Hustings at a Carer’s Forum

On Wednesday I took part in a hustings with the Labour party candidate for Gateshead and the Lib Dem candidate for Blaydon. I worked on Iain Duncan Smiths Social Justice Policy group and researched the need for carers reform in 2007. David Cameron understands the strains of caring due to his own experience with his son. The policy group recommended to the Conservative party greater support and reform to provide respite care so that carers can take a break and still feel they can go on caring. There was also recognition of the fact that Carer’s Allowance is too low and rules must change so it can be claimed along side other benefits such as pensions. We all know money is tight in the budget right now. However, I sense the carer lobby will make progress if we can achieve a cross party consensus in supporting the ever growing number of carers in our society.

Meeting with the Chambers family

Many constituents have contacted me via my blog and email. I have been doing my upmost to answer all questions and help with any problems people are having.

Ken and Shona Chambers contacted me because of an accident their son Michael had at a local swimming pool on a summer play scheme. Michael is aged 13 and has Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome, ASD and non verbal communication. Shona was called to pick him up after he fell and broke his leg. Shona says he was left over an hour before the emergency services were called and she still has not found out what happened on that day. His thighbone was broken and it was a life threatening injury. He is now reliant on a wheelchair almost two years later, and working very hard to walk again - but it is a long, slow and painful process. The whole family is evidently very distressed about the inconclusive report they received from the council. As a parliamentary candidate I would love to wave a magic wand and help them to get to the bottom of it. Unfortunately I do not possess one. What I can do is put this in the public domain and ask the council to meet again with Ken and Shona. The council is in general very supportive of Carers in our community. I hope they can move this case forward to reach an amicable conclusion.

Immigration: Celebrating Diversity Whilst Controlling Immigration.

A few weeks ago I was speaking with a journalist from the BBC who wanted to interview an immigrant who would vote conservative and back our policy to cap immigration numbers. I can find them inside and outside of Gateshead without any problem. Most people I have spoken to on the doorstep what ever their background agree immigration has reached such an unprecedented level there needs to be tough controls or we will all suffer.

I have been involved in local politics in Gateshead for the last four years and I have always sought to reach out to all communities. My family has attended events run by the Gateshead Muslim association and invited them to parties at a local church. We have spoken to members of the Jewish community about their views on the way politics should be heading. And I have organised a Conservative social action event window washing resident’s houses in the streets of Gateshead with supporters from many backgrounds.

A vote for the Conservative party is a vote to celebrate diversity. However we also understand we need to reduce immigration and are proposing an annual limit on numbers, and only on the basis of skills shortages in the UK. We love our diverse community. We can protect it together with a tough stance on immigration.

Update on Campaign Gateshead.
It is not all door knocking and leaflet dropping. I think the work of a candidate even in the run up to a general election should allow for fighting for individuals in trouble. Today I am visiting a constituent with a major issue with the council. Get in touch with me if I can help you.

The Home Front in Gateshead

My brother in law is in the RAF and is flying out to Afghanistan tomorrow. I would love to hear from more residents with relatives in the armed forces. I have already blogged about how local manufacturing industry is involved in the defence industry. However I want to hear more from you about the experience of your family and friends, and what it is like to be waiting for news at home.

What do you think the governments approach to Afghanistan should be? As a candidate with personal experience of travel and aid in Afghanistan (I spent time there in 2006 and 2007) I would like to hear what the word on the street is in Gateshead.
Let me know what you think: email me at hazel4gateshead@googlemail.com.

Redundacy : On yer bike

Last week my husband was offered a package to leave the engineering company where he has spent the last four years in employment. He took it and now has his eyes on the goal of starting a new business.

For any family this is an uncertain prospect. However, the same day I was watching the news with the headline that a rail company based in York had gone under. All staff were to be made redundant without the previous months pay. Suddenly our own situation looked positively bright.

Under this government we have seen shrinkage in many areas of economy. It feels like everything now is made in China and as one Managing director I spoke to put it, if we continue like this there will be no jobs in the UK except in serving MacDonald’s burgers.

Last week many businesses came out in support of the Conservative pledge to cut business tax.

The Conservative party understands the paramount importance of supporting and encouraging Business and in our society. That does not mean supporting only big business where some are making a lot of profit, but giving small businesses and individuals a fighting change to earn their own living and envision our economy.

Vote Conservative for a better chance to earn our own living and rebuild our flagging economy.