PRESS RELEASES
Date: 28 April 2009
MP PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR TOSHIBA WORKERS
Alison Seabeck MP for Plymouth Devonport has expressed her shock at the announcement by Toshiba, today, that they intend to cease the production of TVs at its factory in Ernesettle.
Alison commented
“This news comes as quite a shock given the length of time Toshiba has had a base in Plymouth. This will be a difficult time for the 270 plus staff who work at the factory, some of which have been employed there for over 20 years. I have spoken to the Managing Director, Andy Bass, and he has assured me that the Company will do all it can to support employees. I have also been in touch with the Unions, Job Centre Plus and the Local Authority to ascertain their response to job losses.
“Toshiba’s decision is a sign of the difficult financial times we are facing. In the Budget this week, Alistair Darling, put in place a raft of spending measures vital to assist people who find themselves without a job. The forecasts suggest that the employment situation is likely to get worse before it gets better and I fully support the action taken by Government in offering assistance and support to individuals and businesses, this financial safety net is absolutely essential”.
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Contact Alison Seabeck : 07729 423552
12 December 2008
Evening Herald ,
(c) 2008 Evening Herald
Gordon Brown has heard a double-barrelled call from both Plymouth MPs to ensure help for struggling small businesses amid the continuing economic downturn.
During Prime Minister's question time at Westminster, Devonport MP Alison Seabeck highlighted concerns over the response of banks, which have been bailed out by taxpayers, while Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy urged prompt payment to smaller firms by big business.
In response, Mr Brown assured MPs the Government would do 'everything it takes' to see the country through the economic crisis.
Ms Seabeck raised the issue of lending by banks, which has been the subject of intense criticism.
When her question was greeted by jeers from the Tory benches, Ms Seabeck hit back, accusing the Conservatives of having adopted a policy of "Do nothing, let's just see what happens."
She said bank customers had concerns about the way in which and the speed at which banks were responding to their requests.
"Can the Prime Minister please reassure me that this government will do all it can for homeowners, those businesses, and the people who work in them?", she asked.
The Prime Minister said: "We will do everything it takes. We led the way in recapitalising our banks, we led the way in arguing for a fiscal expansion which other countries are now taking up, and we will be leading the way in the next few days.
"We are taking action. The Tories would do nothing."
The subject of help for small businesses was taken up by Mrs Gilroy in a follow-up question.
"Buy locally and paying promptly are two important ways of helping small businesses to stay in business", she said.
"Will the Prime Minister, as well as encouraging local and national government to play their part in this, also urge private bigger businesses to play their part too?"
Mr Brown said business secretary Lord Mandelson was holding a meeting to discuss the creation of a 'prompt payment code'.
Ms Seabeck said afterwards that problems with some banks related not just to new loans, but management of existing accounts.
"It's frustrating", she said. "I know it's happening, and I know people are struggling. These are good, regular customers whose businesses are solid. It's within most banks' gift to be a little bit more receptive."
SCOUTS GET FIRST CLASS TREATMENT November 2008
A scout group travelled in style to London to collect their environmental awards.
Members of the 47th Plymouth (Langley) Scout Group won a special Green Apple award for their work in supporting villagers in Nepal.
The Scouts were given three first class rail tickets by First Great Western chairman Charles Howeson for their trip to the House of Commons this week.
The Scouts have been involved in fundraising for the charity Clinic Nepal, which was set up to provide a health clinic for the 20,000-strong community of Meghauli, which is 20 miles from the nearest hospital.
Group leader Keith Eden said they had now raised money for eight wells which meant that many Nepalese children would no longer have to drink contaminated water.
"We are starting to build a Scout hut and a new kindergarten," he said.
In October last year the Plymouth group, along with Scouts from Bristol, held a 'Jungle Jamboree' with local Scouts in Nepal.
Fran Cramoysan, whose son Jez went to London this week, said they had laid the foundation stone for the new Scout hut last October, and hoped to have an opening ceremony when they take another group to Nepal in October 2009.
Mr Howesen and Alison Seabeck, MP for Plymouth Devonport, presented the rail tickets to the Scouts last week.
Ms Seabeck said: "I have been involved with the Langley Scout Group for several years.
"I am thrilled that they are being recognised for the work they undertook in Nepal. These young people have been able to access a range of experiences through their involvement with the Scouts that otherwise they would have missed out on.
"I am delighted that First Great Western has been able to support the scouts by providing transport for them to be able to collect their award."
Mr Howeson said: "First Great Western is proud to be able to support Langley Scout Group.
"The work they have undertaken in Nepal is an example to us all. I also wish them good luck in representing their country in the European Awards for the Environment.
"There is some great work being done in Plymouth by young people and it ought to be celebrated."
Keith Eden, group leader of 47th Plymouth Scout Group, said: "I would like to thank Ms Seabeck and First Great Western for their support. We are planning another trip to Nepal next year."
If individuals or companies would like to donate or sponsor the Scouts, or would like more information about the work, contact Keith on 01752 701445 or Fran on 01752 770953.
LOCAL MP JOINS CALL FOR MORE LUNG CANCER NURSES
Plymouth Devonport MP, Alison Seabeck met with lung cancer specialist nurses from across the UK today to hear about the invaluable work they do in supporting patients with the disease. The nurses were in Westminster on the eve of November’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month to call on Government to ensure every lung cancer patient has access to a specialist lung cancer nurse.
“Lung cancer specialist nurses play a vital role in supporting patients and their families,” says Maria Guerin, chair of the National Lung Cancer Forum for Nurses, which is a member of the United Kingdom Lung Cancer Coalition. “Unfortunately there just aren’t enough nurses compared to the number of patients diagnosed.”
Lung cancer kills more than 34,000 people every year.1 More women die from lung cancer than breast cancer2 and the disease kills more people than breast cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer and leukaemia combined.3
Alison Seabeck MP said: “Around 1000 people in our area are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. I have no doubt that having access to a specialist nurse can make a world of difference for patients and their families.
“They work tirelessly to support patients when they need it most. Increasing the numbers of specialist nurses would mean more patients could have the dedicated advice and care they deserve.”
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Note to editors:
Alison Seabeck MP is pictured with Dame Gill Oliver, Chair of the UK Lung Cancer Coalition.
Latest data on cancer incidence and mortality – including lung cancer statistics - by Cancer Network can be found in a new report from the National Cancer Intelligence Network. This is available at: http://www.ncin.org.uk/
For more information about the National Lung Cancer Forum for Nurses and their forthcoming 10th Annual Conference visit www.nlcfn.org.uk
Figures from Cancer Research UK, available at: http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/lung/mortality/
Alison Gets on the Road to Highlight Switchover
Alison Seabeck. MP for Plymouth Devonport will be visiting the Digital Switchover Roadshow at Tesco, Plymouth Roborough at 10:30am on Tuesday 9th September 2008.
The Roadshow will highlight the switchover to digital television, which is planned to take place in the Plymouth area during the summer of 2009.
Alison Seabeck, Labour MP for Plymouth Devonport, said:
“Although there is a high level of general awareness about switchover, a third of the public in the West Country aren’t aware that the planned switchover to digital television is only a year away. The Roadshow will be able to answer people’s concerns about what equipment they will need for the switchover and how much it is likely to cost.
It is also important to get the message out that help is available for those over 75, or on certain allowances. I would encourage anyone who is uncertain about the switchover to come along to one of the Roadshows or call the Digital UK helpline on 0845 6 50 50 50 for more information.“
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MP WELCOMES HER COMMUNITY HERO TO PARLIAMENT
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Alison Seabeck MP nominated Maisie Pullyblank, who yesterday at the House of Commons was awarded a certificate in recognition of her outstanding efforts in the Community. Maisie has worked tirelessly for over 20 years to keep up the Leigham Community Hall, after it was vacated by the Church in 1982, and voluntarily took on the task of looking after the building.
Alison said “ I was delighted to welcome Maisie and present her with the certificate - the hall is at the heart of the community with over 400 people using the facilities weekly and despite many setbacks she and her husband have kept this important facility running. She has won the respect and affection of the community for all that she has done.”
The event is organised by the Experience Corps who invite Members of Parliament to nominate a chosen hero for their services to the Community. Guests are then served with afternoon tea and meet community heroes from all over the UK, unsung heroes who devote their time and effort voluntarily to make a difference in their community.
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Notes to Editors
This is an annual event organised by the Experience Corps and hosted by Tom Levitt MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Community and Voluntary Sector to celebrate Older Volunteers’ Achievements.
Alison Seabeck MP was delighted to lend her support to Plymouth’s celebration of National Play Day.
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Alison joined the Lord Mayor and Mayoress and really entered the spirit of the event. Alison said,” Play, and understanding risk in play, is vital to childrens’ development. It was great to be able to join in the fun and learning and I’d like to congratulate all those involved in organising this event and in running the numerous play schemes across our City. I’m sure we were all delighted that the rain stayed away and that many hundreds of children enjoyed what was on offer.”
National Play Day is organised locally by Plymouth City Council and is supported by the National Lottery, Plymouth Play Association and other community organisations providing services for children and young people.
Joy Davenport, Plymouth City Council Play Officer said: "Our 12th celebration of children's right to play was once again a huge success. The theme this year "Give us a go" let us explore the benefits of children and young people taking risks through play. They had the chance to sample some bushcraft activities, sailing and climbing along with all the other things you would see at a fun day face painting bouncy castles etc. I would like to thank all of the organisations that gave up their time to make this event such a wonderful free day of play for the children and young people of Plymouth."
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Notes to Editors
WHAT'S PLAYDAY?
Playday is the annual celebration of children's right to play. Playday 2008 was on Wednesday 6 August.
On Playday and throughout the summer of 2008, thousands of children, young people and communities will get out and play at hundreds of locally organised events across the UK. This year's Playday campaign theme, Give us a go! calls for children to be allowed challenging and adventurous play opportunities and aims to shake off the 'cotton wool' culture that can limit children’s play.
Alison has a burning message for Plymouth Youngsters
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Alison attended a special “Molewatch Clinic” run by Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart Campaign where she was given a stark warning about the risk that sunburn poses to young people.
When the sun shines it certainly lifts everyone’s mood and gives us all the chance to spend time in the garden and enjoy a barbeque with friends and family. We can still enjoy the sun as long as we take a few sensible precautions, by spending some time in the shade, particularly between 1 and 3 and by using a sunscreen.
I really had no idea that malignant melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer is now the most common cancer in young adults and attending the Molewatch Clinic really highlighted for me how important it is to enjoy the sun safely.
In many cases people get sunburn when they are just out and about in the sun and not deliberately sunbathing, it is just so easy to get caught out and I shall certainly be packing my factor 15+ sunscreen and have a hat and t shirt to hand to avoid sunburn next time the sun is shining.
Alison is urging anyone with concerns about a particular mole or unusual skin growths to see their GP promptly.
Notes to Editors:
SunSmart is the UK’s national skin cancer prevention campaign commissioned by the UK Health Departments and run by Cancer Research UK.
Notes to Editors:
SunSmart is the UK’s national skin cancer prevention campaign commissioned by the UK Health Departments and run by Cancer Research UK.
? Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.
? There are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease.
? The number of skin cancer cases is increasing year on year. The main risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to sunlight. Up to 90% of skin cancers could be prevented by being SunSmart.
? Over 75,000 new cases of skin cancer are registered each year in the UK. Some experts estimate the number of cases to be in excess of 100,000 as many cases are not reported.
? Each year over 1,800 people in the UK die from malignant melanoma.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12TH JUNE 2008
CITY DELEGATION TO PRESS MINISTER ON VITAL CITY GROWTH STRATEGY
City MPs, Alison Seabeck, Linda Gilroy and Gary Streeter led a high powered City delegation to Local Government Minister, John Healey.
Plymouth as the largest city on the south coast has received government recognition of its importance in expanding the South West economy. The City’s Growth Strategy sets out the priorities for new housing, jobs, improved education as well as tackling environmental concerns. Indeed, the City Council have taken some tough decisions in recent years to support this aim but they do need to feel that Government understands the on-going need for a strategic approach both to the funding offered as well as to the outcomes expected.
The Minister was updated on progress that has been made in creating the new City Development Company to drive forward growth and on the support that the City Council, South West Regional Development Agency and English Partnerships are providing to deliver the city’s ambitious vision.
The delegation highlighted the need for all Government Departments to recognise they have a role to play in supporting New Growth Points such as Plymouth, particularly through their funding programmes. The growth of the city will create significant demand for investment in transport, waste facilities, schools and other community infrastructure.
Alison Seabeck said, “We need every relevant government department understanding what Plymouth needs and that is why we took our case to Whitehall. We want reassurance that Government will not take their eye off the ball as far as the City is concerned and that they will ensure there is a co-ordinated approach which ultimately will get the best value for the government’s investment but which will also maximise the benefits for our constituents.”
Linda Gilroy MP (Plymouth Sutton) said “The minister understands that in delivering growth which is the equivalent of building a market town as well as continuing with our major regeneration projects. He understands how challenging this is. I hope today’s meeting will bring us closer to government’s thinking and action as we try to deliver some important shared goals with them.”
Gary Streeter MP (South West Devon) added, “If Plymouth is to achieve its ambitious targets for growth and development it must work closely with government every step of the way. Today’s meeting is part of that ongoing dynamic relationship. “
Vivien Pengelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said, “We very much appreciated the opportunity to brief the Minister and to show him how important Plymouth is to delivering the Government’s objectives for new housing provision and economic growth in the region. We have shown that we have a shared vision locally and that we can work effectively with local and regional stakeholders. We want to make sure that partnership working is extended across those Government Departments who can help support the regeneration of the city”.
ENDS Contact Alison Seabeck 07930995661