Craig demands new deal for Thanet fishermen

South Thanet MP, Craig Mackinlay MP, has raised the plight of local fishermen in a Parliamentary Debate on the future of the UK’s fisheries policy.  He sought to achieve undertakings from the Fishing Minister, George Eustice, that the UK would leave the Common Fisheries Policy immediately on Brexit Day and outside of any implementation period. Craig claimed that we were now approaching a “crisis point” for the under 10m fishing fleets that make up the bulk of Ramsgate’s fishing fleet. Arguing that Thanet’s local fleet “simply cannot wait”, he called for the immediate end of the “disastrous” Commons Fisheries Policy.

Ramsgate MV Razor Bill skipper, Steve Barratt, has claimed that: “The Ramsgate fleet are all tied up and not through lack of fish but lack of quota. Meanwhile, just a few miles off the coast, Belgian and Dutch ‘Super-Trawlers’ are catching everything.”

Craig also called for an end to the controversial pulse beam fishing, saying that: “really importantly we need to unilaterally ban pulse beaming - it has been catastrophic on spawning areas.”

Highlighting research from the UK Hydrographic Office that shows 60% of all fish caught in UK waters was caught by EU fishermen, Craig called for a “step change” in the way in which  Britain approaches fishing as an industry.  With 95% of all boats on the South Coast being under 10m, Craig called for “a deal that works for them”.

Craig Mackinlay MP told the debate:

“What we do not want is that during that implementation period we somehow get dragged along with a perpetual CFP.  We have the opportunity for a Brexit dividend, we have an opportunity to take control of our sea and to rejuvenate our local fishing communities.

“I certainly call on the Government to exempt fishing from any transitional deal.”

In what could be a positive sign for Thanet’s fishing fleet - the Minister, George Eustice MP, indicated that change could be imminent saying: “A Fisheries Bill is expected before the Summer recess” and indicated a “long-term aim” to address problems with thornback rays in the Kent Coast.

Speaking after the debate, Craig welcomed the encouraging signals from the Minister, saying “I’m pleased that the Minister was characteristically receptive and I will be continuing to push him for further action to save our local fleet.”

Craig highlights campaign to end live animal exports for slaughter in speech to MPs

On Monday 26 February Craig Mackinlay MP contributed to a debate relating to the ending of the export of live farm animals after the UK leaves the EU, which you can watch here. Craig has long argued that Brexit is an opportunity to improve animal welfare given that existing EU legislation forbids member states from outlawing live animal exports for slaughter. During the course of this trade, animals are sent sometimes without a vet, water, or food in cramped conditions, across many hundred miles to face conditions of slaughter that we would find abhorrent.

The South Thanet MP told MPs that “…post-Brexit, we can have a renaissance of animal welfare standards alongside our commitments to introduce CCTV in abattoirs and increased sentences for those who abuse animals.” He described how the “small commercial port of Ramsgate… is now the only UK port through which lamb and sheep are transported across a sea border for slaughter abroad”.

Craig reminded MPs of the “appalling fiasco” at Ramsgate which hit the national headlines on 12 September 2012 when a single lorry carrying over 500 sheep was declared unfit to travel. Temporary holding pens were set up, 43 sheep had to be euthanised, six fell into the water and two drowned. Breaches of animal welfare regulations were found with fines and a suspended prison sentence for the director of the transport company.

Craig also briefed MPs on his own work in the campaign against live animal exports for slaughter which has included tabling a bill in the previous Parliament to allow municipal controlled ports the discretion to ban this trade. He also referred to an event he hosted in Parliament last month that was attended by key animal welfare groups, and diverse celebrities including Joanna Lumley, Frederick Forsyth, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Selina Scott who have all long campaigned to end live animal exports for slaughter.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“I was pleased to see many MPs who have campaigned for years to end live exports gathered together for this debate.

“I am hopeful that the Agriculture Bill, which will set out the framework of post-Brexit farming, will also propose that we finally put a stop to this barbaric practice once and for all.

“Inflicting needless suffering on animals is not acceptable and it must end.”

Mackinlay On Monday - 19 February 2018

The past two weeks has seen Thanet District Council in a state of some flux. Perhaps an understatement with the effective split of the ruling UKIP group precipitated by the rejection of the Local Plan. I am not at all surprised that the issue of Manston has caused this to come to pass, it is an issue upon which the future direction and economy of Thanet will be decided. Myself and Sir Roger have now had an official meeting with the Secretary of State for Local Government to explain the uniqueness of Thanet’s situation, and I also had the opportunity of raising the issue with the Prime Minister at PMQs. I am positive that a Local Plan, in accordance with national requirements can be delivered, but short of the 2,500 houses that were allocated under the Cllr Wells plan to the Manston site. Manston should, in my view, be maintained as zoned for aviation use only. This can be the working document to be put forward, and hopefully agreed by the Planning Inspector.

On Council tax, myself and other Kent MP colleagues lobbied the Secretary of State, with a degree of success, and accordingly Kent has been allocated £3.9m of additional funding for the social care budget. The retention of business rates trial, of which Kent is one, will additionally mean over £20m more for Kent on top of this. We are going through transformational times in local government finances as the shift is towards local raising of local spending. There is still much wrong with the Business Rates system, which raises some £35 Billion per year nationally, almost as much as Corporation Tax. It is a tax by any name and should it be replaced or amended, the funding must come from somewhere. A seriously knotty problem and a result of historical precedence.

I have been actively involved in trying to make sense of the failure of Childreach International and Rare Adventures Ltd. This charity offered youngsters the opportunity to take part in charitable projects globally to make a real difference to children’s lives in the countries visited. Youngsters at Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School had raised up to £3,000 each from friends, family and through fundraising totalling £60,000 across twenty of them to go on such a project to Kenya. The charity and company, who, after some forensic examination are found to be intertwined through a common CEO and director, have simply shut down leaving the students out of pocket. The travel company was not ABTA registered and the publicly available historic accounts for the entities show them not to be in good financial health even eighteen months ago. I am appealing for all affected to get in touch and I have requested that the CEO come to Westminster with explanations. It is fair to say that the charities sector have not had a good week, it is overdue that the role and activities of many charities operating in the UK are considered. For too long, many have operated as a good living for the executive boards running them and many have lost sight of what they are there for. The situation facing local youngsters has really angered me and I intend to raise the issue with Ministers and the Charity Commission.

I also managed to raise the issue of bank closures in an extensive debate in the House of Commons; this is an issue of real importance from Birchington to Broadstairs and Sandwich. I appeal once more for the closures to stop and for the banks to consider grouping in shared premises to maintain an effective counter service network.

I write this on a Eurostar train to Brussels, with meetings lined up with Michel Barnier and Guy Verhofstadt as part of my role on the Brexit Select Committee, the second such meetings over the past couple of months; I’ll doubtless be reporting back on my return. I doubt it will be cheerful.

Craig raises Thanet’s Local Plan and issue of Manston at today’s Prime Minister’s Questions

At Prime Minister’s Questions today, Craig Mackinlay MP called on Theresa May and the Government to give Thanet “as reasonable time as necessary, perhaps under a new administration, to get our Local Plan right”.

The South Thanet MP’s demand came in the wake of the decision by Thanet’s Councillors on 18 January to vote down the Draft Local Plan which sought a change of status for Manston axing aviation-only status in favour of a mixed-use designation to include 2,500 homes.  

Craig Mackinlay MP said:

“I have been saying for as long as anybody will listen that Thanet with Manston for aviation is a wholly different Thanet from one without. The timings of the Local Plan and with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government pushing for completed Local Plans across the country adds to complications, but ideally, we need a Plan of two halves – a short-term plan for the next few years, and then a longer plan thereafter once the Manston issue is finally decided and settled.

“The Prime Minister gave a clear signal that Thanet’s Local Plan needs to be completed – I agree with her. It is my view that with political will it can be completed within an agreed timescale, maintaining Manston’s designation for aviation use and with the 2,500 houses and other ‘mixed use’ earmarked for the site in the flawed plan simply taken out.”

Craig’s PMQ can be viewed here.

Kent MPs win £3.9 million extra Government funding for Social Care

Craig Mackinlay MP has joined Kent MPs in welcoming the news of an extra £3.9 million for social care in Kent, announced by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP.

The announcement follows a series of meetings between Kent MPs and Ministers, pressing for rising costs to be addressed in the forthcoming Local Government Finance Settlement. Cllr Paul Carter CBE, the Leader of Kent County Council, has also argued vigorously for a more generous funding settlement for the county.

In recognition of the growing need for Social Care, the Government is providing an extra £150m Social Care Grant to Local Authorities across England for 2018/19.

Kent County Council will benefit from its share of the £150m, in addition to being one of just 12 authorities piloting the retention of Business Rates, which is expected to generate £25 million next year.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“I very much welcome the Local Government Finance Settlement for Kent and am pleased the Government listened to the representations Kent MPs made in recent weeks and months for extra central government funding for social care. This Settlement strikes a balance between giving Kent County Council additional freedom to ensure they can protect services for some of their most vulnerable residents, whilst protecting my South Thanet constituents against excessive Council Tax rises.”

Helen Whately MP said:

“This is good news for Kent. KCC has made impressive savings over the last few years, but with costs going up it’s getting harder and harder. I’m glad the Government has recognised that extra money is needed, particularly to meet growing social care needs. This should also help local hospitals with patients ready to go home but waiting for social care. Kent MPs got together and argued Kent’s case with the Secretary of State. I’m happy to see he’s listened and come up with the goods.”

Stroke services across Kent and Medway

As South Thanet’s Member of Parliament, I will always do my best to ensure that the very best medical care is available to the people on our Isle. That is why, from the initial information I have from the Clinical Commissioning Groups across Kent, and based on evidence from the professional clinicians responsible for services, I have an open mind on the proposals to establish three new ‘hyper acute’ stroke units in Kent and Medway.

Let me make quite clear that nothing has yet been decided with consultations ongoing. It may be that any new East Kent 'hyper acute' unit can and will be based at QEQM rather than the William Harvey as a conclusion to the consultation, but the current proposal is indeed that such services will go to Ashford.

You can be assured that I am fighting for QEQM to maintain as broad a spectrum of full range services, and full A&E as part of this process. Given our geographical position, I have no fears at all that as full a range of specialisms as possible will remain at QEQM into the future. I would encourage you to feed in your observations into the process. It is the natural condition to be against change and to want all services as close to home as possible. But we live in a new age of medical specialism with many conditions now treatable and survivable: a position unthinkable just a decade or two ago. Should we suffer the misfortune of extreme cardio-vascular events or suffer extreme trauma from accident, it is highly likely that a London hospital will be the preferred option. Similarly, advanced cancer treatment using pioneering techniques are likely to be London based. The age of 'everything, everywhere' is no longer sustainable or desirable to achieve best outcomes.

My understanding is that, unlike our current stroke services, these ‘hyper acute’ stroke units would operate with a multi-disciplinary team of stroke specialists, providing expert care around the clock with consultants on the wards seven days a week. The new units will allow people to receive the best possible care in the vital first few hours and days immediately after their stroke – saving lives and reducing disability. Such 'hyper acute' centres, where they are a feature of stroke services in other parts of the country, have demonstrably improved outcomes. This should be at the heart of decision making.

Each site in Kent and Medway would also have an acute stroke unit where people may go after the initial 72 hours for further care until they are ready to be discharged, and have a transient ischaemic attack (TIA or ‘mini stroke’) clinic. Kent currently does not have any hyper acute stroke units working in this way; patients are currently cared for in general stroke units. Good as they are, they do not operate in such an advanced and intensive way and do not achieve best outcomes compared to other areas that have chosen the 'hyper acute' route for treatment.

Locally we are seeing Labour activists stoking up fear amongst the vulnerable about potential changes to stroke services in Kent. I can but hazard a guess that professional clinicians have a greater understanding of stroke diagnosis and treatment than Labour and Momentum activists. However, I would urge constituents to read the consultation document for a more balanced view and submit any concerns they have thereafter to the consultation.

Parliamentary Debates, insolvency rules and militancy within Labour

I should know when to keep my mouth shut. I took part in the second reading of the Financial Guidance and Claims Bill and was promptly put onto the team to take the Bill through its Committee stages. Despite the dryness of its title, the Bill aims to consolidate government funded advice bodies, particularly on pensions, into one new entity – the Single Financial Guidance Body. Additionally the Bill allows for mandatory breathing space for those facing pressure from lenders, and further adds controls over Claims Management Companies so that their fees are more closely regulated and cold calling techniques curtailed. And so this is a Bill that affects us all in one way or another.

Another recent parliamentary appearance was in the closing stages of the Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill. If you’d like to hear me weave Google maps, errant sheep, a drunken cyclist and Arnold Schwarzenegger into a five minute speech in the Commons, you can view it here.

I got involved in the debate about the failure of Carillion which raises questions as to the effectiveness of current Insolvency rules upon corporate failures. Too often, those smaller companies down the supply chain find themselves unpaid and potentially facing ruin. This has to stop and I am calling for change.

The fight to stop live animal exports out of Ramsgate took a huge leap forwards. I hosted a hugely successful event in advance of the Rt. Hon Theresa Villiers’ second reading of her Bill to ban the trade. It was good to invite local campaigners from Kent Action Against Live Exports as well as a sprinkling of celebrities including Joanna Lumley, Selina Scott, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Frederick Forsyth and Jan Leeming. Following assurances given by the Secretary of State Michael Gove MP, Theresa has stood her Bill down for now. I honestly believe we are on the cusp of success in getting this cruel trade banned for good.

I am increasingly concerned as to the militant nature of the new Labour/Momentum campaigning style. The abuse and threats heaped upon my good friend Jacob Rees-Mogg MP at Bristol University were truly shameful. There are reports of increased anti-semitic and other hate crimes across Kent over the past year. The link between Labour’s new blind eye to holocaust deniers and terrorism supporters in its ranks and encouragement of direct action against anybody with whom it disagrees can hardly go unnoticed. We need to be vigilant against this new style of politics, it is insidious and evil.

Locally we are seeing Labour activists stoking up fear amongst the vulnerable about potential changes to stroke services in Kent. Whilst we all want everything, everywhere, increasing specialisation of medical procedures means that centres of excellence will increasingly emerge with better outcomes at the heart of any change. I prefer to keep an open mind on these matters during the consultation period. I may be wrong, but I am fairly sure that clinical professionals know more about stroke services than Momentum activists.

Craig welcomes investment in Manston/Haine Roundabout helping to unlock the homes Thanet needs

Craig Mackinlay MP has welcomed the announcement of over £2.5m for Manston/Haine Roundabout in Thanet.

The government has announced £866 million investment in local housing projects to help get up to 200,000 extra homes built. In Thanet this could deliver 198 homes by 2022, and 785 homes in total.

This funding will support local work that will make housing developments viable and get much-needed homes built more quickly. Without this financial support these projects would struggle to go ahead or take years for work to begin.

This government is committed to building 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s so more people are able buy a home of their own. The funding announced today is the first wave of funding from the £5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund which is part of our comprehensive programme to fix the broken housing market that has left too many struggling to afford a place of their own.

This latest investment and will fund key local infrastructure projects including new roads, cycle paths, flood defences and land remediation work, all essential ahead of building the homes.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“It’s great news that Manston/Haine Roundabout has been allocated over £2.5m to support local work in Thanet, so we can help ensure we build the homes people need more quickly. This funding could lead to up to 198 homes being delivered by 2022.

“We are determined to build the right homes in the right places and help the next generation to get the keys to a home of their own.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, said:

“Today marks the first step of the multi-billion pound investment we announced at the Budget to help build the homes our country needs.

“This fund finances vital infrastructure such as roads, schools and bridges, which will kick-start housing development in some of Britain’s highest-demand areas.”

Housing Secretary, Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, said:

“Our priority is building the homes this country desperately needs.

“This first wave of investment totalling £866 million will help get up to 200,000 homes off the ground, making a huge difference to communities across the country. 

“This is just one of the many ways this Government is taking action to get Britain building homes again.”

Craig continues his campaign to end live animals exports for slaughter by hosting an event in Parliament

Craig Mackinlay MP has hosted an event in Parliament as part of his campaign to persuade the Government to end live animal exports for slaughter once the UK has exited the European Union.

The event, attended by over 30 MPs, and supported by action groups such as Compassion in World Farming and the RSPCA, was also attended by celebrity supporters including Selina Scott, Joanna Lumley, Frederick Forsyth, Jan Leeming and Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

In addition Chipping Barnet MP, Theresa Villiers’ Live Animal Exports (Prohibition) Bill will have its second reading in the House of Commons on 2 February and a parliamentary debate on the topic is now scheduled for 26 February. An online petition also continues to attract support from the public.

Craig has long argued that Brexit is an opportunity to improve animal welfare given that existing EU legislation forbids member states from outlawing live animal exports for slaughter.

During the course of this trade animals are sent sometimes without a vet, water, or food in cramped conditions, across many hundred miles to face conditions of slaughter that we would find abhorrent.

South Thanet MP, Craig Mackinlay MP, said:

“The live animal export trade in the UK is now wholly focused on Ramsgate in my constituency and I remain committed to do all I can to see this inhumane trade stopped.

“That’s why I’m so pleased to have hosted this event and to have secured the support of so many MPs, celebrities and animal welfare groups.

“The pressure that those of us involved in the campaign are bringing to bear on the Government to finally put a stop to this barbaric practice will hopefully be reflected in a future Agriculture Bill that will set out the framework of post-Brexit farming.

“On this issue, I will not stop until we are successful.” 

Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, said:

“It was inspiring to see so many people gathered together who have campaigned for years to end live exports.

"I will continue to work with Craig and other colleagues in Parliament who want to see this trade banned once and for all. Inflicting this needless suffering on animals is not acceptable and it must be stopped.”

Craig calls for changes to the Insolvency Act 1986 in the wake of Carillion’s insolvency

Craig Mackinlay MP has called on the Government to amend the Insolvency Act 1986 in the wake of Carillion's failure.

In a Parliamentary Question last week to the Minister at the Cabinet Office, Rt Hon David Lidington MP, Mr Mackinlay raised concerns for subcontractors and suppliers further down the supply chain that are now likely to be left unpaid by Carillion.

As a result of this “domino effect”, the South Thanet MP asked whether now is the time to change insolvency rules to introduce an assumed Romalpa clause or similar, so that in the instance of the failure of a primary contractor such as Carillion, payments received post-insolvency from the head client of outstanding contract payments and invoices which include recognisable goods and services are directed to the relevant companies down the supply chain by the receiver, rather than the primary client making post-insolvency payments into a likely black hole.

This is not the first time Mr Mackinlay has called on the Government to give some consideration to a technical change to Insolvency Act 1986 rules, having first argued the case for this in a Westminster Hall Debate on Small Shops Regulation on 2 November 2016.

The MP made the call as the Business Secretary, Greg Clark MP, chaired the first meeting of a taskforce convened to support small businesses and workers affected by Carillion’s insolvency. 

Craig Mackinlay MP, said:

“As a Chartered Accountant, still nominally in practice, clients that I have acted for and local businesses who have highlighted their issues as part of my constituency work have commonly been left unpaid upon a corporate failure in the supply chain above them. The typical situation is when there is a head client, with a primary contractor conducting mixed work. Beneath the primary contractor, particularly in construction projects, there can be many sub-contractors and suppliers reliant on the primary contractor for their payment based upon stage payments passing down from the head client to the primary contractor.

“In this scenario, upon the appointment of an Insolvency Practitioner (or in Carillion’s case the Official Receiver), the head client is called upon to pay any final stage payments and invoices outstanding into the black hole of the insolvency. After fees and payment of preferential creditors, the contractors and suppliers down the chain will typically receive nothing. These smaller entities are the typical small to medium-sized businesses and sole traders, the backbone of entrepreneurial Britain.

“Other commonplace scenarios are when a supplier of physical goods faces the insolvency of their customer, often with their goods still in situ within a depot, unpaid for and unsold. Again the Insolvency Practitioner takes charge, often implementing a fire-sale of stock and assets. A barrier to this is an appropriate ‘Romalpa’ or reservation of title clause in the contract for sale, so that the goods, if unpaid remain within the title of the seller. In such circumstances the supplier can recover the goods. Unfortunately the situation is rare, the clauses often contested by the Insolvency Practitioner usually leaving the supplier without their goods and without payout.

“The change that I propose would mean an assumed reservation of title clause in the case of goods and in the case of a more complex supply chain, the sub-contractor or supplier would receive payout direct from the head client for identifiable work bypassing the insolvency of the primary contractor.”