On a daily basis, I receive numerous requests to sign various Early Day Motions in Parliament. In essence, these parliamentary petitions highlight a particular issue normally promoted by a campaign group or a public relations company. I remain sceptical of their ability to change government policy and see them as an expensive (they cost the taxpayers hundreds of thousands every year) and ineffective tool for a Member of Parliament to use. That is why, as a rule, I have declined to sign them during my time in Parliament.  

Personal lobbying both behind the scenes and during debates in the House of Commons, I find, is far more effective in convincing government ministers or a public body to change course. Working together and putting aside political differences, Norfolk MPs have been formidable in using this technique to get the A11 upgraded and save RAF Marham from closure. Other groupings of MPs are campaigning on important issues like a freeze in fuel tax to help motorists. Whenever the opportunity arises, I am happier to roll up my sleeves and campaign in this way rather than put my name to another list that ministers can so easily cast aside.

Caravan Tax victory     

Sometimes the devil is in the detail; that was the case with a change hidden in the latest budget that would have had an enormous impact on our local tourism industry. The proposal to consult on applying the full 20% VAT rate on static caravans may have made sense to civil servants in Whitehall but MP's representing tourist areas realised the devastating affect it would have on this sector whilst raising very little for the Treasury.  

During a consultation period, I worked with colleagues in fiercely lobbying ministers, supported by a well-organised campaign run by local caravan parks and manufacturers. Locally we had the support of many local businesses, our Local Enterprise Partnership and the Great Yarmouth Tourism Authority. This dynamic campaign helped to persuade the Government that they needed to find a different option for the industry. They have now announced that the VAT rate level will be only 5%, giving businesses time to plan before implementation next April.  

It is vital that Government is open to considering every option available to them in order to cut the deficit; however, this idea would have had serious consequences. Imposing the full rate of VAT on static caravans would have caused serious damage to one of the cornerstones of the Great Yarmouth economy. This decision shows that the Government does listen, and I would like to thank everyone involved in the campaign - from park owners through to concerned residents - for supporting me in this cause.

Not the end for Belton medical care   

It is disappointing that a plan, backed by myself and the Belton Parish Council, to provide medical cover in the village has not worked out, as the medical teams did not feel it was financially viable. I have continued to lobby the local Primary Care Trust and Health East to come up with a solution that will provide the medical care that residents deserve. It is important that they work seriously with the local community to find a new solution. At a minimum, this could be a regular visit from a GP to hold a mobile surgery in a location like the village hall. This approach has been adopted elsewhere in the country and is working well for patients.

The biggest hurdle that many villagers will face when trying to get to the new main surgery is the lack of public transport links. I have raised this issue with the Primary Care Trust, they acknowledge this problem, and I am looking forward to hearing their proposals to mitigate it. My work to get a satisfactory solution that delivers the best possible health care for Belton is not over yet!

"Common-sense" ruling backs wind farm protesters    

The on-going saga of the proposed wind turbines on the edge of Hemsby and just hundreds of metres from the precious Norfolk Broads National Park has ended in spectacular fashion. Sea & Land Power and Energy, the company behind the plan to erect four turbines, took an appeal to the High Court after councillors and a planning inspector rejected their planning application.

Now a judge has thrown their plan out as well, saying it is overdevelopment and would harm the character and appearance of the local countryside. In a rare case of common sense, the judge said that preserving our countryside is more important than meeting renewable energy targets. This is an important ruling that will give hope to communities across the country battling against proposals to erect wind farms in some of our most scenic areas.

I am sure this important news will gain widespread coverage in the national media with an excellent article already appearing in the Daily Mail. It seems a long time ago when we organised a public meeting about this proposed development over two years ago, the commitment and hard work of so many villagers in opposing the plan has paid off!

Caister Lifeboat off to the River Thames      

Don't worry we aren't about to lose one of our local lifeboat teams as they are relocated to London. However, the team from Caister-on-Sea will be joining a flotilla made up of hundreds of boats when they accompany the Royal Barge along the River Thames as part of the Jubilee celebrations. It is a great honour for the dedicated team of volunteers that keep the lifeboat service going. It is also recognition of their commitment as well as all of those that have served during its illustrious history.

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