From: Greg Hands MP news@greghands.
com
Subject: News Bulletin from Greg Hands MP #487
Date: 20 December 2017 at 15:54
To: news@greghands.com
In this edition:
Greg Hands MPs Diary
Website of the week:
www.wto.org
Photo news:
Greg meets "I'm a Celebrity,
Get Me Out of Here" winner
Georgia Toffolo
Greg Hands on the Daily
Politics
Photo news:
London Oratory School
pupils visit Greg Hands at
Westminster
EF Education First
welcomes Greg Hands to
Chelsea HQ
Photo news:
New pitch for Sid the
Newsagent at Sloane
Square
Greg Hands hosts Super
Sewer Surgery
Photo news:
Greg Hands is briefed on
new 60,000 seat stadium
for Chelsea Football Club
Greg Hands presses New
H&F Police Commander on
Moped Crime
Photo news:
Greg Hands meets
Caribbean Trade Ministers
Hats, Sausages, Crackers,
and Potters - Greg Hands
visits Fulham Small
Businesses for Small
Business Saturday
Greg Hands welcomes
Englands best ever reading
results
Photo news:
Greg Hands visits the
Hurlingham Club, Buenos
Aires
Greg Hands interviewed on
Brexit on prime time
Bulgarian TV this week
Plan ahead to make the
most of the Capital over
Christmas and New Year
Photo news:
Greg Hands at the WTO
7 ways to contact
Greg Hands
www.greghands.com
Published & Promoted by Greg Hands, 44 Southern Row, London, W10 5AN
Issue 487 - Wednesday 20th December 2017
PHOTO: Tromso Domkirke, Tromso Cathedral, the most northerly
cathedral in the world. Photo by Greg Hands, 2008.
Since the last edition, Greg:
Participated in Buenos Aires in the 11th biennial Ministerial
Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
In Buenos Aires, also visited the local Hurlingham Club,
named after the club in Fulham. For more about the club, which
features 5 polo fields, cricket, tennis and a golf course, see
http://www.hurlingham-club.com.ar/.
Announced in Buenos Aires a big increase in the UK
contribution to the World Trade Organisations Enhanced
Integrated Framework Fund to assist developing countries
develop the expertise to negotiate trade deals. The UK is now
the largest donor.
Visited shops along the Fulham Road, as part of Small
Business Saturday. For more, see below.
Appeared on BBC TVs Daily Politics show and Radio 4s The
World At One to discuss Brexit and Trade.
Welcomed the new Hammersmith & Fulham Borough Police
Commander to the House of Commons for an on-the-spot
briefing on crime and policing in the borough. For more, see
below.
Chaired a meeting between Draycott Avenue Tenants &
Residents Association and their landlord Guinness Trust to
seek resolution of a number of issues.
Made a keynote speech (in German) to leading industrialists
and opinion-formers in Osnabrueck, Germany, and taking
questions.
Held Brexit outreach talks with Armin Laschet, the Prime
Minister of Germanys largest state, North Rhine Westphalia.
Worked with Kensington & Chelsea Council to save Sids
newsagents outside Sloane Square tube station.
Welcomed President Obamas US Trade Representative Mike
Froman for talks at the Department for International Trade.
Attended and addressed a meeting of the Courtfield Ward
Conservatives, held in Janets Bar, South Kensington, with
guest speaker, Rt Hon George Osborne, Editor of the Evening
Standard.
Visited Sofia for meetings with key Bulgarian Ministers (in
advance of their EU Presidency starting 1st January.
Also in Sofia, was interviewed live on Bulgarias most
watched TV station, bTV, about Brexit and the implications of
UK-EU trade, Bulgarian nationals in the UK and more. For
Gregs interview (in Bulgarian) see below.
Attended a meeting with Grenfell Tower survivors in the House
of Commons to hear of their experiences and hopes for the
future.
Was guest speaker at the All Party Africa Group meeting in
the House of Commons, on how the Government is seeking a
big boost to trade with Africa post-Brexit.
Attended and addressed the Hammersmith Conservatives
Annual Dinner with guest speaker Rt Hon Amber Rudd, the
Home Secretary.
Welcomed South Korean trade officials to London for the
second meeting of the UK-Korea Trade Working Group to
work on the transition of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement
to be a UK agreement.
Met with management and chair Dame Sally Morgan of the
Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust to discuss NHS
Englands proposals on the reconfiguration of congenital heart
disease services.
Addressed the Thatcher Society of the Sleaford and North
Hykeham Conservatives (Lincolnshire), and answered
questions.
Held regular constituency surgeries at both the Fulham
Broadway and Kings Road, Chelsea, branches of Metro Bank.
To request an appointment, please send an email to
handsg@parliament.uk, or call 020 7219 5448.
Website of the week:
www.wto.org
The website of the World Trade Organization. Greg attended last
week the 11th biennial Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires
last week, making some key announcements on aid for trade,
assisting developing countries to improve their trade policy
capability to be able to do effective trade agreements.
Photo news:
Greg meets "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of
Here" winner Georgia Toffolo
Greg Hands MP at the House of Commons with Chelsea resident
Georgia Toffolo, winner last week of Im a Celebrity, Get Me Out
of Here.
Greg Hands on the Daily Politics
Watch Andrew Neil ask Greg Hands What is the difference
between regulatory alignment and regulatory harmonisation on
the BBC's Daily Politics Show.
Photo news:
London Oratory School pupils visit
Greg Hands at Westminster
Greg Hands MP welcomes sixth formers from the London Oratory
School to the Houses of Parliament.
EF Education First welcomes Greg Hands
to Chelsea HQ
Greg Hands MP at Chelsea based Education First recently.
EF Education First welcomed Greg Hands, Member of Parliament for
Chelsea and Fulham, to visit its Head Office in Chelsea, where he met
with staff and heard about EFs valuable contribution to the local
economy.
During his visit, Greg learned more about EFs activities in Chelsea
and Fulham and EF Education First a family-owned international
education company focusing on language learning, educational travel,
academic study and cultural exchange.
Greg discussed with EF the importance of attracting international
students to the UK and championing the English language.
Greg Hands said: EF is one of the largest employers in Chelsea and
Fulham, and is a significant contributor to our local economy and a
real asset to Chelsea and Fulham and the UK.
It was great to hear about the wide range of activities EF operates
from Chelsea. EF brings in thousands of international students to the
UK to study English, undertake degree courses and for student study
tours. EFs students not only support our economy when they are here
but also become positive advocates for the UK in their home countries
and often return to do business.
The English language is a valuable UK education export, and it is
fantastic that it is being promoted so actively by EF.
Jonathan Hall, President of EF English Live, added: EF is proud to
base our Head Office in Chelsea and Fulham where we provide a
significant number of jobs and support the local economy.
Photo news:
New pitch for Sid the Newsagent at Sloane
Square
Greg Hands MP with Sid the Newsagents at Sloane Square, at his
new pitch, secured thanks to Kensington & Chelsea Council.
Greg Hands hosts Super Sewer Surgery
Last month local MP Greg Hands hosted a constituency surgery in
Fulham, specifically for his constituents concerned about the Thames
Tideway Tunnel.
Greg held his surgery at St Matthews Church, Fulham, near
Tideways Carnwath Road Riverside site. This surgery gave local
residents the opportunity to explain to him in person their ongoing
concerns about the Thames Tideway Tunnel project and the impact
that the construction is having on their everyday lives. Those who
attended Gregs surgery raised concerns about noise and pollution
from the construction and from traffic linked to the project;
compensation; rodent infestations; and even about the very project
management of the Thames Tideway Tunnel.
Throughout more than a decade of representing residents concerns
about the Thames Tideway Tunnel, Greg has always been clear in his
stance: I fought long and hard to prevent the Super Sewer from being
dug at the Carnwath Road Riverside site in Fulham. I proposed
alternative sites, spoke at three open meetings, lobbied Government
ministers, wrote submissions, and now the best course of action is to
continue representing the concerns of local residents.
I am now serving my constituents by striving to mitigate the impact of
the construction of this sewer on local residents, and to protect the
interests of south Fulham.
Greg would like to thank Rev William Rogers at St Matthews and all
those who attended and facilitated the surgery.
While the most recent meeting of the Community Liaison Working
Group has been postponed, details on progress being made at the
Thames Tideway Tunnels Carnwath Road Riverside site can be found
here.
Photo news:
Greg Hands is briefed on new 60,000 seat
stadium for Chelsea Football Club
Greg Hands MP at Chelsea Football Club last month, about to be
given an update on the Clubs plans for their new 60,000 seat
stadium, with works due to be started May 2019.
Greg Hands presses New H&F Police
Commander on Moped Crime
On Monday, 27 November, Greg Hands MP, welcomed the new
Borough Commander for Hammersmith & Fulham, Chief
Superintendant Paul Jervis, to the House of Commons.
In the meeting, Greg raised local residents concerns about the
outcome of the consultation held by the Mayors Office for Policing
and Crime (MOPAC), which will see the Front Counter at Fulham
Police Station close on 14 December. Ch Supt Jervis sought to
reassure Greg and his constituents that there will still be a safer
neighbourhood base at the current site, with dedicated ward officers
operating from the location 24/7.
Greg also raised concerns about recent crime statistics, which have
seen a rise in crimes committed in three Fulham wards (Parsons
Green & Walham, Sands End, and Fulham Broadway), but a reduction
in crime in the three other Fulham wards (Palace Riverside, Munster,
and Town). Ch Supt Jervis acknowledged that there has been a small
rise in burglaries and vehicle crime in Fulham, and as a result he has
increased the visibility of police officers in the area by means of foot
patrols to act as a deterrent.
As for the recent reports of crimes being committed by criminals on
mopeds, Ch Supt Jervis advised that the Met Police are in a far
stronger position now to deal with such criminals, and that they have
adapted new tactics and equipment.
Commenting after the meeting, local Member of Parliament, Greg
Hands, said: Id like to thank our new Borough Commander for
Hammersmith & Fulham, Ch Supt Paul Jervis, so much for coming to
meet me in Parliament to discuss crime in our local area. Id also like
to thank his predecessor, Ch Supt Gideon Springer for all of his hard
work over the past few years, and especially during recent testing
times, such as the recent terror attack at Parsons Green.
I look forward to continuing to work with Ch Supt Jervis and local
officers to keep local residents safe.
Photo news:
Greg Hands meets Caribbean Trade
Ministers
Greg Hands MP Meeting Caribbean Trade Ministers last month to
discuss how to transition the EUs Cariforum Trade Agreement to
become a U.K. trade agreement.
Hats, Sausages, Crackers, and Potters -
Greg Hands visits Fulham Small
Businesses for Small Business Saturday
On Saturday, 2 December, Member of Parliament for Chelsea &
Fulham, Greg Hands took part in Small Business Saturday. Greg was
keen to show his appreciation for the contribution that small
businesses make to the local and national economies.
As Minister of State at the Department for International Trade, Greg is
no stranger to the fact that it is the Conservatives who are on the side
of business, whether it be local, national, or international. And so, this
weekend saw the fifth year of Small Business Saturday, the
Governments campaign to encourage us all to shop locally and to
support our small businesses.
This year, Greg visited several shops on Fulham Road, namely Herald
and Heart Hatters, Vizability, Parsons Nose Butcher, and Indian
Summer gift shop, as well as Don Bigote Barbers on Fulham High
Street. Greg also took the chance to drop in to Emma Bridgewater,
which is going from strength to strength.
There are more than one million more small businesses in the UK than
there were in 2010, and small businesses employ more than sixteen
million people across the country. In his recent budget, the Chancellor
of the Exchequer showed that the Conservatives have listened to
businesses and responded to their number one request: to take action
on business rates relief.
The package announced in the Budget last month will reduce
business rates for small businesses to the tune of 2.3 billion over the
next five years. More specifically, the 90 million lending milestone for
London microbusinesses will go a long way in supporting their work
and helping them grow.
Speaking after visiting these local businesses, Member of Parliament
for Chelsea & Fulham, Greg Hands, said: Small Business Saturday
is a great way to champion local businesses, and I was really
pleased to have met so many business owners today. As a
Government minister, I know that this Conservative Government
is backing small businesses, since theyre the lifeblood of our
local communities.
Im delighted to have visited these local shops today. In Chelsea
and Fulham we can be really proud of our unique small
businesses, which are vital not only to our neighbourhoods
character, but also to the health of the local economy. This
Saturday, in the run up to Christmas, is the perfect opportunity for
Londoners to support their local businesses, so lets all celebrate
the huge contribution our small businesses make to our country
and get out, brave the cold and support them tomorrow!
More information on the Governments support to grow local
businesses can be found here.
Greg Hands welcomes Englands best ever
reading results
Conservative Member of Parliament for Chelsea & Fulham, Greg
Hands, has welcomed Decembers announcement that reforms to the
national curriculum have seen the best reading standards in England
for more than 15 years.
In 2010, the Conservatives announced that all schools would be
required to use phonics to teach children to read, and since then
England has risen to joint 8th place in the world for reading standards
improving the reading level of pupils from all backgrounds.
For Chelsea & Fulham this means that more children are getting the
skills they need to excel later in life.
This follows official statistics, released last week, which show 10,016
children in Chelsea & Fulham are now attending schools rated good or
outstanding an increase of 1,687 since 2010.
Greg Hands has welcomed this latest confirmation of rising school
standards: This is great news for Chelsea & Fulham as more children
are gaining the skills they need to excel in later life.
Standards in our schools are rising because of the changes the
Conservatives have made to the curriculum and the hard work of
teachers in Chelsea & Fulham.
These results show that we are building a Britain fit for the future,
which will make sure that every child in Chelsea & Fulham gets the
best start in life."
Photo news:
Greg Hands visits the Hurlingham Club,
Buenos Aires
Greg Hands MP at the Hurlingham Club, Buenos Aires, last week,
as a guest of the Club. The Club takes its name from the
Hurlingham Club, Fulham.
Greg Hands interviewed on Brexit on prime
time Bulgarian TV this week
Greg Hands on Bulgarian TV last week discussing Brexit.
Plan ahead to make the most of the Capital
over Christmas and New Year
The majority of TfL services will be running throughout
the festive period
From Saturday 23 December 2017 to Monday 1 January
2018 there will be service changes and essential
improvement work on the transport and road networks
Customers are advised to plan ahead at
tfl.gov.uk/Christmas-travel
No service on public transport on Christmas Day
Santander Cycles are available to hire 365 days a year
Free travel to help people make their way home on New
Years Eve
Transport for London (TfL) is encouraging both Londoners and visitors
to the Capital to make the most of the city over the Christmas and
New Year period by planning their journeys in advance. The majority
of TfL services will continue to run, with some service changes
necessary to allow essential improvement work to be carried out.
Festive travel information and advice is available on TfL's website,
tfl.gov.uk/Christmas-travel and contains daily travel information
about all forms of public transport, as well as Victoria Coach Station
and the Congestion Charge.
Once again, TfL will be providing free travel for everyone celebrating
New Year's Eve so that millions of revellers can get home safely. Free
travel will be available from 23:45 on 31 December 2017 to 04:30 on 1
January 2018 on London buses, Tube, tram, DLR and London
Overground.
London's Transport Commissioner, Mike Brown MVO, said: The
Christmas and New Year period in London is a fantastic time with lots
to enjoy around our great city. The majority of our services will be
operating as normal, but as in previous years - we need to use the
quieter period to carry out essential improvements to transport at
some locations. I encourage all customers travelling around London
over the holiday period to use our festive travel website to plan their
journey in advance so that they can enjoy everything the Capital has
to offer.
Thousands of engineers will be working across the traditionally quieter
festive period to carry out essential improvement work on tracks,
roads and signalling. Network Rail will also be carrying out
engineering work that will affect some TfL services. Key closures
during the period include:
No service on the Circle line between Aldgate and Edgware
Road via Victoria or on the District line between South
Kensington and Edgware Road/Ealing
Broadway/Richmond/Wimbledon/Kensington (Olympia) from
Sunday 24 to Saturday 30 December 2017.
No service on London Overground between Romford and
Upminster from Saturday 23 December 2017 to Monday 1
January 2018.
Also no service on London Overground
o Between Highbury & Islington and Dalston Junction
and between Camden Road and Stratford from
Saturday 23 to Saturday 30 December 2017
o Between Edmonton Green and Cheshunt from
Wednesday 27 December 2017 to Monday 1 January
2018
o Between Gospel Oak and Barking Saturday 18
November 2017 to Sunday 14 January 2018.
No service on TfL Rail on the entire line from Liverpool Street
to Shenfield from Saturday 23 December 2017 to Monday 1
January 2018. Replacement buses will call at all stations
except Maryland, connecting with the Central line at Newbury
Park and Stratford stations.
No National Rail services to Heathrow airport from Sunday 24
to Wednesday 27 December 2017. The Piccadilly line will
continue to operate throughout this period (except on
Christmas Day).
A1 Holloway Road closed between Digswell Street and
Highbury Corner roundabout from Monday 18 December
2017 to Monday 8 January 2018 to allow the aging bridge to
be replaced. For further details visit https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-
information/improvements-and-projects/highbury-and-
islington.
Services will finish earlier than usual on Christmas Eve and
will start running again on buses, Tube, tram and DLR on
Boxing Day.
A small number of bus routes will also be affected by planned
roadworks taking place during the Christmas period. On New Years
Eve, buses in and around central London will start to be diverted, or
terminate earlier than usual, from around 14:00.
A full list of TfL's social media channels is available at
https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/social-media-and-email-
updates/.
Photo news:
Greg Hands at the WTO
Greg Hands MP at the World Trade Organisation announcing that
the U.K. will become the largest donor to the Enhanced
Integrated Facility, a Key Aid for Trade Fund.
Greg Hands MP with Kenyan Trade Minister Amina Mohamed at
the World Trade Organisation last week.
Greg Hands hosting African Trade Ministers at the WTO in
Buenos Aires last week.
Greg Hands MP with the Ukrainian delegation to the WTO
Conference in Buenos Aires last week.
7 ways to contact Greg Hands MP:
By Phone: 020 7219 5448
By email: mail@greghands.com
By post: Greg Hands MP
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA
In person: Click here for details of how
to book an appointment at
Greg Handss weekly
surgery
www.greghands.com
More news from Greg Hands MP, coming soon
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