Welcome to my latest E-Bulletin, letting my constituents know about my work in Watford and Parliament.
Since the last email I have; launched my new Apprenticeship Initiative for Watford, supported calls for the Government to take action on fuel prices and marked Remembrance Day across Watford. Keep reading for more....
Apprenticeship Events Launched
In the week that saw the number of youth unemployment reach the million mark, I launched my Watford Apprenticeship Initiative to take practical action to increase the number of apprenticeships and to cut youth unemployment in Watford.
Next year I will be holding a number of events to encourage businesses in Watford to take on apprentices, and to get young people to sign up for the schemes.
Following the success of my Jobs Fair earlier this year I know that taking practical action with local organisations and companies can make a real difference and I look forward to working with Camelot, West Herts College and the National Apprenticeship Scheme to make this happen.
I will be announcing further details of the events and ways that you can get involved shortly.
Remembering the Fallen
This fortnight I have attended a number of Remembrance ceremonies across Watford. I am always very moved by these events remembering those who lost their lives in the World Wars and more recent conflicts and particularly so by meeting the families in Watford who have lost loved ones in recent years.
I was proud to lay wreaths on Watford memorials with the Mayor and leader of Watford Borough Council. We will never forget the sacrifices they made for our freedom.
Pulling Pints in Watford Pub
As part of a national campaign the Back the Pub, I spent an hour this week doing a shift at a town- centre pub, the Moon Under Water. I helped serve customers and pulled pints behind the bar of the Wetherspoons Pub before visiting the Headquarters of the company which is based in Watford and employs 300 people locally.
To top off a hop- filled day I popped in to the Watford Real Ale festival to meet with enthusiasts and give my backing to the Campaign for Real Ale. There were many weird and wonderful ales on offer, but I don’t think I will be giving the Cappuccino Stout another try!
Calling for Fairer Fuel
On Tuesday 15thI joined many colleagues in the Commons to support the Backbench Motion on Fair Fuel. I chose to support this motion, asking for the Government to scrap the fuel duty rise, after seeing the very real impact that too high prices are having on people and businesses. High fuel prices are hitting families who are already struggling with high prices on other goods and businesses will struggle with increased costs, in an already difficult economy.
I was pleased that the motion was passed without a vote and I will be looking to the Government to listen to the strength of feeling on this matter, and take the necessary action to give a fairer deal on fuel.
My Diary
This fortnight my Diary has included:
Having a meeting with Bob Neill MP, Minister for the Fire Services with representatives from Watford Fire Service to discuss Firefighter Pensions.
Celebrating Diwali through a parade through Watford and a reception at Watford Palace Theatre
Welcoming to Parliament the organisers of the Peace Hospice Starlight Walk, which has raised many thousands of pounds for the Peace Hospice.
Meeting with the Young Enterprise organisation that helps young people start up businesses. Last year around 400 young people took part in projects across Watford Secondary Schools.
Joining the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Citizens Advice Bureau.