Another key Government figure to visit marginal Hemel - an election on the way?

Mike Penning welcomes recognition for the Cement Project and calls on Peter Hain to also address the real issues that concern residents.

Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, welcomes news that Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Peter Hain, is planning to visit the Cement Project in Hemel Hempstead on Wednesday (3rd Oct).

Mike said:
“I welcome the Secretary of State’s visit to the Cement Project. It is great that the tremendous work the Cement Project does in training people in new skills to meet the needs of the construction industry is getting national recognition.

“I also call on the minister to spare some time to address the very real issues that concern Hemel residents and I have written to him asking for a meeting. I hope he has time to visit the hospital and speak to staff, patients and their families about the closure of our A&E and how that will affect healthcare in Hemel Hempstead. He should also see for himself the newly-closed wards at the hospital.

“I further call on him to meet with the Dexion pensioners – hardworking people who saved for their retirement only to lose everything. He has the power to ensure that they receive full compensation allowing them to live the comfortable retirement they saved for. Instead many are still having to work to survive – well past retirement age.”

Mike went on to add:
“A cynic might wonder at the sudden interest in marginal Hemel Hempstead. Suddenly, in the space of a couple of weeks, we will have had two high-profile visits by Cabinet ministers. But I would say to these ministers – there’s no point in visiting Hemel unless you come to tell us that you are going to save our District General Hospital.”