Justine Greening MP updates us on her week
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Hello everyone,
On an initially sad note, at time of writing this I have just come back from the remembrance service for John Young CBE, who was the Chairman of Youngs' Brewery in Wandsworth for over 40 years and who died recently. The remembrance service was held at Southwark Cathedral and the place was absolutely packed with Youngs employees and brewing industry people. The service was very moving. In life John Young was a very colourful character who was well known across Wandsworth and he will be very much missed.
Meeting with BAA - Summer Consultation Planned
I had my regular meeting with BAA management to discuss Heathrow issues. The government will apparently now be holding a massive consultation on the future of Heathrow that covers the issue of all day flights and a third runway together. Previously the plan had been to do two separate consultations on these issues which have been delayed several times. It now looks like the major consultation will take place in the summer.As ever, it is frustrating that government keeps companies such as BAA well informed but not MPs. I have already tabled a parliamentary question to the government for clarification. The likely plans to dramatically increase the capacity are very worrying. However, we did manage to get the government to change its mind on more night flights this year, so we will similarly need to have our voice heard on next Summer's consultation. If you would like me to keep you up to date on what's happening and when you need to respond to the consultation, email me on greeningj@parliament.uk.
Rail Services in Putney - Putney Society
Earlier this week I went along to meet with the Putney Society who were holding a meeting about rail services in Putney. South West trains have confirmed that a number of improvements will be happening to our local station, including making the station more accessible, raising platform 4 so that the step down from the trains is significantly lessened, eventually increasing the train capacity, and fare reductions next year. Regarding the District Line, after this week's absolutely appalling service, I am now approaching the Mayor directly to renegotiate the PPP contract with Metronet and have the District Line new tubes and track brought forward from 2012/13. I am sure there will be resistance to bringing forward the spend but it is so badly needed.
RSPCA Animal Hospital and other things
On Sunday I went to support the RSPCA Animal Hospital in Putney who were holding a Christmas Fair. It wasn't the best weather, but a lot of people still came along and the Hospital does a great job of providing local services for pet owners and also acting as a first stop to take care of pets that have been abandoned. If you ever lose a pet, it may well initially be taken to the Putney animal hospital so do give them a call. I also supported the Women in Construction event at South Thames College and the relaunch of Roehampton voluntary group, Regenerate.
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
December 1, 2006