Day By Day Edition 2

10 November 2009

DAYBYDAY

Paul begins a new campaign on the airport

Airport campaign begins ...again

By Paul Clark MP

Another year goes by and another airport campaign arrives in Medway. But this time there is a difference. This time it’s very, very serious.

The ‘Estuary Airport’ scheme has gone from a pie in the sky idea to a very serious and troubling threat in the space of just a few months. That’s why I’ve decided now is the time to launch a petition against Boris’s proposals.

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First, it’s important to remember that this isn’t just a fanciful idea.

Boris and Tory mates are deadly serious about this one, so much so that architects and engineers have been brought in to assess the scheme.

This weekend I organised a streetstall in Gillingham High Street to protest against the proposals, and I’ll be running another in Rainham High Street very soon.

Over the next few weeks you should look out for a major announcement from the Labour team here in Medway. We’ve got big news about how we’re going to work together with neighbouring MPs, Councillors, and representatives from Essex and Kent to make sure this airport is stopped now.

More updates at paulclarkmp.com

DAYBYDAY

It’s time to Get It Sorted

Campaign begins to improve our area ‘Biggest ever’ plan by Paul It’s rare for an MP to launch a campaign that after 12 years of service they can describe as their ‘biggest ever’ but that’s genuinely what Paul Clark says about the new Get It Sorted campaign that is being rolled out across Gillingham and Rainham this week.

So far, 25000 households have received a postcard from their MP asking them to report problems on their street and where and when they would like to see improvements.

Whilst traditionally MPs concentrate on the big national issues, Paul says he’s shifting some of his focus on to the ‘day to day’ problems of constituents.

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Speaking about the campaign, Paul said: “Yes it’s important that we continue to focus on the economy, health, education, and my remit at transport, but I’ve found that in over 30 years in Gillingham and Rainham politics, some of the biggest successes we’ve had have been when we’ve helped people out with really local issues that make a difference to their lives” Look out for more news from the Get It Sorted campaign trail in coming editions of DAYBYDAY and make sure you check your Medway Extra for your free postcard that can be returned to Paul Clark at no cost to you.

DAYBYDAY

A time to remember Remembrance Sunday came to Gillingham last week and local MP Paul Clark took the opportunity to spend time with families of those who had lost friends and relatives in conflicts past and present.

As MP, Paul attended the Rainham Remembrance Service with his son, James, at St Margaret’s Parish Church. The service started at 10.15am and was followed by the laying of wreaths at 11.00am.

Julie Clark, on behalf of Paul, attended the Gillingham Remembrance Service with their 19 year old daughter, Rachel.

Afterwards, Paul and his family joined members of the British

Remembrance Day was an opportunity for us all to think about the conflicts going on around the world

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“There is little one can say to take away the pain and grief that relatives of fallen servicemen and women suffer. What I hope they know is that our thoughts are with them and the offer of help is there” PAUL CLARK MP

Legion in the Club House in Livingstone Road.

Paul will also pause on the 11th November to pay further respect to the fallen and will pay a visit to the Cenotaph in central London later in the week.

More information about the Poppy Appeal can be found at the British Legion Website, www.royalbritishlegion.org.uk

DAYBYDAY

@paulclarkmp

Twitter followers this week: 328 4

DAYBYDAY

Expenses reforms announced Sir Christopher Kelly’s report into MPs’ expenses has now been released and Members of Parliament and the public have now been given the opportunity to digest some of the announcements.

“It is the responsibility of every MP to follow the guidance of Sir Christopher Kelly’s report and to ensure that proper processes are in place to guarantee total transparency for electorate”

Amongst some of the more significant suggestions: MPs must not use public funds to support private properties; Members cannot directly employ their relatives or spouses, bringing us into line with many other Parliaments in the world; and the House of Commons will use an independent body to secure rented accommodation for Members of Parliament.

Paul Clark has indicated that any profit made on his London home will be returned to the taxpayer upon his departure from Parliament and that his expenses will be open and transparent.

PAUL CLARK MP

In contrast to some Members of Parliament who have been asked to pay back thousands of pounds by Sir Thomas Legg, Paul has only been asked to pay back a sum of just over £100 for a washing machine bought several years ago.

For many people, this news will be greeted with a firm ‘about time too’ and that feeling is echoed at Westminster, with all MPs wanting to Paul Clark’s expenses are find a swift resolution to the matter of available online either at the UK expenses before any General Election Parliament website or on next year. www.paulclarkmp.com

Time’s up for expenses in Parliament

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