Stephen Robinson - working for Chelmsford and for you

Stephen was Liberal Democrat candidate for Chelmsford and came close to being elected as the MP. See below for news stories from Stephen.

In Chelmsford, elections are always a clear choice between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. No-one else can win in Chelmsford.

Locally, the Lib Dems are a strong opposition on Chelmsford Borough Council and hold four of the five Essex County Council seats in the Chelmsford town area. Lib Dems use this position to continue to challenge the Conservatives' damaging policies on the environment (such as housing and new road building).

We need REAL change

• Fairer society - tax cuts for middle and low earners; a fair start for all children
• Green jobs - for a fairer economy
• Clean up politics - www.takebackpower.org

Recent news about Stephen Robinson

• Sep 15, 2010:
  • Lib Dems back 'Kids Inspire'
    Trevor Nunn half way round his epic journey Local charity 'Kids Inspire' provides crucial support to many vulnerable children and young people in Chelmsford and has the full backing of your local Liberal Democrats. Recently, Swiss Avenue resident and former Lib Dem Councillor Trevor Nunn completed a sponsored round-Britain sail for them and raised over £1,500. The charity is based at St Peters College, which will close in Summer 2011. So local Lib Dem Councillors Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley are working with the Charity's founder and director, Sue Jochim, to establish what premises will be available to 'Kids Inspire' as they continue to grow. With the spending cuts and the County Council's Children's Services still not up to scratch, 'Kids Inspire' is more vital to the future of Chelmsford's children than ever. The Lib Dems are working with them to help try to secure core funding. Why not go to the Kids Inspire website and see how you can help? See www.kidsinspire.org.uk or consider donating to Trevor Nunn's Round Britain sailing expedition:- www.justgiving.com/trevornunn Kids Inspire has also just been adopted as Chelmsford Round Table's charity for the money raised from Fireworks Night in Admirals Park, on 6th November. Round Table Member and local Lib Dem Candidate Stephen Robinson set up the link. See: http://www.facebook.com/RTBIFireworksChelmsford . Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 17, 2010:
  • Special Conference passes 'Building a fairer Britain in government'
    Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg addresses the special conference. Photo credit: Helen Duffett The special Lib Dem conference held in Birmingham has backed the Lib Dem / Conservative coalition for Government, and passed the motion 'Building a fairer Britain in government'. The conference was attended by Stephen Robinson and 10 other representatives of Chelmsford Lib Dems. The conference motion says: Conference reaffirms the long-standing desire of the Liberal Democrats to see parties working together in partnership to tackle the serious economic, environmental and social problems facing the United Kingdom and its international partners, and to implement far-reaching reforms to the British political system. Conference notes that negotiations with the Labour party were not fruitful, despite the best endeavours and good faith of the Liberal Democrat negotiating team, because many in the Labour Party did not wish to participate in a coalition with the Liberal Democrats or to continue in government; and that therefore it was not possible to form a stable administration with the Labour Party. Conference further notes that a stable coalition with the Conservatives with a clear partnership agreement has significant advantages for the country, for the implementation of progressive policies and for the creation of a more cooperative style of politics compared to the remaining option of a minority Conservative administration. Conference also notes the constructive nature of the coalition negotiations with the Conservative Party, and applauds the efforts of the Liberal Democrat negotiating team, which together have produced a coalition agreement which makes possible the implementation in government of key Liberal Democrat manifesto commitments, including: 1. Fair taxes that put money back into your pocket, including an increase in the personal allowance for income tax, reforms to capital gains tax and a switch from a per-passenger to a per-plane duty for aviation tax. 2. A fair chance for every child, including additional resources for a pupil premium for disadvantaged pupils and greater freedom for schools over the curriculum. 3. A fair future, creating jobs by making Britain greener, including action to reduce the structural deficit while protecting those on low incomes, the introduction of a banking levy, the establishment of a commission to reform the banking system, the creation of a green investment bank and measures to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. 4. A fair deal by cleaning up politics, including a freedom bill to restore civil liberties, the scrapping of ID cards, the establishment of fixed-term parliaments, a referendum bill on electoral reform, the creation of a power of recall of MPs and the establishment of a House of Lords elected by proportional representation. Conference further believes that the coalition agreement represents the best chance to create a stable government that can address the serious economic challenges facing the country in a fair and sustainable manner. Conference recognises that party members in government and in parliament will be bound by the usual conventions and by the terms of this agreement but declares that the Liberal Democrats remain an independent political party and that nothing in this agreement prevents the party from developing new policy through it's democratic processes. Conference therefore endorses the agreement for a coalition government between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservative Party. Conference calls for Liberal Democrats to work constructively in government to ensure that the net income and wealth inequality gap is reduced significantly over the course of this parliament. Conference notes that many Liberal Democrat MPs signed the NUS 'vote for students' pledge against any real terms rise in the tuition fee cap. Conference calls upon Liberal Democrat ministers and MPs to ensure that on any decision made on Lord Browne's report on higher education funding, they above all else take into account the impact on student debt. Conference affirms the Liberal Democrat objective of scrapping tuition fees. Conference urges Liberal Democrat ministers and MPs to take all possible steps to ensure the repeal of those sections of the Digital Economy Act 2010 which are inconsistent with policy motion Freedom, Creativity and the Internet as passed at Spring Conference 2010. Conference also calls on Liberal Democrat ministers and MPs, in line with the Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment to protect the Human Rights Act 1998, to oppose moves by any party or individual towards repeal of this act. Conference reaffirms the party's long-standing and unparalleled commitment to matters relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality. Conference calls on Liberal Democrat ministers and MPs to seek to include proportional representation for local government elections in England and Wales as apart of the political reform programme of the coalition government. Conference regrets that it proved impossible to agree the introduction of a system of proportional representation for elections to the House of Commons, and reaffirms the party's long-standing commitment to the introduction of such a system. Nick Clegg commented: "It is five days since I accepted the position of Deputy Prime Minister. Just five days, and we now know there will be no ID cards, no third runway at Heathrow, no more fingerprinting in schools without parents' consent, no more child detention. "Changes Liberal Democrats have spent months - years - campaigning for, are happening. "Promises we were making to people on their doorsteps just a few weeks ago are becoming realities. "Fair taxes. The income tax threshold is now going to rise to £10,000. That is this Government's priority, not tax cuts for millionaires. "The best start at school for every child. Extra money is now going to be targeted to pupils who need it most. That is a huge leap in creating a truly mobile society. "A new, sustainable economy. The banks are going to be taxed, the bonus culture is going to be cracked. "And instead of pinning all our hopes on financial wizardry in the City of London we'll build a new economy where we rediscover our talents for building and making things again, with green industry given new prominence as we head towards a zero-carbon future. "New politics. "Fixed term parliaments - happening. "The power of recall to get rid of corrupt MPs - happening. "A clean up of party funding, a clamp down on lobbying in Parliament, an elected House of Lords - all happening. "Our Freedom Bill is going to come off our leaflets and go onto the statute book, ending gross state intrusion into people's every day lives. "Patients, parents, communities are all going to have a much greater say over the decisions that affect them. "And voting reform is going to be put to the British people, in a referendum in which Liberal Democrats will fight to deliver real change. "I know the stakes are high - for me personally, as well as the party. "But I came into politics to change things, and that means taking risks. "Real, big change never comes easy. "So it would simply be wrong for us to let this chance of real change pass us by. "The chance to transform politics, the chance to hardwire fairness into our society, the chance to change Britain for good." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 11, 2010:
  • Nick Clegg's message about cross-party negotiations
    Over the past four days we have been working flat out to deliver an agreement that can provide stable government for Britain that can last. As you know we believed it was right that the Conservative Party, as the party with the most seats and votes, should have the first right to seek to form a government and we entered into discussions with them accordingly. Our talks with the Conservatives have made progress but so far we have been unable to agree a comprehensive partnership agreement for a full Parliament. I strongly believe we need a government that lasts so that it can take decisions in the long term national interest. As a result, we will continue our discussions with the Conservative Party to see if we can find a way to a sustainable agreement. However, in view of the urgency of the need to resolve the situation we have opened discussions with the Labour Party to explore the possibility of a stable partnership agreement. Our objective in all our discussions is to secure a sustainable agreement incorporating the four key principles of our manifesto and providing the long term stability that the country requires. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 7, 2010:
  • Thank You says Stephen Robinson
    Nick Clegg on his campaign visit to see Stephen Robinson in Chelmsford Stephen Robinson has thanked the over 20,000 people who voted Liberal Democrat in Chelmsford and the team of Liberal Democrat helpers who delivered such a brilliant campaign. The result in Chelmsford saw a collapse in the Labour vote (from 27% to 11%) and almost no shift of support from Lib Dem to the Conservative. The result in detail is here: http://cmld.org.uk/results/1711.html Commented Stephen Robinson: "I am immensely proud of the Chelmsford Lib Dem team who have worked so hard - a great bunch of volunteers who do their bit. I want to thank the 20,000 people who entrusted me with their hopes for a fairer future. "I met so many people who were hoping for something better - for an end to blue-red, red-blue politics - and they will be very disappointed if little changes as a result. I hope that the new parliament will back reform of the political process. "For example, people often vote for one thing but our creaky electoral system delivers something else. It cannot be right that a party gains more votes than last time but fewer MPs." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 30, 2010:
  • Robinson in High Street soapbox challenge
    Stephen Robinson addressing a crowd of people in High Street, Chelmsford Local Lib Dem candidate Stephen Robinson joined other candidates last Saturday addressing a large crowd in the town centre. Said Stephen, "I was delighted to do this and hope to do so again in future." Commented the Essex Chronicle, who organised the event, "Over the course of the morning the candidates spoke on all the issues which will be key to the upcoming General Election on May 6, including immigration, the economy, crime and reigning in the banks. The event was even broadcast on BBC Look East on Monday night and has been the talk of local radio too." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 27, 2010:
  • Lib Dems "gagged" about housing plans at Borough Council
    Cllr. Tom Smith-Hughes & Stephen Robinson review a field north of Chelmsford where the Conservatives want to build houses Last Wednesday Liberal Democrats were told that any discussion about the Conservative plans for Housing on green fields was not permitted, as it was too political to debate during the General Election campaign! A Council committee on the subject was cancelled by the Conservatives earlier this month. It would have heard how 90% of those commenting had yet again said a resounding "no" in response to housing breaching the town boundaries - at Newlands Spring and Greater Beaulieu Park. Opposition leader Lib Dem Cllr Mike Mackrory had tabled a motion "regretting" that, but hardly had any discussion begun before the Tories voted en bloc to kick any discussion into the long grass. "Too sensitive to discuss at election time" they said, and "not allowed under the rules". Cllr Mackrory was appalled, calling this a "cynical abuse of power for party political purposes and a sad day for the Council". The issue has indeed split the Council ever since Conservatives voted out any consideration of development North of Boreham, promoting instead green field development to the north east and north west of the existing urban area, and cramming ever more flats in the Town Centre. "Yet again I feel gagged," said Cllr Graham Pooley, who (seconding the motion) was not even allowed to speak. "They're right of course: any discussion about the Conservative plans just shows up how flawed they are, but how dare they cancel meetings and stifle any controversy. Conservatives are proving bad for Chelmsford." Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson heard of these antics while out campaigning. He said "I fear it's not surprising. The Conservatives don't like their policies scrutinised. Congestion and over-development are a huge issue for voters here, and voters are telling me over and over again they prefer the Liberal Democrats alternatives and ideas." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 23, 2010:
  • Stephen Robinson's contract with Chelmsford
    Stephen Robinson and Nick Clegg promise to clean up politics and deliver REAL change I will be a different kind of MP, listening to and acting on your concerns. I will be part of the local community. My family uses the same schools, NHS and other local services as everyone else. Here I set out what you can expect from me as your local MP. It tells you how I will put local people first. If I don't live up to it, then you shouldn't vote for me again. It is time to shake things up in Westminster. It is time for real change to a fairer Chelmsford. I will put local people first. I will be here to help, listen to your concerns and stand up for our community. I will: • have an office in the constituency open to visitors • hold regular surgeries in easily accessible places • ask you every year to complete a survey about what matters to you and report back on what I am doing I will make sure your voice is heard - locally and at Westminster. I will be a strong voice for Chelmsford. I will: • fight against the Conservative plan to choke Chelmsford with thousands of new houses • continue to work with schools, voluntary organisations and young people to improve facilities and services for local young people • meet regularly with local residents' groups and service providers like the police and health services I will be open and honest about all expenses incurred in representing you: • I will not ask the taxpayer to buy me a second home • I will publish information about expenses incurred in representing you on my website • I will answer questions you may have about them • I will not profit personally from the use of expenses • I will pay taxes in the United Kingdom • I will not employ family members and will advertise all staff vacancies Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Liberal Democrats set out radical plans for schools
    Stephen Robinson & Nick Clegg visit Tanglewood nursery in north Chelmsford to talk about Lib Dem plans for better education Stephen Robinson and the Liberal Democrats have pledged to invest an extra £2.5bn in schools through a Pupil Premium that will raise funding for the poorest pupils to private school levels. The money will be targeted at schools taking on children who need more help, but will benefit every child in every school. The cash can be used to cut class sizes and provide one-to-one tuition or catch-up classes, ensuring every child gets the individual attention they need. An average primary school could cut class sizes to 20. An average secondary school could see classes of just 16. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said: "In 1997, when New Labour was first elected, no one would have believed it would end like this. Labour's bright promise of a fair society has faded away. "Our big task now is giving people back their hope that things can be different, and better, and that the fair society we have hoped for so long can become a reality. "If you want to build that fair society I believe education is everything. That is why the biggest financial commitment in our manifesto is to our schools. "With the deficit as it is, everyone knows money is tight, but this is a question of priorities. "We have identified in our manifesto £15bn of savings, of which we will redirect just £5bn to alternate spending. It is a measure of my personal commitment and passion for education that half of that money will go into our schools. "Our plans will raise the money spent on the million children from the poorest backgrounds to private school levels. "Headteachers will be able to use that money on a whole range of measures to help all pupils and all schools. "Cutting class sizes, providing more one-to-one tuition and catch-up classes: whatever suits their school and their pupils' needs best. With a simple, but profound ambition: to make sure every child gets the fair start in life they deserve." To give every child a fair start, we will spend an extra £2.5bn a year on schools. The money will be targeted at schools taking on children who need more help, but will benefit every child in every school. The cash can be used to cut class sizes, provide one-to-one tuition, catch-up classes or in anyway the school wishes, ensuring every child gets the individual attention they need. An average primary school could cut class sizes to 20. An average secondary school could see classes of just 16. Performance at school is closely linked to children's background. The poorest children are only half as likely to get 5 good GCSEs as other children. Too often, the poorest children start school already struggling and fall further behind as they grow older. Schools taking disadvantaged children aren't getting the money they need to cut class sizes and provide them with extra support. The existing methods for distributing deprivation related funding are confusing and inconsistent. Nearly one in three secondary school pupils eligible for free school meals attends a relatively affluent secondary school. Area based targeting therefore misses a large proportion of the poorest pupils - including in many rural areas. There is a huge gap between poor children in different parts of the country: in Kensington and Chelsea, 59% of poor children get 5 good GCSEs, while in Rutland, it's 14%. The Pupil Premium would be available to the school which each disadvantaged pupil attended. It would be attached to the million children with the highest levels of disadvantage. The Pupil Premium would be set nationally and it would top up a national per pupil base funding figure. It will raise the poorest children's school funding to private school levels, with the average school receiving around £2500 extra for every child entitled to free school meals on their roll. Head teachers would be free to spend the money as they see fit, to raise standards in their school. This policy costs £2.5bn a year, and will be introduced in the second year of the Parliament after our jobs stimulus package, paid for from savings in government such as our proposed reforms to tax credits (which will save up to £1.5bn) and administrative savings in the Department for Education and quangos (which saves up to an additional £1bn). Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 20, 2010:
  • Show your support for the Liberal Democrats
    More and more Chelmsford residents are pledging their support for the Liberal Democrats, following Nick Clegg's storming win in last week's debate. Show your support by downloading and displaying a Lib Dem poster in your window. Follow the link http://bit.ly/libdemposter Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Stephen Robinson backs community pubs, local brewers and consumer rights!
    Stephen Robinson (who is bidding to be Chelmsford's Lib Dem MP) has today committed to a programme of action to back community pubs and local brewers. These commitments are based on a campaign being run by CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) and are as follows: • Promote the interests of Britain's pub goers • Champion well-run community pubs • Press for reform of beer tie to deliver a fair deal for consumers • Support the role of well-run pubs as solutions to alcohol misuse CAMRA's new Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter sets out a series of options for supporting well-run community pubs, local brewers and consumer rights. Mike Benner, CAMRA's Chief Executive welcomed Stephen Robinson's support for the Charter, saying: "We are delighted that Stephen has promised to work to promote the interests of beer drinkers and pub goers. Well-run pubs make a huge contribution to community life, each of which injects £80,000 into their local economy every year. Amid growing concern over the loss of more than 5 pubs a day, it is now more important than ever to support well-run community pubs, to promote local brewers and to protect the interests of consumers." Stephen Robinson commented: "Well-run pubs are the bedrock of community life - they are part of the solution to the problem of alcohol misuse and not part of the problem. They deserve our support." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 15, 2010:
  • Robinson pledges to 'do his bit' for the armed services
    Stephen Robinson, in the running to be Chelmsford's Lib Dem MP, has joined the British Legion campaign to ensure the next government does its bit to help the Armed Forces family. Stephen made the pledge on the British Legion website - to ensure that Service personnel and their families, bereaved Armed Forces families and the ex-Service community will see greater representation under the next government. Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion's Head of Public Affairs said; 'The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians, and our manifesto outlines practical ways the next parliament can help. We hope all the parties will give it serious consideration and that every candidate will pledge to do their bit'. Stephen Robinson said; 'I've been backing the Honour the Covenant campaign since it was launched, and lobbying locally to ensure former service personnel get health and welfare advice they need. The Royal British Legion plays a vital role in supporting the wider Armed Services community and securing the futures of service men and women, past and present, and their families. I urge everyone to visit the website www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk and find out how they can help too'. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 10, 2010:
  • Andrew Duff MEP joins the campaign trail
    Andrew Duff, Ian Gale and Stephen Robinson take a break from the campaign trail in Old Moulsham. In very sunny Chelmsford today, Lib Dem candidate Stephen Robinson was joined by local Lib Dem Euro MP Andrew Duff. Commented Stephen, "At all elections Andrew tours the region supporting local campaigners and it is always good to see him. He was pleased with the response on the doorsteps in Old Moulsham - everyone willing to listen he said." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 7, 2010:
  • Bad news for cyclists in survey
    Stephen Robinson discusses his survey with a cyclist A survey of cyclists in Chelmsford has found that almost half of those who responded have had a bike stolen. It was conducted by Stephen Robinson, who is bidding to be the town's MP. Stephen found that 45% respondents reported their bike had been stolen in the town. Stephen & Angela Robinson cycle regularly around Chelmsford Stephen said: "This finding is really bad news, not just for the cyclists involved, but for all of us who care about our town. More than half of respondents to our survey complained about the lack of secure parking facilities for bikes. Clearly the two things go hand in hand. "If there were better and more secure facilities for bikes and cyclists, there are likely to be less incidents of bike theft." Almost all respondents to the survey said the state of the roads and paths is a safety hazard for cyclists. Mr Robinson added: "Potholes, poor road surfaces and lack of lighting were some of the factors which cyclists pointed to as safety hazards for bike riding. "As a regular cyclist myself, I am acutely conscious that good riding conditions are paramount in encouraging more people, and especially children and young people, to cycle." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 6, 2010:
  • Election at last - for 6th May!
    Nick Clegg came to Chelmsford to support local Lib Dem candidate Stephen Robinson With a General Election confirmed for just over four weeks' time, Liberal Democrats in Chelmsford are looking forward to the campaign. Local candidate Stephen Robinson commented, "It's clearer than ever that, here in Chelmsford, the next MP will be either a campaigning Liberal Democrat or the same old Conservative back again. "The national backdrop for the Liberal Democrats is good - a higher rating in the polls than in 2005; a popular Leader in Nick Clegg and respected Shadow Chancellor in Vince Cable. "Labour is on the way out. People are desperate for REAL change - but they will not get that from the Conservatives. The two old parties are part of the problem not the solution (see http://www.labservative.com/ Only the Liberal Democrats will deliver fair tax, green jobs, a fair start for all children and cleaner politics." Read more about Liberal Democrat plans for a fairer Chelmsford. Offer help to the campaign here: http://www.cmld.org.uk/user/register.html Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 4, 2010:
  • Stephen Robinson pledges to NSPCC 'I stand for Children'
    Chelmsford Liberal Democrat candidate Stephen Robinson has renewed his support to the NSPCC. He is a long-standing donor to their cause and is happy to back their General Election campaign. Stephen said: "The NSPCC do a critical job protecting vulnerable children. I am very pleased to help them if I can. I am sure that all Chelmsford residents will join with me in supporting these aims." The Campaign is focusing on: Implementing vital child protection reforms following the tragic death of Baby Peter and other child deaths since. Continued funding for helpline services for children and adults concerned about the welfare of a child. Seeing domestic violence from a child's point of view. Making the internet safer for children. Strengthening the role of the Children's Commissioner in England. Providing resources for vital therapeutic services for children who have experienced abuse. Related Links NSPCC 'I stand for Children' website Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 31, 2010:
  • Nick Clegg launches plans for businesses
    Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson and Nick Clegg MP out campaigning The Liberal Democrats have pledged to back business right across the country. Commented Chelmsford Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson, "For too long, Labour and Conservative governments have focused solely on the firms in one square mile in the City of London, while failing to support businesses across the country." Launching 'Enterprise in a Fair Society', Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg set out details of the proposals, including: Restoring a public interest test for regulatory authorities to consider when takeovers are proposed and changing the rules on which shareholders can vote on takeover proposals Ensuring affordable access to credit for businesses by creating new mechanisms to provide equity finance to smaller businesses Incorporating a 'sunset' clause into every new business regulation so that it is time limited unless renewed by Parliament The document also sets out how the Liberal Democrats would create an education system that provides skilled workers, a stable economy that reduces the public deficit and a fair and stable tax platform on which businesses can operate. Launching the document while visiting start-up businesses in Warrington, Nick Clegg said: "The Government has failed to force the banks to lend to viable British businesses and won't face up to the need to break up the big banks to protect the economy. "Who would have thought that when the taxpayer stepped in to rescue the banks, we would now be funding takeovers like that of Cadbury by Kraft? "The Liberal Democrats will stand up for strong British businesses by changing the takeover rules to protect them from the short-term speculation of hedge funds and restoring a public interest test." Liberal Democrat Shadow Business Secretary John Thurso said: "Following the banking collapse and the worst recession since the 1930s, the Liberal Democrats want to rebuild the economy very differently. "We will create the conditions for a thriving, balanced and environmentally sustainable economy with jobs that last. "Britain depends on successful profitable businesses to create the nation's wealth. Only the Liberal Democrats will give businesses the tools to get on with the job." Related Links More about the Lib Dems plans for businesses Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Backing a new skatepark for central Chelmsford
    Stephen Robinson speaking to a group of skate ramp users in Chelmsford's central park Following a meeting yesterday, local young people campaigning for a new skatepark in central Chelmsford will be examining options for fund-raising bids. On 18 March, local Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson arranged a meeting for the skatepark campaigners with officials at Chelmsford Borough Council, to discuss the skatepark's future. Stephen Robinson commented, "People tell me time and again that we need to provide more activities for young people. That's why I support the campaign for a replacement skatepark. Please sign the petition below if you agree. "There is much more we can do for young people. Let me know what else is needed at my special website: www.ourcampaign.org.uk/youthsurvey." Related Links Report from 18th March meeting at Chelmsford Council Report from 24th March meeting at the skatepark to discuss repairs Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 30, 2010:
  • Council spends MORE on spin and LESS on youth service
    Stephen Robinson and students from Boswells college Essex County Council has cut £100,000 from the budget of our already overstretched youth service. At the same time, spending on spin doctors, PR and support for leading Conservative Councillors has risen to £6 million, according to figures uncovered by Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson, who is running a number of local campaigns for young people. Under the Conservatives, spending on PR and spin doctors has now reached £5 million - a jump of over one quarter compared to last year. This included an expensive TV advertising campaign. Additionally, the cost to taxpayers of the Conservative cabinet members, their deputies and support staff reached £1 million. "The county council should fix the serious failings in its basic services before spending more on self-promotion," said Chelmsford Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson. Last year the Conservative-run county council was named as one of the eight worst councils in the country for child protection, alongside Haringey Council which was responsible for the Baby P scandal. Fill potholes not your pockets "The neglect of basic services such as child protection and road repairs must stop," said Stephen Robinson. Lib Dem Stephen Robinson has established himself as a campaigner for young people. When a county councillor he consistently voted for more money to schools and the youth budget. He's been working with the Moulsham Youth Club campaign; running a petition for a youth cafe (following a young people's survey he carried out) and working with the campaign group for a replacement skatepark in Chelmsford. Sign the petition for a new skatepark: www.ourcampaign.org.uk/skatepark Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 28, 2010:
  • Robinson Makes Cancer Commitment
    Cancer Research UK's Cancer Commitment aims to make UK cancer outcomes among the best in Europe in the next ten years. Stephen Robinson (who is bidding to be Chelmsford's Liberal Democrat MP) has signed up to the campaign. Stephen said: "I am delighted to pledge my support for Cancer Research UK's vital campaign. With a concerted effort from the next Parliament, we can give hope to the millions of people affected by cancer and their friends and family." More than one in three people in our constituency will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. In the last thirty years, the UK's 10-year survival rates have doubled but cancer survival rates still lag behind the best performing countries in Europe such as Sweden, Norway and Finland. Cancer Research UK is calling on Parliamentary candidates to commit now that, if they are elected, they will help make cancer outcomes for patients in the UK among the best in Europe within a decade. The Cancer Commitment calls on MPs in the next Parliament to take action in five key areas: Detecting cancer earlier Providing world-class treatment Preventing more cancers Tackling cancer inequalities Protecting the UK's research base Jon Spiers, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning at Cancer Research UK, said "To consign today's cancer challenges to tomorrow's history books, we must act now. Our thousands of scientists and our millions of supporters are hoping to see MPs in the next Parliament step up to the challenge." For information on Cancer Research UK's Commit To Beat Cancer campaign, visit: www.CommitToBeatCancer.org Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 27, 2010:
  • NHS hires 5,000 more managers - Robinson
    Stephen Robinson and Norman Lamb MP visited Broomfield hospital to discuss budget and staffing issues Figures released today have revealed that the number of managers in the NHS increased by 4,748 in the last year - an increase of 12% - while the number of nurses only increased by 2%. Commented Lib Dem Stephen Robinson, "The NHS is facing the toughest financial period in its history, yet we're still seeing managers being recruited like there's no tomorrow. "Many people will be left wondering why so much money is being spent on more NHS bureaucracy when we're in desperate need of front-line staff." The figures also reveal that: The cost of employing this many extra managers is estimated to be £230m There are now 44,661 managers in the NHS - an 84% increase over the last ten years The average annual increase in managers over the last ten years has been 4.6% - the average annual increase in nurses has been only 2.4% Stephen Robinson added, "Labour has poured huge amounts of taxpayers' money into the NHS while failing to ensure we get good value for money. "This week's Budget failed to set out any credible plan for reducing costs in the NHS. Labour claimed they would make the NHS more efficient, but these figures paint a different picture. "Only the Liberal Democrats are being honest about the scale of the challenge ahead. We will start by cutting the amount spent on admin by one third and reinvesting that money in front-line services." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 24, 2010:
  • Robinson backing our troops and veterans
    Stephen Robinson talking to the local fundraiser from Help for Heroes Following action by a local campaigner, former armed service personnel in mid Essex will now be given more information about their rights to access local health services. Local Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson has secured a commitment from NHS Mid Essex to distribute to all GP practices a British Legion poster on veterans' health services. Stephen Robinson commented, "We ask these brave men and women to put their lives at risk in the service of our nation. The least we can do is look after them properly when they leave the services." In 2008 the Government said that veterans should get priority access to health care that they need. Since very few GPs or veterans knew about this, the Royal British Legion produced in 2009 a poster and leaflet for GP surgeries to display. A former soldier with 2 Royal Anglian who lives in Chelmsford recently contacted local Liberal Democrat campaigner Stephen Robinson to find out why this commitment was not being kept. Mr Robinson contacted NHS Mid Essex and they agreed to send the information to every GP in Mid Essex and ask them to display the posters. This is all part of Mr Robinson's ongoing campaign to improve services for veterans. He was an early backer for the British Legion's "Honour the Covenant" campaign and at last September's party conference he proposed a policy amendment to improve health and welfare services for veterans. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 11, 2010:
  • Taxpayers to cough up extra £530m for Broomfield Hospital
    Stephen Robinson and Norman Lamb MP outside Broomfield hospital Figures uncovered by Lib Dem Stephen Robinson have revealed that taxpayers will have to pay nearly FOUR times the actual building cost of the Broomfield Hospital extension over the lifetime of the private sector contract. The actual building cost is £148 million but taxpayers will pay £678 million in rent and charges over the 30 year contract. Stephen Robinson, commented: "This £678 million is a contractual obligation to the private sector contractor who will manage the new building. So if ever the NHS is short of cash over the next 30 years, it will have to make cuts in other health services to find the repayment money. "These Private Finance Initiatives were invented by the Conservatives and have continued under Labour. We cannot go on using taxpayer cash to bankroll the private sector. Despite the enormous amounts of money we owe for these hospitals, many of them will never end up in public ownership. "We need a new approach to public services in Chelmsford. The Liberal Democrats would set up a UK Infrastructure Bank. This would ensure that key projects such as Broomfield Hospital, schools and railways can raise the funding they need to revitalise our economy. "We will change the way the NHS works so that money goes further and patients come first." ENDS Footnote Liberal Democrat analysis of HM Treasury figures has revealed that the NHS will have to pay back £58bn under Private Finance Initiative projects over the next three decades. However, these PFI hospitals are only worth £11bn in capital value. The figures are up to date as September 2009 but further contracts may have been signed since then. Treasury overall figures for PFI debt can be found here: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ppp_pfi_stats.htm . Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 4, 2010:
  • Conservative plans will devastate schools
    School budgets across the board would be cut if the Conservatives are allowed to implement "unfunded" policies. The figures emerge from a report from independent think-tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson commented: "This report confirms the Conservatives' proposals would be disastrous for thousands of schools, wrecking opportunities for millions of children. The IFS report 'The Pupil Premium: assessing the options' shows how many schools would have their budgets cut under Conservative plans to bring in a Pupil Premium without extra funding. "David Cameron may talk about raising standards but his plans commit no pounds and no pence of extra money to our schools. He now needs to be honest about the devastating impact this will have on England's schools. "Liberal Democrats will give schools the money to cut class sizes and provide children who are struggling with more individual support by committing an extra £2.5bn. This extra cash and our plans to set schools free to raise standards will give every child a fair start in life." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 18, 2010:
  • Online vote to get Chelmsford children play equipment
    Stephen Robinson Children in north west Chelmsford are hoping that an online vote scheme will get them a grant for a five-a-side pitch. Lib Dem MP hopeful Stephen Robinson has voted for it and hopes you will too. Go to http://bovril.co.uk/revival/ Click on the "Vote Here Now" signboard. Click on Area 8 on Map and select Avon Road Green Space (or type in the project code EEOT000320) Click on Vote. Enter your details and then click on Submit Vote. It's as easy as that. Background CERA (Chignal Estate Residents Association) has been promoting Avon Road green space area for the last 6 years. They are currently in the progress of obtaining more equipment and developing this area for our young people. CERA Chairman Gary Richards said: "One source of funding we are trying to obtain is from Bovril's 'Great Outdoors Revival'. We are currently in the Top 100 shortlist for the country and the competition ends on the 28th February. "So we are very keen to gain as much support as we can. All we are asking is that you vote for us and pass this information around to as many individuals as you possibly can on your network. Voting is easy and all you have to do is supply your name and email address (as only one vote per person is allowed. It will only take a couple of minutes to help us try and gain some funds, for this very necessary project." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 15, 2010:
  • Conservatives abandon environment as a priority
    Stephen Robinson with Simon Hughes MP on a visit to Chelmsford The Conservatives today published a list of 'Ten reasons to vote Conservative' but none of the ten included any reference to the environment or climate change. This is despite David Cameron's claim that he has 'sought to push the environment up to the top of the political agenda'. Commented Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson, "Local council decisions on housing allocations have already shown that the Conservatives are not really concerned about the environment. This is just further proof." Shadow Climate Change Secretary Greg Clark MP previously asserted that Cameron 'wanted the environment to be a very important part of the proposition we put to the public at the General Election.' However, reducing Britain's carbon footprint was recently found to be at the bottom of a list of priorities for Conservative candidates. Simon Hughes MP (Lib Dem Shadow Climate Change Secretary) commented: "For those of us who really care about the environment and the future of our planet, the Tories have demonstrated once again that there is no reason to vote for them. "Cameron the PR man likes having his picture taken with huskies, but when it comes to governing this country the Tories have never made the climate one of their priorities." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 5, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats launch policy to end empty homes scandal
    Liberal Democrats in Chelmsford have set out plans to bring empty houses back into use, making homes available for people who need them and creating local jobs. Stephen Robinson, who is bidding to be the town's Liberal Democrat MP, commented: "Allowing houses to sit empty whilst families are waiting for a home is nothing short of a scandal. There are 1,551 empty houses in Chelmsford and 18,170 across Essex. "The cost of bringing these homes back into use is just a fraction of the cost of building new houses, yet the authorities are sitting idly by whilst these houses fall in disrepair. "The Conservative run council here in Chelmsford has decided to build thousands of new homes using up precious open spaces in our locality. We should use up the empty houses first. "This is just part of the Liberal Democrats economic stimulus package, that will see jobs created and help us to building a fair and sustainable local economy." ENDS Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 29, 2010:
  • Chelmsford pensioners miss cold weather payments
    Nearly 2,000 pensioners in Chelmsford eligible for special Cold Weather Payments due to the recent weather, are failing to claim the money, according to analysis of government figures by the Liberal Democrats. Commenting, Stephen Robinson, who is bidding to be the town's Lib Dem MP, said: "It is a scandal that so many pensioners on the breadline are missing out on this extra money. Fuel prices are at an all time high, making Cold Weather payments all the more important to people already struggling on a poverty pension. "Labour has failed pensioners by creating a complicated system that makes it difficult for them to get the help they desperately need. The government should be making every effort to identify pensioners who are missing out and get them this extra cash." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 22, 2010:
  • Holocaust Memorial Day - 27 January 2010
    Local residents are invited to a Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration next Wednesday (27th January 2010) 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Hylands House, near Chelmsford. The event is hosted by Chelmsford Borough Council and is on the international day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides. Commented local Lib Dem Stephen Robinson, "I think it is important that everyone remembers what can happen if you start down the slippery path of singling out different groups in society just because of their background. Wherever we are born, whatever our backgrounds, we are all people entitled to non-discrimination." This year marks the 65th anniversary of the date of the liberation of Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. On this day, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust will be challenging everyone across the UK to become part of a 'Legacy of Hope'. This event will include a guest speaker, a screening of 'The Children Who Cheated The Nazis', exhibitions and stands. The event's guest speaker is Otto Deutsch - a Kindertransport survivor and the only survivor of his immediate family. He will describe in detail his experiences as a Jewish child in Vienna during the period immediately preceding the outbreak of war (including the "Anschluss") and the alarming pace of the Nazification of the society from which, alone, as a child, he was eventually sent away. The event is being delivered in partnership with Chelmsford Jewish Association. A buffet and refreshments will be provided. To book a place and to advise the Council of any access requirements, please email equalityanddiversity@chelmsford.gov.uk or call 01245 606866. Links to Holocaust Memorial Day Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Holocaust-Memorial-Day-Trust/131265408250 Website: http://www.hmd.org.uk/ Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 19, 2010:
  • More traffic chaos for White Hart Lane / Beaulieu Park / north Springfield
    Traffic on White Hart Lane in Springfield / north east Chelmsford is certain to get worse before it gets better, if housing plans for the area get the go-ahead. The news emerged at a public meeting last night (18 January), following persistent questioning from local residents and Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson. Developer Countryside Zest is asking the council for permission to build 4,000 houses on green fields in the area (more than even the council wants in their strategic plan). The application is known as 'Greater Beaulieu Park'. At a public meeting on Monday to present their plans, they admitted that there was unlikely to be any spending on road improvements or new schools until at least the first 1,000 houses have been built. (It was also confirmed that the proposed North East Chelmsford by-pass is already deferred to at least 2019 and probably much later.) Said Stephen Robinson, "Better local services are crucial to delivering strong local communities not just housing estates. Moreover, we need good public transport, not thousands more cars choking our town with traffic and pollution. "If you want to back my campaign to Don't Choke Chelmsford, you can read more at www.dontchoke.org.uk and sign the petition there. Please ask your friends to back the campaign too." If you want to make comments about the planning application, you have until early February. Go to the council website here: http://is.gd/5YojA If that link fails, go to the home page http://web1.chelmsfordbc.gov.uk/publicaccess/default.aspx and search for application number 09/01314/EIA ***Overlapping planning issues*** There are two planning issues running in parallel at the moment that both affect the green fields north of Springfield: 1) The Council's strategy for future development 2) A planning application from Countryside Properties 1) The Council's strategy Chelmsford's Conservative-run Council has set out its overall strategy to put 3,200 houses on green fields north of Springfield up to 2021. Consultation finished on 21 December and there will be an inquiry, probably in the Spring, to examine the strategy. (This strategy is opposed by the Liberal Democrats, as we think the houses should go on the gravel pits north of Boreham.) If this strategy is NOT approved then the following planning application would be unlikely to proceed. 2) A planning application from Countryside Properties The developer for north east Chelmsford has tried to hurry the process along by submitting an actual planning application. These points emerged at the meeting: They are requesting up to 4,000 houses, rather than the 3,200 proposed by the council. Stephen Robinson asked why and the answer was that the council has a vision for the future beyond 2021, which includes yet more houses in this area. With Boswells full, Springfield desperately needs more secondary school places. A new secondary school (and two primary schools) are in the strategy. So Stephen asked when could we expect the secondary school i.e. how many houses will be built before the developer has enough money to pay their share of the school costs? There was no real answer: they said it was not down to them. Many people asked whether the railway station would go ahead after decades of promises. We were told that it is only since 2007 that the Government and Network Rail have approved the business case; that it is set to go ahead, and should be ready in 2015 (if the strategy is approved this year). There was a difference of opinion about the cost, which makes you wonder if the money will be there. The developer has a figure much less than the council. There were many questions about the road network:- a) It was confirmed that the North East Chelmsford by-pass is nothing to do with the developer. It is down to Essex County Council and the Government to agree - and they have both said it will be 2019 at the earliest. b) The developers will build a road around the development, to serve the new houses and take some traffic away from White Hart Lane. c) The developers have designed alterations to the Boreham interchange to improve traffic flows for which they would pay. However, they said Essex County Council wants something more comprehensive. The developer will only make a contribution to that. NEW SERVICES ONLY AFTER 1,000 HOUSES After further questioning, the developers admitted that all these road improvements (and probably any progress on other services like the schools) would only come at the end of Phase 1 of house-building. This is likely to mean not before 1,000 houses (east of Essex Regiment Way). So the traffic on White Hart Lane and Boreham interchange is set to get worse before they take any action. While they take action, the chances are that it will mean further traffic problems. The Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign against the strategy at the upcoming inquiry and hope we can count on your continued support. REMEMBER Back the campaign here: www.dontchoke.org.uk Comment on the planning application here: http://is.gd/5YojA Greater Beaulieu Park - reasons against Schools, new station, roads, community halls and other facilities may not end up being built, only the houses Developer could run out of money for community facilities and affordable housing, because they have to contribute to the flood alleviation scheme. New houses are far too far away from the new station, and therefore new residents will inevitably use cars more than under the Lib Dem proposal The impact on New Hall and other constraints are now showing this is trying to put a quart into a pint pot. The fine principles about public open space etc. are now being ignored. This proposal risks even further urban sprawl to meet further dwelling numbers. There will be no natural boundary. When Beaulieu Park was proposed, the Inspector said that its edge would be the edge of urban Chelmsford. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 11, 2010:
  • Robinson and Clegg put fairness at the heart of the Liberal Democrat manifesto
    Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson welcomes Nick Clegg to the town Fairness is the value that connects everything the Liberal Democrats want to achieve and will be at the heart of the Party's election manifesto, according to Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, speaking today. Chelmsford campaigner Stephen Robinson (aiming to become the local MP) explained that the Lib Dems have four priorities for a fairer Britain: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics; and a fair, green economy with jobs that last. Stephen Robinson added, "People in Chelmsford have been let down by their politicians and are crying out for REAL change. The Liberal Democrats have consistently been crystal clear in their manifestos about what can and cannot be afforded. This one will be no different. A manifesto that is short, direct and to the point will set a clear direction. FAIR TAX - tax cut for low and middle incomes, paid for by the super rich Specifically: raise the personal allowance from £6.5k to £10k. That's 3.5 million people out of tax altogether, and a tax cut of £700 a year for everyone else on middle and low incomes. Paid for by closing loopholes for the richest (e.g. Capital Gains are taxed lower than income) and introducing a 1% tax on mansions worth over £2 million. FAIR START FOR ALL CHILDREN - because educational success is the key to a successful Britain Specifically: An extra £2.5 billion for schools to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition. The tax rise on the super-rich pays for this too. GREEN JOBS IN A FAIRER ECONOMY Specifically: invest in high speed rail, renewable energy and home insulation. It creates jobs and does something about climate change. In the early years, paid for by taxes on pollution. This starts saving money later on. We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure Chelmsford businesses can find the money they need to grow. FAIR, CLEAN POLITICS "We will: give you the right to sack your MP if he/she is corrupt; flush out big money and shady donors; reduce the number of MPs by 150; give power over the police and NHS to local communities; and change the voting system to abolish safe seats. These are changes that would upend our political establishment. Neither Labour or the Conservatives will ever offer change on this scale - they will defend the status quo to the last. Only the Liberal Democrats offer the chance for a different politics. Another whitewash is unacceptable, we need permanent change to make politics clean, fair and local. "The coming months are a crucial time for politics and I will be using them to focus on these four priorities and delivering real change for Chelmsford." ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The speech from Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg: "David Cameron and Gordon Brown are playing the politics of the airbrush and the focus group. One doesn't know what he believes. The other doesn't know what to do with the power he clings to so desperately. "I believe the country wants something different. The Liberal Democrats are different. We offer credibility where it's needed. And hope for our common future." Read the rest of Nick Clegg's speech here: http://is.gd/65J6c Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 31, 2009:
  • The Change Chelmsford needs in 2010
    Stephen Robinson and Nick Clegg MP on a visit to Tanglewood nursery in north Chelmsford Chelmsford needs REAL change in 2010. It needs an MP who will stand up for the area and its residents. It needs clean politics - radical change to the system, not just new faces at the top. Only the Liberal Democrats will deliver a fairer Britain (http://is.gd/5HLCu) and new, green jobs (http://is.gd/5HPhz) - says MP candidate Stephen Robinson. A Fairer Britain means Tax Cuts for everyone on middle and low incomes. See: http://is.gd/5HLCu A Fairer Britain means helping families bring up children - 18 months parental leave, good quality childcare and more investment in primary schools. See: http://is.gd/5HMdK Green Jobs means putting Britain back to work and fighting climate change through investment in renewable energy, affordable homes and green infrastructure such as high-speed rail. Clean politics means reform of expenses, end big donations, a fair voting system to end safe seats, elect the House of Lords, cut the power of Ministers, reduce the number of MPs, and give local people the right to sack MPs found guilty of serious wrongdoing. . In his New Year message, Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats has laid down a challenge to other party leaders to tell people what they really believe in, rather than what they think people want to hear. The full text of his message: "I have a confession to make: 2009 tested my belief in politics to breaking point. I remember once looking round the House of Commons during another Punch and Judy session of Prime Ministers Questions. In the real world, youth unemployment had just reached its highest level ever, our brave soldiers were facing extraordinary dangers in Afghanistan, the bankers were still gorging themselves on bonuses, and the economy was in the middle of the worst recession in generations. And what were the politicians doing? Yelling and guffawing at each other as if the world outside didn't exist. So I don't blame anyone for feeling a sense of despair about our clapped out political system. You are being taken for granted by the people in charge. Big money is hollowing out politics with some rich donors not even bothering to say whether they pay full British taxes or not. And to top it all the expenses scandals exposed some MPs as spivvy property speculators and tax evaders rather than public servants. This whole set-up has to change. That's what 2010 should be all about. Big, permanent change for the better. People's faith in politics may be dented, but I still believe in our ability to learn from the mistakes of the past, and set things on a new course. 2010 must be the year we press the political reset button. But that will only happen if we do things differently. More of the same won't produce anything new. Of course both Labour and the Conservatives have learned to parrot the language of change. But where's the proof they mean it? Despite all the hot air about fixing politics they have both voted against giving people the right to sack MPs who've seriously broken the rules. Both have refused to clean up the rotten system of party political funding. Both refuse to give you your say by introducing fair votes to the House of Commons. And both refuse to shake up the City of London, so that bankers can never again play Russian roulette with your savings. Some people say, what's the point of voting when the same old parties always win? I say: vote for what you believe in. If you like what the Liberal Democrats stand for, vote for it. If you want real change, not phony change, vote for it. If you think things should be different, vote for it. At the end of the day, politics should be about what you believe. What kind of Britain do you want to live in? What kind of world do we want our children and grandchildren to grow up in? So as the countdown to the next General Election finally begins, I have a simple question for the other party leaders: what do you believe, really believe? People don't want leading politicians clinging on to power for its own sake, or just telling people what they want to hear. There's got to be more to it than that. I have one belief above all others: a belief in fairness. Under my leadership the Liberal Democrats have been working on new ideas to make Britain the fair country I believe most people want it to be. We want to raise standards in all of our schools by giving specific help to the children most in need, and by making class sizes smaller. Soon we will be publishing new ideas to turn our economy away from its over dependence on the City of London to a new, green economy where hundreds of thousands of new jobs will be created as we rebuild our transport, energy and housing infrastructure. Above all, we are now the only party with a detailed plan to make taxes fair - removing all income tax on the first £10000 you earn, paid for by asking people at the top to pay a bit more. If we as Leaders want people to turn out to vote at all at the next General Election, we have got to show people our convictions, not just dividing lines, our beliefs, not just soundbites. I hope in the coming months even more people will get a chance to find out what I believe in, and the beliefs of the Liberal Democrats. If enough people share our convictions, our beliefs, then 2010 really can be the beginning of something new. " Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 22, 2009:
  • Children's fitness report reveals Playstation generation
    Norman Lamb MP on a visit to Broomfield Hospital with Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson Today's British Medical Journal reveals there has been a large and worrying decline in children's fitness. Commented Norman Lamb MP (Lib Dem Shadow Health Secretary): "Ministers should ensure that the Olympic legacy will help to reverse this disturbing trend." Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson added, "As the parent of a Nintendo Wii fan, I am very aware of the need to limit use of games machines. It's not just about good physical health but also the mental health of the next generation." Added Norman Lamb, "These findings send a very powerful message out about the risks of inactivity and lack of exercise. The health consequences for the Playstation generation could be disastrous. "This analysis makes it clear that those risks go beyond the danger of obesity. We need a major effort to get youngsters active again and help to reverse this worrying decline in fitness levels. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 18, 2009:
  • Liberal Democrats renew pledge to abolish tuition fees
    Stephen Robinson collects his scrap tuition fees petition at Anglia Ruskin Freshers' Fair The Liberal Democrats have announced that they will keep their policy of abolishing university tuition fees in their manifesto for the 2010 General Election. Chelmsford Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Stephen Robinson welcomed the news, saying, "At Chelmsford's own university and elsewhere I have met students burdened by massive debts as a result of tuition fees - backed by Labour and the Conservatives. "Fees have left many young people leaving university with debts of up to £30,000. This has deterred students from poorer backgrounds and created a more unequal society." "In today's recession far too many young people are left high and dry without a job. Moreover, house prices are still completely out of reach for most graduates. To be saddling our young people with this level of debt is completely unacceptable." "I have campaigned for years to get tuition fees scrapped. Meanwhile Labour betrayed our young people when they introduced fees despite their promise not to, and the Conservatives just keep changing their policy. I am delighted that the Liberal Democrats have reaffirmed their commitment to scrap this unfair tax on learning." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 12, 2009:
  • Chelmsford commuters would rather work near home
    Commuters making the daily train trip from Chelmsford to London would rather work nearer home, even if that means taking a pay cut. That was the conclusion of research undertaken by Stephen Robinson and Chelmsford Liberal Democrats. Commented Stephen Robinson (Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Chelmsford): "Talking to regular commuters in Chelmsford, it is clear that most of the them would rather work in Chelmsford, if there were more jobs available locally. Even though that would mean taking a cut in salary, commuters would still prefer not to have to commute. "It's not hard so see why. Commuting is time consuming and often uncomfortable. Over a third of the commuters we heard from said they rarely got a seat on their daily commute. "In terms of punctuality, nearly half of commuters thought the service provided by National Express was the same as a year ago. However, nearly 40% of respondents said they thought that train delays were worse now compared with a year ago. "I am taking these issues forward with National Express and I am looking for ways in which commuting can be made more pleasurable for commuters. "However, there is a broader message here about the need to create more jobs locally. Liberal Democrats have long argued that local jobs for local people is vital to increase people's quality of life. As an obvious bonus, Chelmsford's local economy will be boosted with more people around to support local businesses during the day." SURVEY If you have not yet filled out the survey yourself, you can do so here: http://survey.libdems.org.uk/take/548 . Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 7, 2009:
  • Passengers Face Two Years of Lame Duck National Express Rail Franchise
    A call has been made for National Express to lose its East Anglia rail franchise immediately, not to wait for two years. The Government announced that the NXEA franchise (affecting services from Chelmsford to London and to Norfolk) would end three years early. Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrats Parliamentary candidate for Chelmsford, said: "This is a curious decision in danger of satisfying nobody. "The Government is formally declaring National Express a lame duck franchise while telling passengers that they're going to have to put up with them for another two years. Clearly, the Government's intention is to end National Express's involvement in the rail network. "What hope is there that National Express will deliver a decent service when they know the end is in sight? "Ironically, only this week the results of a commuters survey by Liberal Democrats in Chelmsford, found that people would rather stay in Chelmsford to work than commuting elsewhere, even if that meant taking a cut in salary. With this poor level of management by government it is not difficult to see why people would want to avoid rail commuting. "The Government should either have left matters alone or preferably taken these franchises back into the public sector as soon as possible, pending re-tendering." . Other recent news about Chelmsford train services: www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/railways Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 2, 2009:
  • Primary schools standards not good enough
    Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg talking to young children when he visited Chelmsford Today's league table results for primary schools in Chelmsford, along with the rest of Britain, reveal more about the government's failing policies on education for young people. Commenting on the results, Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Chelmsford said: "As in every other town in the country, Chelmsford's teachers are hampered by layers of red tape and paperwork. This leaves little room for teachers to use innovative methods of teaching appropriate to their particular class of children. "As an inevitable consequence, overall standards in our primary schools are now showing signs of slipping backwards. It is very worrying that the number of schools in which the majority of pupils left without achieving expected levels of progress has actually risen. "Labour's approach of trying to micro-manage the education system is holding schools back and preventing them from getting the best from all their pupils. "Instead of more gimmicks and bureaucracy, the Government needs to invest extra cash in our schools so they can cut class sizes and run catch-up lessons for all those children who are struggling." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 1, 2009:
  • Radical plans for fair tax not high tax
    Average earners in Chelmsford would receive a £700 a year tax cut, and 4 million people would be taken out of tax altogether, under radical plans published this week. The Lib Dem plans, backed by Chelmsford campaigner Stephen Robinson, would make the tax system fairer. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said that the party would raise the threshold at which tax becomes payable from £6,000 to £10,000. The Liberal Democrats would also: Close loopholes on capital gains tax and end generous tax breaks on pension relief for the very wealthy Bring in a temporary 'mansion tax' on properties worth over £2m Stephen Robinson said "It is a disgrace that the rich pay a lower share of their income in tax than the poor. Inequality in Britain is as bad now as when Labour came to power, and this is crystal clear in the tax system designed by Gordon Brown." "It's only fair that the wealthy pay their fair share. We will use the money raised to take people who simply can't afford to huge tax bills out of the tax system altogether, and give a tax cut to those who are struggling most in the midst of the recession." More about the plans and a short film from Nick Clegg at: http://is.gd/59ng4 Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 27, 2009:
  • Regional review of housing is fatally flawed - Robinson
    The East of England review of housing numbers to the year 2031 has been attacked as fatally flawed on all four of the scenarios outlined. Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson has stated that jobs (and infrastructure) should drive development not housing targets. Mr Robinson was responding at the end of the public consultation period into the review of the East of England Plan (see http://is.gd/52E9W). In his submission he stated:- "To start with housing numbers as the driver of the plan is a fatal flaw. Job creation is a more important target, with housing following - if sustainability is to really mean anything. "The growth in the number of jobs (including high value jobs) should significantly exceed the number of new houses built each year and infrastructure must be built in advance or at least at the same time. Otherwise we will not create new communities merely dormitories, mainly for people who then work in London. "This particularly applies to the suggested housing growth for Chelmsford and other areas close to London. Chelmsford already has a daily out-commuting rate higher than any other Essex district apart from Epping Forest. "It is no good having targets without resources to deliver. It is essential that we have more affordable housing, but this must include a range of ownership types and have the resources to deliver it. "Chelmsford is already finding it difficult to deliver the current housing targets and the infrastructure projects required for that may not be funded. New housing needs to be built with easy access to frequent and high-quality public transport for short and long distance travel. So even Scenario 1 is not deliverable under current policy. "The other 'scenarios' that should be considered are (a) what happens if the price of oil rises significantly, which seems likely in the plan period and definite if and when it becomes apparent that we have passed Peak Oil production", and (b) a more appropriate strategy for the other regions of England, to put more development there and resist the over-heating of southern England." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 26, 2009:
  • Law required to protect customers from rip-off bank charges
    Stephen Robinson Following the Supreme Court's decision to allow banks to continue charging people for going overdrawn on their accounts, local Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson is calling for a change in the law to stop rip-off bank charges. Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate for Chelmsford said: "The Supreme Court's decision on bank charges will be a bitter blow to the millions of people who've had to pay extortionate fees to their banks just because a cheque has bounced or they've unintentionally gone overdrawn. "Regardless of the legal position, it simply isn't right that someone on a low income should pay £25 or more to their bank just because they've overdrawn by a pound or two. "It is absolutely outrageous that one third of all profits banks make on their current accounts comes from unauthorised overdraft charges, particularly since the banks are propped up by the taxpayer. "The only way to protect millions of customers from being ripped off by their banks is to now change the law." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 20, 2009:
  • Chelmsford Showcase for Business must help create vital jobs in Chelmsford
    Terry Peasey of Mid Essex Enterprise discusses support for businesses with Stephen Robinson Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrat candidate for Chelmsford, attended this week's 'Chelmsford Showcase for Business' at the Anglia Ruskin University. He welcomed the event, which was designed to highlight commercial opportunities in Chelmsford, to encourage companies to set up here and to showcase the support networks available to help local businesses. Commented Stephen Robinson said: "It is vital that local businesses are given every chance to succeed. As Vince Cable said when here last week, the growth of small and medium sized businesses is what will get us out of recession. "If the thousands of houses planned for our town are built, it is vital that there are also thousands of local jobs created. Local jobs means less time spent commuting to London and other places which is good for families and good for the environment. We must see jobs created faster than houses are built." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 19, 2009:
  • Queen's Speech is political charade
    Nick Clegg speaking when he visited Chelmsford This year's Queen's Speech is a political charade that should be dropped in favour of an emergency programme of political reform. It is the only job this rump of a parliament is fit for - according to Stephen Robinson and Chelmsford Liberal Democrats. Commenting on the Speech, Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate for Chelmsford said: "After the expenses scandal, this Parliament has destroyed its own legitimacy. Not in living memory has confidence in politicians, trust in the system, or faith in the government's capacity to change things been as low as it is today. "This parliament no longer has the right to govern. All it has left is a solemn duty to clean up for good the mess in British politics. The one gift this failed parliament can give its successor is a fresh start." Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats propose the following reforms: 1. Recall power for MPs suspended for misconduct 2. Code of conduct for candidates in the next election, including declaration of financial interests 3. House of Lords reform 4. Party funding reform in time for this election 5. Fixed term parliaments 6. Legislation to establish a 100-person Citizens' Assembly, to agree a new voting system for parliamentary elections 7. Changes to House of Commons procedure to reduce executive power Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 13, 2009:
  • Vince Cable meets Chelmsford business people
    Vince Cable MP, Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor, with Stephen Robinson Dr Vince Cable, Liberal Democrats deputy leader and Shadow Chancellor, has been hearing about the concerns of businesses in Chelmsford. Dr Cable was in Chelmsford to meet local business people together with local Lib Dem candidate Stephen Robinson. Local business people were keen to hear from him how the Liberal Democrats would help them get Britain out of recession and to tell him how the current economic climate is affecting small and medium sized businesses in Chelmsford. Those attending the meeting included a land surveyor, the MD of a skills development company, a restaurateur, a management consultant, an engineering importer and others. Stephen Robinson, who is bidding to be Chelmsford's next MP, commented: "The business people present raised a number of key issues and concerns with Vince and there was a valuable discussion amongst the attendees. Vince was particularly interested to hear strong support for the business advice agencies at regional level, which is under threat from the Conservatives." Issues raised included some big businesses hurting small ones by not paying their bills on time, making cash-flow very difficult. Alongside that, small businesses miss out on tenders as work goes to larger corporations as one big contract, with smaller, more flexible companies passed over. Added Stephen Robinson, "Everyone is aware that life for smaller businesses is going to remain tough over the coming months and that difficult decisions will have to be made. However, Liberal Democrats are clear that the nation's future growth will come from small and medium sized companies so it is vital that sound businesses are given the support they need." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 30, 2009:
  • "Urban Vandalism" as development at Rainsford Road/Parkway junction nears completion
    Stephen Robinson explaining to Primrose Hill residents why the Lib Dems are opposing "town cramming" sites across Chelmsford "Vindicated" is a word that describes how the residents of Critchett Terrace must be feeling at present, but that will doubtlessly feel hollow when they look out their bedroom windows. The re-development of the old Jeep Chrysler garage into 42 flats is now there for all to see. A new 5 storey high monster totally overpowers the attractive historic dwellings that now sit in its shadow. Residents of Primrose Hill and Critchett Terrace campaigned tirelessly and in great detail at and between several Council planning meetings, with the strong support of their local Lib Dem Councillors and many others. It seemed clear that the sheer scale of the proposed development would breech planning policy. It would be totally out of keeping with the street scene, depriving the 2-storey Victorian terraced houses in the immediate area of light, and adding to traffic and parking problems. But the Council's Planning Committee didn't see it that way, and approval was rubber-stamped in the face of much criticism.. Resident Iain Cameron fluctuates between anger and resignation. "The only words to describe this new Chelmsford landmark are 'urban vandalism" he said. " Now that the development can be appreciated in full size and without obstruction, the Planning Committee members who approved this must surely be looking at the flats with a Dr Frankenstein "what have I created?" look of horror. Not only do the flats utterly dwarf our homes and the surrounding landscape, they utterly dwarf the building on the corner of Duke St that they were supposed to mirror." Borough Councillor for the area Graham Pooley is still appalled at the decision to build here on this scale. "Redevelopment of unused sites in the town is right in principle" he says, "but too often decisions are being made to cram in more and more flats at the expense of family housing, and Government targets at the expense of existing residents. It hurts to say "we told them so", but this development has fulfilled our worst fears." The Planning Committee and officers are now to be urged to visit the end result to see how their decision has turned out. Resident Michael Walsh said, "We just weren't listened to. By acknowledging this mistake at least we can hope they won't nod through subsequent developments of a similar nature." Critchett Terrace residents now open their curtains in the morning to an unforgettable red vista. Sadly the red is red brick, and not the rising sun." FLASHBACK: Lib Dems have been opposing this since first proposed in 2007. See: http://www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/000178.html . Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 21, 2009:
  • Chelmsford Lib Dems back climate change action
    Chelmsford Liberal Democrats are one of the key local organisations backing a local Climate Change summit, coming up on 4th December. In contrast, the Labour Government and Conservative Essex County Council have both failed to back the 10:10 climate change campaign. [More about the 10:10 campaign at http://is.gd/4uDqR ] The 4 December meeting (at 7.30pm) has a range of key speakers on the subject of what we can do in Chelmsford and is a prelude to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen the following week. Speakers: Helen Franzen [Climate Change Contractor, United Nations Association of the UK]; Lucy Aitken Read [Oxfam Community and Activism Campaigner]; Dr. Steve Willoughby [Co-ordinator of Walden in Transition]. Chaired by: Andrew Coburn (Chelmsford TUC). Sponsored by Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society. Commented Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson, "I am fully behind this event and hope that the key players locally will come together to discuss action, not just words. The Labour Government and Conservative Essex County Council have both failed to back the 10:10 campaign to reduce carbon emissions." For contact details and map see: http://www.flocktogether.org.uk/event/5768 Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 30, 2009:
  • Our hospital should end its "tax on the sick"
    Stephen Robinson discusses the results of his NHS survey with Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg NHS hospitals in Chelmsford collected £1 million in car park charges last year (across Essex £3.5 million and £110m across the country), research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. Local Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson and other residents raised the subject at last night's Hospital Trust AGM. The research also revealed that Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge made the most out of any hospital, with £2.8 million in total from parking charges. Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Chelmsford, Stephen Robinson commented: "I raised the charging issue when I met Broomfield hospital managers last year, again last night and will do so again. The recent changes still leave charges very high. "This is not the only "tax" on patients that Mid Essex Hospitals must cut. As well as excessive car park charges, there are high bedside phone and TV charges and expensive 0844 phone numbers." Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary for Health, Norman Lamb MP, added: "No one is denying the need for hospitals to cover their costs but that doesn't mean they can use hidden charges to help themselves out of financial black holes. Ministers have ducked this issue for far too long and failed to ensure that Government guidelines are actually being followed." More about Stephen Robinson's NHS campaign: www.cmld.org.uk/nhs . Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 24, 2009:
  • Chelmsford Conservatives press on with plans to Choke Chelmsford
    Stephen Robinson and Cllr. Tom Smith-Hughes review a field north of Chelmsford where the Conservatives want to build houses The local, Conservative-run council has confirmed its plans for 4,000 houses on green fields north of Chelmsford, in the face of determined opposition from hundreds of local residents and the Liberal Democrats. At a meeting on 24 September, the council rejected a last ditch bid by the Lib Dems to delete from the plan the sites north of Copperfield Road and Essex Avenue. The proposal was made from the gallery by Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson and backed by Lib Dem councillors. The council's plan now goes out for final public consultation, before a Government-appointed Inspector holds an inquiry early in 2010 and makes the final decision. The plan proposes 3,200 houses north of Beaulieu Park / Springfield. However, paperwork in circulation at the meeting admitted that the possibility of 5,000 houses was being considered. The plan also proposes 800 houses on fields between north west Chelmsford and Broomfield. Lib Dem Stephen Robinson told the council meeting, "You have ignored the views of local residents and are pressing ahead without guarantees to fund better local services to go with the houses. By putting all the houses miles away from either the existing or the new station, you have guaranteed vastly more traffic on our already choked roads." For details of all the development plans see: www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/planning . Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 23, 2009:
  • Chelmsford Lib Dem backs our armed services at conference
    Liberal Democrats will honour the covenant A proposal that Britain should better support its armed services has been passed at the Liberal Democrat conference. Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson persuaded colleagues to extend the commitment to include former service personnel in the proposal. The Liberal Democrats' new policy covers pay for current service personnel, and housing and health services for both current and former personnel. Mr Robinson told Lib Dem colleagues at the conference: "We ask our armed forces to put their lives on the line but the country too often lets them down. When they leave, they often feel abandoned and health problems can occur many years later. "They need and deserve our full support. Liberal Democrats will find the money to do this by cutting back spending on wasteful, 'big budget' equipment purchases." The conference overwhelmingly passed the proposals, which are part of an ongoing campaign. To back the campaign and help spread the word, please visit http://www.nickclegg.com/ArmedForcesPay The full text of the motion passed at conference, proposed by Nick Harvey MP and containing the addition by Stephen Robinson, is below. Reaffirming the Military Covenant Motion Moved by: Nick Harvey MP (Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Defence) Amendment 1 (to add Section 4): Simon Hughes MP Amendment 2 (to add Section 6): Stephen Robinson & Cllr Iain Donaldson Conference notes: i) The bravery, commitment and professionalism of Britain's Armed Forces, as demonstrated in deployments around the world, particularly Afghanistan and Iraq. ii) The party's ongoing commitment to Armed Forces' welfare and wider defence policy, through Nick Harvey's paper Our Nation's Duty in 2007 and No Choice but Change by Sir Menzies Campbell QC MP, in 2008. iii) That the mismatch between resources and expectations, coupled with high levels of overstretch, undermines the work of the armed forces and the success of operations. iv) That over 60,000 serving personnel, including soldiers on the front line in Afghanistan, are paid less than the starting salary of a police officer or firefighter. v) That years of neglect by successive Labour and Conservative Governments have left three-quarters of service family accommodation in England alone below the highest standard, with much of it in an unacceptable condition. vi) That the psychological toll from service in Iraq and Afghanistan remains unquantifiable but will become increasingly apparent over the next decade. Conference believes that: a) Service personnel are the lifeblood of the Armed Forces and the country's most valuable military asset. b) If the armed forces continue to be submitted to overstretch without proper resources, the country fails to honour the military covenant and endangers their effectiveness. c) Military effectiveness depends upon the recognition and fulfilment of the obligations of the military covenant. d) The 'duty of care' to service personnel and their families should be honoured, and the military covenant reaffirmed and restored. Conference therefore calls for: 1. The basic pay of lower ranks and NCOs to be brought in line with equivalent police ranks, so that a private in Afghanistan is paid no less than a newly qualified police constable, funded through MOD staff restructuring. 2. A doubling in the number of forces' family homes refurbished from around 800 to around 1600 per year, halving the length of time it will take to achieve the highest grade, funded through reasonable reductions in senior armed forces officers in the MOD. 3. A review of the current arrangements for repair and maintenance of forces' accommodation with a feasibility study on returning to a warden system for military housing estates. 4. Members of the armed forces and their immediate family to be entitled to housing, within three months of their last date of paid service, in the local authority area where they last lived before signing up, and to be offered apprenticeships, other training or employment; and a review by the Ministry of Defence of the social outcomes for personnel leaving the forces. 5. The military covenant between the state, society and the army to be codified to guarantee real entitlements for service personnel of all three services and their families. 6. Proper medical provision for all current and former service personnel including: a) Post-conflict debriefings. b) The availability of counselling by specialist trained counsellors at any time in life, with particular emphasis on post-traumatic stress disorder. c) Adequate facilities and funding for relatives to visit during hospital treatment and recuperation. 7. Reform to voting arrangements for service personnel so that they and their families can exercise their democratic rights. 8. Savings to be sought from fighter jet procurement and operational costs and invested in helicopters for Afghanistan to provide vital additional capabilities. 9. A full-scale Strategic Security and Defence Review. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 22, 2009:
  • Reform Essex County Council's child protection to make children safer
    Stephen Robinson discusses child care and protection with Annette Brooke MP Chelmsford Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson backed a series of proposals at Lib Dem conference on Tuesday, to make children safer and ease the burden on social workers across the UK. The conference heard that the proposals would help failing authorities like Essex County Council improve their services for the most vulnerable in society. Commented Stephen Robinson, "Essex under the Conservatives keeps coming up with 'bright ideas' such as a cash loans scheme (actually run by the Spanish bank Santander) but cannot get its basic services right. Essex was rated one of the eight worst authorities in the country for child protection, the same as Haringey where Baby Peter died." The Lib Dem conference motion made a number of proposals, including: Scrapping the children's database (ContactPoint) and investing the savings into more administrative and technical support for social workers so they can spend more time on the front line Allowing social workers to complete secondments in other agencies and encouraging other child protection professionals to gain experience working with social workers Enforcing the publication of an anonymised version of Serious Case Reviews Liberal Democrat Children and Families Spokesperson, Annette Brooke MP said: "Despite numerous reviews, reports and reforms it is clear that the child protection system is not working properly. Some of our most vulnerable children are still being let down. "Co-operation between different professionals involved in protecting children can often be poor and many social workers are lacking the support they need. "Social workers should have the opportunity to complete secondments with other people working in child protection, such as the Police and schools. This would ensure better communication and understanding between all child protection professionals. "The Government is pinning a lot of hope on its massive children's database, but this huge, intrusive project will not encourage professionals to talk to one another. It should be scrapped, with the money saved used to give social workers extra support, allowing them to spend more time with families and less time completing paperwork." Related Links Read more about Essex County Council's child protection failings Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 9, 2009:
  • Moulsham Lodge Centre set to stay as public hall!
    Stephen Robinson, Ros Webb, Cllrs. David Jones and Philip Firth and members of the Moulsham Lodge Action Group outside the abandoned community centre The Government's planning inspector has backed Chelmsford Liberal Democrats and Moulsham Lodge campaigners, who all want to stop Essex County Council selling off the community centre as a private clinic. The inspector has today published his appeal decision, which says the building should be retained as a public hall. In his three page judgement, the inspector recognised the strength of public support for keeping the centre. Many people wrote in to the Inspector following a leaflet from the Moulsham Lodge Centre Action Group together with a letter from local Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson. The Inspector also acknowledged the hard work by the Action Group in drawing up a comprehensive business plan to give the building a secure future as a community facility. Commenting on the decision, Stephen Robinson said, "It has been great to work with such an enthusiastic group of local people. There is still some way to go before we can be confident that Essex County Council will give Moulsham Lodge Community Centre back to the community. However, this is a very important step towards that aim." Related Links Download a copy of the Inspector's Appeal decision Website of the Moulsham Lodge Community Centre Action Group Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 4, 2009:
  • Campaign to get a fair deal for our troops
    Nick Clegg MP meeting soldiers in Afghanistan A campaign to get a fair deal for our troops has been launched by the Liberal Democrats. A key part of the campaign is a call for armed forces pay to match that of police officers and firefighters. Chelmsford Lib Dem candidate Stephen Robinson commented, "It is outrageous that those people who put their lives on the line every day have fallen so far behind in the pay league tables. I have spoken to a number of former service personnel locally and it is clear that they are left in the lurch all too often. "If the Ministry of Defence did not waste so much money on bad purchasing, big equipment items that are inappropriate today and cost overruns, we could easily afford to support the front line troops." Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg MP added: "Nobody can put a price on the sacrifices our troops make on our behalf, but it's clear to everyone that pay levels are shamefully low for the lower ranks. We can't continue to reward the bravery of lions with peanuts. "We need to take action now to restore the military covenant between the Armed Forces and the people. "There is widespread dissatisfaction over pay among the lower ranks. This has a dreadful impact on morale and retention. We will find the money to pay for this from inside the MoD. It's ridiculous that we have one civilian for every man or woman in uniform, and almost 1000 people working in communications alone." Major reform is necessary to reduce costs within the department. Those savings should go to where they are really necessary, to the people prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice." Essex Lib Dem MP Bob Russell added: "Soldiers from the Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade deserve a better deal than they currently get. I am delighted that the Liberal Democrats are proposing that they should be better rewarded." Last year Mr Russell twice visited troops serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He is a member of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Defence Team. He is also a post-graduate of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme and a Parliamentary Adviser to The Royal British Legion. Read more details about the campaign at: http://www.nickclegg.com/armedforcespay/ Related Links Join Nick's Facebook campaign Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

2005-06 News about Stephen Robinson

Hospital problems down to central controls - Robinson http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/000122.html

Carbon emissions in Chelmsford unsustainable - Robinson http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/000120.html

Robinson speaks out against more Tory road chaos http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/000119.html

Robinson helps launch Greener Chelmsford http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/114.html

Robinson back in the classroom http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/113.html

Robinson at Fairtrade AGM http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/111.html

Robinson attends Freshers Fair at Anglia Ruskin with Lib Dem colleagues http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/110.html

Robinson cycles into town on Car Free Day http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/109.html

Robinsons renew passports to avoid national database http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/108.html

Robinson backs "Taking Power" campaign http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/107.html

Robinson joins Fair Trade campaigners in Chelmsford High Street http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/103.html

Robinson joins colleagues on Bromley campaign trail http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/100.html

Conservatives cannot 'go green' says Robinson in letter to press http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/99.html

MP's crocodile tears over Post Office closures http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/98.html

Sustainability should be central to new housing - Robinson http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/97.html

Base the European Parliament in Brussels - Robinson http://www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/93.html

Lib Dems not part of Con/Lab deal over schools - Robinson http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/92.html

Lib Dems best for environment http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/91.html

"Government, not EU, responsible for regionalisation and bureaucracy" - Robinson www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/90.html

"Tory MP backs down on ID cards" - Robinson www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/86.html

"Worsening state of local NHS dentistry" says Robinson www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/85.html

Robinson and fellow Chelmsford Lib Dems campaign against town centre one way system www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/84.html

Budget a missed opportunity says Robinson www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/83.html

Smith-Hughes & Robinson campaign on Post Offices www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/82.html

Robinson meets new Leader at conference www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/80.html

Robinson & colleagues celebrate Dunfermline election win www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/78.html

Robinson joins colleagues at national summit www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/76.html

Robinson campaigns against ID cards and Big Brother database www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/71.html

Robinson raises Post Office campaign nationally www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/70.html

Robinson, Smith-Hughes + Charman in Post Office protest www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/69.html

Robinson helps in Cheadle by-election win www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/60.html

Robinson slams Govt. for scandal of abandoned cars www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/59.html

MORE TRAINS NOT LESS - Robinson www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/58.html

News Stories from May 2005: www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/index200505.html

News Stories from April 2005: www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/index200504.html

Robinson asks "How can we possibly believe Tory tax promises?" www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/31.html

Robinson attends meeting of the Lib Dem parliamentary party: www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/30.html

Robinson welcomes Lib Dem MPs Simon Hughes & Lembit Opik to Chelmsford, to greet 100th new party member: www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/16.html

Robinson attends briefing at Charles Kennedy's office www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/13.html

As the Labour government staggers to defeat, we need plans for REAL change, not just a different face in government.