We cannot afford indecision for the next four years on Britain's position in the EU

Rebecca said "When you consider that we have had the slowest growth since the Second World War, that we are not out of the woods in terms of a triple dip recession and that the government are borrowing nearly a quarter of a trillion more than they budgeted for, we need stability.  We cannot afford indecision for the next four years on Britain's position in the EU.

"To be credible in fighting for more jobs, investment and growth, we must show business at home and abroad that we do not voluntarily ostracise ourselves from the largest single market in the world.  Our best chance of reforming Europe is from within, not sniping at the side lines and threatening to take our ball home.

"To sum up my concerns I would quote what Lord Hesaltine said this year “To commit to a referendum about a negotiation that hasn’t begun, on a timescale you cannot predict, on an outcome that’s unknown, where Britain’s appeal as an inward investment market would be the centre of the debate, seems to me like an unnecessary gamble.”

 

When I speak to people on their doorstep each week, EU membership is rarely their top concern.  More often they want to speak to me about how we can ensure economic recovery so that the money in their pocket will go further and that their children or grandchildren will have better prospects than currently. 

When you consider that we have had the slowest growth since the Second World War, that we are not out of the woods in terms of a triple dip recession and that the government are borrowing nearly a quarter of a trillion more than they budgeted for, we need stability.  It's clear to me that the biggest challenge for our country is to kick start the economy not pulling out of Europe.  We cannot afford indecision for the next four years on Britain's position in the EU.  I do not support the backbench Bill because the instability puts jobs and growth at risk, at the worst time possible, that's not to say that I oppose a referendum in the future when we have worked at reforming the EU and we know what is on offer.

Interestingly, we have just had the County Council elections, where people had the chance to show their opposition to EU membership by voting UKIP.  Out of the seven UKIP candidates that stood in Redditch, two were elected.  Out of the eight Conservative candidates, only one was elected.  Yet Labour went from no seats to five.  The fact that the majority of people rejected the messages from Conservative and UKIP was encouraging.

I support our membership of the EU, however, that relationship must be improved.  There are legitimate concerns about our membership, such as the financial cost to us as a nation, which must reduce and immigration which needs to be better dealt with.  Labour's agenda is making the EU work better for Britain, delivering on jobs and growth.  I would like to see:

·         Further reform of the EU Budget.

·         An EU Commissioner for Growth appointed immediately to help tackle the jobs crisis in

Europe.

·         Reform of the transitional arrangements setting the terms for immigration from new 

member states.

·         Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy

·         Reform of payment of family related benefits to EU migrants

·         A call on the EU to collect data on EU migration flows

·         The second seat of the European Parliament in Strasburg abolished 

·         More powers for national parliaments to block EU legislation during formulation

 

Most people accept that we live in a more globalised world.  We know so many things cross borders, whether it be business, crime and most poignantly banking - financial markets.  It's in our nations interest to have cross border solutions in conjunction with our own. 

To be credible in fighting for more jobs, investment and growth, we must show business at home and abroad that we do not voluntarily ostracise ourselves from the largest single market in the world.  Our best chance of reforming Europe is from within, not sniping at the side lines and threatening to take our ball home.

In a time where the latest figures for Worcestershire show no noticeable change for economic growth or the numbers claiming out of work benefits or young people who are not in education, employment or training, more must be done to make the EU work for Britain, turning our back on the Union is not the answer.

The UK has 1% of the world's population, we contribute 3% of global GDP (Gross Domestic Product).  It is not in our economic interest to marginalise ourselves from Europe, where 50% of our exports go.  At the same time that we see the rise  of the economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China, do we really think isolationism is what is best for our future prospects?  

To increase the job opportunities of our 18-24 year olds, for an economic recovery for all,  we need strong leadership in Europe to encourage investment into our country.  None of us need a Prime Minster who is putting the needs of his party before the needs of our country.

Redditch Backing the NHS

 

Yesterday people queued in the town centre to show their support for the NHS on its 65th Birthday.  A total of 380 people signed the giant birthday card during the four hour street stall.

Rebecca Blake, Labour's Parliamentary Spokesperson said "From children, parents to grandparents and everyone in between, hundreds of people wanted to back the NHS.  Many people said how their lives had been saved by the NHS and wrote messages stating why the NHS was important to them.

"With the challenges we face at the Alex, it is particularly important that people have the opportunity to show their support for the NHS.  We don't simply want to celebrate the past 65 years, we want to send a message that we still need it in the future.

"There were a minority of people who highlighted the problems they had experienced, whether it was accessing mental health services, a reduction in community services or at the hospital.  Making it clear to me that services need improving not cutting and staff need support, not this uncertainty about their jobs".

As well as signing the six foot birthday card, local residents shared their stories of why the NHS is important to them by writing a personal note to Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health.  All responses and the card will be delivered to the Department of Health to show that Redditch not only backs services at the Alex, we also back the NHS - free at the point of use.

 

For more details Redditch Standard Redditch Advertiser

 

 

 



65th Anniversary of the NHS

"The NHS will last as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it" Bevan, 1948.

 

Sign the giant NHS birthday card on  the 65th anniversary of the NHS at the street stall near Three Cooks bakery in the town centre this Friday, 5th July 10.30 - 2.30.

 

Rebecca Blake, Labour's Parliamentary Spokesperson said "After 65 years of the NHS it now faces unprecedented demand, A&E waiting times are at a nine year high and nationally 4000 nurses have been laid off.  I'm reminded of Bevan's words in 1948 when the then Labour Government created the NHS.  "The NHS will last as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it".

"We could be forgiven for taking our NHS for granted, however with A&E and maternity services currently under threat at the Alex, we certainly don't in Redditch.

"I am fearful for the future of our NHS and we have to fight for it.  I welcome people to come and back the NHS this Friday on the 65th anniversary by signing the giant NHS birthday card.  Not only is this a show of support for the service we receive as patients, but it's a show of support for the NHS staff".

 

 

Thanks to Harry and Kara, two of the helpers who have made the giant NHS birthday card.

"The situation in Redditch is in chaos and is a recipe for disaster"

 

Labour Shadow Health Minister brands Alex changes chaotic during public meeting

Rebecca Blake brought Shadow Health Minster Jamie Reed MP to Redditch to listen to local people's concerns on the future of the Alex.

Labour's Rebecca Blake and Jamie Reed MP were on the panel in a public meeting with Ian Dipple from the Save the Alex campaign.

Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Redditch, Rebecca Blake said "I brought Jamie Reed to Redditch to understand how the Tory-led Government's £3.4 billion reorganisation is affecting people in Redditch. 

"These unnecessary delays about whether A&E and Maternity services will remain at Redditch are putting existing services in jeopardy, let alone future services.

"The Conservative Government Minister snubbed residents a few weeks ago. He should have listened to local people. Trying to keep the problems at arms' length, saying it's nothing to do with us, is simply not good enough.

Labour's Jamie Reed spent an hour taking questions from people, then stayed on afterwards to hear people's individual concerns.  The Shadow Health Minster, Jamie Reed MP said "Around the country I am seeing the consequences of an ill thought through, un-mandated reconfiguration of the NHS.

"The situation in Redditch is in chaos and is a recipe for disaster. 

"Evidence suggests it’s not safe to take A&E out of a town like Redditch, at a time of rising admissions.

"Government Ministers must take responsibility."

Details from Redditch Standard

 

  

      

 

 



Redditch Women Supporting Race for Life

Arrow Valley Park was heaving with runners, joggers and walkers on Sunday.  All there to raise money for a cure for all cancers.  With over 1000 people taking part, all for the same cause it was certainly worthwhile.    

The worrying thing is that cancer is on the increase, however the silver lining is that we are now far more likely to survive cancer and it's incredible how far Cancer Research has come since the first race for life in 1994 progress so far

Funding for research is crucial and I was moved by people's stories.  Local sports personality 11 year old Libby Smith racing with SE Davis who together raised £2000, motivated by her aunty having cancer.  Cllr Brunner, walking for her Dad who recently died of Cancer.  Reading the messages on people's backs is very emotional, however, it also gives us another chance to remember the people we have lost.

For me, politics is important including where cancer is concerned.  I am very proud that the last Labour government achieved the target, that people suspected to have cancer by their GP were seen by a specialist within two weeks.  To increase cancer survival rates early diagnosis is key.  I worry about the effects upon cancer because of longer waiting times for GP's & longer waiting times to see specialists that people are now facing. 

Locally I campaigned for the Alex to have the county Radiotherapy Unit because people should not have to travel to Coventry for daily treatment, especially when they may be very ill.  I was disappointed Worcester Royal will have the facility instead of Redditch, however, to have provision closer than Coventry is a vast improvement.

Having walked Race for Life for the first time two years ago with my little brother and jogged this year, I am building up to beating my time next year.  I look forward to joining Redditch women again in the Redditch Race for Life 2014!

Sick of the sight of derelict buildings

 

Rebecca Blake, Labour's Parliamentary Spokesperson has kicked off the debate on town centre development, amidst rumours surrounding the area around the train station.

Rebecca says "The train station is a gateway to our town.  Recently there have been many improvements in the area, including the pedestrian access, landscaping and artwork.  However, I am sick of the sight  of the derelict buildings next to the station, on Bromsgrove Road and Edward Street.

They give a negative image of our town and what's more some of these factories are part of our industrial heritage, yet have become a complete eyesore.  In the week that we have hosted the national bike tour, this is not how we want to greet our visitors.  For all of my life, many of these buildings have been in disrepair and this has been allowed to continue for far too long. 

I want to hear from local people on how they feel this part of our town should be developed.  And I will pass on their views to Redditch Borough Council for consideration". 

Local people and businesses have spoken to Rebecca sharing their concerns about this part of the town centre and that they want the area utilised.  If you would like to share your views on this area of town centre development, visit the website & complete the survey.

www.rebecca-blake.org.uk/survey or for a printed copy call 07529 964 840

For more info

Calls for Government Minister to sort out the mess at the Alex caused by the Department of Health

Ahead of today's Save the Alex rally at the hospital, Rebecca Blake, Labour Parliamentary Spokesperson states "the Government have created a confused landscape within the NHS resulting in a stalemate that puts the future of services at the Alex in jeopardy.

While service providers and GP commissioners fail to bring forward a second option, patients are left to wait longer and longer on trolleys in A&E and hospital staff continue to leave due to the relentless pressure and uncertainty. If these unnecessary delays continue much longer we will have very little services left to save. I'm calling for the Government Minister, who is visiting the Alex today, to sort out the mess at the Alex caused by the Department of Health.

The government set up GP led Clinical Commissioning Groups to buy our hospital services, part of the £3.5 billion reorganisation. The Commissioners want to buy services for patients yet they are being prevented, the new system isn't working. In times of unprecedented demand on the NHS this stalemate is damaging our hospital services.

I'm very cynical about who benefits from the delay and it certainly isn't patients. Whoever provides the services at the Alex, we mustn't forget we're fighting for A&E and maternity to remain in Redditch or I fear lives will be lost".