19/04/2017 Look East (West)

Hello and welcome to Wednesday's Look East.

Businesses, farmers, and MPs give us their reaction

And tell us their priorities for the next government.

police and fire officers move in together in Bedfordshire

England Captain and Saints star Dylan Hartley

as he fails to make the squad for the British Lions tour.

And I'm in Northamptonshire where today they are commemorating the men

from the shoemakers regiment who died 100 years ago at the Battle of

Gaza. So now we know there will be

a general election on June 8th. With all of our MPs supporting

the vote in the Commons today. Which went through with

an overwhelming majority. It comes two weeks before

our local elections and almost 12 months

after the referendum decision So what will be

the main election issues be Kate Bradbrook has this

reaction from the region's Making sheet metal, this Stevenage

-based company is a main supplier for Airbus and while the space

programme here continues to make history, events at Westminster today

are what businesses in our region are talking of it about. Its alarm.

Its uncertainty again. The economy could suffer because it is the

unknown and people don't want to spend money, they hold onto their

funds. At the it is a scary situation but we will have to see

how it pans out. Of the A-1 in Huntington, a shock for this

engineering firm making crash dummies used in the automotive

industry. This is going to be a golden opportunity for the

government, having thought and listen to business, to make the

right choice and make the right decision and, yes, we are leaving

but we are not abandoning Europe. That is important for us. This

afternoon, the Commons overwhelmingly called Theresa May's

call for a vote. -- overwhelmingly backed. One issue, netting the

agenda. It is not just about Brexit. A lot of them voted Remain. A lot of

them like me voted for Brexit. What we are saying in my party is that it

is time to get on with that process and give the Prime Minister is

stronger and. With her slim majority she has a group of 30 Tory MPs who

are very firm on it who are able to hold her over a barrel. If she comes

back with a majority over 100 plus, she will have legions of lobby

fodder to allow her to implement whatever Brexit she secretly

prefers. For Labour in our region other issues need to be addressed. I

want the kind of Brexit that is going to do deliver for people in my

constituency. But there are many other areas, welfare, the NHS,

education, house building. Seven weeks today, the country goes to the

poll, the clock is now ticking for those on all sides.

It's not just manufacturers who are looking ahead

to what another general election will mean

Emma Baugh has been to Wisbech and Chatteris

Planting potatoes in the fields around Chatteris, this family have

farmed across Fenland for generations. They hope the election

will give a mandate for the future whoever wins. Generally speaking,

talking as a farmer, we need a level playing field with the rest of the

world, the rest of Europe, all our competitors. We don't need a lot of

intervention, just to get on with our job with as little red tape as

possible. I'd like to see the government help farmers like

ourselves to look after the environment and maintain it. Also to

encourage children in schools to go into agriculture and get into

farming. Wisbech, the capital of the fence has for years called for

better transport links and job opportunities. Key areas for winning

votes. Here, 71% voted to leave the EU but while Brexit is a factor, it

wouldn't be right to say it is the only issue that is important to

people here. I think the election should really be a bit more about

the lack of funding in the NHS and the lack of funding of the community

services and education. Mental health issues. Because there's lots

of things around here that they don't do. People with as Burgess,

they don't have anything for that around here. I'd like to see more

jobs and a better living wage. I'd like them to see what the general

public thing. It is a good idea. Whether you are in the capital of

the Fens are one of the thousands who work the fields here, it's hoped

whoever wins will give a secure future for this generation and the

next. So farmers, small businesses,

exporters - all looking for

certainty and stability from whoever is elected

to lead the next government. from Cambridgeshire

Chambers of Commerce feel about the prospect

of another election. Well, I think there's a level

of surprise because certainly we weren't expecting at this stage

but I think there's a very positive thing and most of the businesses

that I've talked to believe it is positive because we do need

a good stable government to be able to ensure that we get the right deal

from the Brexit situation. But by having a new government,

or even a different type of government, it doesn't

necessarily mean stability, does it? And, of course, no one can

predict what's going There's lots of forecasts

but we all know that these don't always seem to be accurate

but I think the key thing is that the Brexit situation caught

many people by surprise. Particularly in Cambridge

there was concern over that. So, I think now, what were looking

for, is the right people in the right place to be able

to negotiate the correct deal for the UK and ensure we can

continue to trade internationally So, what are businesses

in this region after then? Well, the key thing is that there

are a lot of fundamentals that we need to know and understand,

particularly in relation to the security of European workers

who are already here, who we have to recruit between now

and the Brexit actually coming into place and,

obviously, to ensure that we can continue to have a flow of European

workers coming into the country. But this election isn't

just about Brexit. No, it's not about Brexit

alone, it's obviously I think there will be other factors

that come into play but, ultimately, of course,

it is wealth creation We need to ensure that the economic

conditions are right for businesses to continue to succeed in the way

that they have, particularly in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

over so many years because that's all that generates the money that

everybody else uses to supply and deal with all the other things

that we need. Our political correspondent

Andrew Sinclair watched today's vote unfold in Westminster

and he joins us from there now. In a sense, campaigning has already

begun. A number ever please -- a number of MPs have said they have

accepted more invitations in their constituencies. Expect a raft of

legislation and big political speeches, all seen through the prism

of the forthcoming election. I think they will get the local elections

out of the way and the mayoral elections in Cambridgeshire in a

fortnight's time. Then Parliament will be dissolved and manifestos

will be published and campaigning proper will begin. What will be in

those manifestos? There's a big debate underway about what should be

in the Conservative Party manifesto. I know that promised to introduce

grammar schools will definitely be in there. So too will a promise to

spend more money on science and research. What will happen to all

the promises made by David Cameron and George Osborne? The promised to

ring fence foreign aid, the prominence to keep the Jupp Alloh on

pensions, the promise to never increase taxes? -- to keep the

triple lock. Will those stay? Nevertheless, they will talk about

fair taxation. That could mean tax rises for some people. It will also

mean more talk about spending on public services. The people over the

road have handed control of their future over to others the voters and

no one can be 100% sure what will happen now.

Staying with politics and next month sees the start of a new chapter

when they elect their first ever mayor.

The region has been given extra powers

under a new ?800 million pound devolution deal.

will be transferred away from Whitehall to the new mayor.

Seven candidates are in the running and over the next few days,

they'll be telling us why they should be elected.

Tonight we hear from UKIP's candidate.

The former RAF officer and magistrate

says he'll prioritise local people for local homes.

Our political reporter Mousumi Bakshi put Paul Bullen

I'm Paul Bullen, I'm running for the UK Independence Party

and if I'm elected as mayor, I will bring direct democracy back

What would be the one big new idea that Paul Bullen would bring

It's not a new idea but what I would like to see is a unitary authority.

I think that the local people should have their say on what happens

locally and I will very much be open to talking to people.

You're running to become mayor of Cambridge, you are obviously

Where is your favourite place to go here?

I think my favourite place is St Ives.

It's a very quaint market town, it has a very picturesque river

setting and it has everything there that you could want.

Can you tell us how much money has been put aside for affordable

Under the Devo deal the government have guaranteed 170 Million,

70 million of which will be going to the Cambridge city

and the rest will be spent by the mayor in the rest

Because I'm a realist, I'm honest, I will tell them

I will not promise the people of Cambridge anything

What I do promise them is that I will do the very best

and if I make a promise I will keep to the promise and I will deliver

Tell us one thing that people might not know about you.

One thing that people might not know about me.

Probably where I come from, which is Liverpool.

What sets you apart from all the other candidates?

If I am elected as mayor, I don't care what central government

want me to do because what I will do is what I think is best

for the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and what the people

of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough want.

Tomorrow night we're broadcasting a special programme called

A Mayor for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

And a new approach to how our emergency services work together

From today, police officers will be based

in community fire stations in Bedford and Ampthill.

The force says it will help with closer working between

And means officers can stay close to communities,

rather than having to travel back to police HQ,

Here at Bedford fire station, you'd expect to find Aird, one of 75

firefighters based here but he'll be joined by Paul and several other

police officers all part of a national drive to share national

resources. We have much better and closer relationship if we are

co-located. As well as police, a voluntary search and rescue group

and a road victim 's charity will be based here, keeping costs down. We

are already paying for the fire station. Those organisations joining

as will pay for their part of it to offset our costs to make sure we are

not increasing costs by collaboration and partnership. It is

claimed there will be huge benefits in reducing crime. One of the most

important things we have here is our crime prevention and reduction stuff

coming together and working with specialists regarding arson

reduction. We can share our information with fire colleagues and

find ways to prevent such crimes taking place. It's a similar story

half an hour away. Here in Ampthill, there was a police station but it

closed two years ago. From today, two police officers will be

permanently based here at the finest H. There will be no front desk

facilities for the public but it does mean that officers will no

longer face a 20 minute drive back to base. I think it will be a good

idea for local communities and safer. It'd be better if there was

an allocated police station here but it's better than nothing. I think it

saving money by closing the police station so it's good if they are

going to base to policeman here. It means more mobile officers out on

the road logging in on laptops. Alongside this, there are plans for

four more officers to move into fire stations around the counties.

You're watching Look East from the BBC.

Coming up - Alex will be here with a full weather forecast

and we're live at Franklin's Gardens after

England captain Dylan Hartley is left out of the Lions squad.

100 years ago today 139 men from

the the 4th Territorial Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment

The regiment was known locally as the "Shoemakers",

as many of the soldiers worked in the industry

This afternoon a special service has taken place to remember the men

In this short service, the men of the fourth territorial battalion

were remembered. One of those who lost their lives 100 years ago today

was this man James Allen, brother of Nelly. It's my connection with the

wars and to me, after was always forgotten, when they were

celebrating, and everything. Gaza was never mentioned. It is now. And

the long and distinguished history of the Northamptonshire Regiment,

including the role of the 4th Battalion, is here at Abington Park

busy. These boards show the name of every Northamptonshire man who died

in the Great War but 100 years ago today 139 men from the 4th Battalion

died in the second Battle of Gaza. This battle was particularly

difficult for the shoe makers as they confronted the Turkish army in

open desert. They suffered horrendous casualties and when the

news filtered back to Northamptonshire, it affected an

awful lot of people. 139 fatal casualties on that day and many

hundreds more wounded. What was it that made it such a bad day for

them? What made the casualty lists so high? The main effect was the

terrain they fought in, open desert, the fact that wounded men cut off

couldn't walk back, they needed to crawl back away until it got dark

and a lot of soldiers bled to death, died of their wounds, waiting to be

evacuated as it got dark. The story of the Shoemakers battalion is told

in this new book and its hope today's commemorations will prompt

more people to come forward with their stories of Northamptonshire's

unsung heroes. Three rugby players from the region

have been selected on the British

and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand. Northampton Saints'

Courtney Lawes and George North, along with Norfolk's Ben Youngs

are to be part of the 41-Man squad. But there's no place

for the England captain, Let's cross live to

Franklin's Gardens now and join our sports

reporter James Burridge. It's an undoubted blow but I don't

think it's hugely surprising for Dylan Hartley. A lot of speculation

over the last few weeks and last week he said he didn't want to get

his hopes up in case he suffered disappointment. He was talking more

about England's tautological Tina. Why wasn't he picked? He's always

been playing 50 minutes out of 80. There's been huge pressure from

Jamie George of Saracens who is going on the tour. They are missing

a man who has led England with distinction, over 80 caps, he has

won a premiership title, invaluable mouse and experience. Many are

suffering from disquiet that you wouldn't want to bring Dylan Hartley

to one of the toughest places to play on tour, New Zealand.

But, James, there is good news for Saints -

Courtney Lawes and George North have both been selected.

George North made a name for himself on the last tour to Argentina. He

has had problems with concussion but a fully fitted George North can be

devastating. A big moment for Courtney Lawes, Northampton through

and through, an outstanding six Nations and is due to play a key

part. If you didn't already know

it's the London Marathon on Sunday and this week we are hearing

the stories of runners Her personal experience has

helped change the lives of child amputees

all over the world. The joy has been taken out

of spring for Victoria. April is a painful time and this one

is one of the hardest. Ten years ago, she was in

hospital having given birth It should have been the best day

of her life and she was looking forward to receiving visitors,

including her mother. She popped to see me briefly the day

after Rollo's birthday, which was the moment she met him

and had 10-15 minutes with him. Then she was intending to come

back the following day And that morning she was walking

into the bus station with Sarah, my twin sister, and Pollyanna,

my niece and, very tragically, Victoria's mother Elizabeth

was killed and her sister and niece That horrible thing that happened

that day has been turned Victoria and her sister Sarah

set up a charity called Elizabeth's Legacy Of Hope,

the aim to give new limbs to child In ten years, they've changed

the lives of 250 children. We've learnt about amputation

through having an amputee Knowing just how very

difficult that is. Thousands and thousands of children

in very poor parts of the world, they are literally subject

to sitting on the ground and that, coupled with the stigma

of being a disabled child in very poor parts of the world,

leaves them, often, being sent On Sunday, an April morning,

V will be running her fourth She will be running it

for her mother who died And for her niece Pollyanna

and she'll be running it so little Good luck to everyone running the

marathon this Sunday. It was a chilly start to the day

today but what does the rest Lots of fine weather across the

region today and it felt a little bit warmer with temperatures up

around 13 degrees. A beautiful scene here, a bluebell wood in Hitchin in

Hertfordshire. Also, some lovely coastal sunshine. It's going to be a

chilly night with clear sky. Over the first part of the night, a lot

of clear sky. We could have temperatures close to freezing with

the risk of a touch of Frost. But by the end of the night, more cloud

coming in from the north so those temperatures rising, for some up

around seven or 8 degrees at the start of the day. Generally,

tomorrow, a lot more cloud around. Still high-pressure holding on so

fairly settled. Not a huge amount of rain. The weather front will

introduce a lot more cloud throughout the day. Slight spells of

drizzle through the day but a good deal of dry weather. Temperatures

likely to climb to around 14 degrees with a light west to south-westerly

wind. Although it remains cloudy, it looks as though it will stay rather

dry. Then all change, this weather front introducing much cooler air. A

cool northerly wind establishing itself for the weekend. Into the

weekend, temperatures are slightly lower, certainly for Saturday at

around 11 with a lot of cloud around. The bit more sunshine on

Sunday so hopefully temperatures recovering. Chilly for the first

part of the night but then slightly higher temperatures just heading

down a little bit again by the weekend.

That's all from us here in Cambridge for now.

I'll be back with the late news at 10.30 but, from all of us here,