Justine Greening MP updates us on her week
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Hello everyone,
Yet again, never a dull week…
Queen's Speech
You may have seen that we had the Queen's Speech this week in Parliament. It is an amazing event with lots of pageantry and history behind it. However, when Black Rod knocked on the door of the Commons and came in to traditionally summon MPs to the House of Lords to listen to the Queen, Dennis Skinner immediately quipped "I hope you've got Helen Mirren in reserve" which did raise a smile.
The serious business of the (real) Queen's Speech itself confirmed we'll have legislation on climate change, pensions, further education, welfare reform and national security. I'm very pleased that the climate change bill is definitely "in", so look forward to seeing the initial proposals of the government in due course. Also, we'll have legislation proposing more powers for the Mayor, some (planning/waste management) possibly being partly taken away from local authorities such as Wandsworth. In general I think its better if local people can take local decisions, as we know our area best, and we already get some planning decisions over-ridden by the government's Planning Inspectorate. I'll wait for the final Bill to be published and see exactly what is being proposing.
Roehampton Regeneration
I'm sure PutneySW15 readers will have seen the earlier article on the regeneration plans for Roehampton. I hope that residents across Roehampton will get involved in the consultation - it is very important that everyone has their say about what they would liked to see improved in the area. Certainly it will be good to have more facilities on the doorstep for people living in Roehampton and I'd also like to see transport links improved. I met with Transport for London last week and discussed the potential to have a shuttle bus feeding Barnes Station from Roehampton. I've asked them to work with me in lobbying Richmond Borough Council and South West Trains to get the station and its immediate environment improved so that there would be better, safer drop off points away from Rocks Lane plus space for a shuttle bus to turn around without disrupting traffic. TfL seemed positive about the ideas so we'll see how things progress.
Supporting Local Businesses
I went to the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce Business Forum breakfast event last week, which focused on the regeneration of the centre of Wandsworth. I also went along to the Wandsworth Business Awards, where the Bricklayers Arms on Waterman Street in Putney won the award for the best bar/restaurant in the borough. I’ll be also supporting the Women into Construction Careers campaign for the Battersea Power Station development, there is open day to find out more about construction job opportunities at Wandsworth JobCentre Plus from 10.30am to 2pm on 27th November.
Do remember, if you need to get in touch with me as MP, then you can email me on greeningj@parliament.uk, write to me at the House of Commons or give me a call on 0208 944 0378 to come along to a surgery. I'll do my best to help.
Best Wishes,
Justine Greening MP
November 17, 2006