Blog 15th July

Another hectic week! I had a packed surgery last week and it's great to see to many of you - my last surgery before recess will be at Dukeries College on the 30th July, if you would like to arrange an appointment or to see me at another time, please call my office on 0115 968 1186.

The Ravenshead BBQ was a huge success and it was great to see so many people come along, particularly all the new faces. On Sunday I got to spend a bit of time with the family and went along to see my son play rugby.

On Monday morning I was grilled by Mrs Greg's year 4 class at Woodborough Woods school who pulled no punches when it came to the questions! I can honestly say they were tougher than any debate.

Back in London I had my bloodpressure taken by the stroke association who were raising awareness about the symptoms and prevention of strokes. I'm pleased to say that despite year 4's best efforts, my bloodpressure was completely normal.

I also attended a meeting on fairer funding for the Police which was of great interest. I am extremely concerned that funding across the country is inconsistent and unfair with the East Midlands taking the hardest hit. For example, in Northumberland the total Government Provision is £171 per capita versus £141 in Nottinghamshire. I feel that Nottinghamshire Police take a great deal of criticism, much of it unfairly given that their resources are considerably less than neighbouring constabularies. I raised this point in the house at a debate which was later covered by the Evening Post. www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/MP-calls-changes-funding-police/article-2417857/article.html .

At a meeting on the state of food and agriculture, I discussed with others the challenges we currently face in terms of food provision, how we can sustainably feed the world over the coming generations and the role that livestock and access to water are going to play.

Yesterday I had a meeting with Vince Cable to discuss how to save the jobs currently under threat at the Rolls Royce plant in Hucknall. The factory is feeling the economic pressure at the moment, as many manufacturers are, and is facing the possibility of having to buy in parts from overseas rather than producing them in the UK. I feel passionately that we must do all we can to preserve skilled jobs in this country and after a very positive meeting, I'm pleased to say that Vince fully backs me in this aspiration.

The National Farmers' Union held an event with Morrison's to promote the work being done by farmers in the country. Making sure that small suppliers get a fair deal from supermarkets is so important - if we don't protect our local producers, we will find ourselves completely dependent on foreign imports and I think it would be a shame to lose our national farming heritage.

Finally, last night I had a meeting on renewable waste management where the impact of incinerators on local communities, the prospect of further developing anaerobic digestion and how other boroughs and counties are dealing with their waste managment in a renewable manner.

Back to the constituency tonight and if you need to get in touch, please don't hesitate. You can reach me on mark.spencer.mp@parliament.uk or at my constituency office on 0115 968 1186.

Mark

Blog 8th July

Well noone can say that the week started well! Fortunately I missed the first half of the football as I was attending the County Council Civic Service on Sunday but rather unfortunately, I did have to witness the second half which I think we'd all rather forget!

On a far more positive note, I had the privilige of visiting the National School in Hucknall where I met with the Head to discuss their ambitious plans for the future. I had the further honour of being asked to award prizes and certificates at their prize giving that afternoon and was able to meet with some very industrious students over coffee at the John Godber Centre. I'm also hoping that the 6th form pupils will take me up on my offer to come and witness Government first hand with a day trip down to Parliament.

Tuesday saw a lengthy debate around the subject of Local Government which I was glad to take part in. I think the Government's mission to drive down bureaucracy and move decision making back to local people is going to have a hugely positive impact on Sherwood. I'm completely behind Eric Pickles' ambition to promote decentralisation and democratic engagement, and end the era of top down government by giving new powers to local councils, communities, neighbourhoods and individuals.

This evening I will be meeting with Ken Clarke to discsuss his priorities for the probation service and prisoner reform. The subject of anti-social behaviour came up again and again on the doorsteps and I haven't forgotten! The current system is failing and as Ken said today: "More than half of the crime in this country is committed by people who have been through the system. We must now take action and shut off this revolving door of crime and reoffending." I look forward to hearing his further thoughts.

I'm heading back to the constituency for the rest of the week now and if there's anything you need to get in touch with me about, please don't hesitate. I hold two surgeries a month, one in Hucknall on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am to 12pm at Under One Roof, 3a Vine Terrace, NG15 7HN and the second in Ollerton on the fourth Friday of the month from 5pm till 7pm at Dukeries College. You can also reach me at mark.spencer.mp@parliament.uk or at my constituency office, 0115 968 1186.

Weekly Blog: July 1st

It's been another hectic week! On Saturday I met with Residents in Edwinstowe to discuss the proposed renovation of the Robin Hood Visitor Centre. I still have reservations about the need to flatten the existing site rather than refurbish it and I have further reservations about Natural England's insistence that the original site is returned to 'ancient woodland'. Residents have raised concerns about the noise and dust pollution that will come with the development and if it is to go ahead, we must make sure that residents' privacy and property, particularly on Maythorne Grove, are respected throughout.

Residents in Rainworth have had huge problems with traffic leaving the highway on a particularly sharp bend and crashing into their rear gardens. I've met with residents to hear their concerns (and see the damage) and will be meeting with highways to discuss the problem and find a suitable resolution.

On Sunday there was abit of light relief with the Lambley Schools' summer fair, and continuing on the schools theme, I hosted a class of children from Woodborough Woods at my farm on Monday to see the animals and to learn abit more about where food comes from.

Back in London, on Monday afternoon I met with Catch 21, a production company which produces videos, events and programmes to help engage 14-25 year olds with politics, democracy and community to chat to them about my first few weeks in Parliament. It's important to engage with young people and encourage their participation in politics and I think its key to reengaging people with politics.

On Tuesday I met with the All Party Parliamentary Group for Coalfields. Creating jobs has to be the cornerstone of our economic recovery and we must make more opportunities in areas like Sherwood. The development of Rufford Colliery into industrial units for example is the kind of project we should of been doing ten years ago and we need to catch up and I aim to and I aim to support such developments to my full ability.

That afternoon I attended a presentation from the Minister for Agriculture with the All Party Parliamentary Group for Food and Agriculture to hear about sustainable Agriculture, food labeling and supporting our farmers in their dealings with large scale traders.

Last night I met with East Midlands Trains to discuss their plans for the future and later with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations to hear how Government could better support local volunteers.

It was a late night, the debate in the Chamber didn't finish until past 2am!

If you have anything you need to discuss or there are any issues you feel I should know about, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I hold two surgeries a month, one in Hucknall on the 2nd Saturday of the month 10-12 am Under One Roof, 3a Vine Terrace, NG15 7HN and the second in Ollerton on the 4th Friday on the month 5-7pm at the Dukeries College.

Thanks for reading...