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Tories challenged over support for young people
09/03/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas is challenging Tories in Wrexham to support the town’s young workers.
Mr Lucas made the call after it emerged that the Conservatives are planning to scrap a major investment scheme which has helped young people in Wrexham to find employment. The Future Jobs Fund scheme has given young people in places across North Wales, including Caia Park and Gwersyllt, jobs and training. But a Tory policy document released by the party’s London headquarters makes clear that the Conservatives want to end the scheme- despite the help it is providing locally.
Now Mr Lucas is challenging local Tories to say if they would back the Future Jobs Fund.
He said: “The Future Jobs Fund has been a success in North Wales, and I have read a number of stories in the local press highlighting some of the young people it is helping. We should not abandon young people when times get tough, which is why I was pleased that the Government brought in the Future Jobs Fund, why I encouraged Wrexham Council and others to bid for cash from it, and why I have been delighted to meet some of the young people employed locally as a result.
“But it has now emerged that the Tories are planning to end the Fund. This does not surprise me, as the Conservatives have a history of opposing help for those who most need it – which is why unemployment was higher in both Tory recessions in the 90s than in the recent downturn.
“The Tories nationally are saying they would scrap the Fund – a key investment to provide help now, when it is most needed.
“I am challenging local Tories based in Wrexham – and the current Parliamentary candidate too – to say if they back the Central office line from London or young people here in Wrexham.
“I believe that the Government should invest to help our young people. The question is, do the Conservatives?” |
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Ian calls for meeting over congestion concerns
08/03/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas is calling for a meeting with council officers over residents’ concerns on congestion.
Mr Lucas has asked for the meeting after being contacted by constituents in the south east areas of the town around Kingsmills Road. He is now hoping to work with officers to examine the problems of congestion in the area.
He said: “I have noticed an increasing number of letters about the congestion in this area, which is one of the main routes into the town. While problems cannot be solved overnight, I do think it is important that the council is made aware of concerns being expressed in the area and I hope to meet with officers to put these concerns to them directly.
”Anyone who uses the road at peak times of the day knows that there is a congestion problem.
”I have also had concerns expressed to me about public transport services in the area, and have taken these up directly with the companies involved.
“I would be interested in hearing from anyone else who is experiencing similar problems with traffic issues in these areas.” |
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Solar centre is an investment in our future
05/03/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has called on local schools to sign up to see Sharp’s sensational new Solar Centre in Llay.
Mr Lucas attended today’s official opening – which was made by First Minister Carwyn Jones – and was given a tour of the new centre with the First Minister and Lesley Griffiths AM.
Speaking after the visit, he said: “As Wrexham’s MP, I have spent many years singing the praises of the Sharp plant in Llay.
“It is a flagship manufacturing plant here in Wrexham – it provides high skilled jobs, has an excellent relationship with its workforce, is a leader in its field and helps provide a growing green industry with the tools it needs.
“The workforce at Sharp has grown massively in the last half decade, and the solar cells it makes are key to helping meet Britain’s future energy needs, especially after the Government brings in a feed-in tariff for electricity in April.
“Now, Sharp have invested in a sensational solar education centre which helps explain the work the factory and the company does, as well as the importance of solar power. Congratulations to the company for being so far-sighted. The centre is hugely impressive and it is an investment in our future. It encourages school age children to take an interest in the science of solar power and in the business of manufacturing.
“I urge local schools to sign up to visit as soon as possible – I have no doubt that it will be a massive success.” |
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Boost for local motor industry
02/03/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas believes two announcements made today (TUE) will be good news for workers in North East Wales.
Mr Lucas is representing the UK Government at an industry event in Geneva and believes two annoucnments made today will be a boost to North East Wales workers employed in the motor industry. He has hailed both an announcement by GM Motors in America about fresh investment in its European operations, and Toyota’s unveiling of its environmentally-friendly Auris, as important for the region.
During his visit to Geneva, Mr Lucas met with Nick Reilly, President of GM Europe.
Mr Lucas said: “GM US have said they will be investing additional funds into a restructuring plan for GM Europe. This is good news for the Ellesmere Port plant – and workers from North East Wales based there – as it helps to safeguard the plant’s future.
”I had a wide ranging set of talks with Nick Reilly and I strongly believe the future is bright for Ellesmere Port after our discussions.”
As part of his Ministerial duties, Mr Lucas also helped to unveil the Toyota Auris, an environmentally-friendly hybrid manufactured in Britain.
Mr Lucas said: “The engines for the Auris are manufactured in North East Wales, at Toyota’s plants on Deeside. There has been a gread deal of interest in the Auris even before its unveiling, and that interest is set to grow in the coming months.
“That can only help boost the fortunes of the Deeside plant and the workers there.” |
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Rail decision is "good for Wrexham"
01/03/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has welcomed a decision by rail regulators which should safeguard Wrexham train services.
Mr Lucas was among those who made representations to the Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) about a proposed service between Aberystwyth and London which would have been run by Arriva Trains Wales.
The proposed Arriva service would not have called at Wrexham. However, there were fears it could have threatened another service which does operate from the town, run by the Wrexham and Shropshire company.
Mr Lucas opposed the plans, and was backed by passenger groups and rail users.
Now the ORR have announced that they will not approve an application from Arriva to run the service between Aberystwyth and London.
Mr Lucas said: “I am pleased that the ORR listened to the case which was being made to them about these services.
“There would have been no benefit to Wrexham under these plans, but a service which has become well-liked in the town, and which provides local people with jobs, would have been threatened.
“The rail regulators have made the right decision.” |
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Ian Lucas looks forward to long working relationship with new Chief Constable
25/02/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has said he was “delighted” to welcome North Wales’ latest Chief Constable to Westminster.
Mr Lucas met Chief Constable Mark Polin yesterday at Westminster during a visit Mr Polin was making to meet North Wales MPs.
Mr Lucas said: “Both Mr Polin and I are busy men and although our meeting was brief, it was very welcome.
“I work closely with the police officers who serve my constituency – from the bobbies on the beat through to the divisional commanders and beyond.
“I have already been in correspondence with Mr Polin on a range of issues and have been very impressed with his work in North Wales so far.
“It was a pleasure to welcome him to Westminster and I look forward to a long and productive working relationship.” |
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Racecourse support praised
16/02/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has welcomed a council decision which could safeguard the town’s Racecourse Ground.
He spoke following a council meeting which took place today to discuss Wrexham County Borough Council’s Local Development Plan (LDP). At the meeting councillors voted for a proposal which listed a series of stadia – including Wrexham Football Club’s Racecourse Ground – as protected for sporting purposes.
The proposal will now go before the council’s executive board for approval next month, before going on to be examined by the full council and Welsh Assembly and finally put out to consultation.
Mr Lucas had lent his support to a fan’s campaign to get the change set down in the LDP and is one of more than 9,000 people to sign a petition supporting the proposal.
Mr Lucas said: “This is an excellent decision by the council and will help safeguard sport locally if approved.
“Thousands of people have lent their support to the campaign. The Racecourse is acknowledged as the oldest international football stadium in the world and has a long and proud history.
”All the fans who organised, promoted and backed this campaign deserve a vote of thanks from the people of Wrexham.” |
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Help pledge for Wrexham company
15/02/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has pledged to work with a local company to build awareness of its work.
Mr Lucas was speaking after visiting Dacta, on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, on Friday. The company distributes a wide range of educational toys and provides European-wide customer services from its Wrexham base. The visit follows an event at the Houses of Parliament earlier this year involving Dacta’s parent company, RM, which was also attended by Mr Lucas.
He said: “Having heard about the good work Dacta were doing locally, I wanted to visit the company in Wrexham and see for myself. The work being done is very impressive and provides a range of skilled jobs as well as helping provide children with excellent educational toys.
“Many people in Wrexham will remember when Lego had a base here and Dacta is continuing in that tradition. During my visit I discussed a range of topics with staff, including how the company’s products could help encourage and develop interest in manufacturing, design and building.
“I will be working with the company in the coming months to ensure their products can help local children develop these interests.” |
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Lap dancing clampdown is good news for local communities
12/02/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has welcomed new laws toughening restrictions on lap dancing clubs.
Under the new rules councils and local residents will be able to object to lap dancing clubs as “inappropriate” to an area. Currently objections to clubs can only be raised on the grounds of crime, nuisance or public safety.
The changes, which come into force in April, have been welcomed by a range of organisations including the Local Government Association
Mr Lucas asked people across his constituency to let him know their views on the issue in June 2008.
A Government consultation on whether the current regulations should be tightened was also carried out and the views of local councils across England and Wales were sought.
The changes now being brought in follow the 2008 consultation.
Mr Lucas said: “These changes are good news.
”All too often, these clubs open despite residents’ objections. Licensing loopholes are exploited to force inappropriate premises onto local communities – sometimes near to schools or in quiet areas where these clubs are totally out of place. This cannot be right.
“These changes will give people a greater say in what kinds of establishment open in their communities.” |
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Wrexham MP Ian Lucas welcomes Caia Park jobs
11/02/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has praised staff at a Caia Park charity and welcomed its support for young people working through the Government’s Future Jobs Fund.
Mr Lucas visited the Caia Park Partnership today (Thurs, Feb 11) and met with a number of staff. He also spent time hearing more about some of the business work the charity is developing with organisations such as Caia Crafts, which produces a range of woodwork from sustainable materials.
And he met with young people who have been found work at the Partnership thanks to the Government’s £1 billion Future Jobs Fund project.
Mr Lucas said: “During my last visit to the Partnership, during their open day a few months ago, I picked up a Christmas present from Caia Crafts. It is good to see them going from strength to strength and to catch up with what they have been doing.
“I was also very pleased indeed to meet with some of the young people being employed at the Partnership thanks to the Government’s Future Jobs Fund.
”I pressed for the fund to be taken up locally and hearing directly from the young people helped out shows securing that investment in Wrexham was worthwhile.” |
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Wrexham FC - statement
10/02/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas said: “Several people have approached me about the situation at Wrexham football club.
“I have been investigating for some days.
“As a result of contacts from fans I have established that the individuals are not directors of the club. In that position their role as employees is a matter for the club’s management to consider.
“Football clubs are part of the community and the views of fans should be taken into consideration when the interests of the club are considered.
“Geoff Moss has shown great commitment to Wrexham FC but I have always said to him that fans should be more involved in the running of the club.
“There is no place for personal abuse in a matter as important as the future of Wrexham FC. What we need is a measured and mature consideration of what is in the best interests of the club.” |
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Ian Lucas backs anti-poverty drive
09/02/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas is urging people to keep up the campaign to Make Poverty History.
Mr Lucas was speaking to mark the fifth anniversary of the launch of the campaign in February 2005.
And he is urging people to sign up to support a new campaign against global poverty.
The new campaign, at www.GlobalPovertyPromise.com, is backed by celebrities including Davina McCall, Richard Wilson and Meera Syal.
It is aimed at showing the strength of support for a new law that would commit the UK to spend 0.7% of national income on development assistance.
A campaign video at the site – which includes several of its celebrity backers - shows how small the commitment of 0.7 per cent – but also underlines the very real difference it means for people’s lives in the developing world.
Mr Lucas said: “I know there are a number of local civic organisations, campaigners, church groups and members of the public in Wrexham who are keen advocates of international development. I am proud of what the Government has achieved, but I believe we should strive to do more.
“That’s why I am backing this campaign and urging others in Wrexham to sign up too. Anyone who wants further information is more than welcome to contact me.”
Douglas Alexander, Labour’s International Development Secretary, said: “Aid increases and debt cancellation have helped to get 40 million more children into school, while the number of people with access to AIDS treatment has increased from just 100,000 to over 4 million. The proportion of the world’s population living in poverty has fallen from a third to a quarter thanks to a combination of both aid and trade.
“Unfortunately the Tories refuse to make a similar commitment to introduce a law and keep our promise.” |
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Wrexham MP Ian Lucas continues campaigning for Wrexham's pubs
05/02/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has vowed to continue campaigning for Wrexham’s pubs after he met with real ale campaigners in Parliament.
Mr Lucas attended the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) reception in Parliament this week and met with several campaigners from the organisation.
Mr Lucas has been working with Wrexham pub landlords over recent months to highlight their concerns about the pub industry.
Speaking after the reception, he vowed to continue making sure their voice is heard in Parliament and revealed he has already discussed Wrexham landlords’ concerns with Ministers.
Mr Lucas said: “CAMRA is an excellent organisation and its local branches play a vital role in helping small-scale brewers to thrive in Wrexham and beyond by promoting their work.
”Nationally, CAMRA has shown itself to be an excellent campaigning organisation - and I have worked with its members on local campaigns as well. I am continuing the work I have been doing with Wrexham pub landlords which focuses on many of their concerns – such as the Beer Tie – and what Government can do to help.
“I have already held discussions on the subject with Consumer Affairs Minister Kevin Brennan and a further formal meeting is due to be held on the matter soon.
“Many landlords responded to the surveys I carried out last year with their concerns and I am determined to ensure that the Governm,ent does all it can to help.” |
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Be aware of online scams, warns MP
03/02/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas is backing a Government campaign aimed at alerting people to rip-offs and scams.
He is urging people to take a look at the Office of Fair Trading’s “Scamnesty” site at http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scamnesty and to report any scams they have encountered.
OFT research suggests around one in 11 people in Britain have been the victim of scams at some point or another with a third of those affected losing money.
Mr Lucas said: “Most of us think we would never get caught out by a scam but the figures suggest otherwise.
“Because of my job as Wrexham’s MP, my contact details, including my email address, are easily accessible on my website. This means I sometimes get email scams in my inbox and while they can be easy to spot, they are getting more sophisticated.
“Lots of other people get similar scams in their email too and the new Scamnesty campaign, which runs throughout February, offers people an easy way to highlight them with a special address to send them to for investigation.
“The website has several excellent tips on the best ways to spot scams and rip offs online, and advice on text scams as well.
“Unfortunately, I have dealt with cases locally where people have been affected by scams and these cases can be very distressing.
“People need to be on their guard against scammers – stop, think and be sceptical. If necessary, seek advice from Consumer Direct.
“And remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.” |
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Ian Lucas calls for clarity over vital rail funding
02/02/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has raised concerns that a rail users group is to lose thousands of pounds of funding.
He spoke out after being contacted with concerns that Arriva Trains Wales were to withdraw funding from the Chester – Shrewsbury Rail Partnership.
Mr Lucas has now written to Arriva Trains Wales about the potential cut in funding.
The partnership works with local rail users, councils and others to help promote and develop rail use along the Chester to Shrewsbury line. It also helps raise rail users’ views about services with the relevant bodies.
In his letter to the company, Mr Lucas states: “The Chester-Shrewsbury Rail partnership has played a central role in contributing to the improvement of services on the Chester – Shrewsbury line, the promotion of their services, and the development of rail services in North East Wales as a whole.
“If indeed the funding has been withdrawn by Arriva Trains Wales, I find this action inexplicable.
“In my dealings with the partnership it has been exemplary in promoting rail use in the area, and I am aware of the high profile that it has secured at a national level, because of the success of its work.”
Speaking today, he added: “Arriva Trains Wales holds a special position as the main franchised operator for the route and receives backing as a result.
“I am concerned, therefore, to hear suggestions that the company could cut its funding to a crucial rail users’ group. This seems to have come as a bolt out of the blue and I am hoping Arriva Trains Wales have a satisfactory explanation.
“Unfortunately, at the moment, it appears rail users may lose out as a result of the company’s actions.” |
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Renewable energy plans are good news for Wrexham
01/02/2010 |
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PLANS unveiled today to fund people with small scale renewable energy developments are good news for Wrexham - with the prospect of local manufacturing jobs being created as a result.
The Government have confirmed they will be bringing in a feed-in tariff for solar power from April. The move means households and communities who install generating technologies such as small wind turbines or solar panels will, from April, be paid for the clean electricity they produce thanks to the use of a feed in tariff.
Feed-in tariffs had been backed by Sharp UK, based in Llay and other renewable energy companies . Experience in Germany has shown that such a system brings jobs in microgeneration technology industries - like the solar power cells produced at Sharp.
Mr Lucas has campaigned for them for many years with his work in Westminster
He said: “Bringing in a feed-in tariff was one of the subjects that was raised with Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Miliband when I brought him to Wrexham last year. When we visited the factory in 2009, the workforce producing solar panels had doubled to 800 since 2004. Now we can build a domestic market for solar panels and, I hope, create more manufacturing jobs in Wrexham.
“Not only is there a benefit for the planet with these new plans – there is an advantage for workers in Wrexham too.” |
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Ian Lucas MP welcomes rugby at the Racecourse
31/01/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has praised the organisers of Wrexham’s first rugby league game.
Mr Lucas was one of the capacity crowd who attended the game, held at Wrexham’s Racecourse ground on Friday.
He said: “Thanks to the weather, the conditions were very difficult for the players, with a snow covered Racecourse and extremely cold temperatures.
“However, the still put on a very good show and I look forward to watching the team again. I am sure that they can build on their performance on Friday and offer even more.
“I was also very pleased to see there was a capacity crowd at the Racecourse – seeing the stadium full for the team’s first game was really impressive.” |
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Ian Lucas MP opens carbon cutting business event
29/01/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has attended an event designed to help Wrexham businesses save energy and costs by going green.
Mr Lucas was asked to open the Carbon Trusts event, held at the Redwither Tower on Wrexham Industrial Estate this morning. It was backed by a range of organisations including Wrexham Council, the Welsh Assembly Government and others.
The Carbon Trust are an independent organisation set up to help small and medium sized businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and cut emissions. Among the services they offer are 0 per cent loans for businesses to invest in energy saving equipment.
Mr Lucas said: “Today’s event was well attended and the Carbon Trust really does offer significant benefits for Wrexham Businesses.
“It is inspiring to see such commitment to the environment and I was delighted to help.
“If anyone who was unable to attend wants further information, they can either look at the Carbon Trust website at www.carbontrust.co.uk or get in touch with my office and I will be happy to help.” |
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Holocaust Memorial Day marked in the Commons
27/01/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas today pledged his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day by signing a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to honour those who perished in the Holocaust.
With 27th January marking the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to give MPs the opportunity to remember those who were persecuted and murdered during the Holocaust - and to support a ‘Legacy of Hope’, learning from Survivors’ experiences to help create a future free from hatred and prejudice.
In doing so, Mr Lucas paid tribute to those remarkable individuals who survived the appalling events of the Holocaust and have since dedicated their lives to educating younger generations about the dangers of allowing persecution and intolerance to take hold in society.
On and around Holocaust Memorial Day, schools, local communities and faith groups from across the UK will join together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Thousands of events are being held across the country to commemorate all those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides.
The aim of the day is to motivate people – individually and collectively, to ensure that the horrendous crimes, racism and victimisation committed during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides are neither forgotten nor repeated. This year is the ninth year that Holocaust Memorial Day has been commemorated in the UK.
Mr Lucas said: “I have heard Holocaust Survivors talk about their experiences at schools in Wrexham. Hearing their stories can be hugely moving and we have a duty to listen to them and to pass on the lessons of the Holocaust to future generations.
“Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Holocaust Survivors, to commemorate the millions who died under Hitler’s regime and to commit to a future free from racism and discrimination.”
Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said:
“We are delighted that Ian Lucas is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day. Remembering and learning about the Holocaust is more important now than ever before.
“This year’s theme, ‘The Legacy of Hope’ highlights the important role young people have to play in taking the Survivors’ mantle forward and educating their peers about the Holocaust.” |
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Ian Lucas gives cautious welcome to econmic growth
26/01/2010 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has welcomed the news Britain is out of recession but warned economic help should not be cut off immediately.
Figures released this morning show that the economy grew in the last quarter of last year, but Mr Lucas believes that economic help the Government has been providing should not be withdrawn immediately.
He said: “The fact we are out of recession is encouraging. However, I believe that the Government still has a role to play in promoting further growth.
“Measures we introduced – and which were opposed by the Tories – have worked. I know from my own experience that the car scrappage scheme has boosted demand for cars, helping local factories and workers. Government loans are helping develop the next generation of Airbus planes, safeguarding local jobs
“And unlike previous recessions under the Conservatives in both the 1980s and 1990s, the Government has done its utmost to keep people in employment. The number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Wrexham rose during the recession – but the figures are nowhere near what they were in the town under the Tories, when ministers believed unemployment was a price worth paying.
“I am also pleased that efforts to help young people, such as the Future Jobs Fund, have been brought to Wrexham. There are young people getting work and training in the area as a direct result of this investment by the Government.
“So while I am pleased we have an economy which is back in growth, there is much more to do. We need to ensure we do not cut vital support off straight away, but instead build on the achievements we have already made.” |
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