Working for you

MP speaks out against the “daylight robbery” by Government of Portsmouth council tenants

01/04/2008

Mike Hancock (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) spoke up for Council Housing in Parliament yesterday (31st March 2008). He backed an amendment to the Housing Bill that would have seen a boost to Council Housing. The new amendment saw the biggest rebellion of Labour MPs under Gordon Brown’s premiership with 28 Labour MPs including five former ministers - Frank Dobson, Peter Kilfoyle, Michael Meacher, Frank Field, and Kate Hoey voting against the Government and for the amendment. However the amendment was defeated with most Labour MPs including Portsmouth North MP, Sarah McCarthy-Fry voting against the amendment. Conservative MPs including Havant MP, David Willetts abstained.

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MP marks launch of Ovarian Cancer Month to urge women to be aware of symptoms

05/03/2008

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) is urging women to be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Unfortunately survival rates for this cancer is low at 30% but this can increase to 95% if it is diagnosed early. This follows Mike meeting in Parliament with women who have had ovarian cancer to hear about the frequent symptoms that are often overlooked. Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with 7000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK. Survival rates are low at 30%, and have changed little in over 20 years. Diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms are ones that most women will experience from time to time. However research shows that when these symptoms are frequent (more than 12 times a month), then ovarian cancer should be considered. More>>>

Like Pompey, the whole city is making progress

March 2008

Firstly, congratulations to Pompey for getting to the FA Cup semi-final. Like all fans, I was delighted at the news and will, of course, be hoping they win! And the whole club is a great ambassador for the city. Not only on the pitch but also in the work it does in the community on schemes to get local kids off the streets and playing football and taking part in other activities. Like Pompey, I believe the city as a whole is making progress. More>>>

MP says time to act to prevent 1.2 million children every year being trafficked globally by taking “Three Small Steps” to protect victims

28/02/2008

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) today said that the UK must act to help stop the global trafficking in children. This follows a report by the children’s rights charity ECPAT UK and UNICEF (The United Nations’ Children’s Fund) estimates that 1.2 million children are trafficked around the world each year. The report describes the UK as “significant transit and destination country for trafficked children.”

Copnor Fire Station Closure a bitter blow

February 2008

A major disappointment in the last few weeks has been the decision by Hampshire Fire Authority to close Copnor Fire Station – despite figures from the Fire Service showing that a large part of Portsea Island would have worse fire cover as a result. More>>>

MP takes decision to Home Secretary as he condemns Fire Authority deciding to close Copnor Fire Station

13/02/2008

Mike Hancock, Lib Dem MP for Portsmouth South has roundly condemned the decision today by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority to close Copnor Fire Station. The vote saw 9 (out of 9) Lib Dem councillors and 2 Conservatives vote to save it. 11 Conservatives and two Labour Councillors (out of 2 present, one was absent at a hospital appointment) voted to close it including the Labour Councillor from Portsmouth on the Authority, Cllr David Horne who did a U-turn. More>>>

MP in last ditch plea to save Copnor Fire Station

12/02/2008

Mike Hancock, MP for Portsmouth South today launched a last ditch plea to Hampshire Fire Authority to keep Copnor Fire Station open. He has emailed the Chief Fire Officer and the Chairman of the Authority to say they should listen to the public and keep Copnor Fire Station open. Over 8,000 people have signed a petition against closure which will be given to the Authority tomorrow. Two weeks ago Mike Hancock led a delegation of campaigners and Portsmouth City Councillors to hand in a copy of the petition to the Prime Minister at 10, Downing Street. His email says: More>>>

Copnor Fire Station Closure a bitter blow

February 2008

A major disappointment in the last few weeks has been the decision by Hampshire Fire Authority to close Copnor Fire Station – despite figures from the Fire Service showing that a large part of Portsea Island would have worse fire cover as a result. More>>>

32,000 Portsmouth Pensioners face winter fuel payment “wipe out” as their bills go up £7 million - MP

18.01.08

Portsmouth South MP, Mike Hancock is calling on the Government to protect pensioners in Portsmouth from energy price rises. This follows figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats from the House of Commons Library showing that recent increases in the cost of electricity and gas are set to wipe out pensioners’ winter fuel payment. More>>>

Mike speaks in debate on human trafficking

17.01.08

Mike's speech on human trafficking in the House of Commons. More>>>

MP backs calls for teachers to have more training to support children with communication difficulties

10.01.08
A new YouGov poll shows that while three children in every classroom have communication problems, three-quarters (73%) of teachers have not had training to help those children with speech, language and communication special needs.

Following this news, Portsmouth MP, Mike Hancock (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has backed a parliamentary motion calling for more training and support for teachers and other workers looking after children.

Love Albert Road, now love their bags

10.01.08
Albert Road in Southsea is leading the way in Portsmouth by using eco-friendly reusable bags instead of plastic ones.

Hessian bags will be on sale along Albert Road to encourage shoppers to reject plastic bags - which are disposed of in landfill sites and take many decades to decompose - in favour of the new sustainable alternative

MP hits out at Portsmouth Post Office closures

09.01.08
Mike Hancock (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has reacted angrily today to the news that the Post Office has today confirmed that the branches in Francis Avenue and East Southsea will close. This follows 8 previous closures. More>>>

New Year Thoughts

January 2008
Read my New Year thoughts on the tired Labour Government, the Lib Dems' new leader, Nick Clegg and hopes for Pompey Football Club. More>>>

Mike backs parliamentary call for better deal for armed forces

12 December 2007
Mike is backing a call in parliament for a new "military covenant" and a better deal for armed forces. More>>>

Government must deal with the Housing crisis

December 2007
The number of people coming to me as their MP with housing problems has dramatically increased in the last few years. And that is perhaps not surprising when you look at the statistics. There are now over 5,000 households on the council housing waiting list in Portsmouth and the average house price in the city is now nine times average earnings.

Last week, I highlighted these concerns – long waits for council housing, high private sector rents and the difficulty of first time buyers getting on the housing ladder – in a debate in Parliament on the Government’s Housing Bil

More>>>

MP backs national campaign for warm homes

26.11.07
I am backing a national campaign that aims to highlight the plight of households who are concerned about being able to heat their homes to adequate levels this winter.

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Queen’ speech a disappointment

06.11.07 Today’s Queen’s Speech is a disappointment and lacking in vision. Overall this is a mishmash of knee-jerk reactions with no vision as to where Brown and Labour want to take the country.

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Fighting to save Copnor Fire station

I have been fighting the closure of Copnor Fire Station for some twenty years. So while it saddens me, it doesn’t surprise me that once again there is a proposal to shut it. This is despite a recent knife-edge vote that would have saved it Read more in my November 2007 column for the Portsmouth News

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Why I am backing a referendum on the European "Constitutional" Treaty

The British Government have been arguing that is different from the previous EU Constitution which they were happy to have put to a referendum. But, whatever they say, other European leaders have let the cat out of the bag. The German leader, Angela Merkel, recently said about the Treaty: “The substance of the Constitution is preserved. That is a fact.” Prime Ministers and Presidents in Spain, Denmark, Ireland, The Czech Republic, Belgium and Solvenia have also said similar things. And Valery Giscard d'Estaing, the former French President and the author of the original European Constitution said: “In terms of content, the proposals remain largely unchanged, they are simply presented in a different way.” Read more in my October 2007 column for the Portsmouth News

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Bad Planning by the Government on Iraq and the NHS

Following recent events in Iraq, I am reminded once again of the questions that Menzies Campbell asked in Parliament in 2002: “What is the exit strategy? Who will replace Saddam Hussein? How long would coalition troops be required to remain in Iraq? And will Iraq split up?” Key questions not properly answered or heeded. Our brave troops have performed heroically but perhaps Brown and indeed David Cameron should have listened to Menzies rather than being all gung-ho for war. Read my September 2007 column for the Portsmouth NewsMore>>>

Gordon Brown's first month as PM and a reprieve for the Naval Base

We have also had the first full month of Gordon Brown’s premiership. But it seems he is behaving rather like McCavity – the cat that was “never there” in T.S. Elliot’s poems. Just look at the record. The derisory 75p a week increase in the pension? That was Gordon’s. The architect of fiendishly complex tax credits that has seen billions in over-payments and fraud? Gordon. Or the backing of Tony Blair on university tuition fees, the Iraq war and the unfair council tax? Yes, those were all Gordon as well. Read my column for the News for August 2007 More>>>

Now a Brown Government

Gordon says he is for change. The Environment, Housing and the NHS are three crucial areas where I will be campaigning for him to do just that and take urgent action. Read my July column for the Portsmouth NewsMore>>>

Good news on the Naval Base

I am pleased that the retention of Portsmouth Naval Base and the building of two new aircraft carriers has been announced by the Government. This is a tremendous tribute to all those who have worked hard making the case for the Naval Base and the work of the employees and managers at the base More>>>

Proggy award

Mike has been awarded a "Proggy" award from PETA (People for the Ethical treatment of animals for being the most progressive politician in 2007 on animal welfare issuesMore>>>

Blair's farewell tour

June 2007

It has been reported that Tony Blair’s “farewell tour” is costing £1 million. If so, one of Gordon Brown’s last acts as Chancellor should be to check whether we are getting value for money. Read my column for the Portsmouth News for June 2007 More>>>

Mike backs amendment on Trident vote

14 March 2007

Mike Hancock, MP will be backing an amendment in today's debate on Trident calling for a decision to be delayed until it needs to be taken. More>>>

A Better Deal for armed forces

March 2007

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem, Portsmouth South) has backed an open letter to the Prime Minister, published in the Independent on Sunday at the weekend calling for a better deal for British troops. More>>>

Veterans Badge

February 2007

If you enlisted in the British armed forces before the end of 1969 who are entitled to a Veterans Lapel Badge from the Government. More>>>

A Confusing World

February 2007

Despite Government saying we should use public transport more, their newly re-awarded franchisee for services to London, South West Trains have introduced more cramped trains. Meanwhile defence ministers are saying one thing and the Prime Minister another about the review of naval bases and capabilities. Read my February 2007 article for the Portsmouth News. More>>>

Businesses working to transform local shopping centres

12.02.07

Businesses joining together to revitalise local shopping centres is the aim of a new city council initiative.

Retail businesses in Cosham and North End are being encouraged to join forces to improve their local shopping environment and transform the areas into vibrant and welcoming destinations outside the city centre. Mike Hancock, Executive member for Planning, Regeneration and Economic Development said: " We need continued support and attention for Cosham, North End and Fratton to strengthen their position as established centres, supporting both the local communities and their economies. More>>>

MP backs rights of journalists to work without being threatened

02.02.07

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has backed calls that journalists in all countries should be able to go about their work without threats to their lives and their freedom of expression. Mike Hancock was speaking in the influential Parliamentary Assembly of the Council Europe (PACE), last week More>>>

Defence in the World

01.02.07

Mike made a contribution to the Parliamentary debate on "Defence in the World". Discussing issues such as the number of ships in the Royal Navy, the situation in Afghanistan and the situation in Iraq. More>>>

MP highlights Child Trust Fund Week (15th – 20th January 2007)

15 January 2007

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has urged new parents in Portsmouth to use their Child Trust Fund (CTF) voucher More>>>

Looking ahead to 2007

January 2006

A key issue for Portsmouth in this coming year will be the future of the Naval Base and it will be Tony Blair's last as Prime Minister. Read my January 2007 article for the Portsmouth News More>>>

Make a New Year's resolution to protect yourself against the silent killer of "Carbon Monoxide"

22 December 2006

I am urging all constituents to make a New Year's resolution to protect themselves against Carbon Monoxide poisoning (called the silent killer as it can't be smelt or seen and the symptoms can be missed). More>>>

Mike Hancock supports campaign to introduce seasonal grants to help poorest familie

13 December 2006

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has expressed his support for Save the Children’s demand for seasonal grants for low-income parents struggling to afford basic items such as heating, clothes and proper food this Christmas. This follows news that the UK has one of highest levels of child poverty in Europe with 1 million children living in severe poverty. More>>>

Campaigning for Alzheimer's Drugs

December 2006

I am campaigning for drugs for all Alzheimer's sufferers. I am also concerned about the amount of legislation that this Government has introduced - equivalent in weight to two John Prescotts. That's why I am supporting Lib Dem calls for a "Freedom Bill" to repeal some of the worst of the legislation that the Labour Government has introduced. Read my December column for the Portsmouth News More>>>

The future of Portsmouth's Naval Base

5 December 2006

I took part in a recent parliamentary debate on the future of Portsmouth Naval Base which is under threat in a Government review More>>>

Unemployment, house prices and average wages in Portsmouth

October 2006

What is happening in Portsmouth on unemployment, housing and earnings? Read some of the latest statistics here More>>>

Baffled at the Government's treatment of the NHS

October 2006

I believe the Government are losing touch with ordinary people. They took far too long to award the Artic Star emblems to convoy veterans. And they need to get a grip of the NHS. I just can't understand the decision on Alzheimer's drugs. Read my October 2006 column for the Portsmouth News More>>>

Paralysis in Government!

September 2006

I believe paralysis will engulf the Government unless the Labour party sorts out its leadership succession as quickly as possible. And the Ministry of Defence should back the excellent work done at Portsmouth Naval Base. Read my September 06 column for the Portsmouth News More>>>

Get it sorted!

August 2006

The Home Secretary recently admitted that the Home Office wasn’t “fit for purpose”. Increasingly I think that could be applied to the whole of this Government. Look at the CSA mess, the Tax Credits fiasco or patients denied life-saving drugs on the NHS. Now I think it is time Ministers pulled their fingers out and got things sorted out More>>>

An unfair treaty with America

July 2006

The recent extradition treaty is unfair to British citizens. Read more of my article for the Portsmouth News for July in I which I also look back to last year's bombings in London More>>>

MP Slams NICE and the Department of Health over Alzheimer’s Drugs and says listen to the experts

17 July 2006

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has written to Patricia Hewitt, the Secretary of State for Health severely criticising the decision of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to deny drugs on the NHS to early-stage and severe Alzheimer’s sufferers. More>>>

Building a better city

June 2006

Good news recently for the city and the council has seen a new ferry operator for the commercial port which it owns and the colour and excitement that the stopover of the Volvo yacht race has brought. Read more of my article for the Portsmouth News for June More>>>

Carers' Week

13 June 2006

I am supporting the launch of a new campaign ‘Carers want health checks!’ which has been unveiled as part of this year’s Carers Week (12-18 June). More>>>

Good news on global AIDS targets

10 June 2006

The UN General Assembly special session on AIDS has incorporated into its final text the need for interm targets towards the goal of universal access to anti-retroviral drugs by 2010. This follows a parliamentary motion that I and 255 other MPs signed pressing for interim targets More>>>

Good news on sub-Post Office

01 June 2006

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has welcomed news that there will continue to be a sub-post office in the Queen Street area. The Co-op has confirmed that it will be opening a post office in its shop at 22, The Hard to take over from the one at 1/3, Queen Street which is closing. More>>>

MP backs nurses’ campaign and demands that nursing jobs are not cut locally

10 May 2006

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) in the wake of the current problems in the NHS is backing the Royal College of Nursing’s campaign to “keep patients safe” and for nursing jobs not to be cut. He has also written to the local NHS Hospital Trust calling on them not to make cuts in nursing staff. More>>>

Budget Response: Where has all the money gone?

March 2006

This year's budget should have been a budget for frontline public services, pensioners and the environment. People are asking me with all the money going into health, why can't they get an NHS dentist. I want to see the basic state pension up by £27 a week. More>>>

Education Bill

March 2006

But many people think the current Education Bill is a step back rather than forward. Parents, the community, local schools, teachers and the local council should all work together to improve schools. Real reform would be to promote collaboration between schools - particularly to deliver the broader 14 to 19 curriculum and share facillities. Real reform would be to free schools from Blair and his bureaucrats. More>>>

Health Concerns

March 2006

Local doctors have increasing concerns about how the Government is running the NHS. I have written to the Secretary of State for Health with some of their concerns following a meeting I had at a local GP practice. More>>>

MP sponsors Bill to help disabled children and their families

06.03.06

I have sponsored a Bill in Parliament that if passed would place a new duty on local authorities to assess disabled children and provide short breaks. More>>>

Teachers, Kennedy and Hughes

February 2006

Read my February column for the news. I ask why Blair can't listen to teachers over educational reforms, pay tribute to Charles Kennedy and back Simon Hughes for leadership of the Lib Dems More>>>

CSA Reform

January 2006

Even the Prime Minister has admitted that the CSA is not carrying out its function properly. And anlaysis by the Liberal Democrats shows that 4 out of 5 of absent parents paid no child support. Read how the Lib Dems would reform the CSA More>>>

New Year Thoughts

January 2006

2005 may be remembered for the the Tsunami, hurricanes in the USA and the London bombings but it was also an important year for Portsmouth with Trafalgar 200. It also saw good progress at the General Election for the Lib Dems, with Labour and Tories having a bad result. Read more on my New Year thoughts. More>>>

Mike takes "Save our Pint" campaign to Parliament

13/12/05

Mike Hancock has taken the fight to keep Gales Brewery at Horndean to Parliament. He wants it to continue to be able to brew its distinctive Hampshire ales such as HSB there. More>>>

A Champion for the Environment

November 2005

The President of the Royal Society, Lord May, one of Britain’s leading scientists has warned, that there is an urgent need to do much more to cut carbon dioxide emissions and prevent global warning. I think we need a champion for the Environment and the Government needs to be serious about the Environment. More>>>

Changes to UK Passport Service

21/11/2005

The Chief Executive of the Passport Service has sent me details of changes to the UK passport service. You can read more about it here. More>>>

MP Welcomes Funding To Improve Manners Lane And Nightingale Road

07/11/2005

It's good news that the Home Office is funding physical improvements to Manners Lane and Nightingale Avenue from the Home Office’s “Operation Gate It” programme More>>>

Anti-Social Behaviour

October 2005

Information from Portsmouth City Council's Anti Social Behaviour Unit on reporting anti-social behaviour, a crime or a breach of Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO). More>>>

Make Poverty History

October 2005

I am supporting the Make Poverty History Campaign. You can read my views and what I am doing on the issue here and information from the Campaign. More>>>

Fairness, freedom and justice

October 2005

Debate though is alive and well in the Liberal Democrats as we discuss how we take our policies forward to respond to Government actions and world events based on our key values of fairness, freedom and justice.

Read my October 2005 column for the Portsmouth News More>>>

An exciting family friendly event is to take place on 21 October as part of the Trafalgar anniversary weekend in Portsmouth.

10.10.05

An exciting family friendly event is to take place on 21 October as part of the Trafalgar anniversary weekend in Portsmouth. More>>>

Labour's becoming out of touch like the Tories

September 2005

The Tories paid the electoral price for becoming out of touch. With ID cards, tuition fees, lack of dentists and the unfair council tax, Labour is heading the same way.

Read my September 2005 column for the Portsmouth News More>>>

London Bombings

July 2005

It is important to remember what we fought for during the Second War World 60 years ago – tolerance, democracy and freedom. We should be clear that no religion condones acts like the London bombings and Muslim leaders have been among the first to condemn them. We need to be tolerant and perhaps make greater efforts to understand each other – but to turn on each other would only allow the terrorists to win. We must work to make sure that the sort of intolerance that flourished unfortunately for a while in Nazi Germany is not allowed to take any root here. Read my thoughts on the London bombings More>>>

MP’s Gut Week Call

15.07.05

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem, Portsmouth South) today called for people in Portsmouth to be more vigilant about getting any unusual and prolonged digestive complaints diagnosed. 12% of deaths in the UK are linked to the digestive tract, totalling over 64,000 last year. Bowel Cancer is the 3rd most diagnosed cancer and 2nd commonest cause of cancer death in the UK. More>>>

Mike Hancock, MP supports Real Nappy Week

23.06.05

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) is supporting Real Nappy Week Now in its ninth year, Real Nappy Week 2005 (June 20-26) is supported by over 80% of local authorities, with over 100 activities planned across 40 UK counties. Portsmouth South MP, Mike Hancock, is supporting the British Lung Foundation’s 20th birthday campaign by getting breathless on an exercise bike at the House of Commons during a lung heath awareness day on 8 June More>>>

Mike Hancock MP gets breathless for the British Lung Foundation

10.06.2005

Portsmouth South MP, Mike Hancock, is supporting the British Lung Foundation’s 20th birthday campaign by getting breathless on an exercise bike at the House of Commons during a lung heath awareness day on 8 June More>>>

General Election sees solid increase in Lib Dem vote

June 2005

The General Election by common consent was a good one for the Lib Dems as it saw us increase both our vote and MPs. And my thanks go to the people of Portsmouth South for re-electing me – it is a great honour to serve them as their MP. More>>>

Fairness

March 2005

If it had been a Liberal Democrat Chancellor’s budget last week the unfair Council Tax would have been scrapped and replaced with the fairer Local Income Tax. With the Council Tax someone earning £20,000 and living in an average band D home pays about 5% of their income in council tax whereas someone earning £100,000 in the same band property only pays 1%. It is no wonder that the poorest 20% of society pay a greater proportion of their income overall in taxes than the richest 20%. More>>>

“We must remember the Holocaust and learn the lessons of history” - MP

25.01.05

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has backed a Parliamentary motion about remembering the 60th Anniversary of the Holocaust on 27th January and has called on people to remember this terrible chapter in the history of humanity and to learn its lessons. More>>>

Tsunami Disaster

04.01.2005

Like everyone, I was shocked by the Tsunami Disaster in Asia. This page includes a link to the BBC page of links to charities helping and some of mine and Liberal Democrat thoughts on the situation. More>>>

Briefing from Animal Defenders International

06.12.2004

The new Bill's provisions concerning performing animals, and in particular circus animals, are not only entirely inadequate and at odds with the weight of evidence of sufferng in circuses, but also, with public opinion. The Bill not only fails to stop the severe confinement of animals with travelling circuses, but also ignores the use of violence and force to train and control animals in entrertainment. More>>>

Parliamentary Briefing from the NSPCC on the Queens Speech

03.12.2004

The NSPCC welcomes legislation that aims to safeguard the welfare of children in circumsances of parental separation and inter-country adoption. More>>>

MP briefing from the Countryside Agency

01.12.2004

On 14th December a new right of access to open country and registered common land, known as 'access land', will begin in Central Southern England. More>>>

MP guide from British Gas

18.11.2004

The British Gas 'here to HELP' partnership offers free energy efficiency measures, benefits health checks and additionall services for elderly, disable and other vulnerable customer. The programme has already transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people and we are now extending it to enable more customer to enjoy its benefits. Households on a wide range of benefits such as Pension Credit and Council Tax benefit are eligible. More>>>

A letter from NFAPG and POWA regarding current hunting practices

18.11.2004

We believe hunting with dogs is an activity that is inherently incapable of being controlled by those conducting it and poses an unacceptable level of inconvenience, distress and risk of harm on non-participants and non-target animals. It is therefore not an activity fit to be licensed by the State. More>>>

An MP's guide for assisting constituentis with complaints against the police

12.11.2004

If a constituent comes to you with a complaint against the police, the complaints can be sent directly to the police force concerned or via the IPCC. More>>>

Mike Hancock named as region’s most active backbench MP by independent news organisation

03.11.2004

Portsmouth South MP, Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) has been named as the region’s most active backbench MP in Parliament and the second most active in the country during 2004 so far. More>>>

Gambling Bill

November 2004

I will be opposing the Government's Gambling Bill and proposals on casinos. More>>>

MP demands an urgent and thorough investigation into hospital consultant’s allegations and not a whitewash

1.11.2004

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem, Portsmouth South) has demanded an urgent and thorough investigation into a hospital consultant’s allegations. He said that what has happened so far amounted to a whitewash. He also said that it showed that Government targets were distorting clinical priorities. More>>>

Policies for Pensioners

October 2004

The Independent newspaper described Tory leader, Michael Howard’s conference speech two weeks ago as spin even “when he proclaimed a lack of spin.” And no wonder - just take their policies for pensioners. No wonder one Tory MP says that the Conservative party has not “decided what sort of party it is” Read more of my October 2004 column for the Portsmouth News More>>>

Lib Dem manifesto pledges would be big boost for Portsmouth - MP

15.09.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem - Portsmouth South) has hailed the Liberal Democrat manifesto pledges launched today by Charles Kennedy saying that they would mean a big boost for the people of Portsmouth if implemented. More>>>

Portsmouth Rheumatoid Arthritis Group

A new group has been set up for people with Rheumatoid Athritis in Portsmouth, offering a friendly atmosphere and help tackling problems and concerns that pepole with Arthritis all have. More>>>

Special Report - Fairer Local Taxation

Mike Hancock and the Lib Dems are campaigning for the national Government to reform local council taxation. They want a fairer local income tax to be introduced based on the ability to pay. as a first step towards fairer taxation, Mike is campaigning for a £100 off a household's council tax. It would be paid for by increasing the national income tax rate for incomes over £100,000 from 40% to 50% More>>>

Special Report - Pensions

The Liberal Democrats want to introduce a Citizen's Pension. This would be at the same level as the "Guarantee Credit" part of the Pension Credit and will be increased in line with average earning to ensure its real value is protected. We guarantee to introduce the Citizen's Pension for all pensioners aged 75 and over in the first full financial year of a Parliament as first step towards providing it for all. Pensioners over 75 will receive at least an extra £25 week on their pension and all pensioner couples will recieve an extra £33. More>>>

Special Report - Extra Southsea Tax

Many local people living in its area have told me that they don't feel that is worth paying an extra council tax to Southsea Town Council. This is because the Conservative-run Council spends over 80% of its budget on running itself and bureaucracy. That's why I have supported a referendum on the Town Council. More>>>

Special Report - The Tower

Long-time critic of the Milennium Tower, Mike Hancock has been trying to get some commonsense to prevail on the issue for almost a decade now. In 2002, Mike and the Lib Dems said enough was enough and that the City Council should find a way forward to construct the Tower without any more taxpayers' money being spent. More>>>

Taking stock of the parties

September 2004

Party activists will be gathering over the next few weeks for that great British political tradition – the Party Conference. Probably Lib Dems will have the happiest and most united time – having made solid progress over the past twelve months – winning two parliamentary by-elections, achieving our best ever local election results and getting a markedly improved opinion poll rating. Read more of my September 2004 column for the Portsmouth News More>>>

MP backs call for a full stop to hitting children

08.09.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) is backing a petition of Parliamentarians world-wide calling for the democratic oversight of the policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. These institutions have a key role to play in reducing poverty in developing countries, yet their meetings are often secretive and there is little involvement from national parliaments. More>>>

MP calls for greater oversight of World Bank and International Monetary Fund

24.08.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) is backing a petition of Parliamentarians world-wide calling for the democratic oversight of the policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. These institutions have a key role to play in reducing poverty in developing countries, yet their meetings are often secretive and there is little involvement from national parliaments. More>>>

MP highlights free diabetes screening service by Lloyds Pharmacy

23.08.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) today highlighted the free diabetes testing service by the Lloyds Pharmacy chain as they announced that 500,000 customers throughout the UK have been screened for Type 2 Diabetes since the launch of their free in-store blood glucose testing service in June 2003. More>>>

MP asks people to raise their mugs to MacMillan

20.08.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) is calling for local people to raise money for people living with cancer by taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning for MacMillan Cancer Relief on 24 September. More>>>

MP demand minister intervenes over maternity unit and makes promises over choice a reality

17.08.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has today demanded that the Secretary of State for Health intervene personally over the closure of the midwife-led maternity unit at St Mary’s in Milton, Portsmouth and make his much-publicised promises over choice in the Health Service a reality for his constituents. Mike says that he will raise the issue in Parliament as soon as it returns in early September. More>>>

The Prime Minister and the Butler Inquiry

23.07.04

Read my July 2004 column for the Portsmouth News on the Prime Minister and the Butler Inquiry and Iraq More>>>

UK ARMED FORCES UNDER-MANNED AND OVER-STRETCHED WARNS DEFENCE COMMITTEE

01.07.04

Serious problems of under-manning and over-stretch in the armed forces have been left unaddressed by the government, which instead has focused on introducing hi-tech innovations to tackle 21st century threats, says a report published today by the Defence Committee. More>>>

Mike Backs Simon Hughes for Lib Dem Party President

30.06.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem, Portsmouth South) has declared his support for Simon Hughes in his bid to be the next Party President for the Liberal Democrats. Simon Hughes has pledged to have more party members than Labour by the end of his presidency. More>>>

D-Day Commemorations

June 2004

The D-Day 60 commemorations a week ago made me think once again how much we owe the generation that fought in the Second World War. While we moan about the little niggles of everyday life, they are mainly trifles compared to the hardship and danger that people faced then. So, it was great to see so many people on a packed seafront at the service of remembrance. Read my article for the Portsmouth News More>>>

MP hands in more petition signatures to PM for better lung treatment

29.06.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem, Portsmouth South) has handed further petition signatures in support of the British Lung Foundation’s “Breath Easy” Campaign into the Prime Minister at 10, Downing Street. The signatures were collected by Portsmouth and Fareham Breathe Easy Voluntary Support Group. More>>>

MP welcomes appointment of new Hospital Chief Executive

21.06.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has welcomed the appointment of Ursula Ward, the current Acting Chief Executive as the new Chief Executive of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust. But he has warned that the people of Portsmouth will want her to deliver greatly improved performance from their local hospitals and that must mean proper support finally coming from central Government and the Department of Health. More>>>

MP joins celebrities to support Carers Week 2004

16.06.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem - Portsmouth South) is joining celebrities including Cilla Black, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Sheila Hancock to give his support to this year’s Carers Week (June 14-20). More>>>

Local MP signs up to make cancer money count for patients

07/06/2004

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South), recently renewed his support for Macmillan Cancer Relief’s “Get It Spent Where It’s Meant” campaign by signing an all-party Early Day Motion (a parliamentary petition) calling on the Government to get cancer money spent where it’s meant. More>>>

MP backs campaign for stronger protection for UK’s seas

02/06/2004

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) is supporting a new campaign by the UK’s leading conservation organisations to improve protection of our seas. With World Oceans Day taking place on 8 June, there is no better time to highlight the inadequacy of the laws which protect and manage what goes on around our shores, and the need for comprehensive new legislation to do a better job. More>>>

Portsmouth maternity strategy to be published in July, MP reveals

28.05.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has revealed that Portsmouth Hospital Trust will publish their maternity strategy in late July More>>>

Mike Hancock, MP backs new hunting report – “Time to deliver ban”

20.05.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) this week demonstrated his support for a ban on hunting with dogs by backing the launch of a new report “Time to deliver the ban.” The report, produced by Campaigning to Protect Hunted Animals (CPHA*), sets out the reasons why hunting must be banned, and why now is the time to do it. More>>>

Local MP calls on schools to join the Giving Nation

14.05.04

Mike Hancock, MP for Portsmouth South, is calling on all secondary schools in Portsmouth to get involved in Giving Nation, an independent UK-wide initiative encouraging 11-16 year olds to switch on to charity and the community. More>>>

MP Mike Hancock, MP urges Portsmouth Schools take part in “Y Vote” Mock Elections

12.05.04

Mike Hancock (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) is urging local schools to take part in the “Y Vote” mock elections programme – organised by the independent charity the Hansard Society. More>>>

MP supports campaign to improve image of nursing

06.05.04

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) is supporting a new campaign in Parliament to improve the public image and reputation of nursing and midwifery in the UK and get more people to consider it as a career. More>>>

Empty Homes Campaign

17.04.04

You can find out more about the Empty Homes Campaign. My support for it including a Spring 2004 update and news of the National Week of Action on Empty Homes here. More>>>

Arctic Convoy Campaign Medal

19.04.04

The latest news on the campaign for a campaign medal for the veterans of the arctic convoy in the Second World War. More>>>

Good News on buses to QA Hospital

07.03.04

I have been pressing for bus services to be re-instated to Queen Alexandra Hospital. I amp pleased to learn that from Sunday 18th April, all bus services operated by First Bus to the Hospital will be running again More>>>

HEADS MUST ROLL IN CITY COUNCIL OVER TOWER DISGRACE

29.03.04

Mike Hancock MP has today called for the two most senior Councillors on Portsmouth City Council to take the honourable course and resign over their role in the Millennium Tower fiasco More>>>

Postal Packet Service for armed forces in Iraq

24.03.04

While I am pleased that the rollout of the Expenditionary Forces Facilities Institute will be complete by April 2004. I am disappointed that the concession for free packets has been withdrawn. More>>>

DEMOLITION STARTS ON TRICORN!!!

19.03.04

Demolition will start on Wednesday March 24th to demolish the Tricorn. You can ring the Tricorn hotline on Monday March 22nd and the morning of March 23rd for a chance to start the "cruncher" that will start demolishing the building. More>>>

MP demands that train company thinks again over scooters

16.03.04

Mike Hancock (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has written to South West Trains demanding that they thin again about not allowing scooters for disabled people on their trains. More>>>

The Tricorn's coming down!!!

10.03.04

Cllr Mike Hancock, MP for Portsmouth South and the Portsmouth City Councillor responsible for regeneration has today welcomed the news that the Tricorn will not be listed by the Department for Media, Culture and Sport. More>>>

Mike Hancock says that a public inquiry is now needed over Deepcut

04.03.2004

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) a member of the Defence Select Committee says that a full public inquiry conducted by a senior judge is what is now needed on the deaths at the Deepcut army base. More>>>

Grants available for local youth and community groups

I am urging local youth groups to apply for grants of up to £15,000 from the "Make Space Development Fund" established by the Nestle Trust. More>>>

Blair's hollow victories

Read my February 2004 column for the Portsmouth News on Tuition fees and the Hutton Inquiry More>>>

“Government must rethink on plans that are unfair to city tenants” – MP

30/01/2004

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem – Portsmouth South) has condemned Government proposals that will see council tenants in Portsmouth paying the Government back £9million (or approximately £562.50p per household) over 5 years to be spent in other areas of the country. More>>>

Mike Hancock says Labour MPs should stand by their election pledge on tuition fees

26/01/2004

Ahead of the vote tomorrow (Tuesday 27th January) in the House of Commons at 7pm on the Bill that would implement top-up university tuition fees, Portsmouth South Liberal Democrat MP, Mike Hancock today said that Labour MPs should stand by their election pledge not to introduce top-up fees. More>>>

MP says report shows logistics for Iraq War were a shambles and that “the jury is out” on defence review

11.12.03

Mike Hancock, MP (Lib Dem Portsmouth South) who is also a member of the Defence Select Committee has commented on today’s Defence White Paper and the report by the National Audit Office (NAO) on the logistical problems during the Iraq War. More>>>

St Mary's Babies

St Mary's Hospital in Milton may be left without any maternity services. I am campaigning to keep maternity services here. You can read more about my campaign and download a copy of petition. More>>>

Good News on medals

I am very pleased that the Government has announced that servicemen who served in the Suez Canal Zone between 1951-1954 will be awarded a general service medal.More>>>