2009 News

Helen Whately calls for honesty in the debate over equipment for British forces in Afghanistan.

When asked to comment on the growing debate about the number of helicopters available to the British Army in Afghanistan, Helen Whately responded, “I support the presence of our troops in Afghanistan. I think we should be there, but the Government needs to communicate much more clearly about the objectives and the time they will take to achieve. I believe our objective in Afghanistan is to make sure Al-Qaeda cannot have 'safe havens' there, where they can train terrorists and coordinate attacks on British people.”

She went on to say “We have to give the Army the equipment that it needs to fufil the objectives set. It is clear that this is not happening under the present Labour government. Gordon Brown is not being honest when he says that there has been a 60% increase in the number of helicopters, as there has been 100% increase in the number of troops. It is time for a more honest debate, not just on the number of helicopters, but on whether the Army is getting the equipment it needs. If the Government is not committed to the mission on Afghanistan (and so not prepared to foot the bill) they should be honest about that. It is not fair on the men risking their lives to continue otherwise. ”

More security needed for Tolworth Hospital staff
Annual Security Report for SW London and St George’s Mental Health Trust
reveals still serious security risks despite improvements. Serious concerns have
been raised by the latest report on security at SW London and St George’s
Mental Health Trust.

The report recommends a 24 hour security presence at Tolworth Hospital and
suggests staff should be Security trained. Currently there is no security presence
at the site during working hours, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, staff
lack security training and police to not always respond when requested.

Staff at Tolworth suffered 74 physical assaults during 2008/9. Although many of
these are relatively minor (and carried out by patients possibly unaware of their
actions due to medication) there are also likely to be many incidents unreported.
The report suggests many staff may see violence as just part of their job.

The Trust has launched initiatives to improve security and the drop in recorded
incidents from 584 to 372 suggests these may be working, but the
recommendations in the report show there is clearly much more to be done to
make the Mental Health facilities safer for staff and patients. The report also
raises concerns about security at nearby Springfield Hospital and the
inappropriate methods of transport used for high risk patients, which include taxis.

Commenting on the report, Helen Whately said “This report raises serious
questions about security at Tolworth hospital. South West London Mental Health
Trust does have a history of security problems and though they have made
improvements there is clearly more to do.

It is worrying that the police do not respond when called, according
to the report. I am writing to the Borough Commander to ask for an explanation. I
welcome that a report has been prepared and made public, but now the Mental
Health Trust must do what is necessary to make sure staff and patients are safe.”

South West Trains plan a surprise for commuters returning from holiday later this month. 10th Aug 2009
On Monday 10th August South West Trains intend to permanently close the south entrance to New Malden station. Regular station users and local businesses have been taken by surprise by the decision – although it turns out that the council has known for some time as they were consulted by South West Trains. Why has SW Trains kept it quiet until now, were they hoping everyone would be away on holiday in August and wouldn’t notice? And why did the Council keep it quiet too?
 
These are just some of the questions Helen Whately is asking South West Trains and Kingston Council in her correspondence with them. She has written to the Managing Director of SW Trains raising concerns about the closure, including the risk of overcrowding in the underpass, and asking the company to think again. Cllr Mary Clark has also raised serious health and safety concerns.
 
Helen Whately commented; “I am shocked at this decision to close an entrance. I understand the rationale for ticket barriers, but SW Trains should work out a way to install them without compromising access. Rather than reducing access to stations, the company should be improving access and particularly making it easier for the elderly, people with disabilities and mums with pushchairs to get to the platforms. This is a step in the wrong direction.”