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 Mrs Eleanor Laing has been the Member of Parliament for Epping Forest since 1997, where she has served the residents in the constituency of Epping Forest which comprises of Loughton, Epping, Waltham Abbey, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Theydon Bois, North Weald and the surrounding villages and the ancient Forest.
About Eleanor
Mrs Eleanor Laing has been the Member of Parliament for Epping Forest since 1997. She lives near Epping with her son, Matthew, who was born one week after the 2001 general election.
Born in Paisley in 1958, Eleanor graduated BA LLB from Edinburgh University in 1982. She was the first woman to be elected President of Edinburgh University Union. She practised law in Edinburgh, in the City of London and in industry between 1983 and 1989.
Eleanor was elected as Conservative MP for Epping Forest in May 1997 and re-elected with an increased majority in June 2001.
In the 1987 election, Eleanor was the Conservative candidate in the safe Labour seat of Paisley North. She became Special Adviser to the Rt Hon John MacGregor MP in 1989 when he was Secretary of State for Education and remained his Special Adviser when he was Leader of the House of Commons (1990-92) and Secretary of State for Transport (1992-94).
Her particular political interests are education, transport, the economy and the constitution. She served as a member of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Select Committee and the Education and Employment Select Committee.
In February 1999, she was promoted to the post of Opposition Whip and in July 2000 she became a Frontbench Spokesman for Constitutional Affairs.
After the 2001 General Election, she was appointed as Frontbench Spokesman for Education and Skills. From June to November 2003, she was made Shadow Minister for Children. Since March 2004, she has served as the Shadow Minister for Women & Equality. She has also previously been the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland.
In July 2007, Eleanor was appointed as Shadow Minister for Justice.
The constituency of Epping Forest comprises Loughton, Epping, Waltham Abbey, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Theydon Bois, North Weald, the surrounding villages and the ancient Forest itself.
For more news and information from Eleanor, please visit www.eleanorlaing.com
Eleanor holds regular surgeries at her office in Loughton. If there is any matter which you would like to discuss with Eleanor or any problem with which she might be able to help you, you can make an appointment on 0208 508 6608.
Dear Resident, I am very sorry that many people here in Epping Forest will have been concerned and upset about the allegations in Saturdays Daily Telegraph that I have acted wrongly by not paying Capital Gains Tax when I sold my Westminster flat in August 2008. I have always been scrupulous about the way in which I have carried out my responsibilities as a public servant in spending taxpayers' money and I deeply hurt by this attack on my integrity. I would have paid the tax if it had been due, but it was not due. By last summer the Westminster flat had, in practical terms become my main home and therefore, as HMRC rules designate, Capital Gains Tax was not payable when i sold it. My house in Theydon Boys, for which I have never claimed a penny of taxpayers' money will be liable for Capital Gains Tax when it is eventually sold. The criticism occurs because, when I first became an MP, I designated the flat as my second home and I did not think of changing that designation when my circumstances changed following the birth of my son and then my divorce. I had, however, continued to claim the Parliamentary Additional Costs allowance to help pay the mortgage on the flat. I now realise that this is inconsistent. I had not planned to sell the flat but financial circumstances following my divorce made this necessary and I used the proceeds of the sale to buy a smaller flat in the same block. Since I moved to the smaller flat in August 2008 I have obviously not claimed any mortgage interest from the Additional Cost allowance. I respect the fact that many people who live in Epping Forest travel daily to London while I am fortunate to have a London base as well as a constituency base. From now on i will pay the costs of my flat, with no help from the taxpayer. I could explain in detail the legal position and why I have broke no rules, but I fully appreciate that many people are fed up with that approach. I care far more about my integrity than the money. I am uncomfortable with the thought that I may have used tax payers' money in a way that is questionable. I have, therefore decided voluntarily to send £25,000 of taxpayers' money back to the House of Commons authorities. This is a considerable amount of money so i am talking to my bank about obtaining a loan to enable me to pay it immediately. I wholeheartedly support David Cameron's decisive actions to make the system open and clear. I submitted all my expenses claims to the Conservative Party Scrutiny Committee when it was first set up some weeks ago and I will do whatever they require of me when they have considered the matter. I understand why there is public anger over the whole issue of MP's expenses. The system is dreadful. I have spent my whole working life trying to bring our democratic system into the modern age and to reform Parliament so that it broadly reflects the people it represents. I continue that work daily as Shadow Minister for Justice. All politicians have a hard task ahead to win back the confidence and to earn the respect of the country. My work on behalf of the people of Epping Forest will continue to be my first priority. I am very sorry all of this has happened but I hope that I have been able to set the record straight. Eleanor.
Contact Eleanor Laing MP
Eleanor is very approachable and welcomes contact from her constituents on a wide range of issues. She can be contacted via the following:
By post:
You can write to Eleanor Laing MP at:
House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
By email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
By phone:
House of Commons: 0207 219 2086
Constituency: 0208 508 6608
Surgeries
Eleanor holds regular surgeries at her office in Loughton. If there is any matter which you would like to discuss with Eleanor or any problem with which she might be able to help you, you can make an appointment on 0208 508 6608.
About Parliament
For more information about the House of Commons visit the Education website at www.parliament.uk/education.
Many questions have been asked about Eleanor's Expenses. Click here Visit Eleanor Laings Westminster Website Here.and read about the hard work she does in Westminster and around the constituency.
Other offices held in the past
- Shadow Minister, Justice (6 Jul 2007 to 11 May 2010)
- Shadow Minister (Women and Equality), Communities and Local Government (20 Oct 2006 to 6 Jul 2007)
- Shadow Minister (Women and Equality), Trade & Industry (16 Dec 2005 to 20 Oct 2006)
- Shadow Minister (Women & Equality), Trade & Industry (20 May 2005 to 16 Dec 2005)
- Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, Scotland (20 May 2005 to 16 Dec 2005)
- Shadow Minister (Women), Family (17 Mar 2005 to 20 May 2005)
- Shadow Minister for Women, Family (6 Jul 2004 to 17 Mar 2005)
- Member, Urban Affairs Sub-committee Committee (11 Jun 2004 to 25 Jan 2005)
- Member, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee (to 25 Jan 2005)
- Shadow Minister (Women), Economic Affairs (10 May 2004 to 6 Jul 2004)
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Written by Administrator
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ELEANOR LAING'S 'WESTMINSTER REPORT' - January 2012
Welcome to the January edition of Eleanor Laing's 'Westminster Report'.This monthly bulletin keeps you up-to-date with Eleanor's work for the Epping Forest constituency, both in the constituency and at the House of Commons.Eleanor's 'Westminster Report' features her recent parliamentary speeches, media releases, media statements and media coverage.For the full details, click on the 'Read more' links. You can also keep up-to-date with Eleanor's activities by visiting her regularly updated website www.eleanorlaing.com
Eleanor's latest parliamentary speeches:
Prime Minister’s Questions: Eleanor Laing urges British unity: Speaking in Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons, Eleanor Laing urges British unity citing Robert Burns’ poem “The Dumfries Volunteers”… Read more
MP angry at SNP arrogance: Eleanor Laing welcomes the Prime Minister’s decision to allow a referendum in Scotland as soon as possible to remove uncertainty and strengthen the United Kingdom as the UK needs clarity and certainty on this issue now… Read more
Eleanor's latest media releases:
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing welcomes announcement that HRH The Duchess of Cambridge is to support the Scout Association: The announcement that HRH the Duchess of Cambridge is to become a Scout volunteer with the Scout Association is “marvellous news” for the organisation and the district, according to Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing... Read more
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing supports Send my Sister to School campaign: EppingForest MP Eleanor Laing is supporting a campaign which is focusing attention on the 67 million children – a disproportionate number who are girls - in the developing world who are missing out on primary education... Read more
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing praises school as West Hatch High School's Sports Ball launches sports development project: Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has praised pupils, staff and parents at West Hatch High School after a fundraising Sports Ball launched a sports development project for the High Road school… Read more
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing ‘Speaks Out’ against prejudice by signing Holocaust Memorial Day Book of Commitment: Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, in doing so pledging her commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died during the Holocaust... Read moreEleanor's latest media coverage
CHESHUNT AND WALTHAM MERCURY (12-1-12, p5) - Duchess's new Scout role welcomed: The Duchess of Cambridge's new role as a Scout volunteer has been welcomed by Waltham Abbey MP Eleanor Laing...WEST ESSEX LIFE (January edition) - Shop Local in the year ahead, asks Epping Forest MP: Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing is hoping that many other people will follow her lead and make a New Year resolution to shop local...
EVERYTHING EPPING FOREST WEBSITE - MP welcomes Royal link to Scout Association: The announcement that HRH the Duchess of Cambridge is to become a Scout volunteer with the Scout Association is “marvellous news” for the organisation and the district, according to Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing... Read more
MP supports Send my Sister to School campaign: EppingForest MP Eleanor Laing is supporting a campaign which is focusing attention on the 67 million children – a disproportionate number who are girls - in the developing world who are missing out on primary education... Read more
EPPING FOREST GUARDIAN WEBSITE - Loughton school gets MP's backing in campaign to educate third world girls: A Loughton school has petitioned its MP to help third world children get primary education… Read more
(19-1-12, p28) - Students petition Eleanor Laing: A Loughton school has petitioned its MP to ask for her help in ensuring that children in the developing world receive primary education...
CHESHUNT AND WALTHAM MERCURY (19-1-12 edition, p28) Laing accuses SNP over referendum: Waltham Abbey's MP Eleanor Laing has accused Scotland's ruling party of "astounding arrogance" over the future referendum over independence...
GIBRALTAR CHRONICLE WEBSITE - Chief Minister meets Minister of State for Defence: The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, met yesterday with Minister of State for Defence Nick Harvey at the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall. Mr Picardo was accompanied by the Chief Secretary, Ernest Gomez. The Special Envoy for Gibraltar - Defence, Eleanor Laing MP, attended the meeting also, given her specific responsibilities… Read more
EVERYTHING EPPING FOREST WEBSITE - MP signs Holocaust Memorial Day Book: Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, in doing so pledging her commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died during the Holocaust... Read more
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Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing ‘Speaks Out’ against prejudice by signing Holocaust Memorial Day Book of Commitment.
 Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, in doing so pledging her commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died during the Holocaust.Friday, January 27 will mark the 67th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history – and in the weeks running up to the day, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons giving MPs the chance to honour those who were persecuted and killed during the Holocaust and encouraging constituents to actively speak out against prejudice and bigotry today.In signing the Book of Commitment, Mrs Laing paid tribute to the extraordinary men and women who having survived the Holocaust, work to educate young people about what they endured, through the Holocaust Education Trust’s Outreach programme.Mrs Laing said: "Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau – and is an important opportunity to remember the victims of genocide. I encourage everyone to mark the day and to commit to ‘speaking up and speaking out’ against prejudice today.”
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Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing praises school as West Hatch High School's Sports Ball launches sports development project Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has praised pupils, staff and parents at West Hatch High School after a fundraising Sports Ball launched a sports development project for the High Road school. Money raised from Saturday’s glittering London event will go towards the project which would see  a new sports ball next to the swimming pool which would be made available to the local community outside school hours. The scheme would include some residential development on part of the High Road school site. Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, who donated tea for two at the House of Commons – which attracted a bid of £400 - said: “It has been such an exciting evening. It’s wonderful to see so much talent among the West Hatch pupils. “They and their parents and teachers have worked very hard and produced fantastic entertainment.” She added: “It is also great that we have raised so much money for the sports development. It’s so important to give our local people the chance to excel in all aspects of sport.”  The evening featured stunning a gymnastics display, a dance duet from Isobel Gamble and Edward Chitticks, and musical performances from Jonathan Antoine, Charlotte Jaconelli, Joanna Yahama, Joanne-Marie Skillet and X-Factor contestant and former pupil John Wilding. The evening was jointly compered by the school’s marketing and development officer Caroline Haines and Capital Radio and Smooth Radio DJ David ‘the Kid’ Jensen. Among the guests were former West Ham United and Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley, former West Ham footballer George Parris and ex-Rugby Union international David Cook. PICTURE CAPTIONS:
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing with Alan Curbishley and West Hatch High School head teacher Frances Howarth, and a West Ham United shirt donated and signed by former West Ham player George ParrisEpping Forest MP Eleanor Laing with Alan Curbishley.
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Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing supports Send my Sister to School campaign
EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing is supporting a campaign which is focusing attention on the 67 million children – a disproportionate number who are girls - in the developing world who are missing out on primary education.
An exhibition will be held shortly in Parliament showcasing the engagement of more than 6,000 UK schools in the Send my Sister to School campaign. Mrs Laing has been contacted by Davenant Foundation School and received more than 460 postcards about the campaign from local students who are also supporting the initiative.
Mrs Laing also spoke about the campaign during a debate on UN Women in the House of Commons last March.Mrs Laing said: “If we take the empowerment of women seriously, then across the world, and especially in developing countries where it is so desperately needed, we must give women the chance of good health and good education, to develop skills and contribute to the workforce, and to give their children the health and education that will strengthen future generations.“If we empower women, we will let them teach their children that co-operating,living together in peace and respecting other people is a more worthy ideal than the old-fashioned way of fighting for territory and proving oneself the stronger man.
"Women earn only ten per cent of the world’s income, even though they work two thirds of the world’s workinghours— and I bet that does not include looking after the children. Evidence shows that when women earn and manage their own money, they are more likely than men to spend it on educating and feeding their children.“Wasting the potential skills and abilities of half the world’s population because of discrimination is simply appalling. “If we really want to help developing nations, as well as continuing to help our nation, Europe and the western world, we must recognise the role of women.”
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Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing welcomes announcement that HRH The Duchess of Cambridge is to support the Scout Association
THE announcement that HRH the Duchess of Cambridge is to become a Scout volunteer with the Scout Association is “marvellous news” for the organisation and the district, according to Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing.
Mrs Laing said: “The world headquarters of scouting is here in the Epping Forest district (Gilwell Park) and I enthusiastically welcome the support of the Duchess of Cambridge for Scouting and hope that it encourages more adults to volunteer to be scout leaders.
“I am well aware that there is a long waiting list of children who want to be Scouts and Cubs but for whom there is no place until we have more leaders.” Mrs Laing added: “The involvement of the Duchess of Cambridge is marvellous news for the Scout Association which does so much wonderful work for our young people, and is a great boost to the district too.”
HRH the Duchess of Cambridge will become a volunteer with The Scout Association working with beaver scout colonies and cub scout packs. The Scout Association said the Duchess has chosen to volunteer with the organisation because she has been so impressed by the impact that it has on young people and their communities.
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Welcome to the December edition of Eleanor Laing's 'Westminster Report'.This monthly bulletin keeps you up-to-date with Eleanor's work for the Epping Forest constituency, both in the constituency and at the House of Commons.Eleanor's 'Westminster Report' features her recent parliamentary speeches, media releases, media statements and media coverage.For the full details, click on the 'Read more' links. You can also keep up-to-date with Eleanor's activities by visiting her regularly updated website www.eleanorlaing.com
Eleanor's latest media releases:
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing calls on constituents to follow her lead and ‘Shop Local’ this Christmas: Epping Forest MP Eleanor is hoping that many other people will follow her lead this festive season and ‘Shop Local’ for their Christmas presents... Read more
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing praises Christmas Tree Festival: Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has praised everyone involved with the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church, Epping... Read more
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing welcomes the Government’s consultation on criminalising Forced Marriage: Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has welcomed the launching of a Government consultation on the criminalisation of forced marriage... Read more
MP makes ‘Shop Local’ pledge: Epping Forest MP Eleanor is hoping that many other people will follow her lead this festive season and ‘Shop Local’ for their Christmas presents... Read more
Welcomes action on forced marriage: Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has welcomed the launching of a Government consultation on the criminalisation of forced marriage... Read more
BBC NEWS WEBSITE - Peers ‘should end Downton Abbey-style succession rules': The House of Lords is being urged to end rules which deny most hereditary peerages to women… Read more
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Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing welcomes the Government’s consultation on criminalising Forced Marriage.  Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has welcomed the launching of a Government consultation on the criminalisation of forced marriage.This follows the announcement on October 10 this year by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, that the Government would criminalise the breach of Forced Marriage Prevention Orders. These orders block forced marriages from going ahead and protect potential victims.
Although many cases of forced marriage go unreported the Government’s Forced Marriage Unit gave advice or support on 1,735 instances in 2010 alone. The youngest victim of forced marriage was just 12 years old, and the oldest 73.* In 2010 the Forced Marriage Unit gave active assistance to 469 cases across the country.
Mrs Laing, who has undertaken considerable work on this issue over several years, said: “I am glad this Government is examining how we can criminalise forced marriage while ensuring we do not discourage victims from coming forward. "We need to completely eradicate this unacceptable crime which rightly appals people across Epping Forest.“I fully support the tough stance of David Cameron and Theresa May against forced marriage."
Further Information:
On 10 October 2011 David Cameron announced that the breach of a Forced Marriage Protection Order would be criminalized. (http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/prime-ministers-speech-on-immigration/).
On 12 December 2011 the Home Office launched a consultation. (http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/forced-marriage/).
The Forced Marriage Act 2007 allows courts to issue Forced Marriage Prevention Orders to protect those who have been forced into marriage and to block forced marriages. 339 orders have been issued between November 2008 and June 2011.
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Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing calls on constituents to follow her lead and ‘Shop Local’ this Christmas
 Epping Forest MP Eleanor is hoping that many other people will follow her lead this festive season and ‘Shop Local’ for their Christmas presents.
Mrs Laing has vowed to do all her Christmas shopping in her constituency – and hopes others will do all they can to avoid the need to go elsewhere for their festive purchases.
Mrs Laing said: “I know it is tempting to use Westfield, Oxford Street or the internet but it would be better to do our bit for our own towns and villages – as far as our local shops are concerned, it’s ‘use it or lose it’.”
She added: “We have such a diverse mix of shops across the constituency all of whom are suffering from the current economic climate. “It is no good people complaining that we have empty retail premises if the shops were not supported when they were open for business.
“I always enjoy going round our excellent local shops, which I do most weekends. It is much less pressurized than travelling outside of the local area. “Not only will people be benefiting local businesses if they Shop Local, they will also be saving themselves money on fuel and rail fares.
Picture caption: MP Eleanor Laing and her son Matthew with Lorna Clark, from The Epping Bookshop and ‘Santa Claus’ who was signing copies of his new book at the shop on Sunday.
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Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing meets School Council members during Westminster visit.  EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing met members of the School Council at St John’s Primary School, Buckhurst Hill, when they visited the Palace of Westminster. Mrs Laing met the eight School Council members, headmaster Peter Tidmarsh and PSHE leader Susan Bickford who had earlier visited the Cenotaph and been taken on an escorted tour of the Palace of Westminster, which included listening to a debate in the House of Lords. Head Boy Daniel Tennant said: ”The House of Lords, including the Queen’s Throne, was very impressive with lots of gold and red.” The children also took part in a workshop which included producing and costing a manifesto as well as a mock election. Head Girl Suli Scatchard said: “I really enjoyed learning how democracy works in our country.” Mrs Laing spoke to the children about her parliamentary and constituency work and then answered questions from the children.
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Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing gives her support to village’s first Christmas market  Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing says a first Theydon Bois Christmas Market organised by the parish council promises to be “a marvellous community occasion”. Theydon Bois Parish Council is holding the event between 6pm and 9pm on Thursday, December 1st. There will be various attractions, including a Santa’s Grotto. Mrs Laing said: "Theydon Bois Parish Council is to be congratulated on organising such a great event."
Mrs Laing added: "I am sure that villagers and shopkeepers alike will all come together for the event which promises to be a marvellous community occasion.
“I really hope that the evening will be such a success that the Christmas Market becomes a regular fixture in the village’s festive calendar.”
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