Evening Star Column - 21st February 2012

"Last week was Parliamentary recess, coinciding with half-term, which allowed me to spend a few weekdays in theconstituency. I decided to try a tour to get round to some of the villages where I will not be holding a surgery. Some of the session venues worked, others didn't so I will learn from that. Across the constituency, planning and roads were probably the most prevalent. Planning usually is a hot topic but for 90% of it, Members of Parliament are not involved at all in the planning process. The only exception is the setting of new policies or guidelines in Westminster that are rolled out across the country. Almost all the roads in the area are also County Council responsibility with the exception of the A14. Nevertheless, the information will be shared with the appropriate bodies and people to try to get some solutions for local residents. Some of the areas where I can help will be acted upon – restoring post office facilities, questions on tax and red tape. One area raised that is a joint area of initiative is affordable housing. There I will work with our local council and see what I can do in Westminster to get things moving.

Affordable housing was the topic of a joint meeting with Council leader Ray Herring, Housing Portfolio Councillor T-J Haworth and the Chairman and Chief Executive of Flagship Housing. There are a lot of empty homes in Suffolk Coastal and a significant number are with Flagship. Finance arrangements have changed in recent years but I felt it important to understand where we are with getting these houses and homes back into circulation. The Council was criticised recently for selling off some houses but better to get the homes back into use than standing empty. Empty homes also cost the council (and therefore YOU)money with the New Homes Bonus as they reduce the amount of money the council receives. That is why the Government has legislated to allow councils to charge an extra 50% council tax to owners of empty homes so there is additional incentive for using them. I was pleased that the Chief Executive accepted that a recent issue involving removal of snow in sheltered housing areas will be addressed in the future by their community rangers. This issue is not going away and I will keep readers updated.

Helping people back to work is an important priority for this Government. We are in an interesting situation where both the level of employment and unemployment have risen. There are more people working than two years ago. There are more people unemployed. This seeming contradiction is that the number of people who have put themselves forward to work has risen. Sometimes people may have stopped working and not claimed any job-related benefits, e.g. retired before the state pension age or stay-at-home parents. That has changed so more are registered as looking for work. I reported last week on National Apprenticeship Week, the programme which has gone from strength to strength. These are real jobs that don't stop once the training has finished. The Government is also trying work experience schemes to give people a chance to show what they can do. The latest scheme that is coming under criticism is to say to people who have been on benefits for some time is to say that we will arrange some work for you to keep you or get you in the work habit while you are getting your benefits. If you don't do that, you don't get your benefits. In my selection meeting, I advocated this "workfare" as it is known. Getting people up and ready every day, turning into work on time, doing a real job, working with other people are all positive steps towards getting that elusive regular job. JSA for over 25 is £67 per week. That's approximately 10 hours on the minimum wage. I have no problem saying to people that this is the right thing to do. I had suggested that a similar number of hours could be worked in public companies, in the public sector, in charities and in third sector organisations. Other time during the week can still be spent on the job hunt. Workfare is not a return to the workhouse; it is actually a progressive way forward to help people back on the job escalator."

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Evening Star Column - 14th February 2012

"It was National Apprenticeships Week last week. In Suffolk Coastal, 790 people were in apprenticeships up 55% fromthe year before. I took the opportunity to visit the Adam and Eve salon to meet young Antonio Tella who was doing the tricky task of colouring the hair of Laura Brightman, under the careful tutelage of co-owner Reginaldo and WS Training. Apprenticeships are not confined to the service sectors. Both BT and EDF have hotly-contested apprenticeship schemes, Itron in Felixstowe and Brafe Engineering in Woodbridge have all taken on apprentices in the last 12 months. National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to congratulate apprentices across Suffolk Coastal on the fantastic work they are doing and to highlight the huge benefits apprenticeships bring.

Last week also saw National Libraries Day on the Saturday. I visited two libraries and the experience was very different. One was pretty dead, the other had been thriving throughout most of the day with the support of community groups. Around the same time, the new structure for all libraries across Suffolk came into being. It so happened my select committee started its inquiry on library closures. I could not be there for the evidence session but watched it again on BBC Parliament. It was an interesting discussion with footfall down, spending on IT growing and being more than that spent on books. It begged the question what does the library do? If the biggest growth is in reading and library campaigners felt they had a vital role in supporting the reading of children then the question then grows about the role of literacy in our schools, nurseries and Sure Start. There were also views expressed about the balance between books and buildings – what is more important? Clive Fox from Aldeburgh is the Chairman of the new IPS for Suffolk libraries and I wish him great success. I think that the combination of community involvement while keeping the mobile library service going is a model that may well be copied across the country.

I am continuing to visit schools across the constituency, though I need to visit a few more in Felixstowe, and to hear about the success and challenges in our schools. We all have to work hard to increase the aspiration of our youth and to step up attatinment levels across the board. Though I don't think money is the only solution to helping that, I do think Suffolk schools should get a fair share on funding. Over time, the rurality element of school funding (reflecting the population sparsity) has declined and I think it is time to reverse that trend. I spoke up for Suffolk schools last week in a debate on the future of small rural schools. Suffolk chose to keep small schools open. It can lead to wide age ranges within a class but I support the wishes of parents and local communities. Some schools like Peasenhall and Middleton share a headteacher and also move children about during the day on one or two days of the week to support learning. Both have outstanding Ofsted grades. I am doing more research on this at the moment and I accept that if Suffolk schools again, other areas will lose out. Well, I do believe in fairness and have contributed to the consultation on funding formula."

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Evening Star Column - 7th February 2012

"I think all of Suffolk saw the snow this weekend. It is vital for us all to keep warm but please look in on your neighboursto ensure they are ok. I understand people may be worried about bills but the free Home Heat Helpline 0800 336699 can offer advice on keeping your home warm and on fuel bills. It was so cold this weekend that, for those eligible, the cold weather payments have kicked in for many Suffolk postcodes. After the successful Surviving Winter appeal, I have written to the Suffolk Foundation and Age UK to ask them to prioritise residents who are off the gas grid. Heating your home via oil, LPG or coal is so much more expensive than using gas and if last winter is anything to go by, the oil price will shoot up (just as I need to order some). I recently met Suffolk ACRE to discuss their new oil-buying club. I think this is a useful idea but we discussed the challenge of people signing up without having a quoted price or really an indicative price. Bulk-buying should lead to lower prices and the prices since the scheme started have shown a reduction compared to smaller buying groups and price comparison websites. I have challenged them to think how this aspect of the otherwise excellent service could be improved. Credit to our council workers and the emergency services for ploughing on regardless. The bin was collected Monday morning like usual (but I wish the lorry hadn't gone quite so quickly down the hill –cue prayers that the brakes would work properly). The gritters were out and good job all round I think.

The debate I had helped secure on Network Rail was held last week. Most MPs who contributed were dissatisfied with the performance of Network Rail. Clearly there are concerns that large bonuses may be awarded when the Rail Regulator has served a breach of notice for failures. The corporate setup was patched together ten years ago and it is time for a review. I want Network Rail to succeed and as I discussed last week, some changes seem to be underway. One significant change is the deeper partnership with Abellio, who took over running our Suffolk trains on Sunday. After a good Sunday, the snow turning to ice led to some delays as trains reduced their speed slightly. If journeys to work in our cars took considerably longer, I think we can forgive an extra ten minutes' time to London, but it is key that a new tone is set straightaway and that we do see a change under Abellio.

After a week when Sir Fred became Mr Goodwin, a Cabinet Minister resigned after being charged with the serious offence of perverting the course of justice. Now it is sub-judice, I will not offer my views on this matter but no doubt, it is another blow to the public perception of politicians. The alleged offence is serious as it undermines the very nature of our justice system. These changes bring new opportunities though and through the reshuffle, the new Minister in charge of the Post Office is MP for North Norfolk, Norman Lamb. A Liberal Democrat yes but critically a rural MP who will understand the frustration of dealing with the Post Office in trying to protect small post offices and Outreach services.

Finally, Her Majesty has been our Queen for sixty years and what a wonderful sixty years it has been. Undoubtedly she has enjoyed a life of privilege and may not have faced financial problems but her family life is not atypical from many of us – losing her father when still quite young, shepherding her own family through their own troubles – actually three out of four children divorcing is probably higher than average – while she enjoys the steadfast support of the Duke of Edinburgh. To think she has seen more than ten Prime Ministers come and go, is Head of State for a quarter of the global population and embraces the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth is attending Parliament in March to celebrate the occasion. It is a few months off yet but I expect the celebrations in June will be an opportunity to reflect on her service and another glorious excuse for a good party."

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Evening Star Column - 31st January 2012

One of the unpublicised (and deemed unglamorous) aspects of Parliamentary life is sitting through delegated legislation committees. These are to review Statutory Instruments which, in my experience so far, are voted through with no opposition. The meetings usually last all of about 20-30 minutes and only 2 people speak - the Minister and his/her Shadow - so they can be seen as a bit of a chore. Two memorable ones were the increase in the minimum wage and the raising of the subsidy for Post Offices to £500 million. This week, I substituted for a colleague and arrived to be told it would go the full scheduled 90 minutes. (I knew I would be seeking a large glass of wine from my colleague in compensation.) However, it proved to be very interesting as it concerned the arrangements for the new Police and Crime Commissioner. This is the role taking over from the Police Authority and will be elected this November. It is going to be a full-time leadership role and will play a key role in the strategy and prioritisation of tackling crime. It is important to include safeguards to ensure there is no interference with the Chief Constable and his leadership of the police force. If anyone is interested in standing for this role, do get in touch but there is some more information - www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/police-crime-commissioners/

Having secured a debate on Network Rail with other colleagues, no surprise then that senior management were keen to meet me in advance of the debate. It was a useful exchange and it seems changes are underway already both on internal operations and also preparing with the new franchisee Abellio. I took the opportunity to discuss the issue of Network Rail's objections to the Academy and the insistence on siting a footbridge off Runnacles Way. I hope that these difficulties can be overcome and that Network Rail will continue to improve the service for all users.

The big political story of the weekend was the decision by the Chief Executive of RBS (Stephen Hester) to not claim his bonus. He also waived his bonus last year. I am supportive of paying appropriate rewards for success - which may well be considerably more money than you and I both earn in a lifetime. I think what is difficult to understand is that bonuses are being awarded when the value of the bank (both its asset value and equity values) have dropped significantly - which does not obviously indicate success. When it comes to profit and loss, in 2010, RBS made a loss of £1.1 billion, better than the loss in 2009 of £3.6 billion and far better than the £24.3 biillion loss in 2008. 2011 full year results are not yet out but it seems that for the first time since the crash that RBS will make a substantial profit. That is why the RBS board felt justified in awarding a bonus, according to Stephen Hester's contract. Of course, Labour have gone for the kill on this and to a large extent has won. However, who set up the contract? Labour. Who negotiated the effective take-over and chose not to change other contracts? Labour. Who was in power when Stephen Hester was awarded a potential bonus of £6 million? Labour. Dealing with paradox is something all politicians have to do but sadly, this smacks of hypocrisy. What's the solution? I think Stephen Hester should get his big bonus when the bank has been profitable for some times and the government has sold its shares. By then, RBS will have been turned around and he will truly deserve a bonus. Otherwise, the taxpayer is unlikely to ever see a financial return on the RBS bail-out.

It was a great close to the week at Felixstowe Spa with a charity concert organised by Felixstowe Radio in aid of EACH. The theatre was packed out which was no surprise with the attraction of X Factor winner Matt Cardle. I spotted Matt arriving in a small car to be greeted by some hardy Felixstowe fans who gave a bit of a whoop rather than a full-on scream. The rest of the line-up also performed well with some toe-tapping stuff. In addition to talent already known around Felixstowe, Cediq Havana got the crowd going and a lot of interaction.

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Evening Star Column - 24th January 2012

A "warm welcome to the new Ipswich Star and Felixstowe Star. My very first article for the Evening Star was just a year ago and credit to the Evening Star for 126 years. Of course, I am fully expecting the new Stars to continue bringing local news and views as well as campaign on the issues that matter to local residents.

Congratulations are due to everyone at Felixstowe Community Hospital on their excellent review by CQC. I am sure all users of the hospital will be delighted. This review strengthens the case for keeping community hospitals.

I spoke up for our port on two occasions in Parliament last week. The first was in a debate when a group of Southampton MPs were complaining that legal action concerning their planning application brought by Hutchison Ports was a commercial spoiler. The fact is that the Southampton port did not do the proper assessment and when the MMO decided to give consent anyway, I would have been astonished if our Port had not intervened. Of course, Hutchison won its case. The point of this is that companies should expect consistency from the Government and its agencies. If there is a desire for less regulation, it should apply across the board. I used the analogy of football rules applying to one club and not their rivals. Uproar would ensue! I also spoke in the main debate on Ports, asking for careful consideration of joining up policies on rail and roads, as well as much more careful consideration of marine conservation zones.

Finally, after visiting retailers on Hamilton Road, I enjoyed an afternoon of bingo at the Palace. My select committee is doing an inquiry on gambling at the moment and I raised the issue of inconsistent tax rates with the Treasury Minister, Chloe Smith. Bingo pays 20% while betting shops pay 15%. There seems to be no reason apart from history. The Minister used to work for a consulting firm who recently produced research to show that by bringing down the rate, the Government would get more revenue. I had a warm welcome on Saturday and saw it was well-priced entertainment but it also provided a friendly community. People travelled from Woodbridge and it was good to see that companionship across the tables. I didn't win but I am sure I will be back another time."

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Evening Star Column - 17th January 2012

"I joined a Norfolk/Suffolk banking summit with MPs and regional directors of the big banks last week. It is vital that businesses with good business plans can access finance to keep their businesses running and for investment. The summit offered opportunities for members of the Federation of Small Business to interact with those bank managers that can make decisions and for MPs to press the case for accessibility to finance, not always through your local bank. Credit unions have just been given powers to extend small loans to businesses. Foundation East is a community foundation that can also help. Finally, the British Banking Association are setting up a network of mentors who can help businesses review their business plans. I hope to set up a surgery soon. Having a Treasury Minister at the summit, Chloe Smith, was a bonus and she can take that message directly to George Osborne.

This is Big Energy Week – focusing on how you can pay less for your heating while still staying warm. Some quite simple changes to your home can reduce your heating bills while keeping you warm. All the energy companies are doing something. British Gas is offering free loft or cavity wall insulation for all existing customers. People in target groups canall get help. I bought insulating tape for my windows and door frames which cost less than £4 and will make a difference. The best innovation though comes from uswitch.com for those of us who don't have internet access. Simply send them your latest bill via Freepost Uswitch or call for free to 0800 0930607.

I raised the issue of rural Post Offices in Parliament with the Prime Minister last week. I am pursuing this as it is a classic case of a government agency being given plenty of money to do a job (it has increased substantially under this Government) that is wanted by the public but somehow, it just doesn't get done. I was also able to praise the postmaster, Tony Whatling, who has served for over 60 years and is still carrying on. My debate on deregulation went well. The Minister agreed that we need to go further. Regulation is something that affects many people. I spoke about a variety of examples but an obvious one for us to look at is the regulation of childcare. The cost of childcare doubled under the last Labour government, while the number of childminders halved. A lot of this was regulation required to be a childminder. I am sure we all remember those policewomen who were threatened with prosecution for looking after each other's children. It turns out OFSTED spends the majority of its budget on inspecting childcare facilities while the number of inspections has reduced. Why does this matter? Cost. The amount of subsidy for childcare has increased. More hours are offered "free" though costs continue to spiral. We need to change this.

It was very disappointing that the ambulance targets were again not met in the East of England. I will continue to put pressure on the Board and our local NHS so that Suffolk residents do not get forgotten. The week ahead brings further debate on the NHS, high streets and ports. All important topics for readers in Felixstowe, Ipswich and east Suffolk."

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Evening Star Column - 10th January 2012

"Parliament resumes this week. First day back, I have secured a short debate on deregulation - the famous red tape thatwe are keen to cut back, reducing its stranglehold on business and growth. Deregulation is happening - you can check out the "red tape challenge" online but we need to go quicker and faster, as it is a low-cost way of stimulating growth. Less cost on business can equal cheaper goods, cheaper to employ someone, easier to make or sell something. Of course, some regulation is required in many areas, enforcing the civic bonds that we have to each other, that employers have for their employees and businesses for their customers - car insurance, basic health and safety, consumer protection and so on. Europe generates a lot of regulation enacting the single market but also for the the environment. There was controversy recently when the Chancellor called for a review of the Habitats Directive. I support that as I do the Water Directive. We need to strike a balance between the environment and keeping our daily life going, including businesses and farming. I met local farmers last week concerned with the regulations on water and abstraction. This is a genuine threat to farming in east Suffolk which I will take up.

Also last week, amidst other engagements, I visited Sizewell A. It is quite unusual to be in a business that you are intentionally running down but still needs to be closed well. The radioactive material left within the building is now very-low powered but still needs to be removed, which should happen by 2014, though this building will be around for a long time to come.

Two films have been out in the last week, both likely to feature in the Oscars - War Horse and The Iron Lady. I enjoyed Meryl Streeps' portrayal of Margaret Thatcher (as you may expect) but the story is told using flashbacks, events are not in chronological order and certain key scenes of the film did not happen in real life. This last dramatisation technique is widespread - I can think of Cry Freedom for Steve Biko (the ANC activist) or In The Name of the Father for the alleged IRA Guildford Four - where pivotal, emotional and dramatic scenes did not actually occur but are added to deepen connections with the audience in a short space of time. Real life might be a bit dull if told second by second (not all our lives can be as exciting as 24's Jack Bauer). Some current MPs are in the film, helping to liven up the extras in the Chamber scenes and I still remember when Ms Streep visited Parliament to watch Prime Minister's Questions.

I am really looking forward to seeing War Horse, which I have seen on the stage and I know to pack the tissues. I am sure the horse must have been based on the sturdy, loyal Suffolk punch; fitting then that the screenplay (the dramatisation) is written by Suffolk resident Richard Curtis."

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Evening Star Column - 3rd January 2012

"Happy New Year

2012 got off to a cracking start with the fireworks in London, showcasing Big Ben right from the start and focusing on theOlympics. Fellow Conservative MP Mark Lancaster was heavily involved as it was his family firm that staged the firework display. I believe Mark was involved in laying the fireworks in Parliament - a bit different from Guy Fawkes.

2012 will bring a number of exciting moments in Suffolk. The Olympic torch relay on July 5th stops at ten places in my constituency including Woodbridge and Felixstowe. I was delighted that at the last moment, a large number of schools in the constituency became full members of the Olympics Get Set network. This opens up greater chances for our schoolchildren to become more involved in the national event. I am sure there will also be many street parties across the area for the Diamond Jubilee. Planning for both is already underway by our local councils.

The New Year's honours list brought recognition to some local people who have been pioneering in helping others. The New Year also brought some new initiatives from the Government. Probably the most headline-catching was the plan to stop council or housing association tenants from sub-letting their homes and for those wealthy enough to make them pay market rents. I think this is common sense. Union leaders getting subsidised accommodation? People who live abroad for part of the year or move in with someone else? That will free up either homes or money to help those who really need help to get a roof over their heads.

Another initiative is some extra money to help councils get older people out of hospital and back to their own homes when they are well. This seems to be a particular problem in the north of my constituency and I hope we can make progress on that. The focus of healthcare is changing so more routine activities can be done at your GP surgery or at home rather than travelling to hospital. This usually produces better outcomes at a lower cost. This is one of the reasons why the Government is pressing on with its reforms to put your local GP as your co-pilot on your healthcare.

I don't tend to set New Year resolutions but there are some important targets for the year ahead. More progress on broadband (have you signed up to show your support?), localised targets on ambulance responses, the A12, restoration of hourly rail services from Ipswich to Lowestoft, new marine plans, the starting of free schools and hopefully, greater opportunities for high value jobs in our part of Suffolk. 2012 will continue to be a challenging year economically but there will be plenty to keep us smiling with moments of national and local joy. An extra bank holiday. Suffolk Olympians and Paralympians? Even England might win Euro 2012!"

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Evening Star Column - 28th December 2011

"I hope you all enjoyed a merry Christmas. The weather was certainly mild, a contrast to Christmas 2010, and it seems that the High Streets had some Christmas cheer. Relaxing, enjoying a few more channels since the switchover, Dr Who was a modern take while Downton Abbey harked back to a classic age and had the best one-liners, particularly from Maggie Smith. Like many TV shows, it is time to do a Christmas special and a review of the year. Quite a daunting task given what a busy place Suffolk Coastal is (and I will not cover everything) but a few statistics first.

I spoke in Parliament 82 times asking questions, making speeches and contributions to debates. I asked 36 written questions. I signed 31 Early Day Motions, proposing three on War Memorials, BBC Local Radio and IT Skills Launch. In July, my Private Members' Bill (on shipwreck removal costs) received Royal Assent and is now an Act of Parliament. An additional 3400 constituents contacted me for the first time. My team and I have handled over 6000 queries. I have continued to hold two surgeries every month, except August when I am out and about across the constituency. I visited nine schools (and will visit many more in 2012) and have proactively contacted schools and charities on various opportunities, particularly concerning the Olympics. Thanks to my team (those who are still here and those who have moved on) for their support.

A year ago, the unwelcome Christmas present was that the Environment Agency had dropped the Felixstowe seafront coastal defence works. Quickly into action, working with Cllr Andy Smith, we managed to get the works restored and I am delighted that they have progressed so well. A welcome Christmas present higher up the coast for Thorpeness residents who came together with the EA and council to defend their shoreline in an innovative approach, which I think will act as a blueprint across the country for partnership working. More work is needed though on Marine Conservation Zones which is part of an attempt to bring some planning structure to our marine environment. The case still is being made for our fishermen and trying to increase quotas. I appreciate the proposals are not wholly popular but I think they provide an opportunity to ensure fishing stays within our small communities from the Ferry upwards.

Later in the year, the Port celebrated its 125th Birthday. The party was spectacular at the Port and on the seafront. With a touch of magic from Princess Anne and a visit later in the year from the new Secretary of State for Transport, helping the Port is one of my key activities as it is so important for the prosperity of Felixstowe. That is why I serve as Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary Group for Ports and Maritime, as well as Co-Chairman of Coastal and Marine which focuses more on erosion, conservation zones and coastal communities. I was pleased to be re-elected to both those posts this year.

Another key national infrastructure asset is Sizewell. Much progress was made in the year to move this project on which again is good nationally for our energy resilience and locally for new jobs and potential contracts. EDF has submitted its planning application for its Somerset plant and soon, we should see the same for Sizewell. A key part of that will be resolving the A12 situation for the 4 villages. Offshore, the wind turbines have started turning and more are due in 2012. The Green Coast of Suffolk is becoming THE energy centre for the UK and that was recognised by the Prime Minister.

Further recognition from the Prime Minister came to the people of Suffolk for their role in raising over £3 million for the Treehouse Appeal. I really saw how people came together across the county to support those less fortunate than ourselves. I appreciate this happens regularly and that is another aspect of Suffolk life that makes the county very special. I was delighted later in the year to welcome David Cameron and the Cabinet to Suffolk. It was a welcome boost for members of the Cabinet to get out and about in East Anglia to see our successes and our challenges.

One of my proudest moments in the year was to welcome the Commanding Officer (CO) and RSM of 23 Engineers to Parliament. This followed the Parliamentary Welcome of 16 Air Assault Brigade with our own CO leading the parade with the RSM bringing up the rear. Under Lt Colonel Ross' leadership, the regiment continues to be a source of pride for the local community. Long may that continue with the new CO due in the spring. Endorsing our military engagement in Libya was a key moment in the year. I am proud the UK did involve itself and am even more pleased that the campaign is now over. Of course more can be done in other states but we will only press on if we get the whole UN Security Council endorsement for such action.

A significant issue for any rural MP is healthcare. The CQC failure at Ipswich was an unwelcome note but I was pleased that the Hospital staff recognised the challenge and fixed it. I never take our hard working nurses, doctors and support staff for granted but nor will I stand back from focusing attention where it is needed. That is also true of ambulances. Working with other Suffolk MPs, we have put the spotlight on the Ambulance Trust and it is starting to pay dividends. While most call-outs do not require people to go to hospital, it is important that rural constituents receive a very good service when they dial 999. I have also taken up concerns on the Out of Hours service and pressed the case for a new surgery for Felixstowe. Other emergency services also had to be protected and I was delighted to campaign with the Evening Star on keeping a permanent fire service in Felixstowe.

A few things where I have not made as progress as I would like are on post offices. There are a number of constituents not getting the service they should and I will keep fighting their corner in the New Year. Ditto for the businesses in Hamilton Road who had a terrible shock with business rates increases that were completely unplanned. I will support any individual appeals made. Something which I have been working on for a while has been the cost of fuel for those living away from the gas grid. The cost of heating oil is still very high but the OFT study I helped secure did not lead to concerns on competition grounds, though the same could not be said for those using LPG. I will continue to work on this in 2012. More meetings with the Minister were held in December and I have now set up a Parliamentary group on the matter. I am looking to secure greater consumer protection for such residents as well as focusing help on those houses hardest to insulate. Fuel poverty is highly acute in Suffolk Coastal and perhaps a forgotten issue in Westminster.

The beautiful surroundings in which we live should never be taken for granted. Our farmers do a lot to keep our country fed as well as preserve the countryside. A big issue early in 2011 was the Government's proposals concerning forests. I held a lively public meeting in Rendlesham where questions and opinions were addressed. I took a lot of these back to Westminster and was pleased to see significant changes to the policy. I still think there are changes to be made to help improve biodiversity and stop the daft situation where we still import most of the wood we used but hopefully addressed in a more considered way. The issues surrounding Sutton Heath's change in habitat as well as tackling issues on noise were also contentious issues. It is true that finding a balance to conserving the environment and everyday practicalities (like the A12 issues) can be quite a tightrope but one on which we must gain consensus. The lack of rain early in the year contributed to a scorched looking Suffolk with genuine concerns for our farmers, many of whom rely on abstraction from aquifers and rivers in order to irrigate crops. No sooner had I raised this with the Prime Minister and the rain shortly followed but still there is work to be done on building up reservoirs and modifying licences to allow abstraction around the year, as well as allowing our rivers to recover.

My ongoing work on the Select Committee for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport has continued to be very enjoyable and, I think, worthwhile. The headlines went to our inquiry on phone-hacking, including the grilling of the Murdochs. Other reports included the Arts, FIFA and Football Governance. The most important inquiry we undertook though was for the Spectrum Auction. This probably has the most direct relevance to Suffolk Coastal residents in improving mobile broadband access with the next generation of spectrum being lined up for auction. I was pressing for coverage that would include Suffolk residents. This is not to go against the fixed-line broadband programme (which after a difficult start is progressing well) but to supplement it. All Suffolk MPs are working hard to ensure that we have much better broadband alongside the County Council and our LEP.

I know that 2011 has been a difficult year financially for many and there is no getting away from 2012 being another challenge. I do think the Government is right to tackle the deficit, to redirect funds to schemes which it believes will produce better results for children and youngsters. I also think it is right to push more decision-making down to local level away from Whitehall. There are a number of reforms concerning welfare, employment, education, health and local government that will have long-lasting, beneficial effects for us all.

I look back with a lot of fondness on 2011 (including turning the big 40) and am looking forward to 2012. More to say on that next week – dreams of Olympics and Paralympics glory, the Diamond Jubilee (God willing) and much more progress on broadband and trains."

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Evening Star Column - 20th December 2011

"It is good news to see that the sea defences along Felixstowe seafront are so far advanced, especially given the recent weather. Perhaps more worrying on first hearing was the news about the Spa Pavilion. However, I do think that these moments allow for better solutions to come forward. Save the Spa is a good rallying cry and that includes encouraging the people of Felixstowe to come forward and say what they want at the Spa, what will encourage you to go there more often if at all? I met Tourism Minister John Penrose last week for a briefing on tourism matters. John's constituency of Weston-super-Mare faces similar challenges but there have been moves to remove unnecessary legislation and renewed focus on coastal towns.

The A14 challenge has been started to bring forward thoughts on how the A14 can be improved, particularly with key bottlenecks. You do not need a full-blown motorway to keep traffic moving - anyone stuck on the M25 or other motorways can tell you the junctions where they usually get stuck at peak times as cars queue to get on and off.

Of course, one of the other disruptions that we have seen more of than we should recently are the mindless, criminal acts of dropping or throwing stones at cars. Heaven knows what possesses someone to do that but it is absolutely right that the Police put their full efforts into finding these thugs, hopefully before someone is killed.

We all know how important the A14 is but the other popular form of travel in Felixstowe and East Suffolk is the train. I met Felixstowe Travelwatch (Richard Holland and Bryan Frost) last week to discuss their concerns and it was opportune as I met Abellio on Monday. The rail summit later in the work where my excellent colleague Ben Gummer MP pressed the case for investment on the main line. Concerning our branch lines, Abellio will not be able to make significant investment but they are planning to give a facelift to existing carriages and to improve the customer experience through better information available particularly on delays and to make it easier to buy tickets. That includes better deals available online which till now you would need to pick up at a ticket office or upgraded ticket machine. Instead, you can print out at home or buy on your smartphone. One of the key reasons for delays are issues with signalling or disruption to the track. In the short term, Abellio cannot fix that but they also hope to be able to bid for work which would provide useful competition to Network Rail.

Finally, can I wish all readers of the Evening Star a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

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