Dear resident,

The last two months have been as busy as ever, both in Parliament and in the community tackling the issues that really count.

I have decided to make my email updates more concise and so they are easier to digest, but I have made sure there are links to different news stories on my website and as always any feedback would be gratefully received.  

One issue that has dominated Parliament and the country as a whole in recent months is that of MP’s expenses. For those who aren’t already aware, I publish my expenses on my own website on a quarterly basis. In addition I can confirm that I have not been asked to repay any money after the recent independent Legg enquiry into MP’s expenses. I have never made any claims on my family home in Bramhall and I do not employ any relatives. I will continue to campaign for greater openness, transparency and accountability – it is after all, public money we are talking about.

Recently, Sir David Kelly has produced a report about the expenses system with recommendations to restrict MPs’ allowances and improve the system – all of which I have welcomed – and I am now pushing the Government to implement these recommendations as soon as possible. It will be a difficult process to rebuild trust in politics, but we must start now.

Here is a summary of my activities in Parliament and in our community in recent weeks:

BAE Systems Woodford closure date announced; Prime Minister quizzed over battle for jobs in Woodford; consultation on site’s future is launched:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000542/bae_systems_woodford_to_close_in_2012.html

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000552/hunter_blasts_brown_over_bae_blunder.html

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000549/consultation_crucial_over_woodford_future.html

Stepping Hill Hospital Car Parking Charge campaign update – opposition to massive hike in car parking charges:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000546/nhs_parking_charge_announcement_is_a_move_forward.html

Giving my support to the Royal British Legion in their campaign for better conditions for our troops:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000544/local_mp_pledges_to_do_his_bit_for_british_armed_forces.html

Joining forces with Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell to raise awareness about Breast Cancer:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000554/stockport_mps_wear_it_pink.html

My reaction to the MP’s expenses scandal – and why the Government must put its House in order:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000562/government_must_put_its_house_in_order.html

Official opening of new college development at the Seashell Trust (formerly Royal School for the Deaf):

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000550/seashell_trust_students_celebrate_college_redevelopment.html

Why I am backing the National Autistic Society’s campaign for better access to employment for people with autism:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000555/harman_declines_opportunity_to_back_autism_campaign.html

Latest on the Equitable Life fiasco, and the fight for justice for local policyholders:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000556/government_fails_equitable_life_victims.html

Huge increase in rail fares criticised – and how rail services could be improved:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000564/189_rise_in_rail_fares_ridiculous_says_hunter.html

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000547/longer_franchises_will_put_stockport_on_the_right_track.html

Demands grow for action on climate change as Copenhagen Summit beckons:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000557/lib_dems_lead_the_way_on_1010_climate_change_campaign.html

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000559/letter_about_copenhagen_climate_change_summit.html

My recent visit to Auschwitz:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000558/local_mp_returns_from_harrowing_visit_to_auschwitz.html

Celebrating our local voluntary sector – why it’s a great asset to the community:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000560/local_mps_and_celebs_get_behind_national_volunteering_day.html

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000561/hunter_hails_stockports_free_advice_sector.html

New Cheadle & Gatley Councillor Iain Roberts elected as Lib Dems achieve another convincing win:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000541/hunter_hails_great_victory_for_new_councillor.html

As always I am eager to hear your views and if anybody has any new issues they would like me to take up either locally or in Parliament please get in touch. You can contact me either by email; telephone on 0161 486 1359; or write to me at Hillson House, Gillbent Road, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7LE. I also have twice-weekly advice surgeries on Mondays and Fridays, and can make home visits when requested. Please just call to make an appointment at your convenience.

   Leave a comment