| Metrpolitan police, South Thames college and a healthy living day |
| Tuesday, 31 January 2006 21:30 |
|
It has been a busier week than usual both in
Parliament and Tooting.
On Saturday, I joined the Metropolitan Police and our Specials for a recruitment fair they held at Ernest Bevin College on Beechcroft Road. The Met Volunteers Programme was established in 2001 with the aim of increasing active participation and engagement between the Met and communities. The overall vision is to provide a fully integrated and effective volunteer resource, and the programme attracts people from a diverse range of backgrounds who gain vital skills through volunteering, and enhance the overall operation of the Met. If you are interested in volunteering to become a Special constable, please contact Derek Hammond at Battersea Police Station on 020 8247 7512 or on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . There is also more information on the website. On Monday 23rd, I visited South Thames College in Wandsworth for one of my regular meetings with the Principal Sue Rimmer. We discussed a number of important matters including new developments at the College, the lack of an indicative budget for the College, the new inspection regime, funding concerns in the context of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students and much more. The College has 1600 ESOL students and a large waiting list – ESOL provision is a vital part of their programme. There is good news on the funding front as I have subsequently managed to get an assurance that there are no plans to cut the college’s funding of ESOL. This issue came up at a recent Public Accounts Committee session - the committee was examining the necessary steps for improving the skills of potential employees. Immigrant workers are essential to the economy in Britain and in order for them to integrate successfully they need a suitable understanding of the English language. ESOL courses are integral to this objective and I am therefore pleased that the Department for Education and Skills has offered this reassurance to schools and colleges in Tooting. I also had my usual open surgery at Balham community centre. In Parliament I signed the Holocaust Memorial Day Book of Commitment, which honours the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust and pays tribute to the bravery of those who risked their lives to help the persecuted. The Book of Commitment was placed in the House of Commons for MPs to sign to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. This was organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust http://www.het.org.uk/. A picture is here. On Monday 23rd, we had a special General Committee of Tooting Labour Party where Ed Balls MP addressed the meeting and participated in a lively discussion about the future of the Labour Party. This was a good opportunity for local party members to get together and share their thoughts about current policies. A picture from the event is here. In the early hours of Tuesday, I went to Canada House to watch the Canadian general election results come in. The Conservatives in Canada won, with a 36% share of the vote (the Liberals had 30%). The Conservatives have 124 seats, which is short of the 155 seats needed for an outright majority in parliament, so the new prime minister, Stephen Harper will require support of MPs from other parties to enact important legislation. It was interesting to find out more about elections in Canada and see the similarities and differences to Britain. The Tories are reported to be hopeful given the Canadian results, but I think this is a bit premature! Last week on 26th, I met with Zafar Khan of the Limbless Association and Mr Zia Khan of Roehampton Hospital to discuss all the excellent work that is being done to help amputee survivors of the earthquake in Pakistan. A considerable amount of expertise, equipment and supplies have already been sent and will continue to be sent to help rehabilitation efforts. I also took part in a special healthy living day at the Houses of Parliament. The event helped launch the second year of Cancer Research UK’s Reduce the Risk campaign (photo here) Reduce the Risk aims to raise awareness of the avoidable risks of cancer and the importance of early detection. The campaign gives 10 tips for a healthier lifestyle, including good resolutions like walking more, eating healthy snacks, drinking more water, and ensuring that you eat 5 portions of vegetable or fruit a day. On Friday I had the pleasure of visiting St Anselm’s School in Tooting Bec where the head teacher, Tom Gately, justifiably took great pride in telling me of the real and substantive value that the school adds to children’s development. I have promised to return to meet the school council and to attend a prize giving ceremony. The school did very well in its last OFSTED report, and was particularly commended for its provision for pupils’ social development. Over the weekend, I opened a new travel agents in Tooting; Escape Travel at 203 Upper Tooting Road, attended the wedding of a local resident and went canvassing in Bedford ward. |
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