Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election

Sleaford's Brexit by-election - Video

'John Harris visits Sleaford in Lincolnshire, where 62% of people voted to leave the EU, and the Tories, Labour and Ukip are contesting a by-election on 8 December after the resignation of Conservative MP Stephen Phillips.'

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/video/2016/nov/30/sleaford-lincolnshire-brexit-byelection-young-video

Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election, 2016

'The Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election is a by-election in the constituency of Sleaford and North Hykeham scheduled to be held on 8 December 2016. It was triggered by the resignation of Conservative MP Stephen Phillips on 4 November 2016.'

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleaford_and_North_Hykeham_by-election,_2016

Sleaford and North Hykeham Constituency Details

'The Sleaford and North Hykeham constituency has a total population of 112,307, of which 89,787 are eligible (18+) to vote (79.9%).'

http://www.whoshallivotefor.com/constituencies/s/sleaford-and-north-hykeham

Watch Sleaford & North Hykeham by-election candidates on Brexit, NHS and transport

'Lincolnshire Reporter has interviewed nine of the 10 candidates standing in the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election on December 8.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2016/12/watch-sleaford-north-hykeham-election-candidates-brexit-nhs-transport/

By-election candidates

10 candidates for Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election

'The Lincolnshire seat is vacant following the resignation of Conservative MP Stephen Phillips earlier this month.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37995200

By-Election announced

Sleaford and North Hykeham Parliamentary By-Election

An election is to be held for a Member of Parliament for the Sleaford and North Hykeham Constituency on Thursday 8 December.
 
The deadline to register for the election is 12 midnight on Tuesday 22 November.

https://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/your-council/council-news/sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election/

Conservatives select doctor for Sleaford and North Hykeham MP

'Mrs Johnson first qualified as a doctor in 2001. She is married to Nik, a farmer, and they are the parents of two girls and one boy.'

http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/tories-pick-doctor-to-stand-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-mp/story-29886575-detail/story.html

Stephen Phillips - resigns

Shock as Lincolnshire MP Stephen Phillips resigns

The MP voted Leave but is said to have been eager for more Parliamentary oversight.

http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/shock-as-lincolnshire-mp-stephen-phillips-resigns/story-29868261-detail/story.html

Do these Brexit comments provide clues about why Stephen Phillips resigned?

The political world is scrambling to understand why Lincolnshire MP Stephen Phillips has resigned suddenly.

http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/do-these-brexit-comments-provide-clues-about-why-stephen-phillips-resigned/story-29868332-detail/story.html

'MP Stephen Phillips should have seen out his term in office' - senior Lincs Tory

County council leader Martin Hill expressed surprise at the actions of the Sleaford and Hykeham MP

http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/mp-stephen-phillips-should-have-seen-out-his-term-in-office-senior-lincs-tory/story-29868425-detail/story.html

Stephen Phillips was furious over lack of promotion, MPs suggest

Stephen Phillips’s sudden departure put pressure on Theresa May to call an early general election.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/04/stephen-phillips-was-furious-over-lack-of-promotion-mps-suggest/

Stephen Phillips quits as MP as friends say he labelled Tories Ukip-lite

A Conservative MP who has resigned after criticising Theresa May’s handling of the Brexit process has told friends that the Tory party has become “Ukip-lite”.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/nov/04/stephen-phillips-resigns-over-undemocratic-brexit-process

Another Ukip MP? Party targets quitting Stephen Phillips' seat in HUGE Brexit-voting area

UKIP leadership hopeful Suzanne Evans today declared she will target the parliamentary seat of resigning Tory MP Stephen Phillips.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/728783/Stephen-Phillips-resignation-Tory-MP-byelection-Sleaford-North-Hykeham-Ukip-Suzanne-Evans

Stephen Phillips QC MP - debate

Leaving the European Union

You might like to see the proposal by our local MP seeking a debate relating to the exit of the UK from the EU.

'Utterly wrong' Pro-Leave MP accuses Theresa May of 'tyranny' over Brexit strategy

Stephen Phillips, who voted to leave in the referendum, said the government appeared intent on negotiating “without any regard to the House of Commons” in a way that was “fundamentally undemocratic, unconstitutional and cuts across the rights and privileges of the legislature”.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/719848/Brexit-strategy-Stephen-Phillips-BBC

Andrew Neil slaps down Tory MP calling for a Parliamentary Brexit vote during heated clash

A Conservative MP launched a furious tirade at Andrew Neil after the BBC presenter suggested the Government’s Brexit mandate had already been set by Vote Leave

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/720434/andrew-neil-stephen-phillips-brexit-vote-parliament-heated-clash

Network Rail - Great Northern Great Eastern line

Problems of noise

I have previously reported on Network Rail's upgrade of the Great Northern Great Eastern line.

I now see Stephen Phillips QC MP has sought a debate in the House of Commons to highlight the significant problems encountered by many residents who live close to the 'improved' line. He should be commended for highlighting this issue... and I hope there will be a positive outcome for those people inconvenienced by the upgrade.

Even though our cottage is situated half a mile (approx. 0.8 km) away from the upgraded rail line, we have noticed increased noise in the village. Prior to the upgrade, it was only on a rare occasion we heard rail traffic... now it is frequent.

It must be very troublesome for those residents whose properties actually back on to the line and they deserve some compensation for the inconvenience and possible reduction in value of their asset and lifestyle.

Upcoming Business - Commons: Debate in Westminster Hall (5 May 2016)

Compensation for residents affected by the upgrade of the Great Northern Great Eastern railway line - Stephen Phillips.

Parliamentary debate 5/5/16: Compensation for residents affected by the upgrade of the Great Northern Great Eastern railway line

This is a short overview of the issues that may be discussed in the debate in Westminster Hall on 5 May 2016 between 1.30 and 3.00pm.

http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/CDP-2016-0099

Coverage of the meeting

Meeting started at 1.30pm, ended 4.24pm

http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/aaea93eb-b361-4cc8-912b-6b040b99efeb

Full Transcript

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2016-05-05/debates/160505108000001/GreatNorthernGreatEasternUpgradeCompensation#contribution-160505108000007

Superfast broadband - losing patience

Commissioning new fibre cab 17

What work will we see in the village today I wonder?

The traffic management has ensured that Main Street is still coned off to one lane, presumably in readiness for BT Openreach to carry out their threading work for the cable to the new cabinet. This follows the preparatory work by contractors yesterday, clearing the conduits and ducts of any debris, and to insert 'pull through' ropes.

If you carefully study my photograph of the open duct situated at the base of the telegraph pole serving my cottage, there appears to be fibre optic cable already in place (yellow/black cables). I am wondering whether this is the fibre cable already routed through to Cabinet 12 (now commissioned and live) on the Potterhanworth side of the village.

If correct in my analysis, what I can't understand is why this source isn't able to connect the new Cabinet 17 too, now it has been erected. I suppose there must be a good technical reason necessitating installation of another cable from the FTTC Metheringham Cabinet 3. The contractors I chatted to yesterday seemed very certain that BT Openreach would be installing yet more cable.

Fibre optic cable?

Having slept on the whole matter, it still irks me greatly that my cottage is situated just metres away from a new fibre cabinet installation, yet my line will remain connected to another cabinet nearly three kilometres away, leaving me unable to get superfast broadband. My frustration must also be felt by many of my close neighbours, as they are in the same position. You can probably sense my resolve beginning to drain away reading my correspondence below:

OnLincolnshire 

From: Geoff Hall
Sent: 20 April 2016 20:11
To: Stephen Brookes
Subject: RE: Upgrade for Nocton

Hi Steve,

One last favour, could you ask what would happen if a BT customer orders a second line into their property in these circumstances. In view of the Cab 17 being nearest and with higher speed, would the new line still be patched to the Cab 3 or the nearest Cab?

Thanks,
Geoff
Sent from my Sony Xperia™ smartphone

From: Stephen Brookes
Sent: 21 April 2016 07:18
To: Geoff Hall
Subject: RE: Upgrade for Nocton

Good Morning Geoff,

Good question, I don't know, but I will ask.

Regards
Steve

Steve Brookes
Lincolnshire Broadband Programme Manager
Tel. 01522 552450
Mob. 07825 043978

Submission to Culture, Media and Sport Committee

From: Geoff Hall
Sent: 21 April 2016 18:17
To: cmscom@parliament.uk
Cc: Stephen Phillips
Subject: Broadband Connectivity Committee

Dear Sir/Madam,

I was very interested to watch the televised Select Committee meeting with Ed Vaisey MP.

I would like to submit the contemporaneous information contained in my ‘Nocton in Lincolnshire’ blog that has recorded some of the difficulties in getting superfast broadband to a small rural village.

My reports have been written over a two-year period (2014 to date) and catalogue the complexities/problems an end-user encounters in getting information.

I hope this evidence might be of some use to your review.

Yours faithfully,
Geoff Hall

Rub salt in the wound why don't you?

A publicity newsletter for conservativelincs.org.uk (Lincolnshire Matters) dropped through my post yesterday in respect of the elections for Police and Crime Commissioners. There was an article inside which has touched a raw nerve:

"Superfast broadband rolled out

Our huge investment in Lincolnshire's broadband in partnership with the Government is now reaching its first milestone.

Our OnLincolnshire project has seen over 150,000 properties now having access to superfast broadband. We've brought faster broadband to more than 1,000 properties a week and as a result, we're starting to see a real increase in the number of people signing up for superfast services.

Lincolnshire is now one of the leading counties for connectivity with more homes and businesses having access to online services. Whether it be homes being able to surf the internet and access online entertainment or small businesses being able to compete on the world stage and develop better connections with customers, superfast connectivity is key to growing our county. Nowadays, good broadband is almost as important as good roads, so it's vital we get the right infrastructure in place.

If you currently experience poor broadband speeds, or you are unable to obtain an affordable broadband service at all, the new satellite broadband scheme will provide you with access to an alternative broadband service that will offer speeds of at least 2Mbps.

You can find out more about the whole project at www.onlincolnshire.org"

They make it sound so easy don't they!!

Stephen Phillips MP - EU

Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Stephen Phillips announces his position on EU

'Mr Phillips told the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on Monday: "I sat for five years on the European Scrutiny Committee, and so I have seen at first hand the waste and unnecessary regulation for which Brussels is responsible.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Sleaford-North-Hykeham-MP-Stephen-Phillips/story-28789121-detail/story.html

Majority of Lincolnshire MPs and East Midlands MEPs back Brexit

'Eight out of the 12 Lincolnshire members of parliament in Westminster and Brussels are backing the Brexit campaign.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2016/02/majority-of-lincolnshire-mps-and-east-midlands-meps-back-brexit/

Vote Leave
http://www.voteleavetakecontrol.org/

Leave.EU
https://leave.eu/

Network Rail - Great Northern Great Eastern line

More trains, faster journeys

'To deliver more services and faster journeys, we’ve upgraded the Great Northern Great Eastern line that supports the East Coast Main Line. This £280m improvement programme was completed in early 2014.'

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/improvements/Great-Northern-Great-Eastern/

Claire Perry officially opens £280 million Lincolnshire rail improvements (9 Mar 2015)

'Rail Minister sees how Great Northern Great Eastern line upgrade is improving freight links and increasing capacity.'

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/claire-perry-officially-opens-280-million-lincolnshire-rail-improvements

Transport: Great Northern Great Eastern Upgrade (28 Jan 2016)

'What discussions he has had with Network Rail on compensation for residents affected by the upgrade of the great northern great eastern line.' [Stephen Phillips]

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2016-01-28a.406.3&p=24915

Transport Petition (13 Jan 2015)

Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport

'I recognise the concerns that local residents may have about the prospect of increased rail freight traffic through North Werrington. However, the developments that Network Rail is undertaking on the Great Northern/Great Eastern Joint Line through Lincoln will benefit both freight and passenger services, by reducing the need for rail freight services between Peterborough and Doncaster to use the East Coast Main Line. This will provide scope for increased, and more reliable, passenger services on the East Coast Main Line while retaining the ability of the rail freight sector to compete effectively with road haulage—in turn reducing congestion and pollution on the road network.

The Joint Line is, of course, already in daily use for both passenger and freight rail services and there is therefore no automatic obligation upon Network Rail to introduce noise or particulate mitigation measures for increases in service levels. Nonetheless, if, over time, the development of the line leads to a demonstrable increase in noise, vibration and pollution for local residents, there is guidance available on Network Rail’s website at http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/1030.aspx on how to raise concerns. The Department will, however, write to Network Rail to ensure that the company is aware of local residents’ worries about the possible impacts.

I am afraid that the responsibilities of the Department for Transport do not run to the determination of council tax levels. This is a matter for Peterborough City Council. In line with the Coalition Government’s commitment to localism, Ministers and officials have no remit to intervene in the day-to-day affairs of local authorities except where specific provision has been made in legislation.'

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150113/petntext/150113p0001.htm

Stephen Phillips MP - Middle East

Air strikes on extremists who 'rape, behead and crucify people' are justified, says county MP

'Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman, Lincoln MP Karl McCartney and Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Stephen Phillips all support military intervention.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Air-strikes-extremists-rape-behead-crucify-people/story-28275647-detail/story.html

Backbench Business - Middle East

'I thank the Backbench Business Committee for granting this debate and the dozens of parliamentary colleagues from many political parties who supported me in securing the opportunity to discuss this most important of subjects at this most critical of times. In particular, I thank my hon. Friend Seema Kennedy, Dr Cameron and my hon. and learned Friend Stephen Phillips for their support.'

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2015-11-30a.46.0&s=speaker%3A24836#g

Oral Answers to Questions - Backbench Business - Middle East (30 Nov 2015)

Stephen Phillips: It is a huge pleasure to follow my hon. Friend  the Member for Bolton West (Chris Green) after such a powerful speech. I congratulate my hon. Friend  the Member for Bracknell (Dr Lee) on initiating this debate, and I join him in thanking the Backbench Business Committee for granting it. It was a huge honour to be asked to support my hon. Friend in his efforts, and I was pleased to do so.

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2015-11-30a.46.0&s=speaker%3A24836#g109.0

Oral Answers to Questions - Backbench Business - Middle East (30 Nov 2015)

Stephen Phillips: I agree with the Minister on that. The difficulty will be which candidates are permitted by the Guardian Council to stand and which are not. We will see the results in due course. Turning to Saudi Arabia, the succession of Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to the throne has been accompanied by a welcome questioning in some areas, given the rise of ISIL/Daesh, of the ultra-conservative Wahabi...

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2015-11-30a.46.0&s=speaker%3A24836#g110.1

Oral Answers to Questions - Backbench Business - Middle East (30 Nov 2015)

Stephen Phillips: I do agree, and in fact it affects stability not just in the middle east but across other oil-producing regions of the world. We now have two Foreign Ministers on the Front Bench, although not the Minister with responsibility for South America, but he will know of the risk in Venezuela. I have only touched the tip of the iceberg-I could go on and on, and would be quite willing to do so...

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2015-11-30a.46.0&s=speaker%3A24836#g111.1

RAF Typhoons in Lincolnshire are on the tarmac ready to go awaiting tonight's parliamentary vote

'Top guns from RAF Coningsby are ready to bomb Islamic State targets in the Middle East.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/RAF-Typhoons-Lincolnshire-tarmac-ready-awaiting/story-28286047-detail/story.html

Royal United Services Institute - UK Air Strikes in Syria - Time for a Decision?

'In the aftermath of the Paris attacks, there may be an increasingly compelling case for extending UK counter-ISIS air strikes to Syria.'

https://rusi.org/publication/briefing-papers/uk-air-strikes-syria-time-decision

 If you want to directly download the interesting briefing paper, which explains the detail behind the current situation, click on the following link:

https://rusi.org/sites/default/files/201511_bp_uk_air_strikes_in_syria.pdf

Stephen Phillips MP

Lincolnshire MP calls for ‘home of the RAF’ to have more staff and resources

'Phillips asked for clarification on the plans the Ministry of Defence has for the consolidation of RAF stations in the House of Commons on November 23.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2015/11/lincolnshire-mp-calls-for-home-of-the-raf-to-have-more-staff-and-resources/

RAF Stations

'Isil – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 23rd November 2015'

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2015-11-23a.1038.3&s=speaker%3A24836#g1038.4

Russia's shot down jet is sending us a powerful message: keep well out of Syria!

'If we are serious about crushing IS, best join in with Assad and Putin.'

http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2986399/russias_shot_down_jet_is_sending_us_a_powerful_message_keep_well_out_of_syria.html

David Cameron says bombing IS in Syria will make UK 'safer'

The UK is already a target for Da'esh and we cannot "outsource our security to allies".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34927939

Labour leadership in turmoil over vote on UK military action in Syria

'When it comes to an issue of war, it is something that people think very profoundly about. We do usually act collectively, but I think on issues like this there are times when people cannot stick to a whip which is imposed.'

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/nov/26/shadow-cabinet-seriously-split-over-syria-with-corbyn-in-minority

Nocton Fen Wind Farm - objections

Vattenfall E-newsletter 13 - reminder



"Nocton Fen Statutory Consultation continues following public events

Over 475 residents attended our local events last month to have their say as part of the Statutory Consultation on our proposed project at Nocton Fen. We are now over half way through the consultation period and encourage you to continue to get involved and give us your views before the consultation closes on Monday 20 July.


Information on display at our event at Potterhanworth Memorial Hall

A copy of the Preliminary Environmental Information, Non Technical Summary (NTS), Community Investment Booklet, our Statement of Community Consultation, and a Consultation Feedback Form is available in hard copy format at various locations. You can also have your say online where all of the information is available to download.

You are receiving this newsletter as you have registered your interest in Nocton Fen. To unsubscribe email noctonfen@vattenfall.com.
Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd, Abbey Warehouse, Abbey Slip, Penzance, TR18 4AR.

T: 0800 3777348, E: noctonfen@vattenfall.com http://www.vattenfall.co.uk/noctonfen. You can now follow us on Twitter @NoctonFen."

Local Objections - making your voice heard locally

"Dear All,

Following on from Vattenfall's open public events, we now move into a period where Vattenfall will finalise their application before submission in the first  part of 2016.  Though the Government will remove subsidies from new onshore wind farms, Vattenfall are very clear that they will press ahead with this application.

This is also the period where we need to start making our objections known. PNF took an exit poll at all public events (Nocton, Potterhanworth, Bardney, Metheringham, Dunston and Branston), and the results were very conclusive. Of 423 people asked as they left the events and who gave an answer, 84% were against the wind farm, 6% for and the rest were undecided (10%). So amongst the local community, it is very clear the this development is not wanted.

However, we have heard that some Parish Councils have not been contacted with the views of by their parishioners. At this first stage, it is important that the Parish Councils are aware of your objections from their parishioners, so we ask that as many people write to the Parish Councils via the Clerks to voice their objections.

• Fiskerton Parish Council - parishclerk@fiskerton-lincs.org.uk
• Bardney Parish Clerk - clerk@bardneygroup-pc.gov.uk
• Metheringham Parish Council - clerk@metheringham.org.uk
• Martin Parish Council - martinparishclerk@hotmail.co.uk
• Nocton Parish Council - noctonparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk
• Dunston Parish Council - dunstonparishclerk@gmail.com
• Potterhanworth Parish Council - potterhanworthparishclerk@gmail.com
• Washingborough Parish Council - washingboroughpc@gmail.com
• Branston & Mere Parish Council - Branstonpc@btinternet.com
• Cherry Willingham Parish Council - cwparishcouncil@gmail.com
• Heighington Parish Council - heighingtonpc@gmail.com

This is only the first stage of objections, but it is an important one.  We will be writing to you later in the year to detail how else we can object.

Best wishes,
PNF"

Stephen Phillips QC MP

'To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, with reference to the Written Statement of 18 June 2015, HC WS40, whether her Department plans to offer support under the enewables Obligation to the proposed Nocton Fen wind farm.'

Superfast Broadband - update

Superfast Broadband - Question in the House

'At the risk of turning this into a Lincolnshire-only debate—important and desirable as that would be...' Stephen Phillips QC MP

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmhansrd/cm150624/halltext/150624h0001.htm#15062464000366

Superfast Broadband for Nocton

This is a link to the last entry relating to Superfast Broadband N.B: to see the debate on that article, you will need to click on the 'Comments'.

This is the latest update - many thanks to Mick Middleton:

Hi Geoff

Might be helpful opening a new thread for this. Its starting to happen.

BT now have an approx cost for turning 3/2 into its own Fibre Cabinet much the same as they did for Navenby Cab 4. Cost are approx and due to contractual reasons I am not allowed to see them. Once they have the full route - detailed costings expected shortly - they then agree Credits with onlinelincolnshire to proceed with detailed planning and deployment .

They also have a likely deployment date which they will also not divulge. I guess this is due to their 'planning bucket' being full - gobbledygook for we are busy.

I have replied with a number of questions one very specifically on the deployment date of 3/2 and the phase stage. Will update the blog immediately I have a further reply.

Thats it.

Mick Middleton

PS. Last time we spoke Geoff I believe you are fed directly from Cab 3 A1188. Similar lines like yourself will be diverted into the new Fibre cabinet outside the Post Office.

Footnote:
Cabinet 3 is at junction of B1188/Lincoln Rd, Dunston
Pillar/Cabinet 3/2 is adjacent to Nocton Post Office
Cabinet 12 is on corner of Potterhanworth Rd/Manor Court, Nocton

Further Update

Geoff

Projected date for deployment of Nocton Cab 3/2 will be Phase 8 Q1 (01/01/2016 - 31/03/2016)
Change Request is imminent and all indications are very positive.

Change Request is needed for Nocton Cab 3/2 because it is classed as additional work and the original deployment plan theoretically utilises all available funding. Basically due to Lincolnshire underspend the money is there. All additional work such as this would be added to an already huge volume of work (around 100 cabinets per quarter) being undertaken every Quarter.
 
That's it - will update if I get any further info.
 
Regards,
 
Mick Middleton

Nocton Fen Wind Farm - House of Commons

Business of the House (18 Jun 2015)

Stephen Phillips: 'May I pursue the question asked earlier by my hon. Friend  the Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris)? This morning's written statement from the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on subsidies for new wind farms is very welcome. It will certainly be welcomed in Lincolnshire, where we have seen far too many attempts to carpet our beautiful countryside in wind farms....'

Good to see our local MP is on board!

General Election Contestants

General Election

'Five people will be contesting the General Election for the Sleaford & North Hykeham Constituency.'

http://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/home/general-election-contestants/125602.article

Parish and Town Council Elections - 7th May 2015

'On the 7th May 2015, scheduled elections will be run for all of North Kesteven’s parish areas.'

http://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/your-council/electoral-registration-and-elections/elections-2015/forthcoming-elections-7th-may-2015/parish-and-town-council-elections-7th-may-2015/124529.article

Candidates for Sleaford and North Hykeham

Independents select MP candidate for Sleaford and North Hykeham

'Leader of the Independents at Lincolnshire County Council Marianne Overton MBE has been selected to fight for the Sleaford and North Hykeham seat at the General Election on May 7.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2015/03/independents-select-mp-candidate-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham/

Conservatives reselect MP to contest Sleaford and North Hykeham seat

'Local Conservatives have chosen Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Stephen Phillips to once again contest the parliamentary seat at the General Election on May 7.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2015/03/conservatives-reselect-mp-fight-sleaford-north-hykeham-seat/

Lib Dems select candidate for North Hykeham and Sleaford seat

'The Liberal Democrats have chosen Matthew Holden to contest the Sleaford and North Hykeham parliamentary seat in the May General Election.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2015/03/lib-dems-select-candidate-north-hykeham-sleaford-seat/

New Labour candidate Jason Pandya-Wood selected for Sleaford and North Hykeham

'Labour has announced its prospective candidate for Sleaford and North hykeham in the 2015 elections.'

http://www.sleafordtarget.co.uk/New-Labour-candidate-Jason-Pandya-Wood-selected/story-25825308-detail/story.html

Political musings

Are immigration controls the passport to success in Lincolnshire polls?

'I absolutely recognise the important role migrants play in our society, be they working on farms in Lincolnshire or as foreign healthcare workers in our NHS services and elsewhere. However, uncontrolled, mass immigration makes it difficult to maintain social cohesion, puts pressure on public services like schools, and can affect housing and the welfare system as well as the NHS and can force down wages.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/immigration-controls-passport-success-polls/story-26120278-detail/story.html

Country of origin labelling for meat is great in theory – but sadly not in practice

'If we're dealing with a primary meat product – steak from Argentina, or bacon from Denmark, or a chicken from Thailand – then it can and should be labelled with the country of origin. But for a cheaper product, the company's buyer may be watching the market and picking prices on a daily basis, getting a consignment of beef from Romania today and Somerset tomorrow and Bolivia next week. So in any one sausage on any one day, the meat used may come from many places – and will probably be different tomorrow.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/POLITICS-Country-origin-labelling-meat-great/story-26117050-detail/story.html

Conservatives reselect MP to contest Sleaford and North Hykeham seat

'Local Conservatives have chosen Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Stephen Phillips to once again contest the parliamentary seat at the General Election on May 7.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2015/03/conservatives-reselect-mp-fight-sleaford-north-hykeham-seat/

General Election 2015: Stephen Phillips says economy is biggest issue

'Traditionally, my seat has been a safe seat but we are in a new era of politics now and I’m not taking a single thing for granted – we are out there on Fridays and Saturdays and some Sundays campaigning.'

http://www.sleafordtarget.co.uk/General-Election-2015-Stephen-Phillips-says/story-26008803-detail/story.html

Supporting our apprentices means young workers get the best start

'Earning a wage and working alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills is critical in 21st century Britain.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/POLITICS-Supporting-apprentices-means-young/story-26117051-detail/story.html

Apprenticeships: debt free at 23 and on a £30k salary

'As National Apprenticeship Week begins, James Connington talks to three apprentices about career progression, skills and the financial benefits of choosing this route.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/further-education/11457331/Apprenticeships-debt-free-at-23-and-on-a-30k-salary.html

Research shows why Cameron is wise to avoid TV debates and stick to newspapers

'In the eight weeks of campaigning from January 5 to March 1, all the leading online national newspapers reported the Conservative Party to a greater degree than its rivals.'

http://theconversation.com/research-shows-why-cameron-is-wise-to-avoid-tv-debates-and-stick-to-newspapers-38514

Stephen Phillips QC MP - tax evasion and avoidance

I want us to send a clear message to tax evaders: you must pay up

'Tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance are not only unfair; it also strips the public purse of funds that should be used to pay for our NHS, schools and police.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/POLITICS-want-send-clear-message-tax-evaders-pay/story-26047435-detail/story.html

Tax dodgers are stealing from all of us

'Over the last few years we have seen scandal after scandal relating to tax avoidance or evasion.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2015/02/tax-avoiders-stealing-us/

HSBC scandal: George Osborne signals new tax evasion measures

'Chancellor makes announcement on budget during heated exchanges with Ed Balls in House of Commons'

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/feb/23/hsbc-scandal-george-osborne-tax-measures

Tax Avoidance

'Tax avoidance is the legal usage of the tax regime to one's own advantage to reduce the amount of tax that is payable by means that are within the law.'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_avoidance

Tax Evasion

'Tax evasion is the illegal evasion of taxes by individuals, corporations and trusts.'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_evasion

Tax Compliance

How HM Revenue and Customs deals with tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance.

https://www.gov.uk/dealing-with-hmrc/tax-compliance

Report Tax Evaders

If you want to report tax evaders... then use this hotline.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/reporting-tax-evasion

Wind Farms - Planning

Planning system overhaul heralds winds of change for turbine farms

'Here in Lincolnshire, we' re lucky to have some of Britain's most beautiful countryside. Unfortunately, it is also seen by developers as a good place for onshore wind turbines.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/POLITICS-Planning-overhaul-heralds-winds-change/story-25906399-detail/story.html

Armed Forces Covenant

Stephen Phillips QC MP

I have obtained the following content from our local MP's Facebook page (when you click on the link to the document, if you are prompted to sign up for DropBox, click the 'X' to close the window and you will still be able to read the Review):

Former Members of the Armed Forces and the Criminal Justice System
A Review on behalf of the Secretary of State for Justice

'I have been a strong supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant and spent much of last year writing a report for the Secretary of State for Justice on how to support the small number of former service personnel who find themselves in trouble with the law.

The Government finally published my report over Christmas and has promised to implement most of my recommendations. A copy of my report is here.'

POLITICS: If we put our troops in harm's way, they should have best equipment

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/POLITICS-troops-harm-s-way-best-equipment/story-25823829-detail/story.html