CHRIS SKIDMORE REPORTS BACK FROM PARLIAMENT


Since the beginning of the new parliament in May 2010, new MP for Kingswood, Chris Skidmore, has spoken in 23 separate debates— more than any other MP in the Bristol region, according to the website http://tinyurl.com/yjqgw67

Chris is also one of the few West MPs to have voted in every single vote in the new parliament- sometimes staying up beyond 2am to do so!

Chris has used his time in Parliament to raise some key local issues on behalf of his constituents.

This included calling a special debate on “The Future of Frenchay Hospital” at which a government minister, Simon Burns, thanked Chris for calling the debate and praised his fight to secure the maximum possible facilities at Frenchay.

Chris has also tabled two motions in Parliament, calling for greater local protection of the greenbelt (EDM 168) and celebrating the work of local campaigners in saving Cossham Hopsital from closure under the previous government (EDM 615).

.... Chris has also spoken out in Parliament, highlighting other key local issues such as:

· The fact that rail services to Bristol are some of the most expensive in the whole of Europe

· The protection of the Kingswood Greenbelt and the need to abolish the previous government’s Regional Spatial Strategy- which planned to build 10,000 houses on the local greenbelt— as soon as possible.

· Kingswood Police Station being bulldozed to make way for new flats—in response Chris secured a meeting with a Home Office minister to discuss the issue.

· The closure of the Somerdale Cadbury’s Factory and its impact on local constituents.

· The great work of local disabled charities such as the Vassall Centre.

· The fact that there has been a sharp rise in the number people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in Kingswood in the past three years.

· The Bristol Evening Post’s “100 Apprenticeships in 100 days” campaign.

Chris has been appointed as Secretary of the All Parliamentary Party Group on Disability, and he has become an champion on disabled rights in parliament, already making two speeches on ensuring that carers get a better deal, and that people with learning disabilities get better treatment in the NHS.

Chris has also been elected as a member of the powerful Health Select Committee, in which he has already had the opportunity to question Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley on the Government’s new White Paper.

Commenting on his first session in Parliament, Chris said, “I’m absolutely determined to represent my local area, which after all as a local man is my home, to the best of my ability. I believe that it is important to bring Kingswood to Westminster, standing up for those local people who elected me to serve and fight on their behalf."

ENDS

For more information contact Paul Smith on 07703056088/0117 9081524 or email paul@chrisskidmore.com