Yesterday, Rehman Chishti MP spoke for the hundredth time in Parliament. He used the occasion to welcome Medway Council’s decision to protect all 19 of its Sure Start children’s centres.
Speaking during an opposition debate Rehman said:
“Conservative authorities such as mine in Medway are committed to keeping Sure Start centres and helping the most vulnerable to get the best start in life.”
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“There are seven Sure Start centres in my constituency including one at Burnt Oak School in Gillingham, which I attended back in 1984. It is a tough area where there are real social and economic problems. The Sure Start centre helps to deal with those issues.”
Rehman also highlighted the fact that Medway Council has been awarded £275,000 by the Department for Education for a project to expand early education for two year olds and to improve provision for three and four year olds. The project was one of only 15, from a shortlist of 110, to be granted by the Department.
Following the debate Rehman commented, “It is a great privilege to represent the people of Gillingham and Rainham in Parliament. It has been a busy year and I have raised many issues on behalf of my constituents.”
Rehman has spoken in 100 debates and has asked 194 questions during his first year - making him one of the most active MPs in the House of Commons.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Rehman has made 117 contributions to the House of Commons (100 debates + 17 committee contributions) and has asked 194 questions (to date 135 have been answered).
Source: Parliamentary Information Management Services (PIMS)
Medway Council was awarded additional funding of £275,000 through its Early Intervention Grant on 31st March 2011.
Source: A letter from the DfE to Mark Holmes, Strategic Manager – Early Years Services, Medway Council
Sure Start Debate Hansard: Sure Start Children’s Centres, 27 Apr 2011: Column 223