THE OXFORD PAPER Your guide for your
Thursday, April 19, 2018 No.88
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Weekly leisure guide for in & around Oxford
Win! Explosion could ‘not have Marathon challenge for Pages 18&19 been prevented’ Page 5 runners
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Classics with French flourishes Review: The Black Horse, Thame
Kids’ VIP package Page 28
Ivor Novello award-w inning musician shar es his
MP rejects MEP’s allegation of neglect over Brexit remainers By George Welch OXFORD East MP Anneliese Dodds has been accused of failing to represent the pro-remain majority in the city when speaking on her constituents’ behalf on Brexit. In a letter seen by this newspaper, Green MEP for Oxfordshire Keith Taylor claims the Labour member’s constituents have been left ‘immensely frustrated’ and ‘disappointed’ by her ‘inability’ to represent the 70 per cent who voted to remain. Mr Taylor said his letter was based on feedback received when he hosted a meeting at Oxford Town Hall earlier this month. The 64-year-old wrote: “When I suggested the attendees look for support from their MP, I am sorry to have to tell you that there was an immense frustration at what they have interpreted as inaction on your part in representing the remain preference of your voters. “I note your website doesn’t seem to mention Brexit, despite its huge importance to the city.” Mr Taylor vowed to pass on all of the residents’ concerns to Ms Dodds, who denied his claims and insisted she is “doing everything I can for my constituents”. The pair used to work alongside each other in the European Parliament before Ms Dodds was elected as an MP in last June’s general election. Mr Taylor added: “Anneliese is
clearly toeing the party line. The trouble is, the Labour Party’s line on Brexit is dishearteningly close to the Tory government’s. “Oxford residents have no idea of what kind of post-Brexit future we’re heading towards. “I have worked alongside Anneliese many times before with great effect and I hope she will join me again in the campaign to give people the fi nal say on any Brexit deal. “It’s the least the people of Oxford East deserve.” Ms Dodds, who is part of the shadow treasury team, said she was surprised at Mr Taylor’s accusations. The former MEP said: “He should look at what I have been doing in parliament. I’m doing everything I can for my constituents. “I try to represent all of them and I have received various views [on the issue]. I do everything possible to make sure these are expressed.” She has spoken 42 times on the EU-related Sanctions and Anti Money Laundering Bill and 59 times on the Taxation (cross-border trade) Bill, better known as the Customs Bill. Ms Dodds added that she has regularly discussed Brexit with constituents having knocked on doors in Oxford and hosted ‘countless’ meetings. Through these, she said, topics such as research funding, EU rights and NHS staff have been deliberated with residents.
personal journey
Oar-some: The Active Body, Healthy Mind sports project run by Aspire provides disadvantaged people with sports and social activities to improve well-being, self esteem and confidence and has been boosted by the partnership
Charity enjoys a stroke of good fortune AN Oxford charity that supports vulnerable people back into work has been given a boost following a new business partnership. Aspire Oxford has been nominated as the central Oxford charity partner for the Midcounties Co-operative. The company will organise
fundraising events for the charity and set up donation points in up to 50 Co-ooperative Food stores. Fundraisers will also take part in various sporting challenges on behalf of Aspire, including sportive Bike Oxford and the Oxford Half Marathon. The partnership will also provide funding for a Back-
to-Work scheme and provide Aspire trainees with week-long work placements to re-introduce them to a working environment. Aspire chief executive Paul Roberts said: “We’re over the moon about the partnership as their support will make all the difference to the number of people we can reach.”