Jordan's Journal

The current situation in Israel and Gaza Strip is deeply concerning. I've been contacted by a number of people in Colchester asking me to urge the Government to act to bring an end to the current wave of violence.

Like many people across the country, I have been very concerned by the up surge in violence in the Gaza Strip over recent days. I have been horrified by the scale of the lose of life in Gaza, together with the fear that many other innocent lives may be lost if Israel does not cease its attacks.

These events make a dangerous time in the region. I support the calls for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Indeed, the Government has already said that there must be an urgent ceasefire and immediate halt to all violence. The deteriorating humanitarian situation is deeply disturbing. Israel must abide by its humanitarian obligations and assist the prompt and sufficient delivery of food, fuel and medicine into the Gaza Strip.

It is already clear that there is a clear consensus in the international community to support an end to the violence and a quick resumption of peace talks.

The violence we have seen over recent days, for me, reflects a frustration and weakness in the ongoing search for the two-state solution. While I understand why Israel maintains that its actions are in defence of its citizens living near the Gaza border, it is clear that the interests of all sides will only be served through the creation of a viable Palestinian state existing alongside a safe and secure Israel. 

I hope that as 2008 draws to a close, so to the violence will draw to a close, and that as 2009 begins we see a return to peace and a renewed political process.

The current situation in Israel and Gaza Strip is deeply concerning. I've been contacted by a number of people in Colchester asking me to urge the Government to act to bring an end to the current wave of violence.

Like many people across the country, I have been very concerned by the up surge in violence in the Gaza Strip over recent days. I have been horrified by the scale of the lose of life in Gaza, together with the fear that many other innocent lives may be lost if Israel does not cease its attacks.

These events make a dangerous time in the region. I support the calls for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Indeed, the Government has already said that there must be an urgent ceasefire and immediate halt to all violence. The deteriorating humanitarian situation is deeply disturbing. Israel must abide by its humanitarian obligations and assist the prompt and sufficient delivery of food, fuel and medicine into the Gaza Strip.

It is already clear that there is a clear consensus in the international community to support an end to the violence and a quick resumption of peace talks.

The violence we have seen over recent days, for me, reflects a frustration and weakness in the ongoing search for the two-state solution. While I understand why Israel maintains that its actions are in defence of its citizens living near the Gaza border, it is clear that the interests of all sides will only be served through the creation of a viable Palestinian state existing alongside a safe and secure Israel. 

I hope that as 2008 draws to a close, so to the violence will draw to a close, and that as 2009 begins we see a return to peace and a renewed political process.

The current situation in Israel and Gaza Strip is deeply concerning. I've been contacted by a number of people in Colchester asking me to urge the Government to act to bring an end to the current wave of violence.

Like many people across the country, I have been very concerned by the up surge in violence in the Gaza Strip over recent days. I have been horrified by the scale of the lose of life in Gaza, together with the fear that many other innocent lives may be lost if Israel does not cease its attacks.

These events make a dangerous time in the region. I support the calls for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Indeed, the Government has already said that there must be an urgent ceasefire and immediate halt to all violence. The deteriorating humanitarian situation is deeply disturbing. Israel must abide by its humanitarian obligations and assist the prompt and sufficient delivery of food, fuel and medicine into the Gaza Strip.

It is already clear that there is a clear consensus in the international community to support an end to the violence and a quick resumption of peace talks.

The violence we have seen over recent days, for me, reflects a frustration and weakness in the ongoing search for the two-state solution. While I understand why Israel maintains that its actions are in defence of its citizens living near the Gaza border, it is clear that the interests of all sides will only be served through the creation of a viable Palestinian state existing alongside a safe and secure Israel. 

I hope that as 2008 draws to a close, so to the violence will draw to a close, and that as 2009 begins we see a return to peace and a renewed political process.

With this years Queen's Speech, the Labour Government has produced a Legislative Programme which symbolises fair chances and fair rules. Today we saw a range of new laws proposed that will help to stabilise the economy. The Queen also set out how the Government plans to ensure that fair rules are applied to people who seek to live in the UK from abroad. Labour has also committed to enshrining in law our historic commitment to eradicate child poverty, something that I personally welcome, as well as the many other moves to improve schools and assessments for children.

On Wednesday, Labour committed itself to build a fairer future for everyone in Britain. By doing more to help those affected by this economic downturn from losing their homes through repossession and giving people a fair chance in life through lifelong access to education, training and apprenticeships.

The Queen's Speech shows how we plan to enforce fair rules so that those who work hard are properly rewarded – and those who try to game the system will face the consequences.    

The dividing lines have been clearly drawn. The Conservatives would do nothing to give real help to families and businesses in Colchester. It is no accident that they have chosen this course – it is the same unfair Conservative instinct that abandoned people, families and communities to sink or swim in the 1980s and 1990s. The Queen’s Speech makes it crystal clear that Labour will do all that it takes to safeguard the economy. No wonder the Tories don’t back our plans - it’s now plain for people everywhere to see that they would simply walk away from the tough decisions and let families and businesses in Colchester and across the country go to the wall.

With this years Queen's Speech, the Labour Government has produced a Legislative Programme which symbolises fair chances and fair rules. Today we saw a range of new laws proposed that will help to stabilise the economy. The Queen also set out how the Government plans to ensure that fair rules are applied to people who seek to live in the UK from abroad. Labour has also committed to enshrining in law our historic commitment to eradicate child poverty, something that I personally welcome, as well as the many other moves to improve schools and assessments for children.

On Wednesday, Labour committed itself to build a fairer future for everyone in Britain. By doing more to help those affected by this economic downturn from losing their homes through repossession and giving people a fair chance in life through lifelong access to education, training and apprenticeships.

The Queen's Speech shows how we plan to enforce fair rules so that those who work hard are properly rewarded – and those who try to game the system will face the consequences.    

The dividing lines have been clearly drawn. The Conservatives would do nothing to give real help to families and businesses in Colchester. It is no accident that they have chosen this course – it is the same unfair Conservative instinct that abandoned people, families and communities to sink or swim in the 1980s and 1990s. The Queen’s Speech makes it crystal clear that Labour will do all that it takes to safeguard the economy. No wonder the Tories don’t back our plans - it’s now plain for people everywhere to see that they would simply walk away from the tough decisions and let families and businesses in Colchester and across the country go to the wall.

With this years Queen's Speech, the Labour Government has produced a Legislative Programme which symbolises fair chances and fair rules. Today we saw a range of new laws proposed that will help to stabilise the economy. The Queen also set out how the Government plans to ensure that fair rules are applied to people who seek to live in the UK from abroad. Labour has also committed to enshrining in law our historic commitment to eradicate child poverty, something that I personally welcome, as well as the many other moves to improve schools and assessments for children.

On Wednesday, Labour committed itself to build a fairer future for everyone in Britain. By doing more to help those affected by this economic downturn from losing their homes through repossession and giving people a fair chance in life through lifelong access to education, training and apprenticeships.

The Queen's Speech shows how we plan to enforce fair rules so that those who work hard are properly rewarded – and those who try to game the system will face the consequences.    

The dividing lines have been clearly drawn. The Conservatives would do nothing to give real help to families and businesses in Colchester. It is no accident that they have chosen this course – it is the same unfair Conservative instinct that abandoned people, families and communities to sink or swim in the 1980s and 1990s. The Queen’s Speech makes it crystal clear that Labour will do all that it takes to safeguard the economy. No wonder the Tories don’t back our plans - it’s now plain for people everywhere to see that they would simply walk away from the tough decisions and let families and businesses in Colchester and across the country go to the wall.

I was sad to read comments from The Mercury Theatre in The Times yesterday criticising of the Government’s scheme for theatre tickets for young people. I appreciate people have concerns about the proposals, but this level of scepticism of was certainly not in keeping with the festive time of year. In September, the Government announced plans for a £2.5 million pound scheme, starting in February 2009, that will allow millions of under 26 year-olds across the UK to experience going to the theatre for free.

Students at local schools, and at the University of Essex, are just a small proportion of the young people in Colchester who will directly benefit from the Government’s plans. Even those young people not directly involved in the arts will have the opportunity to learn more about the theatre by being able to go for free.

I feel the scheme goes further than simply getting young people interested in arts and culture. It’s about inclusion, breaking down barriers and inspiring young people.

It is encouraging to see institutions like The National Theatre already leading the way on this, by introducing £5 tickets for under-20s. This creates greater access to the arts for young people regardless of their social and economic background. Theatres and arts centres’ must encourage and support this investment, so that there work can be brought to a whole new audience who in turn will get the chance to enjoy the best our theatre has to offer.

I was sad to read comments from The Mercury Theatre in The Times yesterday criticising of the Government’s scheme for theatre tickets for young people. I appreciate people have concerns about the proposals, but this level of scepticism of was certainly not in keeping with the festive time of year. In September, the Government announced plans for a £2.5 million pound scheme, starting in February 2009, that will allow millions of under 26 year-olds across the UK to experience going to the theatre for free.

Students at local schools, and at the University of Essex, are just a small proportion of the young people in Colchester who will directly benefit from the Government’s plans. Even those young people not directly involved in the arts will have the opportunity to learn more about the theatre by being able to go for free.

I feel the scheme goes further than simply getting young people interested in arts and culture. It’s about inclusion, breaking down barriers and inspiring young people.

It is encouraging to see institutions like The National Theatre already leading the way on this, by introducing £5 tickets for under-20s. This creates greater access to the arts for young people regardless of their social and economic background. Theatres and arts centres’ must encourage and support this investment, so that there work can be brought to a whole new audience who in turn will get the chance to enjoy the best our theatre has to offer.

I was sad to read comments from The Mercury Theatre in The Times yesterday criticising of the Government’s scheme for theatre tickets for young people. I appreciate people have concerns about the proposals, but this level of scepticism of was certainly not in keeping with the festive time of year. In September, the Government announced plans for a £2.5 million pound scheme, starting in February 2009, that will allow millions of under 26 year-olds across the UK to experience going to the theatre for free.

Students at local schools, and at the University of Essex, are just a small proportion of the young people in Colchester who will directly benefit from the Government’s plans. Even those young people not directly involved in the arts will have the opportunity to learn more about the theatre by being able to go for free.

I feel the scheme goes further than simply getting young people interested in arts and culture. It’s about inclusion, breaking down barriers and inspiring young people.

It is encouraging to see institutions like The National Theatre already leading the way on this, by introducing £5 tickets for under-20s. This creates greater access to the arts for young people regardless of their social and economic background. Theatres and arts centres’ must encourage and support this investment, so that there work can be brought to a whole new audience who in turn will get the chance to enjoy the best our theatre has to offer.