Re-elect Jacqui Smith

Diary15 December 2009

Last week, it was a real pleasure to welcome PC Richard Waterhouse to Parliament and to take him to No 10 Downing Street for a reception for Christmas community heroes.  Richard was nominated for my Christmas card competition for his work in the community with local schools and with the Ditch youth club that he set up and runs.  The Prime Minister is extremely keen on neighbourhood policing and was delighted to meet Richard and to thank him for his work.

On Monday, I raised the issue of ‘cash for gold’ outlets in Parliament.  The rising price of gold has led to a big growth in companies offering money for gold.  But a constituent recently contacted me to say that he was concerned that these could encourage burglars to focus on stealing jewellery if they thought they could get money for it easily without providing identification.  The Home Office have now agreed to look in to this issue with the police – and if necessary to change the law. 

Despite difficult economic times, burglary levels have remained under control.  I want to do everything possible to prevent people facing the pain and upheaval of having their home broken into.  You can get information about how to keep your home safe from burglars on the Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk

I was concerned when Warwickshire Fire Authority proposed to close Studley Fire Station.  This week, Worcestershire Fire Chief, Paul Hayden has made clear that he fears that Warwickshire Plans will lead to more pressure on Redditch firefighters and council tax payers.  I’m not happy that cuts in Warwickshire will impact on us and I’ll be joining with Labour MPs in Warwickshire to try to put a stop to these cuts.