Stephen Robinson - working for Chelmsford and for you

Stephen is Liberal Democrat candidate for Chelmsford, campaigning to be elected as the MP at the coming General Election. He was a close second last time. See below for recent news stories from Stephen.

In Chelmsford, elections are always between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. No-one else can win in Chelmsford.

Locally, the Lib Dems are a strong opposition on Chelmsford Borough Council and hold ALL five of the Essex County Council seats in the Chelmsford town area. Lib Dems will use this position to continue to challenge the Conservatives' damaging policies on the environment (such as housing and new road building).

We need REAL change

As the Labour government staggers to defeat, we need REAL change to fix today's problems, not just a change of faces in government.

• Fairer society - tax cuts for middle and low earners, healthy and safe communities

• Green jobs - for a fairer economy

• Clean up politics - www.takebackpower.org

Recent news about Stephen Robinson

Thu 4th Mar 2010:

Conservative plans will devastate schools.

School budgets across the board would be cut if the Conservatives are allowed to implement "unfunded" policies. The figures emerge from a report from independent think-tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson commented: "This report confirms the Conservatives' proposals would be disastrous for thousands of schools, wrecking opportunities for millions of children.

Thu 18th Feb 2010:

Online vote to get Chelmsford children play equipment.

Children in north west Chelmsford are hoping that an online vote scheme will get them a grant for a five-a-side pitch. Lib Dem MP hopeful Stephen Robinson has voted for it and hopes you will too.

Mon 15th Feb 2010:

Conservatives abandon environment as a priority.

The Conservatives today published a list of 'Ten reasons to vote Conservative' but none of the ten included any reference to the environment or climate change. This is despite David Cameron's claim that he has 'sought to push the environment up to the top of the political agenda'. Commented Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson, "Local council decisions on housing allocations have already shown that the Conservatives are not really concerned about the environment. This is just further proof."

Fri 5th Feb 2010:

Liberal Democrats launch policy to end empty homes scandal.

Liberal Democrats in Chelmsford have set out plans to bring empty houses back into use, making homes available for people who need them and creating local jobs. Stephen Robinson, who is bidding to be the town's Liberal Democrat MP, commented: "Allowing houses to sit empty whilst families are waiting for a home is nothing short of a scandal. There are 1,551 empty houses in Chelmsford and 18,170 across Essex.

Fri 29th Jan 2010:

Chelmsford pensioners miss cold weather payments.

Nearly 2,000 pensioners in Chelmsford eligible for special Cold Weather Payments due to the recent weather, are failing to claim the money, according to analysis of government figures by the Liberal Democrats.

Fri 22nd Jan 2010:

Holocaust Memorial Day - 27 January 2010.

Local residents are invited to a Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration next Wednesday (27th January 2010) 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Hylands House, near Chelmsford. The event is hosted by Chelmsford Borough Council and is on the international day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides. Commented local Lib Dem Stephen Robinson, "I think it is important that everyone remembers what can happen if you start down the slippery path of singling out different groups in society just because of their background. Wherever we are born, whatever our backgrounds, we are all people entitled to non-discrimination."

Tue 19th Jan 2010:

More traffic chaos for White Hart Lane / Beaulieu Park / north Springfield .

Traffic on White Hart Lane in Springfield / north east Chelmsford is certain to get worse before it gets better, if housing plans for the area get the go-ahead. The news emerged at a public meeting last night (18 January), following persistent questioning from local residents and Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson.

Mon 11th Jan 2010:

Robinson and Clegg put fairness at the heart of the Liberal Democrat manifesto.

Fairness is the value that connects everything the Liberal Democrats want to achieve and will be at the heart of the Party's election manifesto, according to Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, speaking today. Chelmsford campaigner Stephen Robinson (aiming to become the local MP) explained that the Lib Dems have four priorities for a fairer Britain: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics; and a fair, green economy with jobs that last.

Thu 31st Dec 2009:

The Change Chelmsford needs in 2010.

Chelmsford needs REAL change in 2010. It needs an MP who will stand up for the area and its residents. It needs clean politics - radical change to the system, not just new faces at the top. Only the Liberal Democrats will deliver a fairer Britain (http://is.gd/5HLCu) and new, green jobs (http://is.gd/5HPhz) - says MP candidate Stephen Robinson.

Tue 22nd Dec 2009:

Children's fitness report reveals Playstation generation.

Today's British Medical Journal reveals there has been a large and worrying decline in children's fitness. Commented Norman Lamb MP (Lib Dem Shadow Health Secretary): "Ministers should ensure that the Olympic legacy will help to reverse this disturbing trend." Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson added, "As the parent of a Nintendo Wii fan, I am very aware of the need to limit use of games machines. It's not just about good physical health but also the mental health of the next generation."

Fri 18th Dec 2009:

Liberal Democrats renew pledge to abolish tuition fees.

The Liberal Democrats have announced that they will keep their policy of abolishing university tuition fees in their manifesto for the 2010 General Election. Chelmsford Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Stephen Robinson welcomed the news, saying, "At Chelmsford's own university and elsewhere I have met students burdened by massive debts as a result of tuition fees - backed by Labour and the Conservatives.

Sat 12th Dec 2009:

Chelmsford commuters would rather work near home.

Commuters making the daily train trip from Chelmsford to London would rather work nearer home, even if that means taking a pay cut. That was the conclusion of research undertaken by Stephen Robinson and Chelmsford Liberal Democrats.

Mon 7th Dec 2009:

Passengers Face Two Years of Lame Duck National Express Rail Franchise.

A call has been made for National Express to lose its East Anglia rail franchise immediately, not to wait for two years. The Government announced that the NXEA franchise (affecting services from Chelmsford to London and to Norfolk) would end three years early. Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrats Parliamentary candidate for Chelmsford, said: "This is a curious decision in danger of satisfying nobody.

Wed 2nd Dec 2009:

Primary schools standards not good enough.

Today's league table results for primary schools in Chelmsford, along with the rest of Britain, reveal more about the government's failing policies on education for young people.

Tue 1st Dec 2009:

Radical plans for fair tax not high tax.

Average earners in Chelmsford would receive a £700 a year tax cut, and 4 million people would be taken out of tax altogether, under radical plans published this week. The Lib Dem plans, backed by Chelmsford campaigner Stephen Robinson, would make the tax system fairer.

Fri 27th Nov 2009:

Regional review of housing is fatally flawed - Robinson.

The East of England review of housing numbers to the year 2031 has been attacked as fatally flawed on all four of the scenarios outlined. Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson has stated that jobs (and infrastructure) should drive development not housing targets.

Thu 26th Nov 2009:

Law required to protect customers from rip-off bank charges .

Following the Supreme Court's decision to allow banks to continue charging people for going overdrawn on their accounts, local Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson is calling for a change in the law to stop rip-off bank charges.

Fri 20th Nov 2009:

Chelmsford Showcase for Business must help create vital jobs in Chelmsford.

Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrat candidate for Chelmsford, attended this week's 'Chelmsford Showcase for Business' at the Anglia Ruskin University. He welcomed the event, which was designed to highlight commercial opportunities in Chelmsford, to encourage companies to set up here and to showcase the support networks available to help local businesses.

Thu 19th Nov 2009:

Queen's Speech is political charade.

This year's Queen's Speech is a political charade that should be dropped in favour of an emergency programme of political reform. It is the only job this rump of a parliament is fit for - according to Stephen Robinson and Chelmsford Liberal Democrats.

Fri 13th Nov 2009:

Vince Cable meets Chelmsford business people.

Dr Vince Cable, Liberal Democrats deputy leader and Shadow Chancellor, has been hearing about the concerns of businesses in Chelmsford. Dr Cable was in Chelmsford to meet local business people together with local Lib Dem candidate Stephen Robinson.

Fri 30th Oct 2009:

"Urban Vandalism" as development at Rainsford Road/Parkway junction nears completion.

"Vindicated" is a word that describes how the residents of Critchett Terrace must be feeling at present, but that will doubtlessly feel hollow when they look out their bedroom windows. The re-development of the old Jeep Chrysler garage into 42 flats is now there for all to see. A new 5 storey high monster totally overpowers the attractive historic dwellings that now sit in its shadow.

Wed 21st Oct 2009:

Chelmsford Lib Dems back climate change action.

Chelmsford Liberal Democrats are one of the key local organisations backing a local Climate Change summit, coming up on 4th December. In contrast, the Labour Government and Conservative Essex County Council have both failed to back the 10:10 climate change campaign. [More about the 10:10 campaign at http://is.gd/4uDqR ]

Wed 30th Sep 2009:

Our hospital should end its "tax on the sick".

NHS hospitals in Chelmsford collected £1 million in car park charges last year (across Essex £3.5 million and £110m across the country), research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. Local Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson and other residents raised the subject at last night's Hospital Trust AGM.

Thu 24th Sep 2009:

Chelmsford Conservatives press on with plans to Choke Chelmsford.

The local, Conservative-run council has confirmed its plans for 4,000 houses on green fields north of Chelmsford, in the face of determined opposition from hundreds of local residents and the Liberal Democrats. At a meeting on 24 September, the council rejected a last ditch bid by the Lib Dems to delete from the plan the sites north of Copperfield Road and Essex Avenue. The proposal was made from the gallery by Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson and backed by Lib Dem councillors.

Wed 23rd Sep 2009:

Chelmsford Lib Dem backs our armed services at conference.

A proposal that Britain should better support its armed services has been passed at the Liberal Democrat conference. Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson persuaded colleagues to extend the commitment to include former service personnel in the proposal.

Tue 22nd Sep 2009:

Reform Essex County Council's child protection to make children safer.

Chelmsford Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson backed a series of proposals at Lib Dem conference on Tuesday, to make children safer and ease the burden on social workers across the UK. The conference heard that the proposals would help failing authorities like Essex County Council improve their services for the most vulnerable in society.

Wed 9th Sep 2009:

Moulsham Lodge Centre set to stay as public hall!

The Government's planning inspector has backed Chelmsford Liberal Democrats and Moulsham Lodge campaigners, who all want to stop Essex County Council selling off the community centre as a private clinic. The inspector has today published his appeal decision, which says the building should be retained as a public hall.

Fri 4th Sep 2009:

Campaign to get a fair deal for our troops.

A campaign to get a fair deal for our troops has been launched by the Liberal Democrats. A key part of the campaign is a call for armed forces pay to match that of police officers and firefighters.

Sun 30th Aug 2009:

Lib Dems ask teachers, nurses and street cleaners in Chelmsford: 'where is the waste?'.

Chelmsford's army of hard-working teachers, care assistants, librarians, social workers and other public servants is being asked to say where they think taxpayers' money can be saved. The Liberal Democrats have launched a website where people who work with taxpayers' money can submit suggestions on how to cut waste in the public sector. Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson has asked local people to get in touch.

Thu 27th Aug 2009:

Real Women: Healthy, happy and confident.

Proposals have been published by the Liberal Democrats to address the challenges and inequalities faced by women. These include pay, flexible working, childcare and the media's portrayal of women. The Lib Dems will debate these at the upcoming conference.

Sat 29th Aug 2009:

Conservative MPs call for 100% hike in MP salaries - 'greedy and offensive' says Lib Dem.

Senior Conservative MPs have called for a huge hike in MPs' salaries. Douglas Hogg (the MP who charged the taxpayers for "moat cleaning") has suggested a £100,000 salary and Sir Patrick Cormack suggested £130,000. Chelmsford Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Stephen Robinson has condemned the proposals.

Thu 20th Aug 2009:

No reason to keep the DNA of innocent young people.

The Government's DNA database holder has revealed that 298 young people on the streets of Britain have DNA samples taken from them every single day, and placed on the database. The National Policing Improvement Agency, responding to a Freedom of Information Act request, said that it now holds over 1 million DNA samples from young people.

Wed 22nd Jul 2009:

A Fresh Start for Britain.

A fairer society that gives children the best start; creating green jobs; cleaning up politics. These are the top priorities for Chelmsford and Britain outlined today by Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg MP. Stephen Robinson, the Lib Dem working to be Chelmsford's next MP, commented, "When I took Nick to Tanglewood nursery in north Chelmsford last October, he made clear his commitment to giving ALL children the best start in life and we are underlining the importance of that today."

Tue 21st Jul 2009:

Party for children whose pre-school was gutted by fire.

Chelmer Village children from the You & Me pre-school today attended a party won as a prize by one of their friends. Chelmsford Lib Dem candidate Stephen Robinson popped in to see them enjoying the party, provided by toy manufacturer Fisher Price.

Thu 16th Jul 2009:

Lib Dems call for honesty on public spending while other parties bicker.

The Government's Draft Legislative Programme has been attacked as a big let down for Chelmsford and dishonest to everyone. Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, called on both Labour and the Conservatives to come clean about what they would cut to fill the black hole in the nation's finances.

Sat 27th Jun 2009:

Honouring our Armed Forces.

On Armed Forces Day, Chelmsford Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson has paid tribute to our armed personnel but said they need action not just warm words. He said, "Our Army, RAF and Naval personnel deserve our respect but they also deserve the best possible support, service conditions and equipment. This applies in service and after they leave. [more...]

Fri 26th Jun 2009:

Moulsham Lodge Centre - campaign steps up.

Moulsham Lodge residents are urged to write to the Government's planning inspector by 10 July - to urge him NOT to allow their community centre to be sold off. Chelmsford Liberal Democrat campaigner Stephen Robinson and the Moulsham Lodge Centre Action Group have written a letter with a leaflet to local residents across the area, urging them to respond by the deadline.

Thu 11th Jun 2009:

No summer holiday for MPs until they fix the system.

Chelmsford Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson is backing Leader Nick Clegg's call to keep MPs hard at work until they have fixed our political system. The Lib Dems are backing a radical reform package that could be enacted within 100 days - and is all about people Taking Back Power - www.takebackpower.org

Mon 8th Jun 2009:

Good news for Lib Dems in Euro results too.

The Liberal Democrats in Chelmsford have seen their vote in the European Parliament election rise by 1735 since the last such election in 2004, showing a swing from Conservative AND Labour AND UKIP to the Lib Dems. These votes helped Andrew Duff to be re-elected as Lib Dem MEP for the area. Coming on top of excellent local election results, this all points to a close race to be the MP for Chelmsford - between Lib Dem Stephen Robinson and the Conservatives.

Fri 5th Jun 2009:

Lib Dems celebrate five election wins!

Liberal Democrats are celebrating winning all five county council seats wholly in the Chelmsford parliamentary constituency in the local elections held on 4th June. Councillors Tom Smith-Hughes, Mike Mackrory and Maureen Miller were re-elected, and Jude Deakin and Margaret Hutchon were elected to the county council for the first time.

Sat 23rd May 2009:

Lib Dems back reform on Parliamentary expenses.

The Liberal Democrats have acknowledged how disgusted the public are about MPs abusing the expenses system. Said Chelmsford Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson: "I am as shocked as anyone at the antics of too many of our MPs. This has got to stop.

Thu 30th Apr 2009:

New prison at Runwell is not the way to cut crime - Robinson.

The Government proposal this week for a new prison at Runwell near Chelmsford will not cut crime says Chelmsford Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson. "Locking up more and more people, only for them to come out and commit more crime, is madness," said Mr Robinson.

Tue 21st Apr 2009:

Cut taxes for Chelmsford residents - Liberal Democrats.

Well over 6000 people in Chelmsford would be taken out of income tax altogether under new tax proposals launched by the Liberal Democrats. Thousands more would see their income tax bill slashed by £700 a year.

Sun 12th Apr 2009:

Wasteful VAT cut only benefiting the rich.

The Government's VAT cut is benefiting the richest households the most, figures highlighted by the Liberal Democrats have revealed. The richest households will save around £1.2bn from the Government's VAT cut, while the poorest 10% will only save an estimated £360m. Said Chelmsford Lib Dem Candidate Stephen Robinson, "This just confirms that the tiny VAT cut was a waste of our money."

Tue 31st Mar 2009:

Chelmsford Lib Dem launches "It's MY data".

Chelmsford Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson, has launched his "It's MY data - not the government's" campaign. [See www.ourcampaign.org.uk/itsMYdata ] The Lib Dems are opposing plans for the government to collect all our text messages, emails, Facebook and My Space messages.

Mon 30th Mar 2009:

Lib Dems call on government to abandon Runway 2 Public Enquiry.

The public enquiry into plans for a second runway at Stansted should be abandoned, as air traffic numbers through the airport continue to fall. That was the call from Lib Dem Shadow Transport Secretary Norman Baker MP when he visited the Essex Airport.

Sun 8th Feb 2009:

Conservatives don't really oppose Stansted expansion.

Conservative pledges on environmental damage to mid Essex from runway building have been revealed to be wafer-thin. In the House of Commons last week, Conservative Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers MP said: "We do not rule out the possibility of airport expansion in the south-east" (see Hansard: http://is.gd/iP0B)

Chelmsford Children would benefit from schools plan.

Extra cash for schools in Chelmsford to boost the education and life chances of thousands of children would be on the cards if the Liberal Democrats get their way. It would mean £47.6 million extra for big improvements to Essex schools and teaching.

Tue 6th Jan 2009:

County Council's maintenance policy a 'danger to the disabled'.

The latest victim of the cutbacks in footpath maintenance is local Councillor Ros Webb. She tripped and injured herself on uneven block paving in Market Square, Chelmsford town centre.

Fri 19th Dec 2008:

Lib Dems launch Green Road out of the Recession.

Protecting the environment should remain a priority in recessionary times; indeed, the Liberal Democrats believe that Britain can take the "green road" out of the recession. "Helping the environment can create jobs and leave a legacy that will save energy, put money back into people's pockets and fight climate change," says Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson.

Earlier Stories

Complete archive on the official site.

Stephen Robinson and Chelmsford Lib Dems News Stories, provided by Prater Raines Ltd http://www.praterraines.co.uk/.

(c) 2010 Stephen Robinson and Chelmsford Lib Dems

2005-06 News about Stephen Robinson

Hospital problems down to central controls - Robinson http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/000122.html

Carbon emissions in Chelmsford unsustainable - Robinson http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/000120.html

Robinson speaks out against more Tory road chaos http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/000119.html

Robinson helps launch Greener Chelmsford http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/114.html

Robinson back in the classroom http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/113.html

Robinson at Fairtrade AGM http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/111.html

Robinson attends Freshers Fair at Anglia Ruskin with Lib Dem colleagues http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/110.html

Robinson cycles into town on Car Free Day http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/109.html

Robinsons renew passports to avoid national database http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/108.html

Robinson backs "Taking Power" campaign http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/107.html

Robinson joins Fair Trade campaigners in Chelmsford High Street http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/103.html

Robinson joins colleagues on Bromley campaign trail http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/100.html

Conservatives cannot 'go green' says Robinson in letter to press http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/99.html

MP's crocodile tears over Post Office closures http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/98.html

Sustainability should be central to new housing - Robinson http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/97.html

Base the European Parliament in Brussels - Robinson http://www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/93.html

Lib Dems not part of Con/Lab deal over schools - Robinson http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/92.html

Lib Dems best for environment http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/91.html

"Government, not EU, responsible for regionalisation and bureaucracy" - Robinson www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/90.html

"Tory MP backs down on ID cards" - Robinson www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/86.html

"Worsening state of local NHS dentistry" says Robinson www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/85.html

Robinson and fellow Chelmsford Lib Dems campaign against town centre one way system www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/84.html

Budget a missed opportunity says Robinson www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/83.html

Smith-Hughes & Robinson campaign on Post Offices www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/82.html

Robinson meets new Leader at conference www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/80.html

Robinson & colleagues celebrate Dunfermline election win www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/78.html

Robinson joins colleagues at national summit www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/76.html

Robinson campaigns against ID cards and Big Brother database www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/71.html

Robinson raises Post Office campaign nationally www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/70.html

Robinson, Smith-Hughes + Charman in Post Office protest www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/69.html

Robinson helps in Cheadle by-election win www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/60.html

Robinson slams Govt. for scandal of abandoned cars www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/59.html

MORE TRAINS NOT LESS - Robinson www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/58.html

News Stories from May 2005: www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/index200505.html

News Stories from April 2005: www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/index200504.html

Robinson asks "How can we possibly believe Tory tax promises?" www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/31.html

Robinson attends meeting of the Lib Dem parliamentary party: www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/30.html

Robinson welcomes Lib Dem MPs Simon Hughes & Lembit Opik to Chelmsford, to greet 100th new party member: www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/16.html

Robinson attends briefing at Charles Kennedy's office www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/13.html

As the Labour government staggers to defeat, we need plans for REAL change, not just a different face in government.