December 2009

Constituency News

Over the summer months, the momentum of the 'Save the N213' campaign grew, with several large successful protests in Wallington and Croydon. Campaigners and I also made sure we got our voices heard by Boris Johnson when he held a question time at Fairfield Hall in Croydon. This campaign showed the power of social networking sites such as Facebook, to engage with young people and give them a voice on issues that they care about.

In October I was delighted to hear that over 800 people had written to NHS London at my request to show their support for the Better Healthcare Closer to Home project. Over the past few months, I have continued to lobby the Government over this and have secured the Prime Minister's, Secretary of State's and Minister's pledge that the project will be allowed to proceed.

Since the last minute Government announcement in June, I have been working with the Sutton Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations, Sutton Council's Leader and MP Paul Burstow, to reverse a huge cut in funding. This funding would have brought local council housing up to the Decent Home standards. I will continue to campaign to stop tenants in Sutton being left stranded in sub-standard homes.

Some good news from abroad, I, along with many others, welcomed the release of Mr Al-Sarraj, who was being detained in Baghdad by American forces despite being found innocent by an Iraqi court. Mr Al- Sarraj is now in Turkey, waiting to return to his home in Carshalton.

In Parliament

In December I chaired a meeting in Parliament which I hosted with my constituent, Maggie Hughes, the mother of Robbie Hughes. Maggie Hughes has campaigned for better support and advice for families affected by violent crimes or serious accidents whilst abroad after her son, Robbie Hughes, was brutally assaulted whilst on holiday in Crete. The meeting was an opportunity for the families to share their stories and search for a positive way forward. Now I plan to ensure that the Foreign Office address issues that were raised at this meeting and I will also be sending a report on the meeting to the Greek Ambassador in London.

In November I also challenged the PM over cuts to the Freedom Pass budget of almost £29 million.

For more information about my activities, to receive a regular email news update or to contact me, please log on to www.tombrake.co.uk. You can also find me on Facebook.