Jeremy's Week: 14th November to 20th November

Sunday, 20th November 2005

Violent Crime Reduction Bill

The Violent Crime Reduction Bill is aimed at reducing public disorder and cutting levels of violent and anti-social crime. It is the Government’s latest legislative move in their war on anti-social behaviour, with measures to tackle alcohol fuelled violence, the sale, possession and use of weapons, and mobile phone piracy.

As a Member of the Standing Committee that discussed the amendments to the Bill, I spent Monday afternoon through to the early evening listening to and contributing to the debate. You can read my contribution to the debate by clicking on Parliament and then speeches.

Licenses and Licensing Act

The Conservative Party secured a vote to annul the Licenses and the Licensing Act this week. As readers may be aware, I have been a vociferous opponent of this Act and voted against the Bill at its Third Reading – I believe it to be an ill-thought out piece of legislation.

The consequences of the binge drinking culture are all too apparent in towns and cities across Britain, with anti-social behaviour and drink-fuelled violence a common occurrence especially on Friday and Saturday night. Until we get a grip on these problems it seems absurd to provide even more opportunities for people to drink to excess.

On 14th November the House of Lords voted to delay the implementation date by 6 months, a vote that the Government were defeated on by a humiliating 33 votes. Sadly however, the Government chose to ignore the concerns of the Peers and the general public. My colleague Theresa May MP pressed for a vote in the Commons to stop the new regime coming into effect on 24th November. Unfortunately despite our best efforts the Government managed to win the vote by using their large majority and the legislation will come into force on 24th November.

Michael Howard in Rugby

On Thursday I had the pleasure of welcoming Michael Howard to Rugby. Michael spoke to civic leaders about the Council’s new Community Safety Team and how it will help tackle crime in the town. As crime and disorder is one of the biggest problems and the number one issue for people in Rugby I welcome this visit.

The visit followed that of another leading member of the Conservative Party Francis Maude who was in Rugby the previous week. Francis visited Rugby to support the Borough Council’s initiative to ban smoking in public places. Stopping off at the library he met staff who support the initiative. My postbag is full of letters from constituents who are concerned about smoking issues and this is a demonstration that we are doing something about it.

David Cameron meets Warwickshire Supporters

Warwickshire supporters were given the opportunity to meet leadership contender David Cameron on Friday. We had a hugely positive reaction from our members which is very exciting. David is a breath of fresh air and his message of change, optimism and hope went down well. David understands the need for change and how the party needs to make itself relevant to the lives and aspirations of people up and down the country.

Jeremy celebrates at his first Association’s Annual Dinner as MP

Jeremy joined his supporters at the Association’s Annual Dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel in Rugby on Friday evening to thank them for their hard work in securing his election this May. The packed dining room heard speeches from Edward Garnier, MP for Harborough and from Malcolm Harbour, one of the three Conservative MEPs representing the West Midlands in Europe.

Rugby Town Junior Football Club

On Saturday I had a tour of the facilities currently under construction for Rugby Town Junior Football Club. The impressive club is due to be completed by the middle of next year.

Surgeries

On Saturday I held my rural surgery, this week it took place in Wolston at the Leisure Centre.

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Updated on Sunday, 20th November 2005