Don't miss the hustings

There are going to be some important elections coming up soon. For the local slant, join a local 'Question Time' style event, giving you the chance to ask some of the MP candidates up for election (from both the Hall Green and Selly Oak constituencies) about what really matters to you. Whether you're a first-time voter, feeling disillusioned with politics or just curious to hear what your local MPs have to offer Kings Heath, you're welcome to join in for the afternoon. We'll post updates on facebook about the panel members and welcome messages with proposed questions you might like to ask.

When: Saturday 18th April 2.00-4.00pm
What: Public meeting for voters from the Hall
Green and Selly Oak constituencies
Where: Bishop Challoner Catholic College 6th Form Centre, B14 7EG
Full details, speakers and programme available on Facebook 

How to get there:

• Car parks either side of Institute Road and on school playground
  (enter via Institute Road car park) 
• Pedestrians can also enter via Kingsfield Road (opposite Village Square)
  off High Street, coming round left side of St Dunstan’s Church

Further information: Miriam Wilcher (miriamwilcher@btinternet.com)
or John Hull (j.hull@queens.ac.uk)

Election fervor

Two weeks ago (last blog) I wasn't so sure who my MEPs were, so I found them and wrote to all 7 of them.  Well here are the responses I got, all 2 of them (also copy of the letter I wrote):

Dear [name],

As elections approach I have become aware how little I know about my MEPs.

I recently noticed you've represented me in Europe for [however many] years.  I know you have been working hard on my behalf.  I am interested to know what you think your biggest achievements have been in your time as an MEP, and any personal thoughts on your priorities during this time and the future.  I would like to share your response to other West Midland citizens via a blog.

Thanks, and looking forward to your response.

Yours Faithfully,

Marcus Belben

Dear mr. Belsen,
Thank you for your email. Rather than write a lengthy email can I refer you to our local website which gives details of West Midlands conservative MEPs activities  over recent times. The address is www.torymeps.com and gives details of our work both in the region and in Parliament.
Your sincerely,
Philip bradbourn MEP

Dear Marcus.Happy Easter.My proudest moment as an MEP so far would be bringing the Prime Minister to the dispatch box by a public petition, the first time ever in history. If you would be so kind to forward me your address I would like to forward you some info in the post?Best WishesNikki

--
Office of Nikki Sinclaire MEP
WE DEMAND A REFERENDUM MEP
Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands
www.yourmep.org
nikkimep@googlemail (Press)
Nikki Sinclaire 0121 359 5933Twitter: @NSinclaireMEP

Mail:
1st Floor, 123 New John Street, Birmingham, B6 4LD

No other responses, sadly, and I can't help understanding why people might agree with (of all people) Boris Johnson when he says MEPs are on a gigantic boondoggle .

The truth is, though that these elected representatives will face some very big decisions which will effect all of us, both in terms of the grander Eurozone and currency plans, to issues of particular local concern, like the safety of trucks on our roads - and, mostly bizarrely, the latest polls put UKIP with a huge 9% lead over other parties (with 36%!)

UKIP is the largest party of the EFD (European of Freedom and Democracy) grouping of parties in Europe (who incidently are the only MEP group voting against improvements to truck safety).  The grouping includes Lega Nord and other colourful right wing factions who do not want to be a part of Europe, although most of which (particularly UKIP) take an active role in the various committees and other decision-making bodies.

Please come to hustings (10th May, 11:00 to 2:00 at All Saints, High Street Kings Heath) for your European representatives, and don't forget local hustings.  Ours is: 

Local election hustings event 13 May 2014

The 2014 local elections will be held on Thursday 22 May. The hustings event, where you can meet the candidates, will take place at 7:30pm on Tuesday 13 May at the All Services Club, Church Road, Moseley.

Useful links

http://www.thechamberlainfiles.com/election-2014-who-will-we-send-to-the-european-parliament/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10791873/Theres-a-simple-solution-to-this-Euro-elections-sham.html

http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/euroelections2014

http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/blog/archives/8768

Don't know your MEP?

Michael Cashman MEP discussing Gender Equality in Work

On 22nd May we'll be voting for our European Parliamentary Members and Birmingham Council members.

So who are our Euro Parliamentary Members and what have they done for us? There are 73 members from the UK, and I struggle to come up with more than one name. After a first brief search on net I fail to recognize any West Midland members, or what they stand for. You'll find them here:

http://www.europarl.org.uk/en/your_meps/list-meps-by-region/west-midlands.html

From brief check, even from their own literature it is hard to find out what they've been doing, or indeed what they stand for (except for the ones that want out).  It'll come as no surprise they all seem to stand for more jobs in WM, more opportunities and support for more funding, regeneration, but I find it hard to split them.

Michael Cashman is the exception here, repeatedly standing up for Gender Equality and Human Rights across Europe and wider world (also see http://www.michael-cashman.eu)

I'm looking forward to meeting the European Parliamentary candidates and hear them speak in All Saints Church, Kings Heath on Saturday 10th May.  All seven parties will present their policies in the morning from 11.30 - 12.45 and will answer questions from 1.30 - 2.45.  Admission is free, all are welcome. A wide range of food will be available on sale in the café and on the village square.

All Saints Church is located in the centre of Kings Heath, at the Junction of the A435, Alcester Road and the B4122, Vicarage Road, B14 7RA.

Failing that, you may find out a bit more at:

http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/what_can_i_vote_for/european_parliament.aspx

Or if you have useful information, please forward.