An update from Jack Lopresti, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke.
In January, I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment. By doing so, I pledged my commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust. Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations are held annually on 27th January to remember those who died in the Holocaust and to mark the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history.
I would encourage as many schools, faith groups and community organisations to engage with Holocaust Memorial Day to ensure that the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides are never forgotten. It is essential that future generations are taught about historical atrocities to make sure that they are never repeated.
The Organ Donation Bill has great potential to save lives, and tackle serious medical conditions affecting some of the most vulnerable in society. While organ donors have increased by 75 percent in the last decade, more needs to be done. Today there are approximately 6,500 people awaiting an organ transplant. By presuming consent, more organs will be available for the extremely ill people who need them so urgently.
Of course, I recognise that this is a hugely sensitive and personal issue – the right to opt out must be absolutely preserved, and families must be consulted. I am therefore pleased that the bill has now proceeded to committee where these safeguards will be reviewed.
After several years of disruption due to various road improvements, Aztec roundabout and all approaches continue to be a headache for local residents – particularly at peak times. It appears that the main problem is the phasing of the traffic lights on the roundabout with those controlling traffic at J16 of the M5.
The solution, however, is not as simple as some have suggested. The traffic signals on Aztec are the responsibility of South Gloucestershire Council, whereas those on the motorway junction are controlled by Highways England. I am actively involved in the negotiations to have the two organisations devise a practical solution and have also asked the Mayor for the West of England Combined Authority, Tim Bowles, to expedite this. I will also be meeting with Ministers in the Department for Transport to discuss longer term solutions.
If you’d like my help on any issue, please call my office on 01454 617783 or email me at jack.lopresti.mp@parliament.uk
