Daily Archives: 7 Sep 2016

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7 Sep 2016

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Accountability, Democracy, Hugo Swire

Swire works for ….. judge for yourself

Comment reposted:

Here is what Hugo has asked or spoken about since he became a back bencher:

The effect of Brexit on English students studying in Scotland

The effect of Brexit on foreign students studying in England (using Exeter Uni as an example – Ben Bradshaw’s constituency)

Progress of superfast broadband in Devon and Somerset and whether the SoS for CMS met BT to discuss broadband rollout in general

Four questions about the funding of the A30 upgrade east of Honiton and whether it will be dual carriageway (Neil Parish’s constituency)

Empty houses

Of course, the answers are pretty non-committal, so we learn nothing of real interest from these questions. Personally I would have thought that, with his many years experience as a minister successfully wriggling out of providing meaningful answers, he might be somewhat better at asking questions which would be specific enough to generate a useful answer..

https://www.theyworkforyou.com/search/?q=&pid=11265&phrase=&exclude=&from=2016-07-15&to=&person=&section=&column=#n4

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7 Sep 2016

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Accountability, Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

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Hugo Swire – is he really OUR back bench MP?

Swire wrote on Twitter three hours ago:

Just had an excellent briefing from Saudi Foreign Minister HE Adel Al- Jeubir

Prior to that, his previous tweets were about Venezuela, Bristol University’s research into Lyme Disease and a whinge about the Express and Echo wanting to know where he went on holiday (he refused to tell them). Plus tweets on Brazil, Colombia and Florida.

And where does East Devon fit into his political life one wonders? Is he in denial that he is now just an ordinary back bench MP like hundreds of others?

Tonight there is an important meeting of Sidmouth Town Council to discuss the industrial units that Ford’s want to build on land belonging to Sir John Cave (his former landlord when he deigned to live in East Devon many years ago). Will he be there? In your dreams.

Quite a contrast to our other local MP Neil Parish – who spoke against further development in Feniton, attended local meetings and spoke at the planning inspection where it was turned down.

It seems Swire can’t accept his new demotion and still thinks he’s at the Foreign Office – and he might as well be for the good he has done for his constituency since he was fired by Theresa May along with his other Old Etonian mates George and David.

He always took a strong interest in Middle Eastern affairs – perhaps he sees opportunities for some lucrative consultation work which will keep him away from the trials and tribulations of his so-called constituency.

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7 Sep 2016

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EDDC, Environment (local), Flooding, Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury

Sidmouth Town Council to discuss Sidford industrial park tonight

For the latest information and frightening pictures see:

https://saveoursidmouth.com

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7 Sep 2016

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Environment (local), Hinkley C

European energy use falls ahead of target – another Hinkley C nail in the coffin?

“Europe has met a landmark goal of slashing its energy consumption six years ahead of time, cutting greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to switching off about 400 power stations.

In 2014, the EU’s 28 member countries consumed 72m tonnes of oil equivalent less than had been projected for 2020, according to a report by the EU’s science arm, the Joint Research Centre (JRC). The figure matches Finland’s annual energy use.

Environmental campaigners described the achievement as “remarkable”. and “incredible” but the European commission was restrained.

“Final energy consumption is currently below the 2020 target,” a spokeswoman for the commission said. “The EU-28 are also on a good pathway to achieving the primary energy consumption target for 2020 if current efforts are maintained.”

Major energy savings were reported across all sectors in the study, with EU legislation driving efficiency gains in electrical products, industry installations, fuel economy and the housing sector.

Energy use in residential buildings fell by 9.5% between 2000 and 2014, second only to the industrial sector, where there was an energy drop of 17.6% over the same period.” …

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/06/eu-energy-reduction-target-six-years-early-greenhouse-gas-emissions

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7 Sep 2016

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Asset sweating, EDDC, Public Open Space

Public parks face decline and neglect says Heritage Lottery Fund

“The UK’s hugely popular public parks face falling into decline and neglect as a result of budget cuts, a new report warns.

Park use is rising, with 57% of adults now visiting their park once a month or more, while 90% of families with children under five head to their local green space at least monthly, the State of UK Public Parks 2016 study reveals.

But the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) study warns a decline in the condition of parks predicted in a first report in 2014 is set to continue, with almost all park managers experiencing ongoing cuts as austerity squeezes local authority budgets.

Some 92% of park managers had seen budgets cut and 95% were facing more reductions, a worsening of the situation since 2014, according to a survey of 193 councils as part of the report.”

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/07/uks-public-parks-face-decline-and-neglect-heritage-lottery-fund-report

Unfortunately, you won’t find the funds for flogging off part of the Knowle parkland for luxury pensioner apartments making its way to the remaining parkland. That’s all on its way to the new council HQ in Honiton.