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Michael Tomlinson MP January Newsletter
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Transport Minister joins Michael in Wareham

 

Michael welcomed Chris Heaton-Harris MP, the Transport Minister, to Wareham on Thursday. The Minister was invited to see Wareham level crossing for himself and to meet with Michael, Councillors and community representatives to find a way forward to the longstanding issues involving the crossing.

Michael had previously met the Minister in Westminster, where he made the case for Government support to find a solution that maintains access for all Wareham residents and also ensures safety on the railway. Following the visit to the site, a productive meeting was held in Westport House, where local representatives presented their case to the Minister.

Michael said “I am very grateful to the Minister for coming to Wareham and for taking the time to meet with me again to discuss the level crossing. This issue is a great concern to the local community and has been unresolved for far too long.”

During the meeting at Westport House, the Minister heard from representatives of Wareham Town Trust, North Wareham Action Group, Wareham Town Council, representatives from Dorset Council and Network Rail. During the meeting, the case was made for maintaining access across the railway line, with calls for further consideration of automatic technology. Information was also given about the importance placed on crossing safety. Further work will now take place to find a solution including a meeting with the Office for Road and Rail. Michael welcomed the positive approach taken by those who participated adding “it was a positive meeting and it is clear that there is a genuine will to see this matter resolved. It will require creative thinking and pragmatism but I am encouraged that the opportunity to raise concerns directly with the Minister was taken by all concerned.”

Michael speaks at Holocaust Memorial Service

 

Michael was honoured to be asked to share some thoughts about his visit to Yad Vashem at the recent Holocaust Memorial service in Wimborne Minster. Yad Vashem is the official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Israel. 

Michael visited a few years ago and this is what he said at the service:

Holocaust Memorial Speech

Yad Vashem is the official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Israel. It is dedicated to preserving the memory of the dead; to honouring Jews and Gentiles alike - who fought against Nazi oppression - and providing an institution and space to research the Holocaust in particular and genocide in general, to ensure this never happens again.

About a year after I first became your Member of Parliament, I had the privilege of visiting Israel and the West Bank with the Conservative Friends of Israel.  CFI is a group dedicated to strengthening business, cultural and political ties between the United Kingdom and Israel.

As part of the delegation, we visited Yad Vashem and learned more about the Holocaust and the rise of anti-Semitism  -   the different causes -  culminating in Nazi Germany; World War two and the death camps. It was hugely moving - a difficult but important visit.

At times I had to force myself to look at the photographs documenting what happened and to listen to the first-hand accounts.  It would have been too easy to turn away. 

We saw different sorts of forms of anti-Semitism and had a real mixture of emotions:  anger, compassion, tears, rage, frustration, incomprehension. It showed evil so clearly - and just how low humanity can sink.

It is trite to say that it must never happen again – and yet all politicians must understand better the route to evil and the slippery slope to anti-Semitism.

It was very upsetting and powerful – in my view it should be compulsory for all politicians.

Let me end with the words of Benjamin Fondane Murdered at Auschwitz, 1944
Remember only that I was innocent
and, just like you, mortal on that day,
I, too, had had a face marked by rage, by pity and joy,
quite simply, a human face!”


Our visit to Yad Vashem finished with the hall of names, a memorial to each and every Jew who perished in the Holocaust – and then to the balcony and the exit. The ceiling opens up and the dramatic view of modern-day Jerusalem bursts forth - the mountain’s slope as the backdrop. 

And then into the sunshine and on to hope.

Michael meets with social care providers and local GPs to discuss health provision

 

Michael was pleased to be able to meet with Agincare, who provide live-in care, home care and care homes to many residents in Dorset. He visited several clients in their homes in Wareham, and heard about the importance of good care, and also some of the challenges involved in the care industry.

Alongside meeting with social care providers and residents, Michael took the opportunity to visit a local GP in Sandford to hear about what has been working well as well as the challenges facing GPs.

Michael said “Health, whether it is the NHS or social care, is amongst the most frequent issues raised with me as a Member of Parliament. It is a huge issue for Dorset, with an above average number of retired people living here. I support the big increase in NHS funding but I want to ensure that it is being spent in a way that genuinely improves care for patients. Tackling social care is fundamental to reducing the pressure on our health service and I was pleased to speak with providers and residents to discuss this further. Over the course of this Parliament I am confident that we will see improvements to how we deliver health in Dorset.”
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Open Doors report on the plight of persecuted Christians worldwide


Michael was pleased to be able to attend the launch of the Open Doors World Watch List for 2020. The report highlights the plight of persecuted Christians across the world. He was encouraged by the fact that the Prime Minister's special envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief also attended, signifying how important this issue is to the Government.  Michael was asked to attend by a number of local residents and was pleased to join many colleagues and Ministers to support the work of Open Doors.
 
BH&HPA Conference


 
Michael was delighted to join local business owners at the recent British Holiday & Home Parks Association event at the QEII Centre for their annual conference. Michael met Tony & Sarah (pictured) owners of Wareham Forest Tourist Park and also the Bridgen family who own South Lytchett Manor Caravanning and Camping Park. This important event for the industry highlights the significant impact that the sector has on the economy. Michael said “it was brilliant to see how the holiday park industry is contributing to our local economy. They are some of the biggest businesses in this constituency, offering employment opportunities and play a huge part in Dorset’s vital tourism sector.”
 
Have your say on dogs in public places
 
Dorset Council has launched a new 12-week consultation where residents are being asked for their views on potential restrictions on dogs in public spaces. This consultation will inform the Council's future Public Space protection orders and is aiming to harmonise the orders that previously existed in the former District Councils before Dorset Council was created.
Michael said “I would encourage everyone to have their say as this is an important matter. I want a fair balance to be struck between ensuring fair access for dog walkers and the public. It is right that the Council consult on this so please have your say.”
To take part in the consultation please click here
Michael visits groups in Broadstone


 

Michael was delighted to be able to attend several events in Broadstone on Saturday 20th January. He popped in to the Cancer Research UK soup & roll fundraiser in the morning, and then visited the Broadstone Art Society Winter Exhibition at Upton Country Park.

In the afternoon he enjoyed a performance of Sleeping Beauty by Broadstone Pantomime Productions. They were raising money for Tyler's Friends and 4Louis who both provide support for bereaved parents. 

Michael said “Broadstone has a brilliant range of activities for people of all ages and interests and it was great to be able to support several events that were raising money for local charities."

Michael learns more about Sarcoma UK


 

Michael was asked to go and meet Sarcoma UK to hear about their work supporting people affected by sarcoma cancer. Michael welcomed Sarcoma UK’s latest report, The Loneliest Cancer, which provides a frank look at the current provision for sarcoma care in the UK.

The report reveals how sarcoma and a general lack of awareness of the cancer can have a devastating impact on people. Initial diagnosis is often inaccurate and compared to other more common cancers, fewer treatment options are available. This means that currently only 55% of sarcoma patients live beyond five years.

Michael said 

"I’m proud to work with Sarcoma UK to help spread awareness of this terrible cancer. It’s also clear to see that more needs to be done to help understand sarcoma so that patients have access to the level of treatment and care they deserve."

Sarcoma can affect any part of the body, inside or out, including the muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues. In the UK, 5,300 people are diagnosed every year; that’s 15 people every day. 

Sarcoma UK is a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments.

Surgeries 

To book in at one of Michael's surgeries then please do phone the office on 01202 624216 or email Michael at michael.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk
Ways to contact Michael

By Phone: 
01202 624216
0207 219 5844

By Post: 
House of Commons, 
London, 
SW1A 0AA

By Email:
michael.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk
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Michael Tomlinson · Race Farm · Huntick Road · Lytchett Matravers, Dorset BH16 6BB · United Kingdom

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