Press releases

22 September 2009

LIB DEMS LEND SUPPORT TO CHILDREN WITH LEUKAEMIA’s CAMPAIGN TO SAVE YOUNG LIVES

BOURNEMOUTH: Leading children’s cancer charity CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA, who are campaigning for the government to adopt a ‘precautionary approach’ in relation to building new homes and schools close to high voltage over head power lines, received a boost this week when the Liberal Democrats pledged their support to the campaign.

Local and national Liberal Democrat representatives including Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall and Lib Dem Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government, joined the charity for their fringe meeting at the Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth this week, to set out the national perspective of the Liberal Democrats. 

The event focussed on planning and infrastructure issues.  The Lib Dems were quick to demonstrate their understanding of the issues and are keen that the focus should be on giving power to local communities, so that they are able to influence and be part of a real democracy.  The Lib Dems believe people need to know how councillors are acting in regard to planning decisions as they relate to buildings near power lines.

Cllr. David Bellotti, Vice-Chair of the Local Government Association Children and Young People Board, highlighted the need to protect children’s health and the need for “joined-up thinking” when addressing issues that cross different portfolios, and Cornwall Councillor, Ann Kerridge, gave the local planning perspective. 

Spokesperson for CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA, Caroline Hampden-White, commented “We’re seeking to deepen our understanding of how this issue affects local communities and find ways to work with councillors.  We’re delighted to have been joined by so many interested colleagues and thank the Liberal Democrats for their support.”

The audience brought their own experiences of related planning issues to the panel discussion and there was a lively debate on current concerns and possible future legislation. 

CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA seeks to raise awareness of the increased incidence of childhood leukaemia in children who live, or go to school, close to high voltage overhead power lines.  Whilst more scientific research is carried out the charity urges the Government to adopt a “precautionary approach” to building new homes and schools close to power lines, and vice versa, to stop making the problem worse. 

In 2007 the Cross-Party Inquiry into Childhood Leukaemia and ELF EMF (Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields), of which Lib Dem MP Sandra Gidley was a member, urged the Government to issue pro-precaution planning guidance.  In the same year SAGE, the Stakeholder Advisory Group on ELF EMF, urged the Government to adopt a pro-precautionary stance. No response has been issued to date.

Dan Rogerson concluded by saying “This is a highly important issue. I'm grateful to CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA for giving us their insight and particularly for working with local councillors who are the ones having to take decisions on planning applications.
 
"It is nothing short of a betrayal that the Government have so far simply ignored an authoritative and deeply concerning Cross-Party report.
 
"I will certainly do all I can to help and will continue to press for a Government response."

Ends

Notes to editors

1)    CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to the conquest of childhood leukaemia through pioneering research, new treatment and support of leukaemic children and their families.  For further information please visit www.leukaemia.org or call Press Officer Tina Price on 07966 239 092.

2) Click here for link to SAGE report (a new window will open)

3) Click here for Cross Party Inquiry Report (a new window will open)

Contacts

Tina Price

Tel: 01202 840700.    Mobile: 07966 239092.
Email: tina@tinapriceconsultants.com

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