Richard and colleagues at Stevenage's business breakfast
The question of when Britain should enter the Euro continues to run extremely highly. In October I was key speaker at a business breakfast debate on the issue organised by Stevenage MP Barbara Follett, together with our new Europe Minister Dennis Macshane MP. Last month I gave the keynote speech at a conference organised by Britain in Europe in Diss in Norfolk. Then I spent a day observing Ireland's own referendum campaign on the issue of EU enlargement and was able to observe at first hand some of the downright lies that are being perpetuated by opponents, for example the suggestion that Ireland would have to withdraw from the United Nations. The 'yes' result strengthens my belief that a positive outcome is possible for a future Euro referendum here at home.
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I am always keen to back initiatives that bring more jobs to our region or boost our local economy. I was delighted to speak recently at the Eastern Region Enterprise Agency meeting in Newmarket on the benefits of social enterprises. In October, in Norwich, I launched a new website - www.nearbuyou.co.uk, which will enable East Anglian social enterprises to trade on line and develop joint bidding packages for large tenders.
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When I gave the keynote speech at Uttlesford Citizens Advice Bureau's Annual General Meeting I was asked for advice about temporary workers' rights. The issue was very topical, given that I had recently been involved in lobby and voting on the Temporary Agency Workers' Directive, which should bring improved conditions to this sector.
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Greenpeace campaigners were invited to my home last month, to carry out tests on the levels of toxins in my carpets. Their aim was to focus publicity on a new European directive which I have been lobbying for, to regulate toxic outputs and make companies supply information about their products. I await the campaigners' results with baited breath!
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Other recent activities I have carried out include a talk to Year 11 at Ipswich's Kesgrave High School, and a visit to Oxfam in Cambridge, to promote the International Day for the Eradication of World Poverty, by selling Fairtrade products.
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As President of the European All Party Disability Group I am particularly keen to encourage and support initiatives to support the lives of disabled people within my own constituency. Over the past two months this has involved; launching a new housing advice scheme for disabled residents in East Herts; being keynote speaker at the Rethink Disability annual conference in Ipswich, taking part in yoga sessions at Cannons gyms in St Albans and Bishops Stortford to promote World Mental Health Week and carrying out promotional activities with mental health charities in Chelmsford and Thurrock.
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In November I leant my support to the campaign against Dacorum Council's proposed cuts - which produced some extremely interesting results. I was invited by Dacorum's Council for Volunteer Support to back their campaign against threatened grant aid cuts and advise them on alternative funding sources from Europe.By a striking coincidence(!) local Tories lost a by-election in Woodhall ward the following week, and as a result control of the whole of Dacorum Council!
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One of the most important contributions the European Parliament makes to our lives is the development of directives that lead to legislation protecting and improving rights against discrimination. At a recent conference at Luton University I was delighted to share a platform with Shahid Malik from Labour NEC to debate this role. In a similar vein, I recently spoke at a national conference to mark the 30th anniversary of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act.
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Fair trade is an issue I feel passionately about, so I feel honoured to be appointed President of the EU Committee on Trade Talks with Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. This represents a significant opportunity to improve trading between the EU and developing countries. Closer to home I have met with representatives of Kings Lynn Churches Together to brief them on the same issue.
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As Regional Director Peter Watt is now leaving us I would like to take the opportunity to thank him for his incredible hard work over the past few years and to wish him well with his future career.
On a much sadder note I want to say how much regret I feel at the recent death of South Norfolk agent Steve Jones. His enthusiasm and commitment was a source of inspiration to many of us and I know he will be sadly missed.
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In this issue:
Euro entry - stakes are raised | Planespotters victory at last | Ballot result announced | Backing enterprise | Promoting workers rights | Toxic warning | PFIs - quality comes first | Around the region | Changing the lives of disabled residents | Tories KO'd by cuts campaign | Protecting human rights | Promoting fair trade | Party News