Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MP

A local Euro MP is using Saturday's date (11/2) to raise awareness of the 112 emergency number that works across Europe.

Despite being in use for 20 years, most travellers are unaware of the number. This weekend marks European 112 Day, dedicated to the promotion of the service.

North East MEP Fiona Hall said:

North East MEP Fiona Hall has signed a pledge in Parliament to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people.

She has put her name to the ten-point 'Be Bothered!' campaign, which aims to combat prejudice and discrimination.

Fiona said: "Huge progress has been made in the UK to tackle homophobia, but there is still more that can be done. And sadly, in many other European countries, the situation is much worse and the need for action to bolster the rights of LGBT people is even more urgent.

The recent cold snap means that residents in and around Belsay are now eligible for Cold Weather Payments and MP Sir Alan Beith wants to make sure people do not miss out.

On 1 February the weather station at Albermarle triggered Cold Weather Payments for people in the south-western part Sir Alan's Berwick-upon Tweed constituency, including Belsay. For Cold Weather Payments to be triggered, the temperature must be recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days.

New figures reveal that in the Berwick upon Tweed constituency, 780 people benefitted from an apprenticeship last year, an increase of 53%.

This news comes as the Coalition Government has launched the National Apprenticeships Week, which will seek to build on last year's success with events in schools and businesses.

Berwick's Liberal Democrat MP Sir Alan Beith, who is leading the campaign to save Berwick's emergency ambulance cover, has arranged to meet Tony Dell, the Chairman of the North East Ambulance Service on Friday 10 February.

The MP called for the meeting when he learned about the proposals to cut one of Berwick's 999 ambulances, potentially putting lives at risk in Berwick and north Northumberland.

The Office of Fair Trading will launch an investigation into dodgy consumer credit websites after an EU-wide investigation found 8 out of 10 UK sites failed to provide enough information to customers.

Commenting on the initial findings of the 2011 EU Consumer Credit investigation, North East Liberal Democrat Euro MP Fiona Hall said:

The recent cold snap means that some Northumberland residents are now eligible for Cold Weather Payments and MP Sir Alan Beith wants to make sure people do not miss out.

On 1 February the weather station at Redesdale triggered Cold Weather Payments for people in Elsdon in Sir Alan's Berwick-upon Tweed constituency, as well as large parts of the west Northumberland. For Cold Weather Payments to be triggered, the temperature must be recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days.

Sir Alan Beith MP has been in touch with the North East Ambulance Service over their plans to scrap one of Berwick's life-saving ambulances, potentially putting lives in north Northumberland at risk.

Now NEAS have written back to Sir Alan with details of their plans, which the Liberal Democrat MP has branded "completely unacceptable".

Sir Alan Beith MP has been in touch with the North East Ambulance Service over their plans to scrap one of Berwick's life-saving ambulances, potentially putting lives in north Northumberland at risk.

Now NEAS have written back to Sir Alan with details of their plans, which the Liberal Democrat MP has branded "completely unacceptable".

Sir Alan Beith has been assured by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury that capital allowances will be available to attract new businesses to Northumberland.

During questions in the House of Commons, Sir Alan said

"I thank the Chief Secretary to the Treasury for his help in securing the extension of the north-east enterprise zone into Northumberland, which could bring jobs to my constituents in south-east Northumberland. Will enhanced capital allowances be available within the extended area?"