The harmful effects of cannabis, dualling the A2 and A256 and improving exports

As I write this piece at the beginning of the week, we wake to the news that David Davis, the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, has resigned following the Cabinet agreement of the negotiating position for our future relationship with the EU. Looks to be the start of a busy week. 

My opposition to any woolly-headed thinking about the legalisation of cannabis is well known. As the Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group - Cannabis: Harmful Effects on Developing Brains, I held a hugely attended evidence session in Parliament, presented to by two top Professors from the US who have examined in detail the outcome of legalisation in some US states. The results were startling - huge price reductions, far stronger product sold in the most innovative and worrying ways - as cola bottle style sweets for instance, more accidental ingestion by children, more road accidents, higher levels of depression and psychosis and most remarkably a permanent lowering of IQs amongst youngsters exposed to the drug during their teenage years. Whilst proper medicinal use of properly tested pharmaceutical products will always be welcomed, my concern is that these moves are being promoted by some as a fig leaf for full recreational legalisation.

I raised a number of issues in Parliament, notably the need for additional infrastructure delivery across Kent, living as we do on the front-line of cross border transport to and from EU markets. For too long, all governments have been behind the curve when planning infrastructure when linked with substantial projects for new housebuilding. All developing Local Plans across Kent include substantial housebuilding numbers (whether of course the developers will build is another matter). We need the infrastructure to cope and this would include, in East Kent, dualling of the A2 and the A256 to make a properly serviceable north to south spine in East Kent.

The long awaited Fisheries White Paper has been published. I have distributed copies to key leaders of the Ramsgate fishing community for comment, but indications are that the deal for our local fishermen will be improved. 

Exporting is key to our country’s future, and we have a comparatively poor record, particularly in comparison with Germany who runs the highest trade surplus for its size of any country in the world. Myself and Sir Roger Gale were instrumental in getting the Department for International Trade’s mobile roadshow to Thanet (Friday 6th July) to offer their skills (entirely free) to local businesses who could and should be exporting. The experience is that British products have international appeal for quality. Much like tourism, exporting is new money arriving to the country leading to jobs and investment and improvement to the perpetually high trade deficit.

I congratulate Ramsgate Town Council on laying on a superb Armed Forces day event and truly exceptional to have attracted the central band of the RAF. My other local visits were to present Blaze Signs of Broadstairs with a nomination for the Parliamentary Responsible Business Award. Congratulations go to Business Computer Solutions of Haine Road Industrial Estate for completing the transition to employee ownership. Much like the concepts behind co-operatives of the past, real ownership of the business by employees has been shown to create success - I wish the new team similar success.  I also enjoyed my visit to The Hornets Boxing Club in Ramsgate - a community organisation doing superb work. 

Keep on enjoying the fabulous weather.

“Invest in duelling the A2 and A256 to improve traffic flows” Craig tells Government

Craig Mackinlay MP has called on the Government to invest in dualling the A2 and A256 to improve the flow of traffic in Kent.

The South Thanet MP made the demand at Treasury Questions in the House of Commons citing Kent’s role as the frontline of EU border trade and the prospect of over 100,000 new homes over the next 15 years as reasons why dualling the roads is necessary.

In response, Treasury Minister, John Glen MP, said he thought the idea “very sensible”. The Minister went on: “The dualling of the A256 near Dover was raised as an issue in the Highways England Route Strategy for Kent and that is being considered at the moment alongside other potential investments."

With respect to the A256, Mr Glen confirmed that the dualling of the road is part of the indicative major road network. If the A256 is included in the final network due to be published by the Government later this year, it will be a matter for the local authority working with the regional transport bodies to determine whether to bid into that fund.

Speaking after Treasury Questions, Craig Mackinlay MP, commented:

“The dualling of the A2 and A256 would help enormously to improve traffic flows and resilience in Kent.

“This is all-the-more important given that Kent is on the frontline of EU border trade and the likelihood that in excess of 100,000 new homes will be built over the next 15 years to meet the requirements of the local plans.

“The Minister’s reply seemed receptive to the idea, but I will continue to press the case and keep up maximum pressure on all concerned while the dualling of the roads is under consideration.”

Craig packs a punch with Thanet-based The Hornets Boxing Academy

Craig Mackinlay MP has visited The Hornets Boxing Academy – a local club that caters for all ages and sex. They offer a variety of training and fitness classes, as well as boxing, teaching skills, fitness, strength, confidence, discipline, teamwork and fun.

The Hornets are four years old. During this time they have never had the luxury of their own permanent site. After some searching, The Hornets have located in Haine Industrial Estate on Leigh Road in Ramsgate which, with further investment, will be able to incorporate everything they are aiming to provide for the community.

The site needs improvements to be made to it such as toilet facilities and changing rooms, as well as new equipment and secure finances to continue the Academy’s minibus that is used to ferry the Club’s members to training and shows.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“Boxing is a very popular activity with both young and old alike.

“It gives youngsters the chance to let off steam, keep fit, learn respect for others and feel part of a team.

“Although it has got off to a good start on a shoestring, the club will need ongoing financing with £10,000 per annum sufficient to secure the future.

“If anyone can assist the Academy in way, I would kindly ask them to contact Head Coach, Chris Daley.

“Any help will be gratefully received.”

The Hornets Boxing Academy’s Head Coach, Chris Daley, added:

“Many thanks to Craig for taking the time to visit us last Friday and for offering to publicise our work.

"We are really hoping that a local business or businesses might consider adopting our Academy and offer some kind of sponsorship and year-round support.

“It would take the pressure off my team, who do so much to give residents of all ages in Thanet a chance to take part in the sport of boxing, and allow us to concentrate more on boxing matters in the knowledge that the Academy’s future is secure.”

Any Thanet residents who might be interested in supporting The Hornets Boxing Academy should email the Academy’s Head Coach, Chris Daley at chrisdaley547@hotmail.co.uk.

South Thanet MP supports Armed Forces Day and Parade in Ramsgate

On Saturday, 30 June, Craig Mackinlay MP joined Ramsgate’s Civic Party, including the Town Mayor, at the Armed Forces Day Parade and Service of Thanksgiving.

The Parade was led by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force during which the South Thanet MP and Civic Party processed from the Custom House in Ramsgate to the Turning Circle at the end of Harbour Parade for the Drumhead Service, prayers and hymns.

A salute was taken outside the Custom House after the Service.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“I was delighted to join Ramsgate’s Mayor, Cllr Trevor Shonk, and Civic Party at the Royal Harbour in support of our Forces, serving personnel, veterans and their families on this year’s Armed Forces Day.

“It’s befitting that we have a day that recognises the professionalism, integrity and dedication of the forces community as they continue to meet all their commitments across the world while keeping us safe at home.”

While Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June, celebrations began this year on Monday 25 June when the Armed Forces Day flag was raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.

This year’s National Event was held in Llandudno, North Wales and many local events also took place across the country.

Blaze Signs nominated for Parliamentary Award

Craig Mackinlay, the MP for South Thanet, has nominated Blaze Signs for the national All Party Parliamentary Group for Corporate Responsibility annual award.

Blaze Signs has its Head Office on Pysons Road Industrial Estate, Broadstairs, and employs 200 local people at its main production site across design and manufacture. The company operates nationally as a specialist in digital printing and for bespoke manufacture of signage for national brands such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco, the Co-operative Group, Metro Bank – and were signage partners for the 2012 London Olympics.

The MP proposed Blaze Signs for the national award primarily because of its commitment to its Apprenticeship scheme, working closely with East Kent College.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“It was a pleasure to meet with Clive Knight the Managing Director and present the company with a national nomination for this prestigious award.

“I am hugely impressed with Blaze Signs’ roots in the local area and their work with East Kent College in promoting its apprenticeship scheme.

“The company recognises local skills shortages and is committed to training and enhancing local opportunities.”

Clive Knight, Director of Blaze Signs, added:

“We are delighted to be put forward for this award. We are committed to the local area and our apprenticeship programme.

“Craig has always shown a great interest in our operations and has supported us across many corporate issues that we have faced, taking our voice to the heart of government.”

Craig praises The Great BCS Takeover on National Employee Ownership Day

On Friday 29 June, Craig Mackinlay MP celebrated National Employee Ownership Day by visiting Business Computer Solutions (BCS) in Ramsgate to witness their transition to an Employee Owned Organisation dubbed the Great BCS Takeover.

This entailed BCS’ Chairman, Gareth Johns, handing over the keys of the business - that has provided IT support to organisations in Kent since 1996 - to their Managing Director, Martin Hynes. 

To mark the transition, customers, vendors, staff and friends of BCS will attend a party with local band EK1 at the Winter Gardens in Margate on Saturday evening.  

South Thanet MP, Craig Mackinlay, commented:

“I was honoured to be invited by the team at Business Computer Solutions to join them in marking the Great BCS Takeover on National Employee Ownership Day.

“The economic contribution of employee ownership is significant and growing because co-owned companies tend to be more successful, competitive, profitable and sustainable.

“That’s why I am so pleased that BCS have decided to take advantage of the many benefits of Employee Ownership.

“I congratulate BCS’ employees on their Great BCS Takeover and wish them all the very best for the exciting future they have ahead.”

BCS’ Chairman of the Board, Gareth Johns, said:

“The three founders of BCS discussed what should to be our most important legacy, unanimously agreeing that it would be culture.

“Transitioning to employee ownership was the most certain way to ensure this would be preserved for future generations.”

BCS’ Managing Director, Martin Hynes, added:

“The move to employee ownership represents a fantastic opportunity for the business to reach new levels of success, through a shared commitment of its members, together with the solid foundations which have kept the business growing for over two decades.

“And here’s to the next two!”

Craig welcomes increased jail terms for suppliers of the lethal drug, Fentanyl

Craig Mackinlay MP has welcomed the news that jail terms for the supply of Fentanyl will increase from three years to six as a minimum tariff.

The announcement came yesterday from Justice Minister, Rory Stewart, in a Commons’ debate secured by Dover and Deal MP, Charlie Elphicke, on sentences for supplying Fentanyl.

Mr Elphicke has led a victorious campaign for the move alongside Michelle Parry whose 18-year-old son, Robert Fraser, tragically died after unknowingly taking fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 75 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

In a speech to MPs, Craig reiterated his call for Fentanyl to become a category AA drug, with a higher sentence to go with it.

The speech follows assurances received from the Home Secretary that the Government has no plan to decriminalise cannabis. The South Thanet MP also chairs a cross-party group of MPs concerned about the harmful effects of cannabis on developing brains.

The announcement coincided with International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which the UN General Assembly decided to observe on 26 June as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve a world free of drug abuse.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“I was pleased to support Charlie Elphicke MP in his debate. He spoke up persuasively for Michelle Parry from Deal who lost her son Robert tragically because of the lethal effects of Fentanyl.

“This is a killer opioid mimic man-made drug that is killing tens of thousands annually in the United States.

“That is why I support increasing minimum jail terms for the supply of Fentanyl from three years to six.

“I thank the Minister, Rory Stewart, for recognising the seriousness of this problem and congratulate Michelle and Charlie on their successful campaign.”

An update on my recent work as South Thanet's Member of Parliament

The forecast state of high excitement in the House of Commons regarding the final stages of the EU Withdrawal Bill came and went quite gently. The Withdrawal Bill is on the statute book, the date is clearly on the face of the Bill, that of 29th March 2019, and can only be changed with another Bill. We’re on our way out. I am hugely mindful of the feelings of those who wish we weren’t, and not wishing to re-run the arguments aired during the referendum campaign, we have an opportunity of finding a new place for the country, returned to the global stage after 46 years of absence. We’ll be a normal, independent democracy once more. It is all rather exciting.

I have always maintained that the greatest ‘Brexit dividend’ will be the ability to forge new trade deals around the world. By the EU Commission’s own analysis 90% of global growth over the next 10-15 years will be outside of the EU. We will now be able to maximise those opportunities, but only if we reject calls for staying in the, or a new style Customs Union which will tie our hands. The UK brand is respected internationally; our services sector of insurance, pensions and investments will be well placed, as the global leader to sell into markets that are creating huge numbers of people now able, financially to consider such products that most of us in the West take for granted. I am therefore really pleased to be inviting the Department of International Trade roadshow to Thanet on Friday 6th July for an event at the Hornby Centre. If any Thanet businesses are considering exporting for the first time, or would like more advice and guidance, do get in touch. Exporting is already growing strongly – exports from the South East region in 2017 were £43.2 Billion, an increase of 10.8% over 2016.

I finally managed to obtain Parliamentary time to have the first reading of my Representation of the People (Gibraltar) Bill. It passed the House for second reading in October. A somewhat esoteric issue, but an important one. An internet search will give you more details and why it matters.

Locally, I was really pleased to present local resident Neil Butcher of KCC trading standards with a Chartered Institute of Trading Standards national hero award for his outstanding work in creating Community Alcohol Partnerships, which aim to prevent anti-social behaviour by working with licensed retailers, schools, the police and youngsters to tackle underage drinking. I also had my regular meeting with Chief Inspector Sharon Adley, which always has significant two-way value.

I was pleased to see a significant grant from the government to Thanet District Council to the tune of £367,000 to tackle homelessness on the Isle, putting real money behind the government’s ambition to eliminate homelessness by 2027.

As the Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Civic Societies, I was pleased to be present on national Civic Day the Ramsgate Society’s Design Award 2018 which went to the Falstaff, Addington Street. This is an outstanding renovation, privately funded, which brought dereliction back into life in the heart of Ramsgate. Wetherspoon’s Royal Victoria Pavilion was one of the significant runners up and deservedly so. This all amounts to investment in Thanet and is to be hugely welcomed.

Kent resident, Neil Butcher, accepts prestigious CTSI Hero Award from MP Craig Mackinlay

Craig Mackinlay MP has presented a Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Hero Award to Kent resident, Neil Butcher, at a ceremony at One Great George Street in London.

Neil was awarded the honour in recognition of his work tacking underage drinking and anti-social behaviour, and making significant improvements to the lives of young people in the community. He initially established two Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs) in Ramsgate and Broadstairs. These bring together local retailers and licensees, trading standards, police, health services and education providers among others to tackle the problem of underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour. Neil is currently in the process of setting up a third CAP involving schools from Herne Bay.
 
The CTSI Hero Awards celebrate individuals, groups and organisations that make outstanding contributions in protecting consumers within our communities.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“This national CTSI Hero Award for Neil Butcher, a local resident, is thoroughly well deserved. 

“I have known Neil for some time and he has worked tirelessly to tackle underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour in Kent, including Ramsgate and Broadstairs in my South Thanet constituency.

“Neil’s determination to combat anti-social behaviour in Thanet is outstanding. I pay tribute to him and to the businesses, schools, local councils, emergency services and many others in the community who support his work.”

“Give Gibraltar the chance to elect an MP to Westminster”, Craig Mackinlay MP demands

Craig Mackinlay MP has called for Gibraltar’s 23,000 voters to be offered the opportunity to elect their own representative to the House of Commons in Westminster so that they will finally have a say at the heart of Britain’s seat of democracy.

The South Thanet MP made the plea during a ten minute speech to MPs as he formally tabled his Representation of the People (Gibraltar) Bill in Parliament.

Mr Mackinlay’s Bill, which has cross Party support, is co-sponsored by nine MPs: Sir Graham Brady (Con), Maria Caulfield (Con), Sir David Crausby (Lab), Nigel Dodds (DUP), Tim Farron (LibDem), Daniel Kawczynski (Con), Rt Hon Priti Patel (Con), Andrew Rosindell (Con) and Sammy Wilson (DUP).

Paying tribute to Gibraltar for its “vibrant and responsible democratic system of government”, the South Thanet MP assured the Commons that his Bill would not change the Rock’s devo-max settlement of 2006, nor would it impose a Westminster MP upon Gibraltar. The decision as to whether there will be an MP for Gibraltar in Westminster, Mr Mackinlay said, “must be made by Gibraltarians, and decided by their own internal procedures.”

He also took the opportunity to highlight the support the proposal has received from the Representation in Westminster Group – Gibraltar’s ‘on the ground’ campaign’ for representation in the British Parliament to strengthen the Rock’s link with the UK. The Representation in Westminster Group has so far collected almost 9,000 signatures in support of the proposal. Their petition will be delivered to Westminster once 10,000 signatures have been collected.

Mr Mackinlay’s speech can be viewed here.

After his speech to MPs, Craig Mackinlay MP, commented:

“There are lots of reasons why there should be representation in Parliament for Gibraltarian interests. Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, and because of the Treaty of Utrecht of 1713 has to be either British or Spanish. Other overseas territories could, if they so wished and however unlikely that may be, break away from the UK to full independence; Gibraltar cannot.

“The people of Gibraltar have confirmed repeatedly their desire to stay under the British Crown, most recently in a referendum in 2002 when shared sovereignty with Spain was overwhelmingly rejected.

“Gibraltar already has an electoral link with the UK via shared MEPs. It is linked for representation in the European Parliament to the South West region. When we leave the EU next year, so does Gibraltar, hence an established linkage for electoral purposes will be lost.

“Gibraltar is also in the Sterling zone, which adds a further reason as to why it should have representation in the UK Parliament.

“And the Rock’s importance in providing a Royal Navy base in a strategically vital location is a further factor.

“So there are very clear reasons why Gibraltar should be offered a new electoral link between Gibraltar and Westminster. I hope, therefore, that this proposed legislation, which already has cross party support in Parliament and among voters in Gibraltar, will also be supported by the UK Government.”

The Bill’s Second Reading will be heard on Friday 26 October 2018.