Jim visited local nursery class Talking Tots this week to see toddlers raising money for charity.
The Talking Tots meet every Wednesday morning in Forest Hill Methodist Church in Normanton Street and the class helps toddlers learn how to communicate confidently.
On Wednesday, Jim attended to see a special Olympic themed class aimed at raising money for the children’s communication charity ICAN through their ‘Chatterbox Challenge’.
Jim said: “It was a great pleasure to see the Talking Tots group in action.
“The children seemed really enthused by the class and it’s a great way to get them learning alongside their parents.
“Not only was everybody having fun on Wednesday morning but also raising money for a great cause in ICAN.”
For more information about Talking Tots visit www.talkingtots.info or the special Dulwich and Forest Hill Talking Tots page on Facebook here.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2012

The recent low temperatures have triggered Cold Weather payments for residents in Lewisham West and Penge.
The Department for Work and Pensions make the £25 payment to help people dependent on certain benefits with heating costs.
The payments are triggered when the average temperature falls below zero degrees for seven consecutive days.
That happened over the last week, from January 30th to February 5th in areas covered by postcodes SE19, SE20, SE23, SE26, SE6 and BR3.
Jim said: “This shows just how cold it’s been recently and I know how important the additional payment is for the many people in Lewisham West and Penge on low and fixed incomes, particularly in these most difficult of times.
“It should not be necessary to make a claim as payments are supposed to be made automatically to those entitled to them, but anyone who feels that they may be entitled but do not receive a payment should contact the Pension, Disability and Carers Service, or Jobcentre Plus.”
The £25 should be paid automatically to certain recipients of income support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit.
Last winter, 17.2 million individual payments were made worth £430.8million.

TUESDAY FEBURARY 7, 2012

Jim met with officials from animal protection campaigners BUAV this week to support the call to end animal testing for cosmetic products.
Although there is a ban on testing within the UK and the EU, it does not stop products being tested on animals elsewhere in the world and shipped to Britain to be sold.
A marketing ban which would stop this happening - due to come into effect next year - is in danger of being delayed or watered down by the European Commission.
This could put hundreds of thousands more rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats in danger of being injected, gassed or force-fed cosmetics.
But Jim, along with BUAV, is demanding a total ban and encouraging people to sign the No Cruel Cosmetics petition.
Jim said: "Testing on animals for beauty products is despicable - we do not want cosmetics that have been developed this way being sold in the UK.
"More than 150,000 people have signed the petition - they clearly want a ban and I am delighted to join them in saying No to Cruel Cosmetics."
To add your support to the petition, visit www.nocruelcosmetics.org.
Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of the BUAV, said: "We are delighted to have support from Jim for our campaign to end cruel tests on animals for beauty products sold in the EU.  Testing on animals is cruel and unnecessary."
Jim is also lending his support to the latest BUAV campaign on the plight of non-human primates used in research - the Save Our Monkeys campaign.
At the end of last year BUAV sent a letter, signed by Jim and 32 other MPs, to the Prime Minister of Mauritius calling on him to help end the exploitation of the long-tailed macaque monkey.  More information on this campaign can be found at www.saveourmonkeys.mu.

THURSDAY JANUARY 19, 2012

Jim continues to support the campaign for a complete ban on wild animals in UK circuses.
A motion in the House of Commons in June received unanimous backing from MPs for a ban but the Tory/Lib Dem Government is yet to act.
Jim, who spoke at length in that debate, met representatives from Animal Defenders International (ADI) at his constituency office in Forest Hill last week.
He said: "I am fully behind ADI's campaign to ban wild animals from circuses and applaud the hard work they've done to make progress on this issue over the years.
"The public are overwhelmingly in favour of a ban and so I call on the Government to act and implement a ban without further delay."
Jan Creamer, Chief Executive of ADI, said: "We are extremely grateful to Jim for his support and for speaking out on behalf of the animals who suffer day in, day out in travelling circuses."
A public consultation by the Department for Environment, food and Rural Affairs last year showed that 95% of the public are in favour of a complete ban on wild animals in circuses but the current Government favour a licensing scheme instead.
See Jim speak in Parliament about the campaign here.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 15, 2011

The Department for Transport has finally agreed to fund the building of lifts at Crystal Palace station.
Jim has been campaigning with London Assembly Member Val Shawcross and other constituents for better access at the station.
There are currently no lifts or ramps between platforms, meaning access is impossible for hundreds of people in Crystal Palace.
Jim said: "I'm delighted that the money is finally being put forward to make this station accessible for all.
"Crystal Palace is an important station, especially now the East London line trains run from here, and it is a disgrace that it has been effectively out-of-bounds for disabled and elderly residents and young mothers with prams."
In July, Jim and Val Shawcross handed over a petition to London Mayor Boris Johnson demanding better access at the station and called on the Department for Transport to help fund the work.
The lifts should be in place by the end of 2014 at a cost of nearly £1 million.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 9, 2011

Jim joined shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy and former Major in the Parachute Regiment Dan Jarvis MP last week to publicise Labour's new offer to current and former members of the Armed Forces - join the Labour Party for just £1.
The offer is designed to recognise the vital role men and women in the military fulfil for our country and to show that the Labour Party values their contribution, not only on the front line but also in our politics. To sign up for the deal, simply visit www.labour.org.uk/armed-forces.
WEDNESDAY NOVERMBER 30, 2011

Jim visited The Red House residential care home in Forest Hill last week to learn about a campaign to support elderly people over Christmas.
Abbeyfield - who run the home in Gaynesford Road - are offering older constituents who may be on their own this Christmas a free lunch or overnight stay.
Anybody can nominate themselves, or a friend or relative if they are over 55 and currently living independently, to take advantage of the 'Companionship at Christmas' programme.
Jim said: "It was terrific to visit The Red House and meet all the residents and the wonderful staff.
"The Companionship at Christmas campaign is a great idea and I hope plenty of caring constituents think about nominating someone they know who might be lonely this Christmas."
The offer of overnight stays and Christmas lunches will run throughout the festive season from December 24th to January 4th.  To nominate yourself, or somebody you know, call Abbeyfield's Companionship at Christmas hotline on 0845 052 3553.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2011

Jim went back to school this week to speak to their in-house newspaper and give some tips to pupils campaigning to become Head Boy and Head Girl.
After a tour of Stewart Fleming Primary School in Penge - one of the most improved schools in the constituency - Jim sat down to speak to six young journalists from the school's newspaper (pictured).
The Stewart Fleming Mirror hacks asked Jim some probing questions such as 'How hard do you work?' and 'Do you get on with the other MPs?' in an exclusive interview for their next edition.
Jim said afterwards: "They asked more hard-hitting questions than on Question Time.
"I enjoyed their honesty and they seemed very interested in what I had to say - which makes a nice change!"
Year Six pupils at the school are currently campaigning to appoint a Head Boy and a Head Girl with the successful candidates receiving a budget of £500 to spend on the school however they see fit.
Jim heard from the candidates and gave them a few pointers before taking questions from the budding politicians of the future.
He said: "I was extremely impressed with the youngsters; all of them were bursting with enthusiasm and clearly enjoying school life.
"It is a testament to their teachers and Headteacher, Lee Mason-Ellis, for turning around a failing school into a bright, happy and exciting place for the kids to learn."

THURSDAY OCTOBER 6, 2011

The Boundary Commission this week published its proposals for the redrawing of Parliamentary constituencies, breaking up Lewisham West and Penge.
It would be the second change in as many elections for the wards currently in our constituency and would see Penge & Cator, Crystal Palace and Clock House wards revert back to the 'Beckenham' constituency, Bellingham ward form part of 'Lewisham and Catford' constituency and Forest Hill, Sydenham and Perry Vale form part of the new 'Dulwich and Sydenham' constituency.
The full plans can be viewed here.
Jim has already expressed his views in a consultation on the plans.  He said: "Lewisham West and Penge was created at the last election in certainly the biggest change to any constituency boundary in South London, if not the whole of London.
"The Boundary Commission for England's proposal in this reorganisation would again represent one of the biggest changes in London and one of only three cross-borough constituencies comprising Wards from four existing seats.
"I believe that this level of disruption at two successive General Elections is totally unreasonable and treats the people of this area with a degree of contempt that is wholly unwarranted.
"The current constituency has slowly become an identifiable entity to many people locally and has a clearer sense of community to the residents of Forest Hill and Sydenham (with Penge, Anerley and Crystal Palace) than an alignment with Dulwich and Peckham Rye would."
"As everyone knows, trying to establish a sense of local identity is difficult enough, particularly in Inner London, and this would be completely undermined by the scale of change proposed."
A consultation is open for members of the public to give their views on the possible changes until December 5th this year.  To take part click on the link here.

Jim has joined forces with charity Breast Cancer Campaign to increase support for its biggest fundraising event - Wear it Pink day.
The campaign day - Friday October 28th - will see supporters in schools, colleges and businesses throughout the country wear an item of pink and donate £2 to fund new breast cancer research.
Last year hundreds of thousands of supporters took part and Jim is hoping that even more will do the same this year.
He said: "There are 48,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in women each year.  Even men can suffer from breast cancer.
"I know people who have lost friends and family members to the disease and I would like to encourage everyone in Lewisham West and Penge to support 'Wear it Pink' on October 28th to raise much needed funds for further breast cancer research."
To take part in the day, visit www.wearitpink.co.uk and register to receive a free fundraising pack.
The Wear it Pink campaign is has been sponsored by Vanish - which has committed to raising £250,000 this year.


WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

Following the widespread violence and criminality across the capital last month, Jim is encouraging constituents to tell police what their priorities should be.
The Metropolitan Police Authority has launched its annual consultation, asking Londoners for their views on policing.
Jim said: "After the most serious scenes of public disorder and lawlessness that any of us can remember, this consultation takes on a greater prominence than ever.
"If the police can hear from us all about our concerns, then they can improve on the important job they do in policing our streets."
To take part in the consultation, simply complete a short questionnaire which is available online at www.mpa.gov.uk/publications/policingplans/haveyoursay or call 020 7202 0063 leaving your name and address and a copy will be sent out to you.  A telephone questionnaire is also available if you call the number above and leave your full name and telephone number.
The consultation closes on Friday November 25.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 02, 2011

Jim has condemned the recent riots that saw looting, vandalism, arson and violence on the streets of London.
Parliament was recalled from summer recess on Thursday and Jim was in the House of Commons for the Prime Minister's statement and the debate that followed.
He said: "I have been utterly appalled at the scenes on London's streets over the past few days.
"There has been no justification whatsoever for the extreme criminality we have seen; it was mindless thuggery and it has made people in Lewisham West and Penge feel extremely vulnerable.
"These rioters showed no respect for the law or for their fellow human beings, just greed and recklessness to a shocking extent.
"We must ask the question why do we have people in our society who are willing to go out and act in this way?
"Simplistic and knee-jerk theories will not get to the real answer to this question and we must establish a full inquiry into the events of this week.
"Judging by his comments yesterday, the Prime Minister disagrees but I am determined to raise this issue again once Parliament returns to work at the end of the summer."
Jim has been receiving regular updates from the Metropolitan Police Service who have pledged to keep extra officers on the street in the coming days.
"I would like to pay tribute to all the emergency servicemen and women who put themselves in danger to protect our community in the face of these rioters." Jim said.
"It was a near impossible task with police forces stretched to the limit but without them, the situation could have been a lot worse."
If any businesses in Lewisham have been affected by the riots, the Lewisham Business Advisory Service is offering free advice and support.  They can be contacted by telephone on 020 8297 4428 or e-mail at infobas@lewisham.gov.uk.
Lewisham council has also set up a one-off fund of £125,000 to support the business community through this time.  For more information call the Business Recovery Grant Advice line on 020 8314 7073.

Jim has called on London Mayor Boris Johnson to keep his word and provide step-free access at Crystal Palace station.
Jim presented a petition to Labour London Assembly Member Val Shawcross outside the station last week who will submit it to Mayor Johnson at City Hall.
More than 650 people signed the petition demanding fair access in the station which has no lifts or ramps between platforms.
Jim said: "This has gone on for too long.
"Crystal Palace station is effectively out of bounds to people in wheelchairs, mothers with pushchairs and those with mobility problems such as some elderly residents.
"It's time Boris and Transport for London stumped up the cash to make this station accessible for all."
For rail passengers to get from the platform to the street at Crystal Palace, they must tackle 119 steps.
The Department for Transport will make a decision in the Autumn on the Access for All funding and which bids are successful.

THURSDAY JULY 14, 2001

The London Overground East London line that opened last May has carried over 20 million passengers in its first year - an average of 85,000 per day.
The air conditioned carriages and quick connections have proved hugely popular with   residents of Crystal Palace, Penge, Anerley, Sydenham and Forest Hill.
The line connects stations in Lewisham West and Penge with East and North London and is due to be extended further to Clapham Junction by the end of next year.
Jim said: "I always knew this line would be popular with people here in the constituency but I didn't realise quite how popular.
"It has proved a fantastic addition to the transport network south of the river with frequent and comfortable journeys to the rest of London.
"I'm really looking forward to the 2012 extension which will complete the full orbital line around the capital."
Mike Brown, the Managing Director of London Rail, said: "The line is now a major transport artery connecting key hubs in north, east and south London.
"We expect the new high-capacity trains running on a reliable high-frequency timetable to continue to attract a lot more passengers as word gets around about this turn up and go service.
"With its link to Stratford it is an Olympic legacy arrived early and it has connected parts of London not previously well served by rail to the capital's wider transport network."

WEDNESDAY JUNE 29, 2011

Story from Bromley Times, Thursday May 11th.

Jim was at Downing Street last week to call for an urgent ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.
He joined Animal Defenders International (ADI), parliamentary colleagues and fellow animal rights campaigner Brian Blessed, to present the Prime Minister with a signed campaign postcard urging a ban.
The visit came just days after ADI had played a part in the release of Annie the Elephant from the Bobby Roberts circus where she had been the victim of repeated beatings and abuse.
Jim said: "Some 30 years ago, as a Labour councillor in Lewisham, I was pleased to vote with the majority of my council colleagues to deny the use of council property - Blackheath to be precise - to circuses using wild animals, thus becoming the first local authority in the country to do so.
"Despite the vitriolic right-wing attacks that were heaped upon us at the time, it is an idea that has attracted huge support ever since, as demonstrated by the government's own recent consultation.
"It is now the overwhelming view of the British people that our 21st century society has no place for such barbarism and the Tory/Liberals must act to reflect this immediately or be exposed as supporters of, or at the very least indifferent towards, cruelty to animals."
Jim has put his name to parliamentary Early Day Motion 403 calling for the long promised wild animal ban to be implemented.
Jan Creamer, ADI's Chief Executive, said: "We applaud Jim Dowd MP and the other MPs who are saying that 'enough is enough'.
"It is time to get this wild animal ban in place and stop this unnecessary suffering."

FRIDAY APRIL 8, 2011

Jim has shown his support for elephants by backing the International Fund for Animal Welfare's ivory surrender campaign.
Jim joined IFAW at the House of Commons to call on members of the public to send in any unwanted items of ivory they may have to ensure they do not end up back on the commercial market.
The campaign is aiming to highlight the illegal ivory trade after a shocking new poll from Ipsos MORI showed that more than half of adults in London are unaware that elephants have to die before their ivory can be obtained.
Jim said: "I am pleased to be backing the ivory surrender, and urge the good people of Lewisham West and Penge to send in unwanted items of ivory to IFAW and back their campaign for greater protection of elephants."
The global illegal trade in wildlife is estimated to be worth £12billion annually, second only to the illicit trade in drugs and arms.
Robbie Marsland, Director of IFAW UK, said: "Every piece of ivory represents a dead elephant.  We are therefore grateful to Jim for showing his commitment to elephant protection."
Jim was joined at the launch by Rowan Healey of the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit.
Anyone who would like to donate ivory to the surrender can e-mail ivory@ifaw.org.uk or call 020 7587 6709.  Further information can be found at www.ifaw.org/ivory.

FRIDAY APRIL 1, 2011

Labour's Jacq Paschoud pulled off a resounding win in Thursday's Bellingham by-election.
Jacq topped the polls with 1100 votes - a share of 51.3% with her closest rival, the Tories, languishing behind with just 15.9% of the vote.
The Lib Dems, who came second in last May's election, fell to third place with the Socialist candidate coming fourth and the Greens coming fifth.
The result is a resounding message to the Tory/Lib Dem government and the cuts they are imposing on the least well off in the country.
Jim backed Jacq to speak up for the people of Bellingham and was out campaigning in the ward on Thursday with other Labour supporters.  He said: "I've known Jacq for a long, long time and I know how dedicated she is to helping others.
"She knows what is important to local families and our community and will not let anyone down."
Jacq said: "I'm committed to campaigning hard to protect Bellingham services from the worst of the drastic cuts being imposed on the council by the Tory/Lib Dem government.
"People here rely on services such as Surestart and social care and many people work in the public sector.  The coalition are not only taking a huge gamble with the economy but they are also gambling with people's lives."
Thursday's by-election was called after the sad death of veteran Labour councillor Ron Stockbridge earlier this year.

FRIDAY MARCH 25, 2011

Jim has joined the world's biggest call to action to protect our planet as part of WWF's Earth Hour.
The Earth Hour, between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday March 26 will see the global skyline plunged into darkness as families, businesses and organisations across the world switch off their lights in a commitment to tackling climate change.
Jim was one of several MPs who pedalled a bike on Tuesday that powered up batteries, to be used during Earth Hour to project natural world images onto the Royal Albert Hall.
Jim said: "I'm delighted to be able to show my support for Earth Hour which reminds us all that we only have one planet Earth, and we will have to come together to protect it from Climate Change.
"I want to encourage everybody in Lewisham West and Penge to take part next Saturday evening."
Last year, Earth Hour saw 128 countries and territories join the campaign of climate action.
Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF UK, said: "The challenge for our future wellbeing could not be greater.  WWF's Earth Hour is a unique opportunity to join up with millions and millions of people from every time zone on the planet.
"The result is an urgent message that we want to reduce the impact our energy system has on our planet - a message so powerful that governments and business cannot fail to take notice.
"By acting now we can keep the future bright."
THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2011

Jim visited Sydenham School on Tuesday to see special presentations from pupils.
The Changemakers event, organised as part of the students' GCSE Citizenship course, saw interpretive dance, raps, poetry and moving presentations aiming to make positive change in our community.
The topics featured included campaigns against knife crime and domestic violence, the promotion of fair trade products, encouraging the school to recycle more and help for the homeless.
Jim said: "This is the fifth year I've been to the Changemakers event at Sydenham School and each year they continue to impress.
"These girls are clearly determined to make a difference and care about what they are talking about; it is encouraging to see.  They had some great ideas and some very interesting ways of communicating them.
"Well done to everybody at Sydenham School who has been involved - top marks!"

TUESDAY MARCH 8, 2001

Jim is backing calls to make bus travel easier for blind and partially sighted travellers.
The Guide Dogs' Talking Buses campaign aims to get audible and visual information systems - that clearly tell passengers the next stop -installed on new buses.
Jim said: "Many elderly or disabled people find it very difficult or practically impossible to use buses independently and with confidence as they fear being stranded at the wrong stop.
"They are often left feeling anxious and unsafe and many have given up using buses altogether.
"If there were clear announcements for every stop - like some buses already have - it would be so much easier for these people to travel by bus."
Trains and trams are already required to have the audible and visual information systems and now the Guide Dogs charity is calling on the Government to extend that requirement for all new buses.
Sue Sharp, Guide Dogs' Head of Public Policy and Campaigns, said: "A lack of information undermines the confidence and independence of vulnerable people who rely on buses to get around.
"Blind and partially sighted people, for example, cannot see where they are and others, including wheelchair users who sit backwards on buses, may not easily be able to identify their stop.
"Talking buses would improve travel for all passengers - including visitors to an area - hopefully encouraging more to leave their cars at home."
 
TUESDAY MARCH 8, 2011

Jim has awarded certificates of excellence to two pubs in the constituency.
The All Inn One in Perry Vale, Forest Hill and the Grape and Grain in Anerley Hill, Crystal Palace were selected by Jim to receive the awards from the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group.
Presenting the framed certificates on Thursday, Jim said: "These awards help recognise the important role pubs like these play in every community across the country.
"The All Inn One and the Grape and Grain are fantastic examples of a well run pub, serving good beer, good food and providing good company for the people of Lewisham West and Penge."
Landlady at the All Inn One, Julia Channon, said she was "honoured" to receive the certificate which comes just months after the pub was a runner up in the Lewisham Business Awards.
Rick Wright, landlord at the Grape and Grain, was delighted with the recognition and said: "It's great; it's nice to be acknowledged in this way and be given the support of our local MP."
The All Party Parliamentary Beer Group aims 'to promote the wholesomeness and enjoyment of beer and the unique role of the pub in UK society, to increase understanding of the social, cultural and historic role of brewing and pubs in the UK, and their value to tourism; to broaden the recognition of the contribution of brewing and pubs to employment and to the UK economy; to promote understanding of the social responsibility by the brewing and pub industries; to support the UK's brewing industry worldwide, and to promote a positive future for beer and the pub'.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2011

Jim is urging constituents to join him in supporting the British Heart Foundation's 'Mending Broken Hearts' appeal.
It aims to raise money to fund research that could help people with heart failure as a result of a heart attack.
Jim said: "This groundbreaking research could offer hope to the hundreds living with heart failure in our region.
"It's incredible to think that in as little as ten years time we could literally mend broken hearts.
"I urge everyone in Lewisham West and Penge to support this appeal and help make a cure for damaged hearts become a reality."
While the number of people dying from heart disease, including heart attacks, in Lewisham has fallen from 509 in 1994 to 282 in 2008, the number of people across the UK who are surviving heart attacks and living with heart failure has continued to rise.
To support the British Heart Foundation appeal, call 0300 333 0333 or visit www.bhf.org.uk/mbh to order an appeal pack.

WEDNESDAY FEBUARY 16, 2011

Jim has joined forces with leading campaign group Animal Defenders International to demand a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses.
After signing an Early Day Motion calling for an end to the mistreatment of wild animals, Jim met representatives from ADI last week to put pressure on the government.
Jim said: "Some 30 years ago, as a Labour councillor in Lewisham, I was pleased to vote with the majority of my council colleagues to deny the use of council property to circuses using wild animals, becoming the first local authority in the UK to do so.
"It is an idea that has attracted huge support ever since, as demonstrated by the government's own most recent public consultation.
"It is now the overwhelming view of the British people that our 21st century society has no place for such barbarism and the Tory/Liberals must act to reflect this immediately."
Jan Creamer, Chief Executive of ADI, said: "We applaud Jim Dowd MP for helping strike a blow for wild animals currently languishing in UK circuses."
ADI has provided the government with a wealth of evidence from undercover investigations graphically showing that random violence and abuse is an unfortunate part of everyday life for animals in circuses. 

MONDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2011

Bellingham ward councillor Ron Stockbridge sadly died in the early hours of Saturday January 15.
Born and brought up in Lewisham, Ron served as a councillor in the borough since 1971, serving former wards Blackheath and Lewisham Village, Churchdown and most recently Bellingham.  He was leader of the council from 1984 to 1985 and sat on the boards of Lewisham Homes and Phoenix Community Housing.
Jim said: "I've known Ron for the best part of 40 years, he was born and brought up in Bellingham and served the area with distinction for a large part of his life.
"We will always remember the tremendous work he did and he will be sorely missed."
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 19, 2011

Jim was a guest at Goldsmiths College on Saturday to see actor and Forest Hill resident Timothy Spall collect an honorary fellowship.
Jim met Tim, wife Shane and daughter Mercedes after the ceremony to offer his congratulations.
Tim's latest film, The King's Speech, where he played former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, has received 14 BAFTA nominations.
Jim said: "Timothy Spall is a local resident of whom we are immensely proud.
"His acting ability is something we should celebrate and I'm delighted Goldsmiths College has honoured him in this way.
"It was a great occasion and I know he was very proud as there is something of a family tradition with the college.  His daughter Mercedes received her Postgraduate Degree at the same ceremony on Saturday and his wife Shane is also a Goldsmiths graduate."

TUESDAY JANUARY 18, 2011

Jim is calling on the government to clear up the future of the Horniman Museum and Gardens in London Road, Forest Hill.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport cast doubt on the museum's funding allocation by declaring it will cut the museum's grant after 2014.
Jim tabled a parliamentary question last month asking the DCMS exactly what plans are in place to secure the future of one of London's best loved landmarks.
Jim said: "I have a huge affection for the Horniman Museum and a great admiration for the work it carries out. It is alarming to hear that the government want to cut its funding and it's absolutely essential that alternative investment be found so we can keep one of our constituency's most important landmarks."
The DCMS says it is looking for alternative sponsors for the museum along with six other museums across the UK.
Jim's question reads: "Which alternative bodies are being considered as potential sponsors for the Horniman Museum and Gardens for the period after 2014-15; when he expects the process of identifying sponsors to be concluded and what arrangements will be put in place should no such sponsor be identified".
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP, replied saying: "The Department has considered a number of potential sponsors and will make a statement once a new sponsor has been confirmed.  The Department hopes to conclude this process by April 2011. In the unlikely event that no new sponsorship arrangements can be found for the Horniman Museum, the Department will consider the needs of the museum along with its other sponsored bodies in the next spending review period."

Jim has backed calls for the government to stop experiments on wild-caught animals.
He met with other MPs and officials from BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) in Westminster to show his support for the campaign against the cruel trade in wild-caught primates for research.
Jim said: "I'm absolutely delighted to support BUAV's latest campaign.
"I'm a great admirer of the tireless work that they do to reduce and prevent the suffering and abuse of animals across the world.
"Animal welfare is an issue that I take very seriously and one that is close to my heart.  I will always back any campaign or organisation that promotes the welfare of animals and I encourage others to do the same."
Jim has also signed a recent early day motion - EDM 957 - which states; 'That this house calls on the government to completely dissassociate itself from the cruel trade in wild-caught primates for research; and further calls on the government to introduce a complete ban on the import of the offspring of wild-caught primates (F1 and F2 generations) and those from facilities which still capture primates from the wild.'
Jim is pictured above with (from left to right) Meg Munn MP, David Blunkett MP, Michelle Thew and Nick Palmer from BUAV.