Andy Reed MP News

Andy Reed Backs End Child Poverty Campaign

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Andy Reed MP is backing a National Autistic Society (NAS) campaign to stop adults with autism being written-off by the employment and benefits system. A new report by the NAS reveals a third of people with the condition currently live without a job and without benefits; many are forced to rely on family and friends for help.

Andy said: “People with autism have a great deal to offer and we know that many want to work but are unable to get the help and support they need to fulfil their potential. It is crucial that people with serious, lifelong and disabling conditions such as autism get the help they need when seeking employment and are supported financially when they cannot work.”

Only 15%* of adults with autism in the UK are in fulltime paid employment. The Don’t write me off report reveals that the majority of the over 300,000 working age adults with autism want to work but are being held back by a lack of understanding of autism amongst employment and benefits advisors at Jobcentre Plus and a dearth of specialist employment services. As a result they often experience inadequate job-seeking support, unnecessary and distressing delays in payment, or are being denied essential benefits altogether.

Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS said: “People with autism say their experiences of the employment and benefits system are marred by anxiety, confusion, delays and discrimination. It is scandalous that thousands of people with autism are being consigned to poverty by a complex and counter-productive benefits system. We are delighted to have the support of Andy Reed MP and strongly urge other MPs to follow his lead. We will keep campaigning until the Government’s “no-one written off” pledge is a reality for people with autism.”

To find out more about the campaign, visit: www.autism.org.uk/dontwritemeoff

Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The government announced the long- awaited review of Student Finance yesterday.

The terms of reference for the review are :

"The Review will analyse the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and their implications for student financing and support. It will examine the balance of contributions to higher education funding by taxpayers, students, graduates and employers. Its primary task is to make recommendations to Government on the future of fees policy and financial support for full and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students.”

Andy Reed MP said "The review will report in Autumn 2010 so there will be plenty of opportunity to input into the debate.

"I didn't support the introduction of Top-up Fees when this matter was last discussed in Parliament by not supporting the Bill at 3rd Reading. I would not support any further increase in fees above the rate of inflation for students and hope this review comes to the same conclusion. However, as there is no new money for HE in the current climate I there will have to be some recognition of the continued contribution from students in the immediate climate. I will meet with student representatives and the University to gauge their views too."

Reed welcomes Brown Push for Tobin Tax

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Andy Reed MP today urged Prime Minister Gordon Brown not to be deflected by the right wing critics in the press for his plans to push for the so-called Tobin Tax.

"The right wing media in this country are showing their true colours by attacking Brown over his support for the Tobin Tax - a tax on bankers financial transactions which could be used to tackle global poverty and climate change. Once again they side with their rich friends in the City & Wall Street and dismiss this idea. Whilst it would be tough to bring into action it is great that Gordon is at last championing it. Many of us who campaign on development issues think this would be a great way to raise revenues needed by international institutions to tackle global poverty. I am urging Gordon not to be deflected in his moral pursuit of this cause."

Reed Bids to Help Shepshed Boxing Club

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Andy Reed has vowed to help Shepshed Boxing Club and will meet with them this week to help their fight against potential closure.

Speaking after meeting the Chair of the Amateur Boxing Association he said

"I heard about the threat to Shepshed Boxing Club and know how important boxing can be to local communities. I have been helping Sileby Boxing get off the ground with my support and don't want to see Shepshed lose such a facility. I will visit them this week to see what can be done and have invited the Chair of Boxing nationally to Sileby and Shepshed to see what great work they do and what support the ABA can give local clubs"

Operation Christmas Child

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Loughborough MP Andy Reed helped deliver shoe boxes yesterday as part of Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child is the UK's largest children's Christmas appeal and has been running for over 19 years. Thanks to a huge army of volunteers who give their time to help make this Christmas 'miracle' come to life, we are able to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes to children in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

We work with local churches and charities overseas to ensure that your shoebox gets delivered by hand to children who need it most. Our approach is to give shoeboxes to children in need, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Andy also backed a motion in Parliament congratulating their work.

MP Joins in Fair Trade Fashion Show in Loughborough

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Loughborough MP Andy Reed took up modelling on Saturday as part of the Charnwood Fair Trade market.

Andy Reed joined others like Echo Andy Rush and President of the Student Union Rob Hulme. Over 1000 people attended the event in the Town hall.

Andy said "There was an element of fun added this year to this event with some of us modelling for the first - and probably last - times in our lives. The issue is serious though. Fair trade means the difference of life and death for millions across the world. I am pleased that so many people seem to agree and attended the event and support Fair Trade."