EPPING FOREST MP ELEANOR LAING AT PMQs ASKING THE PRIME MINISTER ABOUT THE UNITY OF THE NATION

HOLLY HOUSE HOSPITAL – COMMUNITY OPEN DAY

Buckhurst Hill based Holly House Hospital has played host to a community open day today, giving local residents a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of the private medical centre, including theatres, outpatient consulting rooms, diagnostic centre, day unit, decontamination department and physiotherapy unit. The event has taken place as the Hospital embarks upon a £21 million redevelopment and expansion project.

Visitors were able to take part in a variety of interactive games and activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as trying your hand at keyhole surgery, learning how to resuscitate somebody, taking on a fitness challenge, having your blood pressure and BMI checked, carrying out a laboratory test and so much more! Healthcare staff were available throughout the day to meet visitors, offer advice and answer any questions, including a former Paralympic gold medallist and physotherapist, providing tips on getting fit and preventing injuries.

One of the invited guests was Eleanor Laing MP who explained: “I was most impressed by the wide range of activities going on. It was a brilliant idea to involve local people in the work of the hospital and to use the occasion to educate us about many aspects of healthcare. I was pleased to have the opportunity to have my BMI checked, and relieved that it is okay! It was also good that people were learning how to give immediate first aid in the event of a heart attack – and children were learning to wash their hands properly – all very useful information.” Further information about a career in healthcare or to ask about any job vacancies or work experience opportunities are available from Holly House on 020 8936 1214 or e-mail at info@hollyhouse-hospital.co.uk

PICTURE CAPTION: Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing pictured with hospital director Jackie Row, deputy director Matthew Hayday & Holly the Hippo.

EPPING FOREST ELECTION RESULTS 2010

The results for the UK Parliamentary election for the Epping Forest Constituency have been declared by the Returning Officer, Ian Willet, at 3.35am on Friday 7th May 2010 and are as follows:

Katie Elizabeth CURTIS - The Labour Party - 6,641 votes.
Ann Mary HAIGH - Liberal Democrat - 10,017 votes.
Eleanor Fulton LAING - The Conservative Party Candidate - 25,148 votes.
Simon Benjamin PEPPER - The Green Party - 659 votes.
Pat RICHARDSON - British National Party - 1,982 votes.
Kim SAWYER - English Democrats “Putting England First!” - 285 votes.
Andrew George SMITH - UK Independence Party (UKIP) - 1,852 votes.

The turnout was 66.95% compared to the 2005 turnout of 62.88%. Therefore, Eleanor Fulton Laing is re-elected Member of Parliament for Epping Forest with a significantly increased majority.

WHAT WILL THE CONSERVATIVES DO ABOUT GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS IN EPPING FOREST?

Eleanor Laing has issued a statement outlining what David Cameron’s Conservative Government would do about Gypsies in Epping Forest, in which she highlights her commitment to giving power back to local people. As the Conservative Party policy paper states: "Conservatives believe in social responsibility. Different people from different communities should be free to lead their lives in different ways. But this freedom must come with a responsibility to the wider community. The vast majority of traveller accept this, but a very small minority do not." Conservatives will act to ensure that this becomes a reality:

Against unauthorised sites: "Where councils have made appropriate provision for authorised sites in their area, which reflect local need and historic demand, we will provide them with stronger enforcement powers to tackle unauthorised development and illegal trespass. In addition, we will introduce a new criminal offence of intentional trespass."

Gypsies to contribute: "At the same time, it is important that settled council tax payers do not foot the bill for the construction of new authorised sites. The Conservatives will reform the system so traveller site funding to councils so that they are properly compensated for new sites and will require travellers to make a contribution to to the cost of services on authorised sites."

A British Bill of Rights: "The Human Rights Act has made it more difficult and expensive to evict trespassers from private and public land and has overridden planning law by allowing travellers to proceed with unauthorised developments. Conservatives will replace Labour's Human Rights Act with a new British Bill of Rights which will help to address these problems."

Scrap the Direction: "The Labour Government has used the regional planning system and top-down targets to force local authorities to build new camps for the travellers, often on Green Belt land. Conservatives disagree with these top-down building targets, for traveller camps and for new houses. As part of the abolition of regional planning and the Regional Spatial Strategies, targets for the provision of traveller camps will be scrapped. In addition we will also scrap John Prescott's controversial guidance on travellers."

"Only a vote for the Conservatives will deliver the change we need and bring power back to the local people. Labour have neglected local needs and allowed the traveller problem to grow over the last 13 years. Please don't let them do it again", Mrs. Laing explained.

WHY VOTE FOR ELEANOR LAING ON 6th MAY 2010?

Aside from all of the reasons local people are hearing from David Cameron as to why you should vote Conservative on Thursday 6th May, there are many reasons, I believe, you should support our local Conservative candidate, Eleanor Laing.

Eleanor has served as the Member of Parliament in Epping Forest for the past 13 years helping literally thousands of local residents as and when they face issues. More than that though, Eleanor has acted as an ambassador for Epping Forest nationally fighting hard against Government proposals which will negatively effect our day-to-day lives. She has also served in a variety of roles within the Shadow Front Bench team, creating Conservative Party policies and holding the Government to account in key areas.

One of Eleanor’s greatest battles as our MP, has been to protect the Green Belt which is constantly under threat from development. Very recently, Eleanor has worked hard to ensure that Green Belt land locally does not become the home of large groups of Gypsy and Traveller families. In a recent Residents Survey, Eleanor has explained: “David Cameron has promised a total change of direction on planning policy for gypsies and travellers if we win the election. There will be no more regional or national planning control. Decisions will be taken at local level - where people know what is best for their own community. So, get rid of Gordon Brown and we also get rid of the plans for more gypsy and traveller sites in Epping Forest.”

For those of you wishing to read more information about Eleanor and her work as an MP, you will find her voting record in the House of Commons here. The Early Day Motions she has supported here. The speeches she has made at debates here. The written questions she has submitted to Ministers here and a list of her Parliamentary expenses here.

For campaign related information, you can logon to Eleanor’s website here or download a copy of her Election Address here. Alternatively, you can become friends with Eleanor on Facebook here.

EPPING PROUDLY CELEBRATES St. GEORGE’S DAY

This evening I have had the pleasure of joining Epping Forest’s MP, Eleanor Laing and the Rev’d Geoffrey Connor at a St. George’s Day Concert at St. John’s Church in Epping. As Mayor, I actually introduced the concert as a way of marking England’s national day last year, as I didn’t believe nearly enough was being done to remind people of what it is to be English, as opposed to British or European. I also introduced a shop window decoration competition, which it has been great to see many businesses take part in again this year.

Next year I hope to grow these events further by reintroducing the St. George’s Day parade through Epping High Street. It is absolutely right that we celebrate England’s rich heritage and have as many people as possible join us in doing so.

One point so many residents have made recently is that they believe St. George’s Day should be a Bank Holiday, as I wholeheartedly agree. It was great to hear Mrs. Laing agree to and better still, to hear that David Cameron is examining plans to do so, should he be elected on May 6th. He has said today: “Let us say, loudly and proudly, from this point on, we should always properly celebrate St George’s Day”.

ELEANOR LAING: ELECTION CAMPAIGN POLICIES

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Eleanor Laing has been the first to lay-out the core policies she will be campaigning on in the run-up to our May election in a leaflet being distributed. The literature gives residents a choice: "Five more years of Gordon Brown - or a brighter Conservative future" and continues to say “I have had the privilege of being MP for Epping Forest for the last thirteen years. I listen to you and I speak up for the issues you tell me you care about. You say we need to change things – and I agree!”

Mrs. Laing continues to explain that a Conservative Government will:
Change the Economy – Take quick action to get the economy moving. Rescue our country from Labour’s debt, waste and taxes. Boost enterprise. Help small businesses. Aspiration and opportunity are better than government red tape.
Change Society – Support families. Help people who do the right thing and deal with people who do the wrong thing. Raise the basic state pension and make benefits fair. Control our country’s borders. Restore discipline in schools. Back the NHS. Save the green belt. Responsibility is better than the nanny state.
Change Politics – Cut Whitehall and quangos. Cut the number of MPs. Take powers back from Europe. Let local people take local planning decisions. Freedom and transparency are better than state control.

EPPING FOREST PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION 2010

So, our sitting Prime Minister, Gordon Brown finally met with Her Majesty The Queen at 10am this morning and requested that she dissolve Parliament and call a General Election on Thursday 6th May 2010. The work for political parties began immediately with troops being scattered right across the UK to win what is believed to be one of the closest fought contests in recent times. In Epping Forest, the following candidates have announced their intentions to stand for election:

Katie Curtis, Labour
I currently work in the trade union movement and lives in Canvey Island.

Ann Haigh, Liberal Democrat
Sitting District Councillor for Buckhurst Hill West. Professional ‘Children's Guardian’, social work consultant and trainer.

Eleanor Laing, Conservative
Sitting MP having represented Epping Forest for the past 13 years. Currently Shadow Minister for Justice having previously served as a Shadow Spokesman for Education and Skills, Constitutional Affairs, been an Opposition Whip, Shadow Minister for Children, Shadow Minister for Women & Equality and Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland.

Simon Pepper, Green Party
Head of Government and Politics at Chigwell School, born in Enfield in 1983 and now lives in Grange Hill.

Pat Richardson, British National Party
Sitting District Councillor for Loughton Broadway, renowned for recently saying to a newspaper: "Firebombing is not a British method. A brick through the window is a British method."

Andrew Smith, UK Independence Party
A Epping resident, born in Cambridge and currently working as a Finance Director at various Lloyds insurance brokers.

Kim Sawyer, English Democrats
The situation with this candidate is confusing. The National Chairman, Robin Tilbrook has states in an email that Kim in standing in Epping Forest, yet the national party’s website suggests Claire Breed is. Not a good start!

For some of the statistical information about the Epping Forest constituency and past election results, please click here. To see a full list of Parliamentary Candidates standing in Essex constituencies, please click here.

ST CLARE HOSPICE'S CELEBRATES 20th BIRTHDAY

Founders, trustees, staff and long-standing supporters of St. Clare Hospice have attended a special reception at the House of Commons to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the charity, hosted by Harlow MP, Bill Rammell and Epping Forest MP, Eleanor Laing.

The Hospice, which provides care for people with life-limiting diseases, such as cancer, end-stage neurological, cardiac, renal or lung disease, was first established by a group of local Councillors, healthcare professionals and business owners. Essex Radio presented the first cheque for £5,000 and a trustee, John Carr, raised £100 by placing a pint glass in a local pub, which raised enough money to register the charity formally. Since then, the hospice has gone on to help over 280,000 people in the local area.

During the reception, Richard Cowie, the current Chief Executive spoke about the plans for expansion and service development after which tours of the Parliamentary Estate were provided.

At a recent visit to the Hospice in Hastingwood, Mrs. Laing explained: “I am delighted to celebrate the Hospice's twentieth anniversary. So much good work has been done here over these twenty years and so many, many people have been helped. St Clare is one of our most popular local charities. It deserves lots of support and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength."

CHURCHES TOGETHER TO HOST HUSTINGS EVENT

The Churches Together in the Epping Forest district have announced their intention to host a hustings in the run-up to the general election and that invitations have now been extended to representatives from each of the 7 political parties who have announced their intentions to stand for election.

The event, which will take place inside St. John’s Church in Epping will focus on issues such as morality, the sanctity of human life, the education of children in such matters and the support to be expected from the government in protecting the rights of all citizens, particularly the old and infirm.

Those interested in obtaining further details of this event can contact the Epping District team office on 01992 575570 or 01992 579935. Alternatively you can email them here.

MP LAING TO ATTEND BUSINESS THEMED DEBATE

The Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce is to host a political debate on Wednesday 21st April at Woolston Manor Golf and Country Club from 7.30am to discuss the big issues effecting local business, covering everything from the significant increase seen in business rates to the impact of the global financial crisis.

Representatives from all of the national political parties have been invited to attend, including Conservative MP for Epping Forest, Eleanor Laing, who has agreed to ensure there is a lively debate on both local and national issues and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the key issues effecting business within her constituency.

Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non-profitable organisation run by business people for the benefit of commerce in the local community. The Chamber brings together over 100 diverse companies in the Epping Forest district.

To obtain your ticket for this event, which are being charges at £12 to members and £15 to non-members, please telephone on 0843 289 8184 or email here Alternatively you can book online here. Tickets include a full English breakfast.

YOUNG PEOPLE VOTE TO LOWER VOTING AGE

Epping Forest District Youth Council have hosted a debate and vote which brought forward a motion that the voting age in the UK should be lowered from 18 to 16 years of age. 54% voted in favour of the motion at an event held at the Civic Offices in Epping designed to encourage an interest in democracy among the district's younger residents.

The Youth Council had an opportunity to meet with and question District Council Chairman, Cllr. Mrs. Penny Smith, Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing and Harlow MP Bill Rammell.

The full debate was webcast and can be viewed by clicking on this link.

MP LAING TACKLES “BIG BROTHER” STATE

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, who also severs as Shadow Minister for Justice, has introduces new Conservative Party policies to protect privacy and prevent intrusion into innocent people’s lives.

Eleanor says: “It is every politician’s duty to safeguard the freedom of the individual citizen. More and more information is being gathered on each and every one of us - but enormous databases waste billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money.”

Eleanor has published a paper, “Reversing the Rise of the Surveillance State” which proposes to:
* Scrap the National Identity Register and ditch the ContactPoint database.
* Review the proposals to monitor adults who take children to school, to sports clubs or the Scouts.
* End the permanent retention of innocent people’s DNA on the National DNA database.
* Prevent councils from using anti-terror laws to spy on local citizens; surveillance could only be used where necessary to stop serious crime.
* Subject all new laws to a ‘privacy’ test, and beef up the role of the Information Commissioner.

Eleanor says: “I am deeply concerned about state intrusion into the lives of my constituents as they go about their everyday business. It cannot be right in this country that we are watched at every turn: driving the car, taking the children to school and even walking the dog. These proposals will protect the privacy of people from the state.”

WESTMINSTER REPORT FROM ELEANOR LAING MP

The Member of Parliament for Epping Forest, Eleanor Laing has launched her Autumn 2009 ‘Westminster Report’, which you can download here.

The report covers topics such as, ‘What Does an MP Do?’, and outlines some of the work Mrs. Laing has done recently on the Government’s proposals to introduce a huge number of sites for Gypsies and Travellers, supporting local businesses, tackling MPs pay, helping bring aid to Africa and fighting the ‘Big Brother’ culture. The report also includes a survey which asks: ‘What Would You Most Like Me to Achieve as Your MP?’

REVIEW OF REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY IN EPPING

Once again this year, Epping saw record numbers of residents turn-out at the town’s War Memorial to show their respects for those remarkable young men who have given their tomorrows for our today.

The events, organised by the Royal British Legion, saw Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Cllr. Mrs. Penny Smith and Mayor of Epping Janet Hedges all lay poppy wreaths on behalf of the town, district and parliament.

Following the wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial, the parade, led by the Epping Forest Pipe Band and including war veterans, air and army cadets, members of the guides and scouting organisations, representatives of St. John’s School and police and fire officers, marched through Epping High Street, paying respects to local dignitaries on the way.

A Service of Remembrance then took place at St. John’s Church, led by the Rev’d Geoffrey Connor, supported by the Epping Forest Band. EFDC Chairman Penny Smith read from the bible, whilst Mayor Janet Hedges read the names of the fallen. After the service, wreaths were also laid at the Civilian Memorial outside St. John’s Church.

OPINION POLL RESULTS - Eleanor Laing MP

Question: Do you think Eleanor Laing will be re-elected MP for Epping Forest at the next General Election?

Yes 59%
No 29%
I honestly don’t know 4%
I couldn’t care less 8%

Total Number of votes cast during a 7 day period: 48

MP ELEANOR LAING WINS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

The membership of the Epping Forest Conservative Association tonight returned a massive vote of confidence in Epping Forest MP, Eleanor Laing and rejected a motion to deselect her as their Member of Parliament. Eleanor won both a vote of confidence and a motion to deselect her by a substantial margin, (164 votes for, 32 against, 1 abstention giving a 83% return). Many members spoke highly of Eleanor for not only the good work she has done over the past 12 years but the support she is able to give as a sitting MP in the future.

This follows months of speculation and innuendo that the membership no longer had confidence in her following the MP's expenses scandal. The meeting was attended by 200 members of Epping Forest Conservative Association as well as regional officers from the Conservative Party and the Party's National Chairman, Eric Pickles MP, who was sent by Leader David Cameron to support Mrs. Laing. Mr. Pickles described Eleanor as "an outstanding woman, an excellent Member of Parliament and a key player in the next Conservative Government."

When asked how she viewed the result Eleanor said:
“I am happy that this matter can now be put to behind us and I can get on with the job of representing ALL my constituents, I have always said that I did nothing wrong but accept that the whole MP's expenses issue has made many of the electorate very angry with MP's in general and I endorse that view. Hopefully we can now concentrate on our task in hand to remove the Labour government and return David Cameron into office and get the country back on it's feet again. I will continue to work hard for the residents of Epping Forest as I have always done and look forward to meeting many of you on the door step over the next few months.”

Eleanor Laing has launched a new 'Misperceptions v's Facts' sheet, which you can find by clicking here.

FULL SUPPORT FROM CAMERON FOR MP LAING

I have, today, received a letter from the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP, Leader of the Conservative Party, confirming his support for Epping Forest MP, Eleanor Laing, which reads as follows:

“Dear Ben,

I understand that there is to be a Special General Meeting of Epping Forest Conservative Association on Monday 26th October to hold a vote of confidence in your Member of Parliament, Eleanor Laing. I am just writing to say that I sincerely hope that you will support Eleanor Laing at that meeting.

The issue of MPs’ expenses has been very damaging to politics. I have tried to make sure that the Conservative Party, and Conservative MPs, have responded to the public’s anger about what has happened, and I have taken a very firm line in cases where that has been necessary.

In Eleanor’s case, however, I want to make clear that she offered to make a substantial voluntary repayment at her own initiative, which she felt was the right thing to do under the circumstances. This should not be held against Eleanor. I too have made a voluntary repayment. What Eleanor has done is an indication that she, like the rest of the Party, takes the expenses issue extremely seriously. As you know, Sir Thomas Legg has written to Eleanor making clear that she has no issues to answer in relation to her expenses.

Eleanor works hard both as a Member of Parliament and as a member of my Front bench as Shadow Justice Minister. As we approach the General Election, it is very important that we pull together as a single team, and focus relentlessly on winning that election.

I want to make clear that Eleanor has my full support. I hope very much that you will go to the meeting on Monday, and vote for Eleanor to continue as your Member of Parliament, in the interests of both Epping Forest and of the Conservative Party.

Yours ever,

David Cameron"

CONSERVATIVES TO CONFIRM CONFIDENCE IN MP

Today, I have received a letter from Cllr. Matthew Colling, the Chairman of Epping Forest Conservative Association, inviting me to attend a General Meeting of the Association on Monday 26th October to consider the following motion:

‘This General Meeting of the Epping Forest Conservative Association confirms its confidence in Eleanor Laing MP as the Conservative Candidate for the next General Election.’

An enormous number of residents contacted me shortly after the Telegraph claimed that Mrs. Laing has not paid Capital Gains Tax on her London home at the point of sale in 2008 to complain and to express their anger at the trust which they believed had been abused and broken.

I have attempted to share as much information as possible on this issue, which has included a letter from Mrs. Laing to residents which can be found here. Some comments from the Leader of the Conservative Party, Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP which can be found here and a copy of the letter which Mr. Cameron sent to Mrs. Laing on the issue which can be found here.

Mrs. Laing has spoken on the issue, saying, “I welcome the opportunity that a General Meeting will provide for me to meet directly a large number of our Conservative members here in the Epping Forest constituency. I have been touched by the very many messages of support I have received in recent weeks and I hope that that support will be reflected in the outcome of the meeting. I am also pleased that I will have the chance to set the record straight.”

EPPING FOREST MP ELEANOR LAING ON EXPENSES

Conservative Party Leader, David Cameron MP, has this week written to Epping Forest MP, Eleanor Laing, thanking for all she has done “to help the Party to respond to public anger over MPs’ expenses.” Mr. Cameron went on to say: “You have my complete support, and I and trust that you will receive the full support of your friends and colleagues, and of your Association.” To see a copy of the letter, please click here.

In an interview with Everything Epping Forest this week, Mrs Laing has explained: "I am very concerned about some of the inaccurate reports which have appeared in the media and have been passed round by word of mouth here in Epping Forest concerning my 'expenses' as an MP. I have never claimed anything improperly. I have been fortunate to have an allowance from the House of Commons which has paid a part of the mortgage interest for my flat in London. I know that some people think that I should commute daily from Epping to Westminster. I have to explain, however, that I am usually in the House of Commons from about 9.30am to 10.30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays and from 9.30am until about 8pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I could, of course, travel back to Epping every night but I think I can be a much more effective MP by not spending 12 hours per week travelling. When I first went into Parliament the hours were much longer. We usually sat until well after midnight Monday to Thursday.”

Mrs Laing added: "My son was born some years after I became a Member of Parliament and I have come to realise that if I could not provide somewhere for him to live near the House of Commons he simply would not see his mummy from Monday morning until Thursday night. As I am now divorced my son also has to be somewhere where his daddy can come to see him as often as possible. If I had no flat in London and my son lived in Epping he would see neither of his parents on a regular basis. Because of Labour’s enormous majority, the Government has reduced the number of hours that Parliament spends scrutinising Government business. After the next General Election, whichever party wins, I expect that there will be a very small majority and therefore far more votes and we are likely to have to sit until well after midnight again. I have decided, however, out of respect for the fact that many of my constituents commute daily to London, that I will no longer claim second home allowance. As far as Capital Gains Tax is concerned, I will, of course, pay it should I one day sell my house in Theydon Bois. If the HMRC rules and House of Commons rules had been different, at the time when I sold the flat last year, I would have done things differently. But last year I certainly did not break any rules. I do not owe any tax and contrary to reports in the newspapers, David Cameron has not 'ordered' me to pay any money to anyone. I have decided voluntarily to pay the equivalent of last year's second homes allowance back to the House of Commons authorities because I think this is the morally correct thing to do. I am very pleased to have received a letter from David Cameron supporting the position I have taken.”

Mrs. Laing has also answered questions about why she did not support a proposal last year which was reported to ‘reform the expense system’. She explained that the motion was brought forward by the Liberal Democrats and an alternative motion was tabled by Conservative MPs which included an auditing clause to ensure better scrutiny of expense claims. Mrs. Laing also stated that she had disclosed all of her expenses a whole year prior to the Telegraph raising the matter in their newspaper.