Laura Sandys - gets Tory health policy wrong 30,000 times!

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

Laura Sandys - gets Tory health policy wrong 30,000 times!South Thanet Conservative candidate, Laura Sandys, and North Thanet MP Roger Gale are blushing tonight after it turns out they got their own Party's health policy wrong! Ms Sandys boasted in local newspapers of having delivered 30,000 leaflets attacking Government plans to create polyclinics and saying they would 'break the link with family doctors' - days after Tory front bench health spokesman Mark Simmonds announced that the Tories now accepted this was not the case and pledged that the Tories would not block the roll out of polyclinics. Roger Gale, the MP for North Thanet, also attacked plans for polyclinics in an article in a Thanet newspaper and threw his support behind Ms Sandys unfortunate leaflet.South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, said: "This Tory leaflet was based on a fantasy. The government had long made it clear that people who visit a polyclinic would do so by choice, usually because the opening hours or location suited their working life, and they would remain registered with their own local GP." "The Tories distributed it knowing it was wrong because they hoped to exploit vulnerable, elderly and sick people who rightly value their relationship with their own GP and frighten them into voting Tory. It was a shameful exercise that has been shown up by the Tory fron bench announcement that they now support the polyclinic idea!"Note to editors:The Tory announcement was made in an interview with Pulse magazine and can be read at:www.pulsetoday.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=35&storycode=4122734&c=1 http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=35&storycode=4122734&c=1 Stephen Ladyman MP01843 852696

Ladyman puts receipts on line - press release

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

Stephen Ladyman MP has posted his receipts and claim forms on-line.Stephen Ladyman, the MP for South Thanet has added his expense claim forms and receipts to his web site as well as providing unaudited data, that won't be officially released for another year. for his expense claims for 2008/9.The MP first provided details of his expenses on his website early last year and update them in April to include the latest information.

He has now expanded the information provided to allow access to the raw claim forms and receipts."People are understandably angry about what they've read in the newspapers and heard on the news in the last week but although copies of receipts and claim forms had been leaked to the Telegraph, the same information wasn't available to MPs in a form we could publish until a few days ago.

In the interests of full transparancy I've now published everything I can via my website. Some information has been redacted to stop bank account details being released and to comply with data protection laws because third parties were referred to but otherwise my constituents have now got everything that I've got."

"I hope that people don't tar all MPs with the same brush. I've long advocated a reform of the expense system and greater transparency and done my best through my own web site to set an example. The vast majority of MPs are hard working and honest.

If some have made mistakes they should be held to account but we should not all be blamed for their mistakes."

"On the doorsteps of Ramnsgate today and as I've met people all around the constituency in the last few days most people have said they understand that not all MPs have expolited the system, they want those who have done so punished but they don't blame us all for the errors of the few. I'm also pleased to say that they have been very kind and understanding to me personally."

MP survives Thundersprint

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, has completed his ride at this year's Thundersprint. He was riding a 200bhp Kawasaki MSS Colchester Ninja Superbike in the event in Northwhich, Cheshire to raise money for C.A.L.M, a charity that tries to prevent young men from committing suicide.

"Thanks to Kawasaki, Arai who provided a motorcycle helmet for raffle at the event and Thundersprint who hosted us we have raised over £4000 for CALM and more is still coming in. More importantly we got the CALM message that 'being silent is not being strong' over to tens of thousands of young men and if just one picks up a phone when he is in crisis then everything will have been worth while."

"Riding a Kawasaki Superbike was an amazing experience. Opening the throttle of a bike that can do 130mph in first gear, when the green light comes on at the start line, is quite unforgettable. I thought my teeth were flying out the back of my head on the first practice lap."

"I’m really grateful to everyone who has contributed so far, friends, Labour Party colleagues, constituents, MPs and Peers as well as everyone who contributed at the event itself but there is still time to give if people want to. The website will stay open for a little while yet."

www.justgiving.com/stephen-at-thundersprint

Ed I added the video

The a picture shows Stephen Ladyman with the Kawasaki MSS Colchester with its CALM decals at Thundersprint 2009.

The CALM website is http://www.thecalmzone.net/

The CALM helpline is on 0800 58 58 58 and it is open 5pm to midnight, Saturday to Tuesday. The Campaign Against Living Miserably is targeted at young men aged between 15-35. The campaign offers help, information and advice via a phone and web service. Anyone, regardless of age, gender or geographic location can call the line.

Fair tips and fair wages for all

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

Pat McFadden MP, Labour's Business Minister, today announced that from this October it will no longer be legal to use customers' tips to make up the minimum wage and that any tips left for staff will be in addition to basic pay.

Pat McFadden said:

"When people leave a tip in a restaurant they expect it to be in addition to the staff's basic pay, not to be used to make up the minimum wage. We said last year we would look at this issue and today we have confirmed that from October, we are changing the rules to ensure that when people leave a tip for staff they can be sure it will not go towards making up the minimum wage. It means a fair deal for staff and for employers.

"This is another step towards Labour's vision of a fair future for all, where people receive fair pay for their hard work.

"David Cameron campaigned against the introduction of the National Minimum Wage which has given employees a decent level of pay. His opposition to the support that the Government is giving people during the recession shows that he is still out of touch."

Stephen Ladyman MP said:

“This is great news for people who work in the hospitality trade in Thanet and Dover. Thorley Taverns and the Dog and Duck at Pluck’s Gutter have already signed up to the Fair Tips Charter. Now all the restaurants and pubs in South Thanet are going to have to come into line.”

Ed. I found the editors notes on this one interesting click here for them.

STEPHEN LADYMAN MP DEMANDS AN END TO DEBT “VULTURES”

Stephen Ladyman, the MP for South Thanet, has joined the Jubilee Debt Campaign to stop vulture funds profiteering from Third World debt.

Stephen is supporting a bill being presented to Parliament to stop financial institutions from making multi-million pound profits out of the debts of some of the poorest countries in the world.

The Developing Country Debt (Restriction of Recovery) Bill, a ten minute rule bill with cross-party support, is presented in Parliament tomorrow (Wed April 6th). In recent years at least 54 companies are known to have taken legal action against 12 of the world’s poorest countries. Most notably the vulture fund Donegal International, based in the British Virgin Islands, won $15.5 million through the courts in repayment for Zambian debt it bought for $3.3 million.

The Bill provides for:
An end to hedge funds and other investors buying up Third World debt at cut-rate prices and then suing developing country governments through the UK courts for the full amount.
Reporting arrangements to the UK and developing country governments.
Transparency over who is involved in the funds.
Anti-corruption measures.

Stephen Ladyman said: “It cannot be right that the mega-rich should be able to exploit the poorest people in the world. That is exactly what these vulture funds have been doing and it has to stop.”

Nick Dearden of Jubilee Debt Campaign, which has been leading the campaign against the vulture funds, said: “It’s completely wrong that the vultures should be able to scavenge money meant for some of the poorest countries in the world. MPs’ support is important in putting a stop to the profiteering.”

In the picture Stephen Ladyman MP and a vulture outside Parliament. The vulture is on the right!

Stephen Ladyman MP to ride 200horsepower Kawasaki Superbike for CALM charity

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

Known for his love of fast cars and high powered motorcycles, the MP for South Thanet, Dr Stephen Ladyman, is making ready to ride a 200 horsepower racing motorcycle in aid of charity.

The 57 year old Member of Parliament, who started his two wheeled love affair on a humble 50cc machine at 16 years old, will ride an MSS Colchester Kawasaki Superbike at the Thundersprint event held in Northwich on 10 May.
Having owned, “too many bikes to remember”, Ladyman has decided that the high profile event, which annually attracts over 100,000 visitors, is the ideal platform to bring attention to the CALM charity, the focus of his fund raising attempt.

“CALM seeks to help young men who are experiencing a variety of serious personal issues”, commented Ladyman. “The theme of the web site at TheCalmZone.net is that staying silent is not being strong”.

One thing that Ladyman will not be on 10 May is silent though as he rides a highly tuned British Superbike helped by Kawasaki’s official entry in the 2009 Championship, as MSS Colchester Kawasaki’s Team Principle, Nick Morgan, explained.

“Kawasaki Motors UK have arranged for Stephen to borrow a standard road going ZX-10R so that he can acclimatise himself to the big Ninja. That will stand him in good stead, but he will still have be 100% focussed at the Thundersprint to make best use of all the technology that is packed onto a 200 mile an hour racing bike.”

Ed. If you want to sponsor Steve click on the link below.

www.justgiving.com/stephen-at-thundersprint

Press Release: Austerity for who? - Purnell challenges Cameron

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

James Purnell MP, Labour's Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on David Cameron's refusal to commit to maintaining child benefit and winter fuel allowances at the same levels as the Government, said:

"David Cameron has one rule for millionaires and another for parents and pensioners. He can promise a tax giveaway for 3,000 millionaires yet now he won't give a "running commentary" on his plans for millions of middle income parents who receive child benefit, nor millions of pensioners who rely on winter fuel allowance to heat their homes.

"When will this game of hide and seek end? This isn't about asking the opposition to make unreasonable commitments, it is about being honest with the British people about their public spending plans.

"Labour's plan for building Britain's future is set out in plain English in our budget. It is time the Tories talked straight. It is dishonest to preach austerity whilst refusing to say who will pay."

Stephen Ladyman MP, said:

“Mr Camerons proposals will hit hundreds of people in my constituency. He should own up to the pensioners who will lose their heating allowance and the families that will lose their tax credits exactly how much worse off they will be and who will be affected.”

MP to race a Kawaski Superbike!

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, will ride a 200bhp Kawasaki Superbikein this year's Thundersprint Motorcycle Sprint on May 10th.Stephen is raising money for CALM, a charity that helps young men incrisis.Stephen Ladyman said:"Suicide is now one of the biggest killers of young men and CALM does avital job getting across its message that 'being silent is not beingstrong' and providing support for young men who contact them. I'mdelighted that

Thundersprint and Kawasaki are backing me and helping meraise money for them."Stephen will be riding a 200bhp Kawasaki MSS Colchester - the bikeridden by the Kawaski race team in last year's superbike races. He willbe joining the official Kawasaki race team for the day.Thundersprint is one of the biggest spectator events in Europe. It is amotorcycle sprint race held in Northwich, Cheshire.

This year it is onSunday May 10th."My first objective will be holding on and finishing the event in onepiece while getting as many people as possible to sponsor me and supportCALM. Frankly, as someone who loves motorbikes, I'll also be having agreat time.""I hope lots of people and companies are prepared to help.

Donations canbe sent to me at the House of Commons or, better still, by logging ontomy special JustGiving web site."The web site for donations is:www.justgiving.com/stephen-at-thundersprint"Suicide struck my own family out of the blue when my step-son Karl tookhis own life last year.

We miss him terribly but if CALM can save justone family from the heartbreak we have suffered then we need to backthem as much as we can."

If anyone wants to know more about CALM and especially if feelingdepressed, suicidal or in need of support then they should check theCALM website at http://www.thecalmzone.net/ or their help line on 0800 58 58 585pm to midnight Saturday to Tuesday.

Stephen Ladyman MP Welcomes a Budget for Building Britain’s Future

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

Stephen Ladyman has welcomed today’s budget. Speaking from Westminster after the chancellor delivered his statement, the MP for South Thanet said:

“When the global economic downturn struck Britain had record levels of employment, low interest rates and lower national debt than almost every other developed nation. That meant we were better prepared to face the storm than other countries and, because the British Government chose to step in and help businesses, the UK banking system and UK families, it is now also clear we will recover from the downturn quickly and the economy will be growing by the end of the year.”

“However, if you have lost your job, or if you are now struggling on a lower income, the fact that the economy will recover soon will be little comfort. That is why I welcome this budget because it provides real help for real families in my constituency right now.”

“I’m especially delighted that from January we are going to offer a guarantee for everyone under 25 who is out of work for a year that they will either have a work placement or be put on a training programme. Extra support for the unemployed and new money for those threatened with losing their homes after a drop in income will help thousands of people and sends a clear message – this Government will not abandon you when things get tough in the way the Conservative Government did in the 80s and 90s.”

“Last but not least, this budget not only sets out clearly how the money used to get us through this world crisis will be paid back, fairly and with the wealthy paying their proper share it also supports the fight against climate change. It is very much a budget for building Britains future. ”

Note for editors:

The Budget announced:

support for employment

including for Jobcentre Plus and the Flexible New Deal, and the offer a guaranteed job, training or work placement for all 18-24 year olds who reach 12 months unemployed;

support for individuals

including through an increase in the annual investment limit for Individual Savings
Accounts (ISAs) to £10,200, up to £5,100 of which can be saved in cash;

an additional payment alongside the Winter Fuel Payment worth £100 for households with someone aged over 80 and £50 for households with someone aged over 60 – which will support 20,300 people in South Thanet and 24,300 people in North Thanet.

Pension Credit: increasing the capital disregard on the level of savings that are not taken into account when calculating entitlement, from November 2009, from £6,000 to £10,000.

support for homeowners and homebuyers

including with a £600 million funding package of measures to build more homes, and an extension of the stamp duty holiday for all houses costing up to £175,000 until the end of the year;

support for the environment

including setting the world’s first carbon budgets and measures to encourage energy efficiency and low-carbon growth.

Stephen Ladyman MP celebrates extended maternity leave

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

Steve joined a young family to celebrate the success of Labour’s extension of paid maternity and paternity leave at an event in Parliament organised by shopworkers’ union, Usdaw.

Currently, eligible employed mothers can take 12 months maternity leave, with 39 weeks of this being paid. Fathers can take two weeks leave with paternity pay provided they have worked for the same employer for 6 months.

Stephen Ladyman said:

“Having children is a great experience but it can be stressful too. Giving dad some time off to help with the new arrival can make a real difference. Giving mum more maternity leave with pay means new arrivals are given the best possible start in life and family income is maintained. These changes, introduced by this Government but opposed by the other parties, are about giving families real help.”


Jamie Gull and his partner Jo have two children – Benjamin who is 5 and Alexander who is 6 months. Jamie and Jo really appreciated the time off with their new sons:

“Being able to take two weeks paid paternity leave when my son was born made a massive difference. I was able to spend important time at home with my new baby and my partner, Jo. As well as bonding with my son I also know Jo appreciated having me around so soon after his birth.

“Jo is currently on paid maternity leave with our second son, Alex. I know she is really enjoying the extra time at home with Alex. The first nine months are important ones in a child’s life. Jo has said she will feel less anxious about returning to work this time at the end of the paid maternity leave period as Alex will be that little bit older.”

Maria and Jeremy Luff had their first baby, Benjamin, in May 2007. Maria was able to take 9 months paid maternity leave.

“The extension of paid maternity leave gave me more time to spend with Benjamin. It meant that I could enjoy my time at home with him instead of worrying about going back to work too soon. Now that Benjamin is that much older, he is much happier now that I am back at work.

“Paid maternity leave was especially important to us as Jeremy was made redundant on the day that Benjamin was born. Fortunately he soon found another job but it was a very stressful time and the extra paid leave made a big difference to us as I know it will for thousands of other working mums.”

Stephen Ladyman puts his expenses online again

Stephen Ladyman puts his expenses online again.South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, has updated his website to provide the latest information about his expenses.Stephen Ladyman said:"The recent furore about MPs expenses has brought all politicians into disrepute.

As well as reviewing the rules as the PM has promised, as individuals we have to do more to be open about how we are spending public money. Much of the information people need to see is already in the public domain so last year I provided some easy links to it from my website and added some other information not in the public domain about how organise my office and arrangements.

Now I have updated it with the latest information and links to the new rules that MPs must follow.""Most MPs are hard working and honest. I believe I provide good value for money to my constituents and I hope that those that check out my website will agree. In fact, the latest figures show 440 MPs claim more than I do.

"The website address is http://www.stephenladyman.info/ and follow the contents link to 'Steve's Expenses'.

Minister visits Marlowe Innovation Centre

The Minister for the South East has visited the Marlowe Innovation Centre in Ramsgate. He joined local MP Stephen Ladyman and Ramsgate County Councillor Liz Green to visit the centre that opened just 6 months ago.

"The Innovation Centre is very impressive and, despite only being open for six months, is already nearly full. It goes to show that with enthusiasm, energy and a little bit of support new businesses and small businesses can thrive in East Kent." said South Thanet MP, Stephen ladyman after the visit. "Jonathan was genuinely impressed by what the Centre has achieved.

"The attached photograph shows, from left to right, Stephen Ladyman MP, Cllr Liz Green, Gabrielle Wilson, Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for the South East, Leza Riley, Ian Johnson, Principal of the Marlowe Academy and Trevor Minter.

LABOUR CRACKING DOWN ON BURGLARY

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

South Thanet MP Stephen Ladyman has welcomed today’s £15m funding pledge by Labour’s Home Secretary which will keep people safe in their homes.

Burglary has more than halved in the last ten years but the Labour Government is committed to doing more to tackle the crime.

Jacqui Smith has announced a new package of support which includes free burglary prevention advice and a crack down on repeat burglars.

It follows a burglary summit hosted by the Home Secretary in February which brought together representatives from charities, public and private sector organisations to discuss practical measures to keep crime down, backed up by a £20 million fund. Today’s announcement sets out how £15 million of that fund will be spent.

Steve said:

“Being burgled is every homeowners worst nightmare, I know constituents who have been the victims of this crime, it leaves people feeling vulnerable, violated and unsafe in their own homes.

“That is why Labour is committed to driving down the number of people who become victims – both through tackling the repeat offenders and ensuring people are carrying out simple advice which can protect them and their homes.

“This package announced by Labour today includes increasing police operations to ensure repeat burglars are targeted, free advice for homeowners on how to prevent becoming a victim and new £6 million Safer Homes fund. It will pay for local handy-people to visit vulnerable people and ensure they have the latest security devices.

“This is opposed to the Tories who would cut £160million from the Home Office budget - the equivalent of over 3500 fewer police officers across England and Wales.

Notes to editors

1. For more information on the fund visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk

2. Anyone who is concerned about burglary can also contact their local neighbourhood police team for information on crime prevention by visiting www.direct.gov.uk/policingpledge and using the postcode search facility to find their contact details.

3. To request a burglary prevention advice pack ring 0800 456 1213 from Tuesday 7 April 2009.

Stephen Ladyman MP celebrates free childcare for young children

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

South Thanet MP Stephen Ladyman joined youngsters to celebrate the extension of childcare for families with young children at an event in Parliament organised by shopworkers’ union, Usdaw.

Steve discussed how the family had benefited from services such as Sure Start, free nursery places and tax credits.

Tom Offeh’s daughter Elizabeth is 3 and spends her afternoons at nursery at the Children’s Centre at the local primary school. The facilities were set up with Sure Start funding.

“Elizabeth really enjoys her time at the nursery. She is there for 2 ½ hours in the afternoons and it’s great for her to socialise with the other children and learn new things. The fact that her place is free is an added bonus.”

Steve said:

“This Government has put in place a number of measures for the children who need it most. The 3,000 Sure Start Children’s Centres Labour have set up directly benefit millions of children, including those who attend Newlands and Newington Children’s Centres in South Thanet. It is tragic that the Tories have pledged to cut 20% of Sure Start’s funding, putting the future of every Centre at risk.”

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, added:

“Many of our members are working parents who struggle to find suitable childcare for their children. The Sure Start Children’s Centres offer high quality childcare. Childcare Tax Credits and free part-time places help to make childcare affordable for all parents so they can go to work secure in the knowledge that their children are being well looked after.”
To find out more visit http://www.surestart.gov.uk/.

Getting the world economy back on track

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

G20 London summit delivers major progress

South Thanet MP Stephen Ladyman welcomed the progress made at this week's London G20 summit. The Leaders at the G20 agreed to:

Restore confidence, growth, and jobs: They committed to make available an additional $1.1 trillion programme of support to help the world economy through the crisis and to restore credit, growth and jobs.

Strengthen financial supervision and regulation: Leaders agreed to strengthen the financial system by putting in place a better and more credible system of surveillance and regulation
Fund and reform our international financial institutions to overcome this crisis and prevent future ones: Leaders agreed to make an additional $850 billion in resources available through international financial institutions like the IMF,
Promote global trade and investment and reject protectionism to underpin prosperity: Leaders committed not to resort to protectionism
Build an inclusive, green, and sustainable recovery: Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the Millennium Development Goals and to delivering on development aid pledges

Steve said:

“Our prosperity in East Kent depends on getting the Global economy back on track. Thanet and Dover are both districts where unemployment is still too high and far too many people struggle on low incomes. Its good news that world leaders have put this latest package of measures together. Although it will be a little time until we see the benefits right here in my South Thanet constituency at least we know now that we will bounce back.”

“We also need to congratulate Gordon Brown. Organising and leading the G20 was a triumph. I doubt any other world leader, never mind British politician, could have pulled it off. Well done Gordon.”

Stephen Ladyman MP appointed Chair of South East Region Select Committee

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, has been elected as the first Chairman
of the new South East Region Select Committee of the House of Commons.

"Here in the South East there are key regional bodies that determine how
well our economy does and how well our public services work. For the
first time, these organisations which spend tens of millions of Pounds
of our money, will be scrutinised by the Commons" said Dr.Ladyman from
Westminster after his appointment.

"The South East England Development Agency prepares an economic strategy
for the region and spends millions on local projects. The Strategic
Health Authority is responsible for the development of the health
service here in the South East. We have a South East Minister and a
Government Office of the South East. Until now these people and
organisations have not had to answer to the UK Parliament but now they
will."

According to Dr.Ladyman the new committee will work in a unique way.
"Unlike other select committees we want to get out and about do our work
close to the people. We intend to collect evidence in public in places
away from Westminster. Our first investigation will be into the work of
SEEDA and the economic strategy for the South East and we will have our
evidence collecting session in Aylsham near Dover, on the site of the
former Kent coalfields!"

At present the new regional select committees are being boycotted by the
Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

"The Welsh, Scots and Northern Irish have had select committees looking
at affairs in their regions for decades and still have them despite
devolved government being in place. Why shouldn't MPs from England be
able to scrutinise what happens in our own areas too?"

"The Tories and the Lib Dems were wrong to withdraw from these
committees because they couldn't get their own way over membership.
Their attitude is childish and I hope they will put it behind them and
agree to join our work. They are being irresponsible allowing things
that affect their constituents to escape parliamentary scrutiny."

Dr.Ladyman is also Vice Chair of the Labour Party with responsibility
for the South East. "My work as Vice Chair is a Labour Party campaigning
role. My work as Chair of the select committee will be a Parliamentary
role. I hope I can use both to bring real focus on the needs of the
South East."

Note to editors:

The members of the South east Regional Select Committee are Stephen
Ladyman MP, David Lepper MP, Andrew Smith MP, Gwyn Prosser MP and Celia
Barlow MP.

An invitation to submit evidence to the Committee's first inquiry and
the date of the evidence taking committee in Aylsham will be announced
shortly.

Dr Stephen Ladyman
MP for South Thanet
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Tel: 01843 852696
Fax: 01843 852689

More East Kent youngsters going to university says Stephen Ladyman

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

Stephen Ladyman welcomes rise in young people going to university

The number of young people from East Kent going to university has soared by over 39% over the last 10 years according to local MP, Stephen Ladyman:

"The number of young people going to university from my own South Thanet constituency alone has risen from 300 in 97/8 to 410 in the year 2007/8 and there are similar rises from every local constituency."

"155 more people are going to university each year from North Thanet, 130 more each year from Canterbury and 130 more each year from the Dover constituency. Overall that's 515 more people going onto study for a degree each year from East Kent."

"It hasn't been easy but the Government should be congratulated for this success. It had to do a lot of unpopular things, like introducing university charges, to get more funding into universities but it has stuck to its guns and has been vindicated by these results."

"What the Government has seldom been given credit for is that it introduced Educational Maintenance Allowances to get kids to stay on at school and revamped the student grant and loan system to give a lot more help to people from low income families and to make repaying student debts more affordable. That is why more students are able to go to university and the universities are now able to find more places for them. Conservative plans to slash £610m from the universities and skills budgets would undermine all this success."

Note to editors:

The number of people under 21 from the Thanet, Dover and Canterbury constituencies going into higher education in the years shown:

97/8 2007/8 %rise

South Thanet 300 410 36.7
North Thanet 275 420 52.7
Canterbury 445 575 29.2
Dover 295 425 44.1

All UK 277,210 345,455 24.6


To widen participation in higher education, Labour has:

* Introduced, and then increased student grants so that over two thirds of students get a full or partial grant of up to £2,835.

* Introduced the Aimhigher scheme as well as the Aimhigher mentoring scheme to raise young peoples' aspirations, encourage them that to believe that university could be for them, and help them get there

* Expanded the gifted and talented programme to help pupils reach their potential.

* Encouraged universities to form deep, long term structural links with schools, such as sponsoring an academy or trust school, to help raise aspirations, drive up standards, and help young people apply to university.

* Increased attainment at GCSE and A-level so that more young people have the necessary qualifications to go to university.

* Required all universities to publish their admissions policies and procedures, and show they are being fairly implemented.

* Increased investment in higher education by over 23% since 1997, so that more young people than ever before have the opportunity to get a degree.

Whilst Labour has increased investment in higher education by 23%, the Conservatives would cut £610m from the universities and skills budgets, which would mean fewer young people from round her being able to get into higher education.


Dr Stephen Ladyman
MP for South Thanet
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Tel: 01843 852696
Fax: 01843 852689

Ladyman welcomes Euroferries announcement

South Thanet MP, Steve Ladyman, has welcomed the announcement that the new fast ferry service between Ramsgate and Boulogne will start on March 31st.

“I’m delighted Euroferries have been able to put more information about their service in the public domain. By announcing that the scheme has the involvement of Fred Olsen, one of the most prestigious shipping lines in the world, and the leadership of Per Staehr, one of shippings most respected figures, I hope they have answered a lot of the questions people have been asking about the new service.”

“As I did when the original announcement of this service was made I want to encourage local people to save our cheering until the service starts because these are incredibly difficult times to be launching a new business of this complexity and things could still go wrong. Having been closely involved with the team over several years and seen the work they have done in recent weeks I know it hasn’t been easy. That said, the team have made excellent progress and they should be thanked for their efforts and commitment to Ramsgate and to this new service.”

“It will be a major boost for the area and will really give the local economy a shot in the arm and I look forward to seeing the inaugural voyage.”

Steve Ladyman MP - Policing Pledge

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

Steve Ladyman, Labour MP for South Thanet, is joining forces with Labour’s Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to raise awareness of the policing pledge.

Now Steve Ladyman MP is supporting a new public information campaign launched today by Jacqui Smith to raise awareness of the level of service people should expect from the police.

The Pledge, which was rolled out nationally in December 2008, gives local people an unprecedented say over how their communities are policed and the opportunity to hold the police to account – to ensure they are getting the service they want. It also means people can be confident that the police are delivering the same set of national service standards throughout the country while still delivering action on their local priorities.

The Pledge is just one part of the Policing Green Paper, published last summer, which signalled a fundamental shift in police acountability and reporting. The focus is now on police reporting and responding to local communities rather than central government as well as on individual police officers having the responsibility and the discretion to tackle the issues that matter locally.

Steve Ladyman Labour MP for South Thanet said:

“I know how important it is for people to feel like they can access the police when they need them and the pledge is about empowering people to know what service level they can expect.

“It is also about ensuring all police forces across the country are offering the same high level of service. Thanks to Labour’s investment the focus now is on police responding to local communities and individual police officers being able to tackle the issues that matter locally. It is important that we let people know what they can expect.

“Since Labour came to power we have been committed to raising the levels of community policing with our introduction of dedicated Neighbourhood beat teams for every area.

“This is compared to the Tories whose £160 million Home Office budget cuts could see more than 3,500 police cuts across England and Wales meaning 93 less police officers in Kent.”

Jacqui Smith MP, Labour’s Home Secretary said:

“I am determined to give people a louder voice in how crime is tackled in their communities so we can continue to drive down crime and drive up public confidence.

“The public are our strongest weapon in tackling crime and the Policing Pledge is a clear deal about what you can expect from the police. I passionately believe that building confidence by giving you more local crime information, listening to your concerns and making your priorities our priorities we will drive up the quality of policing for communities everywhere.

“I want people to be empowered and take advantage of the new deal policing pledge and that is why this new campaign is crucial in ensuring that you know the minimum standard of service you should receive and that you have a greater say and influence over how your streets are policed.”

Kents Schools get massive funding boost

Stephen Ladyman Press Release

Kents Schools get massive funding boostThe Government is to pump money into Kent's economy this year by giving local schools a massive cash boost.

Every school in Kent will get a share of £10.6m worth of funding brought forward from 2010/11 to 2009/10 and paid directly to head teachers to spend how they wish.

They can spend it on new labs, books, or sports facilities - it will be up to them. In addition, Kent County Council will receive an extra £19.1m brought forward from next year for bigger building projects.

Stephen Ladyman, MP for South Thanet said: "The economic slow down may have started abroad but we have to take action at home to create new jobs and get business moving again. By bringing spending on Kent's schools forward from next year on this scale the Government is giving our local economy a real shot in the arm and at the same time giving our kids and schools a huge boost.

"Dr Stephen Ladyman

MP for South Thanet

House of Commons London

SW1A 0AA

Tel: 01843 852696

Fax: 01843 852689