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Welcome to my website
This website provides up-to-date information about the job I do as Labour MP for Wakefield since 2005. I am also Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, down in Westminster.
As a Labour MP, I am proud to work for local people and stand up for equality and social justice in Parliament.
You can read my regular column for the Wakefield Express, and keep up to date with the work of Labour’s shadow Defra team.
Want to visit the House of Commons? I'm always happy to organise gallery tickets and tours for local groups or constituents. Contact me if you'd like to come and see your MP in action!
If you live in Wakefield, please do get in touch, on any issue you feel is important.
Best wishes
Mary
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May 25 - MP raises childcare concerns
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has raised concerns on childcare as pressure mounts over the Government’s plans to cut childcare staff numbers.
Mary Creagh MP is speaking out in support of concerned parents:
“Campaigners against these plans are absolutely right – increasing the number of children staff can look after will water down the level of attention and quality of early learning children receive. Out of touch Ministers aren’t even listening to their own experts on this, let alone parents and professionals. Great childcare means quality staff, quality training and quality buildings – all the things this Government has cut.”
Read the full story HERE
May 23 - Wakefield Mystery Plays re-imagined for the 21st century
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is to be the patron of the new Wakefield Wireless Mysteries plays, a radical reworking of one of British Christianity's famous faith-based works.
Labour MP for Wakefield Mary Creagh MP, said:
“I’m a big theatre fan and I am delighted to support this creative new venture. The Mysteries are an iconic part of Wakefield’s cultural history. I can’t wait to see what Michael and the Destiny Poets have come up with for their modern re-telling.”
Read the full story HERE
May 15 - Unemployment too high
The latest unemployment stats, out today, show that there are over 10,000 people in Wakefield district in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance.
Labour MP for Wakefield Mary Creagh said:
“With over 10,000 out of work unemployment rates in Wakefield are nearly as high as those seen during the 2007 financial crisis. The Government’s disastrous economic policies have failed to deliver the growth or the jobs our community needs. Out of touch Ministers are letting down people in Wakefield who just want a fair crack at getting into work.”
Family Finance & Benefit Advice Event
Friday May 17th 2013- Jubilee Hall, Townley Road, Lupset, WF2 8NS, 2-4:30pm
On Friday 17th May Mary Creagh will be hosting a Family Finance and Benefits Advice event at Jubilee Hall on Lupset. The event is free and will run from 2-4:30pm. Advisors will be present from the Citizens Advice Bureau, Jobcentre, Wakefield Council, Wakefield and District Housing and White Rose Credit Union.
If you are having problems as a result of the welfare reforms or are experiencing other financial or housing difficulties, then why not pop along and see if the advisors on hand are able to help.
To make an appointment to attend the Finance Fair, or for more information regarding it, please give Mary’s office a ring on (01924) 386 124.
April 17 - Unemployment too high
Mary Creagh MP responds to the news that unemployment in Wakefield district has increased to 10,211:
“Unemployment in Wakefield is far too high. People can’t find work or make ends meet because of the Government’s economic failure and a flat-lining economy. Families I speak to don’t want to be on the dole, they just want a fair crack at getting work but this out of touch Government is letting them down.”
April 8 - Disability benefit changes kick in
Major changes to disability benefits for new claimants were introduced in parts of the UK on Monday 8th April.
When the new system is introduced in Wakefield in June it is estimated 3,780 people will lose out across the district. A disabled person could lose between £20.55 a week and £131.50 a week
Mary Creagh MP said:
“I believe the DLA needs reform but assessments must be designed around what disabled people need. Savings should flow from the right system. Instead we have a new system designed to deliver cash savings for the government. Disabled people are being made to pay the price for this government’s economic failure.”
Read the full story HERE.
April 5 - Tory changes hit Wakefield families
Wakefield families will be an average of £891 worse off this year because of tax and benefit changes made by the Conservative-led Government since 2010.
Mary Creagh MP said:
"Wakefield families will be an average of £891 worse off this year because of changes introduced since 2010, while a one earner family with children could be a staggering £4,000 worse off. At the same time the government is giving an average tax cut of £100,000 to people earning a million pounds a year. Now we know whose side the Conservative-led government is really on and who is paying the price for their economic failure.”
Read the full story HERE.
March 30 - MP backs school crossing campaign
Mary Creagh has given her backing to Lawefield Lane primary school in their campaign to give parents and children more time to cross the road.
Mary Creagh MP said:
“When it comes to school crossings safety is the most important thing. The kids and their parents are rightly worried about running in front of traffic. At the moment the green man goes too quickly. I want the Council to look at extending the amount of time people have to cross the road.”
Read the full story HERE.
East Coast mainline privatisation
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has criticised Tory-led Govt plans to privatise the East Coast mainline.
Mary Creagh, Labour MP for Wakefield said:
“The East Coast mainline is making money for the taxpayer. Instead of selling it off Ministers should focus on sorting out the chaos in the franchising system. The West Coast franchise fiasco is set to cost the taxpayer at least £50million. I don’t want to see a repeat of that mess on the East Coast line.”
Read the full story HERE.
March 20 - 43% of children in poverty missing out on free school meals
1,500 children living below the poverty line in the Wakefield constituency may be unable to afford a proper lunch but fail to qualify for free school meals, according to a study by the Children's Society.
Read the full story HERE.
March 16 - 2,166 hit by Bedroom Tax in Wakefield
Mary Creagh MP has revealed National Housing Federation figures which show 2,166 people will be hit by the government’s ‘Bedroom Tax’ in her Wakefield constituency, losing on average £728 per year.
Read the full story HERE.
Food Bank Britain
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh visited a ‘pop-up’ food bank outside the Houses of Parliament to highlight growing poverty and reliance on food parcels in the UK.
Mary Creagh MP said:
“Food banks provide a vital lifeline to people in dire need. However, it is an utter disgrace that food support is needed in 21st century Britain while at the same time this government is set to give huge tax breaks to people earning over £1million. Ministers are out of touch with Wakefield families feeling the squeeze from higher food bills.
Full story HERE.
Feb 20 - Unemployment up
Mary Creagh MP responds to the news that there the JSA claimant count has risen by 570 over the past month:
“People in Wakefield are losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet because of a flat-lining economy. They want to work but the Government is abandoning them to the dole queue. Out of touch Ministers need to pull their heads out of the sand and do more to help Wakefield families struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table.”
Feb 13 - Fears for families as Sure Start cuts loom
Wakefield’s Early Intervention Grant nearly halved since 2010.
Mary Creagh MP said:
“Parents are rightly worried about the future of the children’s services they rely on. This out of touch Government is showing yet again that they have got the wrong priorities, giving people earning over £1 million a tax cut of £40,000 while slashing Sure Start.”
Full story HERE.
Mary Creagh demands HS2 apprenticeships for young people in Wakefield
Mary Creagh MP has called for Government action to create much-needed quality apprenticeships for young people in Wakefield.
Mary Creagh MP said:
“If the Government is spending billions on HS2 then they should also invest in our young people. There are nearly 1,000 young people on the dole in Wakefield and HS2 apprenticeships would be an opportunity to create a new generation of skilled British workers.
Full story HERE.
Mary Creagh MP welcomes Post Office DVLA contract win
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has welcomed the news that the Post Office will offer a range of driving licence and motor vehicles services after winning the DVLA contract.
The MP attended an event in Parliament to show her support for the win by signing a dedicated congratulations board.
Read the full story HERE.
Mary Creagh MP calls for nominations for “Rock the House”
Mary Creagh joined local band Piskie Sits at ‘The Hop’ to call for musicians and small venues in Wakefield to enter Rock the House 2013, Parliament’s competition which celebrates up-and-coming British artists and the live music venues that support them.
Applications opened on November 30th 2012, and will close on March 1st 2013.
Any music lovers wishing to enter the competition need to head to www.rockthehousehoc.com to create this BandApp.
17 Jan 2013 - Families left in the cold because of Government incompetence
Families left in the cold because of Government incompetence
Low-income households will be left in the cold this winter, after shocking figures uncovered by Labour were revealed.
Over half the money set aside for this year’s Warm Front Scheme is predicted to remain unspent when the scheme closes on 19 January 2013 because of Government budget mismanagement.
11 Jan - Wakefield’s great train robbery
Last night in Parliament Mary Creagh stood up for Wakefield’s rail users.
New Year fare increases mean local commuters face paying hundreds of pounds more for their season tickets.
Mary pays tribute to Rt Hon Walter Harrison
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has paid tribute to Walter Harrison, former MP for Wakefield, who died on 19 October aged 91.
Mary said “Walter Harrison was a revered constituency MP, legendary Deputy Chief Whip, and a wonderful man. He was a principled and passionate MP who loved Wakefield and he was a champion for local people. He was a great servant of the Labour Party who firmly believed in the power of politics to do good.
“Walter was a good friend to me and I know that tributes to his life will be pouring in this week. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Mary backs campaign against cuts to compensation for victims of crime
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh called on the Government to think again on plans to slash compensation for 90% of injured victims of crime on 17 October.
The Minister for Justice withdrew proposals to drastically cut the budget of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme following criticism from MPs on all sides at a Committee meeting on 10 September.
However, the Government have since stated that they are still “committed to reforming the criminal injuries compensation scheme to put it on a sustainable financial footing” and have re-tabled the changes to the Scheme to be put to Parliament by 22 October. This would mean that, if passed, the cuts would affect any claim made after 5 November.
Cool milk at College Grove nursery
Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh helped College Grove Nursery celebrate World School Milk Day on 9 October. She was joined by Cool Milk Managing Director, John Sedgwick, and spent time handing out milk to the children and talking to them about drinking milk.
College Grove Nursery is one of thousands of schools and nurseries taking part in celebrating World School Milk Day. Launched in 2000 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the day is used to promote the importance of drinking milk at school.
10,000 meals raised in Wakefield #MealAppeal
- Sainsbury's staff, Labour Cllrs and Mary backed this year's Million Meal appeal in Wakefield
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh, commented on the massive success of the Million Meal appeal on 8 October. Volunteers across the country collected an amazing 2 million meals to be distributed to people in need.
She said “This year’s Million Meal appeal exceeded all expectations by collecting over two million meals across the country. I want to thank everyone in Wakefield who volunteered or donated food to help people in crisis. I was struck by the generosity of people in the city who welcomed the chance to help those struggling with food poverty. We collected 5000 meals, and Sainsbury’s have matched this so we now have 10,000 meals to help feed people in need locally.”
To read more about the Million Meal appeal visit www.FareShare.org.uk
Mary's speech to Labour Party conference
Click here to read Mary's speech to Labour Party Conference on 1 October 2012
Police badger cull concerns revealed
Following the government go-ahead for a badger culling scheme in Gloucestershire on 17 September, Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh has today (18 September) published documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act which reveal that the Police have major concerns about the impact of the badger cull.
One document shows police concern about an increase in wildlife crime as a result of "a perception that Defra is not really bothered about (badgers) protected status" - read it here
Also revealed are major police concerns about maintaining public safety during any protests. Read here
Mary backs Million Meal appeal
Shadow Environment Secretary and Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is stepping up her work with FareShare and Sainsbury's in advance of Britain's biggest ever food donation drive on 6th and 7th October.
The Million Meal Appeal where shoppers can donate food to help local people in crisis is being organised by charity FareShare and Sainsbury's stores across the country, including Ings Road and Trinity Walk in Wakefield. As part of the appeal on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October, Mary has signed up to help collect donations.
FareShare is seeking more volunteers to assist with the two-day food drive. Volunteers can sign up at http://www.fareshare.org.uk to register, and choose their preferred store and time slot.
Mary backs free heating help scheme
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is backing a campaign by Consumer Focus, Citizens Advice, Age UK and National Children’s Bureau to raise awareness of free heating help available in to people in Wakefield. Mary is urging people in Wakefield worried about their energy bills to find out if they are eligible for free heating and insulation improvements from Warm Front.
Mary calls for cheaper school uniforms
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is asking schools in Wakefield to allow parents to shop around for school uniforms after research showed that restrictive rules are costing families an extra £5 to £10 on each item of school clothing.
New Environment Secretary appointed
5th September 2012
Responding to the appointment of Owen Paterson MP as Defra Secretary, Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh said:
"David Cameron has lurched to the right, appointing a Eurosceptic, climate sceptic, free marketeer as Environment Secretary.
"Farmers and environmentalists alike are deeply worried about Owen Paterson's ability to build alliances to get a good deal for the UK on the Common Agricultural Policy, tackle the food poverty crisis and protect our water, air and countryside here at home."
Wakefield Council launches Cycling Strategy consultation
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has welcomed the publication of the Council’s new cycling strategy consultation which aims to expand the city’s network of cycle lanes and off-road routes. According to Department for Transport figures, deaths and serious injuries in the district have gone down by 30% since 2009, whilst nationally they have gone up by over 18%.
Women and young people hit hardest by double-dip recession
Commenting on the news of a 44% increase in the number of unemployed women in Wakefield since the Tory-led government came to office, Mary Creagh MP said:
“The number of unemployed women in Wakefield is the highest for 18 years and has increased 44% since the Tory-led government took office. George Osborne has deliberately axed public sector jobs, choked off the recovery and thrown hundreds on the dole in Wakefield.
In the week where hundreds of our young people get their A level results it is very sad to see long term youth unemployment in the city up 32% in the last 3 months. It is time for this incompetent, out of touch government to change course and bring in a bank bonus tax to fund a real jobs guarantee for our young people.”
Wakefield's Police Chief moves on
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has paid tribute to the work of the district’s police boss Chief Superintendent Marc Callaghan. Marc has announced that he is to leave his post in September having overseen a 40% drop in violent crime, a 47% drop in criminal damage, and 60% decrease in the numbers of vehicles stolen in Wakefield.
Mary said: “Marc has been a dedicated public servant to the people of Wakefield, ensuring that we have the lowest crime rate in West Yorkshire. He played a key role in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the district and was instrumental in developing our first class Neighbourhood Policing Teams. I would like to publicly thank him for his good natured and sensitive leadership of the force over the last 5 years. I look forward to working with his successor to ensure our police continue to deliver for the law abiding majority in Wakefield.”
Mary backs "Price it right" campaign
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is supporting a new campaign and Parliamentary Bill to get supermarkets to use clear and simple price labelling to help people save money.
The ‘Consumer Information Bill’, which is backed by the consumer organisation Which?, will make price labels easier for shoppers to understand and is one way to keep more money in people’s pockets when they’re doing their weekly shop.
Visit www.which.co.uk/unitpricing to sign the pledge.
Tories axe over 500 police officer jobs in West Yorkshire
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has slammed the Tory led government as police strength figures were published by the Home Office on 26 July.
The figures show that the number of police officers in West Yorkshire has fallen from 5758 in March 2010 to 5219 in March 2012. This is a cut of almost 10% cut in the 2 years of the Tory led government and leaves the West Yorkshire Police Authority with its lowest number of officers for nine years.
Wakefield Community Awareness Programme
- Mary with Joanna Cohen and Nigel Miller of the Wakefield Community Awareness Programme
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh visited the Community Awareness Programme on Friday 20 July. The CAP premises on Wood Street was recently damaged by a serious fire, but thanks to the hard work of volunteers and staff, reopened after just 6 days.
End legal loan sharking in Wakefield
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has joined Labour’s Police and Crime Commissioner candidate for West Yorkshire, Mark Burns-Williamson, local councillors and the White Rose Credit Union (WRCU) in a new campaign to end legal loan sharking in the city. Mary and Mark visited WRCU on Friday and distributed leaflets to shoppers warning them of the dangers of payday loans.
Recession made in Downing Street hits Wakefield hard
Unemployment figures released on 18 July revealed there are now 455 18-24 year olds in Wakefield who have been unable to find work for more than a year. In June 2010 there were 35. This is a 1200% rise and higher than at any point since March 1997.
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh said “This out of touch government’s failed policies have delivered a double-dip recession and left hundreds of young people unable to find work in Wakefield. When Labour left office unemployment was falling and there were only 35 young people in the district who were on the dole for more than a year. Now there are over 450 – a shocking 1200% rise in the two years of this government. We urgently need a plan for jobs and growth to get the economy moving again. Labour’s plan includes a £2 billion tax on bank bonuses to fund a real jobs guarantee for all young people out of work for a year."
Regional pay rates under fire
Yorkshire's Labour MPs have slammed the government's plans to introduce regional pay rates for public sector workers. The New Economics Foundation published a report on 16 July saying that the plan could cost £1.5bn to the Yorkshire economy.
Mary urges Wakefield people to apply for paid Parliamentary Placement scheme
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is backing a scheme to give people from all backgrounds the opportunity to gain paid work experience in Parliament. She is urging local people with an interest in politics to apply for the chance to work in Parliament.
The Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements scheme is a cross-party scheme, initiated by Hazel Blears MP, which aims to tackle the problem of unpaid internships in politics by creating a number of paid positions working with MPs in Parliament. For more information and to apply visit: www.socialmobility.org.uk
The recruitment phase for the 2012/13 intake runs until 30th JULY 2012.
Labour calls for 3 more u-turns from the Tory-led government
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has called for the Tory-led Government to perform three more U-turns to get our economy out of the mess it’s in and help people in the city.
David Cameron and George Osborne promised change and they promised to secure the recovery, but their failed policies have delivered a double-dip recession made in Downing Street. Families and businesses are paying the price for their mistakes with prices rising faster than wages, companies going bust and long-term unemployment at a 17 year high.
Ministers not doing enough on flood defences
With widespread flooding across some parts of the country, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), a government advisory panel, published a report on 12 July stating that £860 million will be needed for flood protection in the UK by 2015.
The report says that ministers aren’t doing enough for flood defences, reducing available public money instead of providing the funds required.
Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Flooding Minister, slammed the cuts and said that the government's hands-off approach will not help families and businesses at risk of flooding.
High Court rules on badger cull
The High Court ruled on 12 July that the government's plans for badger culling are legal. Mary Creagh, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responded to the ruling, saying the scientific evidence is clear that culling could make matters worse. The Badger Trust has appealed the ruling.
Mary attends NFU dairy summit
Mary Creagh MP, Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to the Dairy Summit and lobby of Parliament being held in London on 11 July, said:
“This race to the bottom on farm-gate prices is bad for farmers, bad for the dairy industry and bad for consumers. Consumers need affordable milk but the 3 biggest processors are cutting prices which hits dairy farmers’ livelihoods and could ultimately force them out of business.
“Labour wants to see fairness in the food supply chain which is why we have pressed the government to introduce the Supermarket Ombudsman. The government now needs to broker a deal between farmers and processors on dairy contracts to avoid further damage to this vital sector.”
Wakefield welcomes extra powers to drive economic growth
Commenting on the news that Wakefield will get a share of the £1.4bn City deal announced by the government on 5 July, Mary Creagh said:
“This is welcome news for the district and means our Labour Council will have the opportunity to work with Leeds to boost skills and get people back into work. Unemployment is rising in the city as a result of the recession made in Downing Street, so more local control over how money is spent has to be good.
“Peter Box and I are committed to making sure this extra money levers in other investment to the city, supporting businesses, getting extra fast broadband for Wakefield, better rail services, and extra money to help young people not in employment, education or training.”
Mary hears from Holocaust survivor
Mary Creagh MP was honoured to hear Holocaust survivor Sabina Miller speak on Thursday 5th July at the launch of the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2013; Communities Together: Build a Bridge, at the House of Commons.
Independent Forestry Panel report published. Tories u-turn on forests sell-off
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh has thanked everyone who joined the campaign to keep England's forests in public hands after the Independent Panel on Forestry recommended on 4th July that they should not be privatised.
Last year, over half a million people signed a petition against the Tory-led Government’s plans to sell off England’s forests and Ministers were forced to set up an Independent Panel on Forestry to look at the issue.
The Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman completed the Government u-turn after the Panel reported and announced that the public forests would remain in public hands. The announcement guarantees that 285,000 hectares of woodland will not be sold off and will remain available to the public.
Support for Wakefield College students
2300 16-18 year olds missing out on free meals in the city
Wakefield College students have launched a campaign to extend free meals to all 16-18 year olds from disadvantaged backgrounds studying at college. Currently, school sixth form students get free meals at lunchtime, whereas students at FE colleges do not. The Association of Colleges has set up a petition calling on the government to get rid of the anomaly. Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is asking everyone in the district to add their name and support poorer students.
She said “Since this out of touch government scrapped the Education Maintenance Allowance, it is harder for young college students to make ends meet. Many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in FE colleges are striving to get on, balancing A-levels with part-time work or pursuing challenging vocational courses. There is no logic in making free meals available to 16-18 year olds in schools but not in colleges and I hope everyone will support Wakefield College students and sign the petition.”
Mary backs local libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge 2012
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is supporting a campaign run by The Reading Agency to encourage all primary school children to join their local library and take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge - the UK’s biggest reading promotion for primary school children.
Wakefield teenager scoops silver in national schools fishing award
Wakefield MP welcomed 15 year old Cathedral Academy student Michael Taylor to Parliament on 27 June and watched him take the Silver Award in the Countryside Alliance Foundation's Fishing for Schools Awards.
Mary said: “I was delighted to meet Michael and see him win silver for Wakefield in this national competition. As well as developing his skills, the experience has done wonders for his confidence and self-esteem. This shows how important and valuable outdoor learning is for young people. Well done to Cathedral teachers Chris Dyer and Andy Darby for nominating Michael and accompanying him to Parliament. Teachers who go the extra mile for their students are worth their weight in gold.”
Wakefield commuters face inflation busting rail fare rise
Rail fares are set to rocket in the New Year as the Government lifts the cap on how much prices can rise by.
Rail fares are due to rise by 3 per cent above inflation in January 2013 pushing the price of a season ticket between Wakefield and Leeds up to almost £1000 a year. This is on top of the 8% increase in January this year when the cost of a season ticket went up to £908 a year.
Mary responds to Rio+20 Statement
Mary responded for Labour to the Deputy Prime Minister's statement on the Rio+20 summit on 26th June. Watch the session here: http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=10946&st=15:40:51
Bridging the gap in breast cancer survival
After attending Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s Annual Parliamentary Reception on Tuesday 26th June, Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has committed to help Breakthrough improve outcomes for breast cancer patients in the district.
Mary said, “I was shocked to hear that the UK’s breast cancer survival rates fall behind other European countries and, as a result, we’re letting over 1,000 lives slip away from us every year. More than 48,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK and I want to make sure that everyone in Wakefield knows we can do much more.”
Speaker grants Labour Urgent Question on government response to flooding
Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, Mary Creagh, was granted an Urgent Question by the Speaker on 25 June on the government's response to the devastating floods in the north of England.
More flooding hits northern England
Mary Creagh MP, Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, commented on flooding which struck parts of the country on Saturday 23 June. She said:
"The North of England is starting the big flood clean up and crossing its fingers for the next 24 hours. I pay tribute to our police, fire and council staff who have worked through the night helping communities deal with the misery and disruption of the floods.
"People in flood prone areas are finding it harder to get insurance and their premiums and excesses are going up. The Tory-led Government has cut £400m from the flood defence budget and are failing to ensure that flood insurance remains available to all. There is a crisis looming on flood insurance that will leave many homes uninsurable, unmortgageable and unsellable."
Government spin will not help people struggling with high water bills
Mary Creagh, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to the government's announcement on 22 June on guidance for voluntary social tariff schemes by water companies, said:
“The Government should set national standards for water social tariffs to help the millions facing higher water bills, and falling household income. Instead, out of touch Ministers have washed their hands of any responsibility by leaving water companies to decide whether to reduce bills.
“Nick Clegg's non-announcement at Rio is less about reducing water bills and is more a desperate attempt at Lib Dem differentiation from the Tory-led government.”
Wildcats' Community Stadium gets the go-ahead
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh welcomed the decision by the Communities and Local Government Secretary to approve the development of a new 12,000 capacity community stadium in Wakefield on 21 June.
She said "It is fantastic news that the Communities Secretary has agreed with the Planning Inspectorate and concluded that the benefits of the development mean that it should go ahead. This is an important step towards the building of the stadium which will create 2000 jobs, boost the local economy and provide first class sporting facilities for the whole community. Congratulations to everyone at the club, the Council, and all of the fans who have worked so hard to make the stadium a reality and to secure the future of the Wildcats."
Further Education loans are a gamble too far for adult learners
After trebling university tuition fees and scrapping EMAs, the government is now planning to force adult learners aged 24 and above to take out loans up to £4,000 a year to cover their college courses.
This is yet another attack on aspiration and on the lost generation of young people trying to get on in their careers and education. 18,220 people will be affected in Yorkshire, and almost 900 adult students at Wakefield College. 71% of those affected at Wakefield College are women.
Mary Creagh said: “This out of touch government’s plan to scrap financial support for college students over 24 will hit almost 900 people studying for a second chance at Wakefield College. This attack on aspiration will do nothing to get young people off the dole or provide the skills our economy needs. Ministers should think again and invest in adult learners trying to get on in the world.”
Wakefield gets help to go green
- Mary with John Bradley and Brent Mason of Crompton Controls
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is teaming up with solar energy company Crompton Controls to help businesses and other organisations in the district utilise the power of the sun to save money.
Mary will be speaking at Crompton's free seminar on Thursday 28th June 2012 when local experts will give advice on installing solar panels. To book a place call Crompton on 01924 330217 or email suzy.fenton@cromptoncontrols.co.uk
Mary said "I'm delighted to be taking part in Crompton's Commercial Solar seminar, which is aimed at any public or private organisation, whether schools, council buildings, offices, shops or factories
"the seminar will show how cost-effective and straightforward it is to adopt solar and i hope organisations in wakefield will come along to hear from local experts about how they can use renewable energy."
Hosepipe ban lifted in some areas
Mary Creagh MP, Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, commenting on the lifting of the hosepipe ban in some areas on 13 June, said:
"Customers who have seen their bills rise on average by six per cent will be pleased that water companies are lifting the hosepipe ban.
"But this drought has shone a light on how this out of touch Government is delaying on action to protect our water supply. They should set water companies tougher targets to fix leaks, insist they provide help to keep bills affordable and stop the over-abstraction of our rivers and ground water."
Food safety comes first at London 2012
Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh joined the Food Standards Agency in Parliament on Tuesday 12 June to highlight work being done to develop and enforce food safety regulations which will help keep the public safe at this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mary pays tribute to emergency services and people hit by flood devastation
Mary Creagh MP, Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, commented on the latest floods to hit the UK on 12 June. She said: "I pay tribute to our emergency services and everyone who has helped friends and neighbours deal with the devastation of the floods.
"People in flood-hit areas are finding it harder to get insurance and their premiums and excesses are going up. The Tory-led Government has cut investment in flood defences by 27 per cent and are failing to ensure flood insurance remains available to all. There is a crisis looming on flood insurance that will leave many homes uninsurable, unmortgageable and unsellable."
Mary backs Guide Dogs' call to stop attacks on guide dogs
- Mary meets Dave Kent from Guide Dogs with his dog Quince
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh MP has lent her support to Guide Dogs’ call to stop attacks on guide dogs, and hosted a Parliamentary reception highlighting new figures released on 11 June which show attacks on guide dogs are at an all time high and now running at an average of eight a month.
Guide Dogs held the reception to highlight the charity’s growing concern about attacks on guide dogs by other dogs and to ask MPs for their support.The Wakefield MP was amongst the 150 members of parliament that backed the charity's call.
Government drops plan to destroy buzzard nests after public outcry
Mary Creagh MP, Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, commenting on the Tory-led Government’s u-turn on proposals to licence the destruction of buzzard nests on 30 May, said: "I am delighted that this out-of-touch Government has dropped its ill-thought through plans to use taxpayers’ money to destroy our native buzzards’ nests to “protect” pheasants. This was the latest environmental blunder from a Government that has long forgotten its pre-election green promises with the forests sell-off and badger cull. This is just the latest in a long line of u-turns from David Cameron's increasingly shambolic Government.”
Defra should stop plan to disrupt buzzard population now
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh MP has called on Defra Ministers to drop their plans to disrupt the buzzard population by destroying nests and removing them from shooting estates.
She said: “The restoration of the buzzard population has been a real success in recent years. It is astounding that Defra are wasting hundreds of thousands of pounds of tax-payers money disrupting this protected species.
“This out-of-touch Government’s priority is protecting the interests of large commercial shooting estates and non-native pheasant, rather than protecting our country’s native species. The Government should drop this plan now. This has all the hallmarks of another Defra shambles."
The RSPB has slammed the plans and launched a campaign to stop the project. http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/314516-rspb-stunned-by-defra-plan-to-imprison-buzzards
Wakefield food donation drive a massive success
A major food donation drive organised by Ossett charity Resource Aid, Wakefield MP Mary Creagh, and Sainsbury’s has been hailed a massive success. Mary Creagh and Horbury and South Ossett Councillor Jack Hemingway joined volunteers in Sainsbury’s Trinity Walk store on Saturday 26 May to ask shoppers for small donations of food to help people in crisis.
The MP said she was overwhelmed by the response from the public. Resource Aid confirmed that they had received more than 25 large shopping trolleys full of food like pasta, rice, tins, tea, and cereal.
Mary welcomes League Against Cruel Sports investment in tackling wildlife crime
Shadow Environment Secretary joined animal welfare campaigners in Parliament on 22 May to welcome the League Against Cruel Sports' £1m investment in a wildlife crime investigations team.
Mary said "There are many challenges facing everyone who cares about animal welfare. The Prime Minister and his Defra Ministers wants to see the Hunting Act repealed. We need to keep up the pressure on the Government to ensure that they back the ban. Defra has also cut its funding for the Wildlife Crime Unit, on top of the 20% cut that the police have already received. That is why it is so important that the League has invested £1 million of its money to establish a new investigations team – hiring 8 new investigators (taking the total strength to 10) to keep up the pressure on tackling wildlife crime up and down the country."
Wakefield's Bookstart 20 pledge launched at Drury Lane library
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh helped celebrate 20 years of Bookstart on 18th May by making a pledge to share 20 books with children during 2012. Mary joined parents and carers of babies, toddlers and 3 year olds at Wakefield's Drury Lane library to help launch the campaign to boost literacy amongst pre-school children.
Mary said "Sharing books is an amazing and fun way for families to bond with young children. It builds strong and loving relationships, opens eyes, hearts and minds and stretches horizons, while the routine of sharing books, songs and rhymes develops early literacy skills. In Wakefield, Bookstart have gifted over 180,000 books to babies and young children over the last 20 years and I am always delighted to get involved. Thank you to everyone at Drury Lane library for organising such a great event."
Mary calls for action on irresponsible dog ownership
- Mary with Laura Vallance of the Dogs Trust
Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh MP joined Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, on 16 May 2012 to call for action on tackling irresponsible dog ownership at the charity’s annual House of Commons reception hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick MP.
Dogs Trust unveiled a stunning photographic display depicting the work it carries out within communities to help reduce the problems associated with irresponsible dog ownership alongside its policy document, ‘Taking The Lead, Tackling Irresponsible Dogs Ownership’.
Government u-turns on "church tax"
2 days after 7 year old Sophie Clucas hand-delivered a letter to the Prime Minister asking him to reconsider the 20% VAT hike on listed building alterations, the government has announced a £30m fund to help places of worship like Wakefield Cathedral pay the tax bill.
The Reverend Greener and Sophie welcomed the news, and Wakefield MP Mary Creagh paid tribute to the Cathedral's campaign.
Mary said "The money offers a crumb of comfort for churches, and I'm pleased that the Cathedral's excellent campaign has made a difference. It was great to meet Sophie and her family. I will be watching her next political moves – she would make a great politician!"
"Angel of Wakefield Cathedral" takes letter to Number 10
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh welcomed 7 year old Sophie Clucas and her family to Westminster on 14 May. Sophie, who is from Horbury in Wakefield, wrote a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron asking him to reverse the Budget’s proposed 20 per cent VAT on listed buildings alterations. She went to Downing Street with her parents, grandma, and Mary Creagh to deliver the letter personally to the Prime Minister.
In advance of the visit, Mary said “On Monday we will be standing up for Wakefield in Parliament against the Government’s short-sightedness. I’m looking forward to welcoming Sophie and her family and helping them take their protest straight to the Prime Minister. Over 11,000 people have backed the Cathedral’s petition and I hope David Cameron will take notice and change course so the vital renovation work can continue."
Labour Councillors will stand up for Wakefield
Mary Creagh welcomed Labour's local election victory in Wakefield on Friday 4th May. Six seats were up for grabs in Wakefield constituency with the Labour candidate winning each one. In Wakefield North, East, West, Rural, Horbury and South Ossett, and Ossett, Labour candidates were elected. Labour gained a total of 12 seats on the Council whilst the leader of the Conservative Group lost his Pontefract seat by over 600 votes.
Mary said "“I’d like to thank Wakefield voters who put their trust in Labour and to congratulate our hard-working Labour candidates who won back that trust through sheer commitment and dedication. There is much more to do but I know they will work night and day to repay that trust and deliver change for Wakefield.
"I look forward to working with our newly elected councillors - Jack Hemingway (Horbury & South Ossett), Hilary Mitchell (Wakefield West), Lawrence Kirkpatrick (Rural), & Tony Richardson (Ossett) - and our Cllrs who held their seats, Betty Rhodes (North) and Ros Lund (East) - in standing up for Wakefield against the Tory-led government which has squeezed people’s incomes, put over 3000 people on the dole in Wakefield and delivered a double dip recession.”
Mary reveals million pound cost of Wakefield NHS job losses
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has revealed the hidden costs of redundancy pay-outs in the district arising from David Cameron’s NHS re-organisation.
Figures reveal that Wakefield’s NHS has already been forced to spend £1.2m laying off staff - only for many expected to be re-employed elsewhere in the system. And this is just the first phase of redundancies - further damaging figures are expected in the summer.
Remembering Kinder Scout trespass
Tuesday 24th April marked the 80th anniversary of the Kinder Scout mass trespass – a historic event which saw hundreds of people risk imprisonment to walk up Kinder Scout in a bid to open up the countryside for all.
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh MP joined Ramblers at Parliament to pay tribute to those historic trail blazers, commemorate the achievements of the outdoor movement over the last 8 decades and look ahead at the challenges we still face to make Britain the most walking friendly nation in the world.
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VAT hike puts Cathedral revamp in jeopardy
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is supporting a petition set up by Wakefield Cathedral calling on the government to reverse its 20% VAT hike on renovations in listed buildings.
The move could put the ambitious renovation plans at risk and hit the Cathedral with a £200,000 bill. Mary is urging everyone to sign the petition and get the Chancellor to think again.
Mary said "We’ve all been impressed by the vision and scale of the Cathedral’s renovation work leading up to our 125th birthday celebrations next year. The Reverend Greener and his team are working tirelessly to conserve and improve our wonderful Cathedral. The Chancellor’s latest VAT hike could hit the Cathedral with a £200,000 bill and put this work at risk. I’m backing the campaign and I hope everyone will sign the petition on the Number 10 website and get the government to think again.”
Mary backs Labour pledge to "clean up Carlisle"
Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, Mary Creagh MP visited Carlisle on Thursday 29th March to help Labour launch its election pledge to clean up Carlisle. Mary joined volunteers and local Labour councillors to make the pledge and take part in a litter-pick in Yewdale.
Drought status confirmed for parts of Yorkshire
The Environment Agency has confirmed that parts of Yorkshire are now officially in drought.
Mary Creagh, Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to the news, commented: “This is further bad news for water customers already worried by rising bills, which are going up 6.1% on average in the Yorkshire Water area from next month. Lack of water could mean fruit and vegetable prices will rise, wildlife will suffer and in a worse case scenario we could see the construction and energy industries affected.
“The Environment Secretary has held 3 drought summits but seems reluctant to get a grip. She should back Labour’s proposals for new laws to help people struggling to pay their bills and stop people taking water from rivers that are running dry.“
Click here for advice from Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency
Tories failing on every environmental test
28th March 2012
Following the Tory led government's failure to introduce mandatory carbon reporting for businesses as required by the Climate Change Act, Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh has written a blog post for the Guardian. Read it here.
Ministers fail to act on dangerous dogs
Labour has slammed the government's failure to meet its own deadline for publishing dangerous dogs reforms after Defra ministers failed to bring forward proposals before parliament broke for easter recess on 27th March.
Under pressure from Members of Parliament about government inaction, Defra Minister Jim Paice said in the Commons on 1st March 2012 “If a Minister stands at the despatch box and says that something will happen very shortly, it means precisely that. It certainly means before the House rises for Easter.” That deadline expired on 27th March.
Budget 2012: Millions will pay more, so millionaires can pay less
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh, commenting on the impact of Budget 2012 on Wakefield residents, said: "George Osborne’s out of touch Budget will hit people in Wakefield hard. The Chancellor’s priority was to cut the top rate of tax which raised more than £1bn in its first year, paid for by a tax raid on pensioners and tax credit cuts of £74 a week on working parents. This is a Budget where millions will pay more, so millionaires can pay less.
The district’s 36,000 public sector workers are also going to be hit by government plans to impose regional pay. This could cause a race to the bottom in the north as wages struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living.”
Mary visits Durham World Heritage Site
Mary Creagh, Labour’s shadow environment secretary, visited Durham City on 15th March to see how the cathedral staff and other groups are improving the peninsula’s riverbanks and woodlands, as part of a scheme costing £700,000.
Labour calls for Thames Tunnel to help create jobs to tackle youth unemployment crisis
Labour tabled amendments in the House of Commons on Wednesday 14th March to ensure the Government uses the Thames Tunnel project to deliver apprenticeships and jobs for young Londoners.
4,000 jobs will be created directly by the commissioning of the Thames Tunnel project to build new sewage capacity for London, and at least double that number indirectly. Labour tabled amendments to the Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill at its Committee Stage on 14th March to make the call for apprenticeships and higher level skills to be written into the contract for the project. The Government defeated the amendments.
Wakefield jobless toll rises again
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has hit out at the Tory led government's indifference to the jobs crisis in the city. On Wednesday 14th March new unemployment statistics showed that almost 10,000 people are claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Wakefield - a 15% rise since May 2010 and the highest level since February 1997.
Labour FoI request show Ministers failing to listen to advice on risks
10 March 2012
Mary Creagh, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, commenting on advice to the government on the risks of a badger cull, released following a FOI request, said: “This advice, which the government is still trying to cover up, confirms what Labour has said all along. Ministers have ignored scientists' advice that a cull will have a marginal effect on bovine TB and presents a serious risk to taxpayers if farmers are unable to cull for 4 years. This FOI has revealed that Natural England estimate that up to 130,000 badgers could be killed, wiping them out in some areas, and breaching international wildlife treaties.
“The scientists also confirm that the Government’s cull could spread TB in cattle if farmers fail to oversee an effective cull. Ministers should listen to the scientists and can this cull which is bad for farmers, bad for taxpayers and bad for wildlife.”
Read the documents released under the Freedom of Information Act here and here
Ministers avoid immediate circus animal ban
Mary Creagh, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responded to Defra's decision to proceed with a licensing scheme for wild animals in circuses on 1 March. The government says it wants to ban wild animals in circuses but has announced a consultation on what a licensing scheme should look like. It runs until 25 April.
Mary said: “Last year parliament voted unanimously for a ban on wild animals in circuses with the backing of 95% of the public. Defra Ministers showed how out of touch with the public they are and hid behind spurious threats of legal challenges in the EU as an excuse for doing nothing.
“Today, ministers announce a licensing regime until a ban comes in 2015, saying there is no room on the parliamentary timetable for new legislation. Yet only yesterday they introduced a water bill into the house which will be passed in 2 days. There is nothing to stop them doing the same thing for circus animals, but it’s clear that animal welfare is way down the list of this government’s priorities.”
Labour steps up campaign against Cameron's £24 million NHS waste in Wakefield
Labour has set out its plans for a final three month campaign calling on David Cameron to drop his reckless and costly NHS plans.
Since the Drop the Bill campaign was launched in November last year, Labour's Shadow Health team has visited every part of the country, work-shadowing NHS staff and rallying the public to join in the call for the Government to drop its Health and Social Care Bill.
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has added her name to the growing e-petition to Drop the Bill at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22670; which has been signed and supported by over 150,000 people, including Stephen Fry, Rio Ferdinand and Jamie Oliver.
Tax credits 'bombshell' as over 300 couples in Wakefield set to lose £4000 a year
More than 300 families in Wakefield will lose tax credits worth almost £4,000 a year unless they significantly increase their working hours. Under government changes due to come into effect on 6 April 2012, couples with children will have to work a total of 24 hours a week to qualify for Working Tax Credit, rather than 16 hours as at present.
Official Treasury figures show that 305 households, including 670 children, in Wakefield could lose the £3,870-a-year credit as a result of the change.
Mary attends launch of LGA "Be a Councillor" campaign
- Mary with Islington Council Leader Catherine West © Mamun Humayun
Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh attended the Local Government Association's 2012 Parliamentary Reception on 1 February in the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion. The event was used to launch the LGA's ‘Be a councillor' campaign. Running up to the May 2013 local elections, the ‘Be a councillor' campaign aims to celebrate the important work councillors do and encourage new candidates to come forward.
Find out more about the campaign here
Water bills to rise by over 6% in Yorkshire
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh responded to the news that people's water bills will rise by over 6% in Yorkshire from April on 31 January 2012.
Mary said “Family budgets in Wakefield are facing a real squeeze from higher water bills, rising living costs and falling household income. With bills set to rise by over 6% per cent, consumers deserve to know exactly where their money is going. The Government must ensure that water companies help the growing number of people in water debt and sign up more households to special tariffs to ensure they can meet their payments. I would encourage anyone who is finding it difficult to pay to contact Yorkshire Water to see what help may be available."
Visit www.yorkshirewater.com/billhelp for more information.
Tory-led Government must act now to ensure high-risk homes are able to get flood insurance
Shadow Environment Secretary and Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has slammed the government following the publication of a Public Accounts Committee report on flood risk management on 31 January. On the same day, the Association of British Insurers warned that up to 200,000 high-risk homes and businesses will face problems in getting flood insurance after June 2013, unless the Government agrees a new sustainable long-term solution for flood insurance.
Kirkgate consultation day a great success
Pupils from Wakefield City Academy took a lead in the Regenerate Kirkgate consultation process, spearheaded by Groundwork Wakefield, during their ‘Stop the Clock’ Day of Action on Friday January 27. Wakefield MP Mary Creagh joined them in the city centre, and then at the station, to talk to people about the great news about Kirkgate's redevelopment.
An international response to prevent future genocides
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh marked Holocaust Memorial Day 2012 on 27th January by publishing an article considering if Britain could replicate the United States' Atrocities Prevention Board (APD). The APD will coordinate the US government's response to situations where mass atrocites and genocide threaten.
Mary was Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Prevention of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity in the last parliament, and played a key role in the last Labour government's decision to tighten the law in respect of prosecuting people accused of Genocide who are living in Britain.
Government are out of touch with families hit by higher food bills and struggling to make ends meet
Mary Creagh MP, Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, was in Skelmersdale, Lancashire on Thursday 26th January to visit a food bank with local MP Rosie Cooper.
She said “This Tory-led Government are out of touch with North West families feeling the squeeze from higher food bills and struggling to make ends meet. It is an utter disgrace that even though we are the seventh richest country in the world we face an epidemic of hidden hunger, particularly in children.
“The Government needs bring in a Groceries Code Adjudicator with real powers to tackle unfair practices in the retail sector, and start defining and measuring food poverty if we are to tackle it effectively."
"Badger cull trials will not tackle bovine Tb" - Creagh
The Tory-led Government announced the location for its two pilot badger cull areas, in West Gloucestershire and West Somerset, on 19th January. ACPO estimate that it will cost the police £2 million to provide the basic levels of policing in each cull area (over its 4 year cull period). Labour supports a science-led approach to dealing with bovine Tb and disagrees with the Government’s proposals for a badger cull.
Mary Creagh, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary said: “For a cull to work it has to be cost-effective, humane and reduce bovine TB. The Government’s plans will achieve none of those things. This big society badger cull will cost farmers more than it saves them, put a huge strain on local police, and will spread bovine TB in the short term as badgers move out of cull areas. At the end of the cull, 84% of the TB problem will still remain.”
Wakefield Kirkgate to get £2.5m facelift
Wakefield Kirkgate station is to get a £2.5m upgrade after years of pressure by the city’s MP, it was announced on 16th January 2012. Mary Creagh has been calling for investment in the station since a violent assault in 2008 and wrote to Network Rail in December, demanding more money for the station upgrade from them. As a result of her pressure, Network Rail increased their contribution to £500k which has helped lever in over £1 million of new money from the Department of Transport.
Mary backs "No Cruel Cosmetics" campaign
Shadow Environment Secretary and Wakefield MP Mary Creagh joined the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection on 18th January to mark the first anniversary of the No Cruel Cosmetics campaign to end animal testing for toiletries and cosmetic products sold in the EU.
Mary calls for nominations for "Rock the House 2012"
Mary Creagh MP calls for nominations for “Rock the House” Mary Creagh MP is taking part in the second annual Parliamentary live music competition, Rock the House, and invites under-18s, solo artists, bands and live music venues in Wakefield to write and nominate themselves. Musicians and live music venues within the Wakefield area can find all forms and information on the competition at www.rockthehouse2012.com and can send in their nominations to Mary Creagh at mary@marycreagh.co.uk until 30th March 2012.
Sign up for Environment Agency flood risk alerts
Following bad weather on 4th January 2012, Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is urging residents to sign up to Environment Agency flood alerts to get advance warning of flood risk in the district.
Mary said "This week’s high winds and rain have caused havoc for people across Yorkshire. We haven’t had too many problems in Wakefield so far, and it’s good to see there are no flood warnings in Wakefield at the moment. I’m delighted that our £14m Flood Alleviation Scheme is almost complete which will protect over 800 homes and businesses. I would encourage people to sign up for the Environment Agency flood alerts so they can get advanced warning of any flood risk."
Speech to the Oxford Farming Conference - 4th January 2012
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh attended the Oxford Farming Conference on 4th January 2012. The conference is one of the most prestigious events in the agricultural calendar. Mary's speech called for farming and the food industry to be put at the heart of the economic recovery.
Out of touch Tories want to bring hunting back
Responding to Defra Minister, Jim Paice's Boxing Day comment that he "supports hunting with dogs", Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh said:
"There is no place for animal cruelty in a civilised society and most people back Labour's ban on hunting wild animals with dogs. People are worried about their incomes falling, prices rising and losing their jobs, yet this out of touch Tory-led government want to bring hunting back. The reason they haven't held a vote is because they know they do not have enough votes in Parliament to get it through. I hope that hunts will continue to respect the law this year."
Defra lets British farmers down as it buys food from overseas
Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, Mary Creagh, has slammed the government for failing to support British farmers after it emerged that Defra is buying two thirds of its own food from overseas. Defra has responsibility for promoting UK food but sources just 30% of its food to UK production standards. The Department for Work and Pensions sourced just 11% of its food from Britain in 2010/11.
Labour calls for full disclosure after emergency drought order issued
Mary Creagh MP, Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, responded to the Government's decision to grant a drought order to South East Water on 21 December. It is only the second order since 1995.
She said: "The news that South East Water got their reservoir measurements wrong and put 65 000 Sussex homes at risk of standpipes or cuts to their water supply in the New Year is barely believable."
Wakefield's £14m flood defence scheme takes shape
Shadow Environment Secretary and Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has visited the £14m Ings Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme. The scheme is a highly complex project to protect over 700 homes and almost 60 businesses in Wakefield. It is spread over nine sites and nearly 12km of watercourse. Construction started on site in late 2009 and is due to complete in summer 2012.
Labour urges action on dangerous dogs
Shadow Environment Secretary and Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is calling for the Government to act to strengthen powers to tackle dangerous dogs in the district.
The Sentencing Council, which is independent from government, announced a consultation on tougher sentences for dangerous dog offences on 15 December. But the Government still refuses to change the law almost 18 months after Labour’s consultation on toughening existing powers closed.
Mary signs up to Age UK pledge to reduce winter deaths
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has signed up to the Age UK Winter Pledge to help reduce elderly people dying from cold in the district this winter.
Last year over 24,000 people aged over 65 across the UK died unnecessarily during the winter and Mary Creagh agrees with Age UK that this figure must come down. In Yorkshire there were almost 3000 excess winter deaths in 2010/11, and with 69,000 people in Wakefield being hit with a cut to their Winter Fuel Allowance it could be a cold winter for many pensioners.
Mary welcomes council go-ahead for Wakefield waste and recycling plant
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has welcomed Wakefield Council's decision to approve a £5m investment in a new waste and recycling centre in the district.
She said "As both the local MP and the Shadow Environment Secretary, I am delighted that the cabinet has approved Wakefield Council’s £5m investment in the new waste facility at South Kirkby. We already recycle 39% of our waste in the district thanks to the vision of our Labour councillors, and this will divert more waste from landfill which will save us money in the long run. It will create hundreds of construction jobs and many new green jobs in waste management.”
Badger cull the wrong way to tackle bovine Tb
The government announced it would proceed with its plan to cull badgers on 14th December.
Responding to an oral statement in the House of Commons Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh said “For a badger cull to work it has to be cost-effective, humane and it has to reduce bovine TB. The cull will cost farmers more than it saves them and will spread bovine TB in the short term as badgers move out of cull areas.
“We need a science-led policy to manage cattle movements and to develop a vaccine to tackle TB in badgers and cattle. Today’s announcement is bad news for wildlife, bad news for farmers and bad news for the taxpayer.”
Mary visits Wakefield North resident Brenda Hepworth
Wakefield North resident Brenda Hepworth invited local MP Mary Creagh to her specially adapted home on 9th December to talk about the housing needs of wheelchair users in the district.
Brenda has been provided with temporary supported housing in the Ingsbeck area by Aspire, a national charity that works with people with spinal cord injuries. The property off the Ings Road is one of 23 Aspire properties in the UK, including 3 in Wakefield, but with a 300,000 shortfall in wheelchair accessible homes in the country, many disabled people across the country are struggling to live an independent life.
Missed opportunity for the Government to tackle rising water bills
Mary Creagh, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responded to the publication of the Government’s Water White Paper on 8th December. The government released the document, six months late, through a Written Ministerial Statement, but the Speaker called Ministers to the House of Commons after granting an Urgent Question to Mary Creagh. Watch the debate here
Tory-led government's plans to sell off England's forests rejected by independent panel
The Independent Panel on Forestry – which was set up following the great forest u-turn in February - published its interim report on 8th December. The report rejects the government's approach and recognises the important role that the Public Forest Estate plays in providing public enjoyment and access, helping to develop new green jobs. Echoing the 500,000 people who signed the Save Our Forests petition, the panel calls for the forest estate to remain in public hands.
Mary supports Wakefield's solar industry
Following meetings with Wakefield company Crompton Solar in Parliament about the government's cuts to Feed-in-Tariffs, Wakefield MP Mary Creagh visited the company's Monckton Road site on 1 December to meet with staff and tour the factory.
Mary met with Managing Director John Bradley following the Tory-led government’s decision to slash support of the solar industry through reckless cuts to Feed-in-Tariffs.
Victory for Ossett's York House as Government caves into pressure on DLA
The Tory-led government announced on 30th November that it will abandon its plans to scrap the mobility component of DLA for people in residential care homes, after months of pressure from disabled people.
Residents and staff from Ossett’s York House care home met with Mary Creagh MP in July to discuss the government’s unfair proposals and Mary took up their case, pressurising Ministers to think again. On Tuesday, York House resident Simon Davis and his carer Michael Harrison, came to Parliament to watch the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and meet Mary again.
Labour launches Labour Friends of the Forces
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh joined Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, Jim Murphy, and Dan Jarvis MP to help launch Labour Friends of the Forces on Tuesday 22 November. Labour Friends of the Forces is an organisation dedicated to campaigning on the issues that matter to the Armed Forces, their families and the wider service community. It demonstrates the value Labour places defence and the military covenant.
No answers from Defra on green jobs and growth
Following Defra questions on 24 November, Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responded to the failure of the Environment Secretary to answer questions on green jobs and growth.
She said: “The Secretary of State has no plan for green jobs and growth. She has failed to consider how many much needed jobs would be created in the UK’s green economy by the introduction of mandatory carbon reporting. And avoided saying whether she has actually had a one-to-one with the Chancellor to tackle this unemployment crisis.”
“Defra is out of touch with Britain’s largest employers who support mandatory reporting, and out of ideas with how to support the 1million young unemployed."
Mary backs Battersea Dogs and Cats Home campaign
Mary Creagh MP showed off her softer side on Wednesday 23 November, meeting loveable Battersea Staffies at the Houses of Parliament. Mary is lending her support to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s campaign to tackle public misconceptions surrounding Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The leading animal charity took in 2,470 stray and unwanted Staffies last year, and like rescue organisations and local authorities across the UK it is struggling to deal with the sheer number of Staffies needing its help.
Mary calls for action on youth unemployment
Wakefield Mary Creagh MP today (16th November) called for more to be done about the dramatic rise in long term youth unemployment in Wakefield district. New figures released on 16 November show that the number of young people on the dole for six months or more in Wakefield has more than doubled. The number of young people claiming JSA for more than 12 months has also soared. The Tory-led Government’s economic policies are hurting but not working.
Government going soft on protecting our seas
Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to the announcement by Defra on Marine Conservation Zones (15th November 2011) commented:
“This Tory-led government is betraying all the promises David Cameron made during his huksky-hugging phase and show it is utterly out of touch with people who care about the environment.
“This further delay will be a bitter blow for communities and organisations who have worked to protect our seas and wildlife. Far from voting blue and going green, the Government appears determined to undo much of the environmental progress started by Labour. Today we add marine conservation to the list of deadlines they have failed to meet."
Government out of touch on the rural economy
Defra has spent nearly £70m making people redundant – at the same time as recruiting another 500 staff.
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh said “Defra Ministers have spent £70m on making people redundant since the General Election, money that could have been spent building flood defences or creating jobs for young people to improve the natural environment. The Tories have a plan for cuts, but no plan for the environment.”
Mary marks National School Meals Week at Wakefield City Academy
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh marked this year's National Schools Meal Week on 11th November by visiting Wakefield City Academy. She met with Headteacher Alan Yellup and the kitchen staff who had prepared a 1940s themed lunch for the children.
Food prices in the UK continuing to rise faster than elsewhere
Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responded to the OECD figures on rising food prices on 2 November. She said “The Tory-led Government are out of touch with ordinary families and pensioners feeling the squeeze from higher food prices, rising energy bills and stagnant wages. British families have seen their food bills rise by 6.4 per cent over the last year, the second highest food price hike in the European Union."
Mary welcomes the Young People's Trust for the Environment to Parliament
- Mary with YPTE President, Dermot O'Leary
On Tuesday 1st November, Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary, Mary Creagh attended a Parliamentary reception in honour of the Young People's Trust for the Environment (YPTE).
YPTE met with MPs and representatives from major companies in a bid to find more funding and support - with help from X-Factor presenter and YPTE President Dermot O'Leary.
Wakefield Rexam demonstrates its environmental credentials
Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary, Mary Creagh has visited Rexam's beverage can manufacturing plant in Wakefield.
On her tour, Mary was given an introduction to the everyday processes of manufacturing, as well as an insight into the life cycle of Rexam’s 100%, infinitely recyclable aluminium cans.
Huge flood defence funding gap revealed
A report by the National Audit Office published on 28 October has revealed that the one in six properties in England that are flood-prone are being put at increased risk by the Tory-led government's £400m cuts to flood defence spending.
Wakefield teachers join national pensions lobby
- Stuart Boothman & Catherine Boothman, Richard Upton (Ossett Academy), Mary Creagh MP, Peter Korn-Morris (Wakefield College), Laura Jane Fisher (Horbury Secondary School), Philip Shaw (South Parade Primary
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh met with teachers from across the district on 26 October to listen to their concerns about government changes to public sector pensions. Mary accepted petitions from Wakefield College, Horbury Secondary School, South Parade Primary, and Ossett Academy which she agreed to send to Ministers.
Kirkgate plans on track
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has welcomed plans to improve Wakefield's Kirkgate train station.
Wakefield Council is working with Groundwork, Network Rail, Northern Rail, Grand Central rail, Rail Heritage Trust and METRO to rejuvenate the station, creating space for community groups and businesses. Funding bids have been submitted, architects appointed and detailed plans produced which will be subject to consultation before Christmas.
Tories have no plan for green growth and jobs
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh led a House of Commons debate on 26 October on the Government's record on environmental protection and green growth. Watch the debate here
The transcript is available here
Labour in fight to protect rural pay
Labour led the fight to save the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) from being abolished in Parliament on Tuesday 25 October.
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh wrote to all Lib Dems and Tory MPs with over 500 agricultural workers in their constituency urging them to stand up for their constituents by voting for Labour's amendment to the Public Bodies Bill which would have removed the AWB from the legislation. She also joined Unite the Union and rural workers from across the country at a demonstration outside Parliament. Labour's amendment was defeated in the Commons by 296 votes 219 after Lib Dem MPs voted with the Tories.
Tory-led government out of touch with the needs of farmers and consumers
Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responded to the publication of the Government’s response to the BIS Select Committee report on the proposed Groceries Code Adjudicator on 15 October.
She said “After 18 months of delay, the Government has announced its Groceries Code Adjudicator will be neutered from the start. It will not investigate the claims of trade associations or whistleblowers and it will not penalise companies who breach the code despite the recommendations of two Parliamentary Select Committees.
“This Government is out of touch with farmers, food processors and consumers alike, when food prices have risen six per cent in one year. They should be standing up for shoppers who are feeling the squeeze and the food producers who are the engine for jobs and growth in this, the country’s largest manufacturing sector.”
Badger cull will spare just 5 herds, warns Labour
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh has warned the Government that their plans to tackle TB in cattle by culling badgers will reduce herd breakdowns by just 2.5 per cent but cost farmers hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Read the full story in the Western Morning News
Mary backs Labour's plan for jobs and growth
Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary, Mary Creagh, backed Labour's 5 point plan for growth on 13 October. Labour leader Ed Miliband and Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls have set out a detailed alternative to the Tory-led government's reckless cuts which go too far, too fast.
Mary joins Dewsbury Road Asda in breast cancer fundraising campaign
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh joined staff at ASDA’s Dewsbury Road supermarket on 30 September to help raise much-needed funds for the Tickled Pink campaign.
Entering its 15th year, Asda's Tickled Pink campaign benefits two breast cancer charities - Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Campaign and since it started, stores across the country have raised over £25 million.
In the hot seat: Mary interviewed by Farmers Weekly
In advance of Labour's annual party conference, Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh has given a wide ranging interview to Farmers Weekly.
She discussed food, farming policy, CAP reform, and Labour's campaigns against the government's badger cull and for fairness in the countryside.
Mary welcomes WDH aerial charge review
Following representations from Wakefield MP Mary Creagh, Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) have agreed to halt a planned service charge to pay for maintenance on communal TV aerials.
Yorkshire's Forward Ladies head south to Westminster
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh met a delegation of Yorkshire's leading business and professional women in the Houses of Parliament on Monday 12 September.
Boundary Commission publishes proposals to split Wakefield district
The Boundary Commission published its initial proposals on changes to the boundaries of Parliamentary constituencies on 12 September. The commission has proposed to split Wakefield district into 5 separate constituencies: These will be called Dewsbury and Wakefield West, Hemsworth and Wakefield South, Wakefield East and Pontefract, Leeds South and Outwood, and Selby and Castleford.
The Boundary Commission is asking the public for their views on the proposals until 5 December. View the plans and have your say here: www.consultation.boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk
Women's unemployment highest for 23 years
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh slammed the Tory-led government's economic policy on 14 September following a surge in female and youth unemployment.
Labour fights for fairness in the countryside
Labour MPs are fighting to save the Commission for Rural Communities and the Agricultural Wages Board from abolition by the Tory-led government. MPs debated a Labour amendment to retain the AWB at committee stage of the Public Bodies Bill on Thursday 8 September. Read the transcript here: www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmpublic/publicbod/110908/pm/110908s01.htm
Labour's campaign for fairness in the countryside,Back the Apple, is continuing.
Mary shows support for bereaved Armed Forces families
- Mary meets Legion county manager, Russell Murray
Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield attended an event at the House of Commons on 7 September organised by The Royal British Legion to highlight the importance of supporting bereaved Armed Forces families.
Mary attacks planned government cuts to concessionary coach fares
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh wrote to Transport Ministers on 31 August after being inundated with letters from people in Wakefield who are worried about the government's scrapping of the coach concessionary travel scheme. Travelling by coach will become more expensive for thousands of pensioners and disabled people across the country, following a little-publicised decision by the Tory-led Government to end concessionary coach travel by October 2011.
Tories cutting police too far, too fast
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh hit back at David Cameron's claim that the government is only cutting West Yorkshire Police's budget by 8% on 22 August. In fact the government's own figures show a 20% cut - £101m out of West Yorkshire's current £438m budget.
Read the full story here
Labour launches campaign against Government badger cull
Labour launched a new campaign to persuade the Tory-led Government to drop its plans for a badger cull on Friday 19 August.
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh MP has written to over 25,000 supporters from previous countryside and animal welfare campaigns asking them to lobby their MPs about the issue. The Party has also launched a new website www.NoBadgerCull.com where people can register their support.
Download Mary's Policing and Crime survey
- Mary talks to Lupset residents at Jubilee Hall
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has sent out over 1500 police and crime surveys to Wakefield residents.
On 2 August Mary held a meeting with residents at Lupset's Jubilee Hall, alongside Chair of the West Yorkshire Police Authority Cllr Mark Burns-Williamson and Wakefield Council Cabinet Member for Communities Maureen Cummings, to discuss the Tory-led government's £100m cut to policing budgets in West Yorkshire.
Download the survey here and let Mary know your views.
Mary backs "Give a Day's Pay" campaign
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh signed up to support the Independent on Sunday's "Give a Day's Pay" appeal on 7th August.
Along with thousands of IoS readers, Mary has pledged a day's pay to the Disasters Emergency Commitee's East Africa crisis appeal. More than 12 million people are at risk of dying from hunger in East Africa as a result of the worst drought in 60 years.
Two million children under the age of five are malnourished and 500,000 are severely malnourished.
Donations can be made direct to the DEC at www.independent.co.uk/giveadayspay. To give £5, you can text INDY to 70000.
Read more on the DEC's East Africa crisis appeal here
Tories are failing on recycling and waste
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh pledged her support for the Daily Mail’s campaign to cut the use of plastic carrier bags on 6 August. The Wakefield MP called on the Prime Minister to take action to get Britain’s recycling policies back on track.
Mary calls into Drury Lane library for Summer Reading Challenge
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh called in to the city's Drury Lane library on Tuesday 2nd August to show her support for this year's Summer Reading Challenge. She donated a book and chatted to young volunteers at the library's first drop-in chat session of the summer.
Tory-led government's pension reforms will hit agricultural workers
Figures released by Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh on 1st August show that the Tory-led government’s changes to Labour's plans for universal pension coverage will have a huge impact on rural and farm workers.
Mary welcomes Wildcats Super League news
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has sent her congratulations to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats following the news on 26 July that the club will retain its Super League licence for a further 3 years.
She said ""This is fantastic news for Trinity Wildcats and fantastic news for Wakefield. It means Wakefield, a city with a great rugby league heritage, will stay where it belongs - in the top flight."
Badger cull the wrong way to tackle Bovine TB
Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responded to the Government’s announcement of a badger cull to tackle bovine Tb on 19 July.
She said: “Bovine Tb is a terrible disease, which is why Labour in government invested £50 million on badger cull trials and a 10 year study on their effects. Free shooting of badgers has never been tested and could prove inhumane.
“The cull will cost farmers more than it saves them and could spread bovine TB in the short term as badgers move out of cull areas. This decision is driven by political expediency rather than sound science.”
Pledge to support Cancer Research in Yorkshire
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is highlighting Cancer Research UK’s work in Yorkshire and the Humber and backing the charity’s bid to make the region and the UK a thriving environment for medical research.
Mary met Cancer Research UK’s doctors, scientists and supporters - including Yorkshire researchers Professor Tim Bishop from the Leeds Cancer Research UK Centre - at a special reception at Westminster on Tuesday 12 July.
Ossett's York House care home welcomes Mary's support
- Mary meets York House residents and staff
Residents and staff at York House, a centre that cares for 20 people with a variety of disabilities, have welcomed the support of Wakefield MP Mary Creagh in their campaign to stop the government’s plan to withdraw Disability Living Allowance (DLA) from people in residential care homes.
Back the Apple! Labour launch fairness for the countryside campaign
On 12 July, Labour launched its new fairness for the countryside campaign “Back the Apple” to protect pay and conditions for England’s farm workers and fruit pickers.
The Tory-led Government are planning to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board as part of the Public Bodies Bill which had its Second Reading in the House of Commons on 12 July. The Agricultural Wages Board has protected pay and conditions for farm workers, from apprentices to supervisors, since the Attlee government set it up in 1948.
Mary backs Wildlife Trusts campaign to protect our seas
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh MP is supporting The Wildlife Trusts’ Petition Fish campaign to protect our seas and the amazing wildlife it supports. She showed her support on 11 July by signing a scale on a Petition Fish in the House of Commons.
Mary nominates Wakefield sporting heroes to carry olympic torch
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has nominated local sporting heroes, John Newsome and Les D'arcy, to carry the Olympic flame as it travels through West Yorkshire next year.
Yorkshire Post launch "fair deal for Yorkshire" campaign
On 11 July, Mary pledged her support for the Yorkshire Post’s new campaign for a ‘fair deal for Yorkshire’:
She said: “I support the Yorkshire Post’s new campaign for a Fair Deal for Yorkshire. Despite the downturn, there were 216 million tourist visits to Yorkshire last year. This is down to our natural beauty, our fantastic cities and the work of our growing tourism businesses. Yorkshire Forward is investing £10 million in Welcome to Yorkshire this year to boost our visitor economy during the Olympics. However, from April 2012 there will be no funding, due to the Government’s reckless decision to axe Yorkshire Forward. The Tory-led Government is going too far, too fast with its cuts, threatening Yorkshire’s future prosperity and jobs.”
Mary puts government on the spot over lack of action on legal loan-sharking
Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield, joined calls for the Government to get a grip on problems caused by high-cost lending. After months of delay, on 4 July, Labour MPs put renewed pressure on ministers to address the problems caused by payday, doorstep and other high-cost lenders by voting for an amendment to the Finance Bill.
Mary marks Refugee Week 2011
- Mary and Lucas Atemekem, Assistant Financial controller of RASA
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh marked this year's Refugee Week by attending a roundtable discussion with Refugee and Asylum Seekers Advocacy (RASA) in Wakefield on Friday 24 June.
Victory for common sense on circus animal ban
On an extraordinary day in Westminster on Thursday 23 June, the Tory-led government tried and failed to defeat a cross-party Motion directing them to ban wild animals in circuses.
Mary shows support for National Microchipping month
Shadow Environment Secretary, Mary Creagh MP met up with the Kennel Club on 23 June and urged all pet owners to have their pets microchipped and update their contact details as part of National Microchipping Month 2011, which takes place throughout June.
Back the ban on wild animals in circuses
Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh launched the Back the ban on wild animals in circuses website on 17 June.
On Thursday 23 June, Parliament will vote on whether to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. Like most of the public, Labour wants the practice of wild animals being transported around the country for entertainment banned.
They can’t speak for themselves, so we must act for these majestic wild animals. And time is running out.
Pledge to lobby your MP to back the ban here: www.campaignengineroom.org.uk/back-the-ban-circus-animals
Mary calls for applicants to Parliament's paid internship scheme
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is calling on Wakefield people who are interested in politics to apply for a new paid internship opportunity working in the House of Commons. The new Speaker’s Parliamentary Placements scheme will offer 12 people the opportunity and support to complete a paid internship in Parliament.
Government waste review - a missed opportunity
Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, Mary Creagh responded to the publication of the waste review on 14 June. She said:
"The Government’s policies for getting rid of rubbish are in chaos. They have broken their promise on bin collections and recycling. The waste review is a missed opportunity and will leave England with the weakest recycling targets in the UK. The Government have cut funding to tackle littering and failed to set out an ambitious target for recycling.
"We need strong leadership to create green jobs through recycling and a greater focus on food waste, which costs families on average £50 a month. The policy review says more about the infighting going in Government between Eric Pickles and Caroline Spelman than it does about tackling waste. The Tories risk turning back the clock on progress Labour made on recycling over the last decade. Defra is still a department in special measures after this failed review."
Tory-led government needs to show leadership over drought and rising food prices
Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to the government's drought announcement on 10 June said:
“People are concerned about the country’s water situation and its impact on food production. Families are already feeling the squeeze from rising food prices, which hit a two year high last month. The driest spring on record has already severely affected a fifth of the cereal harvest, which could lead to further price hikes for food and beer.
“The Tory-led Government has dropped its plans for a Water Bill in this parliament, which means further delays in the changes we need to make to use water more efficiently. The Government needs to get a grip and reassure people that it has robust plans in place to deal with the drought.”
Mary attends South of England Show
Mary Creagh MP, Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, visited the South of England Show in Ardingly on 9 June to hear first-hand the problems facing local farmers and producers.
Wakefield business talent wins national award in Parliament
A talented entrepreneur from Thornes won a national award for his business achievements in Parliament on 8 June. Adeem Younis was nominated for an Association of Colleges (AoC) Gold Award by Wakefield College. AoC Gold Award winners, who are nominated by further education Colleges, are people who have attended that College and who have since gone on to achieve excellence in his or her chosen field.
West Yorkshire's Chief Fire Officer warns MPs about impact of government cuts
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh met with West Yorkshire’s Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling on Wednesday 8th June to talk about the impact of the government’s funding cuts to fire and rescue services in Wakefield and the region.
Natural Environment White Paper fails to set out a clear plan for nature
Mary Creagh MP, Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, responded to the publication of the Natural Environment White Paper on 7 June:
She said: “Today’s Natural Environment White Paper provides few clues about the Conservative-led Government’s plans for nature. The White Paper fails to set out a clear plan for major challenges such as reforestation or biodiversity loss; nor does it deal with concerns about planning policy.
Mary urges parents to get their children vaccinated against Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Commenting on the rise in measles amongst young people, Wakefield MP Mary Creagh said:
“NHS figures show that almost as many people had measles in the first 4 months of 2011 as during the whole of 2010 and there are measles outbreaks in mainland Europe. The MMR vaccine is completely safe but we have an 88% rate for the MMR vaccination in Wakefield which is below the national average."
Mary calls for support for Wakefield's carers
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh wrote to NHS Wakefield District on 1 June to find out what support is on offer to the district’s 32,000 unpaid carers.
Click the headline for the full story
Pennine Camphill Community welcomes Mary
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh visited specialist community college Pennine Camphill on Friday 27th May. The community college, based in Chapelthorpe, provides further education and support for young people who have learning difficulties. It operates as a non-profit-making charity, with help from volunteers locally, nationally and internationally.
Mary takes listeners calls on BBC Radio Leeds
Wakefield MP and shadow environment secretary Mary Creagh spent an hour on the Mid Morning Show on BBC Radio Leeds on Friday 27th May. She answered questions from listeners in a live phone-in. Listen from 2 hours in here: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00gstql
Mary pledges support for "Hot Drinks Harm" campaign
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is supporting a North Bristol NHS Trust campaign to highlight the dangers of hot drink spillages to young children. Every day 180 children in England are brought into hospital with scalds from hot drink spills.
As part of the campaign, a "Hot Drinks Harm" film has been made by the South West UK Children's Burn Centre at Frenchay, where injuries from tea or coffee account for 60 per cent of admissions. Watch the film here: www.youtube.com/watch
For more information visit www.nbt.nhs.uk/hotdrinksharm.
Government to buy more forests?
The Chair of the Independent panel of the future of the forests, the Right Rev Bishop of Liverpool, has said that he could recommend that the Government buys more woods – rather than the Government’s current plans to sell them off.
Click the headline for more information
Defra advice contradicts Minister on circus animal ban
Environment Minister Jim Paice stated to the House of Commons on the 18th May that a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses would contravene the Human Rights Act.
It now looks like Ministers are making it up as they go along. An official assessment by Defra officials in December 2009 concluded that there were no human rights issues with introducing a ban.
Read the assessment here: webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100713150655/www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/circus-wild-animals/impact-assessment.pdf
Click the headline for more information.
Defra ministers misled parliament over failure to ban wild animals in circuses
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh was granted an urgent question in the House of Commons on 19th May after it emerged that Defra ministers had misled Parliament over its failure to ban wild animals in circuses.
Click the headline for the full story
The Hepworth Wakefield opens its doors - 21 May 2011
Wakefield's internationally renowned art gallery, The Hepworth Wakefield, finally opened its doors to the public on 21 May.
City MP Mary Creagh said "I feel proud that Wakefield is now home to one of the largest purpose built galleries outside of London. This will bring enormous benefits to our city, not just through the influx of art lovers and tourists coming to visit the gallery, but through the value of the gallery to our local community."
Click the headline for the full story
Labour condemns Defra failure to ban wild animals in circuses
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh has slammed the Tory led government’s decision not to ban wild animals in circuses. On Friday 13 May Defra quietly published a Written Ministerial Statement saying they will not bring in a ban, but instead announced that they will consult on a licensing system for wild circus animals.
Read the statement here: www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtoday/cmwms/archive/110513.htm
Click the headline for the full story
Mary calls on government to toughen up the Energy Bill
Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh joined Friends of the Earth’s green strong man ‘Energy Bill’ outside Parliament on 18 May to show her support for a tough new law to save energy and tackle climate change in homes and communities around the country.
Click the headline for more information
Mary tucks into "fairer fillings" with the RSPCA
Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh attended the launch of the RSPCA’s ‘Fairer Fillings campaign’ on 18th May to support the charity’s call for people to consider animal welfare when buying or making their lunch.
Click the headline for the full story.
Ossett resident Peter Westwood marches on Parliament
Thousands of disabled people marched on Parliament on 11th May to protest about the impact of the government’s welfare reform policies on disabled people and their families. Wakefield MP Mary Creagh met with Peter Westwood from Ossett who is blind. He marched on parliament as he is worried about what the government’s changes to Disability Living Allowance will mean for him.
Click the headline for more information.
Labour launches the Coalition Commemorative Calendar
Labour launched the Coalition Commemorative Calendar on 11 May to mark the anniversary of David Cameron and Nick Clegg's rose garden press conference. Visit www.labour.org.uk/coalition-calendar/may/1 to revisit some of this Tory-led government's broken promises, u-turns, and reckless public spending cuts.
Mary pays tribute to emergency services tackling UK's wild fires
Mary Creagh, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to the ongoing gorse and forest fires in many parts of the UK on 3rd May said:
“The fires are ravaging some of our most diverse wild landscapes causing untold damage to nature and wildlife, particularly as it is the start of the breeding season for many birds. Hundreds of acres of heath and gorse have already been affected threatening wildlife, biodiversity and public enjoyment of these precious areas.
“This is a dangerous situation which has not been helped by the high winds over the weekend and record-breaking dry spell in April. I pay tribute to the excellent work of our emergency services tackling the fires and helping to keep people safe; and urge everyone to follow the advice of the fire services to stay away from affected areas.
“The Government needs to take a lead in bringing together the different agencies involved to assess the damage from the last few days and provide practical help to affected areas.”
Farming students face full £9000 tuition fees under Tory led government plans
Farming and agricultural students face the maximum fee increase from next year following the Government’s plans to cut university funding and allow institutions to treble student fees.
Click the headline for more information.
Mary warns against DIY Badger cull
Speaking to the Financial Times on 20 April, Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh warned the Tory led government that their plan to kill thousands of badgers to prevent the spread of bovine TB could spread the disease further.
Click the headline for the full story
Tories "all over the place on waste"
Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh commented on the Government’s plans to change refuse laws on 10 April.
She said: “The Tory-led Government are all over the place on waste and recycling.
“Despite announcing a major waste review last summer we are still waiting for them to publish anything. The reality is that councils will struggle to improve waste services following the scale of the cuts imposed on them this year."
Click the headline for more information.
Tory led government slashes student support by 60%
The Government’s announcement on the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) replacement scheme is “another attack on young people” says Wakefield MP Mary Creagh. On 28th March Education Secretary Michael Gove announced that the budget for EMA will amount to just £180m. This is 60% less than the current £560m EMA budget.
Click the headline for more information
Mary meets Yorkshire Wildlife Trust in Parliament
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh has pledged to ‘value our natural heritage’ after meeting local nature conservation organisation the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) at the House of Commons The event was held on 30th March to highlight the value of funding nature and its recovery. It showcased a number of Wildlife Trust projects funded by HLF around the UK.
Mary backs Ivory surrender to save elephants
- Mary with Sergeant Rowan Healey from the Met's Wildlife Crime Unit
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has showed her support for elephants by backing the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)’s ivory surrender on Wednesday 30th March 2011.
Click the headline for more information
Mary at Labour people's policy forum in Nottingham
- Mary with Wayne Murphy
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh joined Labour leader Ed Miliband and the shadow front bench teams at the latest Fresh Ideas event in Nottingham on Friday 25th March. The event was attended by 2000 people.
For more photos of the event visit fresh-ideas.org.uk/peoples-policy-forum
Food report damning indictment on Government record
The Sustainable Development Commission published it's final report on Friday 25th March. It's report slams the government for having no plan to tackle rising food prices.
Click the headline for more information.
Read Mary's Guardian article on the subject here: gu.com/p/2z2ea/tf
Mary gets charged up for Earth Hour
Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh got on her bike this week to mark WWF's Earth Hour on 26th March. She pedalled with a Panda for the world’s biggest call for action to protect the planet.
Budget 2011 - It's hurting but it's not working
The Tory Budget will cost jobs and hit hard working families hard, says Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh.
Click the headline for more information.
Wakefield Samaritans mark 40 years with 40 events
2011 marks the 40th anniversary of Wakefield Samaritans. The charity, based in Charlotte Street, plans to hold 40 separate events throughout the year to mark the 40th year. The first event was a fundraising gala held in January, with the prize of lunch in Parliament being donated by local MP Mary Creagh.
Charity activists and Samaritan supporters, Colin and Christine Evans, won the prize and went to Parliament to watch the budget and climb Big Ben on 23rd March.
Census 2011 - Mary urges Irish in Wakefield to "tick the Irish box"
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has urged people in Wakefield to consider their Irish heritage when responding to this year’s census. Second generation Irish people are traditionally under-represented in the census which is carried out by the Office of National Statistics every 10 years. This year’s Census Day is Sunday 27th March.
Government announces forestry panel
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh expressed concern on 17 March that the government's forestry panel will not include representatives of local campaign groups.
Click the headline for more information
The campaign to save our forests is not over yet. Sign the petition here: www.campaignengineroom.org.uk/this-land-is-our-land
Mary votes for VAT on fuel to be reversed
Labour MP for Wakefield Mary Creagh voted to reverse the government’s VAT rise on petrol and diesel in the House of Commons on 16 March. But Labour’s motion calling for immediate relief for motorists was defeated by Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs who joined forces to vote against it.
Join Labour's campaign: www.reversevatonfuel.com
Mary celebrates World Forestry Day
Mary Creagh, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, visited Dalby Forest to help Hugh Bayley MP and local campaigners mark World Forest Day on 20 March.
Mary meets Wakefield scientist
Mary kicked off National Science and Engineering week on 14 March by welcoming Wakefield scientist Dr Carl Gilkeson to Parliament.
Click the headline for the full story.
Eastmoor Job Club welcomes City MP
- Mary with Eastmoor community worker Dom Charkin
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh visited Eastmoor Community Project’s Job Club on Friday 11th March. The club, which runs from 9am-12noon every Friday at St Swithuns Community Centre.
Click the headline for more information.
Wakefield's £250m hospital fully open
Mary joined Ed Balls on a tour of Wakefield's new £250m Pinderfields Hospital on Friday 11 March.
The MPs met with local people, patients and staff to celebrate the complete opening of this long-awaited state-of-the-art new hospital.
Mary launches protecting rural Britain policy review
Mary Creagh MP, Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, announced details of Labour’s review of the future challenges facing rural Britain on Friday 11th March 2011.
Click the headline for more information on protecting rural Britain.
Sure Start funding cuts "another broken promise"
Funding for Sure Start and childcare services in Wakefield is being slashed by £60 per child next year, new figures have revealed.
Click the headline for the full story
The government doesn't get sustainable development
The Tory led Government has abolished the Sustainable Development Commission, and published an inadequate sustainable development strategy. They have a plan for cuts but no plan for the environment.
Read Mary's new article for Left Foot Forward.
www.leftfootforward.org/2011/03/sustainable-development-green-wash/
Tory led government cannot ignore food prices
The latest OECD figures has shown that food inflation is rising three times as fast in the UK compared to other countries: 6.3 per cent compared to an average of 2.1 per cent for the G7 countries and 2.8 per cent for the EU.
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh responded to the figures on 9 March. Click the headline for the full story.
Shadow Cabinet welcome Dan Jarvis MP to Parliament
Mary joined Ed Miliband and the Labour Shadow Cabinet in welcoming the new Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis to Parliament on Tuesday 8th March.
Dan won the seat for Labour with 60% of the vote and a majority of 11,771.
Mary chairs Labour Fresh Ideas event
- David Hanson MP, Mary Creagh and Cllr Bryan Grew
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh visited the North Wales constituency of Delyn on Monday 7 March 2011. Delyn MP David Hanson welcomed Mary to Flint as part of the Labour Party’s ‘Fresh Ideas’ national consultation.
Labour win Barnsley Central by-election
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh joined Labour candidate Dan Jarvis in Barnsley Central on Thursday 3rd March. The former soldier won the seat for Labour with 60% of the vote and a majority of 11,771.
Mary backs workers' campaign against job cuts
On 1 March, Shadow Environment Secretary and Wakefield MP Mary Creagh met professionals and specialist staff as part of a trade union campaign against the Tory led government’s plans to cut 330,000 jobs.
Click the headline to read more
Defra fails on pledge to buy British food to help farmers
It was reported on 24th February that the Government has missed a key target to help British farmers by buying more home-grown food.
Click the headline to read more
National Park cuts "another attack on the countryside"
Mary Creagh has branded the government's 28% cuts to National Parks "another attack on the countryside". National Park Authorities could be forced to close visitor centres, restrict public access and increase parking charges to pay for redundancies as a result of Defra's spending cuts.
Mary visits Second Chance Headway
Mary Creagh picked up some top tips for the kitchen on 18 February when she visited Wakefield charity Second Chance Headway's new base on Almhouse Lane.
Click the headline for more information.
Mary hails people power as Government u-turns on forests sell off
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh welcomed the Tory led Government's u-turn on plans to sell England’s 1,400 public forests on 17 February.
Click the headline to read more.
Government cuts force asylum seeker centre closure
On 18 February, Wakefield MP Mary Creagh responded to the news that an important asylum seeker's hostel in Wakefield is to close in March 2011. The Refugee Council run hostel, Angel Lodge, has seen a 60% cut to its budget by the Home Office, sparking fears that vulnerable asylum seekers may become homeless and destitute.
Mary condemns the government's flood cuts
Shadow Environment Secretary and Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has condemned the Government’s latest announcement on funding cuts for flood defence projects.
On 9th February 2011 she secured an urgent question in the House of Commons.
Click on the headline for the full story.
Labour MPs launch campaign against police cuts
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has joined forces with Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls to protest against the Tory led government's reckless cuts to West Yorkshire Police. The cuts could mean 1500 police jobs are axed in West Yorkshire.
Mary calls Commons debate as Government publishes forest hitlist
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh forced a debate in the House of Commons on the future of the Public Forest Estate in England. The debate took place on Wednesday 3rd February 2011 and can be viewed here - bit.ly/gbfuq5
The debate was called after the Tory-led Government announced a public consultation on the future of England's forests, despite having already identified thousands of hectares of woodland for sale.
Mary tells of forest sell off fears
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh has spoken of her fears about the Tory led government's public forest sell off.
Read the press coverage here:
blogs.ft.com/westminster/2011/01/the-problem-with-spelmans-forestry-plans/
www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5i9dfoFhmEKzCvZ_vV1HSN2PmdWCw
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Union-fears-39countryside-closure-by.6703662.jp
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-12291729
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/26/england-woodland-rethink
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/22/poll-england-forest-sell-off
City MP pledges support for Wakefield's voluntary sector
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh pledged to support the district’s cash strapped voluntary groups in Parliament on 26 January. Mary met with representatives from Voluntary Action Wakefield District (VAWD) and Wakefield Samaritans to discuss how to respond to the Tory led government’s funding cuts.
Wakefield farmers welcome shadow environment secretary
Food and farming were firmly on the agenda when Wakefield farmers hosted a farm visit by Mary Creagh - local MP and Shadow Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on Friday 28 January.
Mary warns government "this land is our land"
Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh has launched a website protesting against the Tory led government’s attempt to sell off England’s forests, as part of the Public Bodies Bill.
Visit www.thislandisourland.org.uk to sign the petition and put pressure on the Tory-led government to think again.
Mary Launches Wakefield's "Green Plug"
Wakefield MP and Shadow Environment Secretary, Mary Creagh, visited Wakefield based research and development company, Logicor, on Friday 14th January. Mary was invited by Logicor Director, David Bowen, to launch the company’s innovative “Green Plug” - a device which can reduce household energy bills by as much as 41%.
Labour's key Green tests for the environment
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh and shadow Climate Change Secretary Meg Hillier set out the key tests for the government on environmental issues in an article for the Guardian website on 14 January 2011.
Read it here - www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/14/government-greenometer
Mary welcomes flood defences for Westgate
Wakefield MP and Shadow Secretary for the Environment, Mary Creagh, has welcomed the start of the latest phase of the city’s £12 million flood alleviation scheme. Wakefield Council and the Environment Agency started work on 4th January 2011 to replace 2 culverts under Westgate which will help protect the city and its residents from water damage if the city is flooded again.
Mary slams Tory VAT hike
Families are facing a grim start to 2011 thanks to the Tory led government's decision to raise VAT to 20%. Mary Creagh slammed the decision on 4 January at what she calls “the worst possible time for families and businesses”.
Read more here =>
Government cuts spark jobless fears
On the eve of 2011, Mary Creagh has called on the Tory led government to think again about public sector cuts as unemployment is predicted to rise next year.
Read more here =>
Mary visits Refugees and Asylum Seekers Advocacy (RASA)
Mary visited Wakefield based advocacy project Refugees and Asylum Seekers Advocacy (RASA) on Friday 17 December. She met with RASA advocates Masoud Maddah and Maureen Mguni who have been accredited by the Immigration Services Commissioner to provide immigration advice in Wakefield.
Read more here =>
Mary attacks "reckless" Tory cuts to West Yorkshire Police funding
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has responded to West Yorkshire Police's announcement that they expect a 20% cut in their funding from the government over the next four years.
Read more here =>
Mary joins Wakefield's "Carbon Army"
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh visited British Trust Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) on 10 December to help plant a new hedgerow at Calder Drift. The event was part of BTCV's Carbon Army Campaign against Global Warming and Climate Change.
Read more here =>
Mary backs Credit Union services in post offices
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh and the White Rose Credit Union are backing a new scheme to make credit union services available at every Post Office counter across the country. Mary pledged to support the link-up of credit unions and post offices at an event in Parliament this week. The move would mean White Rose members could access their account in any Post Office.
Read More Here =>
Mary meets Yorkshire's BT Broadband team
The BT team responsible for bringing superfast broadband to Yorkshire visited Parliament on Wednesday 8 December. Wakefield MP Mary Creagh arranged for Martin Snaith, and the BT Openreach team, to tour the 150 year old Big Ben clock tower. The team, which is based in Leeds, come from all over Yorkshire including Sheffield, Ilkley, Leeds, Otley and Wakefield.
Read More Here =>
Mary welcomes Wakefield's disability campaigners to Parliament
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh welcomed Wakefield's disability champions, Sabrina and Gillian Archbold, to Parliament on Monday 6 December. Sabrina and Gillian run the Wakefield based disability charity Kidz Aware. Sabrina's work with Kidz Aware won the regional Digital Heroes award and £5000 for the charity.
Read More Here =>
Youth sports slashed in Wakefield
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has slammed the Tory/Lib Dem government's £162m cut to school sports. There are two School Sports Partnerships covering the Wakefield District which provided a grant of over £500,000 to all schools in the area. Mary Creagh has called on the Prime Minister to intervene and reverse the decision which will effectively destroy the infrastructure that supports school sport at a time when we should be gearing up for the Olympics.
Read more here =>
Labour MPs mark World AIDs Day on 1 December
To mark World AIDs Day 2010 on 1st December, Shadow Environment Secretary and Wakefield MP Mary Creagh met Harriet Harman, the Shadow International Development Secretary to discuss progress in the global fight against HIV and AIDS.
Read more here =>
Mary attends Ossett School's Presentation Evening
- Mary and prize winner Eleanor Burkinshaw
Mary was delighted to attend the Ossett School and 6th Form College Presentation Evening 2010 on Friday 19 November. She presented prizes to students in Years 7-11 and Year 13. She also gave a speech to parents, students and staff as well as presenting special prizes for Achievement in Sport, Services to School and Community, and Special Achievement.
Read more here =>
Mary meets Eastmoor residents to discuss digital TV
On Friday 19 November Mary was at the St Swithuns Community Centre on Eastmoor to talk to people about the switchover of TV to digital services. This will take place in September 2011 and the event was organised by the Digital TV Help Scheme to let people know about installing their new digital boxes.
Read more here =>
Government cuts flood defence spending
At Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday 17 November David Cameron stated that the government were spending £2.1 billion on flood protection and that this was the same as Labour had spent over the last 4 years. In fact Labour spent £2.36 billion over the last 4 years and the Environment Secretary has admitted it is a cut even before you take into account the effects of 4% inflation each year.
Read about the real level of flood defence cuts in the Observer here - http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/nov/21/flood-defence-cuts-anger
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2010/nov/24/flood-defence-cuts-facts-spin
Mary Backs the Hunting Ban on BBC 'Look North'
In her role as Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mary appeared on the BBC's "Look North" on 4 November to discuss the Hunting Act.
Watch the programme here =>
Read More Here =>
Mary Creagh welcomes Rwandan Member of Parliament to Westminster
On Tuesday 26 October, Mary welcomed Henriette Mukamurangwa, a Member of the Rwandan Parliament, to the House of Commons. They discussed key policy issues, attended meetings and met with Labour leader Ed Miliband.
Read More Here =>
Mary joins with top insurer to tackle flooding concerns
Mary Creagh MP met with leading insurance group RSA on 26 October to discuss flood risk in Wakefield. She was given a demonstration of how RSA is using cutting-edge technology to identify and map different flood risks as they affect individual homes and businesses.
Read more here =>
Mary backs shopworkers call for respect
Mary Creagh MP has backed Usdaw, in their call for respect for retail workers, after they released preliminary survey results that show over one million shopworkers were assaulted, threatened or verbally abused in the last twelve months.
Read more here =>
Mary supports World Food Day in Parliament
The scent of a Magic Porridge Pot wafted through the corridors Westminster on 13 October, as Wakefield MP and Shadow Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mary Creagh, sampled a breakfast that is transforming the lives of thousands of children in Africa.
Read more here =>
Mary elected to Labour's Shadow Cabinet
Mary Creagh MP has been elected to Labour's Shadow Cabinet team. Labour leader Ed Miliband asked the Wakefield MP, who polled 119 votes in a secret ballot of Labour MPs on Thursday night, to be Shadow Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Read more here =>
Mary on the BBC's Daily Politics Show - 29 September 2010
Mary was a guest on the BBC Daily Politics show on Wednesday 29 September. She joined Kevin Brennan and David Lammy on the BBC at the Labour Party conference in Manchester to discuss the forthcoming elections to Labour's shadow cabinet. Mary talked about why she is standing for election and the Labour mission to defend the country against Tory/Lib Dem public spending cuts.
Watch the show here. Scroll to 36 minutes into the programme.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00v37mt/The_Daily_Politics_Conference_Special/
Mary attends International Refugee Trust event
On 21 September Mary Creagh MP attended an event organised by the International Refugee Trust to raise awareness of atrocities carried out by the Lord's Resistance Army in Africa. As Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the prevention of Genocide and Crimes against Humanity, Mary was invited to talk at an event which was preceded by a barefoot peace march through central London.
Read more here =>
Wakefield Families Face Tory Housing Benefit Cuts
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has hit out at government cuts to housing benefit which will mean thousands of people in privately rented properties in the district having to find an extra £500 a year just to pay their rent.
Read more here =>
Tory cuts put Horbury crossing at risk
Mary Creagh and former councillor Brian Holmes have vowed to keep battling for a pedestrian crossing on the A642 junction at Netherton Lane. The pair had previously presented a petition signed by residents to Wakefield's Labour Council calling for a crossing to be installed near Horbury Bridge school. The Council had agreed to look into providing a crossing but have been forced to put the plans on hold following Tory/Lib Dem government cuts to Local Authority transport grants.
Read more here =>
Mary congratulates students on A Level results
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has congratulated the district’s A-level students on their fantastic results which were released on Thursday 19 August. She also welcomed news that increased numbers of pupils are passing A-levels in key subjects like Science and Maths, but warned that many Wakefield students hoping to go to university this year could face disappointment because of government cuts to university places.
Read more here =>
Mary praises Wakefield Council for Playbuilder work
Mary Creagh MP has praised Wakefield Council for it’s response to government cuts to children’s play area funding. The Tory/Lib Dem government has axed the £235 million Playbuilder scheme which Labour launched two years ago to create 3500 community playgrounds across England.
Read more here =>
Mary backs clamp down on ticket touts
In advance of this year’s Leeds festival, Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is backing action to stop ticket touts ripping off the public. Mary is backing Sharon Hodgson MP’s ‘ticket touting’ bill, which aims to make the resale of tickets at sky high prices illegal.
Read more here =>
Mary attacks legal "loan sharks"
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has added her name to a campaign to end legal loan sharking. In Britain today, there is no ceiling on the amount that lenders can charge for credit. The UK's poorest families pay the highest price for credit in Europe. Some payday lenders charge 3000% APR.
Read more here =>
Mary calls for youth award nominations
Mary Creagh MP is calling on Wakefield people to nominate inspirational young people for a prestigious national award. The Philip Lawrence Awards Network (PLAnet) is looking for groups of young people who have made a difference in their community to enter the 2010 awards. Winners will receive £1000 to invest in their local projects.
Read more here =>
Tory Twizzlers - Mary calls Tory food policy "a disgrace"
Shadow public health minister Mary Creagh joined Jamie Oliver in giving Tory food policy the thumbs down on 7th August after it emerged that the Tory/Lib Dem coalition's new "free schools" will be allowed to serve junk food to pupils.
Read more here =>
Mary slams ConDems for ditching dangerous dogs clampdown
Mary Creagh MP has slammed the Tory/Lib Dem government decision to ditch a planned crackdown on dangerous dogs.
Read more here =>
Mary "astonished" at Health Minister's hypocrisy
On 29th July, Shadow Minister for Public Health, Mary Creagh, gave her reaction to the Public Health Minister's suggestion that GPs and health professionals should call overweight people fat to help them lose weight.
Mary Creagh said "It is astonishing that Anne Milton, the Public Health Minister, says we should call pregnant women fat to help them lose weight. Obesity is a clinical condition and obese mums-to-be know they have a problem. This is irresponsible and offensive to people with weight problems. Lifestyle diseases are a major drain on NHS resources and changing eating habits is vital to stop the rising tide of obesity. Calling people "fat" whilst cutting government investment in public health campaigns and cosying up to the food industry is hypocrisy of the worst kind."
Read more here =>
Ossett Trinity Church welcomes Mary
- Mary and the Reverend Paul Maybury
Mary Creagh dropped into the Holy Trinity Church in Ossett on 16 July to lend support for plans to make the church a community centre.
Read More Here =>
Mary attends young anglers competition
On Saturday 17 July, Mary was delighted to accept an invitation to visit Wakefield Angling Club at Walkers Dam. Mary walked round the gardens, and met with young anglers taking part in a fishing competition organised by the angling club.
Read more here =>
Sign Mary's "save our free swimming" petition
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is urging local people to sign her petition against Tory/Lib-Dem cuts to free swimming across the district. The Labour Government introduced free swimming for under 16s and pensioners in April 2009. But the new Government has scrapped the Swim 4 Free scheme as part of its cuts package announced on June 24th.
Sign the petition here =>
Mary visits Maypole Children's Centre
Mary Creagh MP was delighted to visit the Maypole Sure Start Children's centre on Friday 16 July. Mary was shown round the Centre by staff and then spent time chatting with parents and their children.
To Read More Click Here =>
Mary speaks out against Tory deal with food industry
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has spoken out against a Conservative promise to not regulate the food industry in exchange for cash. On 8th July the Health Secretary told the food industry that if they pay for the Government's "Change4Life" public health campaign then they won't face any new regulation.
Read more here =>
Mary meets actor and genocide prevention campaigner Clive Owen
Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Genocide Prevention, Mary Creagh MP, met with actor Clive Owen on 28th June, to highlight to the newly elected Parliament the importance of genocide commemoration and prevention.
Read more here =>
MP tackles Tories on cuts to maternity grants
Mary Creagh was in the House of Commons chamber on Monday 28 June to tackle Work and Pensions secretary Ian Duncan-Smith's attack on the poorest families in Wakefield. The exchange was covered by Radio 4's Today in Parliament - listen here => - scroll to 4 minutes into the programme.
Mary visits Greenhill School students
Mary Creagh visited Greenhill School on Friday 25 June to talk about money skills with students. The Eastmoor school won £1000 from Barclays Bank as part of a competition aiming to improve financial literacy amongst the most vulnerable people in the UK. Greenhill are using running a number of projects designed to teach students about money and financial issues.
Read More Here =>
Mary Creagh and Ed Balls Visit New Pinderfields Hospital
On Monday 14 June the new state-of-the-art Pinderfields Hospital opened to receive its first patients. To mark the occasion, local MPs Mary Creagh and Ed Balls visited the new facilities, where they met staff and patients.
Read More Here =>
Mary’s Bowel Cancer Screening Message Targets World Cup Fans
Mary Creagh MP hopes Wakefield residents will remember the experience of Bobby Moore, who captained England to World Cup glory in 1966, but died of bowel cancer aged 51.
Read More Here =>
Mary Creagh Opens New Play Area at Carr Lodge Park, Horbury
On 12 June 2010, Mary joined the Friends of Carr Lodge Park Group, local children and their parents to open a new ‘senior’ play area for children aged over seven.
Read More Here =>
Visit DavidMiliband.net
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is supporting David Miliband in the Labour leadership election. David has launched a national campaign to highlight the Tory/Lib Dem coalition's broken promises to the British public.
For more information visit www.davidmiliband.net
Mary attacks Tory/Lib Dem broken promises
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has joined the national campaign to attack the Tory-Lib Dem Government's broken promises on protecting frontline public services.
Read more here =>
Mary slams youth job cuts
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has slammed the government's plans to scrap support for youth jobs. Responding to Tory/Lib-Dem cuts of £6.2 billion this year, the MP warned that slashing investment in jobs programmes would be devastating for local young people.
Read More Here =>
Mary appears on Radio 4's Week in Westminster
Mary appeared on Radio 4's Week in Westminster programme on Saturday 15 May. The programme featured Mary taking part in a discussion on the future of the Labour Party. The programme can be heard here until Saturday 22 May.
Mary backs David Miliband for Labour Leader
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has given her support to David Miliband for the leadership of the Labour Party. With Mary and other supporters beside him, Mr Miliband announced his intention to stand on Wednesday 12 May. See the announcement here.
Read more here =>
Mary re-elected as Labour MP for Wakefield
Mary Creagh was re-elected as the Labour Member of Parliament for Wakefield at the General Election on 6th May. In her speech at Thornes Park Athletics Stadium, the MP said she was honoured to have been chosen by the people of Wakefield to represent them in Parliament.
Read More Here =>
Gordon Brown - fighting for Britain's future
Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivered an inspirational speech to Citizens UK on Monday 3rd May.
According to the Guardian, "Mr Brown was passionate, fiery, moved and moving, and utterly compelling. Even Brown-sceptics admitted they were transfixed. He spoke of justice and equality, of the great social movements for change, linking the activists of Citizens UK to the great civil rights struggles of the past. His language was scriptural, perfectly judged to move and inspire the people of faith gathered before him."
Click here to watch the speech.
Tory Story in BNP gaffe
Wakefield's Tory candidate Alex Story made an embarrassing gaffe at an election hustings when he claimed that the BNP is an offshoot of the Labour Party. He made the comments in Wakefield Cathedral and was forced to apologise to the audience. He also offended the room by imitating a Wakefield miner's accent.
Labour candidate Mary Creagh took him to task on the outrageous comments and received a round of applause for stating Labour's strong record on fighting racism, fascism and discrimination in all its forms.
She said "Alex Story's comments are an insult to the people of Wakefield."
Labour launches new video highlighting Tory plans to abandon public services
Labour has launched a video showing what life would be like in David Cameron's "Big Society". Click here to see it. It shows that Cameron's plans amount to nothing more than abandoning public services. The Tories plan for DIY services mean no guarantees for patients, parents or communities.
Same old Tories: Wakefield Tory Story in "nannygate" row
The Daily Mirror has confronted Wakefield's Tory candidate Alex Story over allegations that he paid his nanny just £2.50 per hour, to look after his 3 children. Read the article here =>
Foreign Secretary comes to Wakefield
Foreign Secretary David Miliband came to Wakefield on Thursday 29 April at the invitation of Labour candidate Mary Creagh. He visited Wakefield College to meet students and members of the city's Muslim community.
Read more here =>
Mary meets Dimple Well prize winners
Mary took time out to visit Dimple Well Infant School and Nursery in Ossett on Tuesday 27 April. She was invited by Ossett Post Office and Dimple Well Headteacher Helen Williams to present prizes to Dimple Well pupils who entered a colouring competition run by the post office.
Read More Here =>
Mary presents Horbury Bridge petition to the Council
Mary Creagh has stepped up her campaign for a permanent pedestrian crossing on the A642 junction with Netherton Lane. She joined Horbury and South Ossett council candidate Brian Holmes to present a petition calling for a crossing to council leader Peter Box. The petition has over 150 signatures.
Read More Here =>
Health Secretary visits £250 million Pinderfields Hospital
Health Secretary Andy Burnham was in Wakefield on 15 April to see the new £250m Pinderfields Hospital. He also visited King Street Health Centre with Wakefield's Labour candidate Mary Creagh. The pair then moved on to the city centre where they talked to people about health services in the district.
Read More Here =>
Minister for Regeneration visits Merchant Gate
Wakefield’s regeneration got a boost on 9 April when the £140 million Merchant Gate development was visited by the Minister for Regional Development, Rosie Winterton. Mary Creagh, the Labour Parliamentary candidate for Wakefield, invited the Minister to see one of the most important City Centre development sites in the Yorkshire region.
Read more here =>
Mary Creagh hails “Holly’s Law”- Thermostatic mixing valves statutory in all new builds
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has welcomed the introduction of “Holly’s Law”, named after teenager Holly Devenport, who was the victim of a scalding injury when she was 5 years old. Thanks to a four year campaign led by Mary Creagh, it is now a legal requirement that hot water from bath taps in all new homes does not exceed a temperature of 48 degrees centigrade. Mary Creagh led the ‘Hot Water Burns Like Fire’ campaign to reduce scalding injuries in the home. Plastic surgeons and accident prevention charities have all welcomed the change in the law as a significant step forward for home safety.
Read More Here =>
Labour Government Bans Mephedrone
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh was in the House of Commons on 6 April to see the dangerous drug mephedrone banned by MPs. The amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act was passed without a vote and means that mephedrone is now a class B drug. People caught with "class B" drugs typically face a maximum sentence of five years in jail for possession and 14 years for trafficking.
Read More Here =>
Prime Minister honours top Wakefield schools
Ed Balls, MP for Normanton and Schools Secretary, invited Lee Wilson, head teacher at Stanley St Peter’s School, down to a reception at Number 10 Downing Street on 22nd March, while Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield, invited Jane Barry and Clare Kelly, head and assistant head teacher at Dane Royd.
Read More Here =>
Labour unveils election pledges
We pledge to:
- Secure the recovery
- Protect frontline investment
- Strenghten fairness in communities
- Raise family living standards
- Build a high-tech economy
Read More Here =>
Mary welcomes £1 million pledge to plug Wakefield’s potholes
The Labour Government has given Wakefield Council almost £400,000 to help repair the potholes and damage caused by the severest winter for 30 years. This is in addition to £600,000 that the Council has already pledged in this year’s budget, taking the investment in Wakefield’s roads to £1 million.
Read More Here =>
Save our Sure Start
Labour is joining forces with families across England in a campaign to Save Our Sure Start children's centres from David Cameron's plans to cut their funding and prevent access to these valuable services for families for middle and modest incomes. www.saveoursurestart.com
Read More Here =>
Mary urges action on killer drug mephedrone
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh raised concerns with the Home Secretary about the distribution of lethal drug mephedrone on Monday 15 March. The drug is sold as plant food but is being marketed to students in Leeds and Wakefield. Mephedrone, also known as meow meow or MCAT, is being linked to the deaths of two teenagers from Yorkshire in the early hours of Monday morning. Ms Creagh has asked the Home Secretary for urgent action to stop mephedrone being dealt in our cities.
Read More Here =>
Conservative NHS plans could see more than 466,500 evening and weekend GP appointments lost in Yorkshire and the Humber
Labour has set out plans to improve GP access by abolishing GP practice boundaries. But Conservative plans to let GPs cut their opening hours could see more than 466,500 GP appointments lost every year in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Read More Here =>
Mary welcomes world's first Litter Twitter initiative
Wakefield Council’s anti-littering campaign is picking up with the launch of what is thought to be the world’s first ever "Litter Twitter".
The Council is using its pages on the social networking site Twitter to highlight the cost of littering, keep people updated about how the district is cleaned and show how much litter is collected from certain areas.
Anyone with a Twitter account can follow ‘welovewakefield’ for the latest news and all litter tweets will be tagged with #littertwitter.
Read More Here =>
City High students visit Parliament
15 Wakefield City High pupils visited Parliament on 10 March. They were given a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster and watched Prime Minister’s Questions from the public gallery of the House of Commons. They also met with local MP Mary Creagh and Schools Secretary Ed Balls in a committee room overlooking the River Thames.
Read More Here =>
Mary encourages constituents to switch onto mobile savings
Mary welcomed new advice from telecoms regulator Ofcom and consumer champions Consumer Focus and the Communications Consumer Panel aimed at helping consumers get the most from their mobile phone deal and save money.
Read More Here =>
Bon Bouche gets Parliamentary award
- Jo Sykes and Pamela Holmes with Mary at the Small Shop of the Year awards 2010
Wakefield café Bon Bouche were awarded a certificate of merit at a prestigious parliamentary reception on 10 March. Wakefield MP Mary Creagh nominated Bon Bouche for the Parliamentary Small Shop of the Year award last month. Bon Bouche owners Pamela Holmes and Jo Sykes attended the event in the Houses of Parliament and impressed the judges with their chocolate cake.
Read More Here =>
Wakefield's ADHD Clinic celebrates 1st birthday
Mary Creagh MP visited Wakefield's pioneering adult ADHD clinic on Portobello Road to see the support available to adults suffering with the disorder. The transitional adult clinic is one of the first in the country and has been open since April 2009.
Read More Here =>
Work begins to rebuild Thornes Park Aviary
Work has begun to rebuild the aviary at Thornes Park. Council contractors have started to dig the foundations of the new aviary this week. The new aviary will be built through co-operation between the Friends of CHaT parks, Wakefield Council, local businesses and the local MP.
Read More Here =>
Wakefield MPs meet former child migrants
The Prime Minster has apologised on behalf of the nation to thousands of children who were deported at the end of the Second World War. Former Wakefield MP David Hinchliffe worked tirelessly on the issue for many years and went to Parliament to see the apology in person. Mr Hinchliffe was joined by his successor Mary Creagh MP who paid tribute to his work on behalf of the former child migrants.
Read More Here =>
Mary says "save money and cut emissions through the Government's Boiler Scrappage Scheme
Mary Creagh, Labour MP for Wakefield, has welcomed the news that 6102 vouchers have been snapped up in Yorkshire under the Government's Boiler Scrappage Scheme. There are many more that are still available and Mary is urging people to call the Energy Savings Trust to see if they qualify.
Read More Here =>
Mary calls for Tories to stop talking Wakefield and Britain down in dodgy stats row
Mary Creagh, Labour's MP for Wakefield, has called for the Conservatives to withdraw claims that girls from Britain's poorest areas are more likely to fall pregnant than not before turning 18.
Read More Here =>
Mary nominates Bon Bouche for a Parliamentary award
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has nominated a city centre café for a prestigious parliamentary award. Bon Bouche, which is in Wakefield city centre, has been put up by the MP for the Parliamentary Small Shop of the Year award for 2010.
Read More Here =>
Action on Thornes Park Aviary
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has teamed up with the Friends of CHaT Parks (Clarence, Holmfield and Thornes parks), Wakefield Council and the Wakefield Music Collective to rebuild the Thornes Park Aviary.
Read More Here =>
Mary says "VoteNHS.com"
When the camera is on David Cameron will tell you whatever he thinks you want to hear on the NHS.
But for all the tough rhetoric and slick presentation, David Cameron would scrap your right to see a cancer specialist within two weeks.
Read more here =>
Mary Hails Parking Summit Success
Mary's parking summit took place on Friday 22 January in a bid to help people know their rights when parking in private car parks in Wakefield.
Read more here =>
Free Laptops for Wakefield Schoolchildren
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has welcomed the government's plan for every family in Britain to have access to broadband linked to their children's school.
Read More Here =>
Mary Creagh Calls Wakefield Parking Summit
- Mary at Wakefield's George Street Car Park
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is to hold a parking summit in January to help people avoid being hit by unfair penalty charges. Ms Creagh is taking action after receiving complaints from Wakefield residents about the unfair penalty charges issued in the city. One resident living on disability benefits was fined £120 after pulling into the Smyth Street car park whilst suffering an angina attack.
Read More Here =>
Mary Pays Tribute to Yorkshire Hero
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh attended the funeral of Lance Corporal David Kirkness at Wakefield Cathedral today (12 January). Lance Corporal Kirkness, who was 24 years old, was killed on 15th December in central Sangin, northern Helmand, Afghanistan. He was killed preventing two suicide bombers from attacking a crowded market place and is the first soldier from West Yorkshire to be awarded the Elizabeth medal for his heroism and gallantry.
Read More Here =>
St Mary’s “Spaceshapers” Meet Local MPs
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh joined Schools Secretary Ed Balls and Year 5 pupils from St Mary’s CofE Primary School on 11 December to launch a toolkit aimed at capturing young peoples’ views about their local parks, streets and squares. Spaceshaper 9-14 was launched by the two MPs at Wakefield based arts and architecture organisation, Beam.
Read More Here =>
Mary Brings Christmas Heroes to Downing Street
A Children's Nurse and the Chief of Wakefield Police have been honoured as Christmas Heroes by the Prime Minister and Wakefield MP Mary Creagh. Ms Creagh invited them to a reception at Downing Street to recognise those unsung heroes who work hard in our communities throughout the Christmas period to deliver key public services.
Read More Here =>
Mary’s Christmas Card Winners receive prizes
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh held a prize giving ceremony for the winners and runners-up in her annual schools Christmas card competition at the Wakefield Theatre Royal this week. The winning entry was designed by Karin Meskova, aged 10, from Lawefield Lane Primary School. Nearly 4000 copies of the card are being sent all over the world.
Read More Here =>
Mary Backs Global Poverty Promise
Mary Creagh is urging people across Wakefield to go online and back a new campaign to turn a promise to tackle global poverty into law.
Read More Here =>
Backing Young Wakefield
More than 50 young people have started work thanks to Wakefield Council, its partners and the Government's Future Jobs Fund. Local MP Mary Creagh joined the Leader of the Council Cllr Peter Box and Chief Executive Joanne Roney at a reception at Wakefield Town Hall to welcome the new recruits on 3rd December.
Read More Here =>
New Money for Wakefield City Centre
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh this week welcomed a new £52,000 boost from the government for Wakefield city centre. The money has been given to Wakefield Council to combat the recession and transform empty shops into something beneficial for the community.
Read More Here =>
Mary Creagh Backs World AIDS Day
- Mary with International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander
Mary Creagh MP is backing World AIDS DAY on 1st December to raise awareness of the plight of the more than 33 million people around the world living with HIV.
Read More Here =>
Mary says "End Violence Against Women"
The Government launched an ambitious strategy to end violence against women and girls on 25 November. Wakefield MP Mary Creagh attended the launch and pledged her support for the new plans. She also lent her support to the White Ribbon Campaign to stop male violence against women.
Read More Here =>
Mary Welcomes Government Cash Boosts for Wakefield
Wakefield Council has received two cash boosts totalling £380 000 from the Government to run Child Poverty Family Intervention Projects and reduce anti-social behaviour.
Read More Here =>
Culture Minister Hails Wakefield Attractions
Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw visited Wakefield at Mary’s invitation on 19 November. He was given a tour of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Hepworth Gallery before visiting Lightwaves in the city centre.
Read More Here =>
Progress at Kirkgate
Mary visited Kirkgate station on 13 November to support police action to make the station safe.
Security arches, which detect concealed weapons, have been deployed in special police operations in the city. Wakefield Police are working alongside the British Transport Police to operate the portable detectors which are similar to those used in airports.
Read More Here =>
Local MPs Meet Wakefield City High Cybermentors
Mary was joined by Schools Secretary Ed Balls at Wakefield City High on 13 November to find out how young people at the school are tackling online bullying.
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Mary Invites Dane Royd Pupils to Parliament
Mary invited pupils and staff from Dane Royd Primary School to Parliament on Tuesday 10th November. The children were in London to perform as part of the Wakefield Massed Choir at the Royal Albert Hall and visited parliament to meet Mary and look round the famous Palace of Westminster. Mary asked the group to perform an extract from the song "Sun in Splendour" in Parliament and also attended the event at the Royal Albert Hall in the evening.
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Mary Gets Mobility Ramp for Vulnerable Pensioner
Mary visited Gill Syke Bungalows at the invitation of constituent Kathleen Wigglesworth this week (6th November). Mrs Wigglesworth invited Mary to see her new mobility ramp which, thanks to the MP's intervention, has finally been installed after a wait of two years.
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Mary Joins Police and Pupils at St Mary's School Gates
Mary went on parking patrol with the local police and young people at St Mary's School, Charles Street on 23 October. Pupils from the school donned police uniforms and distributed road safety advice and leaflets to motorists around the school gates.
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Prime Minister Visits Wakefield
- Mary shows the PM around Wakefield city centre
Mary invited the Prime Minister to Wakefield at the end of October to see the work being done to tackle anti-social behaviour in the city. Gordon Brown and Mary spoke to Wakefield's Neighbourhood Policing Teams and residents about their work in tackling nuisance crime.
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Mary Applauded by National Deaf Children's Society
The National Deaf Children's Society has thanked Wakefield MP Mary Creagh for her instrumental role in securing a new package of measures aimed at improving the lives of deaf children.
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Mary Attends Launch of Samaritan Cookbook "Sweet & Savoury"
Mary was on hand 17th October at the Wakefield Samaritans HQ to launch the new cookbook “Sweet or Savoury”. Mary contributed to the cookbook with her delicious recipe “Election Pasta”. Proceeds from the cookbook will go toward the upkeep of the Wakefield Centre.
Prime Minister Thanks Wakefield Heroes at Number 10
Wakefield volunteers Majid Sadiq and Jahangir Khan met the Prime Minister last week at 10 Downing Street. Mary Creagh had nominated the pair to the Wakefield Express’ “Your Heroes” awards. She then invited them to the reception at No10 which was held to honour community heroes from across the country.
Mary Creagh "Delighted" at Tobacco Vending Machine Ban
Mary is delighted at the decision of MPs to ban cigarette vending machines. An amendment to the Health Bill was passed with no opposition in the House of Commons on Monday 12th October. The Bill has now completed its passage through the House of Commons and will go to the House of Lords for further scrutiny before becoming law.
Mary Welcomes Tough Action on Anti-Social Behaviour
Mary has welcomed the announcement of tough new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in Wakefield. Home Secretary Alan Johnson has written to Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police setting out the measures available to them to stamp out yobbish behaviour in our communities.
Mary Backs Better Acoustics in Classrooms
Mary Creagh and Schools Secretary Ed Balls met with a deaf 17-year-old TV star at the Labour Party Conference this week, to find out about the barriers deaf young people face at school. The issue is important to Mary as she lost her hearing at the age of 27 due to otosclerosis - arthritis of the ear.
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Mary Speaks Out on "Shag Bands"
Mary has been interviewed live on BBC Radio 4 show PM and BBC Radio 5 Live this week on the controversial issue of "Shag Bands" (read more). She has started a national debate on whether stores should stop selling the bands to under 16 year olds. The issue has also been covered by national newspapers.
Listen to Mary discuss the issue on PM here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00mq68z
Listen to Mary discuss the issue on 5 Live here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00mv0r4#-
Government Wages War on Lap Dancing Clubs
Mary Creagh, the Bishop of Wakefield and the Dean of Wakefield Cathedral have welcomed the Government's new plan to curb the spread of lap dancing clubs. All existing lap dancing clubs will be forced to reapply for their licence to operate from next year. This will give Wakefield Council new powers to prevent establishments like the Rouge Coffee Lounge and Bar at the Bull Ring from offering "adult entertainment."
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Mary Objects to Wakefield's Gyratory Proposals
Mary Creagh has objected to Wakefield Council's plan to introduce a gyratory traffic system in North Wakefield. She has written to the council's Chief Executive to register her concerns and is urging local residents who have concerns to register their objections.
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Mary Demands End to "Shag Bands" Sales
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has demanded the withdrawal of a fashion band being sold to children. Stores across the country are selling "Shag Bands" bracelets to children which, when worn, indicates a willingness to have sex. The bands come in different colours, with each colour signifying a different sexual act. The packaging features a group of young teenagers wearing the bracelets and the brand name "Shag Bands" prominently displayed.
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Wakefield MP in New Drive to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh visited a youth charity's street outreach programme this week to meet young people who will benefit from a Government cash boost to tackle anti-social behaviour. She also met the new staff who have been employed by the Wakefield Youth Association to reach out to young people in the Wakefield district.
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Mary Welcomes New Jobs Boost for Wakefield
Mary Creagh MP today welcomed the news that Wakefield Council's bid to the Government's Future Jobs Fund has been successful. The project will see the Government pay employers to create up to 700 jobs targeted at 18-24 year olds who make up a large proportion of Wakefield's unemployed.
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Mary Steps In to Save Wakefield Business
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has secured a substantial business rate reduction for local business Paregal Pianos. Mary visited staff this week at the company's premises at Victoria Works, Benjamin Street, Wakefield WF2 9AR to celebrate the good news.
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Mary Welcomes Wakefield's Free Swimming Success
MP for Wakefield Mary Creagh is celebrating over 60,000 free swims in Wakefield. The popular scheme was started in April this year and has exceeded expectations with Wakefield Council offering free swimming for people over 60, and for those aged 16 and under. Since April Wakefield Council has seen 12,220 free swims for over 60s and 49,000 swims for kids under 16.
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MP Objects to Woolley Tip Proposals
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh submitted a formal objection to the council this week (10th August) on proposals to increase the amount of waste that is composted on the site of the former Woolley Edge Colliery. Residents and the MP are up in arms about the Council's failure to order an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) when there are clear public health concerns.
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Mary Launches Campaign to Help Ex-Miners Claim New Government Benefit
Mary Creagh MP launched a campaign to help ex-miners suffering with Miner’s Knee claim industrial injury benefit this week (10th August). She visited former coal miner Joseph Marshall at his Wakefield home to explain the application process. Joseph worked in the mines at Grimethorpe Colliery from June 1968 until the closure of the pit in May 1993.
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Mary Welcomes Progress at Wakefield Kirkgate
- Mary and Lord Adonis at Kirkgate in July
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has welcomed moves by Metro and Network Rail to make significant progress in improving Kirkgate station.
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Mary Welcomes £400 000 Government Boost for Wakefield Groups
Local MP, Mary Creagh welcomed the news that voluntary groups in Wakefield have won a £400 000 funding boost from the Government. The bid was put together by Age Concern, Groundwork and Voluntary Action Wakefield District. It was backed by Mary Creagh, Wakefield Council and NHS Wakefield.
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Wakefield MP Visits Leigh Stadium with Wildcats
On Friday 24th July Wakefield MP Mary Creagh went to Leigh Sports Village to learn how the local community came together to build a stadium. The visit was organised by Ms Creagh with Andy Burnham MP who is Leigh’s local MP as well as Secretary of State for Health. Plans for the Wildcats’ new stadium will be submitted over the summer and should go to planning committee in the autumn.
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Transport Secretary Lord Adonis Visits Wakefield Kirkgate
Transport Secretary Lord Adonis visited Wakefield Kirkgate train station on Friday 24th July at the request of Wakefield MP Mary Creagh. He was met by local Labour councillors Ron Halliday, Ros Lund and Olivia Rowley, as well as Deputy Leader of Wakefield Council, Denise Jeffery.
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Mary Welcomes Government Jobs Boost in Kirklees
Mary Creagh has welcomed extra government funding to help deal with youth unemployment in the district. Kirklees Council will receive funding as part of the Future Jobs Fund to create new jobs aimed primarily at 18 - 24 year olds who have been out of work for a year. The fund aims to create 350 jobs locally.
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Mary Visits Dane Royd School
Mary Creagh MP visited Dane Royd School on Thursday 23rd July. The school had entered Ms Creagh’s Big Ben competition, to design a Christmas card celebrating 150 years of Big Ben. She presented Big Ben pin badges and certificates to overall winner for Wakefield, Madeline Copley (aged 6) and age category winner Penelope Cross (aged 5).
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Swine Flu Information
A 16-page leaflet for the public providing important information about swine flu is being distributed to health and community buildings around Kirklees.
Mary Signs Up To Wakefield Express Readers' Panel
Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield welcomed the launch of the Wakefield Express Readers' Panel this week. The panel gives readers the chance to register and have a say about the content of the newspaper and website.
Sign up today at http://www2.wakefieldtoday.co.uk/wakefieldrespondentrecruitment.htm
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Mary Talks Charity with Muslim Community
Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield, met with local mosques and community organisations this week (23rd July) and encouraged them to register as charities.
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Mary and Apprentice Star Join Forces to Make A Difference
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh signed up to make a difference and improve the local community this week. Mary joined pop mogul Pete Waterman and BBC Apprentice star Claire Young, to launch CSV’s Make a Difference Day.
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Coalfields Cash Helps Community Build For The Future
St George's Community Centre in Lupset, Wakefield, is looking forward to getting the builders in thanks to a cash boost of £200,000 from The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT). Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield visited the centre this week (23rd July) to celebrate the news with the local community.
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Shepley Schoolgirl Wins Prize in Parliament
Keri-Amber Foster of Shepley First School met with local MP Mary Creagh in Parliament this week. Keri-Amber was a winner in the "Parliament and Big Ben Christmas Card Competition" which was launched by Wakefield MP Mary Creagh back in January 2009.
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Mary Opens New Wakefield Health Centre
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh officially opened the city centre's brand new GP-led health centre this week. She unveiled the plaque to the new facility on King Street, just behind the Town Hall on Friday 10th July.
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Mary Welcomes Wakefield Students to Westminster
Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield welcomed students from Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield to Parliament this week - 7th July. The group were in Parliament to present their plan to help young people suffering with depression.
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War Criminals To Face Justice in the UK
The Government is strengthening the law to allow UK courts to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes retrospectively back to January 1st 1991.
Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield successfully campaigned and lobbied Justice Secretary Jack Straw to make the change.
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Mary Welcomes Wakefield's Flood Funding Success
3rd July 2009 - Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield has welcomed the news that more money is set to be invested in flood defences after Wakefield Council secured a grant.
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Wakefield Residents Meet Gordon Brown
Wakefield residents Peter and Jean Bowers have visited Downing Street as the guests of Mary Creagh MP. Mr Bowers served in the British Armed Forces and was invited to meet the Prime Minister at an event in honour of British veterans and serving Armed Forces personnel.
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Mary Talks Climate Change with Hilary Benn
Mary Creagh and Environment Secretary Hilary Benn met this week (29th June) to talk about the UK plan to tackle climate change. The UK Climate Projections 2009, released this month, will help Government plan and prepare for change to our climate in the UK. The projections are the result of the latest climate science and provide detailed evidence of what changes to our climate may happen in the future.
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Wakefield MP in Arrhythmia Awareness Campaign
Wakefield Wildcats players Adam Watene and Leon Walker shocked the whole community. 31 year old Adam Watene died of a heart attack and the death of 20 year old Leon Walker is still unexplained. Wakefield MP Mary Creagh is backing a campaign to educate people about the dangers of an irregular heartbeat.
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New Action on A642 Accident Hotspot
Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield, has welcomed moves by both Wakefield and Kirklees Councils to make the A642 safer. Action is now being taken following Mary's road safety summit in February and campaign for much needed speed cameras and traffic calming measures on the A642 at Middlestown.
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Scalding Campaign - Pinderfields Hospital Hosts Victory Celebration
On Friday 12th June Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield, joined 13 Year old scald victim Holly Devonport at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield to celebrate the success of the Hot Water Burns Like Fire campaign to reduce scalding injuries in the home.
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Mary Asked To Serve As Government Whip - 9th June 2009
From 9th June, Mary Creagh, Labour MP for Wakefield has a new job as Government Whip in the Department of Health. She is also Regional Whip for Yorkshire and the Humber.
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Mary Urges Carers To Get Free Health Checks - 8th June 2009
Wakefield carers urged to claim free health checks at their local Lloydspharmacy before 14th June!
Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield has welcomed an offer of free health checks for local people who care unpaid for ill, frail or disabled friends or family members during this year's Carers Week. Carers UK and Lloydspharmacy are to offer free heart health checks (normally worth £15) to carers from 8th-14th June.
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Medic Backs Mary's Call For School Vaccination Programme
Mary Creagh, Labour MP for Wakefield, has welcomed public health expert Sir Sandy Macara's motion to the BMA conference for parents to ensure their child has had the MMR vaccine before starting school. As a former Chairman of the British Medical Association, Sir Sandy's intervention is a welcome boost to Mary's campaign to increase MMR uptake in the UK.
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MP Victory On Scalding Campaign
Mary Creagh MP today welcomed the Labour Government's announcement that it is to change building regulations to ensure all baths in new bathrooms are equipped with a Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV). Ms Creagh has led a 3 year long "Hot Water Burns Like Fire" campaign to reduce scalding injuries in the home.
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Read more about these recent news stories:
- Miners Don't Need A Lawyer Warns MP
- Mary Congratulates Local School on Top 6 Achievement
- Mary Demands Better Services For Cancer Survivors
- Mary Welcomes Government "Growing Schools" Programme
- Mary Welcomes New Plans To Protect Wakefield From Flooding
- Mary Sets Olympic Challenge to Wakefield Gardeners
- Real Help For Our City Centre
- Labour MPs Welcome Decision On Shelley Post Office
- Mary Welcomes Cash Boost For Mums To Be
- Labour Provide A Fairer Safer NHS
- Mary Wishes National Minimum Wage A Happy Tenth Birthday
- EXTRA £1,500 A YEAR FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED
- Calling All 4 Year Olds
- Action On A642 Accident Hotspot
- Mary Welcomes Boost For Wakefield Schools
- Mary Congratulates Local Apprentice On Award