NHS70 Parliamentary Awards
Over the last 70 years, the NHS has transformed the health and wellbeing of the nation. But none of this would be possible without the skill, dedication and compassion of NHS staff, as well as the many volunteers, charities and communities that support the service.
That’s why I’m delighted to be participating in the NHS70 Parliamentary Awards. I know there are some excellent and innovative things going on in [area], but now I want to hear about the best of the best.
There are ten categories, covering key areas such as mental health and primary care, as well as a Lifetime Achievement award for someone who has contributed to the success of the NHS for 40 years or more.
Information on how to nominate is available at www.nhs70awards.co.uk – nominations close on March 23rd, so please get them in to me as soon as possible on
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Angela presents Nat West petition to Parliament
Local MP, Angela Smith has presented a petition to Parliament asking RBS to think again about the closure two of its Nat West branches in her constituency.
The petition, which has over 1400 names on it, has been collected by local activists fighting the closure of the 2 branches.
If RBS does close these branches in Stocksbridge and Penistone it will leave both towns without banking services and only one bank in the whole of the constituency.
Commenting on the petition Angela said;
“The news that RBS had decided to close its Nat West branches in Penistone & Stocksbridge is devastating for both towns and will mean both will no longer have any banking services at all.
It’s quite clear from the number of signatures that have been collected that local people believe this is a poor decision by RBS and that they want it reversed.
I was more than pleased to have received this petition and was proud to present it to the House of Commons.
I hope RBS will now start to listen to local opinion and change its mind on these closures. I also hope Government will respond positively to this petition by intervening to negotiate a stop to these closures before it is too late.
Can I also thank the petitioners for bringing this petition to me, especially Cllr Joe Unsworth, Cllr Richard Crowther, Jo Newing, and Francyne Johnson who organised the collection of the signatures ”
ENDS
Angela welcomes the Planning (Agent of Change) Bill to Parliament.
Angela Smith MP has this week backed the introduction of the Planning (Agent of Change) Bill to the House of Commons.
This Ten-minute Rule Bill was presented by John Spellar MP and has received cross-party support and aims to incorporate the agent of change principle within planning law.
The Bill would mean that developers would have to take account of the impact of any new scheme on pre-existing businesses like music venues before going with their plans.
There has been a 35% decline in grassroots music venues in the UK over the last decade. UK Music has warned that existing planning laws are often a key factor struggling music venues must contend with.
Angela has said,
“I welcome the introduction of the agent of change Bill as a vital means of protecting the future of our best-loved grassroots music venues. All too often planning laws have placed unreasonable demands on small venues, threatening the development of our world beating music industry.
I am pleased that this Bill recognises the challenges that music venues face. I call on the Government to secure its speedy passage into law.”