Greater Protection For Holidaymakers Welcomed By Huppert

Government reforms, providing greater protection for Cambridge holidaymakers booking overseas holidays, have been welcomed by city MP, Julian Huppert.

The changes to the Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, which at present covers only package holidays, will extend it to cover ‘flight plus’ holidays sold by a tour operator or travel agent.

This means that when holidaymakers book a flight and other key elements such as hotel accommodation or car hire within two consecutive days of each other, they will be offered the same ATOL protection.

Further reforms to the ATOL scheme, to possibly include holidays sold by airlines, are contained in the Civil Aviation Bill currently making its way through Parliament.

Julian, Co-Chair of the Liberal Democrat Transport Committee welcomed the move to make air travel more passenger focused and offer holidaymakers more protection.

He said: “Until now, we have had an absurd situation where travellers have been left unsure as to whether their holidays are covered. This gives them little peace of mind should their tour operator become insolvent before they travel or while they are on holiday.

“And the rise in internet shopping for holidays means that more and more people are choosing to book trips on line rather than take package holidays. We need a system which recognises this trend and responds to this new found freedom and flexibility. The latest reforms go some way to addressing this and I hope the government will go further.”    

MP Launches Search For Apprentice To Join His City Team

MP Julian Huppert has launched a search for an apprentice to join his team at his Cambridge constituency office.

The apprentice will be the first in a campaign launched by Julian for Cambridge Regional College to recruit 100 apprentices in 100 days.

He or she will work 30 hours a week dealing with issues arising from correspondence from constituents, as well as receiving training.

The role will involve:

• Speaking to constituents, other MPs, government departments and agencies by telephone;
• Monitoring the main casework email address and ensuring that urgent emails receive attention;
• Opening the post, scanning letters in to our system and assigning to the correct member of staff;
• Occasional attendance at constituent surgeries to support the MP.

The apprentice will also be completing the apprenticeship framework in customer service with Cambridge Regional College.

Julian said: “I am delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to an apprentice. The apprenticeship scheme is an excellent way for young people to learn valuable skills in a working environment. It also gives employers the chance to play their part by offering a training place which will give a young person that all important first step on the job ladder. I hope lots of companies in and around Cambridge will sign up to this campaign and take an apprentice”

Cambridge Regional College’s 100 apprentices in 100 days campaign is part of a national scheme to provide more apprenticeships.

For more information about Julian’s apprenticeship place go here.

Summer Schools Fund Promises Benefit For City's Poorest Pupils

Cambridge MP Julian Huppert

Cambridge head teachers are being urged by MP Julian Huppert to help their most disadvantaged pupils by taking advantage of the government’s £50 million Summer Schools Fund.

Applications for the fund, which was launched last September by Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, opened yesterday (Thursday, March 1).

It is designed to help disadvantaged pupils nationally, including more than 8,000 across Cambridgeshire, to make the transition from primary to secondary school.

Julian said: “I hope Cambridge head teachers will apply for this funding to run summer schools for disadvantaged youngsters across the city who will be moving on to secondary education this autumn.

“This money could help pupils by giving extra support in English and maths or provide wider activities such as music and sport or trips to theatres and museums.

“I am delighted that the coalition government has been able to target education funding in this way. It is clearly understood that youngsters from poorer backgrounds struggle at school. Some go on to secondary education with low literacy and numeracy skills.

“The Liberal Democrat-led Summer Schools Fund and the Pupil Premium will help to address some of these issues by giving disadvantaged young people the help they need and deserve to succeed.”  

Cambridge head teachers applying for the funding will be able to design and run their summer schools, targeting pupils who will benefit the most.

Disorder in Cambridge - @cambscops Published Pictures

Police have released some information on Twitter;

Below are the images the police have released via Twitter - you can click on them for larger images. If you have any information please contact the police on 0345 456 456 4 (or you can DM them on Twitter via their @cambscops twitter account).