News Bulletin from Greg Hands #432
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From: Greg Hands [email protected] Subject: News Bulletin from Greg Hands #432 Date: 13 April 2015 18:41 To: [email protected] In this edition: Greg Hands's Diary Website of the Week: Charlie Dewhirst Greg Hands is the only candidate for Chelsea and Fulham who lives in the constituency Photo news: Campaigning in Hammersmith Greg Hands confirms that the future of Charing Cross Hospital is secure with the Conservative Party Greg Hands welcomes announcement of 16,000 new apprenticeships Greg Hands supports measures to help older people at local Age UK public meeting Greg Hands asks: Where are all the other candidates for Chelsea and Fulham? An appeal from Karren Brady to all local small business owners Photo news: Campaigning in Hastings Hands in the papers: Leaders' debate: Ed Miliband's notes show Labour leader wanted to come across as a 'happy warrior' in TV debate Are you registered to vote? "Please forward this information to ex-pats to register to vote," urges Greg Hands Constituency Look Ahead - 10th April 7 ways to contact Greg Hands Issue 432 -Monday 13th April 2015 Since the last edition, Greg: Continued his campaign for re-election in the Chelsea & Fulham constituency, in advance of Polling Day on Thursday, 7 th May. To join Greg in his campaign, and in nearby marginal constituencies, simply respond to this email. Launched an appeal for local businesses to sign up to a letter supporting the Conservatives’ approach to business and job creation. To see the letter, see below. Spoke at an election hustings in St Paul’s Church, Hammersmith, organised by Age UK. For more and photo, see below. Welcomed the launch of new Conservative policies on Inheritance Tax, apprenticeships (see below), and the future funding of the NHS. Attended the Easter Sunday service, and read from the Bible, at St John’s Church, Walham Green, SW6. Joined Hammersmith Conservatives Parliamentary Candidate, Charlie Dewhirst, meeting commuters at Baron’s Court station. Issued special appeals for people to register to vote for the election on 7 th May, and also for British nationals overseas to register and vote by post. Campaigned in Chiswick in support of Conservative candidate, Mary Macleod, seeking re-election in Brentford & Isleworth. Campaigned in Hastings, in support of Conservative candidate, Amber Rudd, seeking re-election in the Hastings & Rye constituency. Carried out his duties as the Government’s and the Conservative Party’s Deputy Chief Whip. Website of the Week: www.charliedewhirst.com The website of Charlie Dewhirst, Conservative Candidate for Hammersmith. Greg Hands is the only candidate for Chelsea and Fulham who lives in the constituency This week the Returning Officer for Hammersmith and Fulham Council published the Notice of Poll for the General Election taking place on 7 th May. The statement of nominations revealed the surprising fact that that that the only candidate for Chelsea and Fulham who lives in the constituency is the Conservative candidate, Greg Hands. This year, the UKIP candidate lives in Sutton. In 2010, the then UKIP candidate declared an “address in France” for the election. Commenting, Greg Hands said “To be honest I’m surprised to be the only candidate that lives in the constituency. The UKIP candidate this year has at least decided to live in the UK, not in the wider EU. I have lived in Fulham for 25 years. It shows that if you want a truly local MP who knows the area, and is on hand to represent residents, you are best off voting Conservative.” Photo news: Campaigning in Hammersmith Greg Hands campaigning in Hammersmith outside Barons Court Tube Station with Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Cllr Charlie Dewhirst. Greg Hands confirms that the future of Charing Cross Hospital is secure with the Conservative Party Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Chelsea and Fulham, Greg Hands, confirms that the future of Charing Cross Hospital is secure with the Conservatives. The local Labour Party is continuing to spread misinformation about the fate of the hospital. Andrew Slaughter, former MP for Hammersmith, and the local Labour Party are wrongly telling residents that the hospital and its A&E department are to close, and that the hospital is being ‘demolished’ because of ‘cuts’ to local NHS services. However, Greg spoke out at a recent hustings to reassure local residents that Charing Cross Hospital is safe in the Conservatives’ hands. In February, Greg called a meeting with the senior management of the Imperial College NHS Trust, including its Chief Executive Dr Tracey Batten, to ascertain the Trust’s plans for Charing Cross Hospital. Following the meeting Dr Batten wrote to Greg to provide an update on the Trust’s plans for a new Charing Cross Hospital on the same site in Fulham Palace Road. The Trust has a vision for developing Charing Cross Hospital as a pioneering local hospital. Highlights for the site’s plans include the following: ! £150 million redevelopment ! A wide range of specialist and planned care, including: day case surgery and treatment, one-stop diagnostic clinics, outpatients, chemotherapy, and renal dialysis ! Integrated care and rehabilitation services, especially for elderly people and those with chronic conditions ! An Emergency Centre ! Existing partner services to be co-located, including mental health and cancer support As well as a redevelopment of the Charing Cross site, the Trust’s strategy proposes a significant redevelopment of the St Mary’s site, and a smaller redevelopment of the Hammersmith site (where Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital would remain co-located). The Trust has a made a bid for capital investment to fund the proposals, which is awaiting approval by the North West London Clinical Commissioning Group of GPs (CCGs). Once approved the plans will go to NHS England and the NHS Trust Development Authority for consideration. The Trust anticipates milestones to include approval of the outline plan in 2015/16, and approval for the final plans in 2016/17. This would then enable a three-year construction programme to begin, which is currently expected to last until the end of 2020/21. Chelsea and Fulham Conservative Candidate, Greg Hands, said “Charing Cross is an excellent and valued hospital, with which I have deep personal ties, and just several months ago I underwent an operation there. The rebuilding will leave it capable of providing even better services in the future, becoming a leading centre of excellence for elective surgery. “In contrast to some misinformation from other sources, the Trust confirmed to me personally that it is proposing a brand-new hospital with an Accident & Emergency department. “The continued scaremongering of residents about Charing Cross Hospital by the Labour Party is unacceptable. Andrew Slaughter, former MP for Hammersmith, is still claiming this week that Charing Cross Hospital remains under threat, and refuses to acknowledge its regeneration. The plan put in place by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is to provide the best possible services at the hospital and ensure that patient care remains the priority. To my knowledge, Mr Slaughter has not had any similar meeting with the Chief Executive of the Trust to get the facts straight as I have, and it now seems clear that he does not intend to stop his misleading campaign nor start behaving responsibly.” Greg Hands welcomes announcement of 16,000 new apprenticeships This week The Prime Minister announced the creation of 16,000 new apprenticeships by major companies across construction, engineering, and the retail sectors. The apprenticeships will be launched in partnership with companies including National Grid, Costa Coffee and Morrisons. The Conservatives have created more than two million apprenticeships since coming to power in 2010, the Party wants to more than double that figure if voted in again at this election. Among the places announced this week are 9,000 training positions with Morrisons to be created over the next five years; 6,000 hired by Whitbread; 500 by National Grid; and 200 by Dairy Crest, which will also open a dedicated training academy David Cameron said, launching the Costa Coffee apprenticeship scheme: “We want apprenticeships to be level-pegging with a university degree giving millions more people the dignity of work and a regular pay packet. “We’ve already created 2.2 million apprenticeships since 2010 but a future Conservative government is committed to opening up three million more high quality apprenticeships – to help strengthen our economy and communities and give millions more people financial security.” Welcoming the new apprenticeship places, Greg Hands, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Chelsea & Fulham said: “I recently opened the Chelsea Apps academy in Fulham, and it is vital that young people have the skills they need to do well in life and make the most of their talents. That is why we are putting apprenticeships at the forefront of our long-term economic plan, funding more of them and making sure they are high quality, teaching the skills that businesses need. "We are giving young people proper training and the prospect of a better future. Millions are getting a good start in life, learning a trade, and knowing the purpose and pride that comes with that. "There has never been a better time to start an apprenticeship and it’s a huge leap forward to have even more of Britain’s most prestigious employers hiring apprentices, and apprenticeships should be considered to be on a level with a university degree.” Baroness Karren Brady, Conservative Peer and star of BBC’s The Apprentice, also welcomed the announcement, saying that apprenticeships were a "fantastic boost" for young people's long-term career prospects. She said: “Each apprenticeship is a chance for young people to master a trade, learn on the job and take home money in your pocket each week. “I remember that feeling of being 18, 19, 20 years old, hungry to get on and desperate for someone to give me an opportunity so I could prove myself. “As soon as someone gives you a chance and believes in you - it's a moment that can transform your life.” In addition the Conservative Government is offering £1,500 grants for small businesses to take on 16- to 24-year-old apprentices. From April 2016, employers will no longer have to pay the jobs tax on earnings up to the upper earnings limit for apprentices aged under 25. In October 2015, the National Minimum Wage for apprentices will rise by 57p an hour to £3.30, an increase of over 20 per cent. Greg Hands supports measures to help older people at local Age UK public meeting Greg Hands, speaking at Age UK Hammersmith & Fulham’s hustings, Tuesday 7th April, St Paul’s Church. Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Chelsea and Fulham, Greg Hands, has spoken at a pre-election public question and answer session, or hustings, organised by the Hammersmith and Fulham branch of Age UK. At the public meeting, hosted in St Paul’s Church, Hammersmith, on Tuesday 7th April, Greg laid out what the Conservative Government has done to support older people since 2010 and what further measures they would to bring in, if elected to a second term in office. Questions from the audience covered a range of topics including reforms to the pension system, protecting universal benefits for pensioners, and securing the future of Charing Cross Hospital. Responding to questions from the audience on the pension system, Greg said “I recognise the contribution pensioners have made, and continue to make, to British society and believe that we must ensure that everyone has security and dignity in their retirement. The Conservatives are backing pensioners who have worked hard, saved and done the right thing. “A number of steps have been taken to protect existing pensioners. A triple lock on the State Pension has been introduced, which will ensure that the basic State Pension increases every year by the highest of earnings, prices or 2.5 per cent. As a result of this, the State Pension has increased by £950 since 2010 under the Conservative led Government, the biggest ever increase in the State Pension.” The basic state pension is now £115.95 per week. The state pension increased by £950 per year under the Conservatives, so that older people can enjoy a more dignified retirement. Greg also explained the changes introduced to giving pensioners more freedom over their money when they retire. He said: “We are giving people more freedom, rather than telling them they do not know how to spend their own money. We can do this because we are securing a basic income for pensioners through the triple lock, auto- enrolment and bringing in a single-tier pension that will lift most people above the means test.” Previously, people with defined contribution schemes faced a punitive 55 per cent tax to draw down on their pension pot when they retired. From April 2015, it will still be possible to take 25 per cent of a pension pot tax free on retirement, but what you take above the tax free lump sum will be taxed at normal marginal tax rates. Greg added that the Conservatives have abolished the Default Retirement Age, so employers are generally no longer able to force workers to retire once they reach retirement age, adding “This means that people who wish to work past retirement age now can.” Another topic that was of key interest to members of the audience was NHS services and in particular the local Charing Cross hospital. Greg told the members of Age UK that the next Conservative Government will ensure that everyone will have access to a GP seven days a week by 2020. He added that “By restoring the role of the family doctor we [Conservatives] are making sure elderly people get properly looked after. We’re bringing back named GPs for the vulnerable elderly. They can focus on giving them the care they need and preventing unnecessary trips to hospital.” One audience member said she had hear that the Conservatives were allowing the demolition of Charing Cross Hospital, Greg told those present that “The Trust is in fact proposing a brand-new hospital with Accident & Emergency. And whilst it is true that the concrete tower block which is no longer fit for purpose will be demolished, this will be only after the new and improved hospital is up and running. The rebuilding will leave it capable of providing even better services in the future, becoming a leading centre of excellence for elective surgery.” The meeting was also attended by former MP for Hammersmith Andrew Slaughter, who has been spreading misinformation and scaremongering about the fate of the hospital. Mr Slaughter and Labour have repeatedly told residents, wrongly, that the hospital and its A&E department is to close and has put leaflets through resident’s doors clamming that ‘Charing Cross Hospital remains under threat of demolition’, without any reference to the rebuilding. Addressing Mr Slaughter in the debate, Greg said “He [Slaughter] has been told directly by both the Health Secretary and the Prime Minister that this is not the case, and now he has it from the doctors of the hospital, and no less than the hospital’s Chief Executive. I hope now that Mr Slaughter will stop his misleading campaign, and start to behave responsibly, instead of continuing to try and spread fear and score points out of an issue on which he is plainly wrong.” Responding to a question on the protection of universal benefits including winter fuel payments, Greg answered “The Prime Minister has committed a future Conservative Government to protect universal benefits, including Winter Fuel Payments, bus passes and TV licences for the duration of the next, supporting people who work hard and do the right thing. Cold Weather Payments have also been increased and the Warm Home Discount introduced to provide vulnerable pensioners with an £140 rebate on their energy bills.” Following the event, H&F Age UK posted on Facebook “A big thank you to candidates…who addressed our election forum this morning. No matter what they stand for, we should always be in awe of people who put themselves before an electorate seeking office. Many, many thanks.” Greg Hands asks: Where are all the other candidates for Chelsea and Fulham? Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Chelsea and Fulham has expressed his surprise at the almost complete absence of campaigning activity from other parties in the local area. So far this year Greg has put out three different leaflets in the constituency, but the only other political party who seem to have delivered leaflets are the Greens. The Green Party’s candidate Guy Rubin works as a health researcher, protecting health patients through regulation. He served as an elected local Labour councillor on Hammersmith & Fulham Council for eight years between 1986 and 1994, before defecting to the Green Party in 2010. Mr Rubin stood as a candidate in the May 2014 London local elections. Mr Rubin was also the only other candidate for Chelsea and Fulham to speak alongside Greg Hands in the hustings this week organised by the Hammersmith and Fulham branch of Age UK, at which Greg laid out what the Conservative Government has done to support older people since 2010 and what further measures they would to bring in, if elected for a second term in office. Meanwhile Greg has been spending many mornings meeting with commuters at local tube stations including Fulham Broadway, Parsons Green, and Putney Bridge. Greg talked with morning commuters on their way to work about the Government’s record on the economy as well as their opinions on the London Underground and other local transport matters. Greg Hands said, “I find it strange that the other candidates are not putting more effort into Chelsea and Fulham. It seems the only parties who are taking the area seriously are the Conservatives and the Greens.” Greg Hands meeting commuters outside Fulham Broadway station. Greg Hands campaigning outside Parsons Green station. Greg Hands campaigning outside Putney Bridge station. An appeal from Karren Brady to all local small business owners Small businesses are at the heart of the Conservatives' long-term economic plan. That plan is backing business with lower taxes and less red tape - and that's helping businesses lead the recovery and create jobs across the country. Many people running small businesses have signed a letter asking the British people to stick with the plan that's working and securing a better future. Today I'm asking you to do the same - so that together we can keep Britain's business-led recovery on track. Click here to see the letter and add your name - and please forward it to friends and colleagues who would want to get their voices heard. Thank you, Karren Brady Conservative Party Small Business Ambassador Photo news: Campaigning in Hastings Greg Hands campaigning in Hastings last week with Amber Rudd, seeking re-election, and many other Conservatives. Hands in the papers: Leaders' debate: Ed Miliband's notes show Labour leader wanted to come across as a 'happy warrior' in TV debate Gareth Vipers, The Evening Standard Sunday 5th April 2015 Ed Miliband was told to come across as a "happy warrior" during the televised leaders' debate, according to notes left by his aides in the ITV dressing room. The embarrassing revelation comes after the Labour leader enjoyed a brief surge in the polls following the seven-way debate that saw him answer questions alongside David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Nigel Farage, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, Green Party leader Natalie Bennett and Plaid Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood. The phrase "happy warrior" - originally from a Wordsworth poem but often used by US politicians including President Obama - was among the motivational messages and prepared answers to likely questions published by The Sun on Sunday. Other reminders for the Labour leader's only chance to take on David Cameron directly during the campaign included turning negative comments into positive messages, remaining "calm ... never agitated", to "relish the chance to show who I am" and talk to the camera to "use the people at home". Among the notes were several ripostes that he deployed during the two-hour clash between seven party leaders, such as urging voters to "use their vote as a weapon to fight for the NHS, by kicking David Cameron out of Downing Street" when challenged over wanting to "weaponise" the health service. In a section where he appears to set down his differences with the PM are the words "decency, principle, values". Tories were quick to take the chance to mock the Opposition leader, deputy chief whip Greg Hands quipping: "Am not at all surprised that The Sun has Miliband's debate notes. It was obvious that Ed didn't have them." One prominent Labour activist, Mark Ferguson of the LabourList website, said it was "pretty unforgivable" for someone to have allowed the notes to be left behind - but insisted some of the contents could be seen as "endearing". A party spokesman said: "These notes will come as no surprise to anybody who saw the debate. "They explain why and how Ed took on David Cameron over the NHS and living standards. They also show how Ed set out a positive vision for the future with Labour's better plan, including on zero-hours contracts, lower tuition fees and rents." Written in 1806 and inspired by the death of Nelson, Wordsworth's Character Of The Happy Warrior has been cited by politicians for decades - most recently by Mr Obama to describe vice president Jo Biden after they were re-elected to the White House in 2012. It was also used by Mr Obama's campaign manager Jim Messina - who has been advising the Tories ahead of the 2015 election. Are you registered to vote? There are less than 40 days to go until voters go to the polls to elect Members of Parliament. This means that residents have until April 20 to register to vote in the general election – don’t lose your voice! Anyone not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible in order for them to be able to have their say on issues that affect their lives. To register to vote please visit: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote . Hammersmith & Fulham residents can find out more by visiting www.lbhf.gov.uk/electoralservices or calling 020 8753 4466. Kensington & Chelsea residents can find out more by emailing [email protected] or calling 020 7361 3444. “Please forward this information to ex- pats to register to vote,” urges Greg Hands Greg Hands is asking residents to ensure friends and family living overseas are registered to vote. There are 5 million British ex-pats, of whom around 3 million are entitled to vote, but very few of them are currently registered to vote. That’s an average of 4,600 voters per constituency. Overseas voters can vote in the constituency of their last UK address. Voters can now register and order a postal vote online. Every British person living abroad for less than 15 years is entitled and actively encouraged to vote in the 2015 General Election. Every British citizen has a right to vote for his or her government and most British ex-pats still have strong links to the UK, and cannot generally vote in their new country of residence. The Electoral Commission wants as many Britons living overseas as possible to vote and has now made it very easy to register for a postal vote. Just click on www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and you can complete the online form in 3 minutes. All you will need is your passport and National Insurance number for identification. Greg said “Today I'm asking you to think of three people you know who live abroad and encourage them to vote by forwarding them this newsletter - or directing them to the website: www.overseasvote2015.com “The next election is the most important in a generation - and it's vital that everyone who can vote gets behind our plan to secure a better future for Britain. In an election with so much at stake, overseas voters could be the difference between a Conservative Government committed to reducing the deficit, cutting taxes and building a stronger, healthier economy - or a return to higher taxes, higher borrowing, and less control over welfare with Labour.” Please can you THINK OF THREE Britons you know who live abroad and send them this message by email or on Facebook. Constituency Look Ahead – 10 th April Upcoming Events in the Fulham part of the Constituency (for a full list of local events, check out local website ‘Those Who Noes Fulham’ - www.thosewhonosefulham.com ) FULHAM FC HOME GAME Wednesday, April 15, 2015 20:00 - 22:00 Craven Cottage, Stevenage Road Fulham v Rotherham United Kick off at 8.00 pm Please visit Fulham FC website for more information about match and tickets Visit website >> GARDEN WALK Thursday, April 16, 2015 14:00 - 15:00 Fulham Palace, Bishops Avenue, Fulham London SW6 6EA Join us for a tour of the Fulham Palace gardens, home to unusual and historically important plants. £5 per person, no booking necessary. Meet in the Museum. Click here for more information on tours. Visit website >> CHELSEA FC HOME GAME Saturday, April 18, 2015 17:30 - 19:30 Stamford bridge, Fulham Road Chelsea v. Manchester United kicks off at 5.30 pm Please visit Chelsea FC website for further information about the match and tickets Visit website >> 7 ways to contact Greg Hands: By Phone: 020 7385 1002 By email: [email protected] By post: Greg Hands 4 Greyhound Road London W6 8NX In person: Click here for details of how to book an appointment at Greg Hands’s weekly surgery www.greghands.com More news from Greg Hands, coming soon… Please forward this email on to anyone you think may be interested. If you have had this email forwarded to you and would like to be added to the mailing list, please send an email to: [email protected] with “JOIN” in the subject heading. To unsubscribe from this list, please return an e-mail to [email protected] with "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject heading. Greg Hands – a strong voice for Chelsea & Fulham Published & Promoted by Jonathan Fraser-Howells on behalf of Greg Hands, both of 44 Southern Row, London, W10 5AN
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News Bulletin from Greg Hands #432
Transcript of News Bulletin from Greg Hands #432
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From: Greg Hands [email protected]: News Bulletin from Greg Hands #432
Date: 13 April 2015 18:41To: [email protected]
In this edition: Greg Hands's Diary Website of the Week:Charlie Dewhirst Greg Hands is the onlycandidate for Chelsea andFulham who lives in theconstituency Photo news:Campaigning inHammersmith Greg Hands confirms thatthe future of Charing CrossHospital is secure with theConservative Party Greg Hands welcomesannouncement of 16,000new apprenticeships Greg Hands supportsmeasures to help olderpeople at local Age UKpublic meeting Greg Hands asks: Whereare all the other candidatesfor Chelsea and Fulham? An appeal from KarrenBrady to all local smallbusiness owners Photo news:Campaigning in Hastings Hands in the papers:Leaders' debate: EdMiliband's notes showLabour leader wanted tocome across as a 'happywarrior' in TV debate Are you registered to vote? "Please forward thisinformation to ex-pats toregister to vote," urgesGreg Hands Constituency Look Ahead -10th April!7 ways to contact GregHands
Issue 432 -Monday 13th April 2015
Since the last edition, Greg:
Continued his campaign for re-election in the Chelsea &Fulham constituency, in advance of Polling Day on Thursday,7th May. To join Greg in his campaign, and in nearby marginalconstituencies, simply respond to this email.Launched an appeal for local businesses to sign up to a lettersupporting the Conservatives approach to business andjob creation. To see the letter, see below.Spoke at an election hustings in St Pauls Church,Hammersmith, organised by Age UK. For more and photo,see below.Welcomed the launch of new Conservative policies onInheritance Tax, apprenticeships (see below), and the futurefunding of the NHS.Attended the Easter Sunday service, and read from the Bible,at St Johns Church, Walham Green, SW6.Joined Hammersmith Conservatives Parliamentary Candidate,Charlie Dewhirst, meeting commuters at Barons Court station.Issued special appeals for people to register to vote for theelection on 7th May, and also for British nationals overseas toregister and vote by post.Campaigned in Chiswick in support of Conservative candidate,Mary Macleod, seeking re-election in Brentford & Isleworth.Campaigned in Hastings, in support of Conservative candidate,Amber Rudd, seeking re-election in the Hastings & Ryeconstituency.Carried out his duties as the Governments and theConservative Partys Deputy Chief Whip.
Website of the Week:www.charliedewhirst.com The website of Charlie Dewhirst, Conservative Candidate forHammersmith.
Greg Hands is the only candidate forChelsea and Fulham who lives in theconstituency This week the Returning Officer for Hammersmith and Fulham Councilpublished the Notice of Poll for the General Election taking place on7th May. The statement of nominations revealed the surprising fact that thatthat the only candidate for Chelsea and Fulham who lives in theconstituency is the Conservative candidate, Greg Hands. This year,the UKIP candidate lives in Sutton. In 2010, the then UKIP candidatedeclared an address in France for the election. Commenting, Greg Hands said To be honest Im surprised to be theonly candidate that lives in the constituency. The UKIP candidate thisyear has at least decided to live in the UK, not in the wider EU. I havelived in Fulham for 25 years. It shows that if you want a truly local MPwho knows the area, and is on hand to represent residents, you arebest off voting Conservative.
Photo news:Campaigning in Hammersmith!
Greg Hands campaigning in Hammersmith outside Barons CourtTube Station with Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Cllr
Charlie Dewhirst.
Greg Hands confirms that the future ofCharing Cross Hospital is secure with theConservative Party Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Chelsea and Fulham, GregHands, confirms that the future of Charing Cross Hospital is securewith the Conservatives. The local Labour Party is continuing to spread misinformation aboutthe fate of the hospital. Andrew Slaughter, former MP forHammersmith, and the local Labour Party are wrongly telling residentsthat the hospital and its A&E department are to close, and that thehospital is being demolished because of cuts to local NHS services. However, Greg spoke out at a recent hustings to reassure localresidents that Charing Cross Hospital is safe in the Conservativeshands. In February, Greg called a meeting with the seniormanagement of the Imperial College NHS Trust, including its ChiefExecutive Dr Tracey Batten, to ascertain the Trusts plans for CharingCross Hospital. Following the meeting Dr Batten wrote to Greg to provide an updateon the Trusts plans for a new Charing Cross Hospital on the samesite in Fulham Palace Road. The Trust has a vision for developingCharing Cross Hospital as a pioneering local hospital. Highlights forthe sites plans include the following:
! 150 million redevelopment! A wide range of specialist and planned care, including: day case
surgery and treatment, one-stop diagnostic clinics,outpatients, chemotherapy, and renal dialysis
! Integrated care and rehabilitation services, especially for elderlypeople and those with chronic conditions
! An Emergency Centre! Existing partner services to be co-located, including mental
health and cancer support As well as a redevelopment of the Charing Cross site, the Trustsstrategy proposes a significant redevelopment of the St Marys site,and a smaller redevelopment of the Hammersmith site (where QueenCharlottes and Chelsea Hospital would remain co-located). The Trust has a made a bid for capital investment to fund theproposals, which is awaiting approval by the North West LondonClinical Commissioning Group of GPs (CCGs). Once approved theplans will go to NHS England and the NHS Trust DevelopmentAuthority for consideration. The Trust anticipates milestones to include approval of the outlineplan in 2015/16, and approval for the final plans in 2016/17. Thiswould then enable a three-year construction programme to begin,which is currently expected to last until the end of 2020/21. Chelsea and Fulham Conservative Candidate, Greg Hands, saidCharing Cross is an excellent and valued hospital, with which I havedeep personal ties, and just several months ago I underwent anoperation there. The rebuilding will leave it capable of providing evenbetter services in the future, becoming a leading centre of excellencefor elective surgery. In contrast to some misinformation from other sources, the Trustconfirmed to me personally that it is proposing a brand-new hospitalwith an Accident & Emergency department. The continued scaremongering of residents about Charing CrossHospital by the Labour Party is unacceptable. Andrew Slaughter,former MP for Hammersmith, is still claiming this week that CharingCross Hospital remains under threat, and refuses to acknowledge itsregeneration. The plan put in place by Imperial College HealthcareNHS Trust is to provide the best possible services at the hospital andensure that patient care remains the priority. To my knowledge, MrSlaughter has not had any similar meeting with the Chief Executive ofthe Trust to get the facts straight as I have, and it now seems clearthat he does not intend to stop his misleading campaign nor startbehaving responsibly.
Greg Hands welcomes announcement of16,000 new apprenticeships This week The Prime Minister announced the creation of 16,000 newapprenticeships by major companies across construction,engineering, and the retail sectors. The apprenticeships will belaunched in partnership with companies including National Grid, CostaCoffee and Morrisons. The Conservatives have created more than two millionapprenticeships since coming to power in 2010, the Party wants tomore than double that figure if voted in again at this election. Among the places announced this week are 9,000 training positionswith Morrisons to be created over the next five years; 6,000 hired byWhitbread; 500 by National Grid; and 200 by Dairy Crest, which willalso open a dedicated training academy David Cameron said, launching the Costa Coffee apprenticeshipscheme: We want apprenticeships to be level-pegging with auniversity degree giving millions more people the dignity of work and aregular pay packet. Weve already created 2.2 million apprenticeships since 2010 but afuture Conservative government is committed to opening up threemillion more high quality apprenticeships to help strengthen oureconomy and communities and give millions more people financialsecurity. Welcoming the new apprenticeship places, Greg Hands, ConservativeParliamentary Candidate for Chelsea & Fulham said: I recentlyopened the Chelsea Apps academy in Fulham, and it is vital thatyoung people have the skills they need to do well in life and make themost of their talents. That is why we are putting apprenticeships at theforefront of our long-term economic plan, funding more of them andmaking sure they are high quality, teaching the skills that businessesneed. "We are giving young people proper training and the prospect of abetter future. Millions are getting a good start in life, learning a trade,and knowing the purpose and pride that comes with that. "There has never been a better time to start an apprenticeship and itsa huge leap forward to have even more of Britains most prestigiousemployers hiring apprentices, and apprenticeships should beconsidered to be on a level with a university degree. Baroness Karren Brady, Conservative Peer and star of BBCs TheApprentice, also welcomed the announcement, saying thatapprenticeships were a "fantastic boost" for young people's long-termcareer prospects. She said: Each apprenticeship is a chance foryoung people to master a trade, learn on the job and take homemoney in your pocket each week. I remember that feeling of being 18, 19, 20 years old, hungry to geton and desperate for someone to give me an opportunity so I couldprove myself. As soon as someone gives you a chance and believes in you - it's amoment that can transform your life. In addition the Conservative Government is offering 1,500 grants forsmall businesses to take on 16- to 24-year-old apprentices. From April2016, employers will no longer have to pay the jobs tax on earningsup to the upper earnings limit for apprentices aged under 25. InOctober 2015, the National Minimum Wage for apprentices will rise by57p an hour to 3.30, an increase of over 20 per cent.
Greg Hands supports measures to helpolder people at local Age UK publicmeeting
Greg Hands, speaking at Age UK Hammersmith & Fulhamshustings, Tuesday 7th April, St Pauls Church.
Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Chelsea and Fulham, GregHands, has spoken at a pre-election public question and answersession, or hustings, organised by the Hammersmith and Fulhambranch of Age UK. At the public meeting, hosted in St Pauls Church, Hammersmith, onTuesday 7th April, Greg laid out what the Conservative Governmenthas done to support older people since 2010 and what furthermeasures they would to bring in, if elected to a second term in office. Questions from the audience covered a range of topics includingreforms to the pension system, protecting universal benefits forpensioners, and securing the future of Charing Cross Hospital. Responding to questions from the audience on the pension system,Greg said I recognise the contribution pensioners have made, andcontinue to make, to British society and believe that we must ensurethat everyone has security and dignity in their retirement. TheConservatives are backing pensioners who have worked hard, savedand done the right thing. A number of steps have been taken to protect existing pensioners. Atriple lock on the State Pension has been introduced, which willensure that the basic State Pension increases every year by thehighest of earnings, prices or 2.5 per cent. As a result of this, theState Pension has increased by 950 since 2010 under theConservative led Government, the biggest ever increase in the StatePension. The basic state pension is now 115.95 per week. The state pensionincreased by 950 per year under the Conservatives, so that olderpeople can enjoy a more dignified retirement. Greg also explained the changes introduced to giving pensionersmore freedom over their money when they retire. He said: We aregiving people more freedom, rather than telling them they do not knowhow to spend their own money. We can do this because we aresecuring a basic income for pensioners through the triple lock, auto-enrolment and bringing in a single-tier pension that will lift most peopleabove the means test. Previously, people with defined contribution schemes faced a punitive55 per cent tax to draw down on their pension pot when they retired.From April 2015, it will still be possible to take 25 per cent of apension pot tax free on retirement, but what you take above the taxfree lump sum will be taxed at normal marginal tax rates. Greg added that the Conservatives have abolished the DefaultRetirement Age, so employers are generally no longer able to forceworkers to retire once they reach retirement age, adding This meansthat people who wish to work past retirement age now can. Another topic that was of key interest to members of the audience wasNHS services and in particular the local Charing Cross hospital. Greg told the members of Age UK that the next ConservativeGovernment will ensure that everyone will have access to a GP sevendays a week by 2020. He added that By restoring the role of thefamily doctor we [Conservatives] are making sure elderly people getproperly looked after. Were bringing back named GPs for thevulnerable elderly. They can focus on giving them the care they needand preventing unnecessary trips to hospital. One audience member said she had hear that the Conservatives wereallowing the demolition of Charing Cross Hospital, Greg told thosepresent that The Trust is in fact proposing a brand-new hospital withAccident & Emergency. And whilst it is true that the concrete towerblock which is no longer fit for purpose will be demolished, this will beonly after the new and improved hospital is up and running. Therebuilding will leave it capable of providing even better services in thefuture, becoming a leading centre of excellence for elective surgery. The meeting was also attended by former MP for HammersmithAndrew Slaughter, who has been spreading misinformation andscaremongering about the fate of the hospital. Mr Slaughter andLabour have repeatedly told residents, wrongly, that the hospital andits A&E department is to close and has put leaflets through residentsdoors clamming that Charing Cross Hospital remains under threat ofdemolition, without any reference to the rebuilding. Addressing MrSlaughter in the debate, Greg said He [Slaughter] has been tolddirectly by both the Health Secretary and the Prime Minister that thisis not the case, and now he has it from the doctors of the hospital, andno less than the hospitals Chief Executive. I hope now that MrSlaughter will stop his misleading campaign, and start to behaveresponsibly, instead of continuing to try and spread fear and scorepoints out of an issue on which he is plainly wrong. Responding to a question on the protection of universal benefitsincluding winter fuel payments, Greg answered The Prime Ministerhas committed a future Conservative Government to protect universalbenefits, including Winter Fuel Payments, bus passes and TV licencesfor the duration of the next, supporting people who work hard and dothe right thing. Cold Weather Payments have also been increased andthe Warm Home Discount introduced to provide vulnerable pensionerswith an 140 rebate on their energy bills. Following the event, H&F Age UK posted on Facebook A big thankyou to candidateswho addressed our election forum this morning.No matter what they stand for, we should always be in awe of peoplewho put themselves before an electorate seeking office. Many, manythanks.
Greg Hands asks: Where are all the othercandidates for Chelsea and Fulham? Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Chelsea and Fulham hasexpressed his surprise at the almost complete absence ofcampaigning activity from other parties in the local area. So far this year Greg has put out three different leaflets in theconstituency, but the only other political party who seem to havedelivered leaflets are the Greens. The Green Partys candidate Guy Rubin works as a health researcher,protecting health patients through regulation. He served as an electedlocal Labour councillor on Hammersmith & Fulham Council for eightyears between 1986 and 1994, before defecting to the Green Party in2010. Mr Rubin stood as a candidate in the May 2014 London localelections. Mr Rubin was also the only other candidate for Chelsea and Fulhamto speak alongside Greg Hands in the hustings this week organisedby the Hammersmith and Fulham branch of Age UK, at which Greglaid out what the Conservative Government has done to support olderpeople since 2010 and what further measures they would to bring in, ifelected for a second term in office. Meanwhile Greg has been spending many mornings meeting withcommuters at local tube stations including Fulham Broadway, ParsonsGreen, and Putney Bridge. Greg talked with morning commuters ontheir way to work about the Governments record on the economy aswell as their opinions on the London Underground and other localtransport matters. Greg Hands said, I find it strange that the other candidates are notputting more effort into Chelsea and Fulham. It seems the onlyparties who are taking the area seriously are the Conservatives andthe Greens.
Greg Hands meeting commuters outside Fulham Broadwaystation.
Greg Hands campaigning outside Parsons Green station.
Greg Hands campaigning outside Putney Bridge station.
An appeal from Karren Brady to all localsmall business owners Small businesses are at the heartof the Conservatives' long-termeconomic plan. That plan is backing business withlower taxes and less red tape - andthat's helping businesses lead therecovery and create jobs acrossthe country. Many people running smallbusinesses have signed a letterasking the British people to stickwith the plan that's working and securing a better future. Today I'm asking you to do the same - so that together we can keepBritain's business-led recovery on track. Click here to see the letter and add your name - and pleaseforward it to friends and colleagues who would want to get theirvoices heard. Thank you,
Karren BradyConservative Party Small Business Ambassador
Photo news:Campaigning in Hastings!
Greg Hands campaigning in Hastings last week with AmberRudd, seeking re-election, and many other Conservatives.
Hands in the papers:Leaders' debate: Ed Miliband's notes showLabour leader wanted to come across as a'happy warrior' in TV debate Gareth Vipers, The Evening StandardSunday 5th April 2015 Ed Miliband was told to come across as a "happy warrior" during thetelevised leaders' debate, according to notes left by his aides in theITV dressing room. The embarrassing revelation comes after the Labour leader enjoyed abrief surge in the polls following the seven-way debate that saw himanswer questions alongside David Cameron, Nick Clegg, NigelFarage, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, Green Party leader NatalieBennett and Plaid Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood. The phrase "happy warrior" - originally from a Wordsworth poem butoften used by US politicians including President Obama - was amongthe motivational messages and prepared answers to likely questionspublished by The Sun on Sunday. Other reminders for the Labour leader's only chance to take on DavidCameron directly during the campaign included turning negativecomments into positive messages, remaining "calm ... never agitated",to "relish the chance to show who I am" and talk to the camera to "usethe people at home". Among the notes were several ripostes that he deployed during thetwo-hour clash between seven party leaders, such as urging voters to"use their vote as a weapon to fight for the NHS, by kicking DavidCameron out of Downing Street" when challenged over wanting to"weaponise" the health service. In a section where he appears to set down his differences with the PMare the words "decency, principle, values". Tories were quick to take the chance to mock the Opposition leader,deputy chief whip Greg Hands quipping: "Am not at all surprised thatThe Sun has Miliband's debate notes. It was obvious that Ed didn'thave them." One prominent Labour activist, Mark Ferguson of the LabourListwebsite, said it was "pretty unforgivable" for someone to have allowedthe notes to be left behind - but insisted some of the contents could beseen as "endearing". A party spokesman said: "These notes will come as no surprise toanybody who saw the debate. "They explain why and how Ed took on David Cameron over the NHSand living standards. They also show how Ed set out a positive visionfor the future with Labour's better plan, including on zero-hourscontracts, lower tuition fees and rents." Written in 1806 and inspired by the death of Nelson, Wordsworth'sCharacter Of The Happy Warrior has been cited by politicians fordecades - most recently by Mr Obama to describe vice president JoBiden after they were re-elected to the White House in 2012. It was also used by Mr Obama's campaign manager Jim Messina -who has been advising the Tories ahead of the 2015 election.
!Are you registered to vote? There are less than 40 days to go until voters go to the polls to electMembers of Parliament. This means that residents have until April 20 to register to vote in thegeneral election dont lose your voice! Anyone not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible inorder for them to be able to have their say on issues that affect theirlives. To register to vote please visit: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Hammersmith & Fulham residents can find out more by visitingwww.lbhf.gov.uk/electoralservices or calling 020 8753 4466. Kensington & Chelsea residents can find out more by [email protected] or calling 020 7361 3444.
Please forward this information to ex-pats to register to vote, urges Greg Hands Greg Hands is asking residents to ensure friends and family livingoverseas are registered to vote. There are 5 million British ex-pats, of whom around 3 million areentitled to vote, but very few of them are currently registered to vote.Thats an average of 4,600 voters per constituency. Overseas voterscan vote in the constituency of their last UK address. Voters can nowregister and order a postal vote online. Every British person living abroad for less than 15 years is entitledand actively encouraged to vote in the 2015 General Election. EveryBritish citizen has a right to vote for his or her government and mostBritish ex-pats still have strong links to the UK, and cannot generallyvote in their new country of residence. The Electoral Commission wants as many Britons living overseas aspossible to vote and has now made it very easy to register for a postalvote. Just click on www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and you cancomplete the online form in 3 minutes. All you will need is yourpassport and National Insurance number for identification. Greg said Today I'm asking you to think of three people you knowwho live abroad and encourage them to vote by forwarding them thisnewsletter - or directing them to the website:www.overseasvote2015.com The next election is the most important in a generation - and it's vitalthat everyone who can vote gets behind our plan to secure a betterfuture for Britain. In an election with so much at stake, overseas voterscould be the difference between a Conservative Governmentcommitted to reducing the deficit, cutting taxes and building astronger, healthier economy - or a return to higher taxes, higherborrowing, and less control over welfare with Labour. Please can you THINK OF THREE Britons you know who live abroadand send them this message by email or on Facebook.
Constituency Look Ahead 10th April Upcoming Events in the Fulham part of the Constituency (for afull list of local events, check out local website Those Who NoesFulham - www.thosewhonosefulham.com) FULHAM FC HOME GAMEWednesday, April 15, 201520:00 - 22:00Craven Cottage, Stevenage RoadFulham v Rotherham UnitedKick off at 8.00 pmPlease visit Fulham FC website for more information about match andticketsVisit website >> GARDEN WALKThursday, April 16, 201514:00 - 15:00Fulham Palace, Bishops Avenue, Fulham London SW6 6EA
Join us for a tour of the Fulham Palace gardens, home to unusual andhistorically important plants. 5 per person, no booking necessary.Meet in the Museum. Click here for more information on tours.Visit website >> CHELSEA FC HOME GAMESaturday, April 18, 201517:30 - 19:30Stamford bridge, Fulham RoadChelsea v. Manchester United kicks off at 5.30 pmPlease visit Chelsea FC website for further information about thematch and ticketsVisit website >>
!7 ways to contact Greg Hands:
By Phone: 020 7385 1002By email: [email protected] post: Greg Hands
4 Greyhound RoadLondon W6 8NX
In person: Click here for details of howto book an appointment atGreg Handss weeklysurgery
www.greghands.com
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