Leicester’s Town Crier Tony Green will be joined by East Midlands Trains Managing Director Tim Shoveller and City Councillor with responsibility for transport Patrick Kitterick will officially dispatch one of the first faster trains from Leicester to London. Peter Soulsby MP will be on board the new service for his weekly journey to Westminster as the service is sent on its way by the Town Crier.

East Midlands Trains’ new timetable comes into effect on Sunday 14 December and includes faster services from Leicester to London, an increased number of Sunday services, earlier morning weekday services and later night services.

Leicester South MP Peter Soulsby uses the rail link between Leicester and London each week to travel to Westminster and to return to Leicester again at the end of the parliamentary week.

Leicester’s Town Crier Tony Green will be joined by East Midlands Trains Managing Director Tim Shoveller and City Councillor with responsibility for transport Patrick Kitterick will officially dispatch one of the first faster trains from Leicester to London. Peter Soulsby MP will be on board the new service for his weekly journey to Westminster as the service is sent on its way by the Town Crier.

East Midlands Trains’ new timetable comes into effect on Sunday 14 December and includes faster services from Leicester to London, an increased number of Sunday services, earlier morning weekday services and later night services.

Leicester South MP Peter Soulsby uses the rail link between Leicester and London each week to travel to Westminster and to return to Leicester again at the end of the parliamentary week. Peter Soulsby MP said: “I use the East Midlands Trains service every week to travel to London and then to return home at the end of the parliamentary week. I welcome these new services which offer real improvements for people in Leicester. Leicester is well positioned to benefit from a new faster service to London. Economically a faster link to London is vital, especially with the new European connections at St Pancras.”

Leicester South MP Peter Soulsby said: "When I'm out and about in my constituency people tell me that they are fed up with the anti-social behaviour caused by drinking. So I welcome this new action and investment.”

"I support looking at how alcohol is sold in all parts of the city including the city centre but also on the outer estates like Eyres Monsell and Saffron, and whether we should stop ‘all you can drink’ promotions.

If a particular shop or nightspot is causing problems they should be stopped from breaking the rules with tough action. I also support Government moves to make it easier for local people to register concerns about irresponsible and illegal alcohol sales at problem shops that sell to underage drinkers.”

"Those that cause problems for others must face the consequences of their actions. The decent, law-abiding majority in Leicester deserve respect and the chance to get on with their lives."

“I will be asking the police and licensing authorities for information about particular problem areas where new tough action is needed.”

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: “This money provides a timely boost to law enforcement as we approach the festive period. In many areas police and local authorities are effectively using the range of tools and powers we have provided to tackle alcohol related crime and disorder. We have backed that with £3 million in every part of England and Wales and an additional £1.5 million for our priority areas.

I fully expect this will boost the drive against alcohol related crime and disorder, and help reduce alcohol related problems in Leicester.”

The C-Change scheme which is run by the Woodcraft Folk with De Montfort University (DMU) and the Centre for Alternative Technology scored a hat-trick in the National Energy Efficiency Awards.

It beat off stiff competition from a host of other environmentally-friendly schemes to be named overall winner in the awards. It also came first in the Education and Awareness category and a member of Woodcraft Folk involved with the project, George Brooke, was named Young Carbon Champion.

Judges were very impressed with the scheme and said: “Wow! A worthy winner. Young people leading the way towards positive environmental change.”

The C-change project aims to inform young people about the threat climate change poses to the planet and to change their attitude towards it through peer education. More than 20 young “peer educators” were trained to be able to discuss climate change to other young people. They did this at a wide range of different events - in a “fun” environment where young people were enjoying themselves.

Professor Paul Fleming from the IESD said: “We are absolutely delighted C-Change has won these awards. It is a really important project that has proved that if you educate young people about the problems facing the planet they will pass that message on and help to change other young people’s attitudes about climate change.”

This year, the scheme took its Face Your Elephant tent (see photo right) to the Latitude Festival in Suffolk and a Woodcraft Folk summer camp in Derbyshire. The tent, which visited Glastonbury in 2007, includes a pedal-powered smoothie blender, a graffiti wall, a giant jigsaw and hydrogen-powered toy cars, all designed to raise awareness of global warming.

Also in 2008 C-Change held special club nights in London, Brighton Leeds and Manchester. The events featured a visual set which mixed pictures, text, TV, animation and video, to get across the message that the climate is changing.

A youth conference was held at the Greater London Assembly and young people also ran a live radio broadcast from the Foyer on the Unicorn theatre in London, which was streamed on the web and broadcast by several community radio stations.

Tuesday December 16 2008

Welcoming the news Peter Soulsby MP thanked local people for campaigning with him on the issue:

“This is great news for the post office. I recently met with the Secretary of State, James Purnell MP to discuss this issue and I am delighted that the government has listened to what I have been saying on behalf of local people. I would like to thank everyone who has stood up for local post offices and made their voices known on this.”

“With the financial crisis that started with the American banks now being felt here in Britain, people are feeling worried about their finances. Post Offices are often the only providers of banking services in local areas so this vote of confidence in the post office is very welcome".

The Government has decided to award a new contract for the continuation of POCA directly to the Post Office.


This announcement is good news for the Post Office as the card account is an important source of income and brings customers through the doors of post offices across the country. The National Federation of Sub Post Masters had said that, without POCA 3,000 Post Offices would close.

It was announced in December 2006 that there would be a successor to POCA and put that product out to tender. However, in order to support a viable Post Office network the Government have decided to cancel the current procurement exercise.

The Documents
I have recently seen

• the Co-op’s Eco Town Master Plan
• the Co-op’s news release of 9 October announcing this Plan
• the Eco Town Transport Assessment
• the Council Report ‘Leicestershire Eco Town Update’
• and the Council resolution of 30 October

I will discuss these in order.
The Eco Town Master Plan Document is particularly disappointing. It has been printed in a type-face that is far too small to be intelligible; has maps that are almost impossible to interpret and is produced with attractive but largely irrelevant ‘aspirational’ pictures.

When challenged about the usefulness of this document, the Co-op representatives responded to me that it was essentially a document for the DCLG. However their news release of 9 October was very different - announcing the Master Plan as something upon which the Co-op would ‘seek views…from local people in a fresh round of consultation’ and which would enable the Co-op to ‘prove the viability of the proposed development’ – claims which are ludicrous for a document which hides far more than it reveals.

Peter Soulsby MP publishes his views on the proposed Pennbury Eco Town and the impact it will have on his Leicester South constituency and the wider city. Click here to download a PDF copy of this report

The politicians volunteered to help raise vital funds for the children’s charity. The MPs will do ‘a bit of everything’ in the store from steaming clothes and restocking the shop floor to window display and pricing.

Sir Peter Soulsby MP was one of the MPs and left his day job behind on Saturday to volunteer at the Barnardo’s shop in Leicester, as part of the CSV Make A Difference Day. Sir Peter was there to encourage residents in Leicester to volunteer to help raise vital funds for vulnerable children.

Sir Peter explained, ‘Volunteering in your local Barnardo’s shop really can make a difference. Income from these shops helps to maintain vital local projects, which offer support to so many vulnerable children and their families.’

Barnardo’s works with approximately 115,000 children, young people and their families in over 394 specialised projects in local communities across the UK, including 50 projects in the Midlands.

This includes work with children affected by today’s most urgent issues: poverty, homelessness, disability, bereavement and abuse.

Peter urged local people to call the Act on CO2 Advice Line or visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website to find out what simple steps they could take to save energy in the home, cutting energy bills and protecting the environment at the same time.

Peter Soulsby MP has also signed a Parliamentary Motion supporting Energy Saving Week, which points out that energy efficiency can play a key role in reducing energy bills at a time of increasing prices. The Motion highlights research by the Energy Saving Trust showing that people feel a lack of time is a barrier to them taking energy saving measures. However, the Energy Saving Trust also provides some simple tips on quick and easy measures that people can take to cut their energy consumption and fuel bills.

Peter Soulsby MP said: “I am delighted to support the Energy Saving Trust’s Energy Saving Week, to highlight the impact that wasting energy can have on the energy bills of hard working local people and the environment.

With us all having busier and busier lives, I know that people in Leicester sometimes feel they do not have the time to take steps to save energy, but as the Energy Saving Trust are showing, it does not need to take long to save energy and money on your fuel bills too.


That’s why I am committing to take a small amount of time out of my busy schedule to take action to cut my energy use this week and hope that local residents will find out what they can do as well.

“I welcome the sensible approach being taken by the Government in removing the 42 days pre-charge detention from the Counter Terrorism Bill. I was in the House of Commons last night for the Home Secretary’s statement and I was pleased that she has repeated her commitment to work with all parties to ensure we have laws which properly recognise the delicate balance between national security, individual liberties and that do not risk alienating some communities.”

“I have discussed this issue with individuals and organisations in my constituency who have raised a number of concerns.

It is important that on issues of national security and counter terrorism that the Government seeks to achieve real and strong consensus. This means listening to legitimate concerns and that is what the Home Secretary has done in removing 42 days from the Bill.”

“Unlike the opposition parties in the House of Commons last night who sought to make political gain and score cheap points about the vote in the House of Lords, I believe this issue is far too important for that. It is an issue which is more important than winning and losing, it is about security of the individual and the nation, it is about preserving historic liberties and citizen’s rights and I will always place these things above petty politics.”

The switch-on ceremony was performed by the Lord Mayor of Leicester Cllr Manjula Sood, Maganbhai Patel OBE, President of the Leicester Hindu Festival Council, and David Bennett, Group Chief Executive of Alliance & Leicester.

The Lord Mayor said: "Leicester is a great multi-cultural city, and the Diwali lights are the best outside India. As the local ward councillor and Lord Mayor of Leicester, I was very proud and honoured to be the Chief Guest."

David Bennett, Group Chief Executive of Alliance & Leicester said: "At Alliance & Leicester we want to work alongside and support the local community. Leicester's Diwali celebrations are a glittering and positive part of the city, and we are delighted to be supporting them for the sixth consecutive year."

They were joined on stage by Leicester MPs the Right Hon Keith Vaz and Sir Peter Soulbsy, Cllr Veejay Patel, chair of the Diwali working party, and other local dignitaries.

The crowds were entertained with a dazzling array of dances from local groups, including a classical Indian welcome dance by Nrutya Kala, and a Bollywood dance performance by Napur Arts.

Members of the Gujarati Arya Association performed a Gujarati folk dance. And Rajput Bhoiraj Gnati Samaj delighted the crowds with the Indian folk dance Dandiya Raas.


After the switch-on, the crowds moved to Cossington Street Recreation Ground for a firework and laser display.




Tuesday October 14 2008

The Space Academy has been set up at the National Space Centre in Leicester, with partners at the University of Leicester, the University of Nottingham, the Regional Science Learning Centre for the East Midlands and STEMNET.

The Space Academy provides education programmes, summer space schools, roadshows and conferences, built around schools’ curricula in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) using space as the inspirational hook. It is aimed at students from 9-19 years of age, and their teachers, in the East Midlands and beyond.

• deliver space-related STEM education programmes linked to the national science curriculum for learners from secondary school up to college and university;
  
  
• link with employers, with particular focus on the space and aerospace sectors in the region;
  
  
• provide educational resources and training opportunities for teachers and educators that fit the national STEM agenda and the new STEM curriculum.

Postwatch will merge with the National Consumer Council and Energywatch today to form a new body, Consumer Focus. To mark the merger Postwatch has produced a 120 page, glossy hardback book, which has been sent to MPs.

Peter Soulsby was highly critical of Postwatch last year, over their ineffectiveness in the campaign to keep local post offices open in Leicester.

Peter Soulsby spearheaded the campaign to save Walnut Street and Francis Street post offices from closure. Earlier this year the MP branded Postwatch “a rather pathetic voice” for post office customers. In February the MP said:

“I am particularly angry at the total failure of Postwatch to fight the corner of post office customers in Leicester. Postwatch is supposed to be the independent watchdog for postal services, and boasts that it is the ‘voice of the consumer’. Having seen Postwatch’s letter to the Post Office about the proposed closures in Leicester, I have to say that unfortunately in this case it has been a rather pathetic voice.”

Last year Peter Soulsby campaigned with the Leicester Mercury for an increase in the annual Winter Fuel Payment for the over-60s. After raising the issue in the House of Commons and presenting the Mercury’s petition at 10 Downing Street a victory was secured when increases were announced by the Chancellor in the Budget.

The Budget announced that in addition to the annual Winter Fuel Payment the over-60s will receive an extra £50 in 2008/2009 and the over-80s will receive an extra £100. This will benefit up to 9 million households nationally and will help the elderly keep their homes warm through the colder months. Last year just over 14,000 pensioners in Leicester South benefited from the Winter Fuel Payment.

Welcoming today’s announcement Peter Soulsby MP said:

“I am very pleased with today’s measures. Promoting better insulation and energy efficiency in the home is the right thing to do. It is highly likely that energy bills will continue to go up and up and therefore the Government’s approach is the correct one, in that it is about helping people to reduce their energy bills in the long term. The direct involvement of the energy companies is also a step in the right direction, but I would like to see them have greater involvement and offering even more help to customers.”

“It remains totally unfair that energy companies rake in obscene profits whilst people struggle to pay their bills. However, it ought to be recognised that just ten years the annual Winter Fuel Payment didn’t even exist, and that this Government is putting more cash in people’s pockets to help with energy bills than any Government in history. I will continue to push for more help for customers, especially the elderly and those on low incomes.”

“I would encourage people to find out if they are eligible for more help and the measures announced today. My office will be pleased to offer help and advise to constituents wanting to find out if they can apply for help with home insulation and with help towards bills.”

Thursday September 11 2008

Next week will see a packed schedule of constituency meetings and events for Leicester South MP Peter Soulsby.

As the parliamentary recess continues, Peter Soulsby will be out and about across the constituency with a typically busy schedule.

On Monday (8 September) the MP will chair a meeting of the Station Investment Board, a partnership made up of the Leicester Regeneration Company, Leicester City Council and the private sector, looking at future plans for Leicester Railway Station and the surrounding area.

Tuesday will see Peter visit Leicester Grammar School at their new site at Great Glen. The MP will meet with the Principal and staff as well as talking to new sixth form students about the work of an MP. Later on Tuesday, Peter will address the annual prize giving evening at Wyggeston and QE1 College.

The following day (Wednesday 10 September) Peter will chair a special meeting he has arranged with the Cultural Quarter Business Association. The meeting will bring together businesses and organisations based in the city’s Cultural Quarter with key organisations including the City Council, the Leicester Regeneration Company, the Leicestershire Economic Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce and the city centre Police.

Next week will see a packed schedule of constituency meetings and events for Leicester South MP Peter Soulsby.

As the parliamentary recess continues, Peter Soulsby will be out and about across the constituency with a typically busy schedule.

On Monday (8 September) the MP will chair a meeting of the Station Investment Board, a partnership made up of the Leicester Regeneration Company, Leicester City Council and the private sector, looking at future plans for Leicester Railway Station and the surrounding area.

Tuesday will see Peter visit Leicester Grammar School at their new site at Great Glen. The MP will meet with the Principal and staff as well as talking to new sixth form students about the work of an MP. Later on Tuesday, Peter will address the annual prize giving evening at Wyggeston and QE1 College.

The following day (Wednesday 10 September) Peter will chair a special meeting he has arranged with the Cultural Quarter Business Association. The meeting will bring together businesses and organisations based in the city’s Cultural Quarter with key organisations including the City Council, the Leicester Regeneration Company, the Leicestershire Economic Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce and the city centre Police.

On Thursday, Peter will be taking part in a city centre walkabout with the Leicester Disabled People’s Access Group. The walkabout will illustrate disability access issues in the city centre. The MP will be joined by City Councillors and members of the Leicester Disabled People’s Access Group.

Later on Thursday the MP will be holding an advice surgery for constituents at his Leicester office. Peter’s Leicester office handles hundreds of cases every week for constituents on a wide range of issues ranging from immigration and asylum cases, to housing problems and welfare and benefits issues. As ever, the surgery appointments are fully booked. Thursday evening will see Peter meeting with local Labour Party members where they will quiz him on a varied range of national and local issues.

Friday will see Peter meeting with the Leicester group of the La Leche League breastfeeding campaign. The MP will then meet with the Vice-Chancellor of Leicester University, Professor Burgess, to discuss the University’s development and issues in higher education.

VQ day comes just weeks after the government showed its commitment to vocational qualifications by announcing that from the autumn, it will support every 18 year old without the equivalent of 2 A levels to achieve that by paying for their training.

Leicester South MP Peter Soulsby said: “I have long believed that people receiving vocational qualifications deserve more recognition and public celebration than they do currently. I’ve met hundreds of talented people of all ages in my constituency doing vocational qualifications locally in schools, colleges and in work. Vocational qualifications can be a great route to a good, well paid job. So I’d like to take this opportunity to say well done to everyone who has got their VQ this year.”

John Denham, Labour’s Secretary of State for Skills, said “Vocational training is a great way to get a good, well paid job to get on in life. We recently announced that from the autumn, all 18 year olds without the equivalent of A levels will be entitled to free training worth around £7,000 to fund training to this level. We are supporting all young people who want to get on in life – whether that is as an apprentice, training in work, at college, or at university”

Wednesday July 23 2008