THE COMMONS TOUCH
EATING disorder charity Beat has named Charnwood MP Edward Argar its Parliamentarian of the Year.
Earlier this year, Mr Argar sponsored a debate in Parliament on the need to ensure people with eating disorders access and receive treatment quickly.
He has supported other efforts to raise the profile of eating disorders after he received a letter from a constituent urging him to take action.
Beat director of external affairs Tom Quinn said: “Edward Argar has consistently lobbied for better and earlier treatment for eating disorders to give sufferers the best chance of a rapid recovery.”
Mr Argar said: “It was a great honour to have been given this award by a fantastic charity such as Beat and I would like to pay tribute to the work it does, campaigning to highlight this important issue.
“But I want to pay the greatest tribute to all who suffer from an eating disorder and have had the bravery to talk about it, to seek the help they need, and to face down an illness that depends on secrecy, isolates sufferers and affects every aspect of their lives and those of their families.”
Jon Ashworth, MP for Leicester South, joined children at St John the Baptist Primary School, in Whitwick, for their Daily Mile.
The activity sees children running or jogging at their own pace for 15 minutes.
He said: “The health and wellbeing of our children is my priority and this fantastic initiative promotes exactly that.”
After the run, Mr Ashworth was to meet year four pupils to discuss his role as a Member of Parliament.
Students at the South Leicestershire campus of North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College were inspired to think about their future careers following a visit by Harborough MP Neil O’Brien.
He told students about his time as an adviser at Number 10, working on the Midlands Engine economic strategy.
As part of his visit, Mr O’Brien saw a professional drill display by public services students. He also took part in a question-and-answer session.
College principal Marion Plant said: “We’re delighted Neil has chosen to visit our college to find out more from our students about the issues facing them.”
South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa was joined by representatives of Enderby brewery Everards to unveil their classic Tiger ale as Parliament’s newest guest beer.
Mr Costa was joined by Everards head of marketing Erika Hardy to launch the beer in the prestigious House of Commons Strangers bar alongside the chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Beer, Mike Wood.
Mr Costa said: “I am delighted that the Strangers Bar will be stocking Everards’ brilliant county brew, Tiger, as guest ale.
“Everards is a fantastic South Leicestershire company with a proud history and deep roots in the county and I am so pleased to be able to share their wonderful beer with colleagues in Parliament.”
Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West, has congratulated Leicester College on being recognised as a Centre for Excellence in maths.
She said: “This is fantastic news and a real testament to dedication of the leadership team and teachers at the college.
“This recognition will equip the college with extra resources to provide help and support to even more students.”
Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan visited Rearsby firm Home Instead Senior Care, whic provides non-medical care and companionship for older people, helping them to continue living in their homes.
She said: “I really valued my visit to Home Instead Senior Care who cover my constituency.
“It was good to hear about the services they offer from the viewpoints of both the caregivers and clients, and to mark their CQC outstanding award.”
Eurostar has pledged its support for the Dying to Work EU campaign backed by East Midlands MEP Rory Palmer.
About 1,600 employees at the high-speed rail operator are now assured of employment support should they be diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Mr Palmer said: “Protecting workers diagnosed with a terminal illness is an important issue across the continent.
“I am delighted Eurostar has added their name to the charter.
“Ultimately my aim is to secure recognition for terminal illness as a protected characteristic to prevent unfair discrimination.”