News Andy Burnham MP for Leigh

Total records: 135  prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 next

26/05/2009 - Andy Burnham says, ‘Decade of Sport within our grasp’.

The FA's bid to host the 2018 World Cup would be boosted if England stages the 2015 Rugby World Cup, according to sports minister Andy Burnham.

The Government views both World Cup bids as key pillars in its so-called decade of sport, which already includes the 2012 London Olympic Games and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Andy was part of the RFU's presentation delegation in Dublin last Thursday and today he joined Wayne Rooney, Bobby Charlton and the Prime Minister at the launch of the FA 2018 World Cup bid. He believes the FA's bid would benefit greatly from the legacy left by the 2012 Olympics and a Rugby World Cup.

Andy said, "One reinforces the other,"

"In the case of 2015, I would hope it gives Rugby Union some security because we will have organised the biggest show on earth (London 2012). There could be no better preparation."

"We will be in a heightened state of readiness to make sure the Rugby World Cup 2015 runs smoothly."

"And that stands us in good stead for 2018. With the logistics, the security and infrastructure all being there and working it enables the FA to really show what English football can do for football in the rest of the world."

"We can really reach out and support football around the world as the RFU are doing with their bid."

"What could unfold over the next 10 years could take sport in our country to the next level.”

FIFA will make their decision on where to stage the 2018 World Cup in December 2010.

Andy Burnham accepts there will be critics who will question why the Government is investing in the Olympics and a twin World Cup bid when the country is in an economic downturn.

But he argues the decade of sport is a vital public policy to help boost both the health of the nation and the health of the economy.

Andy added, "The boost to the UK economy of what I call our decade of sport is tremendous and could be huge in terms of tourism in particular."

"It is a compelling reason and justifies why the Government stands behind it in the way we do. Hosting these massive international sporting events will boost the economy, provide jobs and bring prosperity for everybody.

"This is not frivolous. This is about supporting the economy and supporting sport in our country, both of which are absolutely correct public policy objectives.

"Our target for the Olympics is to get two million people active and if we get our decade of sport I am in no doubt we will achieve and surpass that.

"That is why the decade of sport is so important. We have spent a decade investing in sport on every level.

"When you are bringing people through the grass roots and then you add the high profile events you really have got a country that is fulfilling its sporting potential."

19/05/2009 - Free national screening programme comes to Atherton – MP joins forces with Daniel Young Memorial Fund

Andy Burnham MP will join Dionne Young (mother of Daniel Young) on Saturday to raise awareness of Sudden Death Syndome (SDS) or Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) on Saturday, 23rd May as a national screening programme hits Tesco, Crabtree Lane, Atherton.

The Daniel Young Memorial Fund was set up in memory of the 16-year-old who collapsed on the pitch and died while playing for Atherton LR u17s in 2005.

The CRY Philips Test My Heart Tour 09 is the first free tour of its kind in England and has been made possible by charity CRY, health and well-being company Philips, through the fundraising efforts of families whose lives have been affected by SDS or SCD. The Daniel Young Memorial Fund is funding the screening programme this weekend so that the simple procedure can be provided free to all recipients.

The national tour aims to test over 3,000 14-35 year olds hearts to identify heart conditions which could potentially prove fatal if left untreated.

Philips has donated state of the art ECG and ECHO imaging systems to equip the mobile screening unit on its tour across England.

In partnership with national charity CRY, Philips and the Daniel Young Memorial Fund, the screening programmes goal is to help more families understand the simple steps that can be taken to try to reduce the number of SDS deaths.

Dionne Young said, “It can be hard to believe that someone who appears young and fit may be at risk from heart problems. Yet every week in the UK at least 12 apparently healthy young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions."

“That’s why the screening programme is of crucial importance. It is quick, painless and the results of the test can be known within minutes. I would encourage everybody in the 14-35 year old age range to pop down to the testing station this weekend.”

Andy Burnham MP said, "I am honoured to be supporting such a pioneering project with an amazing charity. I believe that screening programmes like this will prevent many losses and stop families going through the heartbreak that Dionne and her family suffered.”

The mobile unit will be stationed at: Tesco, Crabtree Lane, Atherton, Manchester, M46 0AG on Saturday, 23rd and Sunday, 24th May 2009.

CRY and Philips are running a number of events across England where young adults can come and have a free test. The ECG tests take 5 minutes and results will be given on the day. If required an Echo will be booked which with take a further 30 minutes.

For more information visit www.testmyheart.org

How will I be screened?

ECG

An electro cardiogram (ECG) is a quick and simple way to diagnose most cardiac abnormalities. It is used to record the rhythm and electrical activity of your heart and a printout of this is used for evaluation by CRY cardiologists.

ECHO

If a more detailed image is needed, an ultrasound scan of the heart - an echocardiogram (ECHO) - can be taken. This is similar to the ultrasound used in pregnancy. As the soundwaves echo against various parts of the heart they are recorded on a screen. This provides a detailed picture of your heart's structure and how well it is functioning.

Both these tests are non-invasive and painless to perform

What if abnormalities are found?

If an ECG is abnormal an ECHO will be done on the day. In about 2% of cases your GP will be advised to refer you to a specialist cardiologist to have further tests (i.e. exercise tests).

18/05/2009 - LOCAL MINERS DON’T NEED A LAWYER, WARNS MP

Andy Burnham MP is warning former miners in Leigh not to be taken in by offers from lawyers to help them claim compensation for miners’ knee.

Andy said, “My message to former miners is simple – if you suffer from miners’ knee, you can claim for free.”

“When the Labour Government introduced compensation for miners who suffered from respiratory diseases or vibration white finger some lawyers attempted to cash in. I am worried that this will happen again.”

“Of course everyone is entitled to use a lawyer but it is important that people do not fork out for a lawyer when they can claim without any cost to themselves.”

After a campaign by fellow coalfield MP's it was announced last month that osteoarthritis of the knee in former coal miners was being added to the list of prescribed diseases covered by the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme. This means that coal miners with this disease will be able to make claims for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).

Claims for IIDB can be made directly to Jobcentre Plus free of charge. Former miners will be helped by very experienced staff and will be able to help with any enquiries that people may have about claiming IIDB. The Government is keen to ensure that everybody with the disease makes a claim and although it is each individual’s choice, there is no need to involve solicitors in this process.

Andy has urged miners to pick up the phone to the claim line, not to a solicitor. He added, “If you feel you may be eligible to make a claim, and you need further advice, you can ring 0845 603 1358. This is the telephone number of the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit office which will deal with claims from our area.”

Symptoms of the disease include pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility.

The change is expected to come into force in July.