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GM decision shows what happens when Government takes an active role
17/05/2012 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has welcomed a decision by General Motors to invest in its Ellesmere Port plant which will secure 2,100 jobs.
Mr Lucas said the decision showed both the worth of Government intervention and the importance of a close working relationship with trades unions.
He said: “First of all, this is excellent news – both for my constituents, as a number of people from Wrexham travel to work at the Vauxhall plant, but also for the wider manufacturing base in the area. Certainty over what General Motors is doing means that other companies in the supply chain can have the confidence to invest – and this can only be a good thing.
“I know that the Unite union have also welcomed the effect that the decision will have on the local supply chain, and that union pledges were key to ensuring GM chose to invest in Ellesmere Port.
“It is ironic that a Government which has been so willing to demonise unions is today hailing a deal which would not have been secured without their help.
“Of course, the Government has also worked to ensure GM invests here – that is good news for Britain, but it shows that, when it comes to the crunch, the hands-off approach that Cameron and Osborne advocate just doesn’t work. Securing and developing investment requires Government intervention, which is why Labour had an active automotive policy.
“The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills knows that that active policy works – and today, the Government does too. I hope they are paying attention.” |
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MP backs carbon monoxide awareness campaign
16/05/2012 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has lent his support to a national campaign warning of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning while camping.
He added his support the Carbon Monoxide Awareness charity’s campaign, which is calling on manufacturers of barbecue grills to put warnings on to let people know about the dangers of using them in enclosed spaces such as tents, caravans or even homes.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is difficult to detect because it is colourless and has no taste or smell. People often don’t realise that they are being overcome by fumes until it is too late.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness President Lynn Griffiths said: “Nobody should ever take a barbecue in doors. To do so is courting disaster, but the public don’t seem to be aware of this and sadly there have been a number of tragedies and several near misses this year.”
Mr Lucas said: “Awareness is crucial here.
“People need to know the risks they are taking – not just those of fire but also of carbon monoxide poisoning. Sadly, recent tragedies have shown that more work needs to be done to let people know of the dangers of carbon monoxide.”
Exposure to the gas reduces the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen, thereby causing the vital organs to fail. Early symptoms are similar to flu, but these worsen as more of the gas is breathed in and Carbon monoxide concentrations in the blood increase.
Anyone who suspects that they may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should turn off all appliances, go outside and seek help from a qualified healthcare professional. |
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New Council offers fresh start
04/05/2012 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has said Wrexham’s new council offers a “fresh start”.
Speaking after a night which saw whole scale political change in Wrexham’s Guildhall, Mr Lucas welcomed a good night for Labour.
He said: “Labour fought a strong campaign, on local issues such as support for businesses in the county, improving our schools and caring for the elderly.
“It was a good result for Labour, with seats won from the Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and Independents. There is an excellent team of councillors and I will be pleased to work alongside them in the coming months.
“This is also a fresh start for the council. There has been a lack of leadership in the Guildhall and too much division between councillors, and I look forward to this changing. Wrexham needs to seize the chance to put forward a positive image – of both the council and the town.” |
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MP responds to Government's proposed cash for Remploy workers
27/04/2012 |
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| IAN Lucas MP has responded to a story suggesting Remploy workers could be given Government cahs to take over their factories. He said: “Whilst any extra money helps, what we need is more time and openness. Any bidder has to look into of the financial issues at each factory. The Government still refuses to give full disclosure of, for example, its intentions for the Wrexham factory site and this makes constructing a business plan incredibly difficult.” |
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Radio boost welcomed
26/04/2012 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has welcomed a decision to extend radio services in North East Wales.
He spoke after an announcement that a range of services would be made available digitally following the launch of a new digital multiplex later this year.
The MuxCo DAB Digital Radio multiplex will launch later in the year and will carry a range of radio stations – subject to contract – including two BBC radio stations, Radio Wales and Radio Cymru.
MR Lucas, who has been pushing for greater representation of North East Wales in radio output, particularly that of the BBC, welcomed the news.
He said: “It is good news that listeners will get a wider range of digital stations, including BBC stations. I have pushed the BBC about the level of service it provides in North East Wales, and the boost these new digital stations offer to its services will be very welcome.
“BBC Wales’ senior management must ensure that the commitment is there to ensure that the service North East Wales gets from its radio stations mirrors the improved access listeners across the region will have to them.” |
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MPs saddened by Lib Dem Lords' votes on disease damages
24/04/2012 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has said he was “saddened” by a vote by Liberal Democrat Lords from Wales to take money from dying victims of industrial diseases.
He spoke out after Lord Thomas of Gresford, Baroness Walmsley and Lord German all voted against a Lords Amendment last night which would have scrapped Government plans for mesothelioma victims to give up to a quarter of the damages they receive to lawyers under a House of Commons today. successful claim. The Government was defeated on the amendment, which returned to the
Mr Lucas wrote to several Liberal Democrat Lords – including Lord Thomas – before the vote, and urged them to reconsider their plans. He cited the case of his constituent Marie Hughes, who lost her husband Phil to mesothelioma.
Lord Thomas told the Lords last night: “I stand along with Ian Lucas, my Member of Parliament in Wrexham, who as a lawyer says, "We didn't come into this profession in order to take money from injured people". I think that only a heartless claimant's solicitor would charge a success fee in cases of this nature.”
However, he still voted for the Government proposals which would have allowed solicitors to charge such fees.
The Government today indicated it would make a partial climbdown over the bill, with mesothelioma victims now being exempt from no win no fee cases until Attorney General Kenneth Clarke reports back about the impact of Government proposals upon claimants.
Mr Lucas said: “It is with great sadness that I watched Welsh Liberal Democrat Lords last night vote to take compensation off dying people and give it to lawyers and insurers.
“The changes the Government wants to force through will not affect the public purse at all – but they would affect thousands already suffering thanks to industrial diseases. Wales has a high proportion of people affected with these diseases and I am sorry that the Liberal Democrats did not vote to help them. |
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Police cuts hitting frontline staff
22/04/2012 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has warned that Conservative and Liberal Democrat cuts to police funding are hitting frontline staff.
He spoke out after crime figures were released this week which showed a 2 per cent rise in overall crime in North Wales, with large rises in robbery (20 per cent) and house burglaries (22 per cent).The figures from the Crime Survey were released on the Home Office website.
Labour have also obtained research figures which suggest cuts being made are affecting frontline police officers – despite protestations to the contrary from the Prime Minister.
The figures show that between March 2010 and December 11, there was a drop of 84 officers defined as “visible” by the Home Office – a term used for staff who wear uniform and work mainly in public.
Mr Lucas said: “North Wales Police are doing a good job with the scarce resources they have, and North Wales and Wrexham are overall a safe place to live.
“However, as the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats were warned, their police cuts are having an impact on the ground. We are seeing the future of some police stations – such as the one in Gresford – under review, and frontline police numbers are being hit.
“I warned the Prime Minister last year that the cuts being made to police would have an affect on the ground. He replied that he wanted to see more police out on the beat – but his cuts have taken 84 officers off the streets.
“I am sad to see that warning being reflected in the crime figures release this week.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Home Offcie definition of “visible” police can be found here: http://www.hmic.gov.uk/media/demanding-times-062011.pdf
The Crime Statistics for England and Wales – including a force breakdown for North Wales – can be found here: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/taxonomy/index.html?nscl=Crime+in+England+and+Wales
Mr Lucas’ question to PM David Cameron: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2011-01-12a.278.7&s=crime+speaker%3A11057#g284.6 |
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Fight for Remploy continues
20/04/2012 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has continued to push to keep Wrexham’s Remploy factory open.
He has held initial meetings at his Wrexham office with a private sector organisation with an interest in the site. Stansty councillor David Bithell also attended - and Mr Lucas is calling on Wrexham Council to commit further to supporting Remploy in Wrexham.
The meeting today follows one at the Department for Work and Pensions on Monday, where Minister for Disabled People Maria Miller told Mr Lucas and Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones she would listen to ‘expressions of interest’ in the Wrexham site.
Mr Lucas said: “It is very early days yet but this meeting, which was to gauge the interest in the site, was positive. I will be reporting back to the workforce at the plant, who I have been in close touch with, and will continue working to bring all those with an interest in keeping the Wrexham factory open together.
“One area which I think will be crucial is support from Wrexham Council and councillors for the site. I have already spoken to the Labour group, who wish to commit the council to further supporting the site.” |
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MP puts restaurant forward for award
18/04/2012 |
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WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has put forward a restaurant in his constituency for a Parliamentary award.
Mr Lucas has put Black Peppers, on Yorke Street in the town, forward as his nomination for the Tiffin Cup 2012. The Tiffin Cup recognises the best South Asian restaurants across the country and MPs can choose a restaurant in their constituency to nominate.
Nominations are made until April 20, and one restaurant from each UK region is shortlisted.
Chefs from the restaurant are then invited to participate in a cook-off event which is held in the House of Commons. Proceeds from the competition will go to the World Vision charity.
Mr Lucas said: “I’ve put restaurants forward for the Tiffin Cup before and I do think it is important we recognise the small businesses we have in Wrexham.
“I wish all of the staff the best of luck in the competition.” |
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A cut for skiers - but not for charities
17/04/2012 |
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MINISTERS who chose to cut VAT on ski-lifts but not on transport for people with disabilities have been challenged on their choices in the Houses of Parliament.
Wrexham MP Ian Lucas challenged the Government yesterday over plans – buried in the small print of the Budget – to cut VAT for ski lifts. Mr Lucas contrasted the decision with Ministers’ refusal to look into cutting VAT for transport charities like Chariotts in his Wrexham constituency.
At the moment, while charities using vehicles with 10 seats or more are exempt from paying VAT, the smaller vehicles which Chariotts use are not covered – meaning that once the organisation raises over a certain amount, it becomes VAT eligible. This means a hike of 20 per cent in the amounts it has to charge its customers. The Government has refused request to review the VAT rules on the matter.
However, proposals in the Budget, state Ministers “will introduce a 5 per cent reduced rate of VAT for passenger transportation in cable-based transport systems carrying fewer than ten people.” The clause would affect small cable cars and ski lifts.
Yesterday, Mr Lucas tackled the Government proposals.
He asked Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander, who represents Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands: “On the question of fairness, why has the right hon. Gentleman allowed a VAT concession for skiers going to the piste but refused my repeated request for a VAT concession for disabled people in wheelchairs using taxi facilities run by charities such as Chariots, in my constituency?
In reply, Mr Alexander said he would be happy to consider the change: “I am not aware of the particular issue that the hon. Gentleman mentions.
“He has not raised it directly with me before, but I am sure he has with my colleagues. I would be very happy to consider it. The issue of cable-powered transport systems has been raised many times by the industry, and a good case has been presented for the change.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Lucas said: “The Government say they cannot cut VAT for charities, but they can for ski lifts. Tourism is important and I don’t begrudge the Government wishing to boost winter sports, but it says a lot about their priorities that they will help skiers and won’t help charities.
“I will be writing to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to ask, once more, that the Government reviews this decision to tax charities.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The decision referred to can be found on page 74 of the Budget: http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/budget2012_complete.pdf
Mr Lucas was previously told by Exchequer Secretary David Gauke that the Government would not look into changing the VAT rules for vehicles with fewer than 10 seats: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-11-28c.82324.h&s=speaker%3A11057#g82324.q0
Mr Lucas also tackled Mr Gauke on the issue again yesterday; the reply can be found here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2012-04-16a.27.0&s=speaker%3A11057#g129.2 |
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