Chris Huhne MP with Hampshire campaigners Martin Tod and former Romsey MP Sandra Gidley in 2007, handing in a petition to 10 Downing Street to save local post offices from the last Labour government’s closure programme.

Post Offices in Hampshire have been saved by Liberal Democrat Business Minister, Ed Davey.

After ending Labour’s shameful Post Office closure programme, which saw more than 7100 Post Offices disappear in their 13 years in office, Ed Davey has announced a ten-year deal between the Post Office and the Royal Mail has been reached.

The deal gives additional certainty to subpostmasters across the UK and covers the full range of Royal Mail products available at post offices such as first and second class post, parcels, air mail, recorded and special deliveries.

The deal adds to other recent progress for the Post Office, with extra Government cash kicking in, new national and local government contracts won, successful piloting of new models to transform many local post offices and improvements in financial services offered.

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne campaigned vigorously to save Post Offices in Hampshire being closed by the last Labour government, and launched a campaign to stop the wave of Post Office closures across the county in 2007. Mr Huhne was also part of the successful campaign to press ministers to ensure that post offices could keep the post office card account, one of the key parts of their business.

All four proposed Post Office closures in Mr Huhne’s constituency went ahead in 2008 despite a large public protest including a 1000-signature petition. The four post offices in Labour’s closure programme in Eastleigh Borough were in Hamble, Butlocks Heath, Bishopstoke and Chandler’s Ford.

Commenting, Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne said:

“After years of Post Office closures under the Labour Government, it is excellent news that Liberal Democrats are doing the right thing by ensuring that the Post Office has a sustainable future ahead of it through investment and by brokering this deal with Royal Mail.

“Post Offices are a vital part of our communities and are the lynchpin of our towns and villages. More than 20m people visit a Post Office every week to send letters to loved ones, to manage their finances or to renew passports for holidays and hundreds of thousands of pensioners rely on them every day for their pensions.

“Labour left Royal Mail in a terrible mess and it is Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government who have stopped closures and put Royal Mail and the Post Office on a secure footing. Our plans mean that we will never see the kind of planned closures that devastated local communities under the previous Government.

“The 20m people who use the Post Office every week don’t deserve anything less from us.”

Commenting further, Ed Davey said:

“A year ago I set out a radical plan to transform Post Office’s future, with £1.34bn of Government support and investment but without any closure programmes.

“Since then the Post Office has made good progress to become more competitive, building on its strengths.

“While it will take several years to turn round the Post Office’s finances, it’s increasingly clear the reforms are beginning to work.

“The 10-year deal struck between Royal Mail and the Post Office will give subpostmasters and others greater confidence.

“The signs are extremely encouraging for the future of the Post Office.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
1. In November 2010, the Coalition Government published its plans to secure the future of the Post Office. Post offices play a key role in their communities and that is why the Government has committed to maintain a network of at least 11,500 branches, building a long-term future for those branches.

2. Under the Labour Government, Post Office numbers fell by more than 7100, or 38%. In March 2010, there were 11,905 post offices in the UK.

 
3. Post Office Ltd remains in 100% public ownership. A new Board has been appointed to oversee the Post Office as an independent business with certainty about its future.

 
4. Post Office Ltd has been developing innovative Government services. The most recent example of success is its appointment as the UK Border Agency’s delivery partner for Biometric Residency Permits. Other examples include providing identity checks for London taxi drivers and a range of ‘front office’ transactions for Westminster Council.

 
5. Significant progress has also been made in developing the Post Office’s financial services business. In September access to RBS accounts over Post Office counters was extended and in November new products like the Junior ISA were introduced.

 
6. Moya Greene, Royal Mail Group’s Chief Executive, today warmly welcomed the new, commercial agreement between the Royal Mail Group and Post Office Ltd:

“I am delighted with this agreement. It provides a firm foundation for the Post Office’s long-term, sustainable future and ensures Royal Mail’s customers continue to get access to postal services in Post Office branches nationwide, the UK’s biggest retail network.

“Royal Mail and the Post Office have reached an agreement that is in the best interests of our customers and both businesses. The Post Office will continue to benefit from the sale of stamps and other delivery services. For Royal Mail, the business retains the current, unrivalled, UK-wide, retail distribution network for its products and services aimed at consumers and small businesses. We look forward to a new chapter in our continuing, close relationship.”

 
7. Paula Vennells, Managing Director of Post office Ltd, said:

“This is a good agreement for the Post Office, for the millions of customers a day who visit our branches and for our subpostmasters.  We are the number one mails’ retailer in the UK and postal business accounts for a third of our income. A long term relationship with Royal Mail ensures we continue to provide the unrivalled access and great customer service in mails and parcels services, which individuals and business customers want from the Post Office.

“This vital agreement, along with our ambitious plans for growth in government services, our branch investment and modernisation programme, and our development of digital services will all help to build a long term and sustainable Post Office.”

Chris Huhne, pictured with Chief Officer John Bonney, is supporting Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s commitment to the environment

At a meeting with Chief Officer John Bonney, Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne was presented with the Service’s polices and plans that outline its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint through a range of new measures. Protecting the environment is one of the Service’s five priority areas.

In April, the Service showed its commitment to the environment, with the opening of its new ‘green’ fire station in Winchester. The new station benefits from some proven eco-friendly technology including; ground source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, solar panels for water heating, and photovoltaic panels for power generation.

The Service has also achieved a 30% reduction in the number of fires (compared with its 2008 baseline) which has contributed to reducing its carbon footprint. Fewer fires means less travel, and this means less damage to the environment.

Chris Huhne MP said, “Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have always been good at putting out fires – and hence cutting carbon. Now they are going a step further to cut their emissions while they work.

I’m delighted that the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have taken a lead on this issue. This shows that by prioritising environmental concerns, cutting your carbon footprint and making your organisation more energy efficient, you can save money while going green.”

Chris added, “Not only this, but the service has managed to reduce the number of fires over the last 4 years by nearly a third – a fantastic achievement! Eastleigh and Hampshire can be very proud of its fire and rescue service.”

Chief Officer Bonney said, “Despite the challenging financial climate we currently face, we want to make sure the environment does not suffer and we remain committed to reducing our carbon footprint. The environment remains one of our five priority areas for the next five years and we will look to reduce our carbon footprint through a number of measures. It is important to note that while some of these measures, including the new windows in our buildings across the Service, cost money they will reduce our energy consumption and therefore our outgoing costs. The opening of our ‘green’ Winchester Fire Station is a striking example of our commitment to ‘going green’ and we will continue to look for opportunities like these in the future.”

Eastleigh MP and Secretary of State Chris Huhne met with Cancer Research UK scientists in Southampton last week to learn about the world class research taking place in the region.

Chris Huhne MP discussing the region's ground-breaking cancer research with Dr Edd James, a Lecturer in Cancer Immunology.

The MP for Eastleigh visited the Somers Cancer Research Building at Southampton General Hospital where he witnessed at first hand the range of groundbreaking scientific research currently being carried out by scientists and doctors who are part of the Southampton Cancer Research UK Centre.

Chris Huhne MP said: “It is brilliant to see some of the great research being conducted here in Southampton. It showed just why it is so crucial to support the vital research which could make such a difference to the 41,000 people who are diagnosed with cancer in the South East every year.”

The Southampton Cancer Research UK Centre is a network bringing together scientists, doctors and nurses in the area. They are using the latest research advances to improve treatment for cancer patients in and around Southampton and across the UK.

The Centre is a partnership between Cancer Research UK, the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

It has an international reputation for research into immunotherapy, and researchers are also focusing on cancer genetics – hunting the gene faults that increase an individual’s risk of cancer – as well as investigating ways to improve cancer surgery.

Professor Peter Johnson, Director of the Southampton Centre and Cancer Research UK’s Chief Clinician, said: “I was really pleased to welcome Chris to the Centre to show him how our research into immunotherapy is helping to harness the body’s immune system to target cancer, an exciting opportunity that we hope will make many more immunotherapy treatments available to future cancer patients.”

“It was also an exciting opportunity to show the Centre’s renewed emphasis on the importance of surgical treatment of cancer and how we can improve these vital treatments.”

Southampton has a strong track record in training outstanding cancer scientists, doctors and surgeons – a tradition that is set to continue and grow. The Centre provides the right environment for training the next generation of experts, to ensure that Southampton remains at the forefront of the fight against cancer.

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK spent over £4 million in Southampton last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

Cancer survival rates have doubled in the last forty years and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

MP Chris Huhne with Glen Roach and line manager Paul Farthing

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne visited the Post Office’s sorting office in Goodwood Road to say a big thank you to the hard-working postmen and women who are delivering cards and parcels in record numbers in the run-up to Christmas.

This year Chris Huhne, who has visited the office every year since he was elected, delivered some parcels of his own: two giant tins of sweets for the posties to keep morale up in this final busy week before Christmas.

The Post Office are expecting around two billion items in their Christmas mailbag this year, and have taken on about 18,000 extra seasonal Postmen and women to make sure we get our letters and parcels before Christmas.

Chris said a special thank you to Richie Hunt who has delivered the MP‘s mail in Dutton Lane, Eastleigh.

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne with Richie Hunt, a hard-working Eastleigh postie

“Postmen and women like Richie play an often unappreciated but vital role in keeping families and friends in touch all year round, and this is particularly important at this time of year.

“When you see the complexity of sorting and then delivering all the mail, it makes you realise how much we rely on the dedication of so many people ready to start work as early as 4.30 in the morning in freezing mist to ensure us a happy Christmas”.

Chris added, “Richie is always cheery and displays his optimistic outlook on life by getting on with the job even in the coldest days of winter in short trousers. Given the sub-zero temperatures this time of year, rather him than me!”

Chris Huhne MP and Councillor Malcolm Cross campaigning against gravel extraction in Hamble

Eastleigh MP and cabinet minister Chris Huhne has formally objected to Hampshire County Council’s ‘crazy’ plans to extract gravel from Hamble Airfield.

In an official representation to the Planning Inspector, Mr Huhne, Hamble’s local MP, has urged the independent adjudicator charged with examining Hampshire’s Minerals & Waste Plan to ‘listen to local residents’ and ‘take a common-sense approach’ by removing the Hamble site from the plan for sharp sand and gravel extraction.

The Eastleigh MP made the comments following the publication of controversial draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan by the County Council. The Plan, which is a blueprint for the county’s needs for the next 20 years, is set to be submitted to the Secretary of State in the spring. Members of the public have until December 19 to comment.

In the plan it is proposed to extract up to 1.25 million tonnes of sand and gravel from the site.

In his representation, Mr Huhne argues that the plan to extract gravel from Hamble will ‘irreparably damage the village’s character’ and ‘cause the local economy great harm.’ The MP, who has campaigned alongside residents against gravel extraction in Hamble since 2006, also cites concerns about the impact on the infrastructure of the area, noise & air quality issues, and the proximity of the proposed site to local schools and community facilities.

The links between the home-builder Persimmon and the Conservative Party have also been highlighted in the document, with Mr Huhne stating that he remains ‘concerned’ at the pattern of Persimmon’s political donations and ‘apparent conflicts of interest at the Conservative-led County Council’.

As previously reported, Electoral Commission records show that Persimmon’s founder and life president Duncan Davidson has made four personal donations to the party totalling £32,000 in the past ten years, and Persimmon’s own accounts show a donation of £10,000 to the Conservative Party.

Mr Huhne, commenting on his representation, said, “I would urge all local people who are affected by these proposals to put in a representation to the Planning Inspector and object to the Hamble Airfield site being included in the Plan.” “It is clear that this plan is not sound, and this may be residents’ last chance to make their voices heard, and stop this crazy proposal.”

To view Chris Huhne MP’s full representation, please download from the link below:

Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP Hamble Gravel representation

Eastleigh residents deliver boat to Chris Huhne MP

On Friday 25th November, Chris Huhne MP for Eastleigh and Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change visited the Oxfam shop in High Street, Eastleigh to accept a large, perspex boat filled with messages from Eastleigh residents. The messages called for Mr Huhne to use his influence at the UN Climate Change Conference, which opens today in Durban, South Africa.

At the 2010 conference, World Leaders agreed to establish a Green Climate Fund to help poor countries adapt to the impacts of climate change. But the fund is still not operational and governments have not confirmed how they will contribute. Oxfam is calling on Mr Huhne to support long-term, innovative ways for raising money that don’t put the squeeze on tax-payers, such as levies on international shipping, aviation and a Robin Hood Tax on the banking sector, which all have the potential to raise billions of pounds.

Mr Huhne said, “It has never been more important for governments to agree collective action to tackle climate change, and I’m delighted Oxfam in Eastleigh are backing this. There has been some progress on governments committing to emission reductions – here in the UK we have set legally binding limits to cut our emissions by 50% based on 1990 levels, by 2025. It is vital that more countries follow the UK’s lead and pledge to reduce their own emissions.”

Felicity Gibbons, Manager of the Oxfam shop said “The boat has been displayed in our shop for customers to include their messages and It has been heartening to see how many people wanted to lend their support. Climate change is already devastating people’s lives and it’s so important for everyone to play their part in tackling this issue. Although extreme weather is affecting us all, it’s the people in poor countries who are being affected first and worst”.

“There is a lot of good news for Eastleigh and Hampshire in the Autumn Statement, such as the funding of a Solent Enterprise Zone through the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.

“These are difficult times but the Liberal Democrats are determined to do the right thing and keep Britain safe from the debt storm of the market turmoil in Europe and elsewhere.

“As we take the difficult decisions needed to clean up Labour’s mess, the Liberal Democrats have prioritised more childcare for thousands of families and more support to get young people into work in Eastleigh and across Hampshire.

“The Coalition has also set out a plan to get Britain building by investing in housing, infrastructure and giving manufacturing the boost it deserves. These measures will help create jobs and growth and allow our area to thrive.”

Notes

Details of Autumn Statement:

• LEPs in the South East will receive nearly £95m as part of the Growing Places Fund.
• A £1bn “Youth Contract” announced by Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg last week to create jobs and apprenticeships for young people.
• Doubling the number of two year-olds eligible for free early-years education.
• Up to £1.4bn to build additional classrooms and schools in areas which need it the most.
• The Coalition Government will increase funding for the Regional Growth Fund in England by £1bn, and extend the lifetime of the Fund to 2014-15 to provide ongoing support for private sector growth in areas currently dependent on the public sector.
• The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring that manufacturing is able to remain competitive during the shift to a low carbon economy and to minimising the ‘carbon leakage’ which might happen if investment relocated abroad. The Coalition intends to implement measures to reduce the impact of policy on the costs of electricity for the most electricity-intensive industries, beginning in 2013 and worth around £250m over the Spending Review period.

Previously announced:

• Solent LEP has secured funding for the Solent area through the Regional Growth Fund. This includes £2.1m directed to Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and £5.5m to increase the capacity of Platform Road in Southampton.
• LEPs in the South East will receive nearly £95m as part of the Growing Places Fund.

Chris Huhne MP and Older People’s representatives from around Eastleigh help launch the Eastleigh Older People’s Network today at The Point

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne joined members of Age Concern for afternoon tea and a spot of tea dancing at an event to launch a new network that will provide support to elderly residents throughout the borough.

The Energy Secretary launched the Eastleigh Older People’s Network at a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony at the special event that took place at The Point in Eastleigh today (Friday, November 11).

Supported by Eastleigh Borough Council, One Community, The Point, Age Concern and a number of community and cultural associations across Eastleigh Borough, the Eastleigh Older People’s Network has been set up to provide information, advice and support to older residents across the borough.

Speaking after the event, Mr Huhne said: “I’m delighted to help launch the Eastleigh Older People’s Network today at The Point. Eastleigh has always had a strong sense of community, and this network will be a continuation of that fine tradition, offering advice, information and support to older residents.

“This launch event highlights the vital role that venues such as The Point have in our community. From dance events to screening afternoon matinees especially for older people, these events are fantastic for the community, and I’m pleased that Eastleigh Borough is leading the way on this.”

The event, attended by representatives from among others the Nepalese Association, Age Concern, Hedge End Over 60s Club and the Asian Welfare Community Association, featured a Tea Dance display by Age Concern Eastleigh, an art exhibition by members of Enjoy Sharing Art, and a performance by The Point Youth Dance Company.

Operations Manager at One Community Carol Grant said: “We’re delighted at how enthusiastic everyone is about the Eastleigh Older People’s Network and look forward to welcoming older people from throughout the Borough of Eastleigh to become involved with the Network. This launch marks the beginning of a new initiative for Eastleigh and we’re extremely grateful to the Steering Committee and those who participated to make it such a fun event.”

For more details, visit www.1community.org.uk or call 02380 902400.

Chris Huhne MP addressing the Autumn South Central Regional Lib Dem Conference

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne welcomed around 200 Liberal Democrats from across South Central Region to Wyvern Technology College, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, for the Liberal Democrats’ Autumn Conference.

The keynote speech was made by Chris Huhne, and there were speeches and presentations from Catherine Bearder, South East MEP, Lord Stoneham of Droxford, Cllr Keith House, Leader of Eastleigh Council and former MPs, Sandra Gidley and Dr Evan Harris.

Henry Maddick receives the Harriet Smith award for long service from Chris Huhne MP at Lib Dem Regional Conference

Chris was also given the honour of presenting a special award to Henry Maddick for long service to the Lib Dems.

At conference this year motions were put forward on a wide range of topics, from Support for Carers to Nepalese Immigration (with guest speaker, Major Dewan of the Ghurkhas), and Community Pubs.

Chris Huhne is supporting World School Milk Day at Nightingale Primary School

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne celebrated ‘World School Milk Day’ 2011 by visiting pupils and staff at Nightingale Primary School in Eastleigh on 14 October.

Nightingale Primary School was one of thousands of schools across more than 40 countries taking part in celebrations dedicated to World School Milk Day this month.  The day encourages children to drink milk and aims to educate them about the benefits of milk.

In the UK, school milk is free for children in day-care or primary education under the age of five, and subsidised for school students aged five to eleven. Milk is delivered fresh and chilled to the classroom, distributed by students and consumed as a group. This process helps teach children responsibility, independence, manners and numeracy, and provides important social time in a child’s day. Further, milk is vital for building healthy bones and teeth and improves a child’s concentration, memory and creativity.

At the event Chris Huhne said, “School milk is great for growing kids, and World School Milk Day is a fantastic way of promoting the health and social benefits of drinking milk in schools – with milk being free for children under five. I’m delighted to have the chance to support World School Milk Day in its twelfth year with the staff and children of Nightingale Primary School.”

“Milk’s a lot fresher than when I was at school” joked Chris. “It also no longer tastes of chalk dust!”