RF Engines nominated for Made By Britain Project is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

FSB Comments on:

• Statement of new regulation
• Ed Balls speech to Labour conference

Commenting on the new statement of regulation, published by Government today, which identifies which regulations are going to be implemented in the following six months as well as detailing the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’, Ken Moon, Chairman of the FSB’s Wessex Region, said:

“It is good news to see that the list of regulations to be introduced this October is shorter than it has been in previous years. We also welcome the list of deregulatory measures – Government should be congratulated for that. However, these messages will be completely undermined by the introduction of the Agency Workers Directive and many of the recent proposals to make further burdensome changes to employment law such as the extension of the right to request flexible working. It is big changes in employment law that cost businesses in time and money and this is one of their biggest areas of concern.”

Commenting on the Shadow Chancellor, Ed Balls MP, speech to the Labour Conference, Ken Moon, Chairman of the FSB’s Wessex Region, said:

“We are pleased that the Shadow Chancellor has realised that introducing a National Insurance Contributions holiday to existing small businesses and a targeted VAT cut to five per cent are both realistic and affordable. It is now essential that the Government acts in the national interest and adopts these measures to kick-start growth. With lending to small businesses deteriorating and no improvement in sight, we support calls for a national investment banks for small firms. This would help to boost competition and get funds to the businesses that need them.”

The FSB is the UK’s leading business organisation with over 200,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk

Ed Balls speech to Labour conference is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, yesterday made representations in Westminster on behalf of one of the largest private employers on the Isle of Wight, BAE Systems.  Mr Turner called for the debate after concerns were raised with him jointly by BAE management and unions about the future of the British radar industry, and specifically BAE’s part in it.

Speaking about the history of radar production and the role played by BAE, Mr Turner outlined how they remain a key player in the defence of the UK.  The company is also a significant contributor to the British economy and that of the Isle of Wight; neither can afford to lose their continued participation in the radar industry.  As a result, BAE’s continuing relationship with the MOD is one of vital importance to their credibility in the global export market.

Mr Turner also told the Minister:

“Radar has defended our country definitively at least once, in 1940. It is likely that it has done so on many other occasions that are not in the public domain and it is more than likely that it will do so again in the future. I pose this question: is it not essential that the radar technology our military are asked to use should be of British origin, in research, design and manufacture? It makes perfect sense to me that the company that we use to develop such sensitive technology should be British-based, like most of its employees.”

The debate was answered by the Minister responsible for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff MP who said :

“I think I can assure the whole House that we remain committed to supporting the future of the UK radar industry and to me, Mr Chairman, the future of the industry looks exceptionally bright.  I’m sure that Mr Turner has every reason to be confident about the industry and I’m sure for his own constituents as well.”

Speaking after the debate Mr Turner said:

“The Minister outlined huge opportunities abroad for British radar.  I wanted to point out that our own Government needs to show faith in the British radar industry in order to support credibility for that export market.  In collaboration with the British Government BAE have delivered world-leading technology; in order to make the most of that investment and protect jobs in Cowes and elsewhere, they also need to win export orders.  I am very glad the Minister confirmed that the Government will support them in doing that.”

Island MP Andrew Turner raises Radar is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Two MPs for the Island – Have Your Say

The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, is encouraging Islanders to respond to the Boundary Commission’s proposals on how the Island will be split into two constituencies following the next election in 2015.  This morning the Commission published the electoral divisions that will be included in the two new seats of Isle of Wight North and Isle of Wight South.  The Island is to be allocated two parliamentary seats following the successful cross-party campaign led by Mr Turner to fight the suggestion that there should be a cross-Solent seat.

It is proposed that the Isle of Wight North seat will include Cowes and East Cowes, Gurnard, Northwood, Parkhurst, Whippingham and Osborne, the five Newport electoral divisions, Wootton Bridge, Binstead and Fishbourne,  Ryde’s five electoral divisions and Seaview and Nettlestone.  The rest of the Island is to form a new seat named Isle of Wight South.

Andrew Turner said:

“Some people will think this is the correct division, others will disagree.  I urge Islanders to look at the proposals and make representations to the Boundary Commission to let them know what they think.  There is a period of 12 weeks from today to respond to the Commission.

Asked about his own future Mr Turner said :

“I will be the MP for the whole of the Island until the next election and I do not think it would be helpful to speculate about whether I will stand for one seat or the other.  I can confirm that I do intend to stand at the next election, but I will not be making any further plans until the selection processes begin; that will probably be towards the end of 2013 because the proposals will not go before Parliament until then.   Until the next election I will continue to serve the whole of the Island to the best of my ability.

Two MPs for the Island – Have Your Say is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

10 year Celebrations for Island MP

The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner has recently completed 10 years as the Island’s MP and two separate celebration events are planned to mark the anniversary.

The first event will be held at the Riverside Centre in Newport on Saturday 3^rd September from 4pm until 6pm.  Tickets must be purchased in advance at a cost of £5 per head.  The ticket price includes food, first drink and entry into a prize draw.  Tickets can be purchased from Mr Turner’s office at the Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, PO30 2QR.  For more information please e-mail mail@islandmp.com or call 530808.

The second event will be a dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron at 7pm on Friday 21^st October.  The after-dinner speaker will be Steve Norris, successful businessman and former MP and Cabinet Minister. The ticket price of £45 includes a welcome drink, three course dinner and coffee.  Tickets for this event are available from the Isle of Wight Conservative Association at 58 The Mall, Carisbrooke Road, Newport, PO30 1BW.  More information is available on 522404 or e-mail isleofwight@tory.org.

Andrew Turner said:

“I am really looking forward to getting together with familiar faces and hopefully some new ones as well.  I am very proud to represent all Islanders and  the Island is certainly one of the most beautiful constituencies in the country – these two events are celebrations of that.  Neither event will consist of boring political speeches so I hope people of all political persuasions – and of none – will come along to these celebrations.

“I am really grateful to Richard Priest and other staff at the Riverside for all their support in organising the event at the Riverside Centre, we are hoping for good weather so that we can be outside in the garden, otherwise it will be held indoors.

Richard Priest, Manager of the Riverside Centre said :

“Andrew and his office have fitted in very well to the Riverside Centre and into the ethos of the Centre as a community hub.  We are very pleased to be able to host a party to celebrate him serving ten years as the Island’s MP.”

Mr Turner added :

“I have known Steve Norris for almost 30 years.  He is an excellent and very amusing speaker so I was delighted when he agreed to come along and speak for me at the dinner.  However, I am not at all sure what anecdotes he will come out with – perhaps I should be a little worried!”

10 year Celebrations for Island MP is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Death Penalty ‘Should be Debated’

Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, is supporting calls for a full debate in Parliament about whether the death penalty should be re-introduced for those who kill children or policemen acting in the line of duty.  The issue is being raised in advance of the launch of a Government petition website designed to give parliamentary time to matters that the public want to be raised.  Leading political blogger Paul Staines (who writes as Guido Fawkes) will launch a campaign at the end of this week calling for a review of all existing treaties which prevents the death penalty being used in the UK, followed by a full debate and vote in Parliament.

The Conservative manifesto in 2010 set out plans to enable the public to initiate proceedings in Parliament.  This was taken forward in the Coalition Agreement between the Conservative and Liberal Democrats, which confirmed that petitions securing 100,000 signatures would be eligible for debate in the House of Commons.  The topics for debate will be selected by the Backbench Business Committee.

Mr Turner said :

“My instinct is that some crimes are so horrific that the proper punishment is the death penalty.  A few people commit acts so evil they are beyond understanding, for example Ian Brady, the Moors Murderer, Roy Whiting who abducted and killed 8 year old Sarah Payne and, more recently, those who tortured and were then responsible for the death of Baby P, Peter Connolly.

“Like many people I have concerns about the possibility of wrongful convictions, so perhaps we should consider whether before a death sentence could be passed, a higher standard of evidence would be needed than ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ which is used to secure a criminal conviction.  Some people have suggested that there should be proof ‘beyond the shadow of a doubt’ before a death sentence could be passed.

“I have put up a short survey on my own website www.islandmp.org so that Islanders can let me know their views.  I think it is high time that this issue is debated.  Since my election 10 years ago a great many Islanders have raised this issue with me – but we have never debated the subject in Parliament.  I welcome this new petitions initiative which will enable people to have some input into the work that Parliament does.”

Death Penalty ‘Should be Debated’ Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Big Society Fund makes a difference on the Isle of Wight

Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, has welcomed the news that grants from the Government’s Big Society Transition Fund have been awarded to two organisations on the Isle of Wight.  The funding, part of the £107 million Transition Fund, has been secured by Young Chamber (UK) Ltd and the Riverside Centre in Newport.

Three quarters of charitable organisations and social enterprises receive no public funding, but many of those that do are facing substantial reductions in income due to the difficult economic situation.  The Transition Fund is designed to protect those organisations most vulnerable to reductions in public spending by helping them prepare to take advantage of new opportunities as public sector contracts open up.

Mr Turner said:

“I am very pleased that the Government is committed to supporting charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises across the Island as demonstrated by these awards.  Young Chamber (UK) Ltd does excellent work providing opportunities for young people in education to work directly with local businesses to enhance their understanding of the world of work.  The Government’s grant of £249,000 will provide much needed support to these talented young people across the UK.  Young Chamber was started here on the Island in Ryde High School by our own Chamber of Commerce; it is now a successful national scheme so we can be very proud of it.”

Mr Turner, who moved his constituency office to the Riverside Centre in Newport earlier this year, continued:

“I see the amazing range of good work done by the committed staff at the Riverside Centre every week and the difference it makes to the people they work with.  This grant of £60,000 will help them to continue to offer a wide range of services to vulnerable adults.  I know those who benefit from the Centre’s support will agree that this money will be put to good use.”

Big Society Fund makes a difference on the Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Island MP Shortlisted for Award

Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, has been shortlisted, with three other MPs, for the prestigious ‘Constituency MP of the Year Award’.  The annual competition, organised by Dods who provide information on parliament, highlights excellence in a number of fields and is known as the Parliamentary ‘Oscars’.  Nominations are made by The House Magazine readers, with shortlists selected by a cross-party panel of judges.  MPs and Peers vote to decide the winner.  The Constituency award goes to an MP who has ‘successfully managed to get Parliament to address an issue that is important to their constituents’.  The winners will be announced in July in the historic Robing Room in the Palace of Westminster.

Mr Turner, the only Conservative on the shortlist, has been nominated in recognition of his leadership of the OneWight campaign.  In a radical shake up of parliamentary boundaries, the campaign fought to prevent any part of the Island being joined with the mainland to form a new constituency.

Reiterating comments made by the Prime Minister, Mark Harper MP, the Minister for Constitutional and Political reform, when visiting the Island last year, said the Island was too small for two MPs and too big for one, so it was ‘almost certain’ it would be linked to the mainland. However as a result of the ‘OneWight’ campaign, it was announced in February that the Island would be made an exception and in future will have two MPs.  The issue caused the largest rebellion in Parliament so far against any proposal from the Coalition Government.

Mr Turner said:

“Every MP aims to be the best constituency MP they can, every day of the week, so I am delighted to have been shortlisted for this award.  I have always worked to get the Island’s voice heard in Westminster and ‘OneWight’ was a campaign which united people of all political views and from all walks of life.  It attracted a great deal of media, business and community support and I am grateful to everyone who played a part.  As with the Hands off our Hospital campaign I organised some years ago, it goes to show what can be achieved when people of all political parties, and of none, work towards a common goal.

“As well as working with so many people locally, I lobbied to get support across Parliament to defeat the proposal, which the Deputy Prime Minister had taken personal responsibility for.  I was especially grateful for the support and expert advice from former Conservative minister and Seaview resident, Lord Fowler, and help from Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay, a Liberal Democrat.  When Ed Milliband was elected as leader of the Labour Party he also promised me that he would oppose the idea.  The cross-party nature of the local campaign was important to achieving success.  It is a great compliment to be shortlisted for this award – but much more importantly we achieved the right result for the Island.”

Richard Priest the independent spokesman for the OneWight Campaign said :

“Being the Member of Parliament for Britain’s largest constituency Andrew has effectively represented the whole community – always putting the Island’s best interests first.  His accessibility, including to those that may have alternative views, is recognised by this nomination.  In addition his understanding of the voluntary sector on the Island, for example his association with the Stroke Association, has developed valued relationships and has made real differences to Islanders.  In my opinion he certainly deserves to win this award.”

Island MP Shortlisted for Award is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Public Consultation on the Future of Osborne House

Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, has organised a public meeting in East Cowes Town Hall on

Saturday 16th April at 2pm to give Islanders a say on the future use of the currently unused parts of Osborne House.

The Osborne Estates Act of 1902 says that the parts of the Osborne Estate should be used for the benefit of members of the Armed Forces, Civil Service, and their families. This requirement was fulfilled until ten years ago by the buildings being used as the King Edward VII Convalescence Home.

This closed in 2000 and the rooms covered by the Osborne Estates Act have been empty ever since.

English Heritage, who now manage the public areas, would like to repeal the Acts to allow better use the facilities.Mr Turner said, “I strongly believe that, if the Act is to be repealed, Islanders should be given the opportunity to make their views known and suggest alternative uses to English Heritage. Everyone is welcome at this public meeting which will give them the opportunity to help shape the future of one of the Island’s architectural jewels and visits to the closed off areas can be arranged in advance.”

Anyone who is interested in viewing the layout of the rooms prior to the public meeting to help them come up with any suggestions should contact Mr Turner’s office on 01983 530808 to arrange a visit.

Osborne House Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

MP – Tourism Strategy will Boost Island Economy

The recent publication of the Government’s Tourism Strategy will free up local businesses from red tape and ensure the tourism industry is central to helping rebuild the UK economy according to Island MP Andrew Turner.

The Government’s proposals include a consultation on moving the first Bank Holiday in May to create a new St George’s Day holiday in England or a Trafalgar Day Bank Holiday in the autumn half term. Either of these proposals would have the effect of extending the holiday season.

The Government is also embarking on a £100m marketing campaign to attract visitors to the UK, co-funded by the private sector. This is designed to attract 4 million extra visitors to Britain over the next 4 years, leading to £2bn more spending in the economy and creating thousands of new jobs. The

campaign will build on events such as the Royal Wedding, the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics and theCommonwealth Games – when the eyes of the world will be on Britain.

.

Commenting on the new strategy, Andrew Turner said,

“The new Tourism Strategy will have a huge impact on the local

economy on the Isle of Wight, encouraging visitors all year round to experience the Island’s natural beauty and everything we haveto offer. The importance of tourism to the country’s economy has been ignored for too long and the industry has been stifled withred tape. The Government recognises that this needs to change.“I particularly welcome the idea of consulting on moving the Mayday Bank Holiday to extend the season. I hope that Island tourism businesses will consider the strategy carefullyto make sure we make the most of the opportunities it presents.

Andrew Turner Tourism Strategy will Boost Island Economy is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

MP to Speak up for Constituents’ Rights The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, will speak up for the rights of constituents during an upcoming debate on constituency casework and the roles of MPs when dealing with concerns raised by constituents. A debate has been called for Thursday following a number of MPs complaining that attempts have been made to stop constituents from raising problems with them. The MPs who have called for the debate, John Hemming, Richard Bacon, and Jim Dobbin, have stated: “We believe it is important for Parliament to stand up for the rights of constituents to talk to their MP about issues that concern them without being prevented from doing so by local government or other officials.” Speaking today, Andrew Turner said: “In the past I have come across examples of people having pressure put on them not to raise issues with me, particularly in childcare and custody cases. I do not know of any recent instances where this has happened but if anyone has any evidence that it still goes on I would be grateful if they would let me know. “I hope to be called to speak on this issue during the debate on Thursday.”

Andrew Turner Speak up for Constituents’ Rights is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Government merely tinkering with tourism’s potential, says FSB

The Government is merely tinkering with tourism’s potential at a time when tourism development looks set to be halted locally, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said in a new report. Launching its tourism strategy, which is expected later this week, the Government is set to suggest that the May Day bank holiday will be moved to the autumn, and the UK should adopt a double summertime in an effort to boost the tourism sector. The FSB is, however, extremely concerned that this is mere meddling at a time when crucial tourism funding is being lost locally following the dissolution of Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and the creation of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

In a new report, ‘Tourism – a passport to growth’, the FSB is worried that the funding RDAs used to promote domestic tourism has disappeared and that this will have severe consequences on tourism revenue in local areas. This comes at a time when the Government has said that it wants more Britain’s to holiday at home. The FSB is urging the Government to provide LEPs with the tools they need to promote tourism throughout local areas and reinstate the level of funding RDAs gave to the sector.

The FSB also believes that local authorities need incentives to encourage tourism. Currently, many are put off doing so because they have to spend money on maintenance, such as beaches and cleaning pavements.  The FSB is calling for a tourism Business Increase Bonus – a mechanism which allows local authorities to keep a percentage of the business rates they collect. This would help raise additional funds and would help local authorities to drive regeneration.

The Government must introduce further measures to boost domestic and international tourism. The FSB is urging the Government to:

• Pass responsibility for tourism policy from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to give tourism the clout it deserves
• Reduce the level of VAT in the tourism sector to help stimulate the market
• Reduce the regulatory burden on tourism businesses
• Focus on growing inbound tourism from growth economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China

By introducing these measures, the UK economy will benefit from the knock-on effects in the retail sector, see a boost in job creation, as well as the regeneration of local areas – all key if the economy is to fully recover.

Ken Moon, Chairman of the FSB’s Wessex Region, said:“The UK is going to play centre stage in the coming years with events such as the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Champion League Final and the Rugby Union World Cup all being hosted on these shores. This gives us a prime opportunity to up our game within the tourism sector and generate much needed growth for the UK economy – especially in rural areas. However, the Government is merely tinkering with tourism and has yet to unlock its true potential. The tourism sector needs a real boost and we need to ensure funds remain where they are truly needed. Tourism really can be a passport to growth, – creating jobs and growing our local areas. But we need the Government to put the right measures in place to unlock the true economic potential of the sector.”

Government merely tinkering with tourism’s potential, says FSB is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

It’s Official – Two MPs for the Island

At 11.45pm last night the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill received Royal Assent and the right for the Isle of Wight to have two MPs was enshrined in law.  The Isle of Wight amendment had been passed in the House of Commons the day before and yesterday was accepted by the House of Lords without a further vote.

Mark Harper MP, the Conservative Minister in the Commons, and Lord Wallace of Tankerness, a Liberal Democrat Minister in the Lords, both confirmed during debate that it was the cross-party support for the Island’s case that had finally persuaded the Government not to impose a cross-Solent constituency.  That support had been apparent in the campaign on the Island, in the House of Commons and in the House of Lords.  Lord Falconer of Thoroton, speaking for the Labour Party, congratulated the Isle of Wight on their ‘great achievement’ and wished the Island good luck.

Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP and Lord Fowler (who led the campaign in the Lords) paid tribute to the Government for listening to the public which led to the last minute change of heart and welcomed the Isle of Wight having two MPs in future.

The Bill has always set the total number of MPs after the election at 600; that has not changed.  Previously two were reserved for the Scottish seats, the Western Isles and Orkney & Shetland – with the rest of the United Kingdom (including the Island) divided into 598 constituencies.  This amendment means that two seats for the Island will also be reserved, with the rest of the UK divided into 596 seats.  After the next election the Island will be over-represented when compared to the rest of the country.  The Isle of Wight is the only English area with that advantage, other constituencies will have around 76,000 voters but the two Isle of Wight seats will each have around 55,000.

Speaking this morning Andrew Turner said :

“Achieving this outstanding result has been a long haul which started back in the summer.  I got together with the County Press, Isle of Wight Radio, the Chamber of Commerce and representatives of the local political parties and we set up the ‘One Wight’ campaign opposing a cross-Solent constituency.  The number of MPs was being reduced by 50; nobody thought then that we could possibly get two MPs wholly for the Island.  As time went on it became apparent that a significant number of people would prefer the option of two Island MPs.  With the agreement of the One Wight campaigners, I tabled an amendment in the House of Commons that would give us either one or two MPs – but not one and a half!

“Lord Fowler and Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay tabled the same amendment in the Lords.  When the Government offered us two MPs, both wholly for the Island, I was amazed but delighted.  I admit to a twinge of sadness that I will be the last MP for the whole Island, but this is the right result and I welcome it.

“As I said in the Commons, I am grateful to everyone who got involved.  It was particularly good to see a number of young people involved in the campaign, and a special mention should go to Becky Hunns from the Conservatives, and Simon Haytack from the Labour Party who gave up so much of their free time to make the campaign a success.”

Mr Turner also commented :

“People have already begun to ask me how the Island will be divided.  I don’t know.  It will be a matter for the independent Boundary Commission to decide and they will take local opinion into account.

“It is important to remember that until the next election I am the MP for the whole Island, so I will not be speculating on what might happen afterwards.  I can confirm though, that if I am fortunate enough to be elected again I will be happy to work with another MP of whatever party for the benefit of the Island as a whole.”

It’s Official – Two MPs for the Island is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Ministry of Defence must put small businesses at the heart of latest defence review

A complete overhaul of how the Ministry of Defence (MoD) engages with small businesses is needed to help save the UK taxpayer money as well as provide a better level of service for Armed Forces personnel, according to a new report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The report, ‘The global defence and security industry: why small businesses matter’, looks at how the MoD can better engage with the small business sector to make procurement opportunities fairer as well as the role the Government can play in facilitating small business access to the defence export market.

The UK is the second largest defence exporter in the world with 9,000 small firms operating in the defence sector – more than the French, German, Italian, Spanish and Norwegian industries combined. Yet 90 per cent of the UK’s defence exports are won by just the 20 largest UK companies.

The FSB believes that the MoD and the wider Government should learn from best practice in public procurement from abroad – especially those countries which have policies which help small firms such as the Small Business Innovation Research Programme and ‘set asides’ in the US. These initiatives award a proportion of each contract to small firms and provide access to funding and support to encourage innovation.

There has long been an issue for small businesses when it comes to accessing public sector contracts, and the defence sector is even harder to get into. The FSB is concerned that the red tape around the MoD’s preferred suppliers and contractors list does not provide opportunities for other, perhaps more specialist firms, to bid for contracts. Furthermore, there is a lack of an effective voice for small businesses operating in the defence sector, with existing organisations being dominated by the largest businesses operating in the industry.

The FSB is concerned that the genuine concerns of smaller businesses are not being heard by the Government and that decisions are being taken with big business in mind and small businesses, if they are considered at all, being very much an afterthought.  The FSB is calling for the MoD to open up a dedicated channel of communication for this vital sector.

Ken Moon, Chairman of the FSB’s Wessex Region, said: “The Government has put the private sector and exporting at the heart of its plans for economic recovery.  With the UK being the second largest defence exporter in the world, and with 9,000 small businesses operating in this sector in the UK alone, facilitating small business access to this sector should be top of the Government’s agenda. There is however, a justified feeling among small firms that the MoD either does not recognise or understand the small business community – despite rhetoric to the contrary. It is obvious that small businesses are still placed at a significant disadvantage compared to their prime competitors, if this were not the case approximately 90 per cent of defence exports would not be won by the 20 largest UK companies.  In order for this situation to be improved it is vital that the voice of small businesses is heard by the decision makers at the MoD and beyond. In our report we have highlighted a number of problems faced by small businesses operating in this sector and have put forward a series of solutions that would not only directly benefit such businesses, but would also help the MoD, save the UK taxpayer money and most importantly provide a better level of service for our armed forces personnel.”

This report will form the basis of the FSBs response to the MoDs consultation on their recently launched Green Paper entitled, ‘Equipment, support and technology for UK defence and security’.

Ministry of Defence must put small businesses at the heart of latest defence review is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

MP Welcomes Lords ‘Good Sense’Andrew Turner has welcomed tonight’s decision by the House of Lords who voted 196 122in favour of keeping the Isle of Wight separate from the mainland in terms of parliamentaryrepresentation. Over the summer the Island’s MP led the ‘OneWight’ campaign which wasenthusiastically supported by the Island’s local media, the local political parties, the Chamberof Commerce and many thousands of Islanders and organisations. The campaign culminated inthe delivery of a parliamentary petition to 10 Downing Street signed by over 17,500 people.The Government could still seek to overturn the amendment, but if tonight’s decision of theHouse of Lords stands, it will be up to the independent Boundary Commission to decidewhether the Isle of Wight is represented by one MP or two in future. It would however preventa cross-Solent constituency, an idea that has met with widespread opposition.Mr Turner said:“This decision is quite simply very good sense from the House of Lords. We are notquite at the end of the line because there is a chance the Government could try to havethe amendment reversed, but I am hopeful that will not happen, particularly as therewas such a healthy majority in the House of Lords with support from all sides.“The House of Commons never got the opportunity to vote on the specific proposal tokeep the Island separate – so even if the Government tries to change this decision in theCommons they may not get it through. Many MPs think this is a ridiculous idea whichshould never have got this far. It will become clear over the next few weeks what willhappen next.I would like to thank everybody who got involved in the campaign, every singlecontribution or signature was important. People may have thought that everything hadgone quiet, but we have been working hard on this behind the scenes. Lord Fowler hasbeen incredibly effective, as has Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay – they have done agreat job for the Island. Sometimes putting party politics aside and working on a cross-party basis really is important and the best way to get results.”Richard Priest, the independent spokesman for the OneWight campaign said:“This is great news. Although we have not yet won the war, we have won a verysignificant battle towards getting the special status of the Island recognised. I havebeen very impressed by the way in which the political parties have put differences asideand worked on this together, as well as the support given by other organisations such asthe Chamber of Commerce and Island businesses. I am absolutely convinced this is theright decision and I hope the Government will now recognise that.

MP Welcomes Lords ‘Good Sense’ is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

MP defends local pubs The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner has spoken out in defence of local pubs. In a Westminster Hall debate, Mr Turner highlighted the large numbers of pubs closing down across the country – with a reported 52 pubs a week closing down last year alone. Mr Turner said: “What we are seeing is the decline of the traditional British way of life. In rural Britain, in villages and small towns, the pub is the focal point. It is the heart of the local community. It is a place where people go to meet friends, neighbours and have a pleasant drink after a hard days work. “This decline in the number of local pubs is effectively killing off village life. With further to travel, many community members are put off going to the pub, especially if they are not within walking distance. It therefore comes as no surprise to hear that as a nation, we are drinking less in pubs. “The main cause of this problem is that too many pubs are being bought not by pub landlords or breweries, but by property investors, seeking to turn a pub into numerous flats and make some quick money. On the Island, the popular pub The Partlands, closed down and turned into flats, is a recent example of this occurring and it is prevalent across the country. “The real concern I have is that this will lead to a loss in community strength, with people having less and less to do with their local community. In the worst case scenario we could be heading to problems that many modern cities now face, where people have very little contact with their community and don’t even know the names of their neighbours.”

MP defends local pubs is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk