My position on a second runway at Gatwick

As we pursue a growth agenda, the role of aviation is critical. I welcome the report produced by my colleague Kwasi Kwarteng, Member of Parliament for Spelthorne, entitled The Case for Aviation, which has called for increased capacity in UK airports in a report. However, my position on a second runway at Gatwick has not changed; it is not a viable option or even up for consideration before 2019. Contrary to other indications, Gatwick is not currently running at anywhere near its total capacity of 45m passengers, with only 31.4m passengers passing through last year. Furthermore, Gatwick is looking to add new routes utilising the existing capacity. Until we exhaust all possible solutions, my position on Gatwick remains the same.

Calling all 14-18 year olds - your Chance to be Chancellor!

This is a fantastic scheme being run by the Citizenship Foundation, in partnership with Aviva, for young people in East Surrey to take up the challenge to learn about, and share their opinions on, the 2012 Budget.

Sorting out our economy is one of the biggest challenges in politics at the moment, and we need innovative solutions if we are to reduce the deficit, rebuild our national competitiveness and foster the growth that will create jobs. I'm delighted that this opportunity exists to encourage young people to engage with the problem, and have their chance to tell the Government how a budget could look.

Running until the 20th February, this is a national competition for 14-18 year olds to win great prizes and visit HM Treasury in London.

So if you're a budding Chancellor then please make your submission to the website www.chancetobechancellor.org.uk and hopefully we'll have an East Surrey finalist!

Photo: Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne holding the famous red box containing the budget

HGV traffic along the A25

The large volume of HGV traffic travelling along the A25 creates numerous problems for local residents. On Friday I hosted a meeting between members of TAG-A25, the environment agency and Surrey Highways Agency, to hear firsthand how HGV movements are rattling houses, creating driving hazards and posing a danger to pedestrians. This meeting may have been the first between the relevant parties but it certainly won't be the last. Together we need to produce some committed and creative solutions in order to relieve the biggest pressure points along the A25 and enhance the quality of life of people living nearby.

Caterham Dene Hospital - a real community hub

Visited Caterham Dene Community Hospital on Friday to see the impact of the new Social Enterprise, First Community Health and Care. The hospital offers a walk-in-centre, a rapid assessment clinic and a rehabilitation ward, as well as staff who are passionate about improving healthcare within the local community. In particular, the level of care for patients and the amount of investment for the future health care of Caterham Dene residents was hugely inspirational. The Hospital is truly a community hub as well as a much needed resource, and the staff I met were keen to talk about how quickly they can innovate to meet their patients needs without having to wait for central diktats. This is fantastic news for East Surrey and for all who use the Hospital's services.

Young Workers Employment Scheme

Was thrilled to attend a celebratory event to launch the next round of Reigate and Banstead Council's Young Workers Employment Scheme yesterday. The event recognised the profound successes from the first intake of recruits on the scheme, which encompasses six months paid work experience and essential job application training. It was great to see Reigate and Banstead Council giving young people real work experience and teaching them the rules of the employment game. This is a really well thought out scheme, which will equip our young people with the skills they need to enter the job market.

Hurst Green Youth Centre

Had the great privilege of opening the new Youth Centre in Hurst Green this evening. The Youth Centre is a great asset to the local community that would not have been possible without the tireless and energetic efforts of all the volunteers, as well as the funding and support from Surrey County Council, Tandridge District Council and the Churches Together in Oxted and District. Judging by the number of young people in attendance and the energy during the launch of the Youth Centre, it was clearly the right call to have set it up and I am delighted to have taken part. The centre will be open to 10-13 year olds every Friday from 7.15 – 9.15pm.

Beyond the Banks: The Autumn Statement

Pleased that the Beyond the Banks report which I co-authored with NESTA made it into the Chancellor's Autumn Statement.

Firstly, the report has helped shift the debate from 'bashing the banks' to lend more to finding innovative and practical ways to help business.

Secondly, two of the initiatives announced in the Statement were in the report. These were the 1 billion Business Finance Partnership which would involve the Treasury supporting non-bank lending institutions to lend to SME's. If the scheme is successful the Treasury would look to increase the size of its commitment. Further, a task force is being set up to look at how the Treasury can help foster an SME bond market (the report's main recommendation). The taskforce will be reporting by the next budget on this.

For some of the key themes in the report please see below for a number of articles I have written:

Con Home 25 November , The Chancellor should use credit easing to change the lending landscape for British Business

Politics Home 28 November, The Autumn Statement should be about restoring confidence

New Statesman 29 November, Building the Businesses of the future

Photo courtsey of The Daily Politics Show the day before the The Autumn Statement (28/11/11)

Disability Living Allowance

Delighted with the announcement that the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will not be removed from people living in residential care homes. I know this will be welcome news for residents of East Surrey and particularly for the residents at Heatherley Cheshire Home in Copthorne whom I met earlier this year. Glad the Government has taken on board and considered the impact that removing the mobility component would have had.

Photo courtesy of East Grinstead Courier and Observer

Countryside Alliance Awards

Thrilled that Outwood Butchers, Priory Farm and Limpsfield Village Store have beaten off fierce competition in securing a place in the Countrysie Alliance regional finals. Quietly pleased to have nominated three of some of the great examples of thriving local business. Looking forward to the results in February 2012.

Remembrance Sunday at Lingfield War Memorial

The service at the Lingfield War Memorial on Sunday 13 November was as much about remembering the war dead as it was about bringing the community together and I was honoured to be a part of it. The roads were closed, the brownies and army cadets were out in their uniforms and over a hundred local people attended to make the service by Gunpit Pond an extremely poignant occasion. It could not have contrasted more with the concerns of last year when the metal theft of 6 memorial plaques remembering the names of the war dead cast a dark cloud over the occasion. Thankfully, due to the efforts of the Parish Council and the local police, all 6 of the plaques were recovered and reinstated at the Memorial. The engagement of the local community at Lingfield in recognising the many people who have sacrificed their lives for their country was a moving tribute.