Dear resident,

As it is widely anticipated, tomorrow Gordon Brown will call for a General Election to take place within weeks. I want to take this latest opportunity to update you on some of my recent activity as your local MP:

Let me fill you in on what’s been happening in recent weeks:

•          As a Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson my recent priority has been pushing the Government to make sure any High Speed Rail developments through Stockport actually stop at Stockport. There is great concern that we will be left out of the plans and this simply cannot be allowed to happen; rail companies are already suggesting journey times can be reduced by omitting stops:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000623/hunter_speaks_up_for_high_speed_rail_stop_in_stockport.html

•           I delivered a keynote speech to the Stockport Branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists about Road Safety policy – there are thousands of lives to be saved through some relatively simple measures such as clamping down on uninsured drivers:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000611/mark_delivers_speech_to_the_stockport_group_of_institute_of_advanced_motorists.html

•           Deputy Lib Dem Leader and Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable came to Cheadle to launch my re-election campaign at the Village Hotel, just 48 hours before he was a clear winner in the live TV debate with Tory Shadow Chancellor George Osbourne placed third behind Vince and Alistair Darling in the online poll:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000622/vince_cable_wows_cheadle_audience.html;

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000621/victory_vince_cable_wins_channel_4_chancellors_debate.html

•           I visited the Seashell Trust (formerly Royal School for the Deaf) in Cheadle Hulme to celebrate their recent ‘outstanding’ achievement in its recent Ofsted inspection. Like so many schools in our area, it continues to go from strength to strength:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000618/hunter_joins_celebrations_of_top_ofsted_report_for_the_seashell_trust.html

•           There was massive progress in my national campaign to save the cheque from being abolished in Britain when the official Treasury Select Committee held an inquiry into the decision by the banks to phase out the use of cheques – despite 4 million still being written every day:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000613/cheque_campaign_gathers_force_as_treasury_committee_hold_inquiry.html

•           I hosted a special reception in Parliament to launch a new report on stroke care. The report highlights the positive impact physiotherapy can have on the lives of many of the millions of people in Britain who have suffered from a stroke and continue to suffer:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000615/mark_hunter_mp_hosts_campaign_for_improved_physiotherapy_care_launch.html

•           I signed up to NSPCC’s latest child protection campaign. It is absolutely vital that all politicians stand up for the protection of children, and this campaign calls on every parliamentary candidate to make that vow:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000617/mark_pledges_support_for_nspcc_general_election_campaign_to_protect_children.html

•           Local student Amy Jo Brownson from North Cheshire Jewish Primary School in Heald Green launched her joke book ‘Laugh your socks off’ to raise money for Sport Relief in Bramhall’s Simply Books. I joined her and her family and school friends to support the brilliant efforts made. I was also on hand to support the Gatley Sport Relief fun day, where I started the race and presented the medals to the winners. Congratulations to all those involved!

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000614/hunter_helps_launch_laugh_your_socks_off_for_sport_relief.html

•         I have strongly criticised the recent Budget as Alistair Darling gave one of the most disappointing Budgets in history:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000619/budget_a_donothing_plan_for_the_british_economy.html

•       I have spoken out about the practice of Energy companies who continue to con Stockport householders out of millions of pounds per year:

http://www.markhunter.org.uk/news/000612/energy_companies_overcooked_energy_profits_to_13_million_across_stockport.html

•       Last Saturday I went along to Bramhall Precinct to support the launch of the new ‘Love local life’ discount card, which offers discounts in over 20 shops and restaurants in Bramhall. I spoke about my latest campaign which calls on people to ‘shop local’ to provide a much needed boost to our high streets in the midst of the recession. Dozens of people have already backed the campaign – just send me an email if you too would like to sign up!

As always, if you require any further information or I can help with any problem whatsoever, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Mark Hunter MP