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Government must take rural poverty seriously, says David Heath
David Heath has called on the Government to recognise the damaging evidence within the report by the government’s rural advocate, Stuart Burgess and Rural Services Network’s warning that little has been done to solve rural problems.
David has also signed EDM 1111 “RURAL POVERTY (NO. 2)”, welcoming the Report of the Rural Advocate 2007 that:
- is concerned that there are over 928,000 rural households living below the Government's official poverty threshold
- believes that more needs to be done to support people living in rural areas and listen to their views
- urges the Government to do more to help protect the most vulnerable people in rural areas
- calls on the Government to end the closures of post offices which are so vital to people in rural and low-income areas.
Commenting David Heath MP said: “The Rural Advocate report must be taken very seriously by the government. When one million rural households are identified as below the official poverty line, the government must take notice and no longer ignore the very real needs of rural communities.
“Housing and transport have been rightly identified within the report as significant problems for people such as my constituents in Somerton and Frome, despite the author not actually making it to Somerset or beyond. We need a commitment by the government for affordable housing and improved investment in both road and rail networks.
“Not only do we need better policies to solve our housing and transport problems, we also need greater investment in local and rural services. At a time when more schools are closing, fuel prices are on the rise, and only last week our post offices have come under significant threat from closures.
“What we need is for the government to stop ignoring rural issues and to provide the resources and equally importantly, devolved powers for local and rural communities to make decisions and investment where it counts.”
David Heath supports rally to secure future of pig farming
David Heath last week attended the Pigs Are Worth It! rally in London, where he met constituents involved in the pig industry, who are fighting to secure the future of the British pig industry.
Hundreds of pig farmers also attended the event and presented a campaign petition to 10 Downing Street. Over 10,000 signatures have already been logged by the British Pig Executive (BPEX)’s online e-petition calling for fair prices.
David has also signed EDM 1097 “BRITISH PIG FARMING AND THE PIGS ARE WORTH IT! CAMPAIGN”, congratulating the British pig industry on its high production standards and notes concern over the high losses for pig farmers as a result of higher animal feed prices and continuing costs.
Commenting David Heath MP said: “I was encouraged by the level of support shown for British pig farmers while on the London rally. I hope that the rally and petition will have the desired effect and that the government will listen to the pig farming industry.
“I am deeply concerned about the high price of animal feed and the unsustainable losses for pig farmers. British farming has had a rough few years, and it seems that it is only going to continue to get worse unless the government and consumer take action.
“We can all help by paying that little bit extra for the Quality Standard Mark and contribute towards farmers who produce to high standards of welfare. If things don’t change we’ll see a lot of farmers going out of business.”
David Heath leaves Lib Dem front bench after referendum vote
David Heath has left his position as Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Justice after voting to support a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
Mr Heath was asked to resign by Party Leader Nick Clegg following his decision not to follow a three-line whip to abstain in the division in the Commons this evening.
Mr Heath will continue to represent the people of Somerton and Frome as a backbencher, for the first time in his 11 years in the House.
Commenting David Heath MP said: “Obviously it was not an easy decision to take, but at the end of the day I felt that I had to do what I believe to be best, both in terms of my own views and those of my constituents. I fully understand Nick’s decision, which was inevitable given that I as a member of the Shadow Cabinet had not followed a three-line whip.
“I have for over 30 years of political involvement been consistent in my view that the European Union can only develop if it does so with the informed consent of the peoples of Europe. I argued strongly for a referendum on the Maastricht Treaty, for instance, and I was a leading supporter if the Vote 2004 campaign for a referendum on the proposed European Constitution.
“I fully support the party’s view that the best option would have been a proper debate and a vote on whether Britain stays in or leaves the European Union, but that was denied by the votes in the House yesterday. The referendum on the Lisbon Treaty is more narrowly drawn, but my judgement is that it is and remains desirable. I respect those who take a contrary view.
“I was put in a position where I had to choose between following my own conscience and the commitments I have made to the electors of Somerton & Frome constituency or accepting the party line and saving my job. It was no contest.
“I will continue to work hard in the Commons on behalf of my constituents, and I emphasise that I fully support both Nick Clegg and Liberal Democrat colleagues in general. On this specific issue, we must agree to differ, and sadly it has cost me my position today.”