Media reform speech

I spoke at the launch of the Reclaim the Media campaign, which aims to limit the concentration of media ownership and to increase the range of voices in the local and national media.

In the UK, just three companies control 70% of daily national newspaper circulation. This concentration of influence in so few hands means that a handful of people have enormous influence and can direct public conversations and lead public opinion to the views that they hold.

If control of our media is too concentrated, then we run the risk of only ever getting one interpretation of events and I believe that’s not compatible with genuine freedom or democracy.

Patcham public meeting

On Thursday, I attended a public meeting in Patcham where local residents raised a wide range of issues from the recent flooding and the reliability of bus services, to the cost of housing.

I will be holding my next MP’s advice surgery at the Lewes Road Sainsbury’s on Friday 9 May between 4 – 5.30pm.

Diabetes debate in the House of Commons

I highlighted that there are 25,000 young people with Type 1 diabetes in the UK, and that we need more research into the disease.

I have been working closely with a young constituent who has Type 1 diabetes. She had her application for Disability Living Allowance rejected and successfully appealed. I raised this in the debate and pointed out that many people who did not appeal could be missing out.

I also opposed plans to scrap the national peer review scheme for paediatric diabetes which plays an important role in examining the differential treatment of diabetes patients across the country and highlighting the importance of ensuring that, during the transition to adult care, young people do not fall out of the system and develop complications at this critical age.

Taxi deregulation

Taxis and Minicabs are an essential part of our transport network – not least for people with disabilities, for women getting home safely late at night, and for people who don’t have access to a car. 

 The Government plans to deregulate the taxi industry. There are 1,800 taxi drivers in Brighton and I recently met the GMB’s taxi branch to discuss the Government’s proposals. We are in complete agreement that the Coalition Government’s plans to deregulate taxis will weaken protection for the public and should be stopped.

Contacting Me

If you are a local resident and want help with case work or to find out more about my activities locally please contact me at the office of Caroline Lucas MP, Brighton Media Centre 15-17 Middle Street, Brighton BN1 1AL. Tel: 01273 201 130. Email: brightonoffice@parliament.uk

I hold regular surgeries across the constituency. If you want to book an appointment at a forthcoming surgery please call Liz Collis on 01273 201130. She coordinates my constituency office and is able to help with most local enquiries.

If you want to know about my parliamentary work please get in touch at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. Tel: 020 7219 7025. Email: caroline.lucas.mp@parliament.uk