Archive for October, 2016
Wednesday, October 26th, 2016
Anthea McIntyre MEP
An MEP’s drive to protect farmland, gardens and countryside from deadly plant disease has cleared its final legislative hurdle.
A comprehensive set of measures negotiated by Anthea McIntyre to tackle the plant pests that devastate crops and woodland was approved today in Strasbourg at a plenary session of the European Parliament.
The Conservative MEP for the West Midlands, who sits on the Parliament’s agriculture committee, said, “I am delighted the vast majority of MEPs have voted through my report. It offers robust and rigorous checks against the spread of disease without over-burdening commercial growers or traders with needless obstacles.”
As far as the UK is concerned, the measures aim to tackle plant pests by stopping them entering the country. As lead MEP on the legislation, Miss McIntyre strove to balance steps to counter diseases such as Ash dieback with a regulatory regime that would not needlessly shackle farmers, foresters or the horticulture trade.
When it becomes law, the package will set out new basic standards to ensure EU countries work together to address plant pests and diseases. These include mandatory surveillance for high-risk pests and better use of the plant passport system.
Miss McIntyre, herself a small-scale grower, said, “The recent spread of the bacterium xylella fastidiosa, which devastated olive groves, showed the weaknesses in our defences. There are many other pests that will cause the same havoc with other plants and products if we let them.
“This time is was olives, another time it could be plums, pears or potatoes. We need to protect our biodiversity by laying down basic procedures for all 28 Member States to adopt.
“The UK already has robust controls in place but approaches vary widely from country to country. As a continent, we are only as strong as the weakest link.
“Plant pests and diseases do not respect borders and it is in the UK’s interest that the EU has effective systems in place. This is good legislation, designed by the British, which will remain after we have left the EU.”
Sunday, October 16th, 2016
Tamworth’s MP, Christopher Pincher, has welcomed the news published by the Start Up Loans Company (SULCo) that over £240,000 has been loaned to 40 individuals in Tamworth.
SULCo, founded in 2012, was set up to support individuals who want to start a business but cannot access traditional sources of finance.
The scheme is funded by the Government and British Business Bank which to date has helped create over 40,000 businesses and lent over £250m, some of which has been received in Tamworth.
To date it is estimated that for every £1 invested in businesses, over £3 has been returned to the economy. The scheme also has a target to deliver 10,000 loans per year so that by 2020, 75,000 loans will have been delivered.
Mr Pincher said, “I warmly welcome the news that SULCo has invested so much in so many individuals looking to set up businesses in Tamworth. It’s reassuring news, which shows confidence in the economic climate remains high, and further that businesses and entrepreneurs in Tamworth are as active as ever.
“If you would like more information about any aspect of the scheme please get in touch with me.”
Sunday, October 16th, 2016
Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, has backed calls by leading UK meningitis charity, Meningitis Now, encouraging young people to protect themselves from a deadly strain of bacterial meningitis.
Following a worrying increase of 809% in meningococcal (group W) meningitis cases in the past 5 years, the government launched a vaccination programme to protect young people aged 14-15 through schools, and those aged 17 to 18 through their GP.
Despite the introduction of this vaccine, and the increased risk to students and young people, the uptake of the Men ACWY remains very low, with 17.7% of 17 and 18 year olds within the West Midlands taking up the vaccine, and 17.4% across England.
Young people and particularly first year university students are at an increased risk from meningococcal bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia. Early signs can go undetected, and in young people can be put down to a bout of the flu, or even a hangover.
Mr Pincher said, “As many young people as possible need to be vaccinated against this dreadful disease. Two deaths of students in September, one from Northumbria and the other from South East London, highlight just how prevalent this is and how preventative measures are essential.”
Liz Brown, Chief Executive at Meningitis Now, said, “We welcome Christopher Pincher’s support in calling on young people across the UK to get the Men ACWY vaccine. It is particularly poignant given the sad news of a student death at the University of Northumbria from Men W.
“Young people, especially those attending university for the first time should, if they haven’t done so already, take immediate action to protect themselves from this dangerous meningitis bug. The vaccination is free and available through GP practices for 17-18 year olds, and first year university students, up to the age of 25.”
For more information on the vaccine, or to download the signs and symptoms app for your phone visit www.meningitisnow.org.
