Dangerous Dogs

The problem of irresponsible dog owners and dog attacks seems to be on the increase in Hounslow, with some gang members using dogs as status symbols and weapons.


I have received several letters from local residents who are afraid to use local parks and green spaces for fear of being intimidated by dangerous dogs, and within the last month the Hounslow Chronicle has already reported on three savage dog attacks.


My colleague Angie Bray, neighbouring MP for Ealing and Central Action, and her Labour counterpart Steve Pound MP (Ealing North) will lobby the Government and Ealing Council for greater protection after a number of vicious attacks across the borough Ealing. Angie Bray MP said, "It is completely unacceptable that people can't enjoy their local park with their family and pets because of fear of attack by uncontrolled dogs. I shall continue to urge the Government to introduce tougher measures to tackle this growing menace."


I believe we need to be proactive on this issue and look into the laws to see what changes can be made to prevent further serious. Dog training is a simple way where dogs and their owners can be supported and helped.

No Women No Peace

On Monday I went to support the launch of a new campaign for women living in conflict called No Women No Peace. It is a campaign by Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS UK), a network of 14 human rights and development organisations.

All over the world, women are prime targets during conflict. Rape, displacement, torture and kidnap are common experiences of women - yet when it comes to negotiating and building peace, women are often excluded.

The No Women No Peace campaign, launched to mark the 10 year anniversary of an important UN resolution, highlights the fact that without women's involvement peace will fail to meet the needs of 50% of the population.

The campaign launch in the House of Commons included a speech from the Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon William Hague MP, and women's rights activist Wazhma Frogh.

I am proud an delighted to be able to lend my support to such a worthwhile cause. With women constituting half the world's population, it seems abundantly clear that they must be involved in peace making on both a local and global scale. I wish the campaign every success.

To get involved with No Women No Peace, visit http://www.nowomennopeace.org/

Support Hitz Rugby!

Hitz is a social inclusion project run by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), operating in Redlees Park, Isleworth. It is designed to encourage young people who could otherwise potentially be at risk of exclusion and anti-social behaviour to get involved in constructive activities through the sport of Rugby Union. The project also aims to help break down barriers with the police and direct young people towards relevant training and volunteering opportunities. Hitz has been running since January 2010, across six London boroughs (Croydon, Ealing, Hackney, Hounslow, Islington and Southwark), and aims to reach 3,000 young people in the first year.

However, Hitz is in desperate need of further funding in order to continue its excellent work. The RFU has applied to the Mayor of London Sports Participation Fund, and last week I wrote to Mayor Boris Johnson to lend my support to this worthwhile project.

I will be attending a Hitz rugby match on Saturday 30th October to see the project in action.

Please visit their website, at http://hitzrugby.com/