Sunrise Dover/Underage Drinking/Gwyn Prosser at Prime Minister's Questions.
6 February 2008
By way of light relief....As you all know Dover has been basking in some glorious springlike weather for the past couple of days and long may it continue. Crocuses and snowdrops are bursting forth from their winter slumber and fat bumblebees are on the early wing, see Howards recent letter on the Letters Page. So by way of a bit of light relief, I took a few photos of the dawn breaking over Dover Harbour on both saturday and sunday 10 Feb...just a few short minutes ago.
The picture at the top is saturday's version of daybreak, and the one below left, a tad earlier in the dawning process, was taken today Sunday Feb 10.
People were out in their hundreds on the seafront yesterday embracing the glorious weather and enjoying the fantastic colours. And why not, sure isnt it a great place to be! After the long winter, has spring finally sprung.
A striking yacht of real beauty glided gently through the glistening blue surf for long periods yesterday, recalling high summer, and all seemed right with the world. Down here on Dover seafront today it should be busy, seafront sundays are always popular, and with more spectacularly colourful weather promised it should be a great spring day, and in fact already the day is gathering momentum.
* * *
At the Launch of the Campaign for the Awareness of Underage Drinking.
The pictures show Chief Inspector Tony Kofkin, acting area commander, chatting to Colette Boland of Doverforum on the perilous pitfalls of underage drinking. There are some staggering statistics but more on those later. The picture on the right shows Cllr Julie Rook in conversation with Marika Cox of Your Dover. The Campaign, which was a joint launch headed by Chris Allen, Manager of the Community Safety Unit ,Caroline Davis of The Primary Care Trust, Ch Inspector Tony Kofkin of Kent Police, and of course Cllr Julie Rook, targets the growing national problem of too much drinking too early, coupled with a general apathy amongst adults as to what their offspring actually get up to when they are not being parentally monitored.
Cllr Mrs Julie Rook, DDC Cabinet Member for Citizenship, said: “Some of the national statistics surrounding young people and alcohol are truly staggering. I think it is important for us to try and raise awareness amongst young people and parents, of the impact alcohol has not only on their own lives and long term health, but also the impact it has on the community as a whole.”
Some national statistics....
According to national research, 10% of 12-15 year-old drinkers say they buy their own alcohol. 63% of 16-17 year-olds have bought their own alcohol in pubs, nightclubs and bars. A survey of underage binge drinkers aged between 14-17 asked teenagers what problems their binge drinking had let to; answers included unsafe sex, injury, drug taking, involvement in dangerous driving and problems with the Police. Also noted was the unfortunate fact that alcohol is responsible for 50% of all adult crime. Staggering indeed.
The local campaign covers education, diversion and enforcement. Extensive publicity is being given with newspaper and radio advertisements, leaflets and posters, and the education aspect has been designed to raise knowledge, particularly amongst young people, of the potentially long-term adverse effects the abuse of alcohol can have. The campaign is also raising awareness with parents/carers who should be aware of where their children are and what they are doing. The enforcement aspect aims to target and prosecute those who breach the law by supplying alcohol to those who are underage.
The launchees all emphasised that Dover was a safe place to live... Caroline Davis of the PCT said " I feel safe walking around Dover at night".
* * *
Wednesday Feb 06:This is as close to "Live" as I can get. The picture on the left shows Gwyn Prosser asking a question on the A2 Dualling during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons today approx 12.15pm. The Prime Minister Gordon Brown recognised Gwyn as a hard working MP for the people of Dover and showed sympathy for our local transport difficulties.
The Prime Minister said....
My hon. Friend campaigns for the future of Dover with vigour and determination. I agree that urgent decisions on transport are having to be made throughout the country. The A2 is an important regional route. I gather that there has been an application for support from the growth fund, and I suggest that he asks for a meeting with the Department for Transport to discuss these issues.
Earlier Press Release from Gwyn's Office.....
Dover and Deal MP, Gwyn Prosser, raised the vexed issue of the A2 dualling on the floor of the House this week. Speaking during business questions Gwyn said:
Gwyn Prosser (Dover) (Lab): Will the Leader of the House find time for a debate on the failures of the Tory-controlled South East England regional assembly to address major transport problems in east Kent, in particular its failure to designate Dover as a regional transport hub, and the failure to dual the last few miles of the A2, which is the road to the busiest ferry port in the world?
31 Jan 2008 : Column 479
Ms Harman: I will bring my hon. Friend’s comments on transport, which is very important indeed to his constituents, to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.
Speaking after the intervention, Gwyn said:
I regularly raise Dover's transport issues with colleagues and Ministers in the House of Commons and I've been able to lead a number of high level delegations to discuss these issues with the Roads Minister; but we will never make progress on solving these matters until we have the support of the Tory-controlled South East Regional Assembly (SEERA). There are only seven Labour members sitting on this huge forum and so Dover's voice is lost to those of the more affluent Tory areas of the south east region.
However, there are some indications that the Regional Transport Board, which reports to SEERA, is beginning to pay attention to Dover's needs. This is encouraging news and it is my intention to make a presentation to the Board on the very grave transport problems which are hindering Dover's growth.
By way of light relief....As you all know Dover has been basking in some glorious springlike weather for the past couple of days and long may it continue. Crocuses and snowdrops are bursting forth from their winter slumber and fat bumblebees are on the early wing, see Howards recent letter on the Letters Page. So by way of a bit of light relief, I took a few photos of the dawn breaking over Dover Harbour on both saturday and sunday 10 Feb...just a few short minutes ago.The picture at the top is saturday's version of daybreak, and the one below left, a tad earlier in the dawning process, was taken today Sunday Feb 10.
People were out in their hundreds on the seafront yesterday embracing the glorious weather and enjoying the fantastic colours. And why not, sure isnt it a great place to be! After the long winter, has spring finally sprung.
A striking yacht of real beauty glided gently through the glistening blue surf for long periods yesterday, recalling high summer, and all seemed right with the world. Down here on Dover seafront today it should be busy, seafront sundays are always popular, and with more spectacularly colourful weather promised it should be a great spring day, and in fact already the day is gathering momentum. * * *
At the Launch of the Campaign for the Awareness of Underage Drinking.
The pictures show Chief Inspector Tony Kofkin, acting area commander, chatting to Colette Boland of Doverforum on the perilous pitfalls of underage drinking. There are some staggering statistics but more on those later. The picture on the right shows Cllr Julie Rook in conversation with Marika Cox of Your Dover. The Campaign, which was a joint launch headed by Chris Allen, Manager of the Community Safety Unit ,Caroline Davis of The Primary Care Trust, Ch Inspector Tony Kofkin of Kent Police, and of course Cllr Julie Rook, targets the growing national problem of too much drinking too early, coupled with a general apathy amongst adults as to what their offspring actually get up to when they are not being parentally monitored.
Cllr Mrs Julie Rook, DDC Cabinet Member for Citizenship, said: “Some of the national statistics surrounding young people and alcohol are truly staggering. I think it is important for us to try and raise awareness amongst young people and parents, of the impact alcohol has not only on their own lives and long term health, but also the impact it has on the community as a whole.”
Some national statistics....
According to national research, 10% of 12-15 year-old drinkers say they buy their own alcohol. 63% of 16-17 year-olds have bought their own alcohol in pubs, nightclubs and bars. A survey of underage binge drinkers aged between 14-17 asked teenagers what problems their binge drinking had let to; answers included unsafe sex, injury, drug taking, involvement in dangerous driving and problems with the Police. Also noted was the unfortunate fact that alcohol is responsible for 50% of all adult crime. Staggering indeed.
The local campaign covers education, diversion and enforcement. Extensive publicity is being given with newspaper and radio advertisements, leaflets and posters, and the education aspect has been designed to raise knowledge, particularly amongst young people, of the potentially long-term adverse effects the abuse of alcohol can have. The campaign is also raising awareness with parents/carers who should be aware of where their children are and what they are doing. The enforcement aspect aims to target and prosecute those who breach the law by supplying alcohol to those who are underage.
The launchees all emphasised that Dover was a safe place to live... Caroline Davis of the PCT said " I feel safe walking around Dover at night".
* * *
Wednesday Feb 06:This is as close to "Live" as I can get. The picture on the left shows Gwyn Prosser asking a question on the A2 Dualling during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons today approx 12.15pm. The Prime Minister Gordon Brown recognised Gwyn as a hard working MP for the people of Dover and showed sympathy for our local transport difficulties.The Prime Minister said....
My hon. Friend campaigns for the future of Dover with vigour and determination. I agree that urgent decisions on transport are having to be made throughout the country. The A2 is an important regional route. I gather that there has been an application for support from the growth fund, and I suggest that he asks for a meeting with the Department for Transport to discuss these issues.
Earlier Press Release from Gwyn's Office.....
MP RAISES DOVER'S TRANSPORT PROBLEMS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
Dover and Deal MP, Gwyn Prosser, raised the vexed issue of the A2 dualling on the floor of the House this week. Speaking during business questions Gwyn said:
Gwyn Prosser (Dover) (Lab): Will the Leader of the House find time for a debate on the failures of the Tory-controlled South East England regional assembly to address major transport problems in east Kent, in particular its failure to designate Dover as a regional transport hub, and the failure to dual the last few miles of the A2, which is the road to the busiest ferry port in the world?
31 Jan 2008 : Column 479
Ms Harman: I will bring my hon. Friend’s comments on transport, which is very important indeed to his constituents, to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.
Speaking after the intervention, Gwyn said:
I regularly raise Dover's transport issues with colleagues and Ministers in the House of Commons and I've been able to lead a number of high level delegations to discuss these issues with the Roads Minister; but we will never make progress on solving these matters until we have the support of the Tory-controlled South East Regional Assembly (SEERA). There are only seven Labour members sitting on this huge forum and so Dover's voice is lost to those of the more affluent Tory areas of the south east region.
However, there are some indications that the Regional Transport Board, which reports to SEERA, is beginning to pay attention to Dover's needs. This is encouraging news and it is my intention to make a presentation to the Board on the very grave transport problems which are hindering Dover's growth.
- barryw
see you continue to spout rubbish.
If you ask around people have a lot of respect for G Prosser, thats pobably not what you want to hear, but its the truth.
I have had my disagreements wit Gwyn but at the end of the day he has
fought for the constituents of the Dover/Deal seat.
So rather than continue to blast off this rubbish, go out and talk to the many people he has helped over the years, locals, business's charities, and many more.
lets get real!!
- Does Barry Williams really think that the Prime Minister has time to go around planting questions? If he thinks that, he’s clearly got no idea how Parliament works. Gwyn’s PMQ was another element in our ongoing campaign to improve Dover's transport links; a campaign which is actively supported by our good friend, and Barry's fellow Conservative, Nigel Collor.
Sadly, rather than support his own Conservative Councillors, Labour Councillors, the Police, Dover District Council, Dover Harbour Board and the MP in fighting for a better deal for Dover, Barry Williams prefers to snipe bitterly and personally from the sidelines and brings nothing but negativity and nastiness to the entire debate.
As to his ridiculous remarks about ‘his master’s voice’, the people of Dover know that, when he thinks it necessary, Gwyn has battled against his own Ministers and voted against his own Government and when we were threatened with a prison on Connaught Barracks he challenged Tony Blair on the floor of the House concluding with the widely reported words -“Dover feels dumped upon” Doesn’t sound like his master’s voice to me – or does Barry think that was another planted question ?
Perhaps we should feel sorry for Mr Williams, he obviously just can’t live with the fact that the good people of Dover & Deal have voted in their thousands to keep Gwyn as their Member of Parliament over the course of 11 years and 3 General Elections.
Jo Knight
Parliamentary Assistant to Gwyn Prosser MP
- The last paragraph is word for word what I told GP on Monday. It may be printed in DE letters tomorrow. Never one to miss a prompt our Gwyn.
Interesting Growth point reply from PM. We await the formal response this month. - i understand that our horrible member is one of the more respected people in the commons.
i have never heard him come out with anything other than serious comments when he has been on the box.
i think that maybe barry is getting rattled here, mr elphick has been very quiet after a loud start. - I long for the time when MPs were not expected to be "performers". Barry - if you want a performer, vote for a dancing seal. I want a serious politician.
- Ahhh, Jo - the rattled person is certainly you.
You and your leader certainly do not like the heat...
Tell me, as a Commons insider, will Brown ever try to answer a question he is asked in PMQ's - apart from the Labour planted 'soft' questions, that is?
You can pretend all you like but you know as well as I do that Brown cannot handle himself when placed on the spot.
Thanks for biting!
- barry
you know very well that PMQ is a set up, always has been, always will be.
typical question, would the prime minister confirm that he is the best thing since mother theresa and sliced bread? - barryw;
Think Jo says it all, im glad at last the Labour party locally has decided to come out and rubbish your postings. i'v been saying it for so long.
I thought your mr Elphick made a good start, but he appears to have dissappeared(or lost interest?)
Iv said before barryw comes on here(and other places)telling everyone how everyone is going to vote tory, If it wasnt for it being barryw i could very nearly feel sorry for him!
the last 3 elections saw our barryw saying the tide had turned, and 3 times it didn't .
The major and local issues Gwyn has had to deal with has shown he has the respect of local people.
With the big issues around at the election before last that was when if the tories were going to win that was the time, but the tories continued to select failed and disliked people.
The tories have learnt there lesson and selected this new boy, he now has to show himself, that remains to be seen, but make no mistake the labour machine when needed is ready to go.
and i can see a labour victory again because nationally theres no alternative.
there you have it
- As a member of the Labour Party i am of course biased but it is intresting to hear the comments of my Sister-in -Law from Margate,and my Dad from Tonbridge,they both say and I don't know thier politics how lucky we are because our M.P. is always on tele arguing Dover's case,which I think is true,most of the M P's from Kent do appear from time to time but Gwyn seems to be on the tele more than the rest.
- As a member of the Conservative Party, but mainly as a resident of Dover, I am pleased that anyone gets up in the Commons and asks about our transport problems.
The House of Commons, whether PMQ's or not, is not where the main work is done though and many behind-the-scenes meetings and discussions have taken places - all of them (to my mind) are cross-party.
I do believe and this is not petty point-scoring, that without Paul Watkins, we (Dover) would not have been able to secure the inward investment that we have.
The Regional Transport Board and SEERA need convincing that improvements to the A2 are essential not just to Dover, but the South East of England and the whole Country.
Roger - Yes I think BarryW may have miscalculated the mood on this one. Most people in Dover, irrespective of party allegances or loyalties, will be happy to see Gwyn draw the nations attention to our local transport plight in this way, and to get a direct response from the Prime Minister himself.
If you look at the top of our News Release 1, you can see the very recent picture and information on the cross party delegation from Dover, which contained both Gwyn and Nigel C, to the Transport Minister Rosie Winterton, to highlight again just these issues.
This is certainly all round good work. The only way forward with some of our local difficulties is to draw widespread attention to them. This is being done. - Actually PaulB - I think that this is quite instructive to see so much fuss about GP standing up and speaking out for Dover. It demonstrates he is doing something for him quite rare and underlines just how little he has done in 11 years for this town. The paucity of his 'achievement', 11 years remember, is underlined by Jo's post, much of which anyway was on the back of other people's work, like Nigel Collar.
My main target, however, was not so much our MP but the hapless Gordon.
On the subject of how he behaves at PMQ's and a broader issue of how the House of Commons is run and the standing of MPs there is an interesting article in The Telegraph...By Iain Martin. I reproduce an except here. The full text in on-line if anyone wants to read it in full...
***********
Why MPs must get rid of the Speaker
The time has come for MPs to remove Speaker Michael Martin and replace him with one of their number who stands a better chance of restoring the reputation of the House of Commons. The situation has become so serious that only unprecedented action will do. He cannot go on.
It is not just that his handling of occasions such as Prime Minister's Questions is an embarrassment, though it is certainly that and getting worse by the week. It is not a perception that he is biased towards his old party or that he refuses to warn the Prime Minister that it is his job to answer questions at PMQs, not ask them. It is not that he is Scottish - that is not a crime and there are quite a few of us - or used to be a Glasgow "toon cooncillor" and still sounds like one. No, racism and snobbery should not come into the equation. The problem is that the Commons is in trouble and he is not the man to mount a rescue operation.
*******
- Keith , I have similar thoughts about you. I now feel licansed to express them.
- Up until now I haven't commented on this thread because I don't know a lot about politics, but I am intelligent enough to read between the lines of most of the postings.
I agree entirely with Rogers posting that GP gets a lot of credit from the hard work done by Paul Watkins and Nigel Collor. I have met Mr Prossor, at a social event and I chatted with him. I found him to be charming and friendly and have to admit I like him. I have to say that at the time I didn't know what he did, just that he was a local councillor who was invited to open the event we were both at. However I personally don't think he is up to the job he's paid to do.He does seem to ride on the glory of others which is unfair. We all know that Paul and Nigel work tirelessly for Dover, just because they're not constantly on the media doesn't detract from the hard work they are doing and have done for our town. I think that some posters on here - in particular Keith, treat the whole thing as a game and just use politics to insult and demean those who work so hard. It just feels like a case of "my dad's better than your dad" when he/they post. Howard seems to support the labour party but most of the time his comments are fair. He does not however resort to childish personal insults and for that I applaud him.
Everyone who cares about Dover should be working together for the town, not trading silly insults as some postings do. Well at least I know who I'm voting for this year ;-) - jacqui, interesting stuff, i like gwyn as a bloke too, seems down to earth,
there are probably mp's more talented, then again there are some less talented too.
more importantly, any pics of young oliver to post on here??
we all need cheering up a bit. - Jacqui
Thanks for your comments, of course you are entitled to a view, thats what democracy is all about.
Sadly because a fair number of posters come from one party, it is of course looked upon that these people do all the work.
Like you Jacqui i have opinions, and i have only ever replied to comments made, and you will recall some time ago on this forum(an this forum of old)the Labour party was slagged off for not posting.
Once they did and like now, everyone jumps to the defence of the more regular posters.
There are a number of cross party people working TOGETHER for the better of Dover(and the wider community)
but this would not be achieved without ALL these people pulling together.
Including in this is the Labour party, Gwyn Prosser who has without doubt moved mountains and shouted Dovers case.
What we have had in the past is a free run by one party to run Gwyn down for political reasons(and i understand why they want to do this)
but the electorate have(and do)see through this.
Gwyn does work tirelessly for his constituents, and where local politicians want to work together it gets Dover to achieve.
All of Dover's recent announcements to make Dover a better place did have heavy involvement by gwyn.
So my postings have been to even up one sided debates on this forum(which posters were asking for)I knew some from the one party would take it into gordon bron or gwyn attacks, but there you go)
The main reason why Dover may be achieving is by a number of people (not ay one party) have worked together for the same aim.
thats the way to move forward.
so less Gwyn bashing and more working together would mean i wouldnt have to post on that part of the politics section#go on give it a whirl
we can all work together you know - Many of you are very aware of the problems associated with underage drinking so this new initiative at the top of this page should be welcome news. It really is a case of education, education, education, with a hint of a stick of back up law enforcement. The Campaign is out to spread the word on the problems alcohol causes with health too, as we are all probably more aware of the criminal side. An education initiative takes a long time to have an effect on the street, so lets hope this stays the course long term.
I wonder how many women feel safe walking on the streets at night in Dover. Caroline Davis of the Primary Care Trust does. Anyone else?
Back to the pure politics....
Keith said earlier that Charlie Elphicke after a promising start had disappeared in recent times... well Charlie has put that right this week with something like 4 heavy appearances in the Dover EXpress. A famine then a feast.
Charlie is always welcome to contribute on Doverforum.No membership required now. - strange that paul, a couple of posts on here about his disappearance
and lo, behold, all this new action.
i suppose it is not beyond the realms of possibility that he glances at these pages every now and again, like every day. - I do hope Charlie makes some moves as previous 3 elections hasn't seen to much change from peples point of view of wanting to change the MP
I'v spoken with Charlie a few times and he seems a nice fella, but being a nice fella and being an MP are different.
As I'v said before If Labour was going to lose then with all what was going on 6/7 years ago that was the time but realy th majority was lower but not realy that great.
Although I know people out there in the wider community think for themselves when it comes to voting, all I ask is that everyone reads the leaflets when they come round, challenge the candidates on the doorstep
Unless something changes Gwyn will get in and yes he has my vote - Keith,
Isn't that the exact same comment I made about GP? - Hi Paul,
Absolutely stunning pics - well done you. I'm off to Calais shortly with a friend and will be coming back as the sun sets so will try to take some photos from the boat. If they come out ok will send to you.
Have a good day,
Love Jacqui x - jacqui
well you see its balancing the forum its called
how are you anyway
k - Beautiful pictures - this scene is one of many things that I love about Dover.
- paulb
they are beautiful pictures.
Dover has so many pleasant sites - One thing I love about the beautiful pictures that PaulB has taken is, if I miss the sunrise whilst in the Land of Nod, I can always rely on him to come up with the goods, Wonderful Pictures Paul.
Jacqui, you've picked a day tailor-made for sailing across to Calais, I hope you enjoy your day and possibly come up with a picture or two, I'm off to the beach to walk FiFi and skim pebbles across the water and enjoy the rest of this beautiful day.
- It is admirable to see that the local campaign for the awareness of under-age drinking is now underway, and it is good that such a positive step forward has been made in dealing with this national problem. Personally, having two teenage daughters makes a concerned parent more aware of the problems that we have with some of the more unsociable elements in not only Dover but most seaside and countryside towns in the south-east.
As for walking alone at night, well, the jury is out on that one, as I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to taking a stroll in the moonlit hours. - I have been around for about 150 years and have long been very able to take care of myself in a tough spot, but I prefer not to risk Dover late at night - mainly just to avoid the tedium of having to deal with unwanted hassle. And I would never let any of my girls walk alone in Dover after dark. Or my son........all are teenagers.
- Excellent pictures PaulB, you seem to have captured the 'mood' of Dover in the wee small hours, I really appreciate your photographs at the beginning of the day.
As far as walking in the hours of darkness I venture out only if I have to, as I do not want to frighten the neighbours, but seriously most towns can be daunting late at night as you can come across some dodgy characters who can be a little bit dangerous to say the least. - it is great that you get up that early to take these pics paul.
have you considered tackling that incontinence problem?
hope i have not let the cat out of the bag!! - Here we go again, GP that's all we here about. I do Hope Charlie gets in and gets rid of all the time wasters who like the sound of there own voices, or what they do for dover. Leaflets through the door thats funny most of these people wont even come to the door and when they do they are brain washed.each party bangs on about other parties and their failings the A20 has been open for over ten years and nobody has yet done anything about the congestion in Dover and even this new road is not going to relieve the problem dualling the A2 is to late as most of the heavy goods use the A20 and if they use the A2 when they get to the bottom of jubillee way they get sent to ashford to turn round and come back along the A20 the street lights at the end of the A20 at the Aycliffe roundabout have been out for over six months with no sign of them being fixed our councillors who are supposed to represent the people of Dover want to get of their backsides and start getting these local issues sorted out instead of whinging and bitching between one another and start putting this town in order as a 62yr old who was born here im ashamed of all of them.
- Hobbit a very interesting post/letter and I welcome your contribution.
But I just want to say, although its not a hard n fast rule, that its better if you put a name to what you say rather than use a pseudonym.
We're not a Forum as such any longer, more a 'letters from contributors' type of operation...
but most importantly if someone has something important to say Councillors will pay much more attention to problems and concerns if they see a genuine name on a letter.A number of leading Councillors have told me this in person very often over the years, and again in recent times, so I have tried to implement this. So for a letter to be more effective and carry weight and indeed maybe get something done, a name is a good place to start. - looking again at paul's photos it struck me that all the great sights in or around our town were created by nature,(dr williams would perhaps say allah)
the superb views that we get from and to the heights, cliffs and seafront.
aside from the castle, man has created burlington house, the c***ty hotel,
the shopping bit in biggin street and a few bland blocks of flats.
i apologise in advance for not going into detail about the sometimes beautiful buildings in our town, maison dieu and te town council offices.
my post is not about any shortcomings from the council past or present.
purely the contest between nature and mankind. - Thank You Paul Point Taken
Must be an election in the air. Or perhaps it is just GP's turn to provide Brown a 'soft' question in PMQ's, to waste a bit of time and prevent Brown from being cornered by some more challenging questions. Someone has to save Brown's bacon after al.
Mind you, whenever David Cameron, Clegg or whoever asks a question Brown just shoots back with another question. Brown still cannot think on his feet and still makes a total ass of himself in PMQ's. The only questions he is capable of answering are these planted friendly ones from his backbenchers.
Brown must be the worse Commons performer in PMQ's in living memory.
As for GP - he is no more than 'His Masters Voice'.