Siôn Simon MP

Erdington’s Member of Parliament Siôn Simon, attended Castle Vale’s Health Environment Day last Saturday.

Despite heavy rain, which washed out other events in the city, the day went ahead as planned.

The day centred around health and environmental organisations providing help, advice and information, but also a range of entertainment for people of all ages.

Mr Simon said:

“It was a fun and entertaining day in spite of the weather. Promoting health, the environment and democracy need not be boring. It is certainly not irrelevant. It was good to see a wide range of organisations attending from the youth and charitable sectors, like The John Taylor Hospice.”

Siôn Simon MP took the opportunity last Friday to thank school governors for the time and commitment that they put into our schools and communities.

Siôn was the introductory speaker at a Governor Training session held at Spitfire House, organised by Birmingham City Council, and designed to help improve social cohesion within schools.

He spoke about the importance of social cohesion and how it helps to foster a sense of belonging as well as promoting an awareness of common interests.

“The promotion of social cohesion should,” he said:

“be central to what we do in our schools, not merely an add-on.”

In thanking those who gave their time freely to help setting the aims and policies of the schools they work with, Mr Simon said:

“School governors get on quietly and effectively making their contribution to the schools at the heart of our communities. Many people don’t recognise they are working away hard in the background. So I want to take this opportunity to ‘thank you’ on behalf of the everyone in our communities.”

Erdington MP Siôn Simon was delighted to join Labour Students and Eddie Izzard at Birmingham University last Friday for a frank and open discussion about the European elections and current themes in politics.

The event was hosted by Birmingham Labour Students, and enjoyed a huge turn out of over 250 people, packing the venue.

During the event Siôn said:

“I am delighted Eddie has joined us to talk about the role of the European Union and why politics is important to all of us. There is always a lot of talk about how students and the general public aren’t interested in politics any more but events like this show clearly that they are and we just need to find new ways of bringing people into the debate.”

Siôn Simon MP today gave support to the shop workers’ union Usdaw’s national spotlight day to highlight the benefits due to working parents and to give renewed support to the pledge to end child poverty by 2020.

He said: “Labour have put in place many measures to support working parents. I want to make sure that local families have all the information they need to claim what they’re entitled to, particularly in these tough economic times.

I am also pleased to give my personal commitment to the pledge to end child poverty by 2020. The Labour Government’s action in helping parents back into work and giving them practical and financial support will help to lift even more children out of poverty.”

John Hannett, Usdaw’s General Secretary, was delighted with Siôn Simon MP’s support.

“I know that because of the global recession many Usdaw members are worried about money, as are millions of low paid families. Working parents are particularly concerned about their ability to pay the bills, take their planned maternity or paternity leave, and the quality of their family life.

That is why we are holding are national spotlight day.”

Usdaw have produced several leaflets for working parents which can be downloaded from www.usdaw.org.uk.

Whilst attending the Unite March for Jobs event in the Birmingham at the weekend Siôn Simon MP commented: “It is really important that events like this take place, I am just pleased I could come along and offer my support. There are residents in Erdington who may be facing losing their jobs, and it is my job to support them however I can.”

Over 7,000 people attended the march along Broad Street to a rally in Centenary Square, all with the aim of highlighting the need for jobs to be safeguarded where possible.

Unite General Secretaries Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson attended along with Unison regional secretary Roger McKenzie and representatives of Vauxhall were also in attendance.

Siôn added:

“There is clearly a difficult message for the government here that whilst we have made considerable investment to protect jobs where possible, still more needs to be done. However the Trades Unions and their members that I have spoken to are clear that they have high expectations of the Labour Government, but a Labour Government is the only party interested in protecting jobs.”

Brookvale Junior and Infants School in Stockland Green hosted a school gate surgery with local MP Siôn Simon.

Parents were advised he would be there on Friday afternoon and available to deal with case work or problems they were experiencing.

Speaking after the surgery Siôn said: “I always enjoy visiting the local schools and this is an excellent way of extending my advice service to more people. Often parents are too busy to seek advice they may need on issues such as housing, family benefits, the local environment and many more issues.

It was great that Brookvale School and Mr Smart encouraged this event, and I look forward to many more similar events in schools across Erdington.”

Erdington MP Siôn Simon was delighted to open the latest Children Centre in Gunter Road, Pype Hayes, Erdington.

The centre financed by Sure Start, will be providing child care places as well as a wide range of child and family services, including: baby massage, baby singing and story telling, all designed to help new parents have fun with their children and support their development. Citizens Advice, College Courses, Self Esteem Workshops, Employment Advice for all the issues and choices new parents may be facing, as well as opportunities for parents to get together and talk about what is after all the hardest job of all; being a parent.

The Government has over the last ten years has been commited to every child and young person having the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Children’s Centres are just one of the ways this is being delivered.

Siôn Simon, MP for Erdington and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Further Education, visited Matthew Boulton College in Birmingham City Centre as part of bicentenary commemorative celebrations of the death of Birmingham industrialist, Matthew Boulton (1728-1809). Mr Simon met staff and students during a guided tour from Principal and Chief Executive, Christine Braddock, which included the creative and performing arts studios, medical healthcare and vocational science laboratories, digital and environmental technology centre and the student’s learning suite.

The building on Jennens Road, Eastside celebrated the third anniversary of its opening in March. In 2008 Matthew Boulton College received the prestigious Further Education Design Excellence RIBA Award which recognises design excellence and innovation.

Mr Simon commented:

“I was greatly impressed by the manner in which the surroundings at Matthew Boulton College have proved to be both innovative and inspiring, enabling the local community to enjoy a high quality of learning.

The college greatly reflects Matthew Boulton’s entrepreneurial spirit, drive and ambition and I was delighted to join students and staff in recognising the illustrious career of this remarkable man.”

One of Birmingham’s greatest sons, Matthew Boulton built his reputation on producing jewellery, silverware and plated goods of the highest quality.  He opened his business in 1761 and it soon became the World’s largest and most famous manufacturing business.  He then worked with James Watt and the two of them formed a steam engine business – the world has not been the same since.

Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Christine Braddock CBE stated: “Matthew Boulton College is the oldest provider of further education in the city of Birmingham and we continue to strive towards providing teaching and learning facilities of the highest quality.

“We are proud to pay tribute to Matthew Boulton and will ensure his legacy and influence lives on through the college’s many inspirational activities and achievements.”

Art students at Matthew Boulton College are celebrating the life, work and legacy of Matthew Boulton through a commemorative display of 3-D designs and models currently on display at the Soho House Museum. Each piece draws on Boulton’s historic significance in terms of design and manufacture. The exhibition called 200 Years in the Making: Celebrating Boulton in Contemporary Style is free and will run until 1 November.  

Sutton Coldfield and Matthew Boulton Colleges who are working in strategic partnership are planning a £42m campus on the former Express Dairy on Aldridge Road, Perry Barr which will offer skills development and qualifications in a number of key vocational areas including engineering and technology, IT, digital communications and media as well as hair, beauty and holistic therapies and Skills for Life. Full planning consent has been obtained for the new 22,000 sq metre building which will be accessible to local residents.

Siôn Simon MP today called for support in a campaign to honour Sit Keith Park who, as Air Chief Marshal, led the defence of England during the Battle of Britain in 1940.  Integral to the campaign was the introduction of the Spitfire fighter aircraft which was built in the Castle Bromwich factory which eventually produced over half the total number of the legendary aircraft utilised by the RAF during the Second World War.

Erdington played a vital role in a decisive battle during the war and can now play a role in supporting a campaign to honour a British hero as we approach the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 2010.  With our support the Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign plans to erect a temporary statue on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square followed by a permanent Statue in Waterloo Place, London.

Having met veterans of the Battle of Britain, Siôn said:

“As the MP for Erdington, home of the former Castle Bromwich Spitfire factory, I fully support the veterans’ campaign in trying to honour their former commander.  Installing these statues of Sir Keith Park would go a long way to raising the profile of the sacrifice of so many for all of us in our country today and commemorating a great man whose vital role has for far too long been overlooked.”

The Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign has gained a great deal of momentum since launching in march 2008 but welcomes all letters of support to be sent in order to strengthen the bid for these statues to be erected.  Letters can be sent directly to Siôn Simon MP, Eldon House, Central Square, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6RY

Siôn recently met with D2’s new Superintendent James Andronov to welcome him to the post and discuss local policing matters with him.   Several local issues were discussed including residents concerns, neighbourhood policing and the long term plan for policing the D2 area which covers Kingstanding and parts of Stockland Green. 

After the meeting Sion commented “Policing is one of the most important issues residents contact me about, it is essential we have a good working relationship with the police, and I am delighted that with neighbourhood Policing residents have much more access to local officers who work in their communities.”