news bulletin from conor burns mp #121

From: Conor Burns MP news@conorburns.comSubject: News Bulletin from Conor Burns MP #121

Date: 7 July 2014 09:42To: news@conorburns.com

In this edition: Conor Burns MPs Diary Bournemouth West MPsubmits Navitus Bayobjections to the PlanningInspectorate Photo news:St Michael's Primary Schoolvisit Westminster Conor in the media:Dorset MPs object toNavitus Bay wind farm plan Photo news:Conor visits St Michael'sPrimary School Conor Burns praisesBournemouth business atforefront of digital economy Bournemouth West MPgains insight into pioneeringepidural simulator project Photo news:Bournemouth UniversityMedia School Conor in the media:MP wants watchdog toprobe 'overtly political'Oxfam campaign Conor in the papers:MP accuses Oxfam ofmaking misleading claims!How to contact Conor Burns MP

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Issue 121 - Monday 7th July 2014

Since the past edition, Conor has:

Visited residents of Ivy House to join them for tea and discusslocal issues.Joined with students and staff to celebrate BournemouthUniversity Students Unions 20th anniversary.Held surgeries at the Triangle and in Rossmore to help localpeople with their problems.Met with staff and students from Bournemouth InternationalCollege, and heard about their plans for the future.Been updated on the progress of the Epidural Simulatorproject of Dr Venky Dubey at Bournemouth University.Visited local business C4L to discuss their work in makingBournemouth a digital hub.Celebrated the 10th anniversary of local business Quostar.Attended St. Lukes School Fete.Submitted his objections to the proposed Navitus Baywindfarm to the Planning Inspectorate.Attended the prize giving at Winton Carnival.Joined with BU students and staff at this years GraduationCeremony.

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Bournemouth West MP submits NavitusBay objections to the PlanningInspectorate Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns has this week outlined hisobjections to the proposed Navitus Bay wind farm to the PlanningInspectorate. Conors objections, outlined in full below, are centred on his belief supported by Navitus Bay Development Ltds own research thatBournemouths tourism economy will suffer in the event of the projectgoing ahead. Thirty per cent of summer visitors surveyed said theywould not come to Bournemouth to holiday during the five-yearconstruction period, and half of those said they would never return.Given the value of tourism to Bournemouth, such a fall in visitornumbers would cost jobs and damage businesses across the town. The potential negative impact of the wind farm on tourism, as well asits potential threat to the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World HeritageSite, local wildlife and to shipping, has led to the project beingopposed by both Bournemouth and Poole Councils, the Members ofParliament for Bournemouth West, Bournemouth East, Poole, SouthDorset and Christchurch, and many local residents. Commenting, Conor said: The potential impact of this project onBournemouth and the surrounding area cannot be overstated. Thisproject would dominate the horizon and threaten the unique setting inwhich the Jurassic Coast exists and on which our tourist economydepends. Allowing this project to go ahead will cost jobs, weaken localbusinesses and damage wildlife. "I call on the Planning Inspectorate to refuse consent for this scheme,and would urge any interested parties to make their own submissionsas soon as possible." Conor Burns submission to Planning Inspectorate is as follows: I am Member of Parliament for Bournemouth West, which includes thebeaches and cliffs from which the Navitus Bay Wind Farm would bevisible. I wish to register my formal objections, and give notice that Iwish to give oral evidence to the Inspector because of the potentialadverse impact on my constituency. I am not opposed to offshore wind in principal, but believe the projectwould be bad for Bournemouth. Our economy relies heavily ontourism, and the view to the east of Old Harry Rocks on the Isle ofWight and of an uninterrupted seascape to the south is the hook onwhich tourism hangs. The wind farm would occupy around a third ofthe visible horizon. This, in my view, is why Navitus BayDevelopment Limiteds own tourism survey shows that one third ofvisitors would be reluctant to return during construction and manywould never return if the wind farm is visible from the town. Bournemouth currently attracts nearly 5 million visitors annually,contributing 425 million to the towns economy and supporting over10,000 local jobs. A large reduction in visitors would be a devastatingblow to our local economy. I am alarmed by UNESCOs concern for the continued World HeritageStatus of the Jurassic Coast, both in terms of the conservation of itsOutstanding Universal Value (OUV) and of its protection as a touristdestination. I quote their conclusion because of its relevance: TheProject is likely to have some adverse impacts on the underlyinggeomorphological processes in the setting of the property that areessential for the long-term maintenance of its OUV . Furthermore,IUCN considers that the Project will have a significant impact on thenatural setting of the property. Any potential impacts from theProject on this natural property are in contradiction to the overarchingprinciple of the World Heritage Convention as stipulated in its Article 4,as the completion of the Project would result in the property beingpresented and transmitted to future generations in a form that issignificantly different from what was there at the time of inscription anduntil today. Specifically, the property will change from being located ina natural setting that is largely free from man-made structures to onewhere its setting is dominated by man-made structures. I agree that,given the significance of this project, an independent EnvironmentalImpact Assessment should be commissioned. I have been contacted by hundreds of constituents who oppose theproject, and am inviting residents in proximity to the coast to tell metheir views. The principal objections to date in addition to those setout above include the risk to our favourable microclimate; the impacton marine recreation; the danger to commercial shipping and tomigrating birds; and the potential for noise from the turbines. WhilstNBDL has carried out informal consultation, a high percentage of localpeople are not aware of the proposals, and residents who haveregistered comments are dismayed that NBDLs response has beenminimal. NBDL has cut the number of turbines, but have refused tospecify how many there will be; has reduced the height whilerefusing to specify how high the turbines will be; and has moved thewind farm a little further from the coast without specifying where in theZone it will be located. I, like my constituents, believe amendments todate are grossly inadequate. I urge the Planning Inspectorate to refuse Development Consent.

Conor Burns MPBournemouth West

Photo news:St Michael's Primary School visitWestminster

Conor Burns with pupils from St Michaels Primary School ontheir visit to Westminster.

Conor in the media:Dorset MPs object to Navitus Bay windfarm plan BBCMonday 23rd June 2014 A number of MPs representing the Dorset coasthave objected to plans for a wind farm off theJurassic Coast. The Conservative MPs, including Richard Drax, told BBC Dorsetpolitical reporter Tristan Pascoe they had submitted objection lettersduring the Navitus Bay public consultation. If approved, the development would be built off the coast of Dorset,Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Navitus Bay said research showed "majority support" for the scheme. Plans for the development, which would comprise 194 wind turbinesup to 200m (650ft) high, were submitted in April amid claims it wouldcontribute 1.6bn to the economy over 25 years, and would generatepower for up to 700,000 homes. Mr Drax, MP for South Dorset, said the project would be a "blight" onthe coastline. The other Conservative Dorset MPs objecting to the plans are Poole'sRobert Syms, Christchurch MP Christopher Chope, and BournemouthMPs Tobias Ellwood and Conor Burns. Oliver Letwin, MP for West Dorset, said as the proposal does notaffect his constituency he did not intend to say anything about it. 'Lead on technology' Earlier this month, the Conservative group, which leads the Boroughof Poole Council with a minority, said the scheme had "majoreconomic, environmental and sustainability concerns". Bournemouth Borough Council has also said key issues of concern forcouncillors and residents include the effects on tourism and the visualimpact. The plans were also dealt a blow when UNESCO said the WorldHeritage Status of the Jurassic Coast could be withdrawn if thescheme goes ahead. However, the Green Party has spoken out in favour of the planscalling them an "opportunity for Dorset to lead on technology of thefuture". Up to 70% of people polled during independent research supportedthe scheme, according to Navitus Bay senior project manager StuartGrant. The Planning Inspectorate consultation, which ends later, hasreceived about 1,800 comments.

Photo news:Conor visits St Michael's Primary School

Conor Burns paying a return visit to pupils at St MichaelsSchool.

Conor Burns praises Bournemouthbusiness at forefront of digital economy Last month Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns visited local businessC4L to hear about their work as a provider of connectivity andcommunication services, and of online data storage. The meeting followed a presentation given by C4L to Silicon South,the body tasked with promoting the Bournemouth as a digital hub. During his visit, Conor was given a tour of C4Ls facilities by companychairman and founder Matt Hawkins, and was able to see at first handthe work done by C4L to provide clients as diverse as governmentagencies and FTSE 250 companies with access to over 400 datacentres globally. Following his visit, Conor said: The digital economy is one of thefastest growing sectors in Bournemouth, and I was delighted to havethe opportunity to visit one of the businesses at the forefront of thisindustry. I would like to wish C4L every success for the future, andlook forward to more businesses basing themselves in Bournemouthas it develops its reputation as a digital hub.

Bournemouth West MP gains insight intopioneering epidural simulator project

Conor Burns being shown the epidural simulator project at BU byDr Venky Dubey.

Last month Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns paid a visit toBournemouth University to get an update on a medical project that hehad last viewed in 2011. The project, led by Dr. Venky Dubey in collaboration with PooleHospital, has created an epidural simulator that will help to traindoctors to carry out the procedure, reducing the risk of harm topatients. The simulator uses complex software that mimics the variableconditions involved in giving a real-life epidural to a woman in labour,allowing doctors to safely practice in a way that will lead to moresuccessful results in real-life. The project has been the subject of international attention, andrecently won the prestigious Institution of Engineering and TechnologyInnovation Award amongst 400 entries from 30 countries. Following his visit Conor said: It has been fantastic to catch up on thehard work of Dr Venky and his colleagues on the epidural simulatorproject. I am confident that this will, in time, make a real difference toboth doctors and patients, and goes to show the inspiring contributionthat Bournemouth University has to make to medical science.

Photo news:Bournemouth University Media School

Conor Burns with Dean Stephen Jukes and students atBournemouth University Media School.

Conor in the media:MP wants watchdog to probe 'overtlypolitical' Oxfam campaign James Landale, BBCTuesday 10th June 2014 The Charity Commission is assessing whether apromotional campaign by Oxfam broke its rulesby criticising the government's austerityprogramme. The charity put out a tweet speaking of a "perfect storm" caused by"zero hours contracts, high prices, benefit cuts, unemployment andchildcare costs". It is part of a wider campaign by the charity blaming welfare cuts forthe increased use of food banks. A Conservative MP said he was "shocked" by the "overtly political"campaign. But Oxfam insisted that drawing attention to poverty and tackling it"should not be a party political issue". Oxfam claim that more than 20 million meals were delivered to peopleliving in poverty by the four main food bank charities last year. The aid charity is getting constituents to email MPs with a letter thathighlights what it says is the "unacceptable" reliance on food banks bya growing number of people. The letter cites a number of reasons for food banks' prevalenceincluding "low incomes, rising living costs, welfare cuts, and problemswith the benefit sanctions system that stops vital welfare paymentsgoing to people who are struggling to make ends meet". It urges the government to keep track of the number of people usingfood banks and encourages constituents to press their MPs to"highlight the need for urgent action to address the rise in foodpoverty". 'Illusion' Conor Burns, the Conservative MP for Bournemouth West, has askedthe Charity Commission to urgently investigate whether the campaignbreaches the organisation's charitable status. Conor Burns said Oxfam's campaign was "overtly political" In a letter to its chair William Shawcross, Mr Burns said the campaignwas "overtly political and aimed at the policies of the currentgovernment". Speaking later, he added: "Many people who support Oxfam will beshocked and saddened by this highly political campaigning indomestic British politics. "Most of us operated under the illusion that Oxfam's focus was on therelief of poverty and famine overseas. "I cannot see how using funds donated to charity to campaignpolitically can be in accord with Oxfam's charitable status." He said he had received a reply from Mr Shawcross in which he saidthat "the tweet is currently being assessed to see whether it raises anyregulatory concerns". 'Speaking out' Food bank charities say demand for their support has soared in recentyears A Charity Commission spokeswoman said it had received a complaintabout the campaign but had contacted the individual concerned formore information about the basis of their objections. "It is worth being aware of the rules on charity campaigning," sheadded. "Charities are often the most appropriate organisations tospeak out and campaign on behalf of their users. "From lobbying politicians to running online petitions, charities canengage in a range of activities to support their charity's aims. Butcharities must never be politically biased or support a politician." Ben Phillips, Oxfam's campaigns and policy director, said it was a"resolutely non-party political organisation". "We have a duty to draw attention to the hardship suffered by poorpeople we work with in the UK," he said. "Fighting poverty should not be a party political issue. Successivegovernments have presided over a tide of rising inequality and createda situation where food banks and other providers provided 20 millionmeals last year to people who could not afford to feed themselves. "This is an unacceptable situation in one of the world's largesteconomies and politicians of all stripes have a responsibility to tackleit."

Conor in the papers:MP accuses Oxfam of making misleadingclaims Laura Pitel, The TimesSaturday 14th June 2014 A Conservative MP has accused Oxfamof making misleading claims in a majorreport on poverty. Conor Burns, who representsBournemouth West, has written to thecharity to question its claim that morethan 20 million meals were given last year to people who could notafford to feed themselves. The assertion was made in a report entitled Below the Breadline: therelentless rise of food poverty in Britain. Mr Burns said that the reportsappendix showed that more than half of the stated meals weredistributed by Fareshare, a group that gives unwanted food tocharities who use it in a variety of ways, including breakfast clubs,community cafes and pensioners lunch clubs. I fully support its work, Mr Burns said of Fareshare in his letter toOxfam. However, as these [meals] are not all means-tested, it issimply not possible to state that these meals are consumed by peoplewho could not afford to feed themselves - an incredibly emotive andpowerful claim, but sadly one which is unsupported by the evidenceyou have referenced. He added: Food poverty is understandably an issue of publicconcern, and that makes it all the more important that debate is basedon accurate facts. Government is understandably held to account forits use of statistics, so could you please explain how you can justifythis claim, and what you intend to do to correct the statement? Earlier this week, Mr Burns reported Oxfam to the Charity Commissionafter it criticised the governments austerity programme. Theorganisation released an advert on Twitter that said it was lifting thelid on austerity Britain that was forcing more and more people intopoverty. The MP described the campaign as explicitly political andaccused Oxfam of misusing charitable funds a claim theorganisation denied. At the time, it said that fighting poverty shouldnot be a party political issue. An Oxfam spokesman said: We stand by our report which wasproduced by three non-partisan charities with expertise in tackling UKpoverty. If Mr Burns has concerns over our figures we hope he willsupport our call for the government to collect official data on foodpoverty in the UK, the lack of which is hampering the fight againsthunger.!

Three ways to contact Conor Burns MP:

By Phone: 020 7219 7021By email: conor.burns.mp@parliament.ukBy post: Conor Burns MP

House of CommonsLondon SW1A 0AA

www.conorburns.com

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Promoted by Andrew Morgan on behalf of Conor Burns, both of 135 Hankinson Road, Bournemouth, BH9 1HR