backed an amendment he has tabled to the Government's Justice Bill. The Bill currently sets out that those over the age of 18 convicted of using a knife to threaten or endanger a life will face a mandatory 6 month prison sentence, but Nick's amendment calls for under 18s to be included in the reform.
The "Don't carry, don't kill" campaign from the Enfield Independent supports the amendment which has enjoyed rapidly growing support from backbench Conservative MPs over the past few days.
Mr. de Bois asked the Prime Minister if he would support the amendment, which has been supported by hundreds of signatures from Enfield residents on a House of Commons petition that will presented to Parliament in the coming weeks.
David Cameron said he would be happy to look closely at the amendment.
The petition can be signed at http://tinyurl.com/nick-petition
Along with host Iain Dale, Keith Simpson MP and Zoe Williams from the Guardian, Nick took part in the last 30 minutes of the weekly LBC Parliament which this week was broadcast from the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester. The broadcast actually took place within the AMC Cinema, in front of the screen.
There were discussions about many topical news stories and Nick also expressed his hope that the Prime Minister, David Cameron would announce his support for his anti-knife crime amendment.
Following the broadcast Nick commented "I always enjoy taking part in the LBC Parliament because it allows me to discuss topical news stories with individuals throughout London. I must thank Iain Dale for his fantastic hosting as always".
As part of the Minister for Work and Pensions, Chris Grayling MP's speech to the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, Nick was invited on stage to discuss the success of the Enfield Jobs Fair which was held in January. Attendance was 1,200 and the event includes companies like Rimex Metals, Johsnson Matthey, Tesco and Barclays – all offering information, advice and potential job opportunities.
While speaking to the Party Conference, Nick said that he "wanted to extend the success of the Jobs Fair to young people" by hosting another Jobs Fair early in 2012 aimed specifically at youth unemployment.
Following his announcement, Nick commented "I want to hold an event for local companies and training providers to showcase the opportunities that are available for young people in Enfield. I'm passionate about the future of young people in the borough and I want to do all I can as an MP to help facilitate opportunities for them."
On the first day of the Conservative Party Conference, Nick was invited to join a discussion panel at a fringe event run by the Freedom Association and Big Brother watch to discuss reform of the European Arrest Warrant. The event was chaired by Nick Pickles, the Director of Big Brother Watch and the panel also included Dominic Raab MP and Martin Callanan MEP.
To a packed audience Nick introduced the case of his con
stituent, Andrew Symeou, who was extradited to Greece and held for many months for a crime he could not have committed under the European Arrest Warrant. Nick also discussed the submission he had complied and submitted to the Sir Scott Baker review into the UK's extradition arrangements both with the European Union and America.
After the event Nick commented, "I've been an advocate for reform of the European Arrest Warrant since I entered Parliament and heard about Andrew Syemou's case. The system relies upon judicial mutual recognition, which suggests that the legal systems in all European Member States are the same and this quite frankly isn't true. I'm looking forward to reading the Extradition Review once it is published".
Following the August riots, which affected businesses not just in Enfield but throughout England, a charity called the "High Street Fund" has been founded to help small businesses recover from the damage they suffered.
While over £4 million has been donated from a coalition of large businesses and the Mayor of London's Office to the High Street Fund there has still been only a small number of businesses take up the offer of much needed financial help.
Nick previously called for businesses to access the High Street Fund here.
Applications to the fund are to cease on 30th September 2011 so it is vitally important local businesses apply as soon as possible. For more information you can visit www.thehighstreetfund.co.uk.
With Enfield having a higher than average level of youth unemployment, serious work needs to be done. The Coalition Government has taken action by expanding the Academies programme and introducing Free Schools which will help young people achieve much needed qualifications.
However, more can be done to improve vocational education and is good to see the Government is working towards the introduction of 100,000 sponsored work experience placements for jobless 18 to 21 year olds.
Never the less, improving the levels of youth unemployment can only be achieved if the right climate for employers to create jobs is encouraged. As readers of this website will know, the Government is continually taking steps to create a job-friendly climate by introducing Work Programmes, lower taxes for the lowest earners, cuts in taxes for small business and reforming the welfare system.
Nick is lending his support to a proposal by by Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North, Catherine McKinnell MP. The proposal requires companies winning large public contracts to provide apprenticeships as part of their bid.
Nick commented "The problem of rising youth unemployment should be outside of party politics and I support Catherine McKinnell's proposals. I would go further and ensure that this applies to Local Government contracts as well as National Government contracts."
For more information on Catherine McKinnell MP's proposals click here.
On Tuesday 20th September, Nick attended the London Youth Games Awards to meet with local teams from Enfield including the Ellenborough Table Tennis Team. While attending the awards Nick had the opportunity to view the 2012 Olympic Games torch which was on display.
The London Youth Games take place over the summer in all of the London Boroughs, and Tuesday marked a celebration of the achievements of those that had performed well and won awards.
Following the event Nick commented "I did my best to compete with a member of the Ellenborough Table Tennis Team but was soundly thrashed."
MP says Chase Farm downgrade is "wrong" and calls for split with Barnet
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois has said the ruling by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) to approve the downgrade of Chase Farm Hospital is "the wrong decision".
The IRP's report endorses the BEH Clinical Strategy, meaning Chase Farm's 24-hour A&E unit will be replaced with a 12-hour Urgent Care Centre. Blue-light emergencies will go to North Mid or Barnet hospital.
Nick de Bois said, "I'm disappointed by the IRP's decision. Frankly I think it's the wrong decision. Chase Farm Hospital should have a 24-hour A&E unit, end of story. I also think the Secretary of State is wrong to endorse the IRP's decision".
The IRP criticised the submission put forward by Enfield council, which called for more money to be made available and gave a list of recommendations. The IRP said the council's plan "does not provide any credible alternative to the current proposals".
GPs should be given chance to put forward an alternative
Mr. de Bois said that just because no alternative has been identified, it does not mean one cannot be found and that the emerging GP consortia should be given the opportunity to do so.
He said, "The IRP's plan is flawed because it's saying that no credible alternative has been put forward. For me, this underlines why this decision is wrong because it's been made before a GP commissioning body has been established, a body that would be free to design the services they want for Enfield".
Chase Farm should split with Barnet
Mr. de Bois has now called for Chase Farm Hospital to split with Barnet Hospital and instead form a new Foundation Trust with North Middlesex Hospital.
"The critical thing now is that we get approval of divorce from Barnet, and a merger with North Middlesex Hospital, which would guarantee the profits from any land sales at Chase Farm would not go to Barnet, the wider NHS or the Treasury - but instead will be re-invested in frontline healthcare services in Enfield".
"It should be for our local GPs commissioners to decide future of services in Enfield from the two hospitals serving our borough".
On Monday 12th September 2011, Nick met with key representatives from voluntary organisations across the London area who are actively involved in the campaign to reduce the level of knife crime and knife related deaths in the UK. The combined experience of these groups is focused on helping young people avoid a life of crime, gangs and social disengagement. The meeting was facilitated by Enfield North resident, Tolu Williams, a member of Solve This Ongoing Problem (STOP) and involved the Enfield based Nelson-Williams Foundation, Anti-Knife UK, TAG, Gangline and the Strategic Alliance of Communities Rejecting Youth Destruction (SACRYD).
The group met not only to discuss the ever-growing problem of youth knife crime but also Nick's tabled amendment to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, which would see mandatory sentences introduced for anyone (including those aged under 18) who are convicted of using a knife to threaten or endanger a life. The members present pledged their support for the change in the law which they see as key to helping stop the growing knife crime culture.
Following the meeting, Nick commented "These groups show just how valuable the third sector can be in dealing with the problem of knife crime and the ever present problems of gangs and street violence. Whilst this meeting focussed on knife crime, we will work together to tackle many of the wider issues such as gangs and the associated problems such as gang rape. We held the first of what I hope will be many constructive meetings and was happy to hear that they supported my proposed amendment."
Following 84% of students receiving A* to C grades in their GCSEs, an increase of 46% in two years, Nick was invited by Oasis Academy Principal Lynne Dawes to tour her school and meet with a group of students.
The visit was to celebrate the academy's continuing improvements and success and allow students to question their local Member of Parliament. Nick was shown around the school by two student ambassadors and managed to visit a number of classes from all different year groups. At the end of his tour, Nick met with a group of students to discuss not only his work in in the House of Commons but also to hear their thoughts on many different topics including the August riots, knife crime and their plans for the future.
Following the visit, Nick commented "I'm incredibly pleased to hear of the continuing success at Oasis Academy Hadley. Their results have seen such a massive improvement in such a short amount of time and I fully expect their results to continue getting even more impressive. I thoroughly enjoyed my tour and the discussion with a group of students. I was encouraged to hear their views on dealing with the problems of knife crime and gangs. I wish the students the best of luck in the rest of their academic careers at Oasis Academy Hadley".
Today, Nick and fellow local Member of Parliament David Burrowes MP met with Rt Hon Ken Clarke QC MP, the Secretary of State for Justice to discuss the introduction of mandatory sentences for youths convicted of using a knife to threaten of endanger life.
While the Coalition Government's Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill will introduce mandatory sentences for adults convicted of using a knife to threaten or endanger life, Nick has tabled an amendment which seeks to include those aged under 18 within the mandatory sentence guidelines.
Following the constructive meeting in the Secretary of State's office in the House of Commons, Nick commented "We need to be tough on knife crime and the introduction of mandatory sentences is a good step, but these mandatory sentences must apply to youths as well. We spoke at length with the Secretary of State and he conveyed his horror at the recent prevalence of youth related knife crime in the London Borough of Enfield. He appeared to take on board our comments and hopefully this will lead to my amendment being added to the Bill".
If you would like more information on Nick's amendment to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill then please feel free to contact Nick by clicking here.
Nick was invited to give evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee in order to aid them with their investigation into the policing of large-scale disorder following the August Riots which Nick personally witnessed in Enfield Town.
During his appearance Nick was asked questions regarding not only what he witnessed while he was present in Enfield Town on the night of the riots but also what he felt of the police's response and the use of social media websites in causing the large scale disorder.
Following the completion of his evidence Nick commented "I was pleased to be invited to give evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee in order to fully explain the awful scenes I witnessed in Enfield Town. We need to prevent such large scale and reckless criminality from occurring again and I expect the Select Committee's forthcoming report will help the Government a great deal."
If you would like further information on the work of the Home Affairs Select Committee click here, if you'd like to watch Nick's appearance then click here.
Following the August riots, high streets across England bore the brunt of the damage and destruction. A new charity, known as the High Street Fund has been set up to support those small businesses affected by the riots and help restore day to day normality.
A coalition of businesses and the Mayor of London's office have contributed £4 million and yet only 20 small businesses have so far applied for funds.
Grants of up to £2,000 are available to help firms affected by the riots and can be available in a matter of days. Businesses which apply for help will also be able to make applications via other compensation schemes and money allocated for regeneration, including a £20 million High Street Support scheme, which is being distributed by local councils.
While calling on affected local businesses to access the fund Nick commented "this money is sitting there waiting to be applied for, only 20 businesses have so far applied and I am sure there are many affected businesses within Enfield who could use this much needed financial boost in order to help with the return back to normality".
For more information, you can visit the High Street Fund online here.
The organisation MyBnk Business Battle challenged local school students to deliver a real enterprise from concept to delivery at today's Saturday Market on their own stall.The goal? To make a profit with donations going to this years Children in Need. Nick went along to meet the students shortky after they had opened their stall.
Enfield Business Battle is run by financial and enterprise charity MyBnk funded by Enfield Council Youth Services and supported by Futureversity.
Nick commented, " Three weeks ago this part of the Town witnessed riots, today we have a fantastic example of positive youth action by local youngsters. It was a pleasure to support them today.
Watch Nick's speech in the Public Disorder debate following the London Riots.
Home Secretary Theresa May has visited Enfield Lock to thank firefighters and police officers that have dealt with the warehouse fire at Innova Park.
Accompanied by Enfield North MP Nick de Bois, the Home Secretary saw first hand the damage done to the Sony distribution warehouse, which was started deliberately late on Monday night. The blaze at the 20,000 square metre warerhouse was brought under control by Tuesday morning, with 55 firefighters using eleven fire engines.
Local and national media were there to cover the visit, drawing attention to the fact that the distribut
ion centre employs 200 people. Nick said, "the fire has been devastating for Enfield Lock. We will be doing everything we can - from me as the local MP through to the Mayor of London and the Prime Minister, to ensure Sony stays in Enfield and re-builds".
Fast Signs, a printers on Southbury Road, have started a morale boosting campaign in Enfield Town by giving away free "We love Enfield" signs. Shops across Enfield have been displaying them in their windows to show they are getting back on their feet and are open for business.
Nick, Theresa and Enfield council leader Doug Taylor all welcomed the idea, which is being seen as another sign of people in the borough coming together to find something positive among the dreadful events of the past week.
I am glad to hear that Nick the PM and the mayor will do all they can to ensure Sony stays in Enfield. Good work.
Can I plead that they rebuild in Enfield Lock we need the jobs in this area.
- Ruth
Following the Prime Minister's statement in the House of Commons today, Nick made a contribution to the debate on Public Disorder, which was led by the Home Secretary. This was a good chance to raise the concerns voiced by so many constituents over the past few days about these appalling events.
You can read his speech here (which then continues after interventions here and here).
After Nick's contribution, the Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, commented on the impact of the disturbances on Enfield.
'My hon. Friend Nick de Bois drew a vivid and affecting picture of how one of London's most attractive suburbs could be convulsed by violence, as individuals intent on wrongdoing took to the streets in the most wicked of ways. He asked detailed and constructive questions about the roles that the local authority, schools and TFL can play in making sure that our response to future events is sharper. We will write to him to ensure that his constituents' concerns are addressed.'
During the emergency recall of Parliament today, Nick asked the Prime Minister to ensure that every step was taken to track down those criminals involved in the recent riots across London. Specifically, he asked the PM to consider getting the police to work with schools to help identify those of school age that were recorded by CCTV or appearing in YouTube videos.
See the full text of Nick's question below:
Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): My constituents and I witnessed shocking events in Enfield on Sunday and Monday. What was particularly shocking was the age of a number of the culprits. Will the Prime Minister ask the police authorities to work with the education authorities to identify the many secondary school children who were out there causing these crimes?
The Prime Minister: That is certainly a sensible suggestion. Over and above that, we must recognise that the responsibility for the fact that some of these children—I use the word "children" advisedly—are out on the streets rests with their parents. We need parents to take more responsibility for their children, teach them the difference between right and wrong, and point out that this sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable.
London Mayor Boris Johnson visited Enfield Town this afternoon to talk to shopkeepers and residents affected by the violence and looting of Sunday night.
Accompanied by Enfield North MP Nick de Bois, who has called for the Government to consider calling in the military to protect fire crews dealing with burning buildings, Boris said he was impressed with how quickly Enfield was bouncing back.
Nick said, "I'm pleased the Mayor was able to visit Enfield and call into businesses such as G Mantella, to see first hand the way local shops here have suffered from the events of Sunday night".
The Mayor attracted a crowd of around 150 people which followed his progress around the town centre, with television crews and reporters covering what was a well-received visit.
Town Ward councillor Joanne Laban (left) told the Mayor of the damage caused to Nicon House and the pharmacy on Silver Street that was ransacked on Sunday night.
The London Fire Brigade have updated the Latest Incidents section of their website to report on the fire at the Sony warehouse on Solar Way:
Eleven fire engines and around 55 firefighters were called to a fire in a two storey warehouse and offices on Solar Way in Enfield last night. The building, which has partially collapsed, was completely destroyed by the fire.
Around 170 people were evacuated from a neighbouring hotel. The hotel is now closed due to heavy smoke in the area. Firefighters are asking members of the public in the immediate area to close windows and doors due to the heavy smoke.
Firefighters are likely to remain at the scene of the fire for the rest of the day.
The Brigade was called at 2349 on Monday 8 August and the fire was brought under control by 1101 on Tuesday 9 August. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
According to the Enfield Independent, it has now become clear the fire at the Sony distribution warehouse at Innova Park is related to the violence we saw on Enfield's streets on Sunday night.
Reporter David Hardiman writes:
Large clouds of smoke are still billowing from the Sony warehouse in Enfield, after reports of teenagers with petrol cans attacking it last night.
The fire at the huge building, in Innova Park, Solar Way, was started at around midnight. People are saying a group of teenagers with petrol cans set fire to the building after stealing computer games, DVDs and CDs. The majority of the building has been destroyed. Metal walls have melted and folded in on themselves.
Firefighters continue to battle with the smouldering building this morning.
Guests have been evacuated from the nearby hotel just after midnight and said they were shocked at what they had seen in London over the past few nights.
Nick de Bois said, "We cannot allow these criminals to take control of our neighbourhoods. The scenes in Enfield Town and now the reports coming in regarding Enfield Lock are of immense concern to residents and business owners".
He added, "Given the way our police force in London is clearly over-stretched and struggling to contend with the unprecedented levels of violence, I have called publicly for the Government to bring in the military to protect our fire services so they can deal with burning buildings without fear of attack, and for water cannon to be made available".
I agree we need emergency powers to bring in the military and to use water cannon. The community demands law and order.
It is just mindless thieving and arson. Enfield Lock desparately needs jobs, so what do they do? - burn down Sony warehouse providing those jobs.
I trust you call for parent orders holding parents responsible for their children, indeed I thought that was why parents had children, but I suppose now it is to receive benefits.
- Ruth H
As a former civil servant and Fellow of the RSA, I take pride in being politically neutral. I am a strong supporter of using enterprise to motivate young people and give them the tools and confidence to be highly-motivated, contributing citizens. As a civil servant, I had the opportunity to work closely with the Football Association Premier League to develop and roll-out an enterprise programme that really reached youth in some of the most deprived areas of the UK (http://www.premierleague.com/page/EnterpriseAcademy ). These young people are truly inspiring and the thugs we have seen ruining our society these last few days bear no similarity to the majority of our youth. I agree totally with Nick’s calls for army support for our fire brigades where criminal activity of this sort breaks out and the strongest of legal measures to tackle the yob element of our local area and nation (see my latest blog comments at: https://pontackscoffeeshop.wordpress.com/ ). Please keep up the good work on this cause.
- Mike
I was in Enfield Town from about 6pm yesterday evening. The scenes that residents and I witnessed of people with their faces covered, intent on attacking the police and local shops were as shocking as they were surprising.
The vast majority of these people were not from Enfield. This was organised criminal activity. People had come from other parts of London and elsewhere after being co-ordinated via social media and mobile phone. The police acted in a controlled and very professional manner which dispersed a large crowd of people, making many arrests. It was telling that vandals fleeing from the police would run back through side streets to get into their suped-up cars and leave to meet up elsewhere. It is difficult to see how anyone could argue this was some kind of uprising from a frustrated, deprived underclass. The fact that these people have gone out to commit criminal acts on an organised day using social media and phoning their friends in a concerted effort to just move trouble up and capitalise on those awful events at the weekend is deplorable.
I welcome the comments of Enfield council leader Doug Taylor who said, "There's simply no place for this sort of action. It's got nothing to do with the shooting in Tottenham, we're a different borough".
I want to pay tribute again to the bravery and professionalism of the police, who did and will no doubt continue to do a superb job in minimising the damage to our neighbourhoods. It could have been much worse. There have been many arrests and I'm sure there will be many more. I am adamant that people convicted of the crimes committed should be given custodial sentences to send a clear message that this type of organised violence does not go unpunished.
These events need to have their day being discussed in Parliament, not least so the frustrations and fears of residents affected by these dreadful events can be heard. We also need to ensure that the lessons from what has happened in Tottenham and Enfield Town are learned, and for the record to state that what has occurred is organised criminal behaviour and should not be tolerated.
Well said.
Prison for all offenders and if not enough prisons build some more
- qetu1357
Fully agree with you Nick , on the need for tough custodial sentances for these mindless criminals . We need to reinforce this by giving our police the powers to use plastic bullets and water cannon .
This would be fully justifiable power since the police in this situation are having to deal with terrorists , ( ie yes , people who cause terror within communities ).
The police i am told have this armoury , but have been unable to use it becouse of lily livered Goverments not allowing them to do so .
- David S
It was clear this was nothing more then thugs at their worse. Surely we should give the Police the power to use water cannon and plastic bullets.
Assuming innocent people would be caught out in the location of a riot, the Police should wait a set time to allow these innocent people to leave the area, it would be clear that any individual still on the streets after that time would be there because they choose to be, then the Police should be allowed to take action.
- A.A Molinari
Last nights actions were clearly unacceptable. How on earth did shops get smashed in town, when social websites knew hours before they were coming. What a soft touch we were. Stop the pc nonsense and let the police use action. Enough is enough and the image of enfield is now in tatters. More action to teach these thugs they cannot keep your voters and tax payers under curfue
- neil
I am disgusted and shocked that our small Town of Enfield, was under attact last night. Your words are very refreshing, so please back them up Nick. 99% of Londoners have had enough. These thugs are laughing in the face of our police force. We are citizens and tak payers have had enough. You are completely correct in that this is not inequality, it is a lack of morals and values. will the courts let us down, there appears to have been very few arrests given the scale of events. what an advert for London as the world looks on.
- John
A guy on sky news is watching his family business burn down in Clpaham. Been in the family 5 generations, since 1857. There's your social injustice. Nick rally your MPs please and don't let them get away with this. The public are behind you sir. If you are remembered for one main thing in your political career this is more than a worthy case. Police need power to act, they are the police not stewards to watch these thugs and move them around from one parade of shops to another.
- Lisa
Nick,
I saw the Enfield riots on Sky & heard your interview and that of Cllr Taylor. You were both very considered in what you said.
I thought the police did a truly fantastic job in the circumstances and the use of the dogs to establish and keep control was exemplary. The police force must be congratulated.
However I think the situation has now deteriorated rapidly across London and the arbitrary use of arson is particularly frightening. So we need urgent and effective action.
Emergency powers must be put in place immediately, including but not limited to curfews, censorship, turning off Twitter and BBM, special courts, exemplary sentences, use of the military, water cannon, tear gas, rubber bullets etc.
The community demands law and order. Give it to us. Please.
- John B
Come on everyone, once they publish photos and clips of people rioting and looting name and shame them as we need to rid our City of these scumbags.
The police are doing a fantastic job considering the danger they are in. Very brave of them.
I think we need the army in now to deal with these scumbags as the police just can't cope with it at the levels it's risen to.
Rosie - Tottenham
- Rosie
Out of control? Yes I would say so Nick. Time to up our game
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=207192798388318292131.0004aa01af6748773e8f7&msa=0
- Peter
The military need to be involved. The police cant use appropiate force due the the constraints imposed on them, i'm sure the boys who are used to being shot at in Afganistan would prove more of a deterrant to these little cowards...
- Haribo
Very true Nick but what we need now is a strategy to deal with this insane behaviour I will not sit by & see these kids terrorise my community, we need information regarding clean ups, how
- Beulah Groves
Nick is taking the campaign on youth knife crime another step further with a petition to the House of Commons, calling for the Government's tough new policies on knife crime to also apply to under 18s.
Read more about the issue here.
Sign the petition here.
Nick has written a joint letter with Southgate MP David Burrowes to Prime Minister David Cameron, calling for the government's tough new crime policies to also apply to under 18s.
The government has outlined plans to create a new offence of using a knife to threaten or endanger a life, which will carry a mandatory six month prison sentence for those found guilty. However, Nick has raised in Parliament the fact that the new policy will not apply to those under 18 years of age.
The Enfield Independent has covered the story on its front page today, highlighting that in recent weeks there have been a spate of gang attacks in the borough in recent weeks. It says this clearly shows that the mandatory sentences for those guilty of using a knife to threaten or endanger must apply to under 18s.
The Enfield Independent launched its "Don't carry, don't kill" campaign last week, backing Nick's calls for tough policies to apply to every person, not just adults.
Today Nick highlighted to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in the House of Commons the launch of the "100 Days, 100 Apprenticeships" earlier this week led by Johnson Matthey. The full exchange can be found here
Johnson Matthey, based in Jeffreys Road, Brimsdown brought together local businesses, colleges and training agencies at their Enfield plant to present the opportunities for employers by hiring apprentices, and the spin off value for the local economy. Many companies there showed a genuine interest in supporting the scheme which of course carries significant government support and funding. I welcomed the opportunity to represent the governments program and my own experience as a former employer.
The Enfield Independent newspaper has today launched its "Don't carry, don't kill" on knife crime, saying "Enough is enough".
On this week's front page, the newspaper highlights the Government's tough new policy of giving a 6 month prison sentence to anyone who uses a knife to threaten or endanger a life. However, it also notes that this will not extend to someone under the age of 18. The newspaper says, "Therefore, the Enfield Independent backs the call of Enfield North MP Nick de Bois to include those under the age of 18, in the outlined mandatory sentencing".
Last week, Nick wrote in the Enfield Advertiser that "it's not only adults who can threaten with knives". He pledged to campaign to ensure that the Government introduces equally tough policies for under 18s that use a knife to threaten or endanger a life.
Nick said, "I greatly welcome the 'don't carry, don't kill' campaign being launched by the Enfield Independent. This is a campaign of such critical importance to our community where we have seen tragic examples of fatal stabbings and serious injury. I'm backing the new offence of possessing a knife to threaten or endanger a life, and welcome that this would carry a mandatory six month prison sentence.
I also hope we will see equally strong measures to prevent youth knife crime. We not only need tough sentences but early intervention and ex-offender programmes. If we achieve this, we will stop these tragedies occurring that we in Enfield know have happened far too often".
Read more: the Enfield Independent has more in this week's issue.
Nick took part in a three way debate with John Pugh the Liberal Democrat member of the Bill Committee and Emily Thornberry Labour Shadow Health minister. To hear the debate click hear and then scroll across to 15 mins 30 seconds on the time bar
This afternoon I visited shop-keepers in the top end of Hertford Road near the Co-op. Joining me was the Borough Police Commander who was keen to listen to some of the concerns shop keepers have following recent anti social behaviour and more worringly a serious incident last Saturday. The last two years has seen a decline in shoppers along this part of the borough and shop keepers are worried that these circumstances are affecting the number of shoppers visiting their stores.
Chief Superintendent Tucker took time out to listen to some of the problems and outlined the policing commitment to the area. Without doubt visible policing will help both shoppers and shop keepers.
Nick attended a regular meeting of the Enfield Health and Well Being Scrutiny panel to update Members on progress of the Health and Social Care Bill through Parliament and answer questions. Members of the public were also invited. Due to the interest in the continuing fight to save our A&E unit at Chase Farm Hospital it was inevitable that many were also interested in discussing the latest situation. Nick volunteered to have a seperate meeting immediately after Scrutiny which he did with 3 members of the public.
During the Q&A session on the Health and Social Care Bill, Nick was able to highlight the increasing role and responsibility for local councillors and public in shaping the future health economy of Enfield as powers are devolved from Westminster to local authorities. If you would like to find out more please do not hesitate to contact Nick on nick.debois.mp@parliament.uk
Nick has written for this week's Enfield Advertiser newspaper on knife crime.
The Government is creating a new offence of using a knife to threaten or endanger a life, which will carry a six month prison sentence.
In the column , he calls calls for the Government's tough new policies on knife crime to be extended to include under 18s.
You can read it here.
I was delighted to join the Mayor and other civic representatives at this weekend's Armed Forces Day parade. The parade was remarkable with everyone defying the heat of the day to put on a very polished parade. However, I hope the council will seek to invite more representatives from a regiment or sqadron for next year as I think this would be very welcome by the public to help support the commerations of the day and perhaps increase the turn out from the public.
Nick was on the Today programme this morning defending Chase Farm from accusations that the hospital should be downgraded.
You can listen again here.
The report comes in the wake of an article in the Times newspaper which claimed staff at Chase Farm would not want their relatives treated at the hospital. You can read Nick's strongly-worded rebuttal of this claim here, which the Times declined to publish.
Nick
Great to see you are out there fighting for your constituents.
The must love your commitment to the crap service they get at Chase Farm
- jimmy
As part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme Nick works with the RAF for 20 days a year. During this time he has the chance to learn first hand about life in the RAF both on active duty and back on base. During his recent trips to RAF Connigsby and RAF Odiham he gained a valuable insight into the Air Defence of the UK against threats from the air. During another visit he met with wives of serving men from NCO and Jnr Officer ranks and learned irst hand of many of the problems they face that are unique to service families. As a result he is able to bring these matters to the attention of ministers and where appropriate lobby for change and improvements.
Nick took this photo( from a phone camera with a shaky hand!) on board a chinook helicopter as he joined a flight to see first hand the capability of this unique helicopter that is supporting troops in Afghanistan so well.
On a recent visit to RAF Odiham, servicemen and women highlighted to Nick that those of a junior rank, living in shared single room accommodation blocks of more than 40 rooms still have to each pay for an individual television license, even when they are serving abroad for part or nearly all of the year.
Nick went on to request a statement to the House of Commons from Nick Harvey MP, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, regarding this matter.
After his request, Nick commented "It's seems that we expect our servicemen and women to shell out £145.50 a year each for a television license, under these circumstances. Surely with the sacrifices they make for our country, we should think again. I am sure the BBC can do without this relatively small amount of money"
On Friday 17th June, the Times newspaper published an article on p.8 headlined, "17 years ago closure was needed urgently. Today, Chase Farm stays open". The first paragraph read, "Talk to staff at Chase Farm Hospital about where they would send a loved one who was suddenly ill or was about to give birth, and you will likely get a resigned smile and a two-word answer: 'not here'". The article went on make the case for scrapping services at Chase Farm, and to criticise politicians for not having the "bravery to stand up and say that it might be in the greater good".
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois sent a joint letter with Southgate MP David Burrowes to the editor of the Times to be considered for publication. Unfortunately, the Times declined to publish it. Here it is in full:
Sir,
It is as much absurd as it is offensive to claim that staff working at Chase Farm Hospital would not want their relatives and loved ones treated there. (Times Friday 17 June). Given that the hospital was awarded the Health Excellence and Leadership award last year for the way it has improved care - an award determined by a poll of medical professionals and patients – is real evidence of how it Chase Farm is valued.
Your unsubstantiated report and Cammilla Cavendish's comment (Times 9th June) provides solace for the bureaucrats who have relentlessly pursued the downgrade of Chase Farm Hospital but ignores the wishes of local GPs, patients and the thousands of residents we represent.
Your criticism of local politicians for lacking the "political will" to steer through unpopular changes is a perverse view of democratic representation.
We do support the right for local GP's and patients to determine the future and have their say. They tell us that Chase Farm's A&E remains one of the busiest in London, and over 3,000 births born at the hospital each year matches the numbers of full maternity units at neighbouring hospitals.
If you are looking for blame for the years of delay in deciding the future of local health services, look no further than those at NHS London and Enfield PCT for not listening to the public and local GPs - and politicians.
Nick de Bois MP
Member of Parliament for Enfield North
David Burrowes MP
Member of Parliament for Enfield Southgate
Nick has called for Parliamentary time to debate the ownership, financial condition and effectiveness of local and regional newspapers under the current prevailing economic conditions. With a large number of local newspaper editors expressing their concern that they are unable to regularly scrutinise local public bodies such as Councils and Courts (not to mention Members of Parliament!) Nick felt it right that parliament should have the time to explore the problem and its impact on localities.
Nick commented, "It is not the Government's role to run local newspapers, but local and regional newspapers do have an incredibly valuable role to play in supporting local democratic accountability and I would like Parliament to have the chance to highlight this and see if and how government may be able to help"
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois has written a joint submission with Southgate MP David Burrowes to a key health panel reviewing plans for hospital services in the borough, pressing the case for cuts to Chase Farm to be scrapped.
You can read their letter in full here.
The Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) will be reviewing plans for local hospital services in Enfield following the freeze on all hospital plans imposed by the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley. Nick and David have called on the IRP to reject the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey (BEH) Clinical Strategy - which would see Chase Farm downgraded - arguing that the plan does not have the support of local GPs, patients or the public.
The MPs go on to argue that Chase Farm should break its link with Barnet Hospital and instead form a new Foundation Trust with North Middlesex Hospital, a move they argue is a logical step that would allow vital services at Chase Farm to be saved.
Nick and David have used their joint letter to call for the IRP to set out a "robust timetable for adoption of a new plan" for hospital services in the borough. Such a plan should include a guarantee that local NHS land and property must be "used for the benefit of Enfield's health service".
Nick said, "Chase Farm is my number one priority as an MP. It's not possible to simply ask for more money, so what we have set out instead is a solution that is realistic but can still save A&E and maternity services".
He added, "With a shadow GP consortia now covering the borough, we have the potential to have local GPs deciding what's in the best interests of people in Enfield, and where we have Enfield's hospitals focused on people in Enfield".
David Burrowes said, "We have said very clearly that we want the BEH plan rejected and instead for Chase Farm to break with Barnet and join with North Middlesex. It is a logical step, as we believe the population of Enfield should be primarily served by local hospitals".
The Enfield Independent covers the story
So does the Enfield Advertiser
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois has given his reaction to the NHS Future Forum report which has made recommendations about the coalition Government's health reforms, saying "We have finally got professionals, politicians and the public behind the coalition health reforms".
He added, "I am pleased to support the recommendations of the NHS Future Forum, particularly on the key areas of competition, clinical commissioning and public accountability. Of course we could have stayed with the proposals as originally set out, but what is most important is that we've now got the support of professionals, politicians and the public and we can get on with the crucial task of reforming the NHS".
Nick's response in full:
I am pleased with the report from the NHS Future Forum which has set out sensible steps forward for our Health Service.
Competition on quality, and 'Any Qualified Provider'
The recommendations set out in the NHS Future Forum ensure there will be a wide scope for competition and choice in the NHS, as a means to drive up quality and improve outcomes. In Sir Stephen Bubb's report on competition he stated "There is a wealth of talent and untapped resources in our country's third sector which can benefit the NHS, so there is a good argument for greater commissioning from alternate providers of care where appropriate".
Although Monitor's primary duty has been adapted ', to fulfil the 'choice mandate' there will have to be providers from the public, private and not-for-profit sector and I am sure this will create the efficiency and improvement the NHS so desperately needs.
Clinical Commissioning by April 2013
Although the statutory deadline for clinical commissioning has been relaxed, I am pleased that April 2013 remains as a target for all consortia. My concern was that we needed to avoid a 'two-tier' system, in which areas without clinical commissioners were covered by PCTs and SHAs, therefore failing to tackle the vast swathes of bureaucracy that have built up over the past 13 years. I am therefore pleased by the assurance that areas which do not make the deadline will be supported by the National NHS Commissioning Board to take up powers as soon as possible.
Given the fact that 95% of the country is already covered by shadow consortia, we should be in a position in 2013 where decisions about people's healthcare up and down the country are taken on the clinical frontline instead of by backroom bureaucrats. It is only right that those consortia that are not yet ready can seek extra support from the Department for Health.
An NHS accountable to people, not politicians
I am glad that accountability has been improved through the requirement of more transparency in the way in which public money is spent and how and why decisions are made, through Annual General Meetings of commissioners and regular reports.
The report recommends that the Secretary of State retains his role as ultimately accountable for the NHS, however I hope that as clinical commissioning becomes more engrained we can move towards a system of more localised and accountable healthcare.
Nick was delighted to join his wife, sister in law, niece and friends at the start of the Enfield Night Hike on Friday night. Being a girl's night out only, men were not invited to join the 15km walk around Enfield to raise money for Chase Farm Hospitals da Vinci Robot and the Nightingale Hospice Trust. With over 400 competitors it made for a spectacular event and congratulations to all participants, sponsors and council staff who put the charity walk together.
Nick commented " it was a fabulous spectacle and I am sure lots of money was raised for a good cause and I hope the walk will be repeated next year"
Today scouts from across the UK came to Parliament to help raise awareness of scouting and the need for volunteers to meet the increasing number of scouts. Nick, along with other MP's engaged in practical demonstrations, not just looking, but getting involved. In Nick's case he helped put up a tent and try to build a bridge from spaghetti and marshmallows!
The point of the exercise was to underline the role Scouts play in our communities and how, with a growing membership more adult volunteers are required to meet the growing demand. We will post a video soon to show you what was happening during the visit to Parliament.
Nick said, "It was a real joy to be part of the first ever visit by scouts to Parliament. It was a particularly pleasing to welcome scouts from Enfield, who took part in the event. They were of course the best scouts there!"
Today marks the two month anniversary since we started the Enfield Jobs Club. Following the success of the Enfield Jobs Fair in January that we put together with the help of local businesses, Nick was keen to ensure that we provided a regular support centre for those determined to find work. The Enfield Jobs Club meets weekly at Southbury Leisure Centre.
With the help of GB Jobs Club (http://www.gbjobclubs.org/ ), a national charity that helps support fledgling jobs clubs get up and running, and local councillor, Ann Zinkin, it did not take long to get the club underway. By meeting weekly we provide a regular drop in centre for job seekers where they can gain advice and share experiences with others. We engaged the assistance of a series of volunteer specialist presenters to meet with the Job Club members every Monday. such as recruitment specialists, voluntary sector leaders and so on.
Most recently, one of the businesses that we have been working with offered us notice of two job positions for our members to consider. This is a win-win for the company and our Jobs Club members who are all enthusiastically engaged in the process of finding a job and are definitely hungry for interviews and placement.
Nick commented, "this Jobs Club is only proving successful because of the full engagement of members and the very willing support of key individuals and organisations. I am very grateful to all for their help."
What is happening in Portugal, and other Eurozone countries, demonstrates the risk that Britain would be facing if the Coalition Government was not dealing with Britain's debts. Those who attempt to deny the urgent need to deal with the deficit are choosing to play Russian roulette with Britain's future economic stability.
As part of this task, the Government has made a total of £6.2 billion worth of savings domestically in its first year – by accepting to bailout Eurozone countries we shall be making financial contributions twice as big, to bail out a currency we thoughtfully chose not to join.
The previous Government signed up to a pan-European bailout mechanism which forces the UK to have no choice but to be involved in Eurozone bailouts. While I accept that some bailouts are in the British taxpayers' interests, for example Members of Parliament agreed in December to use around half of those £6.2 billion savings to make a £3.2 billion loan to Ireland – subject to it being repaid in sterling under terms which would provide for Ireland to leave the Euro, but it is unacceptable that Parliament does not have the right to discuss and choose which states it wishes to bailout on a case by case basis.
On Tuesday 24th May 2011, MPs had to decide whether Britain should accept further liabilities, proposed by the European Union (EU) and the French-led International Monetary Fund (IMF). These extra liabilities would take our Eurozone bailout commitments to £12.5 billion, double the savings the Government have made so far.
I simply cannot justify this increase to any of my constituents in Enfield North and therefore decided to vote against the Government on this matter. The EU has already had a substantial increase in net contributions from Britain. For Britain to contribute even more, to bailout a currency we chose not to join, is entirely unacceptable.
Sadly, while I was in the minority in Parliament, I am proud to have represented the displeasure of my constituents.
Nick de Bois MP
Member of Parliament for Enfield North
Do not assume to speak for your constituents in your comments. We get great benefits from the EU and like any 'club' we have to do our bit too.
- Chris Davies
Quite right Nick. Thank heavens we at last have an MP who sticks to what they said in their personal manifesto. Thank you for truly representing the views of the majority of this constituency. Their are too many sheep in any party who are concerned merely with their popularity. You stand for your principles and that is what this country needs.
- Margoju.
What a pity the majority of your party does not display the same basic common sense on this matter that you do.
- Owen
Nick recently met with a delegation from the Enfield Carers Centre at Portcullis House on the Parliamentary Estate. The reception was to support this year's Carers Week (13th – 19th June).
Carers Week highlights the vital contribution made by carers to their families and communities in providing care for individuals who are ill, frail or disabled. This year, the theme for Carers Week is 'The True Face of Carers' and it calls for greater recognition of the diverse range of people who give up their time, money and health to look after somebody else.
After attending the reception Nick commented "It's always a valuable opportunity to meet with those who act as carers for others and listen to their daily experiences. Carers are such a valuable part of any community and I am well aware of the fantastic work so many of them do in Enfield North. I was very proud to have attended such an event which paid tribute to their tireless efforts for others".
Nick de Bois MP called for Government support to prevent more deaths like Ricky Burlton's last year (June 2010).
Nick spoke today in the House of Commons, during Business Questions to the Leader of the House, to ask for a debate about the circumstances which led to the death of his constituent Ricky Burlton at the hands of an individual with no legal right to remain in the United Kingdom and significantly no valid driving license yet who was able to purchase car insurance.
"I wanted to highlight that currently insurance companies are under no duress to check the driving license status of new customers and therefore can easily be providing car insurance to individuals who have no legal right to drive on the UK's road by not holding a valid drivers licence. In extreme cases we have seen dangerous driving by those who are under false identities and unqualified to drive in this country. In this case this led tragically to Ricky's death last year on the A10. We have to examine ways to stop this and I am calling for a debate in Parliament to do just that."
In his reply the Rt Hon. Sir George Young MP, Leader of the House of Commons, not only expressed his condolences to the family of Ricky Burlton but also said he would ensure that The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond MP, the Secretary of State for Transport was notified of the issue that Nick raised.
Nick added "I have been attempting to find out what statistics the Government hold on the levels of accidents involving injury or death with drivers who fraudulently purchased insurance. So far I have found that no Department appears to hold statistics. As yet we don't know the scale of the problem in this country but urgent action is required and I hope government and insurance companies can work together to address this matter. Ricky's parents, whom I have the utmost respect for are determined to try and get the process changed so others may not have to suffer as they have."
Drivers of vehicles with tax and insurance avoid being stopped as a result of the automatic vehicle identification system.
Below is the full question and response from Hansard:
Nick de Bois MP: Following the tragic death of my constituent Ricky Burlton, aged 20, at the hands of a driver who had no legal right to be in the country and no driving licence, but who was able to procure insurance without the insurance company undertaking or being able to undertake any checks for a licence, will the Leader of the House please find time so that we can debate the matter and see what steps we can take to resolve this rather fatal flaw in process?
Rt Hon. Sir George Young MP, Leader of the House of Commons: I am sorry to hear about the loophole to which my hon. Friend refers and of the death of his constituent. I will draw my hon. Friend's remarks to the attention of the Secretary of State for Transport and ask him to write to him. I cannot provide time for an immediate debate, but he may like to apply for a debate in Westminster Hall to explore the issue further.
Nick recently attended an event at the Park Avenue Disability Centre celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Enfield Talking Newspaper (ETN). The event marks 50 years of the ETN providing a free weekly audio news tape to blind and partially sighted people in Enfield. The ETN is the oldest talking newspaper in the country and still continues to provide a vital service to its listeners.
The ETN was founded in 1961 and began life by someone wheeling around an old 'reel to reel' tape player on the back of a bicycle to each house that required the service in turn. Today the ETN provides an audio cassette, free of charge, to 300 listeners every week, which are sent free of charge thanks to the support of the Royal Mail.
After attending the event, Nick commented "I'm so impressed by vital the free service that the ETN provides for blind and partially sighted people in Enfield. I was astounded to hear that last year they provided their listeners with nearly 20,000 free news audio tapes". Nick continued "the ETN is reliant upon volunteers and I would recommend that anyone who can, gets in touch with them and volunteers some of their time to help produce these valuable news audio cassettes. The ETN is a prime example of the Big Society in action in Enfield."
The ETN is currently looking for volunteer Stand-By Readers, Recording Technicians and Production Assistants, if anyone is interested in volunteering or finding out more about ETN they can visit their website here, email them here, or contact Audrey Jenkins, their Chairman on 020 8360 8119.
On receiving a response to his letter about his growing concern over plans to cut nearly 900 jobs in the London Ambulance Service, Nick has said he is still "unconvinced" that the proposed job cuts will not affect patients in Enfield North.
Sticking by his comments that he will "not let the matter drop", Nick has sent another letter to Peter Bradley MBE, the Chief Executive of the London Ambulance Service asking more questions in order to gain more detail about the proposed job cuts and how they will affect the residents of Enfield North.
While these letters have been widely reported on by the Enfield Independent, Nick has decided to place the letters he has sent and the letter he received about this matter on his website. They can be viewed by clicking here or visiting the Downloads section of this website.
To see local news reports of Nick's original letter click here, to see local news reports of Peter Bradley's reply click here and to see local news reports of Nick's second letter click here.
Nick met with a group of constituents at Westminster Methodist Central Hall from Enfield North who had taken part in the 'Hardest Hit' rally outside the Houses of Parliament who had concerns about the Coalition Government's reforms to the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Although a supporter of the Government's proposed reforms, Nick has continued to meet with constituents and community groups representing those with disabilities to ensure the aims of the reforms are being correctly explained. Nick commented "reforming the welfare state is critical and most people accept that something must be done. I am fully aware that people are worried about some of the proposed changes and concerned that such people have not always been presented with, and benefited from advice about what these reforms actually are and intend to do".
He continued "Today was a good opportunity to listen to concerns and clarify exactly what changes are planned. There is a great deal of misinformation being expressed and I understand fully how worrying this must be, especially for people with disabilities".
Nick agreed with his constituents that the Government could be doing more to explain to current recipients of the DLA what the reforming proposals entail and has already passed on this request directly to Rt. Hon Chris Grayling MP, the Minister for State in the Department of Work and Pensions.
Nick ended the meeting by asking those with whom he had met to keep him "informed of any problems they may experience" so he can monitor the way in which the changes to DLA are handled at a local level in Enfield North.
In the upcoming referendum we shall be choosing between the tried, tested and popular First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) voting system and the unfair, expensive, discredited and unpopular Alternative Vote.
With the voter turnout expected to be very low, I'm urging you to go out and Vote NO to AV on May 5th.
A 'yes' vote in the AV referendum would be a disaster for our much admired democratic system. It would mean candidates who finish third could win elections and spells the end of the principle of One Person, One Vote.
I'm not the only MP calling for a NO vote; there are plenty of us, from all over the political divide. We have united to protect the principle of One Person, One Vote and prevent the UK from undergoing an expensive and unwanted political reform which serves more as a politician's fix than a true reform to our democratic system.
If you're still undecided on how to vote, take a look not only at my reasoning for voting No To AV here, but also the Conservative No to AV page here and the official No2AV Campaign website here.
If you have any questions regarding why I feel we should maintain FPTP and Vote NO in the upcoming referendum on May 5th then please do get in touch with me.
Nick de Bois MP
Member of Parliament for Enfield North
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois has expressed his disappointment with Enfield council's efforts to produce a plan for hospital services, saying the submission to the Health Secretary has "wasted a golden opportunity".
Following a cross-party deputation of Enfield MPs and the Leader of Enfield council last month, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley invited Enfield council to formulate an alternative plan to the proposed Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Clinical Strategy. The BEH plan would see the loss of 24-hour A&E and consultant-led maternity services at Chase Farm hospital in Enfield, and has been consistently opposed by the public.
Enfield council have now completed their plan in advance of the April 19 deadline, but Nick has said its contents are "disappointing" as the submission does not present a viable plan for hospital services.
Nick said, "The Secretary of State was looking for an innovative plan, locally-led and with local support to mitigate the situation we were left with. What the council has produced is not really a plan at all – it simply highlights the legacy left by the previous Labour government and the strength of public opinion".
Nick added, "I sought from and won from the Health Secretary an extension to the deadline so the council could have all the time it needed to produce a robust plan. When we met with the council to be briefed on how their plan was coming along, we again pressed them to ensure their plan presented a viable option to put the Health Secretary. The fact they haven't done this is disappointing".
Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes backed up Nick's view, saying "It is a shame that the council have gone over old ground rather than present a new, innovative proposal that could help secure the future of Chase Farm hospital. We fear that this is a golden opportunity wasted".
He added, "It is not good for Chase Farm or North Mid because we need an urgent and realistic plan now to safeguard services on both hospitals".
The two MPs will seek an urgent meeting with the Health Secretary for when Parliament returns from its Easter break.
Read Enfield council's report, Future of Enfield Hospitals, here.
The first referendum in the UK for over three decades gives the British electorate the chance to either retain the tried and tested First-Past-The-Post system or try the hardly used, unreliable, expensive and unfair Alternative Vote (AV) system.
Nick has written at length here, why he feels a NO vote is incredibly important to prevent the UK from having a discredited, unneeded and expensive political reform thrust upon it.
For even more information on the No To AV campaign please visit No2AV and the Conservatives NO to AV Group.
Nick had the pleasure of meeting up again with Karen Chitiyo who is leading the campaign for a new Free School in Eastern Enfield. During the afternoon she was explaining to visitors how she hopes to set up a primary school in the Enfield Lock/ Enfield Highway vicinity now that the government have enabled legislation for Free Schools. This is the second application that Nick has supported in the constituency. To find out more about Karen's plans read here
Free Schools is a concept introduced by the coalition government that allows for interested groups of people to set up a new school that is totally independent of the Local Education Authority but with the support of funding from the government. In Enfield this is a particularly welcome opportunity as the demand for school places far outweighs the school places available with the existing number of schools. To find out more read here
Today Nick has launched the Hands Off Our Libraries campaign after Labour-run Enfield council announced it intends to close three libraries in the constituency.
As reported in the Enfield Advertiser this week, the council wants to close Ordnance Road library, Bullsmoor library and Enfield Highway library. Residents will be dismayed that of Enfield's 16 libraries, the three targeted for closure are all in the north east of the borough.
Nick said, "The fact that we have 16 libraries in the borough is something we should be proud of, not a reason for closing them. I am totally opposed to cutting front line services in this way, especially when the council has millions of pounds in reserve".
You can sign the online petition here.
UPDATE: Enfield Independent have highlighted the campaign.
The shocking figure of nearly £15 million was discovered after Nick sent freedom of information (FoI) requests to London hospitals enquiring about their interpretation budget for the three years from 2007/8 to 2009/10. Seven hospital trusts had run up interpretation bills of more than £1 million.
Barts and the London NHS Trust had the biggest bill, at £2.2 million. It was said that the cost was for patient advocates whose job role included interpretation. University College London Hospitals Trust spent £1.6 million, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital paid £1.3 million, and St Mary's Hospital, Paddington Hospital, Kings College Hospital Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Homerton University Hospital all spent about £1.2 million each.
Following the shocking results, Nick commented "What these figures show are the financial costs of people not learning English. In a time of austerity, we have to ask ourselves whether spending millions on translation services in the NHS is a good use of our public money, or whether that money could be better spent on more doctors for our A&Es, nurses or more life-saving cancer drugs".
When questioned about the financial impact of interpretation costs by the Evening Standard, as a result of Nick's FoI requests, the Immigration Minister Damien Green said "this illustrates very starkly why we need to do more to ensure that those people who are settled in this country can speak basic English".
The full report of the FoI requests can be read in the Evening Standard here.
Nick recently appeared on BBC Radio 5 Lives' Question Time which is part of the Gabby Logan Show presented by Eleanor Oldroyd who was standing in for Gabby Logan. The panel consisted of Nick; Amber Elliot, Political Editor for Total Politics Magazine; comedian Simon Evans; MP for Arfon, Hywel Williams; MP for Barrow and Furness, John Woodcock and MP for Chippenham Duncan Hames.
The panel discussed the topics of NHS reform, votes for prisoners, equal access to universities and whether or not individuals should wait until later in-life before becoming MPs. After the broadcast Nick commented "it was a pleasure to again be invited onto BBC Radio 5 Live to talk about how important the Coalition Government's reforms to the NHS are. I was also happy to discuss my views on preventing prisoners from gaining the vote and opening up access to the country's most prestigious universities". Nick then added "and thankfully my age has been nothing but an advantage in Parliament but I also feel that those younger than me have an incredibly valuable role to play".
The whole radio broadcast can be listened to here, on the BBC iPlayer.
Nick was invited by the organisation STOP THE TRAFFIK to their 'Global Freedom Summit' which involved over 500 local activists from the UK and Europe attending a collection of seminars, talks and discussions at the Oasis Academy Enfield. The theme of the event was how the UK can continue its work against preventing human trafficking, especially in relation to the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympics Games.
Nick took part in a Q & A session entitled 'Piling on the Pressure' along with representatives from the United Nations, the Serious Organised Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police designed to both encourage and inform activists about the best way of lobbying their local representatives and services to help combat human trafficking.
At the end the event, Nick commented that "It was inspiring to see an organisation like STOP THE TRAFFIK facilitating an event that allowed activists from all over the country and Europe to come together and try and deal with the terrible reality of human trafficking. It was an eye-opening event which highlighted just how much needs to be done to protect vulnerable people from harm."
More information about STOP THE TRAFFIK and their 'Global Freedom Summit' can be found here.
Along with Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes, Nick invited newly selected Conservative candidate for the Greater London Assembly (GLA) Andy Hemsted to a meeting at the Houses of Parliament.
Andy, who is a life-long resident of North East London, was selected at a meeting attended by local Conservative Party members from Enfield and Haringey. He met with both Nick and David on the House of Commons terrace to discuss the upcoming GLA elections in 2012.
After meeting Andy, Nick commented that "It was fantastic to meet an individual who already has served for many years with distinction as a local councillor and now wishes to gain a seat on the Greater London Authority representing the constituents of Enfield and Haringey. I wish him luck in his election campaign and will be helping him campaign in the not too distant future."
After Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley extended the deadline for an alternative plan to the downgrading of Chase Farm Hospital to be presented to him by two weeks, Nick visited the hospital to meet with staff and patients.
Nick had frank and informative discussions with staff about their concerns and hope for a better outcome for Chase Farm Hospital. Concerns included a lack of employed medical professionals to fill rotas meaning that those staff members currently working are being overstretched. In response Nick commented "It is no surprise that there are problems recruiting staff here, because who's going to apply for a job when the future of the Accident & Emergency department is in danger of closure".
Nick also expressed his concern about the BEH clinical strategy that believed "merging services overcomes operating issues" he also added "I don't accept that case – it ignores the demand placed on the hospital, particularly for its A&E, and the solution has to lie in getting more money to the frontline and supporting critical services."
Enfield Council, including Council Leader Councillor Doug Taylor, now has until April 19th to present fresh ideas and a viable alternative to the potential downgrading of Chase Farm Hospital's A&E and consultant-led Maternity services. Nick expressed his "hope that the proposed alternatives able to prevent such a catastrophic loss for the people of Enfield".
A full report on the deadline extension can be read here and a full report on Nick's visit to Chase Farm Hospital can be read here.
Nick was invited onto BBC Radio 5 Live's Victoria Derbyshire live to discuss the proposed NHS Reforms, along with two other interviewees.
Following his appearances on BBC Radio 4 Today and Sky News HD the previous day, Nick said "I am happy to tell anyone about the value of the Coalition Government's reforms to the NHS. These reforms will ensure the modernisation of the NHS takes place and also that our health service provision is amongst the best in Europe."
"These NHS reforms are evolutionary not revolutionary. Many previous Governments have attempted these changes before but only the Coalition Government is committed to actually carrying them out and implementing them. They are incredibly valuable for the sustainable future of our much valued NHS."
Nick was invited onto BBC Radio 4's Today programme to discuss the Coalition Government's NHS reforms with the former Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, Dr. Evan Harris.
Nick said that it was "a pleasure to have been invited onto the Today programme and have the opportunity to talk more about the Government's modernisation of the NHS and express why the proposed changes are necessary if we are to have an NHS fit for the 21st Century".
The entire report, including Nick's discussion with Dr. Evan Harris can be listened to here.
Nick recently attended an Apprenticeships Awards Ceremony held by local company Barclay Bros CS Ltd to honour the achievements of their two carpentry apprentices Scott Lewis and Charlie Cornell. The awards ceremony was opened by Dean Barclay, Director of Barclay Bros, who himself had been an apprentice in the 1980s.
Both Scott and Charlie were presented with framed certificates for 'Site Carpentry' from the Construction Alliance Awards as part of their Apprenticeship framework by Nick and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Andy Love. Nick commented that the event was "yet another occasion when I have seen local Enfield businesses working with Hertford Regional College to encourage apprenticeships. I congratulate their success which is so clearly evident today".
Barclay Bros currently have eight full-time apprentices all living within the London Borough of Enfield, training to be the next generation of carpenters, plumbers and decorators. The apprentices currently work alongside the rest of the skilled workforce, which includes 14 individuals who also completed their apprenticeships at Barclay Bros and Hertford Regional College.
As regular vistitors to my website will know, this month I led a cross-party deputation of Enfield MPs, the Leader of the Council and the Chair of the Health Scrutiny panel to meet the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley. I wanted us to have the chance to press the case at the highest level that cuts to Chase Farm hospital should not go ahead.
Cuts to A&E and maternity have been put forward in the BEH Clinical Strategy – the plan that was halted by Andrew Lansley and which he said could only go ahead if it met his four tests. With NHS London and other health bureaucrats arguing that the tests had been met and that the cuts should go ahead, we had to pull together and fight Enfield's corner.
After our deputation - in which we argued the four tests had not been met - the Health Secretary has thrown Chase Farm a lifeline. Andrew Lansley recognised that there was a large body of opinion in Enfield that options other than the BEH Strategy should be looked at. He has therefore opened the door for Enfield council, with help from the Department of Health, to work up a new plan for the reconfiguration of hospital services in the borough within four weeks.
This is not to be confused with another consultation. It is not. It is a chance to produce an alternative plan to the , with Enfield council working with the emerging consortia of Enfield GPs and our local hospitals. Under the last government we never had that chance.
I promised at the election to make Chase Farm my number one priority and I'm delighted that Chase Farm has been given a lifeline in this way. What we saw last week was politicians from both the Conservatives and the Labour party working together for the benefit of the people of Enfield. I was proud to lead this.
As council leader Doug Taylor said to the press after the meeting, "the ball is in our court". I urge Cllr Taylor and his colleagues running the council to leave no stone unturned in finding a way for vital services to be retained at Chase Farm.
Enfield LINk have launched an interactive blog for residents to have their say on the plans.
As part of the BBC's School Report, Nick was invited to Lea Valley High School to take part in a filmed interview about the future of BTECs. Two interviewers and five camera operators from the schools BTEC Media Studies course interviewed Nick about his views on BTECs and how the current Government planned to reform vocational education.
The BBC's School Report is an annual project involving thousands of students in hundreds of schools across the UK. It allows 11 to 14 year olds to learn how to be journalists, film television news and edit their stories ready for broadcast both on their School's website and the BBC's website. Pupils are allows to decide what stories will be covered.
Nick commented after the interview, "the students were very professional and I was incredibly happy to be invited to take part in such a fantastic scheme run by the BBC. The student's work shows just why the Government is committed to strengthening vocational education and encouraging its use."
The filmed interview can be viewed online on the School's website; Nick is pictured here with his two interviewers.
After an Enfield deputation led by Nick, Enfield has been given the chance to come up with a counter plan to the BEH strategy and instead save A&E and maternity.
Message from Nick:
This morning I led a deputation of Enfield representatives to meet the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, to press the case that cuts to Chase Farm hospital in Enfield should not go ahead. Cuts to A&E and maternity have been put forward in the BEH Clinical Strategy – the plan that was halted by Andrew Lansley and which he said could only go ahead if it met his four tests.
However, after our deputation this morning in which we argued the four tests had not been met, the Health Secretary has thrown Chase Farm a lifeline. Andrew Lansley recognised that there was a large body of opinion in Enfield that other options other than the BEH plan should be looked at. He has therefore invited Enfield council as the local authority, with help from the Department of Health, to work up a new plan for the reconfiguration of hospital services. The council will engage with the emerging consortia of Enfield GPs, our local hospitals and if required the PCT.
The council will have 4 weeks to complete this plan.
This is fantastic news and I’m delighted that Chase Farm has been given a lifeline in this way.
What we have seen this morning is politicians from both the Conservatives and Labour working together for the benefit of the people of Enfield.
As the leader of Enfield council Doug Taylor said after the meeting to the press, “the ball is in our court”. The deputation to meet Andrew Lansley led by Nick this morning included David Burrowes MP, Andy Love MP, Cllr Doug Taylor (leader of Enfield council), Cllr Michael Rye OBE (Chair, Enfield Health Scrutiny Panel), John Lynch (Chair, Enfield LINk) and Cllr Don McGowan (Enfield council).
Read more from the Enfield Independent here.
Nick's Jobs Fair is mentioned in this newsletter being delivered in Enfield Lock, which also features a survey on how local residents can decide how to spend £120,000 on local projects through the Enfield Residents Priority Fund.
E-mail office@enfieldnorth.org if you can help deliver leaflets down your road.
Enfield MP presses for rail improvements
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois has met with train operators National Express East Anglia to press for better rail services for Enfield.
With a consultation on timetable changes underway, Nick met with National Express to stress that commuters expect rail services to improve very soon. In particular, Mr. de Bois told the rail operator that more trains were needed for peak-time services from Brimsdown and Enfield Lock, and for the Southbury and Turkey Street loop. Mr. de Bois also said rail users wanted more capacity for trains serving Enfield Town.
Commenting after the meeting Nick said "I catch trains from stations in Enfield on an almost daily basis, so I know how packed the service from Enfield Town is by the time we've stopped at Bush Hill Park. The levels of over-crowding on all lines serving Enfield is unacceptable, and I have pushed for National Express to make improvements very quickly. We need rail improvements now".
Adele Panayi of the Enfield Rail Campaign, who commutes from Southbury station, welcomed the meeting and backed calls for improvements to be made quickly.
Proposals from National Express are being considered and will be published soon and are subject to government approval.
t Nick de Bois on 0207 219 5234
As a regular traveller on the Enfield Town line, it would be nice to have an hourly fast trains that stop at Enfield Town, Bush Hill Park, Edmonton Green Then Seven Sisters, Hackney Downs & Liverpool Street, I am sure this would resolve the overcrowding problem as people would ensure they catch the fast train.
Also it would be nice to see some action by Network Rail to clean up this line, it is covered in Graffiti and litter / fly tipping all the way to Liverpool Street.
- Commuter
Nick raised the issue of some people being registered on the Electoral Role who have no right to be there. Presently the government plans to introduce new proceedures to try and ensure only people who are entitled to vote can vote, however these changes are not due to come into effect until 2014. Nick asked the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, to focus on this issue and bring in changes sooner. Nick intends to try and secure a debate to keep up the pressure for change this year rather than 2014. Hansard extract below. T7. [42448] Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): In a sample of more than 80 immigration cases coming through my constituency, more than 15% of those involved were found to be on the electoral roll when they had no entitlement to be there. Does the Deputy Prime Minister not agree that urgent, immediate steps are needed to introduce positive voter identification? The Deputy Prime Minister: I strongly agree that we must introduce measures to tackle electoral fraud. As my hon. Friend may know, we have announced that we will legislate to speed up the introduction of individual electoral registration to before the next general election, in 2014. Under that new scheme each person will have to register individually, whereas the current system is registration by household, and they will be asked to provide personal identifiers, including their national insurance number, to enable registration officers to verify the identity of a person before they are added to the register. That should tackle fraudulent or inaccurate register entries, which my hon. Friend rightly highlights.
Nick's expense claims for February have now been published. You can view them here.
Nick volunteered to join the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme earlier this year which kicked off with a 3 day visit to the Defence Academy in Shrivenham.
The purpose of the scheme is to let Parliamentarians get to meet and work with serving men and women from the forces at all ranks. This week Nick had an introduction to the role of the armed forces and met people from both here in the UK and those who have served recently in Afghanistan and listened to their stories. Nick commented " This scheme gives me the chance to here first hand what it is like serving our country in the services, understand exactly what they go through during their time on operations and the support they need from us at home for them and their families. I am looking forward to going overseas to join some of them at a later stage in the year"
Nick is pictured here trying on the body armour that our soldiers wear. It weighs up to 17 KG, in addition to all the other kit they have to wear.
Enfield has had some very sad news this week after learning that Phyllis Oborn has passed away.
Nick said, "Phyllis made a wonderful contribution to the borough, not only through her work with Capel Manor but as a councillor and in the many other ways she volunteered her time to serve the community. I was delighted when she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her oustanding acheivements, and I know she will be sadly missed by everyone that knew her".
The Enfield Independent has a very good tribute:
A "REDOUBTABLE" businesswoman who helped set up Enfield's Chamber of Commerce and founded a leading horticultural college has died aged 87.
Phyllis Oborn, of The Drive, was a long-standing Conservative councillor, and elected mayor of Enfield from 1982 to 1983. She was awarded an MBE in 1999 for services to education.
Having started life as a businesswoman, she became director of electronics and music giant at Thorne EMI and was part of a group of businesses who worked with Enfield Council to found Enfield's Chamber of Commerce in the early 1990s.
It has now gone on to become the North London Chamber of Commerce.
Miss Oborn also helped set up Capel Manor College in 1968 and chaired its governing body from 1986 to 2008.
Capel Manor College Principal Madeline Hall described her as "redoubtable, a staunch Tory in the grand tradition".
She added: "Through long periods of service on committees she was always known as Madam Chairman. She had no truck with modern notions of non-gender specific titles. I suggested an alternative usage to her once. She told me she did not ever wish to be referred to as a piece of furniture thank you very much.
"She retained a mind like a steel trap, but this was matched with a kind heart. People who knew her longer tell me I should have seen her in her heyday. I would have quaked to meet someone any more poised than the Phyllis I knew. Her legacy, for all the institutions and services she has steered, will continue to enrich lives across Enfield, and across London."
Graham Eustance OBE, 72, Deputy Lieutenant, who was council leader from 1987 to 1994 said she made an "enormous" contribution to Enfield Council, where she played a prominent role as leader of the Further Education sub-committee.
He said: "She wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she came up through industry and people respected her for that. She played a key role at Capel Manor, helping to fight the college's case and leading it through its incorporation. Without her the college as it is today would not exist."
She was also a school governor, and Chairman of Enfield's Market Committee which oversees the running of Enfield Town Market.
Miss Oborn, who was born in Enfield and went to Enfield County School, was unmarried and had no children.
She died on Tuesday, February 15, at Chase Farm Hospital after struggling with a chest infection.
Her funeral will be held on Monday with the wake held at Capel Manor.
Nick has been nominated for Total Politics magazine MP of the month award.
It follows Nick's work in organising the Jobs Fair in January. Nick was one of four MPs nominated along with Catherine McKinnell, Stella Creasy and Charlie Elphicke.
The winner was Stella Creasy MP.
Total Politics launched a new website yesterday.
Nick has welcomed the news that Enfield is to recieve £60 million from central Government to improve council homes in the borough.
Following a bid by the council and Enfield Homes (which manages the borough's council housing stock on the council's behalf) Enfield is to be given £58.6m to repair and improve council properties between now and 2015.
The final allocation of funding for Enfield follows lobbying by Nick and Enfield's two others MPs, who wrote a joint letter to the Local Government and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to back Enfield's bid for Decent Homes funding.
Nick said "This is excellent news. The funding from central Government will have a huge impact on the quality of council homes for people in Enfield North".
While neighbouring Haringey is to net £69million, Barnet has not been awarded any funding despite entering the bidding process.
Nick took part in the Opposition Day debate on Youth unemployment. After years of presiding over a massive growth in youth unemployment, Labour decided to challenge the governments policies for reforming work programs, focusing on apprenticieships and enterprise start up funds. To read Nick's speech click HERE and read how he sets out the arguments for policies that will allow businesses to grow and hire people again.
Nick was appointed to the committee stage of the Health and Social Care Bill, the new legislation designed to reform the Health service to improve patient outcomes and provide more local accountabiulity for the NHS. The Bill committeee meets four times a week and sets out to scrutinise the Bill clause by clause. There are 281 clauses in the Health and Social Care Bill and up to six weeks have been set aside to undertake this important task. To find out more, and read the Hansard record of the meetings and of the contributions of all members, including Nick click HERE
Nick spoke in the House of Commons today to ask a question of David Cameron at Prime Minister's Questions about facilities for soldiers severely injured whilst serving our country.
Highlighting the case of one of his constituents, Rifleman Jack Otter, Nick asked the PM what more the Government could do to find access to new resources to ensure that patients and staff at Headley Court can continue their excellent standard of work.
You can read Nick's question in full, and the PM's reply, here.
You can also watch Nick asking the question here (scroll forward to 39:20).
Coverage from this week's local newspapers following Nick's speech in Parliament arguing that cuts to Chase Farm Hospital will cost lives.
The Enfield Advertiser has the story, as does the Enfield Independent.
Nick also has a column in the Enfield Advertiser today on the fight for Chase Farm.
Nick's expense claims for January have now been published. You can view them here.
Nick has spoken in the House of Commons against the planned downgrade of Chase Farm Hospital, saying the changes "will cost lives".
Speaking in tonight's late debate on the Health and Social Care Bill, which would see radical changes in the way the NHS operates, Nick took the opportunity to once again highlight the plight of Chase Farm.
It follows Nick raising the issue directly with David Cameron three weeks ago at Prime Minister's Questions, telling the PM that the Conservatives "must keep to our policy of no forced closures" when it came to the local hospital.
Nick told a packed House of Commons tonight, "The decision prompted by the previous Government, to downgrade and rip out our vital A and E service and axe the consultant-led maternity services that see 3,000 births a year, is being relentlessly pursued by those same bureaucrats and officials from the health services, despite the fact that the decision will cost lives." To view the speech click HERE then scroll to 6:59:25 or to read the Hansard record click HERE.
Among the proposals in the Bill are plans to set up local Health and Wellbeing Boards, which would include local councillors and GPs to ensure future changes to local NHS services could not go ahead without the approval of residents.
Nick is leading a deputation of fellow Enfield MPs as well as the Leader of Enfield council to meet the Secretary of State for Health to make the case against the changes to services at Chase Farm.
Nick was one of the judges at the Jack Petchey Foundation 'Speak Out' regional finals held at Lea Valley School this evening. 17 students from a range of Enfield Schools gave speeches from the floor to an audience of over fifty people. The subjects they covered included how we view disabilities, anorexia, tuition fee's and self esteem. All contestants presented without notes and from the stage. Nick commented after the evnt, " right from the start all the students kept his attention throughout the evening, the presentation were remarkable." The regional winner will go on to compete in the finals later this year.
Nick is pictured here with Deputy Mayor Christiana During and winning student Shirley Bekker.
The Enfield Jobs Fair organised by Enfield North MP Nick de Bois was visited by 1,200 people on Friday.
Held at Southbury Leisure centre and hosting over 40 local companies, training providers and voluntary organisations, the event aimed to give people a chance to find a job or training placement.
Nick, who enlisted the help of Job Centre plus, said he was amazed at the number of people that attended. "We expected around 150 to 300 people to turn up, so I was amazed when the figures showed we'd had 1,200 people come to the event".
As well as local companies such as Rimex Metals and Johnson Matthey, the event also had seminars throughout the day to help people with their CVs and job interview technique. Nick said "As the MP I can't create jobs, but what I can do is bring the right people together and that's what the Jobs Fair was all about".
Nick added, "The Jobs Fair is not the end of the process - I will be organising regular Work Clubs to continue helping people. We will also look at holding another Jobs Fair in six to nine months time".
International names such as Asda, Tesco and Barclays were in attendance, as were training providers Southgate College and voluntary organisations such as the British Red Cross. More information about the forthcoming Work Clubs will be posted here as soon as it is available.
With two days to go until the Enfield Jobs Fair I can announce that BMW dealership Stehen James, Barclays Bank and ASDA have a combined number of 20 vacancies to be filled. It has also been confirmed that 100 part time jobs for helping with the national census are on offer and ready to be filled. The Range Ltd and Tesco have future recruitment plans and want to meet candidates
Johnson Matthey Ltd have an apprenticeship program that will be open to visitors to the Jobs Fair
Recruitment specialists will be bringing their current vacancies all under one roof.
All this and more at the Jobs Fair being held at Southbury Leisure Centre THIS Friday 21 Jan 10 am until 3pm. Tell your friends or send this message to your contacts to help out those who may be looking for a job.
More job vacancy details will be sent out later as we I get them.
Nick has today sponsored a Bill in Parliament that aims to change the rules over the line of succession, giving males and females equal opportunity to become Britain's head of state.
If successful the Bill, being presented in the House of Commons today, would remove any distinction between the sexes in determining the succession of the throne.
Nick said, "I'm delighted to support this Bill. It would mean men and women would be regarded equally in determining who is our head of state".
It comes ahead of Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton in April. If the couple's first-born is a girl, she would not be first in line to become the monarch if they then went on to have a son. That is because under current UK law females are superseded in the line of succession by younger male siblings.
Nick added, "We have the ideal opportunity to have this debate now when the next four people in line to the throne are all male, rather than at a later date when that could change".
Following the presentation of the Bill and a debate, there will be a vote. If enough MPs agree, it will move to the next stage in the process of becoming law (the "second reading"), which will take place at a later date.
Nick officially opened his new constituency office on Friday with the help of Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan-Smith.
Joined by around 30 supporters at 605 Hertford Road, Enfield - formerly the office of the previous Labour MP, Joan Ryan, Mr. Duncan-Smith cut the ribbon to annouce the official opening.Nick said "It took a while for something to become available, but now we have an office dedicated to meeting my constituents' needs".
He added, "It's great to have an office that is accessible, easy for people to find and allows me and my parliamentary staff to serve the public effectively".
Enfield North constituents can book an appointment with Nick by telephoning 01992 678255, or e-mailing nick.debois.mp@parliament.uk
"We must keep to our policy on Chase Farm", MP tells Prime MinisterNick de Bois today raised the issue of Chase Farm Hospital directly with Prime Minister David Cameron, saying "we must keep to our policy of no forced closures".During the weekly Prime Minister's Questions in Parliament, the Enfield North Conservative MP recalled Mr. Cameron's visit to Chase Farm in October 2007 to support the campaign against cuts to A&E and maternity services. He then went to ask the Prime Minister, "Does he agree with me that we should keep to our policy of no forced closures, particularly given that Enfield GPs are opposed to it as are indeed residents?"
The PM replied that "any local changes in the NHS have to meet four tests" as set out by the Secretary of State for Health, and pointed out that "there were no tests like this under the last Government". He concluded by stating "There are now these tests and they will be adhered to by this Government".
Speaking afterwards, Nick said, "Chase Farm Hospital is my number one priority as the local MP, and I wanted to take this issue right to the top by raising it at Prime Minister's Questions".
Nick added "The Prime Minister has made it clear that there can be no changes to our hospital without the four tests being met, including support from GPs. I have invited my fellow Enfield MPs, plus the leader of Enfield council and the Chairman of Enfield LINk to join me in making a deputation to the Secretary of State to convey to strength of feeling in the borough against these changes and how we feel the four tests have been failed.
To read the exchange in Hansard click here
Read more from the Enfield Independent
Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions mentions the Enfield Jobs Fair, Southbury Leisure Centre, 21 Jan during Department of Work and Pensions questions today. Check out his comments on http://tinyurl.com/4qcnup8
Karen Mercer, former presenter at LBC and successful local business person will be hosting a seminar on running your own business at this months Enfield Jobs Fair on January 21st at Southbury Leisure Centre.
I popped in to see Karen and her partner Gunter where they operate MyCoffeeStop at Enfield Chase Station to discuss her role at the Jobs Fair. Karen is a highly motivational and successful individual who will be a fascinating and very useful speaker at one of the days seminars.
Make sure you are there if you are thinking about setting up on your own in business. To find out more click HERE
Six volunteers from Enfield North and Enfield Southgate made the trip to Oldham for the forthcoming parliamentary by election next week. It has been a while since we have been out electioneering and it felt good to be talking to a lot of people about how they think the government is getting along. Yesterday I took time out to visit shop keepers along Hertford Road near our new constituency office to discuss how they are finding business during and since Christmas. Clearly Jamuary is going to be a slow month, but the main concern is still the relatively high level of business rates that can be as much as 50% of the rent costs. I shall be sending out copies of our plans for giving more incentives to local councils to attract more shops and businesses to the area which in turn can help attract more shoppers to the whole area. If you want to contact me to discuss any concerns that you may have if you are running a local business please email me on nick.debois.mp@parliament.uk
Following a courts decision to rule the process employed by the Home Secretary to enforce the governments plans for an immigration cap as incorrect, Nick sought assurances that the policy would remain in place. Read more here
Thanks to the CF team who turned up this Saturday to campaign in Enfield North. We covered a lot of ground getting our message out to residents. Despite being SO close to Christmas it was heartening to have nearly twenty people turn out for the day. As you can see, many of them are in this photo. Thank you again Conservative Future for organising this and do come back soon.
Nick had the pleasure to visit once again the Leonard Cheshire Disability centre at Arnold House on the Ridgeway this morning. It was good to see so many of the residents and volunteers. Nick arrived at the opening time of 10.30 am and the place was packed already.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was meeting Father Christmas again on the second day running...yesterday the Age Concern lunch, today the Leonard Cheshire Home.....is he following Nick..?
2 Nicks at a time spreading Good Cheer!
- Santa Clause
Nick joined about 80 guests at Age Concerns annual Christmas dinner this afternoon, held at St George's Church Hall, Freezywater. This annual event brings volunteers and members of Age Concerns community group that meet regularly on a Friday afternoon. Today was extra special with Christmas lunch, music and dancing.
Nick gained first hand insight into the work of Age Concern throughout the year, in particular their efforts to help lonely, elderly people mix with contemporaries. Without this help so many people would leave a solitary existence. The work of Age Concern represents the best of the 'Big Society' by showing how we can all help others less fortunate. At this time of year, when the cold weather is upon us, and with Christmas around the corner it is important that we all take time out to check on our elderly neighbours.
Congratulations to Enfield's Age Concern team.
Nick spoke during the debate on the EU Bill (second reading).
Nick welcomed the Bill, which secures a Manifesto pledge in the last General Election to have a referendum in the event of any transfer of power from Westminster to Brussels, but also cautioned against some areas of potential weakness which the EU may try to exploit. To view the speech click HERE, then scroll bar to 06.20 sec- or to read Hansard record click HERE
Nick's article for the Enfield Advertiser argues that the student rioters have drowned out the voices of real debate and have done more harm that good to the higher education cause.
Read the full article here.
Nick attended a presentation to celebrate the work of the Tesco Schools & Clubs Scheme. School pupils from St Andrew's, Lavender, Chase Side and St Michael's Primary Schools gathered at Tesco on Savoy Parade to celebrate the collection of vouchers to be spent on valuable classroom equipment. The vouchers can be spent on items from ICT to art and craft facilities, and Nick praised the commitment of local people involved in the campaign.
'It's great to see big businesses like Tesco working with local communities like ours here in Enfield. I hope the items donated by the Scheme will be put to good use in benefiting our local primary school pupils.'
This evening Nick , along with a number of GP's and resident groups made representations to the Health Scrutiny panel of Enfield Council over the future of Chase Farm Hospital A&E and consultant led maternity services. The Secretary of State, Andrew Lansley set out four tests that must be applied to the consultation process he ordered immediately after the general election. One of the most significant tests was whether there had been sufficient GP engagement in the review. It was the conclusion of the Health Scrutiny panel that this, and the other tests had failed. Nick set out his reasons why he felt this to be the case and ensured that the Secretary of State would be made aware of these concerns and the report of Health Scrutiny panel.
The Secretary of State will close Chase Farm's Hospital A&E and consultant led maternity services despite the the Enfield people and the evidence. It is all financial as the three laughable public meetings showed.
- Michael
Nick is urging residents to take part in a consultation on Enfield council's plans to increase parking charges in the borough.
Enfield council plans to increase parking charges for on-street parking and off-street car parks, including doubling the short stay fee from 20p to 40p, which local businesses say will harm trade during these difficult economic times.
Enfield council also wants to double the fee for parking for up to 4 hours in a car park, from £2.00 to £4.00 which would come into effect from January – the same time that the VAT rise and the post-Christmas period makes conditions very hard for shops and businesses.
Nick said, "The proposed increases are excessive and will harm local shops and businesses during these difficult economic times. I urge all residents to make their views heard".
Nick added, "This consultation has not been well advertised – it's not on the council's website like all other consultations, and comes despite a previous consultation in which people made it perfectly clear they were opposed to the increases".
Read the consultation notice here.
Download a draft objection letter here, or write to Traffic and Transportation Services, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XD quoting reference LB/TG52/1094
I was delighted to find that in the heart of Brimsdown we have now opened the North Central British Red Cross complex that is primarily the Emergency Response HQ. Funded in part from the Bradbury Trust this centre directs emergency response teams across London in the vital work that the Red Cross undertake locally in North London. In addition I met with teams from the Event First Aiders, skin camouflage, humanitarian education and tracing and messaging services all housed in the same complex.
To have such a jewel from the voluntary sector, which is run with utmost professionalism is something all Enfield residents should be proud of. If you want to find out more and even volunteer your services please contact the team at http://www.redcross.org.uk/About-us/Contact-and-help
I was delighted to meet Capel Manor's own Prime Minister' and his deputy who won the schools own General Election. He has delivered on his first pledge which was to help pupils take responsibility for their own play ground which resulted in a lot less litter. Congratulations all! After our meeting I held a question and answer session with two different age groups. Questions included how much do MP's earn!
Pudsey was in Enfield Town this morning!
Nick wished him well and made a donation to Children In Need.
You can also donate here.
Nick has welcomed the coalition Government’s announcement this week that it is to make major reforms to Legal aid that will save taxpayers an estimated £350 million by 2015.
In his column for the Enfield Advertiser in October, Nick called for an end to “heartless immigration lawyers” being funded by taxpayers’ money through legal aid. Legal aid fees for immigration cases in London alone reached £40 million in 2009/10.
With legal aid bills now costing the taxpayer a total of almost £2 billion a year, Lord Chancellor Kenneth Clarke told MPs in the Commons, “It cannot be right that the taxpayer is footing the bill for unnecessary court cases that would never have even reached the courtroom door, were it not for the fact that somebody else was paying”.
While legal aid will still be available in civil and family cases where people's life, liberty or home is at stake, and for bereaved families in inquests, it will no longer be given for cases involving education, employment or immigration matters. People with over £1,000 of disposable income will have to contribute towards the costs of any legal aid they receive.
Nick spoke in Parliament to say he was pleased legal aid was being continued for asylum cases, but even more pleased it was being cut in immigration cases.
Speaking afterwards he said, “Today’s announcement is good news because it will help to end the merry-go-round of taxpayers’ money that in many cases only serves lawyers’ interests, and not that of people in need or indeed the taxpayer who is footing an increasingly large bill”.
Last night Nick spoke in Parliament in the debate on Housing benefit reform. You can watch it below or read it here.
Nick's spoke about the effects on Enfield North, and said the reforms would allow people to escape the poverty trap.
A number of Labour MPs tried to make interventions while Nick was speaking, with one asking Nick a questions towards the end. After hearing Nick's reply, you could imagine they wished they hadn't!
Nick visited an early morning political class session today with students at Chace Community School. Any idea that an early morning Monday session would mean that the students might be slow to engage was quickly dispelled as an intensive 70 minutes of questioning followed. Topics covered including tuition fees, welfare payments, jobs, Chase Farm hospital, Defence budgets and local government funding. The students were challenging throughout in what was one of the most active school sessions yet.
Nick said:"I congratulate the politics students and their teachers for the work they have done. The articulate, well thought out questions proved just how engaged everyone in the class was with politics, and there was no doubt that each student understood the relevance of what is happening in government to their daily lives. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that it will not be long before I can welcome Chace Community School to the House of Commons for a visit"
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Nick met with executives at Johnson Matthey today in Brimsdown where the company have been trading for many years in borough's principal commercial zone along Mollison Avenue. Here Johnson Matthey's only worldwide refinery where products such as catalytic converters, for the photographic and pharmaceutical industries are manufactured using recycled metals.
I was there to learn more about the launch of the new apprenticeship scheme beginning Monday 8th November- when five brand new apprentices begin work, education and training at the site. This is exactly the sort of scheme that we need to see more of in Enfield, long term, sustainable programs which can offer real jobs and opportunities for people. I look forward to working with Johnson Matthey to help roll out more problems with our companies in our main industrial corridor.
In association with Origin Housing a Youth Club is up and running at Kettering Hall Youth Club on Ordnance Road. I was beaten at Wii Bowling whilst there, but that aside I enjoyed the visit and meeting the youngsters that are regular visitors to the centre.
I was lucky enough to attend the 2010 Business awards competition tonight as the Enterprise Agency revealed the winners of its competition sponsored by The RSA Trust at the Royal Chace Hotel, Enfield. The event was attended by about 100 people including: the Mayor of Enfield, Cllr Jayne Buckland, David Burrowes MP, as well as businesses and representatives from Enfield Council, Business Link, the London Development Agency and other business support organisations. The annual competition is open to all Enfield based businesses and Enterprise Enfield clients (up to 250 employees) and seeks to recognise and reward the excellence of local businesses and their achievements in six categories. It was judged by representatives from North London Chamber of Commerce, Urban Futures, North London Enterprise Club, Middlesex University, Enfield Council and expert Advisers at Enterprise Enfield.
Congratulations to all the winners, pictured below. Find out more on http://enterpriseenfield.org/cms/index.php?action=detail&pageid=7,111
This morning at 10.30 Nick and the family of Andrew Symeou met with the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg.
Enfield resident Andrew Symeou, 21, was extradited to Greece in July 2009 under the European Arrest Warrant to face manslaughter charges following the death of 18 year old Briton, Jon Hiles. Since then Andrew has spent a year in a notorious Greek prison without a trial. A trial date has only recently been set for 4th March 2011, which has yet to be confirmed in writing.
Nick arranged the meeting after raising Andrew's plight at Prime Minister's Questions recently. Andrew Symeou's father, Frank, his sister, Sophie, and Jago Russell of human rights charity Fair Trials International also attended the meeting.
Also in the meeting were Europe Minister David Lidington, Security Minister Dame Pauline Neville-Jones and Baroness Ludford MEP.
Nick said afterwards, "Andrew has never been given the chance to say he is innocent - to be denied a trial for so long is simply outrageous. The financial and emotional cost to the family has been extraordinary".
Nick added, "We all felt the Deputy Prime Minister was very supportive of the issues and Andrew's plight".
Photo, left to right: Frank Symeou, Nick de Bois MP, Sophie Symeou, Jago Russell (Fair Trials International).
This evening Nick and his wife Helen attended the North Enfield Conservative Club's 100 year celebration dinner. He was delighted to unveil the plaque marking the occasion pictured here with the club Chairman Roger Fullbrook.
The evening saw a host of loyal and committed volunteers recognised for their hard work over the years helping make this one of the most successful Conservative Clubs in the UK
"Campaign for NGAR starts here" says Nick
Enfield North Conservative MP Nick de Bois has said the campaign for a Northern Gateway Access Road (NGAR) to link Mollison Avenue to the M25 is underway, after raising the issue in Parliament with the Secretary of State for Transport.
It follows the news this week that the coalition Government is to give a major boost to the UK economy by giving the go-ahead for a further 16 road and public transport schemes. This includes good news for Enfield with the widening of the M25 between junctions 23 and 27. Along with the eight schemes announced by the Chancellor in the Comprehensive Spending Review the week before, work will therefore begin on a total of 24 schemes across the UK.
Welcoming the announcement in Parliament, Nick also took the opportunity to ask if the Transport Secretary would consider taking representations from both himself and Enfield council on the possibility of building an access road to link Mollison Avenue and the M25, which Mr. de Bois argued "will additionally provide greater infrastructure for our growing needs".
The Transport Secretary, Phillip Hammond, replied that "there will be an opportunity to bid for further schemes in future spending review periods".
Speaking afterwards, the Enfield North MP said, "A road allowing HGVs and other traffic to join the M25 eastbound from Mollison Avenue would not only make life better for residents but would transform the east of the borough as a location for new businesses, bringing more jobs. The campaign for NGAR starts here".
He added, "The idea is supported by Enfield council so I think this represents a great chance to work together and present a united case for this at the next investment stage".
The promise to campaign for NGAR if elected was a key pledge made by Nick during the election. Check out the videos here.
All 3 Borough MPs have written to the Chairman of the Council's Health Scrutiny Committee to challenge the review of the BEH Strategy.
Nick de Bois MP said:
"We are at an important stage with regards to the future of our local hospital services. The Clinical Review Panel has approved the original recommendation to downgrade Chase Farm Hospital's A&E and Maternity services. This is not however the end of the line and it is now up to the GPs to decide whether they agree with the recomendations from Panel. It is up to the Council to ensure that the public are properly engaged. I am delighted that all three of the local MPs are united in wanting to ensure that the Secretary of State's 4 tests are passed, ( which we have set out below). We want assurance that the final decision for the Borough's future health care has been made by our GPs with strong public and patient engagement."
The Secretary of State's 4 tests:
¡support from GP commissioners;
¡strengthened public and patient engagement;
¡clarity on the clinical evidence base; and
¡consistency with current and future patient choice.
You can download the letter here
Nick seeks youth employment assurances from Chancellor
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois has sought assurances from the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding opportunities for young people in the borough to seek apprenticeships.Speaking in Parliament following the Comprehensive Spending Review, Nick said that while he welcomed the Chancellor's announcement on cutting Britain's budget deficit, younger people in his constituency are living in an area with one of the highest levels of youth unemployment. He therefore sought assurances on what specific measures the coalition Government would be taking to support apprenticeships. The Chancellor, George Osborne, replied that the Government was pleased to announce a record investment in apprenticeships, and many tens of thousands of additional apprenticeships. Mr. Osborne added, "That is because of the difficult decisions that we made elsewhere in the Budget, and I think it shows that we are investing in the skills that our economy needs for the future".
Speaking afterwards, Mr. de Bois said, "I'm delighted that because of the tough decisions the Government has made, the Chancellor was able to reassure me that lots is being done to support young people in my constituency and their chances for the future".
Read what Nick asked in Parliament here.
20 October 2010
European Parliament defies British people by voting to increase UK contribution(and other member states) to EU budget by £840m
In complete contrast to the cuts outlined in the UK Government's spending review being debated in Parliament today, MEPs in the European Parliament have voted to increase the EU budget for 2011 by 5.9%.
MEPs' demands will increase the UK contribution to the EU budget by approximately £840m compared to the cash freeze (at 2010 levels) demanded by the UK Government.
In a separate vote, MEPs have voted to extend European Commission proposals on maternity leave, increasing costs to the UK Government and businesses by £2.5bn a year.
Commenting Nick de Bois said:
"Today's vote in the European Parliament shows how out of touch MEPs are with reality. It's bonkers that on the same day the UK Government announces huge cuts to public spending, the European Parliament votes to increase the EU budget by 5.9%." As the UK Government is being forced to make difficult choices about the public services Britain can afford, UK taxpayers will be angered to see more of their hard earned money heading to the bottomless pit that is Brussels."
Enfield MPs wear it pink to fund a cure for breast cancer.
Enfield's Conservative MPs Nick de Bois and David Burrowes have joined forces with Breast Cancer Campaign to raise awareness of its award winning fundraising event, wear it pink day, supported by Vanish.
On Friday 29 October 2010 supporters in schools, colleges and businesses throughout the country are encouraged to don an item of pink in support of Campaign and each donate £2 to fund innovative world-class breast cancer research.
Last year over one million people took part in wear it pink to help improve survival rates for the one in nine women who experience breast cancer during their lifetime.
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois said, "I'm delighted to support the wear it pink campaign. Every year in the UK over 45,500 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and, although it is rare, 300 men are also diagnosed each year."
Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes said, "I know people who have lost friends and family members to the disease and I would like to encourage everyone in the borough and throughout the country to support wear it pink on October 29, to raise valuable funds for breast cancer research."
To take part in the UK's original and best pink day call freephone 0800 107 3104 or visit www.wearitpink.co.uk and register to receive your free fundraising pack now. wear it pink is supported by Vanish, which has committed to raising an incredible £250,000 for the charity this year.
**Ends**
Notes to editors
• Breast Cancer Campaign urges women to be breast aware this Breast Cancer Awareness Month and continue throughout the year as early detection can save lives
• Breast Cancer Campaign aims to beat breast cancer by funding innovative world-class research to understand how breast cancer develops, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure
• The charity currently funds 105 projects worth almost £16.2 million in 38 locations across the UK and Ireland
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and accounts for nearly one in three of all cancers in women
• In the UK, nearly 46,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year - that's 125 a day
• Visit www.breastcancercampaign.org
Why I voted against the government over the EU budget- statement for constituents.
Tonight was a very difficult evening as I reluctantly voted against my Government for the first time. The issue was the UK contribution to the EU Budget. I felt that more needed to be done to limit our contributions to the EU budget, and it was important for me to set out the position that reflects the worries of many of my constituents- namely that when we here in the UK are having to endure some very tough cuts to spending it is wrong that the EU seeks to continually increase its budget. I therefore chose to back an amendment to cut our EU financial contribution, as opposed to just freezing it.
At a time when the economy is in crisis - our budgetary contribution to the EU should not be rising.
This particular year's budget was a legacy from the last Labour government and room for negotiation by our ministers was limited. It was however important that I lived up to my promise to speak up on issues on behalf of constituents, even if it meant on occasions that I had to go against my party.
Although the Government said that they were fighting for a budgetary freeze in future years, my own belief is that the Budget should be cut substantially. As I said in the House of Commons, I hope the support shown in the House of Commons from those that backed this amendment would send a message to the EU that the time has come for the bloated EU organisation to tighten its belt. If all Government Departments are having to make cuts - rather than just freezing existing budgets - why should the EU not have its Budget cut substantially too. It is not good enough to just freeze the EU Budget.
Interestingly, when asked, the Shadow Labour Foreign Minister during her opening speech, refused to say if her Party supported real cuts to the EU Budget.
Although the amendment I voted for was lost, 37 Conservative MPs supported it. A significant number abstained. The point had been made however.
I was pleased that the Government agreed that we should always block in the EU attempts to increase their budget and our ministers will work hard to get agreement from other like minded member states.
Many thanks for voting as you did. I greatly appreciate you voting in line with the concerns of your constituents, even when at times it means voting differently from your party's position.
- Diane
Nick visited Enfield County School and the new Outstanding Academy, Kingsmead, one of the first in the country to apply for, and be awarded Academey Status. At Enfield County,Nick met with about 120 students for an hours Q&A on topical political issues earlier in the day. At Kingsmead the year group political students set the bar high earlier in the day- nothing was off limits with both groups of students. Nick commented " Anyone who thinks younger people are not engaged in politics would be mistaken based on what I experienced today - I was subjected to all the key issues of the moment and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I hope the students did as well."
During his visit to Kingsmead Nick's visit coincided with a costumes from around the world day- here he is pictured with the 'JEMEX' outfit, a combination of Jamaica and Mexico...
Today 
Nick was the guest of Julie Foster, Head Teacher at Russet House School in Enfield. The School offers a broad and balanced education for children with autism in a happy, purposeful atmosphere. During the visit Nick held detailed discussions with Julie to fully understand and appreciate the achievements of the school and the challenges they face for the future.
Nick commented " I was very impressed with the schools ethos, atmosphere and commitment of the staff that I met during the visit. Working with children with Autism presents some enormous challenges and Russet House should be justifiably pleased with their outstanding OFSTED report. We have here in Enfield a very good example of how a Local Education Authority and school can achieve success in Special Education Needs"
This afternoon the Rev Ian Crofts welcomed what must have been about 150 people to the service of thanksgiving and celebration for the new Church Hall at Jesus Church, Forty Hill. Amazingly, it is nine years since the old church hall was burnt down after vandals set fire to a nearby car, but now after a lot of work and generous donations the new hall was opened and blessed by the Boshop of Edmonton today. Nick was deilghted to have been invited and enjoyed the service, dancing and childrens performance.
The picture shows the back of the church with part of the new hall.
£217 pounds raised at a single coffee morning held at St Michaels & All Angels celebration hall on Gordon Hill! Thank you to everyone who supported the event. Macmillan have made today this years annual "World,s Biggest Coffee Morning" - a national awareness and fund raising day - http://coffee.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx I was most touched when a lady whose husband had only recently died from cancer shared some of the the donation her church had made to her after his death. A very thoughtful gesture at a difficult time. Similar events were also held at three other Enfield locations.
This evening I joined Iain Dale for his regualar nightly slot on LBC Radio, which has an estimated audience of some 400,000 across London. The program, LBC Parliament brings together three people from the three main parties to discuss the weeks events. It is a relaxed, wide ranging discussion with phone in and texts. This week Labour Blogger Hopi Sen and former Liberal Dem MP Lembit Opik ( who announced his candidacy for Mayor,..and then left for a comedy club..) Listen here http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.frostbyte.co.uk%2Flbc.mp3&h=8cf59bVc9ny481tfJaqYUbmB2Rw
One of the great pleasures of being the local MP is that Nick gets to represent the constituency at major ceremonies during the year. Today was very special with it being 70 years since the Battle of Britain. The annual memorial service took place at the war memorial on Windmill Hill and was very well attended by members of the public, dignitaries and the ATC. As the President of the Legion said, with so many in attendance it shows that we have not forgotten 'the Few'.
The picture shows Nick with Deputy Liuteneant Graham Eustance OBE and David Burrowes MP for Enfield Southgate after the Battle of Britain memorial service
With the upcoming franchise consultation that will determine which operator will provide future rail services from Enfield Town, Lock, Brimsdown, Southbury and Turkey Street underway, Nick raised the issue in Parliament today.
Speaking in a special debate on Enfield rail services and talking directly to Transport minister Theresa Villiers, Nick took the opportunity to set out how and why we should be getting better services from a future operator.
You can read the full text of Nick's speech here.
Nick this week lent his support to the campaign to help raise awareness about Atrial Fibrillation (AF), the most common heart rhythm disorder in the UK.
The campaign, spearheaded by the charity, the Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA), aims to raise awareness of this debilitating condition and reach out to the public, parliamentarians and clinical experts.
At a meeting in Westminster, Nick was briefed by the AFA about Atrial Fibrillation and had his picture taken with a ‘giant calculator' (see picture) which estimates that 564 people here in the Enfield North constituency's electorate suffer from AF.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disturbance encountered by doctors. Department of Health, 2007 figures, suggested AF affected in excess of 600,000 people in the UK. This is now considered to be an under estimate and that a more accurate figure may now be in excess of one million, with 200,000 patients being newly diagnosed each year. It is also thought to be responsible for 18% - 20% of all strokes suffered in the UK.
The risk of developing AF rises sharply with advancing age, roughly doubling with each decade of age, from 0.5% of people aged between 50-59 years visiting their GP, rising to almost 9% for those aged 80 to 89.
Simple pulse checks with GPs are a quick, and low cost way of detecting AF. That is why the AFA are today calling on people who are worried they might be suffering from AF to book a simple check up with their GP. The AFA are also calling for pulse checks to be made a routine procedure within the NHS Health Check programme and at seasonal flu vaccination clinics.
Nick said:
"It is astonishing to think that an estimated 564 people in Enfield North's electorate have atrial fibrillation, and the possibility that many more have it but as yet have not been diagnosed. It is important that this condition is understood by medical professionals and patients so that they can be identified at an early stage and treated accordingly."
Trudie Lobban MBE, CEO and founder of the AFA said:
"We are delighted that Nick de Bois MP is supporting our campaign to raise awareness of Atrial Fibrillation, both in Westminster and in the wider context. This is a little-known condition, yet estimates suggest that AF exerts a considerable economic toll on the NHS. For example, patients with primary or secondary diagnosis of AF accounted for an estimated 5.7 million bed days in 2008, at a cost to the NHS of £1.8 billion."
Nick took part in a charity cricket match organised by fellow Enfield MP David Burrowes on Friday.
David had assembled two teams of cricketers for the fundraiser, held at the Walker Stadium in Waterfall Road, Enfield. David enlisted the support of Nick for his team, as well as Charles Walker (MP for Broxbourne) to take on a Southgate XI.
The match finished in a draw and raised £6,500 which will be split equally between the North London Hospice, the Evening Standard's Dispossessed Fund, and the establishing of an Enfield Good Samaritan network.
Nick said, "It was great to be involved in raising money for a good cause... and thankfully I didn't have to bat!".
Report from the Enfield Independent here.
Yesterday Nick raised the plight of Enfield resident Andrew Symeou during Prime Minister's Questions.
Andrew Symeou, 21, was extradited to Greece a year ago under the European Arrest Warrant to face manslaughter charges following the death of 18 year old Briton, Jon Hiles. Since then Mr. Symeou has spent 10 months in a notorious Greek prison without a trial date being set.
Nick asked whether the coalition Government will review the European Arrest Warrant, and if the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister would meet with Andrew's family as a matter of urgency.
You can see Nick ask the question and hear the response below:
If theyworkforyou.com are having problems with their video content, the video will not play
Alternatively you can read the exchange.
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois today called for new initiatives to tackle knife crime in Enfield, arguing that Enfield should have its say in a high profile review into knife crime.
Former Eastenders actress Brooke Kinsella, left, is to head a panel deciding how government grants are distributed to voluntary groups tackling youth crime. Ms Kinsella began campaigning on the issue after her younger brother Ben was stabbed and killed in London in 2008.
Speaking in Parliament to ask questions of the Home Secretary, the Conservative MP for Enfield North highlighted Ms Kinsella's visit to the Corner House Youth project in Stockton, which seeks to highlight the danger of knives through talks and activities. Mr. de Bois asked the Home Secretary, "Will she consider similar activities in constituencies like Enfield North that are experiencing serious problems with knife crime?"
The Home Secretary responded to Mr. de Bois by praising the work of Ms Kinsella, and said the findings from her work in identifying ways of stopping young people being involved in knife crime would be presented to the Home Office later this year. Turning to Enfield, the Home Secretary promised to pass on information about knife crime in the borough to be included as part of the review.
Nick said, "The work being done by Brooke Kinsella - motivated by her own personal tragic loss, will be very influential. I will be seeking the views of the police, voluntary groups and residents so that Enfield's experience of knife crime is considered as part of the review".
Watch Nick speaking in Parliament here
The weather was kind to the Annual Enfield Town Show this weekend. Nick reckons this must be the 10th show he has attended along with the team from the Enfield North Conservative Future team. There is always a good turn out and the stalls and exhibits are a great showcase for Enfield's voluntary groups and societies.
Most notable amongst the shows this weekend was the American Bald Eagle that was flying at intervals across the heads of visitors. Congratulations to all participants, it is a great local event.
Nick met with train operators First Capital Connect this week to seek a better deal for rail users in the constituency.Meeting with a senior director of First Capital Connect, which serves six rail stations in Enfield, Mr. de Bois put forward concerns raised with him by Enfield commuters. In particular, Nick lobbied for increased frequency of services at peak times and more carriages for the Great Northern route line which runs from King's Lynn to King's Cross, serving Crews Hill, Gordon Hill, Enfield Chase, Grange Park, Winchmore Hill and Palmers Green in Enfield.
Speaking after the meeting, Nick said, "We had a constructive meeting and I was impressed by First Capital Connect's clear desire to improve rail services for Enfield commuters. I said we'd like to see more services at peak times and longer trains where there is frequent over-crowding. We need improvements soon".
Nick plans to hold an adjournment debate in the House of Commons on rail services when Parliament returns from recess, to highlight commuters' concerns. He added, "Your daily commute has a big impact on your quality of life. If we improve train services we can improve people's quality of life, and that's what motivates me as an MP - speaking up for people and hopefully making a difference".
Nick de Bois is running a poll on rail services on this website
Nick held another advice surgery in the Co-op on Hertford Road today. This was another 'open' surgery where appointments are not necessary. The Co-op made the team very welcome providing all facilities and most importantly cover from the rain. Thanks to the duty management team for being so hospitable and allowing us to hold an MP's advice surgery on their premises.
If you would would liuke to know when Nick is holding his next surgery please call the constituency office on 020 8363 0653
Nick and Enfield Mayor Jayne Buckland unvieled a circular blue resin plaque on the side of Barclays Bank in The Town today, which reads 'The world's first cash machine was installed here' with the strapline 'lives made much easier' underneath.
The plaque is a replacement for the original metel one (put up in 1992) which was stolen in February of this year. It was paid for by Barclays Bank
The cash machine on the side of Barclays Bank was opened on June 27 1967, in front of hundreds of onlookers, with popular TV actor Reg Varney being the first person to use it.
Steve Rogers, Network Area director for Enfield, who is based at the branch, said: "Banking has been transformed since 1967, when we had shorter opening hours, and this provided 24 hour access for the first time ever.
The Enfield Town branch was chosen the testing place for his invention because it abuts the market square providing space for queues to form.
For more information, as well as interesting facts about cash machines, click here.
Nick was interviewed by Catch 21 Productions, where he discussed a wide range of topics on a national and local scale, including what his priorities are as an MP, his views on electoral reform as well as his interests outside of politics, for their series of New MPinions! The concept is to reach out to younger people who may be interested in politics.
Watch the interview here
Enfield Conservative MPs launch Save Our Shops campaign against parking charges
Together with Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes, Nick has launched a campaign against the proposed increases to on-street parking charges in and around Enfield, which will see charges double for a 15 minute stay.
The proposals intend to double the cost of 15 minutes of on street parking from 20p to 40p, for 30 minutes from 50p to 80p, and for an hour from £2 to £3.
With the proposals currently open to consultation, Nick and David have launched a campaign to stop these hikes that will damage businesses in Enfield.
Nick said, "Many small businesses in our high street need as much help as possible to keep the customers coming into local shops and not going elsewhere".
Nick, David and Conservative Councillors will be distributing petitions to local shops, as well as talking to shoppers and handing out petitions throughout August and September.
You can read more from the Enfield Independent here and N21 here.
Nick visited Southgate College where a special awareness day was being hosted for women in automotive paint spraying industry.
Southgate College teemed up with the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) and Morelli Group, based in Enfield North, to offer courses in body work spray painting. The awareness day however was designed to promote the trade to women in particular who are very under represented in the automotive industry. Whilst 40 percent of women buy automotive products, only 20 percent of the national workforce in this sector are female. In automotive paint spraying only 3 percent of the workforce are female.
Nick tried his hand at spray painting as you can see from the photograph! Nick thought he did an OK job, but the college have refused to comment...
Nick de Bois has continued his battle for securing better rail commuting services from the Enfield North constituency.
Yesterday in Parliament he bought the matter to the floor of the House of Commons with a speech setting out how greater local involvement could lead to improved services.
Click here to read the speech.
Click here to watch the speech (and scroll to 04.01.02)
Future GP commissioning in Enfield
As you know the Secretary of State for Health imposed a moratorium on the proposed BEH clinical strategy that would have meant among other matters the loss of A&E at Chase Farm Hospital.
Currently there are proposals for undertaking the review set out by the PCT and NHS London. We are sure like us that you wish to see the best possible healthcare services available for your patients and for you, the future commissioners across Enfield.
We know that patients trust their GP's and share with us the belief that practising GP's should be at the heart of shaping the future services, that will be in place after the abolition of Enfield PCT and the regional SHA announced by the government recently. It is crucial that your voice is heard in both planning and endorsing the NHS services that you will be commissioning after 2012/13. Link, (soon to be the statutory local body HealthWatch), the Federation of Enfield Residents' and Allied Associations, the Local Authority and residents would all welcome your active involvement.
With this mind we are writing to ask you to seize the opportunity to step forward and play an active role in the review and ensure that your views are heard at the decision table. This is our chance to ensure that the design of future healthcare services are designed for local health needs, by local people.
The Secretary of State for Health the Rt Hon Andrew Lansley MP has a keen interest in the commissioning of healthcare in Enfield as illustrated by making the announcement of the moratorium of the Healthcare for London plans outside Chase Farm Hospital. We have the opportunity to be leading the way future healthcare is commissioned and we want to do all we can to make sure GPs are at the forefront of the future plans. We appreciate the many pressures on your time but it is so crucial to have your direct involvement in the local commissioning plans. Please can you confirm your willingness to be involved so that we can ensure you receive all the necessary information and it will also help us as we update the Secretary of State on progress.
Nick de Bois
MP for Enfield North
David Burrowes
MP for Enfield Southgate
Today Nick got the opportunity to highlight the cramped conditions and poor service that many rail commuters from some Enfield stations undergo on a regular basis, during questions to the Secretary of State for Transport in the House of Commons.
Nick asked the minister the following question: " Given the current poor standard of commuter service that my constituents in Enfield North receive from National Express, as evidenced by the lowest average customer satisfaction rates across the south-east, how will our franchising proposals improve the experience for passengers in my constituency and elsewhere?"
Theresa Villiers, Minister of State for transport responded that the tough new conditions that will be imposed on rail operators in return for longer franchise agreements mean that services will have to improve or ultimately rail operators could lose their franchise. In reply she said;
"We will ensure that the new rail franchising system imposes on train operators demanding performance requirements, based on passenger outcomes and passenger satisfaction. Operators that do not meet those demanding requirements will face serious sanctions that will include, in the most serious cases, termination of the franchise. We believe that longer franchises will lead to more private sector investment and the improvements to stations and railways that passengers want, to improve their journeys. Longer franchises will also enable train operators to build longer-term working relationships with Network Rail, which are so vital to ensure that our railways are run efficiently and deliver value for money."
Nick de Bois campaigned before the election with the Enfield Rail Campaign to get more rolling stock to ease overcrowding and an improved new timetable that better reflected commuter needs.
Commenting later Nick said:
" Clearly the government have been listening to the frustrations of commuters, particularly in the light of the failed franchise agreement that National Express held under the last government which has in part contributed to the poor conditions Enfield commuters from Lock, Brimsdown, Southbury, Turkey Street and Enfield Town have to put up with. I travel regularly across all our commuter services and know first hand what passengers go through on a daily basis- it's just not good enough."
Nick had the pleasure of being interviewed by Tom Kingham ( www.twitter.com/tomkingham ) this morning as part of the week-end celebrations marking Radio Enfield 40 years. Take a look at www.radioenfield.co.uk and do listen in on line. Nick would love to see the expansion of local radio and looks forward to the time when digital radio broadcasting will allow this. In the meantime congratulations to Radio Enfield, the volunteers and the founders of whom some are still involved today. They offer a great service to Chase Farm Hospital and the wider community.
Enfield North Conservative MP Nick de Bois has called on Enfield council to take advantage of new incentives to encourage businesses to start up in the borough.
Nick who has run a "Backing Local Business" campaign to support local shops and traders, as well as a "Save Our Shops" campaign with fellow Enfield MP David Burrowes against the previous government's rise in business rates, is now campaigning to get more businesses to start up in the area. Nick commented, "More businesses means more jobs, and we need more jobs in Enfield".
Speaking in parliament, he first asked what the government is doing to help small businesses with their business rate bills. The new coalition government announced that it was doubling the level of small business rate relief for one year.
Nick then asked what steps the government was taking to allow Enfield council to support his campaign to help bring new businesses to the borough. Bob Neill MP, speaking on behalf of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, paid tribute to the Enfield North MP's campaigns and also announced a business growth bonus to reward councils for helping set up new businesses. Mr. Neil said, "I pay tribute to his work for small businesses in his area. The Government propose to introduce a business growth bonus, which will reward local authorities for giving planning permission for new business premises. We are also examining ways to enable local authorities to discount the business rate, and we will ensure that in areas where business rate supplement is considered, businesses have a proper opportunity to vote on it in a ballot".
Nick was interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live yesterday about Early Day Motions (EDMs), with Nick calling for them to be "reformed or abolished".
EDMs are in effect petitions that only MPs in Westminster can sign, and are used to draw attention to particular issues. However, with the number of EDMs being tabled each year rising to over 2,000 at a cost of almost £500,000 a year, Nick has argued that there are better things taxpayers' money could be spent on.
Speaking on Radio 5 Live, Nick said, "EDMs, as far as I am aware, I cannot recall when anything went on to become a serious motion debated in the house or went on to become something in law. The main point about them of course is, certainly in my opinion, they don't actually achieve a lot".
As a rule Nick will only sign EDMs if they relate to a specific issue unique to Enfield, and if every MP did this EDMs would have more value. When a constituent writes to Nick asking him to sign an EDM, he instead offers to make representations in writing to the relevant government minister.
Please note the BBC report inaccurately reports that Nick tabled the motion, in fact he supported it. The motion was tabled by Graham Evans
Read more from the BBC.
What do you think? Let Nick know what you think of EDMs by commenting below.
During the presentation of the NHS White paper to the House of Commons which presents a radical reform of the NHS including the abolition of the PCT's in favour of GP commisioning Nick was able question the Secretary of State Andrew Lansley about Chase Farm Hospital. He re-affirmed the opportunity and expressed encouragement for Enfield GP's to take the lead in shaping our future healthcare needs including acute and emergency care at Chase Farm Hospital.
With the abolition of PCT's we are now well placed in Enfield to have health groups, the local authority and GP's come together with the support of the local PCT but not necessarily the leadership of the PCT. Anything less is in danger of not commanding the support of local residents.
Hansard reports:
"Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): Does the Secretary of State agree that where moratoriums are in place, practising GPs should be encouraged to seize the opportunity to determine the future of hospital accident and emergency departments, as with Chase Farm hospital in my constituency?
Mr Lansley: Yes, I very much agree. As he knows, his local GPs, patient representative groups and the local authority are already demonstrating how they can come together to devise the right solutions for the people of Enfield and the district around Chase Farm."
Nick called for a debate in the House of Commons to discuss the "poor standards of treatment" many rail commuters in Enfield receive. He also called for call for greater local public consultation when deciding which company should be awarded the next rail franchise.
Speaking in the House of Commons chamber, Nick asked the Leader of the House for a debate to be held on local Enfield rail services, citing the number of constituents that have contacted him to complain about late and over-crowded trains at some Enfield rail stations. To view or read click here
"Rail companies need to listen to what commuters - their customers - are saying. Trains are too often late and nearly always too crowded" Nick said. Nick feels it is important for him to make a point of travelling from different rail stations in the constituency, including Turkey Street, Southbury, Enfield Town and Brimsdown. "It lets me see first-hand what people are e-mailing to tell me, and I very much welcome their comments. I would like to encourage more people to contact me so that I can highlight their experiences in the future debate".
The Enfield Rail Campaign was formed by Nick with frustrated commuters Adele Panayi and Christine Jones three years ago, lobbying rail companies for better services including the re-instatement of the semi-fast service from Southbury station. Now Nick hopes to use a future debate on rail services to call for greater local public consultation when deciding which company should be awarded the next rail franchise.
Along with David Burrowes MP for Enfield Southgate, Nick de Bois hosted the first of a series of Enfield 'Big Society Days ' in the Atlee Room at the House of Commons. The reception brought together some of the volunteer groups from across the borough to discuss the thinking behind the coalition governments Big Society. Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society also attended the reception. It was a chance to both recognise the massive contribution volunteer groups make to life in Enfield, and engage with them on ideas and plans for developing the governments policies for rolling out the Big Society. The next set of invitation to other volunteer groups will be going out shortly.
The coalition government have come together with a driving ambition: to put more power and opportunity into people's hands. We want to give citizens, communities and local government the power and information they need to come together, solve the problems they face and build the Britain they want. We want society- the families, networks, neighbourhoods and communities that form the fabric of so much of our everyday lives - to be bigger and stronger than ever before. Only when people and communities are given more power and take more responsibility can we achieve fairness and opportunity for all.
Building this Big Society is not just the responsibility of just one or two departments. It is the responsibility of every government department and the responsibility of every citizen too. Government on its own cannot fix every problem. We are all in this together. We need to draw on the skills and expertise of people across the country as we respond to social, political and economic challenges Britain faces.
The Government has announced its plans to seek ideas from the public to help cut government spending and deal with the record levels of public debt. To put the size of the challenge into some perspective- if we fail to act, within 5 years we will be paying out £70bn in debt interest a year. That is more than we spend on educating our children, policing our streets or defending our country. Last week the government launched the first phase of its Spending Challenge - a process aiming to build public understanding of and generate ideas on cuts as part of the Spending Review which will take place later this year. The Spending Review aims to deal decisively with the record levels of debt created by the previous Government.
The Spending Challenge is split into two phases; the first is a government-wide engagement programme asking six million public sector workers to share their ideas on how to save money delivering more for less. This phase only lasts until Friday 9th July, so Nick is encouraging everyone working in the public sector to get involved and give their suggestions to http://spendingchallenge.hm-treasury.gov.uk/
The second; a wider public consultation to gain their views on what areas of spending should be cut and ideas as to how the government can work more efficiently. The website will be launched shortly and Nick will be meeting with constituents and welcoming suggestions through my website on www.nickdebois.com
Nick de Bois, MP for Enfield North says:
"This is a welcome initative and creates a good opportunity for the people of Enfield to get involved in the decisions that the government is making. These decisions will affect us all and will help get the country out of the mess that we are all in this s a result of the last government's failures. I recommend everyone take this chance to give their own ideas and help get the country back on track."
The weather remained good for Nick when he was the guest of honour today at Honilands Primary School Sports Day in Enfield. Nick spoke briefly about the children's passion for sport (claiming that they showed more enthusiasm about their sports day than the England football team managed during their world cup tournament!). He then proceeded to congratulate the racers as they crossed the finish line.
On Monday, Nick visited Thomas Hardy House in Enfield Town to learn about the North London Schools International Network. The NLSIN is a partnership of five authorities, Barnet, Camden, Haringey, Waltham Forest and Enfield which aims to provide specialist support to enable schools to gain access to and maximum benefit from international funding, training and curriculum development opportunities.
It was a great pleasure to hear of the fantastic work that the NLSIN undertakes in linking English schools with others around the world; helping to give children a greater understanding of different languages and cultures, and improving community cohesion.
It was an added bonus to stand in for the Mayor of Enfield (who unfortunately was ill) to present NLSIN competition awards and pay tribute to the hard work of teachers and pupils, espeacially those from Prince of Wales School (left) in my constituency, who finished third. Well done!
I was delighted to join the Mayor and other civic representatives at this weekend's Armed Forces Day parade. Despite competing with the ill fated England Germany football match we had a good turn out of residents to watch and applaud all the service cadets, veterans and bandsmen and women.
The parade was remarkable with everyone defying the intense heat to put on a very polished parade.
Since May 6th we have now held five advice surgeries and currently have about 55 active cases underway on behalf of constituents. This is a crucial part of the work of a local MP and whilst we can never guarantee the outcome that people would like, we do our very best to resolve problems as quickly as possible. To help with resident casework we have one experienced caseworker working on the team. Today we held an 'open' surgery in Ordnance Road library where people do not have to make an appointment but can turn up any time between 9.30 and 11.30. Ring the office on 020 8363 0653 if you want details of our next advice surgery.
Today during the budget debate in the House of Commons, Nick highlighted the plight many small local businesses are facing with some banks. For the full Hansard record of his comments read on
or watch here and go to 06.33 hours into the recording
During the opposition day debate on government support for business and industry Nick was able to make two interventions highlighting the massive cost to small and medium sized employers of over regulation. Responding later to opposition points on the role of government he also had the chance to stress the need for the private sector to be allowed to grow free of over regulation and taxation on jobs which would help growth not hinder it. You can click on the blue heading to read more or link to Hansard where you can read more here and here
TIMELY BOWEL CANCER SCREENING MESSAGE
TARGETS WORLD CUP FANS
Nick hopes constituents will remember the experience of Bobby Moore, who captained England to World Cup glory in 1966, but died of bowel cancer aged 51.
Nick supported efforts to beat cancer at a major Cancer Research UK event in Parliament.
During the briefing, he heard from experts how bowel cancer screening saves thousands of lives. He heard about a recent groundbreaking study, part-funded by Cancer Research UK, which shows that a one-off, cost-effective screening procedure called a Flexi-Scope test, could prevent a third of bowel cancers and reduce death rates by nearly half.
Nick also met Stephanie Moore MBE, wife of England's 1966 World Cup winning captain, Bobby Moore. Stephanie founded the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK after Bobby died of bowel cancer in1992.
"Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and more than 100 people are diagnosed with the disease every single day. One in three people can expect a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. During World Cup season, I urge everyone in Enfield to remember Bobby Moore and to take up the offer of bowel cancer screening when they are invited because screening saves lives.
"Diagnosing cancers like bowel cancer early is absolutely critical as, when cancer is picked up early, it's nearly always easier to treat successfully."
The photograph shows Nick with the cast of Booby Moore's right foot football boot- a great moment for Nick.
The House of Commons passed the second reading of the bill that will see ID cards killed of. The debate demonstrated that they would have been expensive and not produce the results that the government claimed of increased security and reduction of identity fraud.
Read Nick's contribution from Hansard ( the offical record of what is said in parliament) or watch here, ( move the scroll bar to 06.23.57)
It was a pleasure that during his first month in Parliament Nick was able to host two visits from Enfield County School. The students were participants from their own election day event timed to coincide with the May 6th general election. Following a tour of the palace of Westminster we all met up in Portcullis House to have a discussion about parliament, politics and the recent general election.
It was a delight to welcome these youngsters and Nick hopes that more schools will take up a standing invitation to tour parliament.
During the first full week of the new parliament Nick was fortunate enough to be able to make his maiden speech. Traditionally a maiden speech is listened to without interruption from other members. It also allows a new MP to talk about the constituency and his or her priorities.
Text here on Hansard or
here to watch ( you have to skip to "06:31:40" (i.e. 6hrs 31mins 40sec elapsed, that's about 80% of the way across)
The new Secretary of State for Health has visited Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield to call an immediate halt to Labour's cuts to A&E and maternity services.
Visiting the hospital on The Ridgeway, Andrew Lansley MP pledged to halt the top-down process that forces closure in favour of local consultation with GPs and the public. Andrew said, "Here at Chase Farm we are not going to have a top-down bureaucratic process. We will talk to the local authority and representatives of the public and GPs locally, so that any changes ensure services are maintained."
Enfield North MP Nick de Bois said, "I'm delighted with the announcement, it's great news for Chase Farm".
He added, "Within 14 days we have delivered on a key election promise to halt cuts to A&E and maternity services. It will now be for local GPs, patients and the local authority to drive a local solution for our healthcare needs in Enfield - not Whitehall".
Above: Andrew Lansley briefing journalists outside Chase Farm, supported by Nick de Bois and Southgate MP David Burrowes.
I was 
delighted to be elected as your MP on May 6th. I would also wish to reassure those who did not vote for me that I look forward to working hard for all my constituents. It is a great privilege to represent you and be your voice in Parliament.
On this website you can access details of how you can contact me to make an appointment for an advice surgery. If you would like to join me in a tour of Parliament please contact my office so I can show you around!
We have entered a new era of politics. It will take a while to get used to Lib Dems on the same front benches as Conservative colleagues, but I do believe that the majority of people want us work together to tackle the large problems facing our country at the moment.
And we have got to work immediately. I am delighted that within 14 days of the General Election the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley visited Chase Farm Hospital to fulfil one of the key campaign pledges - to halt the downgrade of Chase Farm's A&E and maternity services. We now need to work together - the Council, GP's and residents to make sure we continue to have accessible healthcare which meets local and clinical demands.
I look forward to representing you and this great constituency of ours
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