Chris Huhne
Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh
Latest news
Chris Huhne MP highlights pioneering cancer research
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.
Huhne says a big Thank You to our Christmas Posties
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!”
Huhne slams County Council for ‘lack of common sense’
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:
Eastleigh residents push the boat out for Chris Huhne MP ahead of UN climate talks
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”.
Good news for manufacturers, families and young people – Chris Huhne
Commenting on measures announced in the Autumn Statement that will benefit businesses, families and young people in Eastleigh, Chris Huhne said:
“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 launches new NHS Dental Clinic for Eastleigh residents
Chris Huhne MP has officially launched a new NHS dental practice for residents in Eastleigh. Operated by Genix Healthcare, the new practice provides access to NHS dentistry for more than 5,500 local people. It will be staffed by four full time dentists, employing 11 staff in total, and offer routine NHS dental care for all patients as well as emergency care.
Chris Huhne MP was joined by local dignitaries including The Mayor of Eastleigh Councillor Wayne Irish, Councillor Anne Winstanley and Natalie Jones, Head of Dental Commissioning an Contracting for Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of White and Portsmouth PCT’s.
Sian Nelson-Jones, Clinical Director at Genix Healthcare gave guests a tour of new state-of-the-art facilities in the clinic which departs from the traditional dental practice layout with a unique Hollywood themed backdrop to ease client comfort. She also revealed plans to take on new dental apprentices in the region as a part of its national programme to recruit nationwide.
Sian said, “This is the first major apprenticeship initiative by a dental corporate and helps to address the growing number of young people seeking work where more than a third of those currently unemployed are under 25 years old. We are committed to provide an exceptional standard of dental care but also support job creation in the Eastleigh area.”
After viewing the clinic and meeting staff Chris Huhne MP said, “This is a fantastic new facility for the people of Eastleigh. We have spent quite a few years campaigning to make sure local people could have better access to NHS dentistry and this is great credit to the local PCT. Genix Healthcare is clearly the right partner that is able to deliver a first class service and take on a significant number of new NHS funded patients. Apprenticeships is something close to my heart and I am delighted to see Genix making such a major commitment to train young people in our area.”
The Eastleigh Genix Healthcare practice offers routine NHS dental care for all patients and emergency care. Patients wishing to express an interest in receiving NHS dental care at this practice should call 02381 781 496.
Chris Huhne Launches Eastleigh Network For The Elderly
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 Welcomes Regional Lib Dem Conference to Fair Oak Eastleigh
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.
MP swaps Question Time for Milk Time
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!”
Chris Huhne and the Lib Dems: Cut taxes for ordinary people, not the richest
Chris Huhne and the Lib Dems: we need fairer taxes to help ordinary people – not tax cuts for the richest
The Lib Dems are opposing calls for an immediate cut in the 50% tax rate paid by higher rate taxpayers.
The party instead wants to give more help to those on middle and low incomes who need it the most.
Eastleigh’s Lib Dem MP Chris Huhne said, “With the country facing serious financial challenges, the priority needs to be people on low and middle incomes.”
A key part of the coalition agreement was the Lib Dem commitment to making taxes fairer. The Lib Dems are well on their way to delivering on their pledge that no one should pay tax on the first £10,000 they earn.
Nearly a million low paid workers are no longer paying income tax thanks to this, 1000 people in Eastleigh! All basic rate tax payers are paying £200 less in income tax. This means that 55,000 local people are paying less.
Each year more and more people on low and middle incomes will gain more thanks to the Lib Dem fairer tax plan.
Lib Dem Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said, “Fairer taxes is our goal. I don’t see why, in the next parliament, we shouldn’t be trying to get to a situation where people in a full-time job on the minimum wage are paying no income tax at all.”
This would mean that no one would pay tax on the first £12,500 they earn.