Helping children in Yemen

by Paul Scully | Mar 30, 2017 | News | 0 comments

The conflict in Yemen has had a devastating impact on children, so I joined other MPs at an event in Parliament, hosted by Save the Children, to discuss the work they and the UK government are doing to help the children of Yemen.

I am pleased that the Government is working in Yemen to address the urgent humanitarian needs and support an effective international humanitarian response. Ministers have more than doubled our humanitarian funding to Yemen over the last year, making the UK the fourth largest donor to the humanitarian crisis. We are providing vital medical supplies, water, food and nutrition, and emergency shelter to those most in need and have so far supported more than 1.3 million Yemenis. We need to build resilience and protect key institutions to help lay the foundations for post-conflict recovery.

Ultimately, a political solution is the best way to bring long-term stability to Yemen and end the conflict. The suffering of the people of Yemen is deeply concerning, which is why making progress on peace talks is the top priority. The UN has drawn up a road map for ending the conflict, which outlines the security and political steps the parties must take.

The UK is taking a central role in this and in the effort to garner the necessary support for the pending UN resolution that supports it.

Article 50 Triggered

by Paul Scully | Mar 29, 2017 | News | 0 comments

Today, a letter from the Prime Minister formally invoking Article 50 to begin our exit from the EU was delivered to the President of the European Council.

Sutton joined me in voting to leave the EU. However, I am committed to making sure that Brexit works for everyone, including those who voted to remain.

The Lib Dems’ continued attempts to block and frustrate the triggering of Article 50 just prolongs the uncertainty.

I am keen that we move quickly in our talks to give EU citizens in the UK and British people living abroad the assurances that they need to continue their lives without concern.

Legislation to invoke Article 50 was passed in Parliament with a huge majority and we have begun the process of leaving the EU. Rather than rehearsing last year’s arguments, I am concentrating on making sure that we focus on particular sectors and communities to get the best possible bespoke deal.

I will continue to relay your views and concerns to the Prime Minister and the government, ensuring that your voices are heard and the final deal is one that will work for everyone.

I did just that today when I asked the Prime Minister if she agreed with me that now is the time to stop the posturing and get on with getting a good bespoke deal for all sectors and communities in the UK. I am pleased that she agreed and you can watch that exchange here.

Sutton one of the ‘smartest’ areas in London

by Paul Scully | Feb 10, 2017 | News | 0 comments

Londoners are looking to get energy savvy and help keep their bills down, according to new figures revealed by British Gas.

Sutton and Cheam has been revealed as one of the ‘smartest’ areas in London, with more than 5,600 British Gas smart meters installed in the area so far, helping thousands of residents monitor their household energy use every day.

British Gas published the figures as it installed its 3 millionth domestic smart meter this month. Smart meters come with a display monitor that shows how much energy is being used in near real-time, in pounds and pence, allowing customers to see how much they are using and know exactly how much it is costing.

One British Gas customer said: “The installation went really smoothly and the engineer gave us lots of tips about how to get the best from our meter and display. Living in a big house, we were really keen to understand how much energy we use.

“We’ve definitely changed our behaviour now we can see exactly what we’re using and when. We’ve reprogrammed the timer on our boiler so we don’t heat the house when we don’t need to and it’s really interesting to see which appliances use lots of energy and those that use very little. We’re far more aware of what we’re using now which is helping us to be more energy efficient.”

Craig Hart is one of hundreds of British Gas Smart Energy Experts installing smart meters in homes across the capital.  He said: “More and more people are recognising the benefits of running their homes efficiently, which is demonstrated by the fact we’ve now installed 3 million smart meters in homes around Britain. 

 “In London, we’re increasingly seeing households take control of their energy usage by upgrading to smart meters, so they can See their consumption in pounds and pence. Smart meters also send accurate meter readings to us, if you’re a British Gas customer, which means an end to estimated bills.”

To find out more about smart meters or to check whether you’re eligible for smart meters visit the British Gas website here.

LONDON’S TEN ‘SMARTEST’ CONSTITUENCIES

A fair deal for drivers of diesel vehicles

by Paul Scully | Feb 9, 2017 | News | 3 comments

I joined fellow MPs in signing a letter to Chancellor Philip Hammond saying there are better ways of tackling air pollution that do not punish drivers.

The letter sent by Dover MP Charlie Elphicke, chair of the FairFuelUK parliamentary group, calls for a fair replacement scheme that encourages the adoption of electric cars. I am backing this campaign to make sure drivers of diesel vehicles get a fair deal – not higher taxes

There are fears local authorities will copy a revenue raising scheme proposed by Westminster City Council to charge diesel vehicles 50% more to park.

I believe there are better ways of tackling air pollution that do not punish drivers. The letter argues that local transport authorities should be required to tackle highly polluting buses and taxis.

The letter also suggests that the Government should support drivers in places like Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park to be part of the change to cleaner fuels and a more successful, greener economy.

It’s clear older diesel engine vehicles are polluting and action is needed to make sure we have clean air in places like Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park.

Yet demonising drivers of diesel cars by hitting them with higher taxes or parking charges is not the answer. It smacks of opportunistic greed and turning motorists into cash cows.

That’s why I’m backing this campaign – to get a fairer deal for drivers in Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park.

Maggie’s public consultation

by Paul Scully | Feb 8, 2017 | News | 0 comments

Maggie’s is looking for residents views on their planned new centre at the Royal Marsden and are having a public consultation for people to find out more and share their views.

Maggie’s is a charity that offers people with cancer, their families and friends, a place and space to explore tough questions and difficult emotions that can range from anxiety, to loneliness and isolation.

The drop-in session is taking place at the California on Tuesday 21st February, between 4-8pm. There will also be a short information talk about the history and work of Maggie’s, which will be taking place at 6:30pm. You can read more about this here.