SOUTHPORT MEPs GET A MID TERM REPORT

A mid-term report for Euro-MPs in the North West suggests that while some are working hard, others “could do better”. 

Statistics from the European Parliament website for the first 3 years of the MEP’s 5 year term show a wide variation in parliamentary activity.  The North West region of nearly 7 million people is represented in total by 9 MEPs: 3 Conservative, 3 Labour, 2 Liberal Democrat and 1 UKIP.

Liberal Democrat Chris Davies asked 280 parliamentary questions and made 43 speeches, topping the regional poll and ranking 2nd of all UK MEPs. His party colleague Sajjad Karim achieved 2nd place with 168 questions and the same number of speeches.  But the region’s Conservative David Sumberg asked only 1 question and made 1 speech, ranking him at the bottom of MEP activity in the UK.  Mr Sumberg, who recently announced his intention not to stand again, also has one of the lowest Parliamentary attendance records of any MEP.

Chris Davies, who is the Liberal Democrat environment spokesman in the European Parliament, said he was surprised to learn that his parliamentary activity was well above average.  He said:- "I certainly didn’t set out to set a record but I suppose it is a reflection of the variety of work I manage to get through in the European Parliament.  I table questions on behalf of constituents who need information on a particular issue that concerns them, lobbyists who want to find out the Commission’s position on a topic, and of course to answer my own questions on both environmental and other issues I choose to pursue.”

Commenting on Mr Sumberg’s contribution he said:- “Most MEPs who have served in the House of Commons know that work in the European Parliament can be more effective. If I were a Conservative voter I would want to ask Mr Sumberg a few questions about his diligence.”

These statistics for parliamentary questions and speeches are taken from the European Parliament website. They cover the period from June 2004 to June 2007 – the first 3 years of the MEPs 5 year term.

The statistics for attendance are taken from official European Parliament statistics and cover July 2006 – June 2007.

 * Brian Simpson took up his position in September 2006 replacing Terry Wynn. The combined total of Mr Wynn and Mr Simpson is 22 questions and 17 speeches.

Traffic information for motorists to be fine tuned...

MOTORISTS on key routes into the city are to benefit from improved traffic information to cut journey times in the event of unplanned traffic incidents.

A new messaging schedule and timetable is being developed for the Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) system which will give immediate information on unplanned incidents and emergencies meaning motorists will be able to avoid congestion more easily.  Currently messages displayed on the 29 signs on the main routes into the city are dictated by government regulations and any further ‘non-standard messages’ need specific approval from the Department for Transport.

Cllr Barbara Mace, assistant executive member for regeneration, said:- “We have made a considerable investment in the VMS system which is used to give information on roadworks and events as well as to display road safety messages.  We now need to make sure we respond more effectively to unplanned incidents and only to use road safety messages at appropriate times to ensure they do not lose their impact.  The new schedule of messages reflecting planned highway works and special events will also help those who have to travel in and around Liverpool everyday plan their routes.  It will also provide information for the expected influx of visitors for Capital of Culture in 2008 and in subsequent years.”

VMS is part of the wider Urban Traffic Control (UTC) system and is operated from a city centre control room by 2020 Liverpool on behalf of the city council.  The system is to be upgraded over the next 2 years to provide congestion and journey time monitoring information which will be displayed on the signs to help motorists plan their routes.

Cllr Mace added:- “Protocols are being established within UTC to ensure that the VMS system is used immediately as a routine part of the response to unplanned incidents. 

We are also working with the emergency services to make sure that the system is used to its full potential when dealing with emergencies.”

NFSP statement on postal strike action

THE National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP) wishes to make clear that its members are not involved in the latest wave of strike action affecting other parts of the postal services sector, which is scheduled to run for a week starting last Friday, the 10 August 2007.

The UK 's network of sub post offices - which make up 97% of the national post office network - is unaffected and will remain open for business as usual.

NFSP General Secretary George Thomson said:- "A lengthy dispute will undoubtedly inconvenience both private and business mail users, and therefore cause damage to the postal services industry as a whole.  We are concerned that this will ultimately weaken Royal Mail Group and therefore the Post Office. In view of this, we urge all sides to re-double their efforts to reach a satisfactory conclusion to this dispute as soon as possible."

TENDERING OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE NHS

SEMINAR ON WEDNESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2007

THE Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and MERBEN (Merseyside Business Environment Network) would like to invite you to a procurement seminar designed to highlight tendering opportunities within the NHS, and also the skills needed by small and medium sized enterprises to ensure access to local NHS contracts.  The NHS procurement annual budget for the North West alone is over £2.2 billion.

By integrating sustainable development into their business practices, the NHS recognises that through its interactions with stakeholders, and by considering what it purchases and how it purchases, progress can be made towards achieving greater social inclusion and equity, as well as improving the health of the community it serves.

Purchasing has direct social, environmental and economic impacts, and presents an ideal opportunity to reduce the risks of health inequalities which can come with a degraded environment, unemployment, poverty and social inclusion.

This event aims to highlight tendering opportunities within the NHS whilst also outlining support for businesses to up skill, develop and access information on potential business opportunities.

Date:- 26 September 2007

Venue:- Village Hotel, Pool Lane, Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside CH62 4UE

Time:- 9.00am -12.00 noon

To register email, or telephone 0151 645 5694/fax 0151 645 5694