Stephen Robinson - working for Chelmsford and for you

Stephen was Liberal Democrat candidate for Chelmsford and came close to being elected as the MP. See below for recent news stories from Stephen.

In Chelmsford, elections are always a clear choice 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

• Fairer society - tax cuts for middle and low earners; a fair start for all children

• Green jobs - for a fairer economy

• Clean up politics - www.takebackpower.org

Recent news about Stephen Robinson

Mon 17th May 2010:

Special Conference passes 'Building a fairer Britain in government'.

The special Lib Dem conference held in Birmingham has backed the Lib Dem / Conservative coalition for Government, and passed the motion 'Building a fairer Britain in government'. The conference was attended by Stephen Robinson and 10 other representatives of Chelmsford Lib Dems. The conference motion says:

Tue 11th May 2010:

Nick Clegg's message about cross-party negotiations.

Over the past four days we have been working flat out to deliver an agreement that can provide stable government for Britain that can last. As you know we believed it was right that the Conservative Party, as the party with the most seats and votes, should have the first right to seek to form a government and we entered into discussions with them accordingly.

Fri 7th May 2010:

Thank You says Stephen Robinson.

Stephen Robinson has thanked the over 20,000 people who voted Liberal Democrat in Chelmsford and the team of Liberal Democrat helpers who delivered such a brilliant campaign. The result in Chelmsford saw a collapse in the Labour vote (from 27% to 11%) and almost no shift of support from Lib Dem to the Conservative. The result in detail is here: http://cmld.org.uk/results/1711.html Commented Stephen Robinson:

Fri 30th Apr 2010:

Robinson in High Street soapbox challenge.

Local Lib Dem candidate Stephen Robinson joined other candidates last Saturday addressing a large crowd in the town centre. Said Stephen, "I was delighted to do this and hope to do so again in future."

Tue 27th Apr 2010:

Lib Dems "gagged" about housing plans at Borough Council.

Last Wednesday Liberal Democrats were told that any discussion about the Conservative plans for Housing on green fields was not permitted, as it was too political to debate during the General Election campaign!

Fri 23rd Apr 2010:

Stephen Robinson's contract with Chelmsford.

I will be a different kind of MP, listening to and acting on your concerns. I will be part of the local community. My family uses the same schools, NHS and other local services as everyone else. Here I set out what you can expect from me as your local MP. It tells you how I will put local people first. If I don't live up to it, then you shouldn't vote for me again.

Liberal Democrats set out radical plans for schools.

Stephen Robinson and the Liberal Democrats have pledged to invest an extra £2.5bn in schools through a Pupil Premium that will raise funding for the poorest pupils to private school levels. The money will be targeted at schools taking on children who need more help, but will benefit every child in every school. The cash can be used to cut class sizes and provide one-to-one tuition or catch-up classes, ensuring every child gets the individual attention they need.

Tue 20th Apr 2010:

Show your support for the Liberal Democrats.

More and more Chelmsford residents are pledging their support for the Liberal Democrats, following Nick Clegg's storming win in last week's debate. Show your support by downloading and displaying a Lib Dem poster in your window. Follow the link http://bit.ly/libdemposter

Stephen Robinson backs community pubs, local brewers and consumer rights!

Stephen Robinson (who is bidding to be Chelmsford's Lib Dem MP) has today committed to a programme of action to back community pubs and local brewers. These commitments are based on a campaign being run by CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) and are as follows:

Thu 15th Apr 2010:

Robinson pledges to 'do his bit' for the armed services.

Stephen Robinson, in the running to be Chelmsford's Lib Dem MP, has joined the British Legion campaign to ensure the next government does its bit to help the Armed Forces family. Stephen made the pledge on the British Legion website - to ensure that Service personnel and their families, bereaved Armed Forces families and the ex-Service community will see greater representation under the next government.

Sat 10th Apr 2010:

Andrew Duff MEP joins the campaign trail.

In very sunny Chelmsford today, Lib Dem candidate Stephen Robinson was joined by local Lib Dem Euro MP Andrew Duff. Commented Stephen, "At all elections Andrew tours the region supporting local campaigners and it is always good to see him. He was pleased with the response on the doorsteps in Old Moulsham - everyone willing to listen he said."

Wed 7th Apr 2010:

Bad news for cyclists in survey.

A survey of cyclists in Chelmsford has found that almost half of those who responded have had a bike stolen. It was conducted by Stephen Robinson, who is bidding to be the town's MP. Stephen found that 45% respondents reported their bike had been stolen in the town.

Tue 6th Apr 2010:

Election at last - for 6th May!

With a General Election confirmed for just over four weeks' time, Liberal Democrats in Chelmsford are looking forward to the campaign. Local candidate Stephen Robinson commented, "It's clearer than ever that, here in Chelmsford, the next MP will be either a campaigning Liberal Democrat or the same old Conservative back again.

Sun 4th Apr 2010:

Stephen Robinson pledges to NSPCC 'I stand for Children'.

Chelmsford Liberal Democrat candidate Stephen Robinson has renewed his support to the NSPCC. He is a long-standing donor to their cause and is happy to back their General Election campaign. Stephen said: "The NSPCC do a critical job protecting vulnerable children. I am very pleased to help them if I can. I am sure that all Chelmsford residents will join with me in supporting these aims."

Wed 31st Mar 2010:

Nick Clegg launches plans for businesses.

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to back business right across the country. Commented Chelmsford Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson, "For too long, Labour and Conservative governments have focused solely on the firms in one square mile in the City of London, while failing to support businesses across the country."

Backing a new skatepark for central Chelmsford .

Following a meeting yesterday, local young people campaigning for a new skatepark in central Chelmsford will be examining options for fund-raising bids. On 18 March, local Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson arranged a meeting for the skatepark campaigners with officials at Chelmsford Borough Council, to discuss the skatepark's future.

Tue 30th Mar 2010:

Council spends MORE on spin and LESS on youth service.

Essex County Council has cut £100,000 from the budget of our already overstretched youth service. At the same time, spending on spin doctors, PR and support for leading Conservative Councillors has risen to £6 million, according to figures uncovered by Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson, who is running a number of local campaigns for young people.

Sun 28th Mar 2010:

Robinson Makes Cancer Commitment.

Cancer Research UK's Cancer Commitment aims to make UK cancer outcomes among the best in Europe in the next ten years. Stephen Robinson (who is bidding to be Chelmsford's Liberal Democrat MP) has signed up to the campaign.

Sat 27th Mar 2010:

NHS hires 5,000 more managers - Robinson.

Figures released today have revealed that the number of managers in the NHS increased by 4,748 in the last year - an increase of 12% - while the number of nurses only increased by 2%. Commented Lib Dem Stephen Robinson, "The NHS is facing the toughest financial period in its history, yet we're still seeing managers being recruited like there's no tomorrow.

Wed 24th Mar 2010:

Robinson backing our troops and veterans.

Following action by a local campaigner, former armed service personnel in mid Essex will now be given more information about their rights to access local health services. Local Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson has secured a commitment from NHS Mid Essex to distribute to all GP practices a British Legion poster on veterans' health services.

Thu 11th Mar 2010:

Taxpayers to cough up extra £530m for Broomfield Hospital.

Figures uncovered by Lib Dem Stephen Robinson have revealed that taxpayers will have to pay nearly FOUR times the actual building cost of the Broomfield Hospital extension over the lifetime of the private sector contract. The actual building cost is £148 million but taxpayers will pay £678 million in rent and charges over the 30 year contract.

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.

Earlier Stories

Complete archive on the official site.

Chelmsford Liberal Democrats News Stories, provided by Prater Raines Ltd http://www.praterraines.co.uk/.

(c) 2010 Chelmsford Liberal Democrats

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.