In a photocall in Westminster, Ms O’Donnell, pledged her support to carers across East Lothian as part of the national awareness campaign, Carers Week, 10-16 June 2013. The week is an opportunity to celebrate the 6.5 million carers across the UK and raise awareness of the impact that caring has on people’s lives.

In 2013 Carers Week will be focusing on whether the nation is Prepared to Care? The campaign will highlight how the UK’s current carer population is coping, how effectively government is supporting the growing numbers of carers, and whether the wider population is prepared for future caring responsibilities.

As part of Carers Week, a number of events will be held in and around East Lothian to help carers access support and advice. Carers can find out what’s going on at www.carersweek.org.

Fiona O’Donnell MP said:

“Every day across East Lothian one in eight people care for a loved one in some form. This incredibly dedicated but largely hidden group of people, give up their time and often make life-changing sacrifices to care for someone else.

“This unpaid army of carers saves the UK an incredible £119 billion¹ every year. That’s why I believe that we must all be Prepared to Care for our carers and provide them with the help and support they need to undertake their caring roles.”

Actress and former carer, Lynda Bellingham, said: 

“My sister and I cared for our mother when she had Alzheimer’s and so I know first-hand the impact that caring can have on someone’s life. That’s why I’m supporting Carers Week because I believe it’s vital that help is made available, especially when you consider that every day 6,000 new people will take on a caring role for a loved one. Carers in this country do a fantastic job and we must come together to support them.”

Helen Clarke, Carers Week Manager, commented:

“It’s fantastic to see MPs taking a stand for carers. Carers form the backbone of our society and that’s why Carers Week is so incredibly important to not only recognise their contribution, but ensure they get the help and support they need.”

Carers Week is delivered by a partnership of national charities – Age UK, Carers Trust, Carers UK, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, MS Society, Parkinson’s UK and supported by the Stroke Association and Bupa’s Carewell. In 2013 it is sponsored by Sainsbury’s Plc and the sector skills council in England Skills for Care.

Ms O’Donnell met up with the North Berwick group, who were undertaking a range of activities during their trip down to London, and showed them around the Parliamentary estate.  They saw the Speaker’s procession and all the pomp and ceremony that goes with that, and also found out more about Ms O’Donnell’s role representing East Lothian at the UK Parliament.

Speaking after the visit, Fiona O’Donnell MP said:

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome constituents to Westminster and show them around, but I particularly enjoy it when young people from East Lothian visit.  A group of students from North Berwick High have visited every year since I was first elected and I always look forward to meeting them at Parliament.

“I hope the latest group of students enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about what happens at Westminster and see some of its famous landmarks. It’s particularly pleasing to see the reactions of those who are in London for the first time.  The students were certainly a credit to their school and North Berwick. I also want to say a huge thanks to the teachers who really go above and beyond in supporting young people to have such a great experience.”

HLF is making at least £1million available per year for six years until 2019.  It will provide grants of between £3,000 to £10,000 to enable groups right across the UK to explore, conserve and share their First World War heritage and deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict.

Ms O’Donnell is urging local people to think about how they would like to mark the Centenary.  Successful projects will include:

• researching, identifying and recording local heritage;
• creating a community archive or collection;
• developing new interpretation of heritage through exhibitions, trails, smartphone apps etc;
• researching, writing and performing creative material based on heritage sources; and

 The new programme can also provide funding for the conservation of war memorials.

 Fiona O’Donnell MP said:

“I’m delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is making this money available to local communities.  Like many areas across the UK, the impact of the First World War on the people of East Lothian was extensive.   For those who want to find out more about its legacy or who wish to mark the Centenary, I would urge them to get in touch with HLF.”    

Sebastian Faulks CBE, broadcaster, novelist, author of Birdsong and member of the Government’s First World War Centenary advisory group, said:

“HLF’s First World War small grants programme is an opportunity for every street, town or village to make sure they remember the cataclysmic events of a hundred years ago. It is a chance to learn and to commemorate in whatever way they choose.”

Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of HLF, said:

“The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond. The Heritage Lottery Fund’s new programme will enable communities to explore the continuing legacy of this war and help young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it shaped our modern world.”

HLF has already invested £12million in projects – large and small – that will mark the Centenary of First World War. If a group have a project idea to mark the Centenary of the First World War, an online application pack is available http://www.hlf.org.uk/ThenAndNow.  If a group needs a grant of more than £10,000 for a First World War project, it can apply to HLF through its open programmes.

ActionAid has collected thousands of petition signatures from around the UK on symbolic ‘grains of wheat’, which today were combined to create a ‘field’ of wheat outside the Houses of Parliament, bringing the call direct to the doorstep of Government.

Fiona O’Donnell MP said:

“Biofuels were introduced in good faith as a ‘renewable’ fuel, but the evidence now shows that most biofuels produce more greenhouse gas emissions than the fossil fuels they were designed to replace. Worse still, growing crops to make fuel instead of food drives up global food prices, hitting those that can least afford it. The UK must end biofuels targets that are driving hunger, both at home and in Europe. There also needs to be a push for research and development in renewable biofuels.

“On 17 June, David Cameron and other G8 leaders have a chance to tackle the problem of biofuels, and the other causes of hunger and save millions of lives.  I am urging people in East Lothian to help raise awareness of the impact of biofuels and ask the Prime Minister to act on the causes of hunger now by visiting www.actionaid.org.uk/food-not-fuel.”

Furthermore biofuel policies and targets around the world are encouraging international investors to grab land cheaply in poor countries to create biofuel plantations, meaning people are forced off the land which they rely on for their food, water and livelihoods.

Lucy Hurn, ActionAid Biofuels Campaign Manager said: 

“Every year in the UK we burn enough food crops in our cars to feed 15 million people – crops grown in poor countries where millions of people are going hungry. In June Energy Ministers from across Europe will be taking crucial decisions on the future of biofuels in Europe. We’re calling on Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, to ensure the UK takes a lead in Europe to demand an end the madness of burning food for fuel.”

The European Union is currently in the process reforming European biofuels policy. Campaigners are calling for the UK government to take a lead in the negotiations which present a key opportunity to rule out the use of biofuels which cause hunger and climate change.

The call for Food not Fuel is part of the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign, a coalition of over 180 organisations, including Action Aid, Oxfam and Christian Aid, calling for the UK and world leaders to act on hunger.

Find out more by clicking here: www.actionaid.org.uk/foodnotfuel

Ms O’Donnell was shown the wonderful work that the school and the nursery have been doing on the activities around the world undertaken by the international development charity Water Aid. 

Each class in the school has been learning about a specific country and the work that Water Aid does there.  The MP was taken to each classroom where the children told her what they had learned about countries such as Nigeria, India, Ghana and Malawi.

The school also held a Macmillan Coffee morning in the dining hall, with Fairtrade tea and coffee sourced by P2 pupils.  There was also some art work on sale in each of the classrooms and all of the money collected will be donated to Water Aid.

Speaking after her visit, Fiona O’Donnell MP said:

“I want to thank all the pupils and staff at St Martin’s for inviting me to come and see their Water Aid showcase.  It was clear they had put a huge amount of effort into the project and had been very creative in the way they displayed what they had learnt about Water Aid’s work. But it was also obvious that they had taken on board the important message about the vital need to increase access to clean water and sanitation in many parts of the world.

“Time and time again, schools in East Lothian are leading the way when it comes to education about development issues and taking practical action to help people in need in other countries.  Giving children and young people the opportunity to learn about these issues and the problems their peers in developing nations experience, is really valuable and gives them much to think about.”

Britain faces some serious challenges but after three wasted years of Government under the Tories and their Lib Dem allies, this week’s Queen’s Speech was another wasted opportunity.

With prices rising faster than wages, the economy flatling and one million young people out of work, the Tory-led Government has been criticised for cutting taxes by an average of £100,000 for 13,000 people earning over £1 million instead of meeting the big challenges facing Britain. 

Fiona O’Donnell MP said:

“People in East Lothian see a Prime Minister without direction and a country where things are getting worse not better.  The economy is flat-lining, wages are down £1,700 since 2010 and living standards are being squeezed. Yet all they hear is David Cameron telling people that they are better off, when they know the reality: they are actually much worse off.

“The Queen’s Speech was an opportunity to rebuild our economy and get people back into work but instead it offered no change and no hope. Energy bills, water bills, paying the mortgage, the cost of getting to work – these are the issues that are worrying families in East Lothian but the Government has absolutely nothing to say about it.

“This tired and failing Government is out of touch, out of ideas and unable to bring about the change hard-working people in East Lothian so desperately need.”

David Cameron suggested that the Government could not produce the legislation because it is still consulting on the issue. But its consultation actually closed last August. Ms O’Donnell highlighted this fact and asked the Prime Minister why his Government is failing to act to increase protection for children on this issue?

Speaking afterwards, Fiona O’Donnell MP said:

“Health professionals and campaigners agree that introducing plain packaging of tobacco products would help to reduce the number of children and young people taking up the habit and exposed to secondhand smoke. There is also widespread public support for the measure, with over 60 per cent of people backing plain packaging for cigarette packs. So the Government’s decision not to bring forward a bill on this issue is a serious public health failure. 

“I also find it astonishing that the Prime Minister appeared to be unaware that the consultation on the issue closed last summer.  It begs the question, who is he listening to and what kind of priorities are they pushing?  I will continue to argue for the Government to take action on plain packaging to help protect children and young people and reduce the harm caused by smoking.”

Scams are schemes to cheat people out of their money. There are hundreds of scams: fake lotteries and prize draws, bogus health cures, dodgy investment schemes, pyramid selling, phishing – to name just a few. New scams appear as more people become aware of them and as criminals try to keep one step ahead.

Every year more than three million people in the UK fall victim to scams losing hundreds and even thousands of pounds. It is estimated that nearly half of people in the UK (48 per cent) have been targeted by a scam and that £3.5 billion is lost to scams every year. People from all walks of life get taken in because scammers are clever and always developing new types of scam.

Fiona O’Donnell MP said:

“There are hundreds of different types of scam and people from all walks of life can be conned because the criminals carrying out these cons are devious and always on the lookout for new ways to take our money.  But the fact that they very often prey on the most vulnerable in our communities is of greatest concern to me.

“I welcome Scams Awareness Month as a good way to raise awareness and give people the knowledge they need to be able to spot scams in the first place; report them, and get the advice they need to help protect themselves in future.  Anyone seeking more information about how to avoid falling victim to scams should visit www.cas.org.uk/stopscams or call 08454 04 05 06 for consumer advice.”

Iain Gray MSP said:

“A number of constituents have told me about their experience of scams over the years.  Sometimes they have cost the individual concerned hundreds or even thousands of pounds, not to mention undue hassle and stress. So it is a real concern if only five per cent of scam victims report their experience to the police. 

“While it can feel embarrassing to fall victim to a con, we know that almost half of us have experienced scams of one kind or another, so reporting them is essential to help the police to crack down on these criminals and to fight back against the scammers. It is easy to report scams – just call Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime, on 0300 123 2040.” 

Citizens Advice Scotland offers the following advice on scams:

How to spot a scam  

All these are signs that it might be a scam: 

• The call, letter, e-mail or text has come out of the blue
• You’ve never heard of the lottery or competition they are talking about
• You didn’t buy a ticket – so I can’t win it!
• They are asking you to send money in advance
• They are saying you have to respond quickly, so you don’t get time to think about it or ask family and friends before you decide
• They are telling you to keep it a secret
• They seem to be offering you something for nothing  
• If it seems too good to be true – it probably is!  

How to protect yourself better  

These are some things you can do: 

• Never give out contact details like your name, phone number or address to strangers or to people who should have this information already
• Never give financial information or details of your identity, bank accounts or credit card to strangers or to the businesses that should already hold your details
• Shred anything with your personal or bank details on – don’t just throw it away
• If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up
• Persuasive sales patter? Just say: “No Thank You”
• Take your time – resist pressure to make a decision straight away
• Never send money to someone you don’t know
• Walk away from job adverts that ask for money in advance
• Ask friends, neighbours or family about whether an offer is likely to be a scam  

For more information

Get online consumer advice and information at: www.adviceguide.org.uk

Phone the Citizens Advice Consumer service 08454 04 05 06 for advice.

Check the Action Fraud alerts to common scams/ frauds www.actionfraud.police.uk/news

Inwood Garden, Carberry, which was started from scratch in 1984, has become one of the most renowned in East Lothian.  It is featured in the Good Gardens Guide and is a Royal Horticultural Society Recommended Garden.

All the takings from the annual open day go to support charities including the Queens Institute of Nursing, the National Trust for Scotland’s Gardens section, Maggies Centres and Perennial – a charity for retired gardeners. 

Fiona O’Donnell MP said:

“I really enjoyed my visit to Inwood Garden, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in East Lothian.  I was hugely impressed by it and the remarkable commitment and hard work of Lindsay Morrison over a period of almost 30 years was plain to see.  The plaudits and awards she has received for the quality of the garden are clearly very well deserved.

“It was good to see so many people at the open day enjoying the stunning displays and learning more about the garden.”

For more information about Inwood Garden, visit www.inwoodgarden.com/index.html

Mr Gray has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating Jacobsen, who started his career at Preston Lodge Rugby Club, on ending his career with Edinburgh Rugby, which follows his retirement from international rugby with Scotland last year.

The motion celebrates his 16-year career at the club where he was the longest-serving player and set the record for most appearances, highlights his 65 caps for Scotland, which makes him the most capped prop in Scotland’s history, and wishes him well for the future.

Iain Gray MSP said:

“Allan Jacobsen, popularly known as ‘Chunk’, has been an absolutely outstanding ambassador for rugby and East Lothian throughout his career.  The 16 years’ service he gave to Edinburgh and his decade as a Scottish internationalist, winning 65 caps to be the most capped prop in Scotland’s history, has ensured his place among the legends of the sport.

“But the fact that he has also maintained his close connection with East Lothian and remains a strong supporter of the local community, is testimony to the kind of man he is.  I was pleased to table my motion acknowledging his huge contribution to rugby and his local community, and wish him every success with the future.”

Fiona O’Donnell MP added:

“East Lothian is fortunate in having many local sporting heroes.  Allan Jacobsen has more than earned his place among them through his immense contribution to Scottish rugby.  I know that he will continue to be a strong supporter of community sport in Prestonpans and the rest of the county, and want to put on record my congratulations for his many significant achievements over the years.”