Loughborough MP Andy Reed has asked for Transport Minister Tom Harris MP to help move forward the Eastern Gateway regeneration scheme at the railway station in Loughborough.

The projects regeneration scheme is ready to move forward with a new road, housing employment and improved car parking. However, the scheme needs final agreement from Network Rail.

Andy said "I have been deeply involved in this scheme since we first started the regeneration nearly 13 years ago. We have had some false starts but now it is set to happen if we can unblock Network Rail. I took the opportunity of showing the Minister the site over the weekend. I have made a written submission on behalf of the local partnership and hope that by him taking an interest it may speed up Network Rail.

(Andy Reed MP shows Minister Tom Harris MP the eastern gateway prject site)

Andy Reed has this week thanked all those constituents who have contacted him about the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. After the 2nd Reading Debate this week there will be free votes on a series of moral questions raised by the Bill the following week. Andy Reed had asked for informed opinions from various stakeholders.

"There have been so many differing views and interpretations it will be impossible to please everybody. Even in the Christian community there are widely differing views and this complexity needs to be recognised. What has disappointed me has the been the extremely fundamentalist positions on both sides which seem incapable of recognising this is a complex issue that needs careful thought and a balance. I know from experience this is often the case. However, the vast majority of people fall into the category that recognises there are shades of grey in such complex issues and I thank all of them for expressing such views. I won't dwell on some of the more extreme views that have been expressed by a minority"

"To help before the free votes next week I will add more background information to my site setting out the science that is being discussed - not some of the wild accusations I have seen in some printed material."

Loughborough MP Andy Reed has urged people to take part in a consultation to be launched this week on the future of Social Care. He said it was one of the most important issues facing the country in the long run - but it was an issue people ignored until it affects them personally.

He said "The non medical care of the elderly is one of the biggest challenges facing us as a society as the number of frail elderly grows as we all live longer. The consequences are higher demand at greater expense and a general population that generally doesn't want to pay tax and council tax. But the money has to come from somewhere. If not tax then it requires people to contribute but equally when in retirement those same people who didn't want to pay taxes resent being asked to make a contribution. This is the sort of issue as a society we need to grapple with. I listen to people and there is the dilemma I describe above. Even Age Concern and other agencies no longer demand free social care because unless we all suddenly didn't mind paying tax at a higher level to look after the elderly in this way it is unsustainable."

On Monday, the government will start a public consultation asking how the state, families and taxpayers should share the costs of this increasingly important service.

Care services minister Ivan Lewis MP insists there are no easy answers.

"This is one of the greatest challenges facing not only government but families and society in general.

"Together we have to decide what quality and level of care services we have a right to expect in a civilised society.

"And what we need is to move towards a system which is fairer; where people feel it's fair in terms of what is expected of them and also in terms of what the government can pay and what is affordable."

Loughborough MP Andy Reed joined with hundreds of others today to celebrate the re dedication of the Oliver Cromwell locomotive.

Andy said "I visited GCR to see their ambitious growth plans a few weeks ago and saw this engine in pieces in the sheds at Loughborough. I can't believe the transformation that has taken place in such a short time. All credit goes to the team at GCR and the volunteers for a great day"

(Andy Reed MP with Oliver Cromwell in the background at GCR Loughborough)

Loughborough MP Andy Reed joined with Labour Party members at Gorse Covert for a fund raising Spring Fair. Also available were local Councillors Jill Vincent, Betty Newton, Jewel Miah Christine Harris and Patrick Youell.

Andy said "The vast majority of money we spend locally on elections and running the party comes from the hard work of individual members putting on fund raising activities. Having our local councillors there as well as being available for a chat with their MP is also an important part of these activities."

(Andy Reed MP with Cllrs Patrick Youell and Jill Vincent)

Andy Reed MP visited Rawlins College in Quorn on Friday. The visit was just part of Andy's regular Friday's in the constituency.

As part of the visit Andy met Principal David Brindley as he enters his last few weeks at the College. He also inspected the work taking place to build a new all weather sports surface.

Andy said "Rawlins has been doing well in recent years. It is a shame to be saying goodbye to David Brindley as he has done so much to build up Rawlins. I am pleased to see the Football Foundation £750,000 partnership project with the college taking shape. Work is progressing and this will be a fantastic new facility for the school and community"