REPORTING BACK TO YOU NORMAN BAKER REPORTS BACK ON HIS TENTH YEAR AS MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR LEWES

Transcription

1 REPORTING BACK TO YOU NORMAN BAKER REPORTS BACK ON HIS TENTH YEAR AS MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR LEWES

2 Norman in the news Norman Baker this week led challenges in the House of Commons over plans to scrap vital maternity services in Eastbourne. We in Seaford are very fortunate to have such a superb MP as Norman Baker whose aims and objectives on our behalf are always 100 per cent correct. The Argus It was left to that outstandingly honest Liberal Democrat Norman Baker to talk out the Bill, preventing it from going ahead. Is this the greatest man in politics? theguardian I admire Mr. Baker, the tireless MP for Lewes, who sometimes seems to undervalue his usefulness as a trouble maker. Action from your MP this year Exposed the rising cost of the incinerator planned for Newhaven. Forced MPs to back down on plans to exempt themselves from the Freedom of Information Act. Introduced a Bill to make public bodies more accountable for the taxpayers' money they spend. Campaigned to keep Harveys at the Lewes Arms. Spoke in Parliament against plans to cut services at the DGH. Led a debate on farming in the House of Commons. Fought to save local post offices against closure plans.

3 House of Commons London SW1A 0AA As usual in this annual report, I ve tried to give you some idea of what I ve been doing on your behalf. Last year marked a small milestone for me in that it is now over ten years since I was first elected to Parliament. So this report is a little different from previous years in that I ve covered not only some of my activities over the last year, but also looked back at a few highlights from the last ten years. I hope you find it helpful. If there is anything you feel you would like to contact me about, please do let me know. Norman Baker MP SINCE 1997 NORMAN HAS HELD OVER 500 ADVICE SURGERIES AND DEALT WITH TENS OF THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUAL CASES. NORMAN REPLIES TO LETTERS AND S FROM AROUND 100 CONSTITUENTS EVERY WEEK. TO DATE NORMAN HAS ASKED 8,361 PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS.

4 A TOWN AS LARGE AS SEAFORD DESERVES BETTER HEALTH SERVICES Norman Baker 2007 Your NHS Surveys At the dentist Meeting local nurses At the PRH rally At the DGH Rally In 2007 Norman conducted the largest ever survey of its kind on the NHS in our area. Thousands of local people replied with their experiences of the NHS. Norman has been working with other local MPs in Parliament to fight cuts at the District General Hospital in Eastbourne and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and has protested with thousands of local residents to maintain full services at our local hospitals. Norman has campaigned with local people for Seaford to have better health services including a minor injuries unit.

5 LOCAL POST OFFICES ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF A COMMUNITY AND ARE PARTICULARLY VALUED BY ELDERLY PEOPLE, MANY OF WHOM FIND IT DIFFICULT TO MAKE THE JOURNEY TO A MAIN POST OFFICE. Norman Baker, December 2007 Post Offices are a lifeline to local people around this constituency. Norman has fought hard to defend local communities against the plans to close seven in our area. Norman is calling for more police on the beat in our towns. Norman has won campaigns for improvements to local rural schools such as Wivelsfield and Barcombe. Norman on the beat in Polegate

6 Norman on the farm at Barcombe IT IS STILL UNCLEAR HOW LONG BLUETONGUE WILL LAST AND EXACTLY WHAT THE EXTENT OF THE IMPACT OF THE DISEASE COULD BE. Norman Baker, THE PROSPECT OF FLOODING IN THE FUTURE DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE IS GREATER. Norman Baker, Chair of the All Party Flood Prevention Group, 2007 Norman by River Ouse Local action Norman was the first MP to raise bluetongue in Parliament. Norman has called on the government to increase funding for flood defences. Riddens Lane in Plumpton was resurfaced after Norman put pressure on the council.

7 THIS IS EXACTLY THE EXAMPLE WE NEED MPS TO SET ACTION NOT JUST FINE WORDS. WE THANK NORMAN BAKER MP FOR MAKING THIS COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO ENDING FUEL POVERTY. The Sustainable Energy Partnership 2005 Norman campaigning against the incinerator Norman campaigning for action on climate change Norman has campaigned for many years against the incinerator planned for Newhaven. In 2007 he fought off attempts by the county council to gag him and exposed the extension of the contract and that the cost has doubled to million. Norman has pressed for alternatives to the incinerator such as increased recycling levels. Norman co-sponsored the Climate Change Bill in Parliament. Carbon dioxide emissions will now be reduced year-on-year.

8 IT S EASY... Call Norman s office on: Or write to him at: 23 East Street, Lewes, BN7 2LJ Norman holds weekly advice surgeries across the local area. Get in touch to make an appointment. YOUR AWARD WINNING LOCAL MP Visit Norman s website: or normanbaker@cix.co.uk Please state your full name and address. In 1998, Norman won Best Newcomer award. In 2001 he was awarded the Inquisitor of the year and in 2002 was named Channel 4 s Opposition MP of the year. In 2008 he was runner-up in the Channel 4 Political Book of the Year for The Strange Death of David Kelly. Published by Norman Baker MP. Printed by Park Communications Ltd. Alpine Way, London, E6 6LA on FSC certified 9Lives 80 paper containing 80% recycled fibre and 20% Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) virgin fibre, sourced from sustainable forests. 100% of the electricity used in printing is generated from renewable sources, 95% of press chemicals are recycled for further use and on average 99% of any waste associated with this production will be recycled. This leaflet was made possible through the Communications Provision available to all MP s and complies with guidance issued by the House of Commons regarding content.