Election Campaign
It was great that Europe Minister, Chris Bryant, was recently able to hold the first civil partnership ceremony in the Houses of Parliament. Thanks to Labour legislation, I’m delighted to see that it is now possible to hold civil partnership ceremonies in Kendal County Council office, which I once visited to give notice of my wedding. Civil Partnerships are a great victory for tolerance and I never fail to be struck by how much they have changed Britain for the better.
Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Jonathan Todd, has welcomed new measures by the Labour government that will help meet rising local demand for allotments.
To help local people access allotments, a national community land bank will be set up to connect land-holders with community groups who want to establish “grown your own” schemes, as well as to provide advice to those involved.
Both public and privately owned land could be turned into fragrant herb gardens, vegetable and flower gardens, including unused land which is owned by councils, NHS and private developers. “Meanwhile leases” will be available to make sure local groups have access to areas whilst development decisions are taking place.
Mr Todd said:
“This is a great initiative which I encourage groups in Westmorland and Lonsdale to participate in. Many of us can think of areas which are currently unused and with a bit of gardening could be brightened. The Lib Dem controlled SLDC has struggled to turn these areas over to allotments but this initiative will help us go further and faster in meeting local demand for allotments. The site on School Knott in Windermere seems a prime candidate for a “meanwhile lease” and I am keen that this option be taken forward.”
Local resident Penny Henderson said:
“As a local resident of Windermere I am hoping that I can eventually get an allotment. I belong to local group who are campaigning for land to be released but it is a long and slow process – not months but years! I would welcome any action from the Government to help make this process easier and quicker so that as many people as possible can make a start to grow their own produce.”
Hilary Benn, Secretary of State at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said:
“Community food growing is a great way for people to get involved in the joys and trials of food production – and we’re pleased that we can help more people grow their own and take it home.”
John Denham, Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government said:
“From guerrilla gardeners to community growers there is a real keenness to combine 40′s style frugality and 70′s style good life ethics to meet 21st century demands for healthy living, cheaper meals and locally sourced food. More and more people want to grow their own but their efforts can be held up by a shortage of suitable land.
“We also want to support local councils in meeting their duty to provide allotments and new guidance provides practical advice to local councils on how to get the best out of their allotments.”
I really enjoyed visiting Dallam School last week to discuss politics with the very bright students there. They put me through my paces but it was great fun and I learned a lot.
Jonathan Todd, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale, has pledged his support to the Royal British Legion’s ‘Do Your Bit’ campaign.
Mr Todd said:
“Given the great work that they do, it is the very least that I can do for the Royal British Legion to pledge my support to their campaign. I did so online at www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk. I pay tribute to the brilliant work of The Royal British Legion and welcome its continued support to our Armed Forces and veterans.”
The Royal British Legion’s manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It encourages MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) to “do their bit” for Service Personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants.
Bob Ainsworth, Secretary of State for Defence, has said:
“The British Legion does great work for our Armed Forces: our serving personnel, our veterans and their families. They have published a ‘manifesto’ which adds to that work and are asking candidates of all parties to sign up in support of their aims.
“While the Labour Party’s General Election manifesto will be rightly determined by our policy-making process, and the Party may not endorse every policy that the RBL calls for, I encourage all Labour candidates to sign up.”
