Category Archives: Young People

Local MP claims victory in ‘go home’ van battle

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Local MP and Home Office minister Norman Baker has claimed his first major victory in his new position as Minister of State at the Home Office after Theresa May, the Home Secretary, agreed to withdraw controversial ‘go home’ vans from service.

The hugely unsuccessful campaign was described by Lib Dems as “stupid” and “divisive”. Even Conservative MPs came out and stated that the scheme had made “people less willing to report if they were in the country illegally rather than more willing”. Furthermore, the statistics that the campaign was based on came into question when arrest figures displayed on the side of the vans were criticised by the Advertising Standards Authority for being inaccurate.

Norman says:

“Liberal Democrats believe we should have a firm but fair immigration system that is tolerant to those who live, work and contribute here but intolerant of abuse. However, these vans crossed a line. They were divisive and, ultimately, counter-productive.

 “The ‘go home’ poster vans were not cleared or agreed by Liberal Democrats in Government and we made clear we would not support any expansion of the scheme.”

Tech firm offers to plug in local community groups

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Local MP Norman Baker is supporting Microsoft’s efforts to support local charities by giving out free software and establishing ‘Youth Hubs’ to help young people access technology and develop digital skills.

Through these programmes Microsoft is seeking to help out charitable organisations. This involves taking steps to help charities harness technology to serve their communities. Since 2006 Microsoft has donated software worth £98.5 million to 11,615 UK charities, in partnership with Technology Trust. Registered charities can claim up to a maximum of 50 licences from a wide range of software including Windows 8 and Office 2013 as well as more specialist software. Norman is encouraging local charities to take up this offer by going to www.ctxchange.org.

Microsoft are also working with the charity UK Youth to help young people access technology and develop digital skills by setting up ‘Youth Hubs’. Each Microsoft Youth Hub has funding for hardware, free software and training for leaders to pass on to young people.

As part of this programme UK Youth and Microsoft are now offering 35 additional youth projects across the country the chance to become part of the Youth Hubs network. The extended deadline for applications is 31st October 2013. Further information on the Microsoft Youth Hub project can be found at www.ukyouth.org.

Norman says:

“These two programmes being run by Microsoft provide great opportunities for local community organisations. Charities can get a leg up by saving money on expensive IT costs and local young people will certainly benefit in the long term by honing their tech skills. I hope to see local organisations make the most of this offer.”

Christmas comes early for local school children

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Local MP Norman Baker has announced his annual Christmas card competition with letters going out this week inviting local primary school children to create pictures and poems along the theme of ‘sporting Christmas’, ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi in February.

Each year the winners receive gift vouchers for the local children’s bookshop Bags of Books. Certificates are also given to the best entries from each school. All winners will be invited on a tour of the Houses of Parliament. The card itself will be sent out to hundreds of individuals, businesses and local organisations.

Last year Jacob Antoniades & Joseph Rivero-Beasley, students from Chailey Heritage School, won the picture competition whilst the prize for best poem was given to Freddie Haggar from Wallands School.

 Norman says:

“Every year I have a great selection of pictures and poetry to choose from, all produced by local schoolchildren. I am sure this year will be no exception.” 

“I chose sports as the theme to both fit with the international event of the upcoming Winter Olympics and also to highlight the importance of health and fitness amongst children, setting them up for a healthy life in the long-term.”