Press Releases from Andrew Selous 2018

Andrew Selous, MP for South West Bedfordshire, has lent their support to a campaign from leading charity Diabetes UK, calling for the public to be given clear nutritional information in restaurants, cafes and takeaways, as well as on the front of all pre-packaged food and drinks. Andrew Selous chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Obesity.  Andrew Selous made the pledge at a parliamentary event hosted by the charity as part of its ongoing Food Upfront campaign. Through the campaign, Diabetes UK is making the following calls to government:  • Mandatory front-of-pack traffic light labelling on all pre-packed foods and drinks sold in the UK, • Mandatory calorie labelling on menus in key high street restaurants, cafes and takeaways, with carb content available online or when you ask for it in store, • Ensure carbohydrates are labelled on the back of products, per portion and as prepared. Clear food labelling is vital for millions of people living with diabetes, to help them manage their condition and reduce their risk of serious complications. In a 2017 survey of more than 9,000 people living with or affected by diabetes, almost three quarters of respondents (73%) said that if all companies used the same food labelling system it would help them to make healthier choices.  Clear food labelling also helps the wider public, with or without diabetes, make more informed decisions about what they eat and drink. Recent public polling carried out by ComRes on behalf of Diabetes UK revealed that 9 out of 10 people said traffic-light food labelling helps them make healthier decisions, while only three in ten people (29%) said they felt they had enough information about what’s in their food.  In addition, more than three quarters of people (76%) said that cafes, restaurants and takeaways should display calorie information on their menus, so that customers understand the content of the food and drink they buy. Traffic-light labelling assigns a red, amber or green value in relation to fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt, as well as giving information on the calories in a product, to help consumers find out what’s in the food and drink they’re buying. Evidence shows that both front-of-pack traffic light labelling and calorie labelling informs consumers and helps making the healthier choice the easier choice.  However, clear and consistent food labelling is not currently compulsory. Companies don’t have to provide any information on the front of their goods, and one in three products in shops don’t have clear traffic-light labels. Many restaurants, cafes and takeaways also still do not provide calorie labelling on their menus or other nutritional information online or when asked for it in store.  Commenting on the campaign, Andrew Selous said: “The public have made it clear that they support clearer labelling on food and drink to help them make healthier and better informed decisions about what they eat, so I’m happy to lend my support to Diabetes UK’s Food Upfront campaign.  “Putting these simple measures into place could make a huge difference to the nation as a whole. Obesity and weight related chronic health conditions – including Type 2 diabetes – continue to rise, and it’s important that MPs and the Government as a whole do everything they can to halt this growing health crisis.” Helen Dickens is Assistant Director of Campaigns and Mobilisation at Diabetes UK. She said:  “We know that consistent and clear food labelling can help all of us to make informed choices. For people with diabetes, easy access to clear and consistent labelling, for example on carbohydrate content, is vital to supporting them with their diabetes management “With around two-thirds of adults, and almost a third of children in the UK classed as overweight or obese, and therefore at increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and other chronic health conditions, it’s really important that we have measures in place that help make it easier for all of us to know what’s in the food we’re buying.  “That’s why we are calling for the government to strengthen and, when possible, introduce mandatory front of pack traffic-light labelling on packaging, and calorie labelling on menus. The British public overwhelmingly support these moves, so we are grateful to the local MP for their efforts in helping put these potentially life-changing measures into practice.” 

Press Releases from Andrew Selous 2017

18 October 2017 MP ANDREW SELOUS CALLED ON THE PRIME MINISTER TO STRENGTHEN FAMILY LIFE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS TODAY. A recent manifesto to strengthen families, supported by over 50 MPs including Andrew Selous, encourages the Government to promote healthy relationships to tackle mental ill health, to promote active fatherhood in a child’s life and to remove the financial disincentives for those on low incomes to form lasting couple relationships, amongst other suggestions. Andrew Selous has worked to improve family life locally having set up ‘Two in Tune’ as a community family trust. The exchange in the House of Commons was as follows: Andrew Selous Respectful and committed family relationships reduce poverty, improve wellbeing, and help the Government to live within its means. They are a key part of a country that works for everyone. Will the Prime Minister therefore implement the proposals of the recently published family manifesto? The Prime Minister My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We are, of course, looking into what more we can do to ensure that we see those stable families, which lead to the benefits that he has described. He has campaigned on this issue since he came to the House, and I welcome the valuable contributions that he has made.

16 August 2017 THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED CLAIMANTS FELL AGAIN IN JULY 2017 IN SOUTH WEST BEDFORDSHIRE Figures released today from the Independent Office of National Statistics show that the number of unemployed claimants in South West Bedfordshire constituency in 2017 was 585. This represents a rate of 1.0% of the economically active population aged 16-64, the 573rd highest of the 650 UK constituencies. (1st = highest claimant rate, 650th = lowest claimant rate.)The total number of claimants for Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit is 35 lower in July compared with the previous figures released. Commenting on the figures South West Bedfordshire MP Andrew Selous said: “I am delighted to see that more people locally now have the security of a monthly pay packet as they go out to work. There are now 3 million more people in work since 2010 under the Conservative Government”. “The Office of National Statistics has today published another set of record-breaking national figures, showing more people in work than ever, unemployment falling to the lowest rate for over 40 years and more people working full-time. Long-term unemployment is down to 374,000, a reduction of 74,000 from the previous year. Employment: The employment rate is at a record high of 75.1% with 32.07 million people now in work. Unemployment: The unemployment rate falls to 4.4%, the lowest since 1975. Women: The female employment rate is at a record high of 70.5%. Young people: The unemployment rate for 16 to 24 year olds was 12.2%, lower than for a year earlier (13.6%). Andrew Selous went on to say, “I am also delighted to be able to attend the grand opening of Gilson UK based in on the Woodside Industrial Estate in Dunstable on the 21 September. Gilson UK provide Life Science researchers with technical products and services to enable their research. They are market leaders in Manual and Automated Liquid Handling markets. These are critical elements for Life Science research in the UK"

FRIDAY 28 JULY 2017 ANDREW SELOUS MP APPOINTED THE PRIME MINISTER'S TRADE ENVOY TO SOUTH AFRICA Andrew Selous has been appointed as the Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to South Africa, the United Kingdom's largest export market in Africa. Trade Envoys are a network of PM appointed parliamentarians drawn from across the political spectrum. They lead UK business delegations to the countries to which they are appointed to boost British exports and increase bilateral trade. Andrew Selous said "I'm delighted to be appointed to this role. The United Kingdom's exports to South Africa have increased by a quarter over the last 10 years. South Africa is the United Kingdom's third biggest Commonwealth trading partner and there are significant opportunities for UK businesses in the energy, transport, health care, and education sectors. The UK currently has significant machinery, vehicle, medical, pharmaceutical, fuel and food exports to South Africa. Food and drink sales to South Africa increased by over 30% in the first quarter of 2017 in part due to significant increases in exports of animal feed for example."

12 JULY 2017 Incuba Centre Conference showcases way forward for zero energy bills low cost homes Following the successful Conference last Friday organised by Central Bedfordshire College and South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth on increasing low cost affordable housing with low energy bills, South West Bedfordshire MP Andrew Selous has commended the work of British architect Bill Dunster who spoke at the Conference during Prime Minister’s Questions today.  The exchange in Parliament was as follows: Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con) Zero-energy bill homes at below market prices are being built by British architect Bill Dunster, with the support of the Building Research Establishment. Given their potential to help people find affordable housing, what more can the Government do to help expand this type of housing as part of our commitment to both enterprise and social justice? Damian Green I know that my hon. Friend is an energetic campaigner for social justice. This is a very good example of how having a dynamic and flexible economy is not just good for the economy, but actually good for the whole of society. I am happy to join him in welcoming this type of innovation. Bill Dunster’s firm is a good example of such innovation. I know that it has been supported by the Government’s enterprise investment scheme, so the Government are doing their best to support this type of measure. We are stimulating the growth of the off-site construction sector, which enables more houses to be built, through our accelerated construction programme and the home building fund. This is another very important issue to make sure that we spread the benefits of prosperity around this country. Speaking afterwards Andrew Selous said “Bill Dunster set out a compelling case for affordable zero energy bill homes that people want to live in.  There is a huge demand for affordable housing and last Friday’s Conference pointed towards some solutions.  I will do what I can to keep this matter at the top of the Government’s list of priorities”.

11 MAY 2017 GREAT DAY FOR SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE WITH THE OPENING OF THE A5/M1 LINK ROAD Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for South West Bedfordshire Andrew Selous said, “this is a fantastic day for us locally.  We have needed this road for so long.  It was talked about before the Second World War.  When Markyate was bypassed in 1959, the Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council said then, ‘I am sure that Dunstable’s Bypass won’t be far behind”! “This road will relieve congestion in Dunstable and Houghton Regis as well as villages like Totternhoe and Kensworth.  It will also greatly speed up journey times from Leighton Buzzard to the M1.  The air quality in Dunstable and Houghton Regis will also be greatly improved from the reduction in HGV traffic through both towns”.

12 APRIL 2017 THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED CLAIMANTS FELL AGAIN IN MARCH 2017 IN SOUTH WEST BEDFORDSHIRE Figures released today from the Independent Office of National Statistics show that the number of unemployed claimants in South West Bedfordshire constituency in 2017 was 605. This represents a rate of 1.1% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64, the 576th highest of the 650 UK constituencies. (1st = highest rate of unemployment, 650th = lowest rate of unemployment). The total number of claimants for Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit is 40 lower than in March 2016 and 25 lower than in February 2017. Commenting on the figures South West Bedfordshire MP Andrew Selous said: “I am delighted to see that more people locally now have the security of a monthly pay packet as they go out to work. Since 2010 over 70% of the rise in employment has been from full time work. There are a record number of people in Britain now earning a wage and providing for their families.  There are well over 1,000 more people in work on average every day and this has happened as we have taken the decisions necessary to turn our economy around. I very much welcome this further fall in unemployment. We have had so many jobs created locally that I am aware a number of employers are struggling to get the workers they need which means we must redouble our efforts to help these businesses grow and to provide the relevant skills training locally.”

20 March 2017 VILLAGERS OF TEBWORTH – ACTION TO SAVE THE QUEEN’S HEAD PUB SW Bedfordshire MP Andrew Selous today said: “I am very pleased to support the Save Our Pub, The Queens Head, Tebworth Village Action Group and I hope Charles Wells brewery will co-operate in a reasonable manner with Tebworth Residents in relation to the price. I want to see the Queen’s Head remain at the heart of the village community in Tebworth and would ask Charles Wells to accept the Save Our Pub Action Group offer of £150,000 for the pub”. More information about the Action Group’s efforts to save the Queen’s Head, Tebworth to save the pub for the Village can be found on their website – www.savethequeenshead.org.uk

1 MARCH 2017 PRIME MINISTER CALLS TIME ON SELLING NEW HOUSES ON A LEASEHOLD BASIS South West Bedfordshire MP Andrew Selous continued to raise the unreasonable practice of developers selling new homes on a leasehold basis on land bought by the developers as freehold at Prime Minister’s Questions today.  The Linden Homes Kaleidoscope Estate in Dunstable and homes being built by Persimmon on the south of Leighton Buzzard fall into this category.  • Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con) As a leader who wants to spread wealth and opportunity as widely as possible, will the Prime Minister ensure that we end the practice of developers buying freehold land on which they then sell new houses on a leasehold basis? Many first time buyers on Help to Buy feel that they are being ripped off by this practice and look to the Government for help. • The Prime Minister I thank my hon. Friend for mentioning that issue, which he has raised with me previously. I know he is concerned about it and working on it. Our housing White Paper clearly sets out that developers should be building homes for people to live in. That means that we will act to promote fairness for the growing number of leaseholders, but we will consult on a range of measures to tackle unfair and unreasonable abuses of leasehold, as the Housing Minister has said. Other than in certain exceptional circumstances, I do not see why new homes should not be built and sold with the freehold interest at the point of sale. Speaking afterwards Andrew Selous said “I am delighted to have had this further robust response from the Prime Minister following on from the answer I received from the Leader of the House of Commons last week.  I now call on Galliford Try and Persimmon to stop selling any further new houses on a leasehold basis and to make immediate arrangements to enable those residents who bought their new houses on a leasehold basis to purchase their freeholds speedily and affordably.  The reputations of these two companies are at stake and I will be watching carefully to see how they behave”.

14 FEBRUARY 2017 LONDON MIDLAND TO INVESTIGATE LEIGHTON BUZZARD TRAIN CAPACITY ISSUES South West Bedfordshire MP, Andrew  Selous, has asked London Midland managing director Patrick Verwer to investigate how many available seats there are for Leighton Buzzard commuters in relation to the number of season ticket holders from the town. In recent days the 7.07, 7.27, 7.40, 8.07and 9.33 trains have all been advertised as standing room only when they arrive at Leyton buzzard station. A season ticket to Euston now costs over £5000 a year. Andrew Selous said, "I have had concerns put to me that other stations further up the line are being given preferential treatment over Leighton Buzzard and I want this to be investigated”.  “I am looking forward to seeing the analysis that London Midland have agreed to undertake". "I am also concerned at the length of time Siemens is taking to repair the trains damaged in the Watford collision and I have written to the Rail Minister to ask that faster maintenance and repair be part of future contract conditions within the rail industry”. “It is not acceptable for it to take a year to repair damaged trains when commuters are suffering so much inconvenience".

17 JANUARY 2017 ANDREW SELOUS MP SIGNS HOLOCAUST EDUCATIONAL TRUST BOOK OF COMMITMENT This week Andrew Selous MP signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, in doing so pledging his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people. Friday 27th January will mark the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history. In the lead up to and on Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The theme for this year’s commemorations is ‘How can life go on?’ After signing the Book of Commitment, Andrew Selous MP commented: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from South West Bedfordshire and across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust. As the Holocaust moves from living history, to just history, it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the victims and also pay tribute to the survivors. I would encourage my constituents to show their support for such an important day.” Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: Our mission is to educate young people from every background about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance. We are very grateful to Andrew Selous MP for signing the Book of Commitment, signalling a continued commitment to remembering the victims of the Holocaust as well as challenging antisemitism, prejudice and bigotry in all its forms.

13 January 2017 ANDREW SELOUS MP WELCOMES FUNDS TO FIX POTHOLES Andrew Selous MP has welcomed news that local road-users will benefit from a dedicated £365,000 pothole fund, which will keep the country moving and build a country that works for everyone.  This cash is part of a £1.2 billion fund for local roads that the Government is allocating to councils to repair and rebuild our transport links.  This funding will improve roads, cut congestion and improve journey times includes money from the new National Productivity Investment Fund, announced in the 2016 Autumn Statement and the Pothole Action Fund. It also includes £75 million which councils can bid for to repair and maintain local infrastructure such as bridges, street lighting and rural roads.   Local motorists will benefit from the dedicated funding after the Government announced that nearly £50 million of funding will be made available to local councils over the next 12 months.  This is part of a wider package totalling £8,089,000 across the East of England Region.  The government has today also published further information about what the funding will be spent on - the latest step in our economic plan to stimulate the economy and build a country that works for everyone. Andrew Selous commented: ‘The state of our roads is consistently raised with me by local residents and remains a great source of frustration for drivers.  ‘This funding is welcome news for families and businesses in the Central Bedfordshire Council area who rely on our roads to get around.  It builds on the £244,000 we got last year and is the latest step in our plan to build a country that works for everyone.  ‘Today’s announcement shows that we are delivering on our commitment to invest in infrastructure to attract businesses and secure a better future for local businesses.’

6 January 2017 PLANNING INSPECTORATE ONCE AGAIN REFUSES APPEAL FOR LARGE SCALE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT BY PAUL NEWMAN NEW HOMES AT  VALLEY FARM, LINSLADE, LEIGHTON BUZZARD I am absolutely delighted to learn about the Planning Inspector’s decision to refuse this development and I hope that this time NO finally does mean NO.