Brian Binley

Portas review on high street follows example made by Conservative Enterprise Group

2011-12-13T07:17:00.000-08:00

Mary Portas’ High Street Review, published today, endorses the need for action to rescue the state of many high streets across the country – re-stating the essence of the Conservative Parliamentary Enterprise Group’s Commission into Small Shops in the High Street, which was published in July 2008.

Brian Binley MP, who chaired the 2008 inquiry, wrote to Mary Portas with a copy of the Commission’s report and conclusions back in June and expressed satisfaction at today’s conclusions. He commented: “I am delighted that Mary Portas’ inquiry has drawn so strongly on the work which the Commission undertook in 2008, and am struck by the commonality of the conclusions that her work and ours have both reached. The outcomes of these inquiries provide a compelling case for action to ensure an appropriate policy response which will save the vital community resource that is our otherwise-imperilled high streets”.

Mr Binley stated: “in particular, we need to be pro-active to ensure that small businesses and independent retailers have room to flourish as part of vibrant town centres. Without urgent action – which must include a credible policy response – we risk losing these community hubs, which would be a serious blow to our towns and their local populations”.

He continued: “what is very apparent from both reports is the need to ensure pro-active management of our high streets, whilst providing an adequate response to ensure that out-of-town retail developments contribute to the needs of local communities.”

MP critical of Russian Elections

2011-12-08T02:48:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and Member of the Council of Europe has this week returned to the UK following his visit to Russia to oversee the Country’s Parliamentary elections and has criticised the lack of a level playing field during the elections.

Brian said: “Although the elections were technically well administered across a vast territory, a number of political parties were banned from running and it was clear that the contest was slanted in favour of the ruling party. The election lacked independence, most media were partial and state authorities interfered at different levels.”

“It is however clear following the results of the election and some of the events that have followed, that despite this lack of a level playing field, Russian electors took advantage of their right to express choice.”

The result of the election has been seen as a blow for former President and current Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin and his party United Russia, whose popularity has dipped to 48% down from 60% loosing 77 seats in the Duma.

The election build up was viewed by many as a referendum on Vladimir Putin and his popularity within the Country as he bids to become President for the third time in March’s Presidential elections.

During the trip Brian went to Moscow for three days where he was briefed by the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe) a number of NGO’s and where he met with representatives of all seven political parties taking place in the elections.

Brian was then deployed to the historic city of St. Petersburg for two days where he observed the build up to the election and the election itself.

MP launches entrepreneurship inquiry

2011-12-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Small Business has today launched an inquiry into entrepreneurship with the Secretary of State for Work and Pension Iain Duncan Smith MP.

New figures show that almost a third of small businesses at start-up stage have difficulty finding suitably skilled staff and employment figures which will be published next week are expected to show a rise in unemployment.

Figures from the Federation of Small Businesses show that 27 per cent of small businesses found it difficult to find suitably skilled staff. Figures also showed that regulation requirements onerous (47%) and had difficulty securing finance (34%).

Brian said: “We hear from small businesses time-and-time again that they are finding it difficult to get staff with the skills necessary to run their businesses. Small and medium sized businesses and entrepreneurs are expected to be driving economic growth in support of Britain’s recovery but they are finding it difficult to get the right people to help them in that task."

“I am hopeful that this inquiry will go some way to addressing the challenges of rising youth unemployment and the skills crisis we have thanks to the legacy left by the previous government.”

“I know that John Hayes, the Skills Minister, is working hard to bridge the skills gap which is especially important to the precision engineering companies in my own constituency of Northampton.”

“However, John Hayes’s work is being hampered by the poor performance in our primary and secondary schools, especially with regard to literacy and numeracy and whilst Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, is pulling out all the stops there is still a lot to do."

“Our review will be looking at ways of improving those basic skills as well as the more advanced skills required to meet industry’s needs.”

MP welcomes IPCC investigation into nightclub deaths

2011-12-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has welcomed the decision by the Independent Police Complaints Commission to undertake an independent investigation into the deaths of two students at the Lava & Ignite Nightclub in Northampton.

Northamptonshire Police referred the events at Lava & Ignite which took place on the 18th and 19th October to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, consequent on the tragic death of Nabila Nanfuka.

Since then, Laurene-Danielle Jackson has also tragically died as a result of her injuries sustained at the nightclub in the early hours of the 19th October.

Brian said: “I am pleased to hear that the Independent Police Complaints Commission have agreed to investigate the tragic events of that evening further- not least because it gives some closure to the families and friends of the two young women who lost their lives that night.”

“I have called for an open inquiry into the events that took place that night and I will continue to monitor the progress that is made as a result of the IPCC’s independent investigation closely.”

Binley slams Government response to Pubco’s inquiry

2011-11-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has slammed the Government’s response to the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committees report in to the Pubco’s inquiry.

Brian said: “I am bitterly disappointed in the Government’s reaction to the Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Select Committee Report on Pub Companies (Pubcos). The Select Committee report suggested a major overhaul of the system but the Government’s response suggests they are tinkering with the brakes when they should be repairing the steering and reinvigorating the power unit. It looks like they have sold out to the pubco’s and their agents.”

“This is the fourth report the Select Committee has undertaken since 2004 into the relationship between pubco’s and their tenants and pubco’s have been given every opportunity to work to a voluntary code of practice, which they have deliberately failed to do.”

“This Government promised the Select Committee it would enact a Statutory Code of Practice if the Committee at the fourth time of asking, suggested that was the way to proceed. But the Government has reneged on that promise and I find that simply unacceptable.”

“Tenants the length and breadth of the Country provided a depth of evidence which suggested pubco’s are often lying to them with regard to the financial structures of pubs they are about to takeover, exaggerating the return and belittling the expenses.”

“Time and time again we have heard cases of heartache and despair from publicans who have invested and lost their life savings and instead of listening to the evidence presented to the Select Committee and their subsequent recommendations the Government has sold out to pubco’s and their agents despite their initial promise.”

“Don’t the Government realise that landlords are some of the leading opinion formers in the land and not only is it bad for business, but it is also bad for the Coalition Government.”

“It is clear they don’t understand the importance of pub landlords in this respect and they will pay a massive price for their sell out.”

“I shall now contact the BIS Select Committee Chairman, Adrian Bailey MP to consider our position as a Select Committee and I shall also contact Greg Mulholland, my fellow Officer of the Save the Pub Group to see what action we can take to get the Government to change this disastrous position before it’s too late.”

“Let me conclude by saying this is not about the small breweries it is about the big pubco’s.”

“European Commission out of touch with the people”

2011-11-09T03:47:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has accused the European Commission of “not living on the same planet as the rest of us” and that they are “out of touch with the people” whilst debating a motion to approve a European Document relating to European Budgets in the House of Commons yesterday.

At the Treaty that created the European Union in 1992, Maastricht, Article A states: “That this Treaty marks a new stage in the process of creating an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe, in which decisions are taken as closely as possible to the citizen.”

Brian said: “The European Commission has clearly recognised the great strength of the first part of that sentence, but I fail to see where it has recognised the latter part. It appears to me that our Government has not got behind the spirit of Maastricht and perhaps they ought to look at that sentence again.”

“For too long the European Union has failed to recognise that edict. The very fact that the European Commission could propose a 5.9% increase this year shows just how out of touch it is, at a time when Europe is raging under the constraints of the defunct EU currency.”

“I welcome what the Government has done to get the 5.9% additional contribution down, and I congratulate them. However, I believe they have to do more in Europe. They have to point out article A of the Treaty to the EU, and particularly to the eurozone."

“They have to point out that if democracy is to succeed, we have to make every effort to get closer to the people, not to take Government away from the people. The truth is that the whole European adventure has achieved the latter, and it is about time that our government got the point that they ought to aim for the former.”

MP backs report on High Speed 2

2011-11-09T00:38:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has welcomed the House of Commons Transport Select Committee’s report published today supporting the Governments plans for High Speed 2.

The report states; we support a high speed rail network for Britain, developed as part of a comprehensive transport strategy also including the classic rail network, road, aviation and shipping. We believe that HS2 could form part of this network and provide substantial improvements in capacity and connectivity for inter-urban travel.

Brian said: “Northampton would benefit especially from the additional capacity that will be provided as a result of High Speed 2. It would free up the West Coast Main Line (WCML) hugely and as today’s report suggests, proposals to simply upgrade the existing West Coast Main Line, given the recent substantial growth in passenger numbers might seem inadequate.”

“Northampton is expected to build an additional 59,000 homes by 2026 which is an additional 120,000 people. 5,000 people per day already commute to London and we will have another 12,000 who will wish to do so; we will fail without high speed 2. We need to create another 85,000 jobs; we will fail without high speed2.”

“Last week I praised the Government when they announced that Virgin would continue with the current WCML franchise and that they had found 28,000 seats in additional capacity on the WCML per day. But we must look to High Speed 2 if we are to solve the current congestion and capacity problems.”

“The UK has sometimes been accused of failing to invest sufficiently invest in its transport infrastructure and I think that a major piece of Government investment for the long term future of our Nation should be welcomed- particularly if it is of potential benefit to Northampton.”

Rehearsal for a Bloodbath

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

It was at 11 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31, that Iraqi security forces made their latest menacing incursion into Camp Ashraf. Thirty military vehicles accompanied by 10 police cars entered the camp northeast of Baghdad where 3,400 Iranian dissidents live, intimidating residents with glaring lights and deafening noise and conducting exercises around their homes. Simultaneously, the 300 loudspeakers placed around Ashraf to pile on the psychological pressure stepped up their barrage of threats and insults.

This bullying show of force followed a press conference in Baghdad earlier in the day at which Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq’s foreign minister, promised his visiting Iranian counterpart, Ali Akbar Salehi, that Iraq would keep its promise of closing Camp Ashraf by Dec. 31, which is also the date that the last U.S. soldier is due to leave Iraq. The world now has less than two months in which to stop this closure turning into a possible massacre. After two armed assaults by the Iraqi Army on the camp in 2009 and last April -- when 36 people, including eight women, were killed and 300 were injured by soldiers carrying U.S.-made weapons -- there are no grounds for believing that the December closure will be carried out peacefully and humanely.

The Ashraf residents, protected persons under the Fourth Geneva Convention, are members of the principal Iranian opposition movement, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).

The Iranian Resistance says it fears the clerical regime in Iran and the Iraqi government are setting the stage for a new bloodbath in Ashraf and it is urging the U.S., the European Union and the United Nations to prevent it, calling for the implementation of the appeal of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in a report to the Security Council on July 7 in which he asked “all stakeholders involved to increase their efforts to explore options and seek a consensual solution.”

One of the stakeholders is the United States, which earlier promised Ashraf residents its protection. But so far President Barack Obama has shown little sign of being willing to put the necessary pressure on Baghdad to make sure that Ashraf residents are treated humanely.

During the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Ashraf residents remained neutral. The following year, the U.S. gave written guarantees to all of them that, in return for a voluntary disarmament, the U.S. would protect them. But, in early 2009, the U.S. handed over responsibility for the security of the camp to Iraqi forces. Since then, apart from the two violent military assaults, the camp has been under a punishing blockade, with residents deprived of basic services, such as access to proper medical help.

At the behest of Tehran, the Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki set Dec. 31 as the final deadline for the camp to close. Iran, rattled by fears of contagion of the Arab Spring and facing a growing international crisis caused by its drive to develop nuclear weapons and by exposure of its terrorist activities -- the most recent being a foiled plot against the Saudi ambassador to Washington -- wants Ashraf wiped out at any cost.

In September, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, stating that the Iranian dissidents are asylum-seekers entitled to international protection, urged that Ashraf’s closure be delayed. Still, Baghdad insists that the December deadline be met. Iraq has not the slightest interest in letting the U.N.H.C.R. carry out its mission. Rather, by refusing to cooperate, it is creating the pretext to claim that no progress has been made and that the only solution is the closure of the camp by force.

One way out of this dreadful situation would be to station U.N. monitors in Ashraf alongside peacekeeping forces to allow the U.N.H.C.R. to do its work until the final resettlement of Ashraf residents.

The U.S. may be leaving Iraq but it still has a lot of leverage vis-à-vis the government in Baghdad and at the U.N. It could and it should make a move.
As things are evolving and if Maliki gets away with his plan to impose the deadline, just as the Christmas and New Year holidays are in full swing, the prospect is that the world will sit and watch while men and women are killed in cold blood or mutilated, crushed by U.S.-supplied armoured personnel carriers.

Speaking to the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Oct. 27, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington had sought assurances from Iraq “that it will treat Ashraf residents humanely, that it will not transfer the residents to a country that they may have reasons to fear.”

The time for words is over. Concrete actions are now essential to safeguard the residents of Camp Ashraf. The U.S. has the power to help them. If not, 2012, a crucial election year, risks starting with a tragedy that the world could have stopped.

ISOLATION NOT INVASION

2011-11-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

A pre-emptive attack by Israel or coalition forces against Iran’s nuclear facilities would prove disastrous to the interests of the West.

Although just rumour and rhetoric at present, if such thoughts were to become a reality they would represent a major set back for the democratic ambitions of an Iranian population determined to bring about change without international intervention. Equally importantly they could impact massively on those democrats in the Arab Spring countries working to establish democratic regimes through the ballot box.

Let us put such thoughts into context. For too long the West has tiptoed around Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, closing its eyes to Iran’s nuclear weapon programme. Time and again British and U.S leaders have appeased the Mullahs and the Revolutionary Guard and each step along that path, taken in the vain hope that the regime can somehow be moderated, has simply strengthened the regime’s view that the West is both weak and vacillating. In fact they have had the opposite effect of actually emboldening the regime.

Time and again we have been told that engagement with Tehran is the only solution. Time and again Tehran has come to the nuclear negotiations table, taken all the carrots offered, and then used the proverbial stick to punish us by supporting terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

We should, of course, deal with the Iranian regime in a forceful and meaningful manner using every tool at our disposal short of military intervention. But the time is not right to step ever that line.

The West’s ambition seems to have centred on only two options when attempting to deal with Iran’s nuclear threat. The first is appeasement and the second is war. Both are dangerous and neither should be considered as practical solutions.

The third option, to which little thought has been given, revolves around the solution proffered by the Iranian resistance leader, Mrs Maryam Rajavi, which incidentally is supported by a large group of British Parliamentarians and would involve isolating the regime with targeted sanctions whilst actively supporting the Iranian people’s opposition movement both internally and externally.

The first step has to be political and economic isolation using sanctions levied against the regime’s entire infrastructure, whilst at the same time removing the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI) from the list of banned organisations in the U.S. which was initially enacted as a part of the appeasement programme during previous nuclear negotiations.

Secondly we must end talk of war which can only help to silence the voice of Iranian opposition in the country. We must end talk of appeasement which has bitterly disappointed Iranian opposition both inside Iran’s borders and beyond and we must act to isolate the Iranian regime whilst supporting the Iranian peoples democratic opposition movement recognizing the value of the Chinese proverb that my “enemy’s enemy is my friend.”

That’s the Third Way to create internal regime change and nullify Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

The big question is why the West has failed to recognize that option.

Binley backs knife crime amendments

2011-11-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has supported amendments to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill which sends a very clear message to anyone thinking of engaging in knife crime.

The amendments mean that for the first time the youth justice system will recognise that if a knife is used in a threatening fashion the perpetrator will go to jail if aged 16 or 17, and for 15 year olds the chances of facing a custodial order are much higher.

16 and 17 year olds will face a minimum 4 month Detention and Training order, 2 months in custody, 2 months close supervision. Judges can increase the level of sentence by 2 month increments up to a maximum of two years.

Brian said: “These amendments which have gained the support of the Government sends a clear signal of intent to potential offenders that knife crime at this level will not be tolerated.”

“Legislation alone will not solve the problem of knife crime and much work needs to be done in respect of early year’s intervention programmes and education, but this law will provide a long overdue deterrent which could be seen as part of the solution to the problem.”

“The remaining stages of the Bill is to be debated in the House of Commons today and tomorrow and if the Bill is approved by Parliament I believe that we will have made a significant contribution to making the streets of Northampton and our Nation as a whole.”

MP’s recommendations for reform implemented

2011-10-31T10:58:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South is delighted that some of his recommendations for coronial reform have been taken on board following the deaths of five elderly residents at Parkside care home in July and August of 2009.

In a letter from Brian to the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley MP in February of this year, Brian suggested that the Department for Health and the Department for Justice look again into the role the Coroner plays in modern Britain encouraging Coroners to be more proactive in cases such as those at Parkside care home.

In a written Ministerial statement by the Department for Justice, the Government recognised the need for reform of the coroners system. Under Government proposals, the Chief Coroner’s office will remain in statute but key functions will be transferred to either the Lord Chief Justice or Lord Chancellor.

Brian said: “One of the key recommendations in this statement is that the Lord Chief Justice will have the power to issue training regulations for the first time, which can include specific requirements for certain cases.”

“The Lord Chancellor, who must agree the cases, is clear that in certain cases, more targeted training for Coroners is needed and I am delighted that they have taken these concerns on board. We must ensure that the tragic deaths at Parkside never happen again and I would hope that these changes go some way to making sure it doesn’t.”

“The Department has also established a Ministerial Board to focus on matters such as policy, standards of service and other administrative aspects of the delivery of service by Coroners and will play a vital role in overseeing the delivery of reform.”

“I hope that these measures will improve the standard and quality of service the coroners provide and help to make the service more transparent and help to improve the experience of those coming into contact with the Coroner.”

“For too long the system has gone unreformed and many of these changes will help to address the weaknesses of the current system.”

MP calls for Human Rights Reform

2011-10-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has called on the UK Government to make the most of its chairmanship of the Council of Europe for the next six months and focus on reforming the Court of Human Rights in a debate in the House of Commons yesterday.

Brian said: “The European Court of Human Rights has a proud history of defending the rights of individuals, but there is no doubt that there have been several questionable judgments that raise issues about its competence across the piece.”

“We ought to be making an effort to ensure that a Court of this importance is matched by the quality of the judges who sit on its benches.”

“Those people are responsible for overturning the decisions of Parliament and our Courts, so we have the right to expect a better degree of competence.”

“Many of my constituents in Northampton have told me they believe some of its judgements are, to say the least, beyond the pale.”

Brian went on to highlight the massive back log of claims that are currently before the Court of Human Rights and welcomed Europe Minister, David Liddington’s concern on the issue.

Brian said: “I wish to touch briefly on the 162,000 case back log in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). We all know that is farcical, and something must be done about it. I am glad the Minister has decided to do something.”

Brian concluded stating: “I look forward- for the first time in many years- to action on the ECHR that will give British people and many of my constituent’s confidence. If the Minister achieves that over the next six months I would be the first to congratulate him.”

MP welcomes additional capacity announcement

2011-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and Chairman of the Northampton Rail Users Group has welcomed the written ministerial statement made today by Transport Minister, Theresa Villiers which has announced an additional 28,000 seats on the West Coast mainline.

The news came as the Department for Transport confirmed it has now agreed an extension with West Coast Trains Limited and Virgin Rail Group. Over the course of the extension, three new 600-seat Pendolino trains will be added to the line and 31 of the existing trains will be lengthened from 9 to 11 carriages. In all, 106 new carriages are being introduced on the route making 28,000 seats available each day.

Brian said: “I am absolutely delighted that additional capacity has been found for the West Coast Main Line and this will undoubtedly have a positive effect for commuters and passengers from Northampton.”

“Although only a few Virgin Trains stop at Northampton, the announcement should help London Midland services which will benefit the town.”

“Whilst I welcome the decision, it is clear that in the longer term, even with these improvements, the line will be at full capacity by 2024. We need High Speed 2 to free up the slots of the West Coast Main Line to provide the level of service Northampton will need to support its growth projections.”

“The additional capacity will also be of benefit to the nation as a whole. The West Coast Mainline is one of our busiest and most important rail arteries and is vital for trade and industry. We need the additional line support HS2 to guarantee the future prosperity of the Nation.”

Another easy money fix is an expensive substitute for growth

2011-10-27T02:59:00.000-07:00

The growing difference between what the Office of Budget Responsibility anticipated as our path from recession, and what has actually happened causes me increasingly substantial concerns. Our response seems to be an insatiable appetite to reach for ever more expensive monetary instruments to kick-start our failing growth strategy – but the sums involved are terrifying in magnitude. Yet progressive increments of monetary indulgence have not worked to date, and there is little encouragement on the horizon. Inflation is not the way out of our current crisis, and we should not restrict ourselves solely to using monetary devices whose use may inhibit a sensible, balanced policy response.

Following last year’s General Election, the country faced a dreadful crisis in monetary, fiscal and financial terms: inflation was well below target; the budget deficit was of eye-watering proportions; and the banks were feeble and hesitant. Last June’s emergency budget removed us, temporarily, from the danger zone, and the Chancellor’s numbers were finely judged to avert cataclysm. Yet, fifteen months on, the crisis is every bit as profound, as we teeter on the brink of a double-dip recession. With just a few weeks before the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, I hope that the Government will prove how alive they are to our current predicament, and take the cautious steps to provide additional relief.

Labour’s answer has been to call for a slower timetable in reducing the deficit, alongside unaffordable generic tax cuts: these demands are irresponsible and serve to prove that they wish to ignore the problem and hope that it takes itself away. But their shrieking for blunt, populist fiscal measures are proving a distraction from the argument which many of us wish to make about a more nuanced role for fiscal policy. Yes, tackling the deficit needs to be a major priority – as does bringing inflation back under control and fixing the troubles of our banking system – but we should be alive to the way in which careful, targeted tax measures could stimulate growth without creating additional burdens on the economy.

Our problems have been made worse by the sluggish response of global markets: we have not managed to increase our trade volumes to the extent anticipated. The export-led recovery has stuttered, and risks grinding to a slow and painful halt. Few would envy George Osborne the task that he faces, but this Autumn Statement is a real opportunity to make a difference – and our prospects for economic growth hang on the decisions that he makes.

I want to see the Government take seriously the contribution of using the tax system to create the space to allow businesses to prosper and for consumers to consume. Part of the problem is a question of wider confidence, but that is not likely to be overcome with households retrenching in the face of crippling taxation and ever-rising prices, particularly on the commodities that we are most dependent on and consume most often.

Neither is it true to say that all tax measures that we could take would add to the tax burden: notwithstanding the need to control public spending very carefully, some targeted tax interventions would generate revenue for the Exchequer. For example, the Federation of Master Builders has long campaigned for a reduction in the rate of VAT on home repair, maintenance and improvement work: they estimate that a five per cent cut could deliver a total stimulus to the economy of around £1.4 billion in the first year alone – at a cost of between £102 million and £508 million. They predict that this measure would create around 34,5000 new jobs in the construction sector and 81,5000 jobs in the wider economy by 2019.

This crisis started in the housing market, and we have got to address the problem that remains there. The number of mortgage approvals has fallen dramatically and mortgage lending has dropped to their lowest levels since records were first collected. The difficulties which first-time buyers are facing are reverberating through the housing market, and stifling other improvements. We need the banks to be more alive to the pressures facing first-time buyers, and I would hope that the Government would consider a sensible approach to help those trying to buy their first home. The cost of operating the Mortgage Interest Relief at Source scheme was estimated by the Council of Mortgage Lenders to be between fifty and eighty million pounds each year. We were promised that its withdrawal would contribute to long-term stability of the economy – but that has not happened. I believe that the re-introduction of MIRAS to first-time buyers for a period of five years would help deliver that stimulus. I believe that we stand more chance of getting the banks lending again if we can get the housing market moving – and President Obama has introduced a mortgage tax relief scheme for homeowners in the United States.

Using the tax system to help add weight to our growth strategy need not be seen as surrender towards the Keynesian school of economics: but relying wholly on monetary measures to deliver carries greater risk of failure. Why not use all the tools in the box – especially when the monetary response has proven so unconvincing? The Autumn Statement provides that chance to fine-tune our response to the disappointing global conditions which have held us back: and we need to be focused on kick-starting the growth whose contribution to recovery so far has been negligible.

Our response needs to be grounded in the real world: quantitative easing is not an option without cost, and deciding the appropriate balance will involve judgements about the value of different interventions. In that context, I believe that it is not a question of whether we use the tax system to help deliver that much-needed growth, but when. I do not believe that we have the luxury of time to wait – and we cannot afford the alternative.

Binley urges at risk groups to get their flu jab

2011-10-27T02:56:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has taken part in a campaign day in Westminster to encourage constituents in Northampton to get their flu jab this winter particularly for those in at risk categories.

Last year, 72.8% of people over 65 years and 45.2% in the at risk groups were vaccinated against flu in Northamptonshire PCT, compared with the national averages of 72.8% for the over 65’s and 50.4% for those ‘at risk’.

Brian said: “A couple of years ago I fell ill with swine flu and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I was bed ridden for three weeks and I wouldn’t want anyone to have to suffer that experience if they didn’t have to.”

“The seasonal flu vaccination is important to help protect those who are more susceptible to serious complications or even death from flu. I would encourage all those that are over the age of 65 or are in one of those at risk categories to visit their surgeries and get the jab.”

Dr George Kassianos, a GP and Fellow and Immunisation Lead of the Royal College of GPs, said “Despite the relatively mild flu season last year, people should remember that flu remains a serious threat, particularly for those aged over 65 and those of any age with medical conditions that put them at increased risk from influenza infection and its complications, for whom it can be a pretty nasty and debilitating illness. It’s not too late, and I would encourage everyone at risk to get their annual flu jab.”

The Department of Health provides free seasonal flu vaccinations for at risk groups, which include those aged 65 or over; people with chronic respiratory disease (including asthma), heart, renal, liver or neurological disease; diabetes; 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.

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.

Binley to oversee Bulgarian elections

2011-10-21T02:41:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South is leading a delegation from the Council of Europe to oversee elections in Bulgaria this week.

Bulgaria elects at national level a head of state- The President, and a legislature. The Presidential elections take place in the Country this Sunday and current President Gerogi Parvanov’s second term expires in January 2012, meaning he is ineligible to stand in this election as Presidents can only serve a maximum of two five year terms.

18 candidates are in the running for the Presidency and all 23 political parties in Bulgaria have declared their participation in the election. The favourite for President is Rosen Plevneliev and Margarita Popova for Vice President from the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) Party first formed in 2006.

The party was the decisive winner of the 2009 Parliamentary election and is led by the Mayor of Sofia Boyko Borisov.

Brian said: “I am very proud to be leading this delegation to Bulgaria. There are 11 other Members of the Council of Europe on the trip along with secretariat support and also Members of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.”

“We are going to meet with the election candidates and their representatives, the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission and NGO’s prior to the election before deploying throughout the Country on Sunday to observe the conduct of the ballot.”

“Bulgaria is subject to ‘post monitoring dialogue’ with the Council of Europe and I will be reporting back to the Council on my findings at a meeting in Edinburgh at the end of November as part of the ongoing process.”

MP calls for answers following night club death

2011-10-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has called for a full inquiry to be held in public following the death of a young women at the Lava and Ignite Nightclub in Northampton in the early hours of this morning.

Brian said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the young lady who sadly lost her life and others who were injured and it is important that they get some answers so that they can have some closure.”

“There are many serious questions which need answering as to how this tragic incident occurred. For instance what door control methods were in place? How many people were inside the club at the time? Was this above the legal limit and did it breach licensing laws?”

“It is also important that we establish answers to these questions so that we can make sure that this never happens again, not only in Northampton but also in other nightclubs up and down the Country.”

“This is clearly a matter of national importance as a comment on the Daily Mail website from Edinburgh states: ‘Been to a Lava and Ignite nightclub in Edinburgh and I am not surprised by this story. The stairs leading up to the upstairs dance floor became incredibly packed and people were stuck half way downstairs for a good 30 minutes while people pushed, it was incredible no one was hurt.’”

Brian continued: “On the basis of these comments youngsters and their families have the right to know that when they go into a nightclub they are safe.”

Northamptonshire Police have stated that a multi-agency approach had been launched to investigate the incident and that inquires were ongoing.

MP condemns attacks on Camp Ashraf

2011-10-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has spoken at a rally in Washington condemning the attacks that have been carried out against the residents of Camp Ashraf.

The rally was attended by a number of other key speakers including Patrick Kennedy, son of former US senator Ted Kennedy and former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island’s 1st District.

Brian said: “At the rally I urged Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to de list the Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI/MEK) from the U.S. list of terrorist organisations.”

“It is vitally important that this happens as thousands of Members of PMOI/MEK have repeatedly come under deadly attack in their main base of Camp Ashraf, Iraq, by Iraqi armed forces at the behest of Iran’s fundamentalist regime.”

“Iraq’s Prime Minister Nuri Maliki uses the terror label as an excuse to murder innocent residents. “

“In April this year Iraqi forces butchered 36 Members at Camp Ashraf and injured hundreds more- it is for this reason that I am urging the U.S. Government to intervene.”

“I am disgusted that the Iraqi Government, who our armed forces helped to create in the recent war in Iraq, are carrying out these atrocities. I was so disgusted that earlier this year I tabled a motion at the Council of Europe calling for the Council to look specifically at these human rights abuses.”

“It was for these sorts of reasons that the Council was first established and it is a matter which I know will be taken very seriously.”

Following on from the rally in Washington Brian followed up on these meetings by travelling to Geneva to further press home the case.

MP influential in Conservative Publication of the year

2011-10-01T13:21:00.001-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has been influential in producing the ‘Conservative publication of the year’, “The Future of Conservatism: - Restating Values,” a book designed to provoke and facilitate debate within the Conservative Party on the best future for our Country.

Brian is one of the books editors alongside the Former Leadership Contender in 2005 and Former Shadow Home Secretary David Davis MP and the MP for Basildon and Billericay John Baron. Brian also Co-Authored a chapter on Business and Commerce with Richard Drax MP for South Dorset.

Brian said: “The books purpose is to imagine the future that we want to create for our nation including what sort of society we want to create for our families and what sort of standing we want for our nation abroad.”

“Secondly the book sets out how we would achieve that and what steps a Conservative Government might take to create the sort of Country we desire.”

The book is to be launched at an event at this year’s Conservative Party Conference and speakers will include David Davis MP and John Redwood MP, former Secretary of State for Wales and senior backbencher followed by a panel discussion chaired by Graham Brady MP, Chairman of the 1922 Committee.

The launch will take place at 2pm in the Main Hall, Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS on Monday 3rd October 2011.

The book published by Conservative Home will be available on general sale at Party Conference for £9.99 plus postage and packaging. Copies can also be ordered from Biteback Publishing, Westminster Tower, 3 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SP, Phone: 020 7091 1260 e-mail: info@bitebackpublishing.com .

Other contributors to the book include Ruth Lea, Non-Executive Director and Economic Adviser to Arbuthnot Banking Group, David Green, Founder of Independent Think Tank Civitas, Bernard Jenkin MP for Harwich and North Essex, Patrick Mercer MP for Newark, Edward Leigh MP for Gainsborough and Bill Cash MP for Stone.

MP calls for statutory code of practice for pubcos

2011-09-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and Vice Chairman of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee has played an instrumental role in the publication of the Committee’s report into pub companies which has recommended that the Government consults to put the code of practice on a statutory footing.

The report concluded that pubcos had made a “half hearted attempt at reform” and that the BBPA had been “impotent” in its timetable for reform, concluding that pubcos had failed to meet the test set down by the previous committee’s report in 2010 which had warned the industry that it was their last chance of self regulatory reform.

Brian said: “It is a decision which the committee has taken with a heavy heart- in principle additional regulation is a burden on industry and should only be considered as a last resort, but each Committee report prior to this has challenged the industry to create a programme for meaningful reform and that has simply not happened.”

“It is of vital importance that the Government holds its promise of consulting to put the code of practice on a statutory footing without delay or a lengthy process and I was encouraged by the Secretary of State’s positive response to that question when I questioned him during the evidence sessions.”

“I have had a huge number of e-mails and letters from publicans up and down the Country providing me with examples of where pubcos have intentionally misled tenants and it is important that we act now to save more pubs from going to the wall.”

“Pubs and clubs in Britain are at the very heart of our communities which provides a form of social interaction which is almost unique to anywhere else in the world and we are losing them at an alarming rate with 25 pubs a week closing.”

Government must protect Britain’s interest in Europe

2011-09-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has again criticised the creation of the Eurozone, speaking in a debate in the House of Commons yesterday on the European Union’s Fiscal Union.

Brian said: “There is no doubt that the eurozone is contemplating its very existence so the debate is not only timely but also vital. The whole thing could blow up in our faces in the next four or five weeks, and I want to be reassured by the Minister that contingency plans are in place.”

It is estimated that Britain’s contribution to the bailouts of Ireland, Portugal and Greece has topped £12 billion pounds, the equivalent of £550 for every man, women and child in Northampton.

Brian continued: “The truth of the matter is that the Euro is a failed currency and had within its creation the very traits for its destruction; those are coming into view at a time when pressure is being applied.”

“The problem is serious and the Government needs to recognise the impact it is having on businesses and families within my constituency. We must help the eurozone come to a sensible conclusion, but that does not include being part of a fiscal union.”

“We must help to ensure that we renegotiate a relationship with Europe that is much more sensible than we have had for a very long time. If necessary we come out.”

“We will have a tough time, whatever occurs and we must use that time in the interests of Britain, not the eurozone, which has been the creator of its own downfall.”

Chancellor must do more to grow economy

2011-08-24T02:38:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has again called on the Government to do more to create growth in the economy and has recently questioned the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne in the House of Commons on the issue.

Brian said: “I welcome the Chancellors comments about the need to cut deficits but a healthier market is important to our export performance.”

“Will he therefore remember that there is a need to instil demand in the British Economy and does he recognise how important that is to both households and business?”

It is clear for all too see that demand is weak thanks to an absence of confidence. Households and businesses are bracing themselves for further shocks and I know from my own post bag and inbox just how hard many families and businesses in Northampton are finding the current economic situation.

Living standards are eroding, real income is decreasing, and inflation remains well above expectations and house prices are still falling.

There is no doubt that tackling the deficit is a positive step to take, the mess left behind by the previous Labour Government is well publicised but confidence, demand and growth will be vital to solving many of the problems we have inherited.

That is why I urge the Chancellor on behalf of my hard working constituents and businesses within Northampton who view the whole economic situation on their personal balance sheets and assess the bottom line.

We should therefore encourage them to do what they most wish, by helping businesses to sell and consumers to buy.

Given our current situation we need to be more proactive in tackling inflation which itself would remove fear and provide greater confidence.

We need to use limited fiscal measures to encourage that demand and as I have said many times before the housing would be a good place to start.

2011-08-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

This week’s growth figures do not make happy reading. The Government’s strategy relies on steady growth and rising exports and neither is happening to the extent we need. Growth has declined to negligible proportions and our trade deficit continues to deteriorate.

The reason is clear. Demand is weak thanks to an absence of confidence and it’s not difficult to understand why.

The world economy is bracing itself for further shocks, households and businesses are protecting their financial credibility, inflation is well above expectation, real incomes are shrinking, living standards are eroding, and house prices are still falling. Unless we can sell more in the global market place and encourage people to spend our economic difficulties are likely to continue.

There is no doubt that tackling the deficit is a major priority: the mess left by the previous Government is well understood. But it is important that policy reflects reality on the ground and the need to balance our International economic credibility whilst doing more to increase demand is apparent. We must clearly divest ourselves of Mr Brown’s legacy of self perpetuating momentum in the public sector, not least because public spending of just under 50% of GDP suggest the rider is almost heavier than the horse. But we must do more. Sadly the debate amongst economists seems to revolve around ideological preference with little thought for reality.

Neo Keynesians advocate a slow and steady withdrawal of Government using fiscal injections to stabilise the less robust elements of the economy whilst providing protection for the vulnerable.

Yet it is “boom” which creates “bust” not the other way round. Deficits cannot be stimulating in the long run because they have to be paid for and that is likely to counter balance any positive effects of additional spending. Public spending might indeed be higher but if the result is to squeeze out private spending, where is the gain? The lessons of the 12 years of Labour Government is that “boom” expands the state which puts further pressure on the private sector and on households during the “bust.”

Monetarists have a different view which is harder to explain. They say that fiscal policy is ineffective at controlling short term movements in the economy. It’s the quantity of money in the economy which affects prices and sends market signals on the appropriate levels of savings and investments whilst providing a temporal dimension to stimulate short and long term investment. They believe that, left unhampered, the free market will send signals through interest rates, which reflect trends in demand and supply of money, and those signals tell us how we can most productively use resources through either capital accumulation or investment. However, with lending rates at rock bottom, attempts to stimulate investments by encouraging savers to find more attractive returns have had a mixed response, to say the least.

Yet while the proponents of those competing theories focus on what the major determinants of aggregated economic activity are, fiscal variables or money supply, we are left in a hole.

In truth the scale of the proposed cuts are fairly modest although they often seem deeply painful. Public expenditure can be made to seem draconian by a skilled public sector manager wishing to present the worst of cases. Furthermore the institutions of Government are far less responsive to changing circumstances than a business or an individual would be and the struggle is made to seem endlessly difficult as a result.

Individuals, however, making personal or commercial decisions, need a predictable and stable economic outlook. They do not deal in the niceties of economic theory. They look at the balance sheet and assess the bottom line. They see money taken from them in taxes, with commodity prices and service cost increasing faster than their incomes. No wonder they are cautious.

We should therefore encourage them to do what they most wish, by helping businesses to sell and consumers to buy.

Economists might argue that the levers of fiscal policy have limited impact but for hard pressed families the need is for respite from the tax onslaught they face. Taxes affect behaviour far more effectively than Government expenditure and that is why I want selective tax cuts to stimulate demand and provide relief.

We need to stop trying to engineer the economy to meet arbitrary social ends, but we need to deliver wider growth thereby providing the impetus needed to create the wealth and rebalance the economy in the way the Government’s growth strategy demands. We need to instil confidence to stimulate spending and we need to enhance our position as a trading nation to enable our companies to export in ever increasing numbers.

And that means we need to be more pragmatic.

This crisis started with the housing market and the associated financial service products. I want the Government to be alive to the difficulties people face and that is why we need to support the development of private demand in the economy. The public sector cannot be an adequate substitute.

Given our current situation we need to be more proactive in tackling inflation which itself would remove fear and provide greater confidence.

We need to use limited fiscal measures to encourage that demand and housing would be a good place to start.

Perhaps it is time for the Government to reintroduce MIRAS for first time buyers for a limited period. Perhaps we should reduce VAT on house extensions and improvement projects. Perhaps its time for the Treasury to be slightly less conservative in this respect. And while we are at it we certainly need to pressure banks into reducing the levels of deposit being demanded from first time buyers.

In the real economy things are not as convenient or accommodating as economic theorists would wish. The policy response to date has become mired in accusation and counter argument focused on defining the philosophy underpinning the prospectus and it should be abandoned. The economy is unhealthy and our response cannot be theoretically pure. We need to be creative and recognise that the process of thesis, antithesis and synthesis has value.

Oh, how the Marxists will love that.

“Until the state contracts and indeed until enterprise is encouraged both by its contraction together with some assurances that it will stay contracted and by less destructive taxation and intervention, there will not be the confidence nor the climate for entrepreneurship and risk taking that will alone secure prosperity, high employment and economic health: pseudo cuts of future programmes will not be enough.”

Not my words – but those of a Centre for Policy Studies Pamphlet from 1976.

We do not need to reinvent wheels, but we do need to recognise the grave dangers confronting our economy at present. We need to act if we want to avoid the risk of further economic bad news in the coming quarters. We don’t need plan B. Just a little more pragmatism, a little less theorising, and a modicum of courage. It’s down to you George.

MP welcomes BIS committee Trade report

2011-07-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has welcomed the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee Report into Trade and Investment in China.

The report welcomed the Governments strategy and engagement with China and welcomes the recent improvements with industry in China but concludes that UK performance still lags behind other countries like Germany.

Brian said: “I had the pleasure of leading the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee visit to China earlier this year and had the chance to see firsthand the trade relationship between Britain and China.”

“I am delighted that steps have been taken to improve trade links with China, as an emerging economy our relationship with them is vital to the health of our economy.”

“Shanghai Automotive has already started to invest in Britain and are currently building 2,000 new cars at Longbridge, with the possibility of that figure rising in the longer term to 20,000.”

“This will create sizeable employment for one of Britain’s famous car manufacturing areas and the spin off for Northamptonshire component manufacturers will be very important.”

The report also highlighted, however some concerns centring on the issue of Visa’s and suggested that Ministers may be unaware of problems faced by both Chinese and British Firms.

Brian said: “We need to send a message loud and clear to the world that Britain is open for business and we are worth investing in. We must address these concerns if we are to get the growth we need in order to fulfil the budget strategy.”

MP’s care recommendations implemented

2011-07-14T03:56:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has received an update from the Department for Health about the concerning inspection regime within care homes following the recommendations he was asked to make to Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley MP.

Following the death of five elderly residents at Parkside Care Home in Northampton, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley wrote to Brian asking him for his recommendations to ensure those incidents never happened again.

Brian said: “I am delighted with the update from the Minister for Care Services which states that the Care Quality Commission has put into place a new registration system for adult social care to check that they are complying with essential health and safety requirements.”

“The Minister for Care Services also confirmed that a number of reviews had taken place into the concerns I raised about staff training and as I now understand much more support and training is being given to staff as a result.”

“This will surely include a regular regime of repositioning for the especially elderly and frail patients every two to three hours to avoid pressure sores.”

Brian has also pledged to follow developments in this area closely and will monitor the social care white paper as well as other developments within the Department of Health to ensure that improvement is made.

MP votes no to more EU bailouts

2011-07-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South voted against Government plans for an 88% hike in Britain’s contribution to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which is partly used to finance European Bailouts in the House of Commons.

The Government narrowly won the vote by a margin of 28 votes with 32 Conservative MP’s including Brian rebelling against the Government and a further 50 being either unavailable to vote or abstaining.

Brian said: “Britain has already paid its fair share to help bailout Portugal, Ireland and Greece at a cost to the tax payer of £12.5 billion pounds which means every family in Northampton has paid £550.”

“I find it simply disgraceful that Britain is being asked to contribute to the eurozone, something which was set-up purely for political purposes rather than for economic case.”

“I have said time and again that the single European currency would not work. It is difficult enough setting an economic policy in Britain which mutually benefits those in the South and those in the North, let alone for the whole of Europe.”

Brian has recently returned from a visit to Athens to meet with a delegation from the Greek Parliament and discovered a number of reasons as to why the situation in Greece was so bad.

Brian said: “The Greek Government have been woefully inadequate in collecting taxes and politicians admitted to me that tax evasion is a way of life in Greece.”
“Their relaxed attitude to fiscal policies and a dangerous lack of concern for the consequences of individual social policies have heavily undermined economic growth. These issues should have been addressed before Greece was allowed to join the eurozone.”

Brian asked a Greek Politician “Is tax evasion as widespread as they say?" Yes he answered, everybody does it. “Do you I asked?” Of course he said.

“You can’t believe it can you? Perhaps that is why Greece is buying more gold.”

“I am majorly concerned by further news this week that Italy may produce a begging bowl to the IMF and it seems clear to me that these countries need real economic solutions to this problem and not more money in bailouts.”

“Perhaps those who created the Euro for political reasons need to go back to the drawing board.”

MP backs Freelancers

2011-07-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freelancers, Chaired a roundtable discussion in the House of Commons yesterday on the effects of Freelancers in the UK economy and in particular the building trade.

Brian said: “Freelancers do a tremendous job for the UK economy, creating a flexible workforce which can provide specialist expertise at short notice and they are often over looked by policy makers and the current IR 35 taxation system is a prime example of that.”

“For too long now Government has focussed exclusively on the traditional models of employers and employees and that must change as figures show us that freelancers are playing an increasingly more important role in our economy.”

“The building trade relies heavily on them and they are instrumental in completing many building projects in a cost effective fashion.”

“A number of my constituents have contacted me over the issue of taxation for freelancers and I am fighting a number of cases with the Treasury on this issue.”

Other speakers at yesterday’s roundtable included John Brazier, Managing Director of PCG Professor Andrew Burke, founding Director of the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, David Jackson, Managing Director of Hudson Contract Services, Patricia Leighton, Proffessor of Law and Kevin Green, CEO of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

MP questions Prime Minister on plan for growth

2011-06-29T08:11:00.001-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has today questioned the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on what steps the Government is taking to reduce inflation and increase demand in the economy.

Citing a report by More Than in collaboration with the Warwick Business School, Brian said: “Small firms are experiencing the highest rate of inflation for three years and with fuel and material costs continuing to rise, is it not worrying that slow growing markets and high rising costs are inhibiting growth in this country?”

“Will the Government do more to make tackling inflation a priority, providing consumers with the impetus to stimulate private demand?”

The Prime Minister responded positively stating that the current Government had done away with the planned 6p rise in the cost of petrol by introducing the fuel stabiliser and scrapping the duty escalator and declared this Government as a “very small business friendly government” and said he will do all he can to speed up the rate of growth.

Following Prime Ministers Questions Brian said: “Many businesses in Northampton have approached me recently saying they are concerned about rising costs and falling demand.”

“I am concerned because unless we get some growth into the economy the Government will not achieve the aims of the budget strategy. I think the Prime Minister needs to understand that there is much more they can be doing to stimulate demand.”

“In recent weeks I have publically backed the Federation of Master Builders calls for a reduction on VAT in the home repairs sector and I have also called on the Government to consider reintroducing the MIRAS scheme for first time buyers.”

“I will continue to take this fight to the very top of the Government and strongly believe that much more can be done to help the business community.”

Binley warns Human Rights Court

2011-06-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has called on the Council of Europe to review the powers, function and capacity of the European Court of Human Rights and has warned that not doing so would be to relinquish the Council’s responsibility.

Brian was leading the debate for the European Democrat Group (EDG) in a debate today on National Parliaments: Guarantors of Human Rights in Europe at the Third Plenary Session of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

Brian said: “I am pleased that this debate has highlighted the importance of National Parliaments as the key to effective implementation of international human rights norms at the national level.”

“I also welcome the report’s recommendations for regular monitoring and better training and was especially pleased with the statement that Parliaments make Laws and Courts implement them.”

“All of this is good, but fails to recognise the very primacy of the Parliamentary lawmaking process and ignores the 150,000 cases currently backed up before the Court, which bring the Court into disrepute and even derision.”

“From 1978 onward the Court of its own volition has stated that its job was not just to interpret and apply convention rights but to expand and update them.”

“Judges assumed the position of legislators and that’s when the trouble started. It was in defiance of International Law and yet the Assembly did nothing.”

“Impartiality and independence are the twin pillars of judicial function, but they fail if judges are interpreting and creating human rights law at the same time.”

Dominic Grieve, the Attorney General, also spoke at the debate and told the assembly that the functions of the Court needed to be reviewed.

Brian said after the debate: “I am delighted that the Attorney General supported my line. If the Court of Human Rights isn’t reformed and continues to meddle in national issues, people will lose patience.”

“It has already made a fool of its self on the issues of immigration and prisoners voting rights and if it continues in that vein it will lose the support and confidence of the British people. Indeed I fear it might have already have done so.”

Binley Questions Minister on Plan for Growth

2011-06-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has questioned Treasury Minister Mark Hoban during a statement made in the House of Commons on banking and regulatory reform about the Governments plans to get growth back into the economy.

Brian said: “I welcome the Minister’s statement, but may I remind him that the reorganisation of the regulators or, indeed, of the banking structure will do little to stimulate demand quickly?”

“Mortgages were down 9% in April on the same period last year and other sectors are seriously under pressure. Will the Government think more seriously about stimulating demand?”

The Minister responded by stating that it was an important point and one reason why it was important to reach agreement with the banks on Project Merlin was to send a clear signal to business that credit was available to viable businesses.

He continued to state that one concern is the amount of discouraged demand in the system and that by looking carefully at the relationship between banks and their customers, we can see whether banks are putting off businesses from making those applications.

Brian said: “I am pleased that the Minister recognised this as a serious issue and stated that he was concerned about the level of demand in our economy.”

“He is right that relationships between banks and their customers need to be looked at very seriously and there are a number of people in Northampton who have raised this concern with me on a number of occasions.”

“But I remain concerned that this statement simply is a rehashing of the Governments already stated policies put into place sometime ago which have simply not done the job.”

“The Government can and must do more to help, in particular those viable small and medium sized business which are crying out for capital to get the growth we need.”

Binley Backs Air Ambulance Trust

2011-06-21T02:43:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has tabled an Early Day Motion recognising and supporting the work carried out by the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance trust.

The Motion recognises the quality standard of care that is provided by the air ambulance service and also notes how increasingly relied upon the service is becoming.

Brian said: “I am delighted to be able to table this Motion before the House of Commons. They provided an invaluable service and I know a number of people who owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.”

“It is equally impressive that the Air Ambulance Trust operates entirely on a voluntary basis and together with Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance Trust is the busiest in the Country.”

“It is an excellent example of what Britain is all about and I am hopeful that they will be able to continue providing such a high quality level of care for many years to come.”

Andy Williamson, CEO of Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance said: “I am very grateful to Brian for tabling this motion and bringing attention to the work of our Air Ambulance.”

“We are an excellent example of The Big Society in action and a perfect illustration of how it works in real life. Our independent financial model is extremely helpful to the delivery of healthcare alongside our colleagues in the NHS.”

“It is very important for us to be recognised as setting high clinical standards and embracing the need for strict audit and compliance with Government guidelines, this helps us reassure those who are wary about organisations outside of the Public Sector delivering services.”

“Our standards are very high and I would like to think that other areas of the country will benefit to the same quality of service and financial stability.”

The EDM was supported by Lorley Burt, Mark Pawsey, Keith Vaz, Peter Bottomley and Mike Hancock.

MP tables motion backing bingo

2011-06-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Bingo has tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to recognise the important social and community role that bingo plays up and down the country.

The Motion adds further weight to the MP’s continuous calls to reduce the amount of taxation paid by bingo goers up and down the country and reduce it in line with other forms of gambling taxation.

Brian said: “I have long campaigned on this issue and this Early Day Motion is just one way of highlighting the importance of bingo to many communities up and down the country.”

“I have seen firsthand in Northampton the impact that this tax is having on our local bingo hall and numbers are falling as a result and many people I have spoken to in the industry say the picture is the same nationwide.”

“The current bingo tax policy not only fails to support Britain’s Bingo clubs, but actively discriminates against them and as a supporter of those who play the game I have consistently called for a fairer taxation system to help support them.”

“The community and social aspect of bingo is quite unique. The level of interaction it provides for many elderly people is invaluable. You can even get a decent meal at the local bingo hall for as little as £3.50 and I know that bingo goers in Northampton value that massively.”

“I have also written to Treasury Minister Justine Greening MP calling on her to review the current situation and have asked if she will meet with a delegation of MP’s to discuss the matter further.”

The Early Day Motion is supported by a number of MP’s including Graham Stuart, John Hemming, Don Foster, Graham Brady, Clive Betts, Phillip Davies and Rob Halfon.

Greeks sold a Euro nightmare

2011-06-20T06:02:00.001-07:00

This week’s news that the credit rating agencies have decided to label Greek debt with the value of treble-C, making Greece the lowest-rated country in the world, should raise the question of what has gone wrong: and who is going to put it right?

During a visit to the Greek Parliament two weeks ago it was very apparent how angry ordinary people there are at the way in which their economy – and their lives – is being sacrificed in pursuit of a dream created many hundreds of miles away: the people of Greece are being made to pay the price of a political ambition that threatens to destroy the very heart of our continent. The situation has worsened since my visit and we are now witnessing riots. The truth is that Greece is bust and the country might become ungovernable.

No Conservative politician can forget the trauma of Black Wednesday, when the United Kingdom found itself unable to sustain its exchange rate within the tight constraints of the then European Exchange Rate Mechanism, a forerunner to the single currency. As the Government tried desperately to overcome the pressures (exacerbated by the efforts of a few traders unconvinced of our ability to prevent the inevitable), interest rates shot up in a violent and desperate bid to maintain our position within the ERM. Within the course of just a few hours, we were forced to exit from the mechanism, and allow our economy to re-calibrate separate from the pressures under which it had been stressed.

Our swift exit from the ERM probably served to keep us outside of the European Single Currency: yet the pressures and stresses placed on other European Union member states, such as Greece, Ireland and Portugal (as well as some other countries whose ignominy has not yet erupted in quite the same way) are caused by the identical pressures that obstructed our experience: a monetary policy that is not configured to suit the needs of a particular functional economic area giving rise to pressures elsewhere that inflict great harm and injury to those in its wake.

Which is why the debate on the question of eurozone bail-outs rather misses the point: it is the case that the Greek government has been woefully inadequate in collecting the taxes that it seeks to levy, and that this has been done alongside a relaxed attitude to fiscal management and a dangerous lack of concern for the consequences of individual social policies, which undermine economic growth: but these are not new factors, and they should have been addressed in advance of the country being able to join the single currency.

But to have mended these problems – not just with Greece – would have delayed the project and therewith the glory of achieving the dream. That is why it is the ordinary Greek citizen who is being made to pay the price: and, for them, the dream is increasingly feeling like a nightmare – and one with no comfortable wake-up to which they can look forward.

But the single currency zealots remain committed to their cause: it seems that the perilous state of their project and the strains and stresses it is causing across the continent elude them. The answer to this crisis does not lie in ‘soft re-structuring’ or ‘voluntary re-profiling’, but a recognition of the brutal reality: this political project has been advanced at too great a pace and with too little thought for the consequences. One wonders if the price being paid across the entire European Union is worth paying. Certainly that question is on the lips of many Greeks but they sadly feel there is nowhere else to go, and they feel lost. Perhaps those who created the Euro for political reasons need to go back to the drawing board.

HELP FOR THE HOME FRONT

2011-06-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Much attention has focused on the broad support offered by the International Monetary Fund to the Government’s strategy to restore fiscal control – through adopting a rigorous and robust approach to public spending cuts. The Chancellor has, rightly, stressed the importance of credibility in engendering the confidence of global capital markets.

But alongside bringing the public finances under control, we need to keep another form of confidence in mind: that of consumers and businesses whose everyday transactions facilitate economic growth and the distribution of prosperity. Consumers are currently feeling the effect of tax rises, are confronted by uncertainty over commodity prices and the cost of credit, and have entrenched away from spending.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the housing market, which has, effectively, been starved of first-time buyers through the combination of poor access to mortgage credit and anxiety about the risks of making a purchase. This is a problem that cuts to the very core of our national psyche: we are a nation of home-owners: home-ownership remains a major source of pride to Britons, and a fundamental aspiration for many who are faced with significant obstacles in the current economic climate. Yet a generation of would – be home owners now face the prospect of becoming home renters for years to come.

The Federation of Master Builders has long campaigned for a reduction in the rate of VAT on home repair, maintenance and improvement work, estimating that a five per cent cut could lead to a loss of revenue to the Government of between £102 million and £508 million, but deliver a total stimulus to the economy of around £1.4 billion in the first year alone. Their estimates also suggest that around 34,500 new jobs in the sector (and 81,500 jobs in the wider economy) would be created by such a measure by 2019. Hardly Plan B but it could be a nudge in the right direction.

The most significant hurdles to a more robust housing market, however, are the availability and affordability of credit and the fear that house prices may fall even further.
Mortgage lending fell to the lowest level in April since records began in 1993; the number of mortgages approved for new house purchases was four per cent lower than in the previous month, and nine per cent lower than in April last year. Much of this reverberates throughout the wider housing market and the majority of home owners assess their wellbeing primarily on the value of their homes. Thus the state of the housing market tends to mirror levels of confidence in the wider economy: and the current situation should give us all grounds to stop and think: how best can we stimulate demand?

Mortgage Interest Relief at Source (MIRAS) was introduced in 1969, as a measure to boost home ownership’s appeal: and, until finally abolished by Gordon Brown in 2000, provided borrowers with a reduced amount of interest – around ten and a half million loans at the time of withdrawal. Around twelve hundred different mortgage lenders provided loans under MIRAS, albeit that those who were members of the Council of Mortgage Lenders accounted for nearly all of the loans under the scheme. The cost of operating the scheme was estimated by the Council of Mortgage Lenders to be between fifty and eighty million pounds each year.

Under MIRAS, claiming mortgage interest relief was easy, and involved little more than a declaration certifying qualification. At the time of withdrawal, it was anticipated that products providing payment holidays, flexible payment options, foreign currency options would become available in the market: but the current dilemma is more profound than the variety of financial services instruments available to home-buyers. We were promised that the withdrawal of mortgage interest relief would contribute to the long-term stability of the economy, and improve the functionality of the housing market. So much for fine words.

I believe that the re-introduction of MIRAS – even if only limited to first-time buyers and for a limited time period – would deliver the stimulus that our housing market needs.
Not fashionable I know but pragmatic and perhaps it’s time for a little pragmatism. If we can get the housing market moving, then it is more likely that banks will feel compelled to be more pro-active in supporting mortgages, and there is no doubt that the construction industry, and perhaps the wider economy, would feel the benefits too.

A survey, published by the Halifax, found that 92 per cent of twenty to forty-five year olds thought it was hard for first-time buyers to get a mortgage: with sixty per cent of them indicating that it was virtually impossible. It’s all very well coercing the banks to lend but even the most alluring of marketing ploys will fail if demand isn’t present.

First-time buyers need help, and, with a little support, they might just create the kick start our economy is crying out for.

MP calls on Government to unlock growth potential

2011-06-06T02:43:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has called on the Government to do more to aid the plight of first time buyers and stimulate growth in the economy following reports last week that young people are finding it harder than ever to get on the property ladder.

Bank of England figures this week showed that the number of mortgages approved for new house purchases hit a new low in April, 4% lower than in March and 9% lower than in April last year.

The Halifax also published the results of a survey of 8,000 20 to 45 year olds, concluding that 92% of people thought it was hard for first time buyers to get a mortgage with 60% of them saying it was very hard or virtually impossible.

Brian said: “Research by the Federation of Master Builders has highlighted the fact that the financial crisis has severely restricted the availability of finance for developments and mortgages.”

“The Government must recognise that it needs to do more to stimulate demand in the economy and one way we could look at doing that is to cut the VAT on home repair, maintenance and improvement work.”

“The Federation of Master Builders has led a long running campaign to cut VAT in this area and it is estimated that a 5% cut could lead to a net revenue loss to the Government of between £102 million and £508 million but a total stimulus effect in the economy in the region of £1.4 billion in the first year alone.”

“They also estimate that it could create up to 34,500 new construction sector jobs by the end of 2019 and a total of 81,500 jobs in the economy by the end of 2019.”

“They also suggested that the Government extends the first buy scheme to small and medium sized building contractors who represent around 50% of the building sector.”

“As confidence takes off in the construction industry it will do in other areas of the economy as well. Around 70% of people in the UK own their own homes and view the economic situation purely based on their own personal circumstances.”

“By cutting VAT in the home improvement sector and extending the first buy scheme the Government can unlock the sort of confidence in the economy to really generate the demand we need to get the economy moving.”

MP backs Britain’s High Streets

2011-06-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has written to Mary Portas with his recommendations for the future of the British high street following her appointment by the Prime Minister last week to lead an independent review into the future of Britain’s high streets.

In 2008, as Chairman of the Conservative Party’s Parliamentary Enterprise Group, Brian organised a commission into small shops in the high street which produced a report entitled: “A strategy for successful community hubs.”

Brian said: “I have seen firsthand the rate of decline in Britain’s high streets and Northampton has especially suffered as a result of high car parking charges, an overabundance of yellow lines and high business rates.”

“Our town and city centres lie at the very heart of our communities and are as vital to their health as the heart is to the body. The trend in decline endemic in so many of town centres up and down the country is not irreversible and I know that the commission’s recommendations will go some way to halting that decline.”

“Amongst the recommendations made is to ensure that people within local communities act together to revitalise Britain’s high streets which will create a renewed sense of well being impacting on the health of a nation as a whole.”

“I am delighted that the Prime Minister has recognised the value of Britain’s high streets and I was pleased to be able to make recommendations to Mary Portas.”

MP questions bank boss on lending to business

2011-05-25T01:15:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Small Business has today quizzed the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Charlie Bean and Business Secretary, Vince Cable over the issue of bank lending to small and medium sized businesses.

Figures published yesterday by the Bank of England show that in the first quarter of 2011, the top five banks loaned £16.8 billion to SME’s, £2.2 billion behind the target amount agreed under project Merlin- an agreement between the Government and the banks to increase lending to SME’s.

Brian said: “I think we need to put the emphasis on getting demand back into the economy once again. We need to be innovative and forward thinking in the way we create that demand.”

“For example if the Government were to introduce tax relief measures to encourage first time buyers to enter the market or reduce VAT on household goods, this could create some real confidence within the economy and encourage people to spend.”

“Banks will then be more willing to lend to small and medium sized businesses and those businesses will be more willing to borrow. Most importantly we must work with small and medium sized businesses and the banks to get Britain moving again.”

There is strong support in both the House of Lords and the House of Commons on the issue of finance for small businesses.

Brian said: “I was delighted to be able to host the meeting in my role as Chairman of the Small Business Group and I am especially delighted that my colleagues in both the Lords and Commons shared my enthusiasm for this subject.”

MP praises Governments approach to covenant

2011-05-24T04:01:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has welcomed the statement in the House of Commons from Defence Secretary Liam Fox MP.

The statement outlined plans to enshrine the Military Covenant in British Law for the first time. A fund of three million pounds per year to support state schools attended by significant numbers of children from armed forces families was established along with a raft of other measures designed to assist military personnel.

Brian said: “I was a sponsor to an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons calling for the law to recognise the importance of the Military Covenant and I am delighted the Government has decided to act.”

“Our armed forces do an enormously important job for this country and many have paid the ultimate price for the Nation. It is only right and proper that this covenant becomes part of the legal process.”

“Many people from Northampton have and are serving in the armed forces and are serving. It is only right that we provide them with the support that they need and deserve. I hope this step will help.”

MP backs Government Energy Bill

2011-05-16T03:12:00.002-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has praised the Governments approach to the Energy Bill in the House of Commons yesterday during a debate on its second reading.

Brian said: “I greatly welcome the general thrust of the Bill. I believe it will be a major advance, provided we get it right, but there is a lot to do to help it become a better bill. In general the House wants the Bill to succeed and considers it important and we should be able to tap into the House’s collective knowledge of an issue that is so important to the future well-being of our country.”

Brian was particularly impressed with the Bills ability to offer new strong economic opportunities, providing new jobs, improved energy security and reduced fuel poverty.

Brian said: “Improvements in energy efficiency are a vital part of the wider picture of our energy policy, for a number of reasons. They are central to the success of our economy, to the well being of our children and grandchildren and are of extremely important to the jobs market.”

“However, they are extremely important to consumers, particularly those who are less privileged than many other people in the country.”

Brian went on to warn the Government that energy can only be saved if there is energy in the first place.

Brian said: “The whole process of generation has become even more delicate and important as a result of happenings on the other side of the world. The future of energy supply is now a very pertinent matter to which we need to devote serious attention.”

“The green deal programme is one of the most startling and innovative policies I have ever seen during my time in the House. As I have said there are ways we can improve it, but it is a gem of an idea on which we can build.”

“The green deal has a focus on the sectors which will provide the growth that we need to ensure the success of the whole budget strategy.”

MP Seeking new opportunities

2011-05-16T03:12:00.001-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South is seeking the expertise of vision correction specialist Ultralase to help transform the future of local eye care.

Brian recently met with Tony Veverka, Chief Executive of Ultralase, to discuss the NHS reforms and opportunities that may arise for a more efficient service for patients in the area going forward.

Brian said: “I was delighted to meet with the Chief Executive of Ultralase to find out a little bit more about the services they provide to their customers.”

“I am always impressed with the how far technological development has assisted the health care industry with more preventative and corrective treatments becoming more readily available all the time.”

Tony Veverka said: “This year we celebrate our 20th anniversary and over the years we’ve built a wealth of experience and expertise in eye health. It’s fantastic to be working with local MPs, such as Brian, to share our methods of best practice and hopefully improve the patient experience as a result.”

The meeting, held at Ultralase’s Northampton clinic in Cliftonville is the first in a series of consultations for Ultralase. Over the next few months they will be meeting with MP’s representing its clinics around the UK; all in the hope of creating a more streamlined patient experience in the future.

MP calls for law to protect armed forces

2011-05-16T03:11:00.001-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has sponsored an Early Day Motion calling for the Military Covenant to be made law in order to better protect our armed forces welfare.

The Covenant states: Soldiers will be called upon to make personal sacrifices- including the ultimate sacrifice- in the service of the nation. In return British soldiers should expect fair treatment, to be valued and respected as individuals and that they and their families will be sustained and rewarded by commensurate terms and conditions of service.

Brian said: “The Military Covenant in its current state is only referred to as an act of guidance and is not enshrined in law in anyway. I was disappointed to hear when the Armed Forces Bill was announced in the House of Commons that we had not done more for our forces in that respect.”

“We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our military personnel who over the last decade in particular have displayed enormous courage and bravery in military campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan and most recently in Libya.”

“A military Covenant enshrined in law as David Cameron intimated he would do in June last year would go some way to honouring the memory of those servicemen who have lost their lives or been injured whilst serving their nation.”

Binley’s Post campaign success

2011-05-16T03:09:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South is delighted that his campaign to keep the Universal Service Obligation as part of the Postal Service Bill for the next ten years has been a success.

The Minister for Postal Services, Ed Davey, has today announced that the Universal Service Obligation will be secured for the next ten years as part of a raft of amendments to the Postal Services Bill.

Brian sponsored an amendment during the Committee Stage of the Bill in the House of Commons which stated that the Universal Service Obligation should remain for ten years rather than 18 months as the Government had planned.

Following sizeable support for the measure in the House of Commons vote, Brian continued his campaign when the Bill hit the House of Lords tabling an Earl Day Motion in the House of Commons which 162 MP’s supported including 47 MP’s coalition Members.

Brian said: “I am delighted that this campaign has been a success. The Universal Service Obligation is vital to many rural Post Offices survival and I am sure they will be relieved to hear that the USO is secure for a further ten years.”

“I have fought hard against Post Office closures in Northampton under the previous Labour Government and I was prepared to fight my own Government on the issue again.”

“To many people the daily visit from the postman and the liveried red vans that run around the streets along with local Post Offices are the very fabric of many of our communities up and down the Country.”

“It would have been sad to see that fabric torn and frayed by the decision not to have a USO for a further ten years.”

Binley slams Ashraf Violence

2011-04-15T03:32:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has moved a motion for debate at the Council of Europe deploring the recent violence by agents on behalf of the Iraqi Government who were responsible for killing 33 residents and injuring over 300 more of Camp Ashraf in Iran last week.

The motion calls on the Iraqi Government to immediately stop the harassment of the camps residents by its agents who have surrounded the camp for months restricting vital supplies of food and water.

It also demands, in the name of basic humanity, that medical help is instantly administered to the sick and the wounded and is maintained thereafter.

Finally, the motion states that the “protected persons” status be granted to residents of Camp Ashraf under fourth Geneva Convention during the period of military occupation and fully upheld by the Government in compliance with undertakings it gave to coalition forces during the handover of power.

Brian said: “The motion has had a significant level of support already. 104 Members of the Council of Europe have backed the declaration and ten nations have signed the motion.”

“I have been campaigning for a long time to ensure that the residents of Camp Ashraf are treated humanely and protected in line with their Human Rights.”

“British Troops went into Iraq ending the tyrannical regime of Saddam Hussein whilst promoting freedom and democracy within the Country. Our forces paid a heavy price for that and I am bitterly disappointed that Nouri Al Maliki has failed to deliver on his promise of protecting the residents of Camp Ashraf as he said he would during the handover of power.”

MP backs Enterprise Zone for Northampton

2011-04-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has announced that West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) will shortly be submitting an application to create an enterprise zone in Northampton during yesterday’s budget debate in the House of Commons.

The establishment of an Enterprise Zone would bring 10,000 new jobs and generate nearly one billion pounds worth of private sector investment for the area which is supposed to be building 50,000 additional houses over the next 15 years.

Brian said: “I welcome the Chancellor’s announcement of 21 enterprise zones. Unlike the previous Government’s Strategic Investment Fund, where 96% of the fund went to Labour held constituencies; it provides opportunity for all parts of the country.”

“I have already met with Peter Mawson, Chief Executive of the WNDC and John Markham, Chairman of the WNDC, who have already done so much to change the perception of the organisation. Plans are well advanced and we have the delivery vehicle to proceed with the plan immediately.”

“Northampton is of particular importance to enterprise and has a significant private sector already. It is also an area of economic and regional significance with good infrastructure links to support growth in the Midlands and the North.”

“We have a shortage of jobs in Northampton already. In February 2011 there were 3,085 people claiming Job Seekers Allowance, equating to 6.5% of the economically active population. The number of NEETs now totals 37% of total unemployment.”

“Northampton has the framework in place to make an enterprise zone work. We have the delivery vehicle in place, we have the full support of the local authority and the WNDC already has local planning authority powers. They have also already defined the sites that they will be developing.”

Binley’s Post campaign success

2011-04-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South is delighted that his campaign to keep the Universal Service Obligation as part of the Postal Service Bill for the next ten years has been a success.

The Minister for Postal Services, Ed Davey, has today announced that the Universal Service Obligation will be secured for the next ten years as part of a raft of amendments to the Postal Services Bill.

Brian sponsored an amendment during the Committee Stage of the Bill in the House of Commons which stated that the Universal Service Obligation should remain for ten years rather than 18 months as the Government had planned.

Following sizeable support for the measure in the House of Commons vote, Brian continued his campaign when the Bill hit the House of Lords tabling an Earl Day Motion in the House of Commons which 162 MP’s supported including 47 MP’s coalition Members.

Brian said: “I am delighted that this campaign has been a success. The Universal Service Obligation is vital to many rural Post Offices survival and I am sure they will be relieved to hear that the USO is secure for a further ten years.”

“I have fought hard against Post Office closures in Northampton under the previous Labour Government and I was prepared to fight my own Government on the issue again.”

“To many people the daily visit from the postman and the liveried red vans that run around the streets along with local Post Offices are the very fabric of many of our communities up and down the Country.”

“It would have been sad to see that fabric torn and frayed by the decision not to have a USO for a further ten years.”

Euro Report Inadequate

2011-04-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has said that a report by the Council of Europe on measures to enhance financial stability and discipline “does not go far enough.”

Speaking during a debate in Strasbourg yesterday Brian said: “Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain have accumulated large deficits during the years of prosperity leading to an economic downturn. On the other hand Finland, Germany and Holland had massive surpluses.”

“The report fails to recognise the link between the external surpluses of Northern Europe and the fragile economies of the peripheral states.”

Brian continued to state that unless there was greater flexibility for Nations to determine their own monetary policies tailored to their own economic situation, problems within the Eurozone would remain.

Brian said: “Many European representatives are frightened to recognise the difficulties created by the Euro itself. A single currency is almost impossible as an effective tool in an area with such diversity.”

“It is hard enough to get an interest rate in the Britain which benefits the South East and North East equally. To do the same for Countries as diverse as Romania and Germany is simply impossible. Many in the Council of Europe refuse to recognise that and are therefore living in cloud cuckoo land.”

MP welcomes Family Law Review

2011-04-13T05:43:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP has given a cautious welcome to the interim Family Law Review published today by the Ministry of Justice saying it was a step in the right direction.

Brian sponsored a Private Member’s Bill in the House of Commons this year which called for the presumption of Shared Parenting Orders and has supported a number of other campaigns including giving greater access rights to Grandparents.

Brian said: “I believe that the campaigns I have led and supported within Parliament have had a significant impact on the review and raised the awareness of the issue with the general public.”

“I am delighted that the review recognises that the family law system is under strain and has taken action to relieve that pressure whilst recognising that children are the most important and most vulnerable people in the process.”

“I am also pleased that the review recognises the important role that grandparents play in a child’s development and has extended access rights to them as a result.”

However, Brian was unhappy that the report failed to recognise that the concept of shared parenting should be built into the law as a given.

Brian has also questioned the Review Chairman’s personal desire not to recommend Shared Parenting Orders.

“I was categorically told that David Norgrove, the Chairman had said during the review that there was ‘not a chance of Shared Parenting Orders being incorporated into the review findings’. Surely he shouldn’t have given such a personal opinion long before the Review findings were revealed. Doesn’t that question the Reviews credibility?”

“David Norgrove stated when he announced the findings of this review that ‘children are the most important people in the family justice system’. Evidence shows that children develop best when they receive the love, guidance and support of both their parents.”

“If children really are the most important people in this review, should there not be some sort of recommendation reflecting how important both parents are to a child’s development?”

“Shouldn’t that assumption be built into the legal process at the very beginning of divorce proceedings unless there is evidence to the contrary?”

MP calls for reduction in ‘Granny Tax’ on Bingo

2011-03-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and Chairman of The All Party Parliamentary Bingo Group has again called on the Government to reduce the ‘granny tax’ on bingo and taxation levels from 20% to 15% in line with other forms of gambling.

Brian said: “Bingo is one of the most innocuous forms of gambling and yet it pays the highest rate of tax. Bingo halls are an extremely important social amenity in many local communities and the Government should recognise that most people who play bingo use it as an opportunity for social interaction and not to excessively gamble.”

“The current bingo tax policy not only fails to support Britain’s Bingo clubs, but actively discriminates against them and as a supporter of those who play the game I have consistently called for a fairer taxation system to help support them.”

“The worrying social and economic consequences throughout the country cannot be over looked by the Government.”

A new report by the Bingo Association, compiled by Ernst and Young claims that a reduction in bingo taxation from 20% Gross Profit Tax (GPT) to 15% would significantly alleviate decline in the industry and simultaneously benefit the Treasury.

Bingo operators have faced a turbulent few years with changes in regulation, taxation, demographics and the economy all implicating operations and revenue.

Bingo clubs are closing are closing at a rate of around 5% per year, with 28 clubs closing in 2010. If the current level of taxation is maintained, Treasury returns are expected to fall by just over £42 million in 2014- representing a fall of close to 50% in the Treasury returns from 2005-2014.

If Taxation levels are lowered to 15% however, the tax revenue benefit to the Treasury could be as much as£65 million over the period 2011-14.

Paul Talboys, Chief Executive of the Bingo Association, said:

“The conclusions of the report confirm what the Bingo Association has always said, that the current tax regime is not simply unfair, it is also economically damaging to both bingo and the Exchequer. The closures of bingo clubs have serious impacts on both those who use them and those who rely on their income, whether it is clubs or the Government. It is not too late. If the Government changes the tax on bingo to 15% the game can flourish once more.”

MP critical of Kraft takeover

2011-03-21T04:27:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and Vice Chairman of the House of Commons Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee has today grilled senior officials from Kraft about their takeover of Cadbury one year on.

The Committee were visibly angered by the attitude and behaviour of Kraft CEO Irene Rosenfeld who has on three occasions been invited, and on each occasion, failed to attend the evidence session of the Select Committee.

Brian said: “Her persistent non attendance when asked to give evidence to this Select Committee sends a message to the British workforce that she is not bothered about them.”

The Committee was instead attended by senior officials; Marc Firestone, Executive Vice President Corporate & Legal, and General Counsel; Trevor Bond, President of Markets, Kraft Foods Europe and Nick Bunker, President of Kraft Foods UK & Ireland.

Brian continued to question Kraft on the undertakings from the previous Select Committee inquiry in 2010 and particularly focussed on their plans for the British workforce.

Brian said: “Before the takeover, Ms Rosenfeld said that the UK would be a net beneficiary in job terms. Yet when she visited Bournville last year she said that it was hard to say whether the merger would result in a net loss or gain.”

“Since Kraft has taken over they have made 150 redundancies on 4th March, further redundancies from Cheltenham Headquarters in May before moving key roles to Zurich in December.”

“I understand that Kraft are going to honour the commitment to manufacturing in the UK and will not make any compulsory redundancies until March of 2012 but it is regretful that they could not extend that commitment today.”

“Cadbury has been operating in the UK for over 180 years and is of vital importance to both its employees and the nation. They have a rich history built on extremely ethical foundations- believing in the view that everyone within the company is important and Kraft must recognise that fact when considering changes to the organisation.”

MP impressed by Northampton school boy

2011-03-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has written to Northampton School Boy, Zukhruf Naji, to congratulate him making the finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition taking place at the Big Bang (UK Young Scientists’ and Engineers’ Fair) at the ExCel Centre in London.

Zukhruf will present the project “What value does testing for individual epitopes add to a positive peanut slgE result?” The event precedes National Science and Engineering week and is just one of many events taking place throughout the UK.

Brian said: “I have written to Zukhruf ahead of the competition to congratulate him and wish him the best of luck when he comes to London to present his project.”

“I am extremely impressed that a young man like Zukhruf has taken such an intelligent approach to a very important issue.”

“I have always championed science as a subject at school and thereafter and have always been impressed with the work the British Science Association do to promote it. It is of course, the progression of scientific and engineering development and understanding of it which makes our world a better place to live.”

MP proud to improve trade links with China

2011-03-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP has spent the past week leading a delegation of the House of Commons BIS Select Committee in China on a very intensive programme to improve business relations with that Country.

Highlights of the visit included meeting with Mr. Yin Zhongqing, Vice Chairman of the National People’s Congress Foreign and Economic Affairs Committee and other Members of that Committee in the Great Hall of People.

Brian said: “Mr. Yin is one of the leading figures in Chinese politics. We got on exceptionally well and he talked of the importance of growing trade relations with Britain. I invited him to visit Britain to talk more about how we could do that.”

The delegation also met with Dr. Sun Yongfu, Director General of the European Affairs Department of the Ministry of Commerce.

Brian continued: “We talked about detailed issues surrounding bilateral trade and investment and hopefully furthering our relationship in that respect.”

The delegation then took a two hour flight from Beijing to Shanghai and had further meetings which included meeting with Patrick Zhong, Managing Director of Fosun, China’s largest privately owned industrial group, both of whom are investing in Britain and will be creating a sizeable number of jobs.

Brian said: “I also invited them to further meetings in London and I am looking forward to meeting them again to hopefully help with the formulation of the objectives.”

Other meetings throughout the trip included a meeting with the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation who are responsible for launching the new MG 6 in Britain next month and 2,000 are planned to be built at Longbridge this year rising to a possible 20,000 production in the longer term. This will create sizeable employment for one of Britain’s famous car manufacturing areas and the spin off for Northamptonshire component manufacturers will be very important.

The delegation also met with senior figures of leading British businesses operating China, including Diageo, British Sugar, Tesco, British Telecom and BP.

Brian said: “It was a real privilege to lead a delegation to China on behalf of the BIS Select Committee. The opportunities for British Companies, in particular small and medium sized businesses, are very real and I am hopeful jobs will be created in that sector in Britain but also in Northampton.”

“Opportunities for investment in China are considerable, but senior figures told us time and time again that companies must do their homework before they embark on commercial activities.”

“Relationships are very important and I am delighted that a number of senior people have accepted my invitation to visit Britain for further our discussions.”

MP concerned by rise in police complaints

2011-03-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has written to Chief Constable, Adrian Lee, expressing his concern about the rise in complaints against Northamptonshire Police in the year 2009-10.

Brian said: “Many people in Northamptonshire will be deeply concerned that the number of complaints regarding police behaviour in the County rose by 42% in 2009-10, an increase of more than five times the national figure.”

“I note that the IPCC Commissioner for Northamptonshire has stated that he will be discussing the matter with the Force in due course. Can I suggest that those discussions happen sooner rather than later?”

“I note that the County Constabulary argues that the increase is due to an improvement in the amount of information being dispersed to the general public about the complaints procedures, but this is happening throughout the Country does not explain such a large increase.”

“I have written to the Chief Constable to express my concerns, saying that I recognise that this apparent lack of good practice and decline in disciplinary standards should be laid at the door of his predecessors who clearly managed a Force where good habits and efficient control regimes were seemingly allowed to fall into disrepair, but I have suggested that is even more reason to undertake an early review of line management to ensure that standards improve. The people of Northampton deserve better than a seemingly ill disciplined Force in this respect.”

An Open letter to Mr Christos Pourgorides

2011-02-17T02:17:00.000-08:00

An Open letter to Mr Christos Pourgorides, Member of Parliamentary Committee of the Council of Europe and a Member of the Greek Cypriot delegation to the European Assembly

Dear Mr. Pourgourides,

I am sure I don’t need to remind you of the case of Mr Imad Al Khawaya, a British Medical Consultant, who was convicted in a British Court of assaulting two of his patients whilst they were under the influence of hypnosis some six years ago.

One of his victims, who suffered from multiple sclerosis and thereafter committed suicide before the trial, had given testimony to a legal officer which was properly allowed to be submitted to the Court as evidence.

The disgraced doctor thereafter appealed to the European Court of Human Rights who ruled that his human rights had been violated because he had not been able to cross examine the victim who had died and he was duly awarded compensation.

No wonder the remaining victim asked “where are my human rights.”

I could quote many other equally farcical judgements which have not only brought the Court into disrepute in the UK but across Western Europe but I am sure you are well aware of them.

Many of Britain’s most eminent jurists are now questioning the credibility of the Court.

The former Law Lord, Lord Hoffman, who has been widely quoted on the issue, has lately argued that the Court seems to be “laying down a federal law of Europe.”

Lord Phillips, head of our newly created Supreme Court, warned that Strasbourg faced defiance of its ruling’s unless it reconsidered some of them and Lord Hope added “we won’t lie down in front of what they tell us.”

Lord Judge, the Lord Chief Justice, said it would be wrong for the Court to be given precedence over Britain’s own courts.

These are serious lawyers voicing serious concerns and I could quote many more. You would do well to take them seriously yourself not least because you clearly value the efficacy of our institutions as your comments suggest. Consequently, to do otherwise would be illogical.

But the real concern doesn’t spring from the uttering’s of politicians or lawyers. It resounds in the voice of the people who are beginning to express distaste every time the ECHR hits the headlines and that concern doesn’t only relate to the Court but to the wider European institutions.

The foolishness of the Court regarding its seemingly apparent wish to micro manage all law vaguely related to Human Rights without thought for national practices or traditions is potentially damaging to the harmony of the E.U. itself.

The writers of the Convention, way back in the 1940’s, would have been horrified to learn of the extent to which the Court now feels it right to dabble in local matters and would be equally concerned at the way it seems to turn justice on its head and change perpetrators into victims.

The Convention was initially designed to ensure that the abhorrent abuses of European Dictators of the twentieth century would never be inflicted upon our peoples again and I am sure we all pay tribute to the Court for the work it has done in that respect over the years.

However, it’s time we paid heed to the expressions of the people themselves who are beginning to feel a little unnerved at the direction of travel the Court is now taking and the interpretations it is sometimes delivering.

It’s about time we recognised that the Court isn’t a perfect body above sanction but a Court of Law which operates with the assent of the people and not in spite of them.

Of course the ECHR plays an important role within British and European jurisprudence.

Of course its projection and protection of Human Rights is vital to our social wellbeing.

But, equally, the peoples representatives need to review and to fine tune the ECHR from time to time as they would with any other institution.

Perhaps the time has come to do just that whilst at the same time understanding that blind adherence to a faltering structure simply aids its demise. I am certain none of us want that point to be reached. Do we?

Yours Sincerely,

Brian Binley MP
UK Delegate of the Council of Europe

Review funding formula urges local MP

2011-02-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has again questioned the Police Minister over the funding Northamptonshire Police receives from the Government and the mechanism for doing so in yesterday’s police grant motion debate in the House of Commons.

Brian said: “May I remind the Minister that Northamptonshire Police’s grant funding will decrease by 5.1% next year, when it should have decreased by only 0.9%? That is due to the damping formula, under which Northamptonshire Police will lose £3.4 million in 2011-12 and a further £3.7 million in 2012-13. Will the Minister look at this matter for next year’s grant?”

In responding to Brian’s comments Police Minister, Nick Herbert MP said: “I have met with my Hon. Friend and his local Chief Constable. He knows that I consider the matter carefully, and he makes his point very well on behalf of his constituents.”

Despite a positive response from the Minister Brian is disappointed that Northamptonshire’s case appears to still be falling on deaf ears and Brian has taken further action and arranged a private meeting with Home Secretary, Teresa May MP later this month to discuss the matter further.

Brian said: “Northamptonshire police are sick and tired of being the whipping boys and heavily subsidising other forces throughout the country. I have continually fought for Northamptonshire on this matter and I will continue to do so.”

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet privately with Teresa May in the future and I will once again keep the pressure on for a fairer funding system for Northamptonshire.”

No compensation for Prisoners!

2011-02-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South sponsored an amendment in the House of Commons which “instructs the Government not to pay any compensation to prisoners and former prisoners in consequence of the maintenance of the current situation.”

The issue of prisoners voting rights is to be debated in the House of Commons tomorrow afternoon as a result of a backbench business committee proposal from former Home Secretary Jack Straw and former Shadow Home Secretary David Davis.

The issue has caused outrage amongst many Members of Parliament and Brian Binley’s Early Day Motion on the issue has now reached over 60 signatures with more to be added before tomorrow’s debate.

Brian said: “The ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of John Hirst vs. the United Kingdom has given a racist thug his fifteen minutes in the limelight and is highlighting all that is wrong with granting prisoners the right to vote.”

“He knows what it is all about, it’s the compensation, but he really doesn’t understand the relationship between the UK Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights.”

“But he is not alone in that. This battle is about the precedence of Westminster over European Institutions and we have to win otherwise our National Parliament will recede into irrelevance.”

Bring forward fuel stabiliser urges local MP

2011-02-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has hit out at the previous Labour Government’s fuel duty increases and called on the current Government to bring forward a fuel duty stabiliser in yesterdays opposition day debate in the House of Commons.

Brian said: “I have a message for the Economic Secretary from hauliers in my constituency, such as Wrefords and Butts. They understand what the Government needs to do to put the deficit right, but they urge him to do something that was in our manifesto, namely bring forward a stabiliser. They do not understand why we have not done it already."

Whilst interjecting on the cost of fuel prices for small and medium sized businesses Brian said: “I am concerned that the four increases in fuel duty are not as necessary as we were told by the then Government.”

A report compiled by the AA on the latest fuel pricing figures for the month of December 2010 shows that the average price of unleaded has now hit 122.1pence per litre and the cost of diesel 126.2 pence per litre, making British fuel prices amongst the highest in Europe.

Brian said: “We must help small and medium sized business now; they are vitally important and will provide the jobs growth that the growth agenda requires.”

MP Calls on Coroner to answer the question

2011-02-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has called on County Coroner, Anne Pember, to answer his question regarding the contribution Grade 4 pressure sores would have made to the deaths of five elderly residents at Parkside care home.

Brian said: “I would point out that you still haven’t answered the central question which was about the impact that grade 4 pressure sores would have had in these circumstances. I am told that they would have caused flesh rotting to the bone and a degree of blood poisoning which would have hastened the deaths of the people in question.”

“If neglect did cause those pressure sores it is understandable that it led to the questioning of your verdict. A letter putting my mind at rest on this issue would be very helpful.”

Brian continued: “I am grateful for your explanation of the finer points of the coronial system. However, those points do not detract from my major concern, that the Office of the Coroner should be more proactive in cases of this kind.”

“As a consequence, I have written to Health Secretary Andrew Lansley suggesting he look into this issue with his colleagues from the Justice Department to re-look at the role of the Coroner in modern day Britain and furthermore urging Coroners to be more proactive in cases of this kind.”

Labour Bad for Business, Bad for Northampton

2011-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has slammed the actions of the previous Labour Government as bad for business and bad for Northampton in yesterdays debate on the performance of the Business, Innovation and Skills Department in the House of Commons.

Brian said: “I could talk about many areas in which the previous Government failed the people of my constituency sizeably, but I want to make one particular claim, which is supported by information in the House of Commons library so nobody can question it.”

“The number of unemployment claimants in my constituency rose to 3,460 under Labour. That is 7.4% of the economically active working population. In 1997, my constituency was 440th among the 630 or so constituencies in terms of the highest proportion of claimants. It rose to 132nd under Labour.”

“There was such a big effect in Northampton, because 94% of the people who are in the private sector work in small and medium sized businesses. That is how much the previous government helped my constituents.”

Brian continued to criticise Labours business record stating: “There are a plethora of schemes the previous Government introduced with a shotgun effect. They were all good headline- catching schemes, but they forgot one thing. Often, it is not what one decides to do that matters within a given set of parameters, but the way it is managed.”

“Of course, the previous Government did not know anything about management, because most of them had not turned a penny in the real world in their lives. That experience is vital in understanding small and medium sized businesses.”

During the last quarter of 2010, manufacturing has grown at its fastest rate since records began in 1992 and that has led to Northampton becoming one of the fastest growing towns in the Country.

Brian said: “That has only happened since this Government came to power. They have created a new confidence and a new belief that we have a Government who help small and medium sized business.”

“I do however, make one plea to the Government, they need more cash to help the growth agenda. It is not happening and I ask the Secretary of State to put our money where our mouth is. If we do not, the growth agenda will be much more difficult to sustain.”

Binley sympathy for library closure

2011-02-03T03:58:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has expressed his sympathy at the closure of the local library in the St. James area of Northampton in response to a letter from John Connolly, Chair of St. James residents association.

Brian said: “Can I say that I have every sympathy with the concerns you expressed with regard to the closure of the library in St. James.”

“It is not my job to take part in an argument over budgetary decisions, but as I said I will fight for a fairer share of the cake for Northamptonshire.”

“I have written to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government expressing my concern at the low formula funding grant which has necessitated deeper cuts than would have other been the case, and I have asked for a meeting with him to discuss the matter further.”

Brian also said: “I will also urge local councillors to delay the closure of the library by a year to give you and your colleges a little more time to find viable ways of making the library more successful.”

“I would however, point out that some 307 people out of a catchment of 25,000 people used the library last year and therein lies the difficulty. There just isn’t enough footfall."

Binley Slams European Court

2011-01-27T04:32:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has spoken of the resentment felt in the UK at Europe’s ruling to force the Government to allow prisoners the right to vote.

Speaking in a debate at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg yesterday, Brian said: “The Court has delivered a ruling which virtually nobody in Britain aside from prisoners believes in -that prisoners should have the right to vote.”

“Many in Britain hold the opinion that the restriction of the right to vote for those who freely choose to place themselves outside the rule of law for their own personal gratification, gain or ambition is not a denial of Human Rights. It is a choice they make themselves.”

“Many constitutional experts have questioned the right of the Court to make such a ruling and the former Law Lord, Lord Hoffman, summed up their concerns arguing that it was not proper for a European Supranational Court to intervene in matters on which Member States of the Council have not surrendered their Sovereign Powers.”

“It touches on a wider problem; increasingly the actions of the Court are creating resentment, not just in my country but across the continent.”

“Polls show an increasing level of dissatisfaction which questions not only the credibility of the Court but of the E.U. itself and that needs to be recognised.”

“A political class which ignores the concerns of the people runs a great risk to itself. Perhaps this assembly needs to get round to facing up to those concerns before it’s too late."

Lessons must be learned

2011-01-25T07:33:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has written to Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley MP, with his views on the lessons which might be learned as a result of the incidents that occurred at Parkside care home in July and August 2009 following the Health Secretary’s letter to Brian asking for his recommendations.

Brian criticised the role the Care Quality Commission and Coroner played whilst the serious case review was being conducted stating:

“Both the Coroner’s office and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) seemed intent on defending their own positions.”

“The CQC went even further by attempting to change and delay the publication of the report and as a consequence created an aura of confusion which impacted heavily upon concerned relatives and friends at a time when a greater degree of sensitivity was needed.”

Brian then recommended that the series of on the spot inspections currently taking place in the nation’s hospitals be extended to care homes nationwide.

Brian said: “I applaud your efforts to improve standards in our hospitals and to hopefully ensure that regular quality inspections concentrate on the detail of care at the patient interface and are not seen as a self assessment, tick box process. It is however, evident that this was also the case with regard to the care quality inspections of care homes and I would therefore encourage you to extend that scheme to care homes nationwide.”

Finally, the Northampton South MP highlighted his concerns over the quality of practical care in our nations care homes.

Brian said: “It is clear that care providers have a duty to provide their staff with the effective training to enable them to do their jobs. If that is not available through Primary Care Trusts or local hospitals it must be sourced privately but many care homes are failing in that respect.”

“It is clear that a regular regime of the repositioning of the especially frail or elderly every 2 to 3 hours to avoid pressure sores was not undertaken, and indeed wider research suggests that the practice which was undertaken as a matter of course some thirty years ago has ceased to be an integral part of the culture of care in many homes.”

“It is the delivery of a detailed regime of care concentrating on those minor, but important matters which has become increasingly absent.”

Binley slams Local Government Settlement

2011-01-25T07:22:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has written to the Communities and Local Government Secretary, Eric Pickles MP, to voice his disappointment at the Local Government Grant settlement for Northamptonshire.

Brian said: “When you announced the Local Government Settlement to the House, I was one of many people who congratulated you on the lower than expected average size budgetary cuts in Government support for local Government".

“However, that feeling of goodwill evaporated like dew before the sun after the actual results for Northamptonshire were announced.”

The County Council had been working on a very worst case scenario of cuts of 12% this year and 6% in the following year and were stunned when the figure was in fact 12.6% this year and 7.5% the following year.

Brian said: “Northamptonshire was regularly ill treated by the previous Government which based its funding allocation partly on understated population figures for Northampton itself.”

“Those difficulties were further added to by the fact that Northamptonshire was a key component in the previous Government’s housing growth agenda.”

“It is clear that the current funding mechanism does not reflect the substantial growth that has already taken place because of the errors made by the Office of National Statistics and this has had a negative impact on the local authority’s budget and ability to deliver local services.”

In conclusion Brian urged the Secretary of State: “To commit himself to whole heartedly support the formula funding review; recognise the damage caused by the error made by the Office of National Statistics and meet with a delegation from Northamptonshire County Council to discuss ways of eradicating the deleterious effects inflicted upon them.”

Brian said: “I look forward to the Secretary of State’s positive response and the receipt of some dates for the suggested meeting with a delegation from Northamptonshire County Council.”

Binley Backs Free School

2011-01-18T08:01:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has received a letter from Education Secretary, Michael Gove MP, in which he informed Brian that Looking Glass Theatre Ltd. had been selected to progress to the next stage in the free schools process.

Free Schools are all-ability, state-funded schools and specifically focussed on providing high quality teaching to improve standards for all children, regardless of their background.

The Coalition Government has made it easier and actively encouraged charities, universities, businesses, educational groups, teachers and groups of parents to get involved and start their own schools.

Brian said: “I am delighted that Looking Glass Theatre Ltd. has taken the step of applying to set up their own free school. They aim to promote an all round education based on the National Curriculum whilst nurturing performing arts training.”

“I am particularly impressed by their ethos to create a small, friendly, family orientated school where children of all backgrounds can flourish.”

The next step in the proposal will be for Looking Glass Theatre Ltd. to make a fully detailed business case and set out the plan to open and operate the school.

Brian said: “I wish them all the very best with their proposal and I am hopeful that more free school proposals for Northampton will be forthcoming in the future.”

Michael Ellis, Member of Parliament for Northampton North, said:

“I’m delighted Looking Glass Theatre are hoping to open a Free School in Northampton. I’m looking forward to attending their first production!”

A New Iran policy

2010-12-28T04:09:00.000-08:00

So what will the number one Foreign Policy challenge be for the Obama Administration in 2011? The answer was perhaps given by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the in-coming House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman when she said that Iran was challenge “No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3.”

As the WikiLeaks’ revelations made clear, the entire Middle East from Israel to Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf countries are in a state of extreme anxiety over Iran’s policies. Their concern is not limited to the regime's determined efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, but also by its brutal and systematic violation of human rights, its persistent support for extremist and Islamic fundamentalist groups, and its determination to interfere in the affairs of other nations and especially Iraq.

The Obama Administration needs to realise that it’s “dual track” policy towards Iran of “diplomatic engagements and sanctions”, is not only incompatible with the situation, it is now directly counter productive.

The Administration’s attempt to engage with the Iranian regime have both been fruitless and completely divorced from reality. The State Department Doves have consistently advocated this failed policy out of a mistaken view that the regime in Teheran was powerful and stable and they consequently argued that the only plausible option was to cut a deal with the Mullah’s regime and ignore it’s opponents. Events have proved the Doves to be wrong.

The anti Government protests which began in 2009 have consistently highlighted the weakness of their case and proved the opposite to be true. They repeatedly exposed a regime which was fragmented, devoid of a sound political base and fiercely opposed by a generation of young men and women who yearn for freedom and overwhelmingly support the demands of organised resistance for internal regime change.

Ahmadinajhad’s ruthless regime has not only failed to stop the unrest, it has exacerbated internal schisms and underlined the regimes weaknesses.

The new realities call for a new policy on Iran.

The time has come to adopt internal regime change as the US policy on Iran. That is not to call for US military intervention, it is a call to stand at the side of the Iranian people and their organized resistance to bring about democratic change.

Last week, at an international conference in Paris, dozens of political figures and former high-ranking officials from the U.S., Europe, and Arab countries, including Rudolph Giuliani, former mayor of New York City; Frances Townsend, advisor to president George W. Bush on Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; Michael Mukasey, former Attorney General; and Tom Ridge, former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, urged the international community to adopt a new approach towards the Iranian regime and the threats it poses.

As a first step they all called on the American Government to remove the Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI/MEK), the main opposition movement, from the State Department’s proscribed list of foreign terrorist organisations.

The PMOI which supports the overthrow the present Iranian government and the establishment of a democratic secular government, has been on the list since 1997, when the Clinton administration put it there in a bid to secure closer cooperation with Teheran. The results of this approach are now clear.

Calling the designation a “disgrace,” Giuliani said the US should act enthusiastically on the side of the PMOI and its objectives.

Townsend reiterated “the greatest single step … the United States Government can take to really put pressure on the Iranian regime and enable change is by delisting the PMOI. We should do that because the listing is not warranted by the evidence that is both public nor is justified by anything that is classified.”

In July, a U.S .Federal Appeals Court challenged the basis of this designation and ordered the State Department to reconsider its decision. The UK and European Union removed the PMOI from their list of prescribed terrorist organizations in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

Removing the terrorist tag would gain considerable support in Congress. A bipartisan group of more than 110 members sponsored a House resolution calling for the delisting of the PMOI only recently.

The blacklisting of the PMOI has not only restricted the main Iranian opposition, it has positively encouraged the Mullah’s regime to more vigorously suppress its opponents, especially PMOI supporters, inside Iran. Its proxies in Iraq exploit the label to justify threats to Camp Ashraf in Iraq, where 3,400 members of the organization live. In July 2009, the camp came under attack by Iraqi forces at the behest of Teheran. Eleven people died, all of them unarmed and designated “protected persons” under the Fourth Geneva Convention, and 500 were wounded. The listing therefore puts the lives of these people at risk.

As Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance put it, "The correct solution to the Iranian problem is regime change, a democratic change by the Iranian people and Resistance. This is the defining factor in the Iranian equation. Thus, any policy that blocks the Resistance ignores the most important factor for change in Iran and protects the regime.”

When Iranians need all the resources at their disposal to bring about change, the unjust designation sends the wrong message to the brave Iranians who regularly take to the streets asking “Obama, Obama, are you with them or with us?”

It is now time to answer with a clear message. “We are with you.”

Motion to further highlight Shared Parenting Issue

2010-12-15T06:14:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) to further his calls for shared parenting orders which enhance the welfare of a child.

The Early Day Motion is designed to further highlight the issue and also to gauge support in the House of Commons for a Shared Parenting Bill.

Brian has continually raised the issue of shared parenting as he believes that it is of vital importance that Children have the love and support of both parents in their development.

Brian recently sponsored a Ten Minute Rule Motion which enabled grandparents access rights to their grandchildren and both Brian’s Shared Parenting Orders Bill and the Ten Minute Rule Motion are due to have their second readings in the Commons on Friday 17th June 2010.

Brian said: “I have tabled the motion to further raise awareness of this extremely important issue.”

“I am hopeful that my colleagues in the House will recognise the importance of this issue and its wider impact within society and support this EDM.”

The Early Day Motion was supported by 5 other MP’s including Edward Leigh, Graham Stuart, Craig Whittaker, David Blunkett and Douglas Carswell.

MP calls on coroner to act in public interest

2010-12-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has called on County Coroner, Anne Pember to act in the public interest and hold an enquiry into the deaths of five elderly residents at Parkside Care Home in Northampton.

In his letter Brian said: “We are both public servants who have a duty to respond to the public when the quality of service we provide is questioned.”

Brian continued: “Could you also do me the courtesy of telling me why you dismissed my request, not for an open inquest as you erroneously state in your letter, but for an enquiry into the matter which would enable you to provide a positive response which could be aired in the media to quell the serious concerns expressed.”

Brian went on to state that the letters he received from the Care Quality Commission and Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley MP, were constructive and incidentally did not carry a “Private and Confidential” appellation and both will be passed to the media and has requested that the Coroner acts in a similar manner.

MP backs grandparent’s access rights

2010-12-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has supported a Ten Minute Rule Motion in the House of Commons which enabled grandparent’s access rights to their grandchildren.

The Motion is similar in its nature to the Shared Parenting Orders Bill tabled by Brian in July which called for shared parenting orders to enhance the welfare of a child, which is due to have its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday 17th June 2011.

Brian said: “Grandparents can play a vital role in the development of their grandchildren.

“Some 1.3 million families in England use grandparents as the primary source of care for around 1.8 million children offering a saving of an estimated £4.8 billion a year given the average cost of child care.”

“Very often Court Orders are made without the knowledge of the importance of grandparent’s and fathers involvement and this motion and my bill will make sure that no parent or grandparent is shut out from a child’s life.”

“I hope that the Motion will go some way to addressing the problems we currently face in our society.”

Skills vital for growth

2010-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South delivered a keynote speech to the National Forum of Engineering Centres at their annual conference in his role as vice chairman of the BIS Committee select committee.

Speaking to a sizeable group of delegates from the engineering and manufacturing sector during the first speech of the conference in Coventry, Brian praised the Government for the good work it is doing, although said more needed to be done if it was to achieve its growth figures.

Amongst the delegates were Heads of Faculties, Deans of Colleges and Programme Managers from Private Companies like Toyota, who were particularly praised for their latest diploma training scheme.

Brian continued to praise the role the forum has played over the last 17 years and said they have a vital role to play in the future of skills training.

Brian said: "I am delighted to be the keynote speaker at this event. We are facing a critical time in how we view skills training and there were a lot of good questions from the forum in light of the launch of the BIS departments latest report: Skills for economic growth a couple of weeks ago."

Brian continued: "Good things are happening but more needs to be done if we are to produce a high quality, skills based economy capable of producing the growth we need to ensure the success of the budget strategy."

MP meets CWU General Secretary

2010-11-26T02:01:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South met with the General Secretary of the Communication Workers Union, Billy Hayes to discuss the Postal Service’s Bill currently going through the House of Commons.

The meeting follows local disagreements with the Communication Workers Union who accused Brian of not consulting with the opinions of his constituents.

Brian said: “I was pleased to meet with Billy Hayes, on the basis that I am always ready to support the postal workers at the coalface.”

“The meeting was extremely productive and the General Secretary put his argument to me in a much more mature manner than the local branch of the CWU - who felt it was necessary to play childish games.”

Brian has agreed to raise some of the unions concerns in the House and will continue to listen to the opinions of his constituents by attending a public meeting on Saturday 4th December at St. James Working Men’s Club.

Brian said: “I will be raising some of their concerns in the House of Commons through Parliamentary Questions and I would like to reassure my constituents of Northampton South that I am fully aware of both sides of the argument.”

Binley selected to Council of Europe

2010-11-19T02:06:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has been selected as a full member of the Council of Europe in a written statement by the Prime Minister.

The Council of Europe was set-up in 1949 and is now made up of 47 member states with the primary purpose of the Council to achieve greater unity between its member states and safeguard the principles of individual freedom, political liberty and the rule of law.

As a result of his membership of the Council Brian will be attending quarterly meetings of the Council across Europe and be engaged in debate with policy makers from all corners of the European Union.

The first meeting is in Paris at the end of November and Brian has been selected to serve on the economic affairs and development committee.

Brian said: “I am delighted to be confirmed as a full member of the European Council as there was extremely high demand amongst Members and it is a fantastic honour.”

“I am looking forward to representing Britain at the Council meetings and it provides me with an excellent opportunity to engage with other policy makers from across Europe and exchange opinions on a wide range of issues.”

“I will be fighting for a roll back of the Human Rights Act and against an over mighty European Union.”

High Street bank let local business down

2010-11-19T02:03:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has called on Chancellor George Osborne to do more to end unacceptable bank practices which undermine the Governments growth strategy during Treasury Questions in the House of Commons yesterday.

Lionverge, a local Northampton company employing 80 people had an overdraft facility of £70,000 pounds backed up with £130,000 in security.

A new manager was recently appointed and in August Barclays bank wrote to the company demanding a doubling of the security, immediately cutting the overdraft by £20,000 pounds with further cuts of £10,000 pounds per month to end the facility. The company had not defaulted and no further options were offered.

Brian said: “I didn’t expect the Chancellor to say much but he did say businesses should not be treated like this, which was very good.”
“It seems a new bank manager had come in who was very risk averse and wanted to clear his portfolio of anything he didn’t find acceptable. That’s not the job of a bank manager. I congratulate Lionverge for allowing this to be brought to wider attention.”

Brian again raised the issue of bank lending to small and medium sized businesses during Questions to the Prime Minister today and has pledged to continue to fight the corner of small and medium sized businesses.

Brian said: “I was encouraged by the responses I received from Both the Chancellor and the Prime Minister and it is clear that the banks can do more to help small and medium sized businesses.”

“I will continue to fight for the SME sector as it is of vital importance to Northamptonshire where 94% of people who work in the private sector work in small and medium sized businesses like Lionverge.”

Binley to Chair Freelance Group

2010-11-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has been elected as the Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Freelance sector during its inaugural meeting in the House of Commons yesterday.

There was evidence of cross party support at the meeting with Jim Dowd being elected as Treasurer, Stephen Gilbert as Secretary and Stephen Hammond as Vice Chairman.

It is hoped that the Group will act as a bridge between the freelance community and policy makers which will highlight the contribution that freelancers make to our economy.

Brian said: “I am delighted to have been elected as Chairman of this group. Freelancers play a vital role within our economy and often their efforts go largely unnoticed.”

“I am hopeful that this group can bring together freelancers across all different industries with the common aim of improving the conditions they are faced with.”
The Secretariat for the Group will be provided by PCG, drawing on its position as the UK organisation representing the nation’s 1.4 million freelancers.

Victory for Dutch Smokers

2010-11-09T04:04:00.000-08:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has again called on the Government to hold its promise of reviewing the smoking ban in light of the decision made in Holland to allow some pubs to reintroduce smoking.

Smokers in Holland will soon be allowed to light up in small owner operated bars that are less than 753.5 square feet in diameter and have no other members of staff.

The Dutch Government also cancelled the 280 fines accumulated during a campaign of civil disobedience by smokers and bar owners.

Brian said: “The Dutch Government held their promise and reviewed the smoking ban two years after its implementation.”

“The British Government must change their approach to this issue and review the matter as the previous Government said that it would. I am delighted by the decision in Holland to allow smokers back into the pub and it is a good sign for the mounting campaign in Britain.”

Prisoners should not have voter’s rights

2010-11-03T04:07:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to ensure that prisoners do not receive the right to vote.

Brian tabled the EDM following the strength of feeling in the House of Commons today when MP’s interjected during the Urgent Question from Shadow Justice Secretary Sadiq Kahn.

Brian said: “There was a clear strength of feeling from all sides of the House today, with many MP’s expressing their concerns that rapists, murderers and paedophiles may have the right to vote.”

“When a person commits a crime they need to understand that the consequence of their actions leads to them forgoing some of their civil liberties and the right to vote is certainly one of those privileges.”

The motion states: “That this House believes that if a crime is serious enough to warrant a term of imprisonment, then the perpetrator must forgo certain civil liberties, including the right to suffrage. That this House further recognises that the right to vote does not aid the rehabilitation of a prisoner and is a privilege that should be exclusively reserved for law abiding citizens.”

Five other Members have supported the motion including William Cash MP, Graham Stuart MP, Martin Vickers MP, Jim Cunningham MP and Alan Meale MP.

MP called to chair bingo group

2010-11-01T02:28:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has been elected as Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Bingo at its AGM held in the House of Commons on Tuesday 26th October 2010.

The group intends to heighten the profile of the bingo industry within parliament and provide an active forum where MP’s can be kept informed of developments and issues within the industry.

Brian said: “I am delighted to have been elected as chair of the APPG on Bingo. I have consistently called for a fairer taxation system for bingo halls in light of the social importance and that issue is a top priority for the group.”

“You cannot underestimate the importance of Bingo halls in the United Kingdom and I have been saddened by the closure of so many clubs over the last five years.”

New Labour MP Luciana Berger, elected as Secretary of the Group, said:
"Bingo was a big issue on the doorstep ahead of this year's election, which is why I pledged that if I was elected I would help the bingo industry reduce its tax burden. I am proud to have supported the bingo industry in the past but am now grateful that this new All Party Group has been formed to help drive the campaign forwards."

Other officers of the Group include Conservatives Edward Timpson and Rob Halfon as Vice Chairs and Liberal Democrat John Hemming as Treasurer.

The Group's secretariat will be provided by Luther Pendragon. A spokesman for Luther suggested the Group would be meeting several times each year, including trips to bingo clubs and a reception in Parliament, and would also be asking ministers from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as well as the Treasury to address it.

Binley calls on Government to Sort it Out

2010-10-29T01:30:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has called for “a massive change” in the way the Royal Mail Group is managed during yesterday’s debate on the Postal Services Bill in the House of Commons.

Brian said: “The Post Office is a bust flush. Its management needs rejuvenating, its workforce is demoralised and its pension fund is in a massive deficit. If that does not add up to a company that is totally off the rails, then I don’t know what does.”

Poor workforce relations at Royal Mail are well documented and the relationship between management and the Unions remains difficult.

Brian said: “The lesson should go out to the whole House that bringing in from private sector people who are sometimes seen as bully boys is not in the best way to produce good industrial relations.”
Appealing to Postal Services Minister, Ed Davey, to encourage a higher quality of management Brian said: “The truth is that the success of the Post Office will revolve around better relationships with the workers, better modernisation and removing the great pension fund burden.”

“Any new management must recognise that the whole market place has moved so quickly that there are very many opportunities, but it will take creativity, courage and bravery on the part of that management to achieve the success that the organisation is capable of.”

“Can I urge the Minister to explain how he intends to attract the high quality management which is so central to the success of the operation?”

MP calls for review of care home deaths

2010-10-25T02:18:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has written to the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley MP and urged him to look into the deaths of five elderly residents at Parkside House Residential Care Home him as a matter of urgency.

In his letter Brian stated: “The conclusions of the report found the residents had suffered ‘Severe Neglect’ at the hands of staff and you will therefore understand just how serious this case is.”

“The case is made worse by the fact the home had been inspect by the Care Quality Commission in November of 2008 when it was judged to be adequate.”

Brian continued: “Secondly, There is good reason to believe that the Care Quality Commission tried to delay the publication of the serious case review and I have it on good authority that attempts were made to water down the findings of that review.”

Brian also criticised the role of the Coroner: “Despite the fact that evidence suggested ‘severe neglect’ no inquest was held into the deaths, no details were released at the time, and a verdict of natural causes was recorded.”

“The Coroners job is to protect the general public and to raise the profile of any misdemeanours which may be taken up with the relevant bodies. This didn’t happen and the public were let down in that respect.”

Brian has written to both the Care Quality Commission and the County Coroner to ask for a full explanation of their actions and for both authorities to seriously look at the case again as a matter of urgency.

MP “WEARS IT PINK” for Cancer Campaign

2010-10-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South is joining 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.

Brian said: “Every year in the UK, over 45,500 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women. Although it is rare, men can also suffer from breast cancer, with around 300 men diagnosed each year.”

“I know people who have lost friends and family members to the disease and I would like to encourage everyone in my constituency of Northampton South 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.

MP calls for fairer force funding

2010-10-20T08:38:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South continued his campaign for a fairer funding system for Northamptonshire Police when he headed a delegation from the County which met with Policing Minister Nick Herbert MP yesterday.

Brian said: “Yesterdays meeting was a great chance for the County Constabulary to put its case directly to the Minister; it was of particular importance because of the pending Comprehensive Spending Review which could further disadvantage the County’s Police Force.”

Northamptonshire Police has lost £1.884 million pounds over the last three years because of the way formula grant funding and damping are calculated.

Brian said: “The Minister welcomed the Police Forces commitment for change and recognised the savings it has already made and assured me that they are looking very hard into this case.”

Brian continued: “I am confident that there will be changes in the future which will mean Northamptonshire will be less disadvantaged and I urged the Minister to consider a tapering system.”

MP backs motion calling for smoking ban review

2010-10-15T02:54:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has once again called on the Government to review the smoking ban in pubs and working men’s members clubs.

Brian was a sponsor of a Bill in the House of Commons yesterday which called for a review and which was narrowly defeated by 141 votes to 86, a margin of only 55 votes.

Brian said: “The Bill stood little chance of being approved by the House but a Ten Minute Rule Motion gives the tabling Members an opportunity to gauge what support there is for the issue within the House.”

“It is clear that there is a sizeable amount of support in the House for a review of the smoking ban in pubs and clubs. 86 Members voted in favour of a review and my EDM also has a large number of supporters.”
Brian has pledged to continue to push the Government for a review of the smoking ban claiming that:

“The former Health Minister, John Reid MP, promised that a review would be held three years after the implementation of the ban but the Government is now saying that it has no plans to do so. That denial is simply unacceptable.”

“Seven pubs a day are going out of business and 2000 clubs have gone to the wall and there is a drastic need of help. Smokers can be fully accommodated in pubs and clubs in segregated smoking areas or rooms if suitable, effective extraction systems are installed. In other words we can achieve the same result with a less draconian approach whilst not turning all smokers into second class citizens”

“I also believe strongly that landlords should have the freedom to choose whether or not they want to accommodate smokers within their pubs and as a result this could really help the Trade.”

Get Banks Lending to Business

2010-10-14T02:51:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has called on the Government to do more to improve bank lending to small businesses during the second reading of the Finance Bill in the House of Commons.

Brian said: “The situation for many small and medium sized businesses is dire.”

“Figures produced by the Bank of England claim that lending to businesses increased by 0.9% in August, but if we dig a little deeper, we find that a large proportion of those loans were issued in foreign currency, and actual lending in pounds sterling decreased by £400 million.”

“The truth of the matter is that banks are lending less than they were 12 months ago.”

Brian is especially concerned that bank lending could be further damaged if the Basel Committee’s recommendations are implemented in December, which would require banks to build up their capital asset base, taking more money out of the economy at a time when business needs access to working capital to finance growth.

Creating better lending conditions for small and medium sized business will grow the jobs and produce the wealth the country so desperately needs and is especially vital to Northampton which experienced one of the fastest growing unemployment rates under the previous Labour Government.

Brain said: “Research suggests that 24% of businesses are struggling to come to terms with current increases in the cost of money and the new capital requirements will compound that situation.”

Brian continued: “The Government needs to recognise that the new capital requirements called for by global regulators should be balanced, and their implementation should be sensibly programmed to ensure real money is made available to support growth in the SME sector.- if that means getting tough with the banks then so be it.”

Brian also called on the Government need to go even further: “They need to provide greater choice and competition in the high street, particularly in the banking sector.”

“I appeal to the Chancellor to talk straight, talk tough and talk honestly to the banks, many of which we now own. They have a responsibility, not only because we bailed them out, but because they were a major factor in getting us into trouble. "

“The message should be heard loud and clear that banks should face up to their responsibilities and recognise that it really is time they came to the aid of our nation.”

MP gets commitment from Home Secretary

2010-09-09T04:49:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP received a commitment from Home Secretary, Teresa May, to meet with a delegation from Northamptonshire Police about the effects formula funding is having on the County’s police force.

Over the past year Brian has consistently pressured the Government into reviewing the formula grant funding and damping mechanism which has cost Northamptonshire’s Police Force £1.884 million pounds over the last three years.

Brian said: “My right Hon. Friend will be aware that Northamptonshire people will have little to thank the previous Government for. They reviewed the formula funding in a way that benefited the County and then failed to implement it.”

“They admitted that the population figures used were incorrect but failed to act on them and they cheated Northamptonshire police out of millions of pound per year. On that basis will my right Hon. Friend meet with a delegation from Northamptonshire and, I hope, talk about formula funding?”

The Home Secretary responded stating she or the Police Minister would be happy to meet such a delegation.

Brian said: “I am delighted by this commitment. For too long now Northamptonshire police and the people of Northamptonshire have received a raw deal when it comes to policing and this must be addressed.”

“It also gives Northamptonshire police the opportunity to directly stake their claim to the Government on the needs of the force which has suffered massively under Labour.”

“I will continue to fight for a fairer funding formula and this is only the first step towards ensuring Northamptonshire police gets the funding it badly needs.”

Ministerial Visit to Northampton

2010-09-01T09:05:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South is delighted that Bob Neill MP and Minister in the Department of Communities and Local Government has agreed to visit Northampton on Friday (3rd September) to discuss local planning and development issues.

Bob Neill visited the County prior to the election and spoke to a public meeting on the issue of the JPU’s suggested plans to build 18,000 new homes south of Northampton. He promised to return to the town as soon as possible after the General Election if a new Government was elected.

Brian said: “I am delighted that Bob has kept his promise and will return to Northampton to discuss the town’s future development.”

“This is further good news for Northampton following last months announcement that £9.3 million pounds worth of infrastructure funding has been granted by the Government to develop the Ransom Road area of the town.”

Bob Neill will attend meetings with the County’s local MP’s, Council Leaders and Planning Portfolio holders before trips to the WNDC, Northampton Saints Rugby Club and Northampton Town Football Club.

Brian said: “I am delighted that Bob has agreed to visit Northampton to discuss a number of planning and development issues which affect the County as a whole.”

“Amongst the issues we hope to discuss are Northampton Town Centre and the Government’s plans for protecting Greenfield sites by building on brownfields first.

“We also hope to discuss the future of the WNDC and the current housing situation together with planning issues.”

Councils not doing enough for Small Businesses

2010-09-01T09:03:00.000-07:00
“I have been very disappointed with the Borough and County Councils timid approach to placing work with small businesses within the County.” said Brian Binley MP following responses to his letters which didn’t answer his question regarding the percentage of total spend on contracts which had been granted to small and medium sized businesses in the County.

Brian has been fighting for a better deal for small and medium sized businesses for over two years, arguing that too many tender opportunities have gone to big ‘out of County’ companies.

Brian said: “Until the Councils can answer this question, I will continue to believe that both Councils don’t really bother about employment in the County or the health of its small and medium sized businesses.”

“The Government has set a 23% target for awarding contracts to SMEs and I am concerned that neither Council is taking the matter seriously enough.”

“Both Councils need to do more to support Northamptonshire’s small and medium sized businesses which accounts for 94% of private sector employment in the County.”

The only way out of the present financial crisis is to create more jobs and earn more for the Country and in Northamptonshire that means supporting the small business sector. We all know that it is the sector which will grow the most jobs and both Councils are failing to help those businesses in the way they should.

Brian said: “Every time ‘out of County’ companies are awarded contracts more money and employment opportunities which are lost to local people.”

“Northampton has one of the fastest growing rates of unemployment. When Labour came to office Northampton was 440th in the long list of areas of unemployment. We rose to 132nd in that list under Labour.”

“If we are to grow the jobs we need it is vital that the small and medium sized business sector in Northamptonshire is strong and both Councils really need to get off their backsides and do something about it if we are to get people back to work.”

Brian continued: “I am going to write to both Councils again and urge them to produce reports, every four months, so that the situation can be monitored more effectively and we can ensure that small businesses in Northamptonshire are receiving their fair share of local contracts.”

Brian Binley backs campaign to save local businesses

2010-08-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South was visited by NFRN (National Federation of Retail Newsagents) President Parminder Singh and Northamptonshire County Councillor and Local Business Owner Suresh Patel yesterday to discuss the major concerns facing shopkeepers.

Highlighted issues included crime, planning, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the vital role retailers will play in the regeneration of the UK economy and local communities.

In support of the industry and a return to common sense policy making, Mr Binley cited the impending tobacco display ban as a priority piece of legislation that must be repealed. The ban, which was introduced by the previous administration under opposition from both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, will cost retailers on average £1,000 each to become compliant. With a dwindling sector of 70,000 SMEs that sell tobacco, the new coalition government is asking them to collectively pay a staggering £70m to implement the proposals that will have no public health gain.

Northampton Sotuh MP, Mr Binley, commented:

“The tobacco display ban will be to independent retailers, what the tobacco ban was to local pubs and clubs: a final nail in the coffin heralding a death knell of our local high streets. Once the pubs, clubs and small shops shut down, it will be nigh on impossible to recover them and our nation of shop keepers, will be gone for good. This loss, at the ‘heart’ of our communities, has a direct correlation with the decline in the sense, identity and cohesion of our local area.”

NFRN president, Parminder Singh, said:

“We had a very encouraging meeting with Mr Binley, and the NFRN welcomes his refreshing and sensible approach to government. There is no evidence that a tobacco ban has reduced levels of adolescent or adult smoking in any country where it has been implemented. Britain’s once-famous high streets are clearly an endangered species and yet the coalition government has not fulfilled its pre-election commitments to repeal the ban. This is clearly a ludicrous situation, with all the positive rhetoric of the Great Repeal Bill and the Big Society, not been taken into account. SMEs want to work with the government and the NFRN remains hopeful that the coalition government will be the defenders of this vital sector. Most importantly, retailers are calling on the government to repeal this legislation expeditiously, as they seek certainty and reassurance now more than ever. The NFRN is delighted that Mr Binley is both willing and eager to work with us, and we look forward to working with, and tapping into, his wealth of political experience to protect our small shops.”

Northampton County Councillor and Local Business Owner, Suresh Patel, added:

“As a local retailer, I am on the front line of ensuring that children in my local community do not buy tobacco from my shop, and I am certainly not atypical of the vast majority of responsible retailers across the countries who have long been taking part in proactive schemes to restrict access to adolescents, such as NoIDNoSale and Citizencard. Retailers do not need more legislation penalising them – retailers need government support on the ground to tackle the issues of youth smoking through measures, including cracking down on smugglers and counterfeiters, and those who purchase tobacco for minors.”

MP welcomes partnership proposal

2010-08-12T04:59:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has welcomed the announcement that the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) and Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited (NEL) are to establish a joint-Member steering group to identify ways of working together.

Brian said: “It is well know that the WNDC will cease to exist in its present form within the next 36 months and that local planning decisions will be returned to District and Borough Councils.”

“This still leaves a massive hole in strategic planning and I believe that role should be taken up by a body at County level, which has the flexibility to work with other Counties on a ‘needs’ basis.”

Brian continued: “If the present Government is to achieve its budgetary aims, the major element of that success will be dependant upon growth in the private sector and especially with small and medium sized businesses.”

“It therefore seems eminently sensible that the concept of economic growth and strategic planning should proceed hand in hand at county level.”

It is also hoped that the closer working partnership between the WNDC and NEL could symbolise a break from the current planning culture and lead to a more creative and less bureaucratic planning system which offers better value for money.

Brian said: “I hope that this will put an end to some of the crazy proposals for Northamptonshire. John Prescott’s plans to build 18,000 new homes on greenfield sites to the south of Northampton are now clearly dead and the Ransome Road development which will create upto 2,000 new homes on a brownfield site clearly shows the way forward.”

“It should also mean the end of the JPU who were the architects of the foolish plan to build a community the size of Daventry on a greenfield site when all of our local housing needs can be satisfied by building on brownfields within the Borough.”

It is hoped that Bob Neill MP, Minister in the Department of Communities and Local Government, will echo many of these sentiments when he visits Northampton at the end of August/ beginning of September.

Brian said: “A number of planning issues remain in our County and it is important that Minister’s are kept up to speed with the County’s issues so that they make the best decisions for Northampton.”

“Bob promised to re-visit Northampton after the election to discuss the future of the WNDC and I hope that he will take as favourable view as I have done with the announcement of the new working partnership between the two organisations.”

“I believe it would be foolish to completely throw away the considerable experience that both organisations have gained over recent years.”

MP calls for fair play bingo

2010-08-11T04:33:00.000-07:00

Brian Binley MP for Northampton South visited Beacon Bingo last Friday (6th August) to investigate further how the industry is being damaged by excessive and unfair taxation.

It is widely recognised that bingo clubs play an important role within their communities, bringing people together and aiding social inclusion. Despite this, bingo clubs remain subject to a higher rate of taxation (20% Gross Profit Tax) than other forms of gambling, including online bingo (15%) and high street bookmakers (15%).

During the visit, Brian signed the Bingo Bond which promises to: “Continue to fight for a fair bingo tax and to do all within my power to help and support the industry.” This shows his commitment to help reduce the burden of taxation on the bingo industry.

Steve Young from Beacon Bingo said he was delighted that Brian had visited his local club. Steve said: “We appreciate Brian taking time out of his busy schedule to visit his local club and talk to staff about the social importance of bingo and its place in the local community.”

“Hopefully by seeing the positive effect the bingo club has, he will be a keen supporter of bingo in the future, and his signing of the Bingo Bond is a great starting point for this.”

Brian said: “This is the second time I have visited Beacon bingo following up on my visit during the election. I have consistently campaigned for a fairer taxation system for bingo players.”

Brian continued: “The rise in bingo tax is simply unacceptable. Most of the people who play bingo use it as an opportunity for social interaction.”

“Bingo is one of the least damaging forms of gambling and yet it pays one of the highest rates of taxes. The previous Government created 24 hour casinos and wanted to place more of them in many of our large cities and towns even though all the evidence suggested they were one of the most damaging forms of gambling. Yet they placed a granny tax on bingo enthusiasts.”

“It seems to me that the previous Government did not understand which forms of gambling causes our society the most problems but it certainly isn’t bingo. Our taxation system needs to recognise that.”

Councils can benefit from Community Foundation

2010-08-11T04:30:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South paid a visit to the Northamptonshire Community Foundation on Wednesday 4th August 2010 to gain an understanding of how Councils can benefit from their work.

The Foundation founded in 2002 is headed by Chairman David Laing and is a registered charity which channels funds for 58 foundations to over 120 named charity organisations including work on behalf of Northamptonshire County Council, WNDC, philanthropists and charities.

Brian said: “I believe that Local Councils can benefit hugely from using the foundation to distribute local grant money.”

“I have written to the Acting Chief Executive at Northamptonshire County Council, Paul Blantern, urging him to pursue even closer working relations with this organisation.”

The Foundation distributes money from anyone to anyone but more importantly they monitor where the money is going through proper parameters and administration procedures.

Brian said: “I was particularly impressed with the Foundations ability to monitor where the money was going and how it is being spent and I believe this could be of particular value to the local councils.”

“Local Government would do well to remember at a time when we need to get more for our money what a fantastic option this could for them.”

To date the Foundation has distributed £4.5 million pounds, with the smallest grant handled at £400 pounds and the largest up to £20,000 pounds with the average being around £3,500 pounds.

Brian said: “I was extremely impressed with the operation at the Foundation. And I would urge local authorities to use this foundation to distribute Local Government money to charities and projects.”

“The Foundation ensures that the money sent to charities at local level is being used effectively and properly and therefore ensures that both charities and local authorities are getting value for money and spending wisely.”

MP’s Delight at Government approval

2010-08-05T06:07:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South is delighted that the Government has approved funding for vital junction improvements between Northampton’s London Road and Ransome Road. The work will boost capacity and improve safety at the junction, while kick-starting new development at a key town centre site.

The news comes following visits from Housing Minister, Grant Schapps MP and Bob Neill MP, Minister in the Department for Communities and Local Government, to Northampton over the election period and it is the first project of its kind to receive grant funding from the new Government.

Brian said: “I am delighted that the funding for this project has been secured. I have fought hard for this outcome and believe the town will benefit immensely.”

Brian continued: “I have been in discussions with Grant Schapps for some time and when we met before and after the election I stressed to him just how vitally important this project was for Northampton and that really helped influence his decision.”

“Northampton has been in the background for too long and it is about time the town started getting the investment it badly needs and deserves from government.”

The redevelopment of Ransome Road is crucial to the future development of Northampton and as a brownfield site its redevelopment helps to protect the greenfields surrounding Northampton.

Brian said: “We promised during the election we would favour browfield developments over greenfields and that is exactly what we have done.”

“A number of planning issues still remain and I am working hard to ensure Bob Neill visits Northampton again to further underline the situation Northampton faces.”

“I am hopeful that this announcement will be the first of many for the people of Northampton.”

Northampton is in desperate need of decent housing and with the junction improvements to Ransome Road this opens up the potential for 400 new homes to be built in the area.

Brian said: “I know from my own surgeries how important housing is to many people in Northampton. This infrastructure money will help pave the way.”

MP backs calls for Pubs Minister

2010-08-04T06:12:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South and the Vice Chairman of the All Party Save the Pub Group has backed the groups call for a Pubs Minister.

Both Brian and the Group’s Chairman, Greg Mulholland MP have written to the Prime Minister to ask him to consider appointing a Minister because of the pressure the sector faces.

Pubs and clubs are coming under increasing pressure due to strained relations with pubcos, the economic downturn and the impacts of the smoking ban.

Brian said: “The Government has to recognise the importance of pubs and clubs to the nation’s social life and community well being.”

“The previous Government appointed a Minister and I see no reason as to why this Government should abolish that post.”

“Appointing a Minister for pubs and clubs would show that the Government is committed to enhancing the role pubs and clubs play in our communities.”

“7 pubs a day are going out of business and over 2,000 clubs have closed in the last two or three years and the industry is certainly in need of a helping hand from the Government.”

Save the Pub Group Backs Smoking Ban Review

2010-08-04T06:11:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South is delighted that the “save the pub” All Party Parliamentary Group has backed his Early Day Motion calling for “a thorough review of the smoking ban”.

Brian said: “The EDM has now collected around 30 signatures and this shows a sizeable amount of support for the campaign within Parliament.”

In the meeting on Tuesday 27th July, the Group questioned why the number of pub closures was so high and considered how a number of issues including the impact of below cost price selling of alcohol from supermarkets, the impact of the smoking ban and the Government’s alcohol taxation policy were affecting the pub trade.

Brian said: “Pubs are vital to the nation’s social life and community well being and they are really suffering at the moment for a number of reasons and we need to do everything we can to help them.”

“I am delighted to see the group have backed my EDM calling for a thorough review into the smoking ban, which will allow pubs and private members clubs to have segregated areas or smoking rooms provided that effective smoke extraction systems are installed.

“This too could really help the trade, but it also gives landlords the freedom of choice.”

Small Business still suffering

2010-07-26T02:30:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has again written to the Borough and County Councils to ask why so many Northamptonshire based SME’s are unable to win tender opportunities with the Local Councils.

“Many local businesses say they have failed to win local Government contracts which they contend have been placed with ‘out of County’ companies and I find that unacceptable” said Brian.

Brian has previously written to both Councils several times in the last two years to question the procurement process and the Council responded by stating it was committed to SME’s and would revise the current procurement policies to further improve the programme for SME’s.

In his letter Brian said: “I would be most grateful if you could let me know the results of those improvements and perhaps let me have a copy of those new policies.”

Brian also asked: “What percentage of the number of contracts and the percentage of the value of those contracts set against total spend have Northamptonshire contractors obtained over the past year from your council?” Furthermore: “What percentage of total spend has been set for both number of tenders and value of those tenders which the Council wishes to be taken up by genuine local contractors?”

Brian continued: “I am sure I don’t have to tell you that Northampton is almost totally dependent on the SME sector for private sector jobs and I equally don’t have to tell you that we have been one of the fastest growing areas of unemployment in the recent months and that has to be our concern.”

Brian went on to question the tendering and assessment process and suggested that there was evidence to the effect that local Councils were not acting within national guidelines:

“A number of small contractors in the building industry have said that the questions and format of scoring for the tender process are not in keeping with the national guidelines laid down in conjunction with national contractors and builders associations.”

Brian said: “Local jobs are vital to the well being of our County and our local Councils should recognise the importance of doing all they can to further local employment.”

Equitable Life policyholders must have justice

2010-07-26T02:28:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South questioned Treasury Minister Mark Hoban MP in yesterday’s Equitable Life statement and called on the Minister to “think more seriously” about introducing interim payments based on his caped figure.

The victims of Equitable Life have had to wait over 10 years for justice as the previous Government continually slowed the process down and Brian has long championed the cause of Equitable Life policy holders.

In yesterdays debate Brian said: “The financial Secretary has intimated that he aims to begin payments by the middle of next year. Thirty Thousand policyholders, and a sizeable number in my constituency, have already died.”

Many policyholders believe it is simply unacceptable to have waited for so long to receive compensation for their loss and the common theme expressed by a number of MP’s yesterday was to ensure speedy payment to those victims.

Brian said: “I have continually called on the previous Government to speed up their response to Equitable Life victims and this Government must act now to ensure that as many people as possible are compensated.”

“It is not just about the money. The money of course is vitally important but we must ensure that justice is done.”

“We need to act quickly as I fear that more people in my constituency will die having not received fair treatment and that is why I called upon the Minister to look more seriously at the option of interim payments.”

MP disappointed by Clegg approach to smoking ban review

2010-07-20T02:58:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South is disappointed at the approach taken by Nick Clegg to repealing the smoking ban which members of the public had called for on the Government’s website.

The Deputy Prime Minister announced that whilst there were some policies the government were actively pursuing he implied that the smoking ban would not be one of them and included it alongside comments which state that the death penalty would not be brought back either.

Brian said: “Hundreds of thousands of people will be disappointed by the Deputy Prime Ministers response, especially because the previous Government said we should review the ban after 3 years. The deliberate link he made to the death penalty was particularly distasteful.”

“I don’t understand why the Government won’t review it. It is yet another example of Mr. Clegg breaking faith with the people of the country on an issue which is not of little political importance to the Coalition Government.”

Brian has received hundreds of messages from across the country expressing their support for the review and has been touched by a number of the stories he has received and he outlined just a couple of examples:

Alan from Nuneaton:-

Dear Sir,

In the daily paper it had an item regarding smoking in public places and you were looking into this legislation, is this true?
I am a disabled retired ex serviceman and was horrified by this blanket ban. Why cannot pubs and clubs be given a choice, smoking/ non smoking or a room provided for smokers. My old service buddies and i used to meet twice a week in our local Soldiers & Sailors working mens club for a game of domino's and remembering old times, many were ex WW2 , Korea and myself Malaya Borneo Sarawak during confrontation. But that’s all passed now; we no longer meet as most won’t go outside. The usual remarks are they did not ban smoking when I was serving my country, surely this awful legislation could be modified. When we have gone and children are brought up not to smoke it could be changed again but please change it now. Even by government statistics 37% of the public still smoke.

Yours Sincerely,

Alan

Helen from Wigan:-

Dear Mr Binley MP

I have heard this morning that you have proposed an EDM to amend the smoking ban.

Although I am not one of your constituents, I would like to forward my sincerest thanks to you for taking this action. The blanket smoking ban was one of the most vindictive pieces of legislation that any government could ever pass. Smoking restrictions to cater for everyone should always have been the way forward and would have prevented many of the thousands of job-losses in the hospitality industry.

I wish you well with this motion and will support you all the way.

Thank-you again.

Kind Regards

Helen

Brian said: “In light of these comments, I have written to Nick Clegg calling on him to rethink his abrupt and unthoughtful response.”

“I also find it quite remarkable that he should make these comments at a time when reports suggest the Coalition was going to repeal Labour’s restriction on back shelf cigarette displays and allow cigarette vending machines in pubs.”

“This highlights a degree of political inconsistency which would be ridiculed in a school debating society.”

MP tables Shared Parenting Orders Bill

2010-07-14T03:25:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has tabled a Private Member’s Bill which calls for the making of shared parenting orders to enhance the welfare of a child.

The purpose of the Bill is to provide for the making of shared parenting orders and to create a legal presumption that such orders enhance the welfare of the child unless certain exceptions apply and for connected purposes.

Brian said: “Shared parenting legislation is vitally important for all involved, especially the children.”

“Very often Court Orders are made without the knowledge of the importance of a father’s involvement and my bill will make sure that neither parent is shut out from a child’s life when sadly a relationship breaks down.”

“I don’t need to underline the importance of both parents in a child’s life. A significant proportion of the social problems in today’s society are a result of when a child doesn’t have the love and support of both parents.”

“I hope the Bill will go some way to help this which can only be good for society.”

The Bill is supported by 10 other MP’s and includes: Dr Therese Coffey, Douglas Carswell, Phillip Hollobone, Christopher Chope, Peter Bone, Mark Reckless, Caroline Dineage, Mark Pritchard, Harriett Baldwin and David Nuttall.

MP calls for smoking Ban review

2010-07-14T03:20:00.002-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling for a review of the smoking ban to stop the closure of so many pubs and clubs.

Over 2,000 pubs and clubs have gone to the wall in the last year and 7 pubs a day going out of business. They are under massive pressure to keep afloat and the smoking ban has further impacted on their plight.

When the bill was implemented on the 1st July 2007 the Government said it would review the ban in three years time, a review which now does not appear to be forthcoming.

Brian said: “Many pubs and clubs are finding it difficult dealing with the economic situation; the smoking ban has further impacted on many businesses and the trade is really struggling. I want to consider a balanced and proportionate amendment to the legislation, which allows for segregated smoking rooms or areas within pubs, bars and clubs provided that effective smoke extraction systems of an authorised standard are installed.”

The EDM calls on the Government to conduct a thorough review supported by consultation with all affected business sectors on the impact the smoking ban has had on public houses and private members clubs.

Brian said: “I understand that, the Government has no plans to review the smoking ban at the present time and that makes me angry. The then Health Minister, John Reid MP, promised that a review would be held three years after the implementation of the ban but the Government is now saying that it has no plans to do so. That denial is simply unacceptable.

“I have tabled this EDM to put pressure on the Government to look into the impact the ban is having on the pubs and clubs trade and to conduct an urgent review.”

“The EDM also calls for any changes to the smoking ban legislation to be made on the basis of evidence, fairness, proportionality whilst recognising the importance of pubs and clubs to the nation’s social life and community wellbeing.”

Brian Binley MP re-elected to BIS Committee

2010-07-14T03:19:00.001-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has been re-elected to the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee, toping the votes amongst his fellow MP’s.

The BIS committee is to be Chaired by Labour MP Adrian Bailey meaning there were five places up for grabs amongst Tory MP’s on the hugely competitive committee with over 27 Conservative Members going for five places, more than any other Select Committee.

Brian said: “I am delighted to have toped the polls particularly because of the strength of the opposition. There are a lot of keen new Members but I believe that my experience from the last Parliament, serving on the Committee and my experience in the SME sector are vital to the Select Committee.”

“I am pleased that my colleagues feel I have represented the party well in this position in the past and I will continue to do so in the future.”

“I will now also take the role as lead spokesman for my party on the BIS committee as the senior member as well as being the unofficial vice chair of the group.”

Brian has also been elected Chairman for the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Small businesses and believes that both positions will help him to fight more effectively for the cause of small businesses within Parliament.

Brian said: “By chairing the APPG I aim to give small businesses a greater voice in Parliament. We have had sizeable interest in the group already and I am hoping to further the group’s progress from the previous Parliament.”

Legal & General Agreement published (5% of it)

2010-06-24T09:21:00.001-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has slammed the Borough Council’s response to his freedom of information request to make the Legal & General agreement public.

95% of the 143 page document was redacted and the details unable to be published under the freedom of information act.

Brian said: “It is a complete waste of everybody’s time. I don’t know why they bothered to send me the document in this manner and I am angry.”

Brian continued: “It just goes to show how much they really care about the future of our town. I have continually called for the agreement to be made public so the whole town can benefit.”

“They have treated both me and the people of Northampton with complete contempt. They are saying that’s what we think of you sunshine.”

Brian has now written to the Chief Executive of the Borough Council, David Kennedy, to ask why so much of the document was redacted and why it was sent out to him in that way.

Brian said: “I am hopeful that he will respond in a more respectful manner than the freedom of information request, so that the development of the whole town can move forward as quickly as possible.”

What has Labour done for Northampton South?

2010-06-24T08:59:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has blamed the previous Labour Government for increasing unemployment in Northampton South, during the opposition day debate on Government support for industry in the House of Commons on Wednesday (16th June 2010).

Brian questioned Jack Dromey MP; husband of Harriett Harman the acting Labour Leader, during his maiden speech to ask what he thought Labour had done for the people of Northampton South.

Brian said: “When Labour came to office, Northampton was 440th in the long list of areas of low unemployment. We rose to 132nd in that list under Labour.”

Brian was also criticised the former Deputy General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union’s maiden speech for not following the usual protocol for such an occasion.

Brian said: “During a maiden speech, the Member of Parliament usually will say a little about the work of their predecessor, explain to the House what their constituency is like and outline their plans for this Parliament.”

“Instead of doing this Mr Dromey decided he would simply attack the Conservative Government under Lady Thatcher. I found this simply unacceptable and believed that it was necessary to robustly question him on what he thought the previous Labour Government had done for the people of Northampton.”

“It is clear to me that Labour’s legacy for our children and grandchildren is one of high unemployment for the people of Northampton.”

Budget for business

2010-06-24T08:54:00.000-07:00
Brian Binley MP for Northampton South has claimed that the coalition’s emergency budget will clean up the mess left by the previous Labour Government and show that Britain is back in business.

Brian particularly welcomed the budget as good for business after cuts in corporation tax; tax for small business and a higher threshold for employers National Insurance payments were announced.

Brian said: “This budget shows that Britain is open for business. I welcome the measures announced which are of particular help to the SME sector.”

“They are the lifeblood of our economy and of particular importance to Northampton, where 94% of people work in the wealth producing sector.”

Brian also welcomed the Government’s responsible and honest approach to tackling the record deficit left by the previous Labour Government.

Brian said: “My grandmother would have told us all that there are only two ways to get out of debt, by earning more and spending less, and that is what this country has to face up to.”

“The Labour Government has simply borrowed too much money and we are now paying the price for their irresponsible borrowing. It always happens.”