CAROLINE'S LATEST NEWS FROM THE CONSTITUENCY AND WESTMINSTER

2nd February 2012 - CAROLINE CALLS ON SCHOOLS TO ENTER THE SPEAKER'S SCHOOL COUNCIL AWARDS

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage is urging school councils throughout the Constituency to enter the Speaker’s School Council Awards 2012.

The awards were first launched in 2009 to recognise the most innovative student-led school council projects in four age groups: 4-7, 7-11, 11-16, and 16-19. They are run by Parliament’s Education Service and supported by the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, who presented last year’s awards at the Houses of Parliament to the 20 finalists.

Caroline said:

“School councils are a great way for young people to get involved in democracy and decision-making at an early stage and provide an important voice for pupils on what goes on in their schools.

Having met with the School Councils at most of the 41 schools in Gosport, Hillhead, Lee-on-the-Solent and Stubbington that I have visted in the last 18 months, I know that they deserve to be showcased by these awards. I would strongly encourage them to enter, as hundreds of schools across the country have already registered for this year’s awards. I want to ensure that our local schools are amongst the winners!”.

The application process is open until 30 April 2012, and school councils can find out more from http://www.speakersschoolcouncil.org/.

1st February 2012 - CAROLINE SUPPORTS EFFECTIVE PALESTINIAN AID

Local MP Caroline Dinenage questioned Ministers in Parliament today on the delivery of effective aid to Palestine.

During Questions to the Department for International Development, the Gosport MP asked the DfID Minister “What estimate he has made of the financial situation of the UN Relief and Works Agency in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in 2011-12.”

Minister Alan Duncan stated that just over £30 million was given to UNWRA in 2011, to support its essential aid programmes for Palestinians. He also confirmed that the Department would work with host Governments and donors to set the appropriate budget over the next few years.

Caroline went on to note UNWRA’s critical work in supporting the Palestinian refugees forced out of their homes. She said: “Given that UNWRA is responsible for refugee camps outside the Occupied Territories – can he update the House on what support his department is giving to these camps?”

The Minister confirmed the vital status of UNWRA aid, stating that “conditions in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria and Jordon remain fragile” while noting that DfID support in 2011 provided maternal health care for 236,000 mothers and education for 45,000 children in the camps.

After the Questions, Caroline noted:

“It is vital that every penny we give in international aid is used efficiently to help the most vulnerable. I was pleased to hear that our support for UNWRA will continue, as it is delivering a huge amount of effective support for those in immense need in Palestinian refugee camps.”

31st January 2012 - CAROLINE STANDS BY THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage stressed her support for the Falkland Islands in Parliament today.

In a debate on the future of the Islands, the local MP underlined the inhabitants absolute right to self-determination. The debate follows increased Argentinean hostility and the imposition of trade blockades as the Islanders approach the 30^th anniversary of the Falklands War.

Caroline highlighted Gosport’s vital contribution to the conflict. She said:

“The sacrifices and memories of the War are indelibly marked on the fabric of my constituency. Gosport’s role in the conflict was significant, with a great number of sailors and submariners coming from the town. As their Member of Parliament, I feel an immense sense of pride for what my constituents sacrificed for people thousands of miles from them – but yet brought together by their desire to be British.”

The Gosport MP went on to stress that the Islanders unanimous desire to remain British must be respected. She noted that “with not a single Islander fighting to renounce their status as a British Dependent Territory, neither the British nor the Argentineans have any right to dictate their fate.”

Following Caroline’s own visit to the Falkland Islands in May last year, she concluded:

“The most striking aspect of the trip was the absolutely regard in which the Islanders held those British who fought for them. I met veterans from HMS Fearless - some from my own constituency. In their time re-visiting the Falklands, they found restaurants bills paid for them, taxi fares refused – and everywhere they went the ongoing gratitude of the Islanders for their role in securing their freedom.”

Caroline restated the need to safeguard this freedom, and called upon the Government to support the Islanders right to self-determination. 

Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne, in responding to the debate, said the Government was “unequivocal in its support of the Falkland Islands sovereignty” and recognised the Islanders wish to remain British.

30th January 2012 - CAROLINE WELCOMES POLITICS STUDENTS TO PARLIAMENT

26th January 2012 - CAROLINE CHAIRS MAJOR SUMMIT ON CHILD SAFETY ONLINE

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage today chaired a major summit on keeping children safe online.

Child welfare charities, policy experts and major internet companies gathered for the keynote seminar, hosted by the Westminster eForum. The panellists were first called upon to discuss the practical implications of the commitment by four leading internet providers to allow parents to block inappropriate online content at the point of sale.

Caroline said:

“The Internet is a powerful and valuable resource that has revolutionised almost every aspect of our lives. It opens up a world to our children that we could only dream of at their age – but there are dangers too. We must ensure that internet providers do all they can to work with parents and teachers to prevent children accessing harmful content, and I welcome this seminar as a crucial step to making that a practical reality”.

In the final session, Caroline was joined by a representative from the NSPCC and leading policy analysts to discuss how children can be educated about safety online. Particular attention was given to the risks created by social networking, with Facebook’s European Policy Manager facing extensive questioning.  Caroline noted:

“Social networks represent an immense new challenge to internet safety, and they must play their role in creating a secure environment for children.It’s also our duty to make sure the kids themselves are truly ‘internet savvy’, and the seminar rightfully highlighted that schools must educate children about the best way to be safe online”.

Caroline’s involvement in the seminar reflects her ongoing commitment to child safety online. As an inaugural member of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Online Children Protection, she has long campaigned for more action to tackle the threats children face online.

24th January 2012 - CAROLINE WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS

Local MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed the launch of a major initiative to promote new businesses.

The new partnership between Government and private enterprise asks all budding entrepreneurs ‘what’s the business in you?’. The campaign website provides the inspiration, support and guidance to help uncover the entrepreneurial spark in everyone.

The campaign, launched by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and existing industry leaders, calls on future business owners to visit http://businessinyou.bis.gov.uk/ to find out more about the resources available to start a business. It also showcases the very best in British entrepreneurship, with case studies of thriving new businesses that are making it big despite the economic climate.

Following the launch earlier this week, Caroline said:

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the British economy, and I welcome this move to unleash the entrepreneurial potential in everyone. As I small business owner myself, I know that however rewarding the experience is, the obstacles to getting started are daunting. This new campaign provides the support and guidance to ensure the entrepreneurial dreams that so many of us foster can become a reality”.

Major business representatives, such as the British Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Business have backed the ‘Business in You’ campaign, which has also drawn specific offers of support from companies such as Yell and Ernst and Young.

23rd January 2012 - CAROLINE STANDS UP FOR VULNERABLE CONSTITUENTS OVER UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage stood up for vulnerable constituents in Parliament today.

During Questions to the Department of Work and Pensions, the local MP quizzed the Secretary of State on the impact that the Universal Credit could have on claimants’ rent payments.

Caroline asked:

“Could my Rt. Hon Friend indicate how much flexibility there is for the way Universal Credit can be paid, for example on a weekly rather than monthly basis or allowing the housing component to be paid directly to landlords in order to protect the most vulnerable families in my constituency?”

The Secretary of State, Iain Duncan Smith, responded by stressing that the change to monthly payment given directly to the claimant was necessary to create a sense of responsibility, which aided people when they returned to work. He went on to add that the Government would “make absolutely certain that those who cannot manage will have fall-back options and assistance to ensure that they can pay all their relevant bills in time.”

The question follows Caroline’s regular meetings with local stakeholders to discuss the impact that elements of the Universal Credit could have. While many of the reforms have been welcomed, concerns have been raised over whether more vulnerable claimants will be able to maintain rent payments if their credit is received on a monthly, rather than weekly, basis.

Speaking after the question, Caroline added:

“I greatly support the majority of these much-needed reforms, which will enhance the lives of many by ensuring that it always pays to work.  Yet we cannot afford to overlook the vulnerable claimants who may be unable to cope with the change to monthly payments. I was glad to be able to quiz the Secretary of State on my constituents’ concerns, and pleased to hear that safeguards will be in place for the most vulnerable.”

18th January 2012 - CAROLINE CONDEMNS ‘UTTERLY BAFFLING’ OBSTRUCTIONS TO PORT OF SOUTHAMPTON GROWTH

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has condemned obstructions to growth at the Port of Southampton.

Caroline joined MPs from across the region in Parliament today to press for action to secure the future of the port. The debate in Westminster Hall came at a critical juncture, as Port owners ABP (Associated British Ports) upped their campaign to gain consent to develop container ship capacity to meet the demands of new, larger vessels.  

The expansion is seen as essential to securing the commercial competitiveness of the port, and was praised by the Gosport MP as “a shining example of private investment that should fuel economic growth, trade and jobs”.

Yet the failure of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to grant consent and the meddling of commercial rivals Hutchison’s Ports has prevented this development for over four years. Caroline condemned the “tortuous tale of mishaps and deliberate obstructions”, and highlighted that “the alternative…is the very real possibility that the international success of the Port will be undermined and up to 2,000 jobs put at risk. The new generation of container ship are on the horizon – if Southampton is not allowed to act within the coming months, they may well pass her by”.

The public consultation on the expansion will finally conclude on 22^nd February and the decision will then be left in the hands of the MMO. Caroline stressed the need for “speed and precision” from the MMO, a quango created by the previous Government, so construction can begin in time for the arrival of the larger ships.

Transport Minister Mike Penning, in responding to the debate, said he was “categorically supportive” of expansion at the Port of Southampton. He emphasised the Government’s recognition of the “importance and significance of ports to an island nation”, but noted the relative lack of influence Ministers hold over the MMO.

17th January 2012 - CAROLINE CAMPAIGNS TO IMPROVE GOSPORT SHOPS

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage supported the campaign to regenerate local high streets in a debate in the House of Commons today. 

In the wake of the Portas review into the future of high streets, she has called for Gosport to be selected as a pilot town to test the recommendations.

 In a hard hitting speech, Caroline cited the number of empty shops in Gosport, reserving particular criticism for the Post Office in Gosport town centre being allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.  She lamented its “state of permanent refurbishment, making it more akin to a builder’s site than a fully functional retail environment.”

During the debate, Caroline praised the success of the shops in Stubbington village centre despite difficult trading conditions, but condemned the “crazy idea” of the proposed introduction of parking charges.

Caroline’s call for economic regeneration for the area continues her work to promote Gosport as an excellent place to do business and comes off the back of the successful Enterprise Zone and Regional Growth Fund bids.

17th January 2012 - CAROLINE HONOURS HOLOCAUST VICTIMS

16th January 2012 - CAROLINE CAMPAIGNS AGAINST NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has continued her support for a major Parliamentary inquiry into body image.

The investigation, launched by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Body Image in November 2011, heard today from leading representatives from the diet and cosmetic surgery industries. The Hampshire MP, as a founding member of the APPG, was on hand to hear the evidence from organisations such as Weight Watchers and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Speaking after the event, Caroline said:

“There is an urgent need for this inquiry at a time when body image anxiety is fuelling low self-esteem, depression and eating disorders among young people and adults. I commend the huge progress we’ve made already with the investigation and welcome the contribution of the diet and cosmetic surgery industries today. It’s high time that they stood up and recognised the harm that can be caused by the unrealistic diets and images that the irresponsible elements of their industries propagate”.

The inquiry, which is set to incorporate 12 evidence sessions in total, will continue to hear from a range of sources including the fashion industry, academics, the media and youth organisations. The concluding report will set out the causes and consequences of body image anxiety, and the potential solutions.  Caroline added:

“I’m committed to supporting this inquiry in its entirety to ensure that we genuinely tackle the root causes of body anxiety, and work towards a society that promotes, rather than undermines, positive body image.”

16th January 2012 - CAROLINE BACKS BIG ENERGY WEEK

Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage has continued her campaign against rising fuel bills by supporting Big Energy Week (16-21 January 2012).

With the freezing temperatures stretching household finances, vulnerable groups from across Gosport are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills.

Caroline said: “Thousands of people within my constituency are at real risk of falling in to debt so this is a very timely campaign.”

During Big Energy Week you can get practical advice on cutting your fuel bills and help to see if you are getting all of the financial support you are entitled to.  Just visit www.bigenergyweek.org.uk for more information and details of local Big Energy Week events in your area.  

Caroline said: “Fuel bills are a big worry for many people at the moment.  I am pleased to support Big Energy Week and hope it will make a big difference to my constituents by saving them money on their bills.”

16th January 2012 - CAROLINE CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ROCK THE HOUSE

Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage is encouraging people to take part in the annual Parliamentary live music competition, Rock the House, and invites under-18s, solo artists, bands and live music venues in the Gosport constituency to write and nominate themselves.

The competition was founded by Mike Weatherley MP in support of the UK live music sector to raise the profile of intellectual property rights issues and counts rock legends Alice Cooper and Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan as Patrons.

Musicians and live music venues within the Gosport area can find all forms and information on the competition at www.rockthehouse2012.com and can send in their nominations to Caroline Dinenage MP at caroline.dinenage.mp@parliament.uk.

To check if you’re one of Caroline’s constituents please enter your postcode at http://findyourmp.parliament.uk. Any musicians outside the Gosport constituency can still write to their MP to nominate themselves to take part.

Prizes include music equipment; a chance to play at high profile festivals; and mingle with the great and the good of the music industry. Successful nominees will go forward to the national competition which will be judged by a panel of international music industry experts and musicians with the finalists being announced on Friday 18^th May.

The finalists will take part in a battle of the bands to determine the winner on Wednesday 30^th May and the winner in each category will perform live at a final competition reception on the Terrace at the House of Commons in the evening.

Caroline said:

“There is a wealth of live music talent in Gosport, and I would urge all musicians and live music venues to fill in an application and send it to me. The recognition and contacts entrants can get from taking part is priceless and it would be great to put Gosport on the map for its artistic talent.”

13th January 2012 - CAROLINE URGES SUPPORT FOR QA HOSPITAL IN CONSULTATION

Gosport’s MP Caroline Dinenage is calling on local residents to help save vascular surgery at the Queen Alexandra Hospital.

A consultation is to be launched this Monday into the controversial plans to reform vascular surgery provision in the region. While the exact details are yet to be unveiled, one proposal could result in the transfer of almost all vascular services away from the Queen Alexandra Hospital to Southampton.

Caroline is now urging people from across Gosport and Portsmouth to have their say to help keep vascular surgery at QA. A second ‘standalone’ solution proposed by Portsmouth Hospital Trust to secure vascular surgery at the Portsmouth hospital is expected to be included in the consultation.

Speaking days before the launch of the consultation, Caroline said:

“Vascular surgeons are integral to much of the life-saving work at QA, with renal, cancer, diabetic, interventional radiology and stroke services relying on the work that they do. The loss of the majority of vascular surgery functions at the hospital would be a huge blow across the board”.

The local MP was also keen to stress that the Queen Alexandra Hospital’s status as a ‘super-hospital’ must be considered:

“My constituents in Gosport have already had to face the loss of the hospital at Haslar. Any downgrading of the services at QA would seriously call into question whether the ‘super-hospital’ promised in its place has been delivered”.

The consultation, run by the Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth PCT Cluster, is to be launched on Monday 16^th January and will run for 3 months. Caroline is urging all members of the public to have their say. She added:

“The removal of services from QA must not be seen as a ‘done deal’ – it is vital that health bosses know how strong the local feeling is on this before it is too late”.

9th January 2012 - CAROLINE CALLS FOR HELP WITH FIGHT FOR ARCTIC CONVOY MEDAL

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has called on the public to help her in her campaign to persuade the Ministry of Defence to honour the Arctic Convoy veterans with their own medal.

The Gosport MP is encouraging as many people as possible to sign an online e-petition on this subject.

Under new legislation introduced by the Conservative Government, if an e-petition receives 100,000 signatures it can be debated in the main Chamber of the House of Commons.

Caroline said "I feel that I have done nearly all I can on this campaign, I have questioned David Cameron at PMQs, had a private meeting with him at Downing Street and recently held a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament on which received strong interest from across the political spectrum as well as the national media."

 She added:

“I now need people to help get a full Parliamentary debate on this by signing the e-petition for an Arctic Convoy medal and spreading the word to their family and friends to do the same."

The Government has decided that an independent review will be carried out into the rules governing the award of military medals, with a verdict expected in 2012, however the scope of the review, and who will lead it, has yet to be announced.

Caroline added:

“With only 200 of the tens of thousands of veterans still alive to receive this honour, time is of the essence. The outpouring of support I continue to receive off the back of the debate proves that there is strong demand for our heroic veterans to be awarded an Arctic Convoy medal and this will only serve to spur me on.”

To sign the petition please visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/5211

22nd December 2011 - CAROLINE SPEAKS UP FOR APPRENTICES

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage spoke up for apprentices in Parliament this week.

In a debate in the House of Commons on Monday, Caroline praised the Government’s remarkable apprenticeship record. She said:

“It is a huge tribute to the Government’s commitment to apprenticeships that in just 12 months we have witnessed an incredible increase of more than 50% in the number of apprenticeships across the country.”

The Gosport MP did however stress that much more needs to be done to promote apprenticeships in schools. Citing the experience of a female apprentice who is currently training at the Gosport based HMS Sultan, Caroline added:

“The reality that her case illustrates is that many schools are simply not doing enough to promote apprenticeships. We must ensure that they are recognised and endorsed as a viable and exciting opportunity for young people. What better way of doing that than to get young apprentices into schools to talk about their experiences?”

Caroline went on to commend the work of a number of apprenticeship providers around Gosport, including the training at HMS Sultan which enables around 400 apprentices a year to train for major companies such as Network Rail and EDF Energy.

Monday’s debate was called following a record year for apprenticeships, in which nearly 443,000 people started as an apprentice, and enabled Ministers to outline future Government plans to further support and expand apprenticeship provision.

19th December 2011 - CAROLINE WELCOMES WOMEN ONBOARD SUBMARINES

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed the announcement that women in the Royal Navy will be able to serve onboard submarines.

In the House of Commons today, Caroline asked the Secretary of State for Defence, “What expertise and positions women in the Royal Navy can provide on-board submarines.”

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond informed the House that all positions will be open for women to apply for onboard submarines. He also noted that male and female submariners will be assessed on equal criteria and receive the same training.

Caroline additionally called on the Secretary of State to set out the timeframe for the change. She asked: “Can my Honourable Friend update the House on what the training and service timetable is expected to be for the first female submariners?”

Mr Hammond confirmed that the first female submariners are expected to take up their posts towards the end of 2013. Initially this will be a small number of female officers - volunteers who will begin training next year for service on the Vanguard Class of Trident submarines. The first female ratings will be recruited and trained from 2014.

Caroline’s questions to the Defence Secretary came just a week after he first announced the ban on female submariners would be lifted. The decision followed an 18-month review by the Royal Navy into the health, technical and social implications of enabling women to serve on submarines, which concluded the major argument on the basis of health was unfounded.

14th December 2011 - CAROLINE CHAIRS MAJOR ANTI-PIRACY MEETING

Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, chaired a major anti-piracy meeting in Parliament today.

Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham addressed the numerous MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum at the event. It was hosted by the Chamber of Shipping, the leading representatives of the UK shipping industry, and also addressed by their President and Chairman of major container line CMA-CGM, Michael Parker.

Parliamentarians and industry representatives hailed the event as key to raising awareness and promoting action on piracy. The major impact of piracy on trade was discussed, as it is thought that it costs the global economy up to $12 billion a year. Somali pirates, operating first in the Gulf of Aden and now across the Indian Ocean, also pose an exceptional threat to the safety of seafarers. It is estimated that 60 sailors have lost their lives since 2008.

With 7 merchant ships currently in pirate hands and some 150 seafarers held captive for ransom, the meeting in Parliament called for further action to tackle piracy. While the Government’s announcement that ships would be able to carry armed guards was welcomed, industry representatives also stressed the need for a far-reaching approach to tackle the root causes of the problem.

Speaking after the meeting, Caroline Dinenage said:

“I was delighted to chair this crucial meeting to highlight the devastating effects of piracy on seafarers’ safety and world trade. Industry representatives and Parliamentarians constructively came together explore the decisive and comprehensive actions that could end the blight of piracy in our oceans”.

13th December 2011 - CAROLINE SECURES KEY ANNOUNCEMENT ON TACKLING FORCED MARRIAGE

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has secured a key announcement on the criminalisation of forced marriage.

In the Commons yesterday, the Government confirmed that a consultation will be launched into whether forced marriage should be made a criminal offence. The announcement to the House came in response to Ms Dinenage’s question to Home Office ministers.

Caroline asked: ‘What steps she is taking to tackle the practice of forced marriages’.

Lynne Featherstone, Home Office Minister for equalities and criminal information, laid out plans for the new consultation into its possible criminalisation and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ending the practice.

The Gosport MP welcomed the proposed consultation, and went on to urge the Government ‘to work closely with the relevant communities to ensure that women are no longer discouraged from reporting cases of forced marriage’.

The Minster confirmed that community groups were integral to the Government strategy to ensuring that the victims of forced marriages are able to come forward for help.

Following Home Office Questions, Caroline added: ‘Every year, it is estimated that between 5000 and 7000 victims are forced into marriages against their will. I welcome the Government’s commitment to consider the potential criminalisation of this despicable practice, to ensure that no more women are denied the fundamental right to make their own choices about their lives’.

5th December 2011 - CAROLINE CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO HONOUR ARCTIC CONVOY VETERANS

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage will call on the Government to honour the veterans of the Arctic Convoys in Parliament this week.

In a debate to be held this Tuesday in Westminster Hall, Caroline will urge Ministers to recognise the role of the Arctic Convoy veterans in World War II. The debate, initiated by Ms Dinenage, is in support of a long running campaign to gain a medal for the veterans of the Arctic Convoys.

Around 66,500 men braved the dangerous and freezing conditions of the Arctic Circle to keep the supply lines open to Russia in the Second World War. Yet despite enduring what Winston Churchill described as ‘the worst journey in the world’, the veterans of the Arctic Convoys have not been honoured by this country. It remains the only major sea campaign of the war not to be awarded a specific medal, with the Atlantic Star, which the veterans receive, referring to a campaign over 800 miles away.

Speaking prior to the debate, Caroline said:

“Heroic and brave may be words we hear all too often these days – but yet they are words that are absolutely personified by the Arctic Convoy veterans. It is an insult to these men, and brings shame on our country, that no specific medal exists for their courageous actions in the Second World War”.

With news that the Prime Minister will initiate an independent medal review, following the inconclusive result of the MOD’s 16 month-long review, Caroline will highlight the need for swift action. She said:

“With only 200 of the tens of thousands of veterans still alive to receive this honour, time is of the essence. I will urge the Minister in tomorrow’s debate to provide a concrete timetable for rapid action, so that we can recognise the heroic service of the veterans before it is too late”.

The debate, which will run from 12.30pm on Tuesday 6^th December, will receive a response from Defence Minister and Minister for Veterans, Andrew Robathan. It will be attended by a number of the surviving veterans, including their campaign leader Commander Eddie Grenfell.

5th December 2011 - CAROLINE TO HOST ENERGY ADVICE SURGERY

Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, will be running a special energy advice event open to all members of the public on Friday 16 December 2011.

The surgery will be held as part of the Warm Homes Campaign, run by the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, with support from E.ON, British Gas and other leading organisations.  Visitors to the drop-in event will receive a host of energy saving material as well as practical help and support for those concerned about their energy bills this winter.

Speaking about the importance of this issue, Caroline said: “There are still millions of people struggling to keep their homes warm and protect their families from the cold. This problem is one that affects thousands of vulnerable people within Gosport and I would encourage anyone concerned about their energy bills, or who is looking for free expert advice on how to better insulate their homes to take advantage of this specialist surgery.

The event will run from 10 am – 12 noon on Friday 16 December at Caroline’s constituency office at 167 Stoke Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1SE and is open to all.

29 November 2011 - CAROLINE ASKS QUESTION ON EGYPTIAN UNREST

Local MP Caroline Dinenage today sought an update on the political situation in Egypt following the recent disorder in a question to the Minister responsible for the Middle East and North Africa.

There had been fears the current election might be delayed after last week’s deadly protests against the interim military rulers. However, the second of three days of voting is under way in the first elections since President Hosni Mubarak was overthrown in February.

Given the security concerns an unstable Egypt presents for the rest of the region, Caroline asked the Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt, “What assessment he has made of recent political developments in Egypt?” 

In response, the Minister said the Government shared the desire for a democratically stable and secure Egypt and called upon the interim rulers to, “Announce a timetable for the transfer of military to civilian rule as quickly as possible”. 

Caroline added outside the chamber, “We can take some comfort from the fact that the Egyptian people have turned out in such vast numbers for these elections, this is a sign of progress and I’m hopeful that the transition to stable civilian rule is a speedy one”.

22nd November 2011 - CAROLINE WELCOMES CAMPAIGN TO HELP ENERGY CUSTOMERS ‘PLUG THE DEBT’

Local MP for Gosport, Caroline Dinenage has backed the joint Consumer Focus/Citizens Advice Bureau campaign aiming to help advise people who are falling behind with their energy bills.

With temperatures starting to plummet, vulnerable groups from across Gosport will struggle to keep their home warm this winter.

Caroline said: “Thousands of vulnerable people within my constituency are at real risk of falling in to debt so this is a very timely campaign.”

Recent figures show that new cases of household energy debts nationwide have increased by 20% and many more people will be pushed into debt to their energy supplier this winter. 

Caroline added, “With this in mind, the ‘Plug the Debt’ campaign has been launched to promote energy awareness.  I fully support their efforts and would encourage people to find out what levels of support are available to them.”

21st November 2011 - CAROLINE VISITS OUR TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN

Local MP for Gosport, Caroline Dinenage has returned after a weekend in Afghanistan as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. This popular and long running scheme provides MPs with the opportunity to experience military life first-hand and strengthen connections between serving men and women and their representatives in Parliament.

Caroline spent her time in the British base at Camp Bastion where she was briefed by different elements of the Allied campaign including; the Improvised Explosive Device search team, the UK/Afghan training staff and the Provincial Reconstruction Team who are all working hard to create a safe and secure Afghanistan.

Caroline spoke about her experiences upon her return, saying “It’s been such a rewarding opportunity to learn more about the duties of our courageous forces out in Afghanistan. Being exposed to the demanding conditions our troops have to endure day in day out has reaffirmed just how incredibly hard they work to keep us all safe.”

Caroline also had the chance to meet with local constituents from the Gosport and Southsea areas who are currently out in Afghanistan on a tour of duty.

Caroline added, “I was also able to meet with senior military and diplomatic officials during my visit and I intend to continue my interest in the region back in Westminster.”

10th November 2011 - VETERANS GO FOR GOPORT

 Local MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed the news that Gosport is the number one location for veterans.

Recent statistics compiled by the Local Government Association (LGA) and released today show that there are 68 veterans per 1,000 people in the borough of Gosport.

Caroline said:

“The people of Gosport should feel very privileged to have so many brave service men and women settle here. It is a testament not just to our proud military history, but also the great sense of community and beautiful coastal location”.

But the Gosport MP acknowledged that the high proportion of veterans also brought about additional challenges for the area, as research shows that many veterans were missing out on financial, housing and employment support. She added:

“It is a tragic fact that many veterans slip through the net on their return to ‘civvy street’. With Gosport’s high number of veterans, we must be especially attuned to their needs. Support is available to ensure they can find employment, housing and other resources, but the information needs to be clear so veterans know that the help is there”.

The publication of these statistics will allow the local council to more effectively target veterans to ensure their needs are looked after. Caroline, who recently opened the new Gosport and Portsmouth Home for Veterans, has long campaigned for veterans and forces families to receive the necessary support and will continue to do so.

8th November 2011 - CAROLINE DRIVES LOCAL GROWTH AGENDA

Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, today chaired a meeting attended by Treasury Minister Mark Hoban and key stakeholders from across the region to discuss ways in which the local economy could be improved.

Among the business leaders present were members of the Solent LEP Board who provided further details on the Enterprise Zone project and Regional Growth Fund success.  Caroline said, “I am extremely pleased to see that the Government has recognised the need for greater support in the South and moved to help unlock the significant potential of growth for SMEs in the Solent”.  

The meeting also marked a successful first 6 months for the Solent LEP, who have worked hard to demonstrate there are areas within the region that require support and put together competitive bids. The Enterprise Zone status and RGF success is a testament to all their hard work. 

A number of issues were discussed as to how the local economy could be assisted, including ways of boosting the numbers of apprentices working in local firms and how the skills base of workers in the Solent area could be improved.

Caroline added: "The maritime and aviation sectors have the potential to provide many jobs for local people in and around the Gosport peninsula. We must proactively support these industries in order to develop the Daedalus Enterprise Zone as a centre of aviation engineering and marine excellence in its own right, and by doing so will create the economic growth we need".

7th November 2011 - CAROLINE WELCOMES HELP FOR VETERANS

7th November 2011 - GOSPORT MP HAILS OLYMPIC TORCH SUCCESS

The Olympic Torch is coming to Gosport as locals prepare to be part of one of Britain’s biggest ever celebrations.

Local MP Caroline Dinenage, who has long campaigned for Gosport to be included on the route, has welcomed the decision by the International Olympic Committee. Following a campaign launched by Caroline in May, the IOC has announced that the torch will pass through Gosport on 15^th July 2012.

Caroline said:

“The 2012 Olympics is set to be one of our country’s great historic moments. I am delighted that the campaign to bring the Olympic Torch to Gosport has paid off, so that all of my constituents can share in this epic event”.

“It will be a chance not just to celebrate the Olympics, but also all that is great about Gosport”.

Following the announcement in May this year that the Olympic Torch would visit Hampshire, Caroline Dinenage lobbied the IOC to ensure that Gosport was included on the route.

The route in the South-East announced today will also take in places such as East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Bletchley Park and Winchester. The Olympic Flame is set to visit every county in the South East so that 95% of the population are within an hour’s journey time of the route.

4th November 2011 - CAROLINE: 'THE COALITION GOVERNMENT IS DELIVERING FOR WOMEN'

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has signed an open letter highlighting this Government’s support for women.

Open Letter: This Coalition Government is Delivering For Women

As Conservative MPs, we care passionately about the equal advancement of women, in both the political and the economic sense.

Women still lag behind men in both areas in Britain in the 21st Century.  Far more women than men live in workless households.  They own 17% less than men.  Their incomes are 17% lower than men's in similar jobs. They are more likely to be in low paid work. They start businesses at half the rate men do. They have 14% less to live on in retirement and are relatively more dependent on means-tested benefits. Under Labour, far too many became trapped in 16 hour a week jobs, missing out on career progression.  This is a scandal we plan to change.

With welfare reform, pensions reform, shared parental leave, financial support for part-time students, tax reform to lift hundreds of thousands of women out of income tax altogether and protection for the 80% female workforce which is the lowest paid during the public sector pay freeze, we aim to make working and saving pay for all the women of this country.  Furthermore, under the Universal Credit, help with child care will start from the first hour of work.

In other important ways, this government has taken action.  New rape crisis centres have opened; more money is being spent on women-focused international aid, helping girls to go to school.  Sex worker jobs can no longer be advertised in Job Centres; the Bailey review has been commissioned, tackling the sexualisation of children.  Parents have been enabled with more internet filters.

We don’t support all of this despite being Conservative.  We support it because we are Conservative and believe in equality of opportunity for all.

Harriett Baldwin MP

Laura Sandys MP

Mary MacLeod MP

Sarah Newton MP

Robert Buckland MP

Margot James MP

Andrea Leadsom MP

Nicky Morgan MP

Eleanor Laing MP

Jane Ellison MP

Lorraine Fullbrook MP

Matt Hancock MP

Damian Hinds MP

George Hollingberry MP

Anne Marie Morris MP

Esther McVey MP

Caroline Dinenage MP

Julian Smith MP

Helen Grant MP

Dr. Sarah Wollaston MP

Nick Boles MP

Amber Rudd MP

Claire Perry MP

3rd November 2011 - GOPSORT MP BACKS FAIR FUEL CALLS

Caroline Dinenage MP has backed calls for a Parliamentary debate on fuel prices.

Following an e-petition which attracted more than 105,000 signatures on a Government website, the Gosport MP has pledged her support for a motion on fair fuel.

The motion will call on the Government to address the increasing burden faced by hard-pressed motorists due to escalating fuel prices. The debate, subject to official Parliamentary confirmation, is now scheduled to be held on the 15^th November.

With the average price of petrol in Gosport hitting 134.8p a litre, Caroline wants the Government to take action.

She said:

“Tens of thousands of people across my constituency have been hit by extortionate fuel prices. From hardworking families to struggling local businesses, everyone is feeling the pinch. I think it is time to take real action on this issue to alleviate the burden my constituents face”.

The motion, which has been introduced by the Conservative MP Robert Halfon and the Fair Fuel UK campaign group, is expected to attract cross-party support. It urges the Government to ensure falls in oil prices are passed onto consumers and asks for fuel duty to be examined.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/east-hampshire/gosport_mp_pledges_support_for_fair_fuel_debate_1_3222447

2nd November - CAROLINE CALLS ON LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO GET INVOLVED IN ‘MAKE IT IN GREAT BRITAIN’ CAMPAIGN

Local MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed the Government campaign ‘Make it in Great Britain’ to transform outdated opinions of UK manufacturing. The campaign will culminate in an exhibition during the forthcoming Olympics that will celebrate the successes of the manufacturing sector, challenge inaccurate views of manufacturing and encourage young people to consider a career in the industry.

Caroline said, “I’m encouraging everyone involved in manufacturing in Gosport, whether they are business owners, designers, engineers, plant operators or apprentices to support the campaign by putting themselves forward as manufacturing champions. With their help, we can modernise people’s views of manufacturing.”

The launch of the campaign comes after a fortnight of activity, highlighting the importance of manufacturing to the economy and, through the Government’s ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ initiative, encouraging young people to consider a career in modern manufacturing.

Caroline added, “Manufacturing can boost the economy if we help manufacturers to grow and export.  The Government has announced more than £140million investment in manufacturing in the last month and we need to work hard to dispel the myth that we don’t make anything in the UK anymore.  I fully support the ‘Make it in Great Britain’ campaign and would encourage manufacturers throughout the Gosport peninsula to get involved.”

1st November 2011 - CAROLINE QUESTIONS AID TO INDIA

Caroline Dinenage has questioned the foreign aid directed to India.

Following a trip to India in September, Caroline appeared on the national Daily Politics show to express concern that India was not doing enough to help its own citizens.

Caroline noted that despite India’s growing wealth, there was an arrogance among the India MPs she met that neglected the immense poverty that many of the Indian population endure.

As a long-standing champion of the need to effectively target aid only at the areas of greatest deprivation, Caroline has welcomed the Government policy to focus only on India’s poorest states and channel aid through grass-root organisations.

You can catch the interview for the following week by clicking on the link below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b017090g

31st October 2011 - GOSPORT MP WELCOMES DUAL REGIONAL GROWTH FUND BOOST

Local MP Caroline Dinenage has hailed Gosport’s dual success in winning Regional Growth Fund bids.

The Government has today announced that two separate bids submitted by the Solent LEP will receive RGF support to boost jobs and the economy in Hampshire.

One bid will see £2.1 million poured into local small and medium businesses through a distribution fund publicised by the Portsmouth News, an idea first suggested by Caroline Dinenage at a meeting with the newspaper several months ago. The second bid will see a further amount directed to the Enterprise Zone on the Daedalus site, for the development of the airfield and to support maritime and aviation businesses onsite.

Caroline, who has long campaigned for the South East to receive greater Government support for business, has expressed her delighted at the news. It comes following a debate Caroline held in Parliament earlier in the year to highlight the long-term Government failure to help business growth in the South. She said:

“This is fantastic news for Gosport and the whole region. The prevalent view of the affluent South has disguised pockets of real deprivation for too long, and I am glad that this Government has recognised the need for investment. Both the bids were visionary and constructive, and will bring a much needed boost to jobs and innovation in the area”.

“Gosport will continue to face substantial challenges, but the success of these bids and the location of an Enterprise Zone at the Daedalus site hails a new dawn for growth and employment in the Gosport area”.

The two successful bids are gaining a part of the £950 million that will be distributed by the Government in the second phase of the Regional Growth fund allocation. This is predicted to generate £6 billion in private sector investment, and create 37,000 direct jobs and a further 164,000 through the supply chain and boosts for local economies.

31st October 2011 - CAROLINE HOSTS FIRST EVER FRANCHISE EVENT FOR MPS

26th October 2011 - MP INVADES GOSPORT

26th October 2011 - CAROLINE AT FOREFRONT OF PROMOTING LOCAL GROWTH

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage is at the forefront of promoting local growth in Parliament.

Caroline has been elected by fellow Parliamentarians as the Vice-Chairman of the new All-Party Parliamentary Group for Local Growth, Enterprise Zones and LEPs. The group, founded by Conservative MP Brandon Lewis, will work with community stakeholders to drive the local growth agenda in Parliament.

The move follows hot on the heels of Caroline’s successful campaign for the Daedalus site in Gosport to be designated as an Enterprise Zone. Just this week, Caroline has also secured an important confirmation from the Communities and Local Government Minister Greg Clark that existing businesses in the Enterprise Zone would enjoy the same 100% business rate exemption benefits as new ones.

Speaking after the meeting, Caroline said:

“This Government has taken bold steps to empower local communities to drive their own growth agendas. This group will ensure that our policies can deliver the best results for all stakeholders, so we can secure rapid but sustainable growth for the future”.

The inaugural meeting of the APPG, which brought together MPs, Lords, and Council and LEP representatives, was addressed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, who praised its potential to aid long-term growth.

24th October 2011 - CAROLINE VOTES FOR EU REFERENDUM

Caroline Dinenage has put her support fully behind calls for a referendum on the EU.

Caroline voted in favour of a motion put before Parliament today that moved to have a national referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union.

Although the motion was ultimately defeated, Caroline has pledged to continue working to ensure that the people have a voice on Europe.

She said:

“I believe it is high time that the British people had a say on our relationship with the EU. For too long, successive Governments have denied the public the right to voice their views on this issue. As the Member of Parliament Gosport, I know what an important matter it is for my constituents, and it is only right and fair that I convey their strong feelings on this issue when I vote today.”

Caroline explained her full reasons in the artile below:

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/opinion/alan-mcloughlin/i_believe_people_should_have_a_say_on_europe_1_3201878

22nd October 2011 - ROWNER REGENERATION: CAROLINE WELCOMES NEW RESIDENTS

21st October 2011 - ALVERSTOKE SCHOOL VISIT IS A GREAT SUCCESS

20th October 2011 - CAROLINE SUPPORTS LAUNCH OF TOP MARITIME TRAINING SYSTEM

Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, today supported the launch of a top new maritime training system.

At the event at HMS Collingwood, Caroline joined notables from across the Royal Navy to mark the opening of the Maritime Composite Training System.

The Maritime Composite Training System will initially be used to train crews for Type 45 and Type 42 Destroyers, as well as Type 23 frigates, with the potential to be used to simulate the systems on upcoming assault ships and carriers in future. Installed at the site in Fareham, the system is expected to train around 1,000 personnel a year.

Caroline said:

“The MCTS represents a major investment in top-quality training, which will allow our Navy to meet the challenges of the future. I’m delighted that it has been installed at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, in recognition of the unique role our area plays in supporting the Navy”.

Peter Luff, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, added:

"This new £108 million training system represents a ground-breaking move for the Royal Navy that will enhance its training capability for the future. It will enable personnel to train to the highest standard, utilising the latest technological developments.

"With this system, the UK's sailors will be some of the best prepared in the world, ready to take on the challenges of the future."

19th October - CAROLINE FIGHTS FOR FAIR REST AND RELAXATION TIMES FOR THE FORCES

Local MP Caroline Dinenage today called on the Defence Secretary to bring an end to the cutting short of Armed Forces Rest and Relaxation periods.

During Philip Hammond’s first Quarterly Statement on Afghanistan in the House of Commons, Caroline Dinenage pressed the Minister to look at the strategic air bridge between Afghanistan and Britain. Delays in administration and transport are causing troops to lose up to three days on a two week R&R period.

Caroline said:

“I have spoken in this chamber before about gaps to the air bridge which can mean that up to three days can be taken of the two week R&R period for our personnel. I wondered if I could ask the Rt. Hon Member to look into this matter and review the possibility of starting R&R when troops return home, not when they leave the front line”.

The Secretary of State, Philip Hammond, confirmed that he would look into the current operation of R&R times.

Speaking after the statement, Caroline added:

“Rest and Relaxation periods are essential to the welfare of our troops. Current delays in the strategic air bridge are denying our brave servicemen and women vital recuperation time with their families, and I am glad to have secured the Minister’s pledge to look into this matter”.

19th October - CAROLINE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST FUEL POVERTY

Local MP Caroline Dinenage criticised the stranglehold the ‘Big 6’ Energy companies have on the market in a debate on energy prices today.

Speaking out against the unreasonable price rises, Caroline said, “Many people in my constituency have been suffering from fuel poverty for the past 13 years. I am appalled that Labour fell asleep during their time in power and allowed this problem to spiral out of control.”

After the debate Caroline said “Energy companies are clearly out of touch with the rest of society, and they are essentially profiting off the back of peoples suffering.  With the average dual fuel bill now standing at £1,345, my constituents are facing an annual bill increase of £200 per year, up from £15 only a few years ago.” 

The Government are taking proactive steps to address this issue by protecting the Winter Fuel Payment and introducing the Warm Homes Discount that will give £120 a year to the poorest pensioners.

Caroline added, “I think it’s so important to address the horrific levels of fuel poverty. I’ve already done a lot of work in promoting initiatives such as the Home Heat Helpline and Warm Homes Campaign, and I look forward to my constituents benefiting from these schemes very soon.”

18th October - CAROLINE PLEASED WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR GOSPORT’S SCHOOLS

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage today welcomed the extra funding schools in our area are set to receive through the Pupil Premium.

The Government recently announced that it will be increasing the amount it is providing for disadvantaged pupils in England this year to £488 per pupil, with schools in Gosport sharing just over £1.1 million.

Schools will be free to use this extra funding to raise the attainment of pupils in whatever way headteachers and governing bodies believes works best. This could be through one-to-one tuition, additional support in the classroom or extra classes for students who are falling behind.

Caroline said, "Enabling children from disadvantaged backgrounds to have the best possible start in life was a key Conservative pledge going into the last general election. The Pupil Premium delivers on this - by providing schools with £488 for every disadvantaged child on top of existing pupil funding."

Children from low income families generally do not achieve as well as those from more privileged backgrounds. The Premium will seek to address this attainment gap and will support pupils in reaching their potential.

Caroline added, "By supporting some of the most disadvantaged children in Gosport, we can help whole classes work together better and move forward faster. This is great news for children, parents and teachers alike."

13th October - CAROLINE'S DOG IS RUNNER UP IN WESTMINSTER DOG OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2011

13th October - CAROLINE WELCOMES NEWS ON WOMEN’S PENSIONS

Local MP Caroline Dinenage has today welcomed the government announcement that women who would have seen a two year increase to their state pension age will have their wait reduced to 18 months.

The Pensions Bill currently going through Parliament will be amended from the current timetable to cap the increase at a maximum of 18 months.

Caroline said “This is great news for my constituents who will certainly benefit from this change. It shows that the government has listened to the concerns of those who would have been worst affected by the increase in the state pension age, and I am relieved that nobody will have to wait more than 18 months longer to receive their state pension.”



13th October - CAROLINE FIGHTS FOR FISHERY PROTECTION SQUADRON

Local MP Caroline Dinenage today raised her concerns over the future of the Fishery Protection Squadron in a question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Caroline questioned whether DEFRA saw an enduring role for the Royal Navy in fishery protection; given that present arrangements are due to expire in 2013.

The Fishery Protection Squadron is the oldest front-line squadron of the Royal Navy with responsibility for patrolling the UK's Extended Fisheries Zone. Just some of their many responsibilities include protecting our energy reserves, keeping our vital sea lanes open and preventing acts of terrorism.

Caroline said, “At a time when the demand for the Navy’s services has arguably not been greater, surely there is a strong case for the FPS to be preserved.”

In response, the Minister responsible, Richard Benyon agreed that the FPS performed a vital role for our country and revealed that the Government was in advanced negotiations for securing the future of the FPS post 2013.

Caroline added “The work carried out by the FPS in fishery protection and maritime defence is vital. I am pleased that the Government has stated its firm intention to preserve this valuable arm of the Navy and I look forward to its future being secured soon.”

11th October - CAROLINE PLEASED WITH ANNOUNCEMENT ON INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY

Local MP Caroline Dinenage welcomed news today that four leading Internet Service Providers would work together to make it easier for families to block access to internet porn.  

By October 2012 TalkTalk, Sky, BT and Virgin Media will offer all new internet customers a service called Active Choice where subscribers must choose whether to restrict the web content that their computers can receive. All of the companies already offer this filtering technology but currently subscribers do not have to choose whether to install it. The group will also sponsor a media campaign to encourage existing customers to install the technology.

Commenting on the news, Caroline, who is a member of the cross-party Parliamentary Inquiry into Online Child Protection said:

“I really welcome today’s announcement as it shows the British Internet industry are finally taking seriously the problem of children accessing adult content on the Internet. But, there are three very important questions for the ISPs to answer.

1)      As 77 per cent of British households already have access to the internet, how will the companies roll out the product to existing clients?

2)      TalkTalk is the only company that has a solution that to allow one-click protection for all internet-enabled devices in the home. When will the other companies introduce this facility?

3)      The implementation timetable seems slow given that this is existing technology. Given that 83 per cent of people say that the easy availability of internet porn is damaging to children, shouldn’t this be rolled out more quickly?

The only way to fully protect our children is to introduce an Opt-In system but in the meantime, today’s announcement is a good first step.”

11th October - CAROLINE CELEBRATES LOCAL CHARITY CHAMPIONS

In the run-up to this year’s national Trustees’ Week, local MP Caroline Dinenage has thanked local charity trustees for their dedicated work in running local charities, and highlighting the benefits of becoming a charity trustee.

There are 150 charities in Gosport covering a wide range of activities and services but all depend on the trustees that oversee their work, most of whom are volunteers. Trustees Week raises awareness of how people can benefit themselves by becoming trustees, through gaining valuable experience and skills.

Caroline said:

“We have fantastic local charities in Gosport doing really important work, but they wouldn’t be able to function without their trustees. As we approach national Trustees’ Week I want to pay tribute to their tireless efforts to keep our local community projects going.  

“I would strongly encourage people to consider becoming a trustee. Being a charity trustee is a great way of learning new skills and getting valuable experience, and could lead to new opportunities and employment. Lots of charities need trustees who will help them achieve their goals, so it really is a win-win situation.”

Trustees Week runs from 31 October to 6 November 2011. To learn more about Trustees’ Week and trusteeship, visit www.trusteesweek.org.uk.  The website includes trustees’ stories, details of local events being held during Trustees’ Week and links to trustee matching services for those who want to become a trustee. 

10th October 2011 - CAROLINE WELCOMES CELEBRATION OF LOCAL BUSINESSES

Local MP Caroline Dinenage commended Gosport Borough Council as they opened nominations for an awards ceremony to celebrate thriving businesses in the area.

The initiative is designed to promote business success and publicly recognise companies, organisations and individuals in the community.

The fact that businesses in Gosport are continuing to thrive despite difficult trading conditions is a testament to the entire business community. Caroline said “This award ceremony is a fantastic idea; it’s only right that we come together and celebrate the wealth of business talent and entrepreneurship we have at our disposal.”

Caroline has a long-standing interest in this area and has regularly raised the issue of greater support for business owners in Westminster, as well as toured local businesses throughout the constituency.

By recognising businesses in Gosport it certainly bodes well for the future and shows that our economy is well on the way to recovery.

The categories up for awards are Economic Prosperity, Economic Growth, Economic Potential, Workforce Investment, and Community Investment.

Interested organisations have until October 14 to submit nominations to the council and further information and nomination forms can be found on www.go-gosport.co.uk

6th October 2011 - CAROLINE URGES LOCAL DRIVERS TO HALVE FUEL COSTS BY LIFT SHARING

Drivers in Gosport could halve their fuel costs and cut their commuting time by car sharing, says local MP Caroline Dinenage.

As part of National Liftshare Week, Caroline is urging individuals and businesses to sign up to HantsCarShare to see how much time and money they could save.

The free website run by Hampshire County Council allows people across the South East to match up with other commuters on the same route to share the cost of journeys, with some users saving up to £2000 a year. Caroline has contacted major Gosport employers to encourage them to sign up, and took to the airwaves on Radio Wave 105 to urge individuals to do the same.

Caroline said:

“Record fuel prices and the chronic congestion on the A32 are hitting my constituents hard.”

“Car sharing with someone on your route is a great way to cut costs and take cars off the road – making your commute faster and cheaper. I’m urging businesses and individuals to make the most of Liftshare Week by signing up to car share today”.

Residents and businesses from across the Hampshire area can sign up to HantsCarShare at http://hants.liftshare.com/. It is estimated that sharing with two other people could get petrol prices down to just 46p a litre each – more than halving the cost of many people’s commute.

You can listen to Caroline's radio appearance below.

3rd October 2011 - TOUR OF LOCAL SCHOOLS CONTINUES

30th September 2011 - CAROLINE REACTS TO ROYAL NAVY CUTS

Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, has spoken out in reaction to the Navy job losses today.

With around 1,020 naval personnel being informed of their redundancy today, Caroline spoke to the British Forces Broadcasting Service to express her regret with the job losses.

During the interview, Caroline said:

“While all job-losses are regrettable, in the Armed Forces they are all the more upsetting as these people are putting their lives on the line for us.”

Caroline went on to note that it was “slightly comforting” that two thirds of the redundancies were voluntary. She also highlighted the pressing need to future proof our Armed Forces, a need completely neglected by the previous Labour Government who allowed 12 years to elapse without a defence review.

You can watch the full interview with Caroline here: http://www.bfbs.com/news/media/video/52059/14606

30th September 2011 - CAROLINE WELCOMES £110 MILLION LOTTERY FUNDING FOR A BRIGHTER AGE IN THE SOUTH EAST

Local MP Caroline Dinenage commended the Big Lottery Fund in announcing its biggest single investment in older people with a £110 million package of Lottery good-cause funding.

The Silver Dreams Fund is looking for innovative ideas across the South East region to help older people manage life-changing events and encourage more involvement in local communities.

Caroline has been a longstanding campaigner on issues affecting older people and welcomed today’s announcement, she said “Older people make a valuable contribution to our community and I am proud that many people choose Gosport to settle down and retire in. I would strongly urge my constituents to apply to this fantastic scheme and I am sure it will have a positive effect on the region”.

From today the Fund is looking for applications for up to 30 innovative ideas for schemes that will help older people. The top five flagship ideas will receive up to an additional £1 million to scale up their project.

Interested organisations have until Friday, 28 October to submit outline ideas for the Silver Dreams Fund. Successful applicants will receive between £50,000 and £200,000 to test and develop their ideas over the next 12 to 18 months. Up to five projects will then be chosen to receive up to £1 million each to carry their ideas forward.

Full information on the Silver Dreams Fund from the Big Lottery Fund is available at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

22nd September 2011 - HMS SULTAN SCOOPS TOP OFSTED GRADE

HMS Sultan has become the first military training academy to be rated outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.

Local MP Caroline Dinenage has praised the Royal Navy’s engineering school in Gosport for its achievement, following an inspection earlier this year.

It comes 12 months after Sultan – which employs 3,000 people – was saved from closure when the government axed plans to build a new £13bn military training establishment in St Athan, Wales.

Caroline said the top Ofsted grade will boost efforts to keep the Military Road establishment open, which she has campaigned to secure since her election.

She said: ‘This is fantastic news for HMS Sultan and for Gosport. It confirms what we have all known – that the engineering training delivered at Sultan is second to none and is a massive asset for the military.’

The base, which trains 5,000 sailors every year, is the first military training facility ever to achieve an outstanding grade during the annual inspection, which looks at the welfare and the duty of care for recruits and trainees in armed forces training across all of the MoD’s 11 sites.

Inspectors praised Sultan’s attention paid to supporting each trainee’s personal, training and learning needs.

15th September 2011 - CAROLINE CONDEMNS UNION FAT CATS

As unions demand a mass movement against the spending cuts at the TUC conference this week, Caroline Dinenage MP has condemned the huge pay packets of union leaders.

The Trade Union Rich List, announced today by the Taxpayers’ Alliance, reveals that salaries of well over £100,000 are being paid to union fat cats.  Former joint General Secretary of Unite Derek Simpson alone received over £500,000, including severance pay of £310,000.

Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, said:

“It is shocking to see that union barons plotting disruptive strikes are enjoying six-figure pay and benefit packages. There is more than enough pressure on families already without the inconvenience of major strikes.”

“The fat cat salaries enjoyed by the union leaders come at the expense of the taxpayer. At a time when families are tightening their belts, more should be done to address the indirect subsidy of union spending.”

The key findings of the report into union salaries revealed:

• 38 trade union general secretaries and chief executives received remuneration of more than £100,000 in 2010-11 (37 in 2009-10)
• The total pay of the general secretaries and chief executives earning over £100,000 was nearly £5.2 million in 2010-11

14th September 2011 - CAROLINE SUPPORTS DEMOCRACY IN THE POLICE TO GET OFFICERS BACK ON THE STREET

Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, has called for democratically accountable leaders in the police force to deliver on public priorities.

In Monday’s debate in the House of Commons on the Police Reform and Responsibility Bill, Caroline supported the establishment of directly elected Police Commissioners to restore a focus on what matters to the public.

During the consideration of the amendment about elected commissioners, Caroline asked:

“Does my hon. Friend agree that people feel dissatisfied with the police – unfairly, in many cases – because of the lack of visibility of police on the streets compared with previous years, and the ludicrous deployment of police in back room jobs, rather than out in customer-facing role?”

Caroline’s intervention comes after the revelations that despite a 25% real terms increase in spending on police over the past ten years, only 12% of officers at any time are ‘visible and available’. This is the result of the decision by appointed Police Authorities to place trained officers in backroom jobs.

Speaking after the debate, Caroline added:

“The shockingly wasteful and misdirected practices overseen by our weak and unaccountable Police Authorities will not be supported by the public vote. A directly elected Police Commissioner will be compelled by their democratic mandate to deliver the visibility that the people expect while keeping costs under control.”

“Time and time again my constituents bemoan the lack of police on their streets – we must now admit that this is not due to a lack of officers, but their ludicrous deployment in backroom jobs”.

The Police Reform and Responsibility Bill is one of a number of measures designed by the Government to transfer power from Whitehall back to the people.

5th September 2011 - CAROLINE SUPPORTS PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY INTO ONLINE CHILD PROTECTION

Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, and a cross-party group of more than sixty Members of the Houses of Parliament have formed a Parliamentary Inquiry into Online Child Protection.   Caroline will attend sessions this week and in October at which evidence will be gathered from parents, child protection experts, Internet experts and Chief Executives of many of Britain’s largest Internet Service Providers.  The group will report to Ministers in November.

Commenting, Caroline Dinenage said:

“Parents are understandably worried about the ease with which their children can view pornographic content on the Internet. I am supporting this Inquiry as the ideal platform for all interested parties to discuss how we can best protect our children online.”

Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said:

“The Internet is a powerful tool for education and entertainment but there is material online that is not suitable for children.  Parents need to have the right tools to be able to protect their children from inappropriate content. I look forward to receiving the Inquiry’s report and seeing their conclusions.”

23rd August 2011 - CAROLINE ENCOURAGES NOMINATIONS FOR OLYMPIC TORCHBEARERS

Local MP Caroline Dinenage is calling on people from across Hampshire to nominate someone who has made a difference to the community to be a Torchbearer during the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

The 70-day Relay, which starts on 18 May 2012, will see the Torch carried hundreds of miles by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers. With the Olympic Torch due to pass through the Hampshire area during this period, Caroline is working hard to convince officials that Gosport should be given the opportunity to host the Torch too.

Caroline said: “This is a great opportunity for people in Hampshire to get involved in the 2012 Olympics. I encourage everyone to nominate an inspirational local figure to represent the community in this exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Nominations can be made online at https://secure.cokezone.co.uk/olympics/index.shtml until 5 September 2011.

Nominations can be made online at www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame  until 12 September 2011.

Nominations can also be made online at http://www.samsung.com/uk/london2012/nominate.html until 30 September 2011.

For more information about nominating a Torchbearer and the relay route, please visit www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay.

23rd August 2011 - CAROLINE HAPPY HISTORIC HANDEL ORGAN TO BE SAVED

An exceptionally rare and historically important organ originally commissioned in 1720 for the 1^st Duke of Chandos while George Frederick Handel was his ‘composer in residence’, has been awarded £167,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a major restoration project.

The money, along with £42,000 raised locally, will enable the Grade I listed instrument to be returned to its former working glory, so that it can take pride of place in Holy Trinity Church, Gosport once again.

As part of the project a heritage outreach officer will also be employed to work with primary and secondary schools, youth clubs, colleges and music groups. A DVD will be created and working model built to show how an organ works – telling the rich and fascinating story of the instrument and bringing it to life for future generations.

Local MP Caroline Dinenage, said in support for the project:

“The ‘Handel Organ’ is one of Gosport's historical jewels and its full restoration will certainly be a source of great pride to my constituency. The parishioners at Holy Trinity Church along with all those who have contributed to this worthy cause should be commended for playing a vital part in the organ's renovation, and I am pleased that all their hard work has been rewarded with this important milestone grant award from HLF."

22nd August 2011 - CAROLINE KEEPS BUSY DURING SUMMER RECESS

Although Parliament may have taken a break for the Summer recess Caroline’s been busy attending events throughout Gosport. Here are just a few things that Caroline has taken in recently:

Last weekend Caroline enjoyed a great day out at the Beryton Road Residents Association Funday.  The fantastic weather ensured everyone present had a lovely time, with lots of interesting stalls and wonderful activities keeping the whole family entertained. 

After being given a tour of the park Caroline took in some fantastic performances by local community groups and tried her hand at a few activities too. 

This was followed by a visit to the Royal Navy Memorial on Southsea Common, where Caroline attended a wreath laying service to honour the veterans of the Second World War Arctic Convoy.

The event commemorated the brave efforts of the 3,000 sailors and merchant seamen who took part in this daring campaign.  The solemn ceremony was well attended by veterans and forces families from across the area and was a fitting way to mark the 70th anniversary of a truly incredible feat.

With more events “pencilled in” to the diary before the end of the Summer break Caroline continues to work hard for Gosport despite Parliament’s recess.

17th August 2011 - CAROLINE WELCOMES ENTERPRISE ZONE FOR GOSPORT

After months of campaigning local MP Caroline Dinenage welcomed the news that the Daedalus site has been selected as 1 of 10 new Enterprise Zones across the country.

The Daedalus Enterprise Zone bid from the Solent LEP fought off competition from 29 other bidders to be selected by the Treasury - news that will of course be warmly received throughout the entire region.

A delighted Caroline said “This is the culmination of a long and hard fought campaign to get this site the recognition that it deserves.  I am hopeful that this news acts as a catalyst for economic growth that will have far-reaching benefits for the local area, as well as the region.”

Since her election last year, Caroline has worked tirelessly to promote Gosport as an excellent place to do business.  In recent months she has shown Government Ministers from the Departments for BIS and Transport around the Daedalus site, held a debate on the need for greater Government investment in SME's in the South of England, particularly Gosport, and has relentlessly kept up the pressure with her Ministerial colleagues in Westminster.

Welcoming the announcement, Caroline added, “Having an Enterprise Zone in Gosport will boost growth, jobs and enterprise, and I am confident that lower taxes and reduced red tape will attract business.

By keeping power and profits within the local area our entire community will stand to benefit and I look forward to the Daedalus Enterprise Zone flourishing as a centre of aviation engineering and marine excellence in its own right.”

15th August 2011 - CAROLINE TO HONOUR ARCTIC CONVOY VETERANS

Local MP Caroline Dinenage will pay her respects to the veterans of the Second World War Arctic Convoys on Sunday 21 August by attending a wreath laying service at the Royal Navy Memorial on Southsea Common.

The event will mark the 70th anniversary to the day, since the first convoy left for Russia in 1941 and will commence with a wreath laying ceremony at 1100 followed by a short prayer.

The occasion will serve as a poignant reminder of the valiant sacrifice 3,000 sailors and merchant seamen made during the Arctic Convoys.  Veterans from across the local area, families of veterans no longer with us and relatives of the men who did not make it home will also be attending what is sure to be a moving occasion.

Gosport MP Caroline said “The selfless acts of bravery seen during the Arctic Campaign were nothing short of inspirational; our soldiers braved freezing conditions and constant attack from German forces to keep the supply lines open.”

Caroline has been a longstanding supporter of the Arctic Convoy medal campaign and has continued to lobby the Prime Minister as well as her Ministerial colleagues extensively on this issue.

Caroline added “Surely these acts of great heroism warrant the award of a medal in its own right and I continue to push for this matter to be dealt with quickly so that as many brave veterans as possible can finally receive the medal, and the recognition, that they deserve.”

4th August 2011 - CAROLINE PRAISES GOVERNMENT FOR STAGGERING £3.75 BILLION OF SAVINGS IN JUST 10 MONTHS

Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, welcomed the news that Government has made £3.75 billion of cash savings in just the ten months from May 2010 to March 2011. Last year Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude promised to leave ‘no stone unturned’ in the hunt for savings from central Government spending. The Government has done just that to save billions of pounds of taxpayer money.

The money saved includes:

• £870 million saved by cutting spending on consultants
• Nearly £500 million by spending less on temporary agency staff
• £800 million saved by negotiating better deals with suppliers
• £300 million saved from IT projects
• £90 million saved by better monitoring the properties Government rents
• £400 million saved from marketing.

Commenting on the announcement Caroline said:

‘This Government has managed to save a staggering £3.75 billion of taxpayer’s money simply by slashing the waste that Labour allowed to spiral out of control.

‘People across Gosport will be shocked to learn of how much fat we cut just by doing sensible things like not renting unnecessary buildings, scrapping wasteful IT projects, negotiating better deals from suppliers and reducing spending on advertising and consultants.

‘The amount saved in just 10 months equals more than £225 of taxes for every working household in Gosport. It is always right that money should be spent where it’s needed rather than simply frittered away, so I’m both pleased and relieved that these important savings mark the beginning of a new ethos in Whitehall.’

27th July 2011 - CAROLINE CAPS OFF YEAR WITH BBC PROFILE

Local MP Caroline Dinenage has been hitting the headlines for all the right reasons this month, as she was selected by the BBC for a profile on her background and her career.

The article follows a very successful year in Parliament, where Caroline has spearheaded campaigns to protect the Navy and recognise the efforts of the Arctic Convoys veterans. She has also been working tirelessly to ensure Gosport reaches its full potential, by promoting economic regeneration, securing the future of the Daedalus site and addressing the issue of peninsula access.  

Understandably, however, there was also a lot of interest in Caroline’s life before politics – and in particular her well-known father.

But now Caroline has certainly made a name for herself in her own right. She reflected on the innovative open primary which saw her chosen by the whole constituency to be the Conservative candidate. Her election to Parliament has definitely made two people very proud – she recounted how her parents didn’t speak to each other on the train back to Gosport after her maiden speech in the House of Commons – for fear of bursting into tears!

For more insights into Caroline’s experiences you can read the article in full here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-14156085

18th July 2011 - CAROLINE COMMENDS INCREASE IN DEFENCE SPENDING

Local MP Caroline Dinenage welcomed today's statement by the Defence Secretary and in particular the positive impact the news will have on Gosport and the surrounding area.

Following the statement in the House of Commons, Caroline sought more information regarding the delivery times of the contracts for the Chinooks and Type 26 Global Combat Ship. 

The increase in the MoD’s future equipment budget will ensure the Government honours its pledge to make significant investments when it comes to safeguarding our interests at home and abroad.  The increased funding will help deliver 14 extra Chinook helicopters, new Joint Strike Fighter fast jets, allow major improvements in Unmanned Air Vehicles and ensure the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier conversion (to catapults & traps) is completed.

The statement that 14 extra Chinook helicopters will be ordered recognises the expertise of Gosport’s very own Vector Aerospace and will allow the long standing partnership it has had with Boeing to service, maintain and repair the Chinook fleet to go from strength to strength.

The Defence Secretary said “the increased budget would end a decade of uncertainly by only ordering what we can afford to buy, build for the future and not repeat the mistakes of the past”.

The statement follows a long and committed campaign that began as soon as Caroline entered office and one that she has relentlessly pursued with her Ministerial colleagues in Westminster.

Caroline said: “I welcome the recent announcements from the Ministry of Defence. The increased spending and proposed Chinook helicopters are great news for Gosport, as they will generate further jobs and growth in our area.”

“While I welcome the latest news on Defence spending, I will continue to push to secure the future of HMS Sultan in the long term and fight for the contracts to be awarded to firms in the constituency”.

15th July 2011 - CAROLINE VISITS THE INSTITUTE OF NAVAL MEDICINE

15th July 2011 - CAROLINE CELEBRATES LOCAL CHILDREN’S BOOK LAUNCH

14th July 2011 - CAROLINE KEEPS UP CAMPAIGN FOR LOCAL COASTGUARD

Caroline Dinenage, local MP for Gosport, kept the pressure up on the Transport Minister during an announcement about proposed changes to Coastguard Coordination Centres today in the House of Commons.

In an urgent statement to the House, Secretary of State for Transport, Philip Hammond, announced the Government’s intentions in taking forward the process of Coastguard modernisation in light of the recent consultation exercise that ended in May.

Among the proposals announced today the Secretary of State revealed that the station in Lee on the Solent would be replaced by a Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) in the Portsmouth/Southampton area which would oversee 8 sub-centres across the UK.  The new MOC will be open around the clock, 365 days per year and provide 96 jobs.

The announcement is recognition both of the region's heritage and also the extensive base of skilled workers in the maritime arena, and follows a long and committed campaign that kicked off as soon as Caroline entered office. Transport Minister Mike Penning visited the MCA site and Coastguard Centre last summer and since then Caroline has relentlessly kept up the pressure with her Ministerial colleagues in Westminster.

In response to this announcement, Caroline said;

“I welcome the news that a Centre will remain in the Solent area – which is one of the busiest sea-lanes in the world.  However I would very strongly encourage the Secretary of State to locate this Centre in Lee on the Solent where we already have the expertise and vast local knowledge of experienced Coastguard Staff.  The site is ideally located between Portsmouth and Southampton and the MCA already own a big part of the Daedalus Airfield there, meaning it makes good financial sense too.”

You can read more about the announcment here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-14161432

6th July 2011 - CAROLINE SPEAKS UP AGAINST DOGS AS WEAPONS

Local MP Caroline Dinenage has spoken up in Parliament against the use of dogs as weapons.

In the debate in Westminster Hall, Caroline highlighted the growing trend for breeding and training dogs to be used for intimidation and crime. As tighter regulations are being imposed to clamp down on the use of knives, youths and criminal gangs are increasingly using dogs as weapons.

Caroline said: “Status dogs should be seen for what they are: a violent weapon, a source of fear and something that fuels the rise in crime and antisocial behaviour.”

The debate called for reforms of the Dangerous Dogs Act, which has often failed to allow enforcement officers to take proactive action to prevent the use of dogs as weapons.

Caroline called for a more cohesive vision for tackling the rise of the status dog, but also urged Parliament not to forget “the suffering of the animals. Despite the danger that they pose to the public, in many cases their experience involves severe animal abuse.”

You can read more about the debate here: http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9125513.Dogs_becoming__weapon_of_choice__for_youths/

3rd July 2011 - MP CAROLINE DINENAGE JOINS WITH BIKER COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT HELP FOR HEROES

1st July - CAROLINE OPENS THE GOSPORT MARINE SKILLS CENTRE

30th June - CAROLINE PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE

28th June - MP HELPS LAUNCH NATIONAL SCHOOL SPORT WEEK

15th June - CAROLINE CHAMPIONS BUSINESS IN GOSPORT & THE SOUTH

14th June - CAROLINE SUPPORTS CARERS WEEK

 Local MP Caroline Dinenage met with local carers in Westminster this week.  The event coincided with the start of Carers Week 2011 and allowed Caroline to learn about issues and problems affecting her constituents.

This year’s theme is entitled ‘The True Face of Carers’ and calls for greater recognition for the diverse range of people who have caring responsibilities. The work they carry out is vital for their families, friends and for their communities.

Caroline said: “This has been a great opportunity to hear first-hand about the lives of the carers who give so much to their families and to our local community. As an MP, I aim to influence and to bring about real change for carers in Gosport and will continue to raise their concerns in Westminster.” 

14th June - CAROLINE CALLS INTO CROFTON

Local MP Caroline Dinenage continued her tour of local schools in the constituency by travelling to Crofton School earlier this week.

After taking in a brief tour of the site, Caroline met with pupil representatives from years 8 and 10  before participating in a lively Question and Answer session on subjects as diverse as the English Baccalaureate and what steps can be taken to improve the image of young people in the media.  Pupils were also keen to quiz Caroline about her own experiences in Parliament so far.

Speaking afterwards, Caroline expressed how impressed she had been by the quality of debate in the meeting: “it’s always great to meet such smart, engaging young people who have such bright futures ahead of them.  They are a credit to the school and to Stubbington.”

14th June - CAROLINE URGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO SUPPORT SOCIAL ACTION PROJECT

Local MP Caroline Dinenage is backing a new social action project encouraging young people to get involved within their local community.

The National Citizenship Service is set to roll out this summer and is directed at 10,000 16 year olds across the country, giving them the opportunity to do something very different during their summer holidays.   Participants will spend the first fortnight living away from home, taking in a vast range of outdoor activities, such as mountaineering, canoeing and abseiling.  Following this, participants will spend three to four weeks serving their community by assisting and developing social action projects to benefit the local area.

Speaking about the new project, Caroline said, “the early success this scheme has had just goes to show the huge benefits available to young people who have taken part, and offering new skills and training will hopefully foster a long-term interest in our local community.  I know we have a huge number of talented young people in Gosport and I would urge as many as possible to apply to take part in this fantastic project.”

For more information on the National Citizenship Service in Gosport, please contact the local project organiser, Duncan Pearse on 07788 148 445.

14th June - CAROLINE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST PENSIONER POVERTY

Caroline Dinenage, local MP for Gosport, raised the issue of pensioner poverty in the House of Commons this week, standing up for the older people in the constituency. Addressing the Minister of State for Work and Pensions, Steve Webb, Caroline asked what was being done to help pensioners facing a potential double digit increase in their energy bills:

‘I am immensely proud that people from across the country choose to retire in my constituency and thank the Minister for his work to lift so many pensioners out of poverty, which was a legacy of the previous Government. However this good work is threatened to undermined by proposed double-digit energy price rises. What is the government doing to address the serious issue of fuel poverty?’

Speaking outside the Chamber, Caroline said, ‘I think it’s so important to address the horrific levels of pensioner poverty left to us by the last Government. I’ve already done a lot of work in promoting the Home Heat Helpline – a source of information and a route to securing free or subsidised insulation for homes in the greatest need. However, it is important that the Government uses the new pension poverty indicators they have designed to create a better understanding of the everyday lives of those surviving on the state pension and in extreme cases forced to choose between eating and heating their homes. With the potential of a double digit increase in fuel prices around the corner this has never been more important and I will, therefore, be following the Government’s progress in implementing its welfare reforms with interest.’

10th June - CAROLINE WELCOMES GOSPORT'S COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS TO WESTMINSTER

Local MP Caroline Dinenage will host a charity reception in Westminster next week to celebrate the important contribution local volunteers make to the community in her Gosport Constituency.

Around 60 guests, representing a host of charities and organisations from across Gosport, Lee on the Solent, Stubbington & Hill Head have been invited to visit Parliament on Monday evening and attend a reception in their honour.

The event is organised and funded by Caroline as her way of conveying her sincere thanks for the hard work and commitment volunteers put in to make the Gosport Constituency such a strong and secure community.  Caroline explained “Our local volunteers work tirelessly to provide much needed services across the area and are certainly a credit to society.  This reception is a way of celebrating their achievements and thanking them for all the sacrifices that they make.”

The programme will start with a photograph session followed by drinks and canapés in the Jubilee Room and will finish with a tour of the House of Commons and House of Lords.  Guests will be joined by Gosport’s very own ‘Town Cryer’ and entertained by musicians from St Vincent College.

19th May - CAROLINE RETURNS AFTER GRUELLING WEEK IN THE FALKLANDS

19th May - CAROLINE WORKS TO BRING OLYMPICS TO GOSPORT

19th May - CAROLINE SPEAKS UP FOR THE ‘LITTLE GUY’ IN GOSPORT

Caroline Dinenage, local Member of Parliament for Gosport, has raised the issue of late payments in a debate on manufacturing in the House of Commons. Caroline is particularly concerned by reports that larger firms are extending the time they take to pay their invoices and the negative effect this has on the cash flow of many local companies, potentially driving some out of business all together.

In the debate, she said: ‘…the average payment terms in the manufacturing sector have now reached an astonishing 88 days. This is driving many good companies out of business. I know that the European Late Payments Directive has recently entered into law but this does not yet appear to be addressing the problem faced by many businesses in my constituency’.

Mark Prisk, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise responded on behalf of the Government, stating, ‘Manufacturing is at the Heart of Government policy. We need a broader and diversified economy and manufacturing is a vital part of achieving this goal. Despite the popular idea amongst the press that we no longer make anything, the UK remains one of the leading global manufacturers.’

Taking the time to speak after the debate, Caroline outlined her views on the trading conditions for industry, as well as the importance of exports:  ‘As the owner of a manufacturing business and an MP for a constituency with a strong industrial economy, I am passionate about companies being paid quickly and fairly for the work they do. Ensuring SME’s are given the support they need to access the global market is equally important and, following my appointment to UKTI’s Marine Sector Advisory Group, I will be pressing this point very strongly with officials.’

17th May - NETBALL STARS TO SHOWCASE SKILLS FOR STUDENTS

17th May - CAROLINE VOICES HER SUPPORT FOR INCREASED TRAINING FOR THE UNEMPLOYED

Caroline Dinenage, local MP for Gosport, today attended a Parliamentary seminar which explored the ways in which training is provided to job-seekers. The event was well attended by representatives from the National Skills Council, Parliamentarians and the wider training community. The Government has said that it will make attending relevant training a pre-condition of welfare support so that as many people as possible are given the opportunity to re-enter the job market.

Speaking after the event, Caroline remarked ‘There are currently 5 million people of working age currently on benefits, 2 million of whom have remained unemployed for over 5 years. I believe it is crucial that those on Jobseeker’s Allowance are given every opportunity to access training. While it is important that this access is universal, it is equally vital that such courses are of a sufficient quality to ensure they are valued by prospective employers.’

Going on to remark about the competitive nature of the job market, Caroline said, ‘Despite the good work the Government has done in repairing Labour’s economic mess, good jobs are as hard to come by as they ever were, both in Gosport and across the UK, and job-seekers need to be given every opportunity to gain that all important edge.’

17th May - CAROLINE TO SPEAK UP FOR GOSPORT ON INFLUENTIAL MARINE INDUSTRY PANEL

Caroline Dinenage, local MP for Gosport, has been invited to sit on the Marine Sector Advisory Group (MSAG). This influential panel of industry leaders advises the Government on how to promote the marine sector overseas and ensures that it remains globally competitive. As Gosport is home to a large number of marine businesses, Caroline is keen to ensure the ongoing prosperity of the sector and will be advising the group on a wide range of related issues.

Robert Hill OBE, Chairman of the MSAG, said, ‘We are delighted that Caroline has joined us on the group and I am certain she will make an invaluable contribution. Gosport is a very important region for our sector and solid growth in this area will greatly benefit the wider industry.’

Speaking of her appointment, Caroline said, ‘I am very pleased to be a part of the MSAG. As a strong supporter of the marine industry within my constituency, I believe that I can provide valuable insight into the local benefits of the sector, as well as help to safeguard the livelihoods of many of my constituents. This role, coupled with my ongoing work to secure the future of the Daedalus site, will allow me to influence the Government’s thinking on the sector and help to build Gosport’s reputation as the natural home for innovative marine businesses.’

4th May 2011 - CAROLINE WELCOMES THE NAVY TO PARLIAMENT

4th May 2011 - PMQs - CAROLINE CRITICISES LABOUR ON IMMIGRATION

Local MP Caroline Dinenage highlighted the previous Labour Government’s dreadful record on immigration during Prime Minister's Question Time.

Caroline asked whether the Prime Minister agrees with the recent comments of Lord Glasman – special adviser to Ed Miliband - that the previous Labour Government lied to the British people over the extent of immigration.

The Prime Minister responded by noting “that the last Government did not tell it straight to people about what was happening on immigration and that it has fallen to this Government to take the steps to get the numbers under control. Indeed, Lord Glasman said something that I have said many times, which is that under the last Government there was ‘very hard rhetoric combined with a very loose policy’ and that was the worst approach of all.”

In an interview with the May edition of Progress Magazine, Lord  Glasman, an academic who was made a peer by the Labour leader in the new year’s honors list also said that Gordon Brown’s ministers had acted in a ‘high handed way” by refusing to discuss the issue.

Immigration under Labour's watch spiralled out of control. While they were in power, their "open-door" policy allowed net immigration to rise to 2.2 million; and the influx of new arrivals undoubtedly put considerable strain on jobs and services

This is in direct contrast with this Government’s plans to actively tackle the problems with the immigration system. The Prime Minister has promised to control immigration and bring net migration down to the sustainable levels we saw in the 1980s and 1990s.

Caroline also said “Unlike Labour, this Government does not shy away from the crucial issues and I am pleased that we have already put in place measures to reduce net migration down from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands a year.”

21st April 2011 - CAROLINE KEEPS BUSY DURING EASTER RECESS

Although Parliament may have taken a break for the Easter recess Caroline’s been busy attending events throughout Gosport. Here are just a few things that Caroline has taken in recently:

Caroline kicked off the week by visiting Peel Common Waste Water Treatment Centre; she was given a tour of the plant and learned more about the important work being done to keep Gosport clean and healthy.

This was followed by a trip to Leesland Park where Caroline had the pleasure of opening a new play area.  The fantastic weather ensured everyone present had an enjoyable day and Caroline even had the chance to meet with some familiar faces from the cartoon world!

On Wednesday Caroline visited Gosport Business Centre and and met its manager Andrew Weston before touring the facilities.   She also met with several of the local businesses who have their offices there.

With more events “pencilled in” to the diary before the end of the Easter break Caroline continues to work hard for Gosport despite Parliament’s recess.

7th April 2011 - CAROLINE SUPPORTS CAMPAIGN TO SAVE CHILDREN'S HEART SURGERY UNIT

31st March 2011 - ENTERPRISE ZONE IN GOSPORT WOULD BOOST GROWTH, JOBS AND ENTERPRISE

Today Caroline Dinenage welcomed the idea of Enterprise Zones and has written to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP to make the case for one to be located in Gosport.

The Budget announced that the Government would create 21 new Enterprise Zones, within local enterprise partnerships, with simplified planning rules, super-fast broadband and tax breaks for businesses. The areas will have real potential to create new businesses and jobs with wider economic benefits.

The focus of the Enterprise Zones announced today is on cities and those areas that have missed out in the last ten years.

Welcoming the prospect of a new Enterprise Zone, Caroline said:

“Having an Enterprise Zone in Gosport would boost growth, jobs and enterprise, with lower taxes and reduced red tape to attract business. It is also unashamedly localist by keeping power and profits within the local area so our community benefits.”

30th March 2011 - CAROLINE QUESTIONS TARGETING OF FOREIGN AID TO INDIA

In a question to Andrew Mitchell MP, Secretary of State for International Development today, Gosport  MP, Caroline Dinenage, asked about the level of aid Britain still gives to India.

Caroline raised the concerns of her Gosport constituents by asking “What the Government’s plans were for future levels of development aid to India?”

Given attempts by the Indian Government to establish itself on the world stage through heavy spending on defence, space, and even foreign aid programmes of their own,  Caroline Dinenage asked what was being done to  “encourage the Indian Government to spend their own money on the things they should be, rather than those they wanted to”.

In response, the Secretary of State agreed that the Government had been most accommodating in its support to India, and was pleased to announce that funding levels would be frozen at the existing rate for five years.

Caroline said “although there is no doubt that regions of India suffer from severe and desperate poverty, it’s important to ensure that the UK fulfils its international responsibilities while encouraging countries to use their own resources in the interests of their people”.

30th March 2011 - CAROLINE ATTACKS POLITICAL MISCHIEF MAKING ON SURE START

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage today spoke up in Prime Ministers Questions at what she called the ‘Unhelpful local party political mischief making over the future of Surestart’.

Welcoming Hampshire County Council proposals to protect all frontline Surestart services, including Family Support Workers, despite saving public money by cutting back office costs.  Caroline’s attack was directed at local Liberal Democrat campaigners who seek to make political gain in the run up to May’s elections by playing on peoples fears by making misleading comments about cuts to well loved local Children’s Centres.  Caroline said “Surestart is too important and valuable to be used as a political football in this way – Hampshire Council are consulting on their proposals but have pledged to protect all frontline services. I for one will be keeping up the pressure on them, every step of the way, to make sure that they do.”

You can read some of the coverage here:

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/east-hampshire/gosport_mp_raises_sure_start_issue_with_prime_minister_1_2548505

22nd March 2011 - CAROLINE CALLS FOR MORE WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage promoted the case for greater female entrepreneurship today in a Westminster Hall debate.

A recently published report on gender diversity in Britain's financial sector prompted parliamentarians from across the political spectrum to come together and voice their concerns at the lack of opportunities for women in enterprise. 

Among the top FTSE 250 companies only 7% have women Chief Executives and over half have no female board members at all.  Caroline said “with UK women making over 70% of household purchasing decisions, they surely know what the market wants. So why are inspiring businesswomen too few and far between?”

Local MP Caroline spoke from her own experience about the difficulties she faced as a small business owner. Aside from winning over potential investors and family members alike, she emphasised that “convincing yourself that you are capable of succeeding” was the most pressing issue that many women experienced.

In light of these obstacles, Caroline emphasised the importance of providing female business owners with a high-quality support network. She highlighted the success of the AWESOME business networking group for female entrepreneurs in her Gosport constituency, through which groups of like-minded women have come together to discuss their entrepreneurial ambitions, get advice and support from other successful business women, and take the “next step” in their professional endeavours.

Caroline said “By bringing female entrepreneurs together, as ‘Awesome’ have in Gosport, you create a network of moral support which allows a woman’s true passion for her business to shine though. Successful businesswomen can also get involved to offer advice and inspire confidence in those starting out. We should seek to develop a network of these groups across the UK, to ensure that in every constituency women are getting the support they need to succeed.”

17th March 2011 - CAROLINE'S BOWLED OVER BY THE TEAMWORK IN ROWNER

16th March 2011 - CAROLINE CALLS FOR ARAB LED NO-FLY ZONE

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage yesterday raised the prospect of an Arab led no-fly zone over Libya in a question to the Foreign Secretary, William Hague MP.

The UK tabled the idea of a no-fly zone at the UN this week; however, with the exception of France and Lebanon, support from amongst the International community hasn’t been forthcoming.

Recognising the recent backing the Arab League and the Gulf Co-operation Council have given such a move, Caroline suggested that a greater chance of success was likely to come via an Arab led initiative. Caroline asked, “Wouldn’t it be prudent to allow them to take the lead while the UK adopts the same policy as the US of strategic patience?”

The Foreign Secretary welcomed this point and said that the successful implementation of the no-fly zone would indeed depend on the active participation of Arab States, and that he would continue discussions with International partners on this issue.

Caroline added, “It’s important that we prevent the loss of innocent lives, I believe that an Arab led no-fly zone gives the International community the best chance of realising this.”

11th March 2011 - CAROLINE SUPPORTS THE 'POWER DOWN FOR DINNER’ CAMPAIGN

9th March 2011 - CAROLINE SPEAKS UP FOR GOSPORT COMMUTERS

Local MP Caroline Dinenage yesterday supported MPs in highlighting the dire state of trains on the Portsmouth-London line.

The adjournment debate, raised by neighbouring MP Penny Mordaunt, focused on the use of substandard carriages by South Western Trains. The line faces major overcrowding, and carriages are too small to allow commuters to sit comfortably or move around the train during the journey.

Caroline stressed that these issues affect her Gosport constituents too. She noted that the trains were also used by “those who catch a ferry over to Gosport, which is one of the largest towns in the country without its own railway station”.

Caroline later said “I was glad to be able to participate in this important debate on the train service to the South Coast. My constituents already face transport challenges due to our peninsula location, and the terrible conditions on the South Western Trains make this an absolute ordeal”.  

The Transport Minister, Theresa Villiers, confirmed that see would meet with MPs and look into the service on the Portsmouth-London line.

8th March 2011 - INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - CAROLINE LENDS HER SUPPORT

8th March 2011 - CAROLINE LAUNCHES LOCAL BEER IN WESTMINSTER

3rd March 2011 - CAROLINE CALLS FOR TOP GOSPORT MUSICIANS TO 'ROCK THE HOUSE'

2nd March 2011 - CAROLINE SUPPORTS FAIR FUEL PRICES

MP for Gosport Caroline Dinenage has pledged her support to the Fair Fuel Campaign. On Wednesday she met representatives from the RAC, The Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association to discuss the rising cost of fuel.  The Fair Fuel campaign are pushing for the Government to scrap the planned rise in Fuel Duty brought in by the previous Government, and to introduce a fuel stabiliser to keep prices at a steady level in the future.

The Government is currently looking at the possibility of introducing a fuel stabiliser, with the price of oil edging close to $100 per barrel.  The Office of Budget Responsibility has been asked to undertake an assessment of the effect of oil price fluctuations on the public finances and the effects that it has on economic growth.

Caroline said ‘I whole heartedly support the Fair Fuel Campaign and I would urge the Government to take measures to tackle the exorbitant cost of fuel at the forthcoming budget.  As a business woman and a mother I fully appreciate just what an enormous affect the cost of fuel has on small businesses and hard working families up and down the country.’

2nd March 2011 - CAROLINE URGES HOUSEHOLDS TO GET FREE ENERGY HELP

1st March 2011 - CAROLINE SPEAKS UP IN SUPPORT OF MANUFACTURING

MP for Gosport Caroline Dinenage today met with top bosses of some of the UKs leading manufacturing companies to discuss the key issues affecting the manufacturing industry in this country. 

At a breakfast meeting, Caroline sat with key figures including the President of Boeing, Sir Roger Bone;  Chief Executive of Finmeccanica UK, Alberto de Benedictis and  Andrew Ellis, Head of Strategy for GSK Global Manufacturing.   The topics discussed included how to change the image of manufacturing in the UK and make it attractive as a career prospect, what can be done to address the skills deficit in UK manufacturing and what MPs and the Government can do to help sustain and grow the UK Manufacturing Industry in the face of international competition.

Caroline said ‘Manufacturing in Gosport, as in the rest of Britain, is a massive employer – our global position has been in decline over recent years  with too much reliance on foreign companies and not enough emphasis on our global competitiveness from the previous Government.  This is why this was an excellent opportunity for manufacturing leaders and politicians to sit down and talk about how best to reverse this trend.”

She added “Today’s meeting was a great chance to engage with some of the big companies that generate jobs and training in the Gosport Constituency – Boeing and Finmeccanica are both major customers of own biggest employer Vector Aerospace.   It’s clear that our schools need to put more emphasis on the skills that drive the UK manufacturing industry – subjects like engineering and science – to ensure this country’s success in the future.  Gosport has a proud tradition of producing great engineers at sites like Vector (formerly Fleetlands) and HMS Sultan and we hope to encourage marine and aviation engineering based businesses at the Daedalus site, but we can only do this with the right skill-base”.

1st March 2011 - ST VINCENT STUDENTS VISIT PARLIAMENT

A group from St Vincent College visited their local MP, Caroline Dinenage, in Westminster this week. The students were taken on a tour of Parliament and had the chance to chat to Caroline about life in the Commons. Caroline said: “It was fantastic to welcome the students of St Vincent to Parliament and give them a better sense of the political process.”

Caroline is always very happy to have visitors from her constituency, and can arrange tours and gallery tickets.

17th February 2011 - CAROLINE CALLS FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR MARINE INDUSTRIES

MP for Gosport, Caroline Dinenage, today called on the Government to support the UK marine industry.

In the House of Commons, Caroline asked the Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills “What efforts the department is taking to support the marine industry in the UK?”

Mark Prisk assured the House that the Government is committed to supporting a world class UK marine industry. The department recognises the value of this industry, which generates £7.6 billion of sales each year. The Minister informed MPs that he co-chairs a panel of experts on the marine industry who seek growth through leading-edge innovation and improved productivity and competitiveness.

Caroline Dinenage welcomed the Government’s support for the maritime sector, stressing its great importance in the Gosport area where it is a big employer. She remarked “It is crucial that we support this important local industry, which in the last year alone provided jobs for over 105,000 people.  I have invited the British Marine Federation to visit me in Gosport, to advise how we can attract more marine-based business to the area and build on this important source for local employment and economic growth”

Caroline is committed to ensuring that the Daedalus site becomes a centre for marine excellence. She has formed the Daedalus Action Group which will meet regularly to guarantee that progress is made. Caroline remarked that “I am delighted to support plans that build on our maritime heritage and promise to bring thousands of jobs to the local area. I look forward to working with the new Local Economic Partnership to ensure that the plan for a marine and aviation based business park becomes a reality.” 

16th February 2011 - CAROLINE SPEAKS UP FOR FORCES FAMILIES

‘Successive Governments have promised to take care of the armed forces and failed to deliver……. An unhappy family makes an unhappy service person. We need to rebuild the trust of our armed forces, and if we make a promise we must stick to it.   Making promises that are achievable and then exceeding expectations.’

Those were the words used by MP for Gosport Caroline Dinenage as she continued her record of speaking up for service personnel and their families as she spoke in the Armed Forces Covenant debate yesterday.  Since being elected in May Caroline has consistently spoken up for the Armed Forces from issue such as gaining a medal for the Arctic Convoy veterans of WW2 to restoring lost R&R  time.

On the Covenant Caroline said   ‘ The UK's armed forces have been working at a sustained rate for decades. Whitehall is lined with statues commemorating the valour of servicemen and women, but what would be a far more fitting commemoration in their honour is a tangible covenant that can respond to the changing needs of our armed forces and that keeps its promises to them and makes them feel safer abroad and more valued at home.’

Speaking in the debate, the Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox MP said; “In consultation with service charities and others, the Government are rewriting the military covenant as a new tri-service document- The Armed Forces Covenant-which expresses the enduring, general principles that should govern the relationship between the nation, the Government and the armed forces community as a whole. It will include all three services, veterans, family members and local communities, thereby broadening the scope of the covenant. We shall publish it in the spring.”  He added  “ The covenant will set out how we are supporting our armed forces, their families and veterans in key areas such as health care, housing and education. It will be the first time the existence of the armed forces covenant has been recognised in statute. For that, I think all fair-minded people would believe that the coalition Government deserve some credit.”

10th February 2010 - CAROLINE OPPOSES VOTES FOR PRISONERS

Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, voted in Parliament today to prevent prisoners getting the vote.

In the House of Commons, MPs debated whether the blanket ban on convicted prisoners voting should be upheld. The motion to the House supports the current situation in which no prisoner is able to vote.

Caroline, in supporting the motion, said that “it would be an outrage to grant prisoners the right to vote. Criminals betray the trust of society when they break the law and it would be an insult to the wider community to give them a say in who governs the country.”

The debate, which comes in reaction to the demands of the European Court of Human Rights, also asserts the supremacy of the country’s democratically-elected lawmakers in taking decisions of this nature.

Caroline affirmed that “while it is vital for the UK to fulfil our treaty obligations, we must ensure that these crucial decisions are taken by the people’s representatives, and not a court in Strasbourg”. 

3rd February 2011 - CAROLINE EXPERIENCES NAVY LIFE

24th January 2011 - CAROLINE VISITS LOCAL SCHOOLS

12th January 2011 - POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER IN CAROLINE’S CAMPAIGN FOR MEDALS FOR THE ARCTIC CONVOY VETERANS

MP Caroline Dinenage was delighted to secure a positive response from the Prime Minister about the issuing of medals to Arctic Convoy veterans.

During Prime Minister's Questions today, Caroline stated that she knew David Cameron understood "there is a huge amount of support for the Arctic convoy veterans of World War II to receive a medal". She went to ask if he appreciated "that in order for the remaining representatives of this incredibly brave group of men to receive this recognition in their lifetime that the time to act is now?"

David Cameron confirmed that he had been in contact with the Ministry of Defence over this issue.

He said: "Many of them are coming to the end of their lives and it would be good if we could do something more to recognise what they have done." He highlighted the "incredibly harsh conditions" under which the veterans served, which meant that "there is a case for saying they have missed out."

The Prime Minister's response was warmly welcome by Caroline, who has supported this campaign since meeting veteran Eddie Grenfell in 2003. She stressed again today that “this matter should be dealt with quickly so that as many brave veterans as possible can finally receive the medal, and the recognition, that they deserve.”

You can see more coverage here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12170509

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/Cameron-gives-Arctic-medal-campaigners.6688157.jp

11th January 2011 - CONSTITUENTS WILL SPEND 26 DAYS IN 2011 PAYING OFF LABOUR'S CREDIT CARD BILL

Caroline Dinenage MP has reacted to new research showing that someone on average earnings in Gosport will spend 26 days of their pay just paying the interest on Labour’s debts.

Labour left the country with an annual overspend of £156 billion, greater than at any point in our peacetime history.    Money spent just paying the interest on their £790 billion debt bill is money that could otherwise be spent on front line services.

Commenting, Caroline Dinenage MP said:

“Labour’s addiction to debt means each and every taxpayer now has to spend weeks of the year working just to pay the interest bill.

“If we listened to Labour the debt would be £100 billion higher. They must never be put in charge of our public finances again.”

7th January 2011 - CAROLINE VOWS TO KEEP THE PRESSURE ON IN WESTMINSTER AS BLAKE MATERNITY CENTRE REOPENS

As Blake Maternity Unit reopened this weekend, Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has vowed to help keep the centres open.

Blake Maternity Unit was closed in September 2010 to cope with a baby boom, with mothers being transferred to Queen Alexandra Hospital

She said: "I have never been able to get a cast iron guarantee that Blake will stay open and that's always worried me. I'm very keen to make sure that something which is so valuable to women is not taken away."

"I've raised the issue in Parliament and I will continue to keep the pressure on"

17th December 2010 - CAROLINE NAMED AS BRIAN MAY'S HERO OF 2010

17th December 2010 - LOCAL MP OPENS THE NEW ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE

Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, was delighted to open the new Adult Education Department at the Nimrod Centre in Rowner this morning. Following the unfortunate closure of the Royal Sailors' Rest, Caroline was determined to ensure that adults in the constituency could still get the skills and educational provision they need, and greatly supported the plans for this new centre.

The New Adult Education Outreach Centre will provide training and education for the long-term unemployed. Caroline remarked on the opening of the Centre, saying “It’s fantastic to be able to support ventures that help our local community and support people who may have been long-term unemployed to gain the skills and confidence they need to get back into work.”

17th December - GOSPORT MP MAKES EARLY MORNING VISIT TO ROYAL MAIL'S GOSPORT DELIVERY OFFICE

15th December 2010 - CAROLINE DEMANDS ANSWERS ON THE FUTURE OF THE NAVY

MP for Gosport, Caroline Dinenage today continued to press the Defence Minister on the subject of recent cuts to the Navy.

At Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence, Liam Fox MP, in the House of Commons, Caroline brought up the subject of the priorities for Defence spending.

Caroline said;

“Given that the focus of the Strategic Defence Spending Review was towards supporting the action in Afghanistan, and our aspirations to withdraw troops from there as soon as is practical.  Are we still wise to affect cuts in our expeditionary fighting capability, particularly in light of recent events in North Korea.”

Speaking about this afterwards Caroline added “It is important that everyone understands the huge importance of a strong and capable Navy in order to play our role on the world stage.  During the recent events in North Korea the first response of the US was to deploy an aircraft carrier to the region. This demonstrates how these ships still have a vital part to play in promoting security and diplomacy around the globe.” 

13th December 2010 - ROWDY BARS & CLUBS TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE COST OF LATE NIGHT POLICING

Local MP Caroline Dinenage today took part in the debate on the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill.

“I have spoken at length to my local Police Chief Constable and other police officers about this bill. Because this is too important to get wrong – no one knows when they will need to call upon the police for assistance – but we do know that, at that point, we will expect them to be there.”

Speaking first in the debate Caroline highlighted areas of the Bill which she believes will have a beneficial effect on local policing and society.

One such clause introduces entirely new provisions enabling a licensing authority to impose a levy on premises authorised to supply alcohol between midnight and 6am.  Whilst fewer violent incidents took place between 9pm and 12am in the twelve months after the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003, there were significantly more incidents between 12 and 4am. The funds generated by the levy will be payable to the police and crime commissioner to help fund the necessary policing as well as other organs of local government which operate to address the effects of alcohol related crime and disorder in the night time economy. 

Caroline added “What taxpayer in their right mind would prefer to see their money paying for police in yellow jackets to spend all night dealing with teenagers having drunk themselves stupid on alcopops rather than catching burglars, rapists and muggers.

Another positive outcome of this bill will be the reduction in centrally set targets and bureaucracy.

Caroline said “The mass data collection prescribed by the previous Government is one of the biggest frustrations to our police.  In Hampshire this amounts to 130 weeks worth of work per year – that’s 2 full time members of staff just to satisfy the demands of the Home Office.”

Paying tribute to the police, particularly in light of the ugly scenes last Thursday in Central London, Caroline said;

“The police deal with people at their worst – angry, violent, frequently irrational and unpredictable through drug and alcohol abuse, in states of grief, shock, fright, and through all this they have to retain their composure, their sense of perspective and their humanity.”

7th December - QUESTION ASKED ABOUT BLAKE MATERNITY CENTRE

MP for Gosport, Caroline Dinenage  today secured a commitment from the Secretary of State to look into threats to the future of the Blake Ward at Gosport War Memorial Hospital.

At Questions to the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley MP, in the House of Commons, Caroline brought up the subject of the town’s midwife-led maternity unit,

She reminded Mr Lansley that the ward has been shut down temporarily due to a lack of midwives to cover the area; most available midwives have been moved to Cosham’s Queen Alexandra hospital. 

Caroline said;

“Blake ward has been temporarily closed and it’s long term future is by no means secure.  When I question local health bosses about this, the reasons are not of cost but driven by a national shortage of midwives, can the minister confirm if there are plans in place to address this issue”

In answer to the question the Secretary of State replied that while the number of midwives increased by 4% under the last Government, the number of births increased by 4 times that many and that there was insufficient emphasis on addressing this shortfall.  He made a commitment to contact Caroline directly about the future of the Blake Ward.

Speaking about this afterwards Caroline added “It is important that everyone understands the huge importance of these local maternity facilities, especially in an area like Gosport which has transport concerns.  I  very much wanted to bring this to the attention of the Secretary of State as I feel that these temporary closures could be an overture to events that would see the ward being shut permanently.” 

Blake Ward, which is due to reopen in January, was closed by Portsmouth Primary Care trust to allow the midwives to cover an expected baby boom.  Since the closure Caroline has consistently been fighting to ensure that Blake does reopen, and stays open in the long term, through letters to ministers and questions in the House.

CAROLINE LENDS A HAND

Recent visitors to the Bernardo's shops in Gosport High Street and Lee on the Solent would have got a bit of a surprise to discover their local Member of Parliament serving behind the counter.  This wasn't a career change, Caroline was helping out as part of Make a Difference Day, which is the UK's largest day of volunteering, with Bernardo's being a keen supporter of the event, with more than 380 stores taking part nationwide.  Caroline was sorting items, steaming clothes as well as serving behind the till.

Caroline said ''I was more than happy to help out.  It was a great opportunity to raise the profile of the charity to help them get more volunteers.  There are many different ways people can get involved with Bernardo's and really make a difference to children's lives.''

SULTAN IS SAVED

After months of waiting and uncertainty the news came this morning that everyone in Gosport had been hoping for, the immediate future of the Royal Navy Training School at HMS Sultan has been secured.  As part of the Strategic Defence Review The Government were looking at the possibility of designing one single site for all technical training in St Athan in South Wales.

Caroline Dinenage has consistently lobbied the Government to secure Sultan's future, from meetings, to letters and questions in the House Caroline has left no stone unturned in her effort to keep the Training School in Gosport.  Caroline said 'It's wonderful news for the Navy, and for Gosport. It's wonderful the government has seen sense.'

HANDS OFF OUR NAVY

CAROLINE SUPPORTS GOSPORT MUMS

Caroline wins Concession for Military

Caroline visits Rowner Rectory

Caroline visits the Citizen's Advice Bureau

Caroline Strives to boost Gosport Shops

Caroline Dinenage, Gosport's new MP recently met with representatives from top retail firms to promote Gosport as a place to shop.

At a breakfast meeting with the British Retail Consortium Caroline was by important figures from groups such as John Lewis Partnership, Marks and Spencer and Kingfisher (B&Q).  She used the opportunity to tell them what a great place Gosport would be to invest in new stores.

Speaking at the meeting Caroline said 'Speaking to the people that I meet in my regular visits to the market in Gosport town centre on a Saturday, I'm acutely aware of the level of concern at the number of vacant retail units and the lack of choice for shoppers in the high street.  I would to do what I can to help the local council attract more top level retailers back into Gosport.  As a peninsula Gosport has a captive audience of shoppers-what can we do to keep them spending their money in Gosport?'

The retail sector generates 8% of the GDP of the UK and retail sales account for 1/10 of the UK economy.  The retail sector employed more than 2.9million people as of the end of December 2009-11% of the total UK workforce.

With these figures in mind Caroline says 'A Successful shopping centre doesn't just mean local choice and less traffic on the roads out of Gosport, it is important to generate the jobs, investment and economic growth that this area so desperately needs.'

Caroline Supports Local Centre

Caroline tackles two key issues

Two of the biggest issues in the Gosport constituency are the uncertain futures surrounding HMS Sultan and Haslar.  In a hectic day of meetings, Caroline visited HMS Sultan and met with the new owners of Haslar, 'Our Enterprise'.  In a very constructive meeting some of the key issues surrounding the future of the sites were discussed.   Caroline fully supports the plan for the Veterans' Village and community care on the site.

Caroline later visited HMS Sultan and was briefed by the Commanding Officer about its proposed closure and move to St Athan, Wales, which had been planned by the previous government.  Caroline has been in contact with the Secretary of State and held numerous meetings in a bid to prevent the move to St Athan.  This would have a serious impact on the future economic prosperity of the area.

Caroline on Patrol

Caroline experienced firsthand what life was like for the Police, as she went out on patrol with Gosport Police today to try and get a better understanding of the issues faced by the Police. 

Hampshire Police are currently piloting a new piece of equipment.  Mobile Information Technology is a laptop which enables the officers to input data whilst out on the streets instead of going back to the station, so it will lead to increased Policed visibility and less bureaucracy.  Caroline said: 'I am extremely grateful for being given the opportunity to go out on patrol and see for myself the issues the Police face on day to day basis.'

Caroline's Commons' Debut

Transport Minister flies in

Moving Daedalus Forward