Yorkshire and the Humber at Congress 2012

Published: 28 May 2012

Yorkshire and the Humber at Congress 2012

Members from the Yorkshire and the Humber region made the most of a rare opportunity to speak to both the Secretary of State for Health Rt Hon Andrew Lansley MP and the Leader of the Opposition Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP when they came to address Congress in Harrogate.

Sue Panther from NHS Direct in Wakefield asked Mr Lansley whether there would be any special arrangements to enable disabled nurses to find employment when NHS Direct is disbanded and she pointed out that their expertise could be lost. In reply, Mr Lansley stressed the benefits to the public of the new 111 service and said that staff would be transferred under existing TUPE agreements.

Before Ed Miliband took to the stage delegates were invited to text in their questions. His speech and answers were well-received by Congress although Stacey Hunter from the Leeds branch pointed out that his position as opposition leader was an easy one. She wanted to know what action the Labour Party would take now to protect the NHS. In answer to this Mr Miliband pledged to work with the RCN where possible.

Leeds member Matthew Sidebottom asked about pensions and was told that a Labour government would come to any decisions about pensions and pay through negotiation rather than through confrontation.

After Ed Miliband's main speech a small group og members from Yorkshire and the Humber had the opportunity to talk to him more intimately over a cup of tea (pictured).

It was a busy week for the communications team as in addition to reports on Calendar news, BBC Look North, Radio Leeds, Radio York and Stray FM, there were also several local newspaper articles during the week.

Staff from the regional office worked alongside members at the Yorkshire and the Humber stand to ensure there was always someone on hand to answer any queries and a daily raffle gave four lucky members the chance to take home a box of goodies from Betty’s Tea rooms.