Mr Wood had two meetings, one in Batley and one in Birstall, following approaches by local people.

He met over 30 residents at Frederick Walker Gardens in ...]]> 26 May 2011 13:54:05 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=720 I have yet to meet anyone who believes the government's decision to pause its plans to change the way the National Health Service is run is genuine. It's not a re-think but a regrouping exercise ahead of a major push forward with the privatisat...]]> 25 May 2011 14:34:20 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=721 MP Mike Wood has criticised a decision to close the two local Kirklees Music School centres and called on the council to act.

It is proposed that the school's centres in Cleckheaton and Batley be closed and local aspiring muscians travel to M...]]> 23 May 2011 09:36:51 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=719 Mike Wood is hosting a public meeting this week to discuss reopening a post office in Roberttown.

The village post office closed unexpectedly three years ago and Mike Wood has been pressing Post Office Ltd to reopen the branch ever sinc...]]> 21 May 2011 14:30:04 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=722 Mike Wood joined young people from Batley and Spen who have returned from doing voluntary work in children's homes in India.

Mirfield Community Trust's Indiability project sent a group of local teenagers to India to work in two children&#...]]> 20 May 2011 14:34:04 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=723 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood visited the Lifeline and OnTrak services in Dewsbury today to see first hand the work done to support people with drugs and alcohol problems.

The services offer support to people across north Kirklees, including Batle...]]> 25 April 2011 12:01:33 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=718 Government plans to radically alter the way in which the NHS is run have provoked a resolute response from the public in Batley and Spen.

Local people resolved to do all they could to prevent the ‘defacto privatisation of our National Healt...]]> 29 March 2011 09:38:57 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=717 Mike Wood spoke at a Labour party meeting in Hexham last week - where he stood for Parliament in 1987.

The Northumberland seat was Mr Wood's first experience as a general election candidate. He spoke to a packed room of Labour party members -...]]> 25 March 2011 12:00:31 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=716 Mike Wood has expressed dismay and surprise at the announcement that Citizens Advice Bureau is closing its office in Cleckheaton.

Mr Wood said: "I am surprised and dismayed to learn that the CAB is closing its office in Cleckheaton and I wou...]]> 22 March 2011 12:00:18 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=715 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood opposed the Government's proposal to launch military attacks against Libya in the House of Commons vote on Monday night.

Mr Wood was one of only 15 MPs to oppose the motion, which follows UN Resolution 1973 and so...]]> 17 March 2011 13:03:37 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=713 I was very proud to be involved in the creation of Sure Start; it is one of the most important achievements of the last Government.

A question mark now hangs over the future of the service - affecting 11 centres in Batley and Spen. A lot of the ...]]> 14 March 2011 13:26:47 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=714 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood has met with parents from a local Sure Start centre to support their campaign against cuts to the service.

Mr Wood visited the Gomersal and Littletown Children's Centre at St Mary's school in Gomersal. He met ...]]> 10 March 2011 14:02:50 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=712 Mike Wood will mark Fairtrade Fortnight by hosting a Fairtrade coffee morning on Saturday morning.

Mr Wood founded the steering group that helped make Batley and Spen the country's first ever Fairtrade Constituency.

The coffee morning w...]]> 17 February 2011 09:49:18 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=711 It is welcome news that the government is backtracking on plans to sell off national forests. The Bill that would have allowed this hasn't even been presented to MPs but already the Government is retreating due to the outcry.

I've had mor...]]> 14 February 2011 12:50:55 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=710 Staff from Red House Museum in Gomersal travelled to London to be presented with the museum's second Sandford Award for its educational provision.

Red House is a 17^th Century wool merchant's house remodelled to create a 1830s ...]]> 09 February 2011 20:20:57 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=709 Mike Wood has made a submission to Kirklees Council's consultation on the local development framework, which will determine land use over the next 18 years.

The Batley and Spen MP previously raised serious concerns about the way the consultat...]]> 09 February 2011 16:12:44 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=708 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood today met with Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly to lobby against the closure of Batley and Dewsbury Magistrates' Court and the county court.

Following the meeting, held this afternoon in Parliament, Mr Wood...]]> 27 January 2011 12:37:45 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=707 Mike Wood has reacted to the Government's health service "reform" bill by warning constituents that the NHS is on the verge of privatisation.

The Batley and Spen MP added his voice to the widespread opposition to the plans.

He...]]> 21 January 2011 13:41:24 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=704 There have been a number of occasions in my time as MP for Batley and Spen that I have really despaired at the decisions Parliament has made. We had another such example last week.

The coalition forced through the final stages of a Bill that will...]]> 19 January 2011 11:31:53 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=706 Mike Wood has called for Kirklees Council to extend its consultation on the local development framework and urgently address worrying gaps in the information provided to local people.

The council started a consultation process over Christmas...]]> 17 January 2011 11:23:08 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=703 Mike Wood held his first ever advice surgery in a supermarket on Saturday and said it was a great success.

Mr Wood spent two hours at the Morrisons store in Heckmondwike town centre meeting people and discussing concerns and problems.

...]]> 12 January 2011 11:44:05 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=702 Mike Wood will hold an advice surgery at the Morrisons store in Heckmondwike on Saturday.

The drop in session will run from 10am to noon and is open to anyone who lives in Batley and Spen. It is the first time Mr Wood has used a supermarket as th...]]> 20 December 2010 13:44:07 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=701 Mike Wood MP will visit two of Batley and Spen's three Royal Mail sorting offices tomorrow morning to meet postal workers.

Every year Mr Wood visits the local sorting offices in December to meet staff and thank them for their work dealing wit...]]> 16 December 2010 15:21:17 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=697 The last month has been dominated by the issue of university funding and the nationwide protests by students, culminating in the vote in Parliament last Thursday and the government's narrow victory.

Even here in Batley and Spen we've seen...]]> 15 December 2010 15:23:22 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=700 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood has criticised the coalition government's decision to close Dewsbury's two court houses.

The magistrates courts and the county court will now close and move to Huddersfield to cut costs. Both courts serve Batl...]]> 13 December 2010 10:50:42 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=696 Mike Wood would like to wish all his constituents a very merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful new year. 

The image is from Mr Wood's 2010 Parliamentary Christmas card and was designed by three year old Frankie Saunders from Roberttow...]]> 13 December 2010 10:46:49 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=699 This year a three year old boy from Roberttown has designed the Christmas card that Mike Wood MP will send to almost 20,000 people in Batley and Spen.

Every year Mr Wood sends the card to households where someone has been in contact with him...]]> 10 December 2010 15:33:42 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=698 Controversial plans to increase the cost of tuition fees for university education were opposed by Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood.

The coalition government won the vote in the House of Commons last night with a slender majority.

Mr Wood, who o...]]> 07 December 2010 13:21:01 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=695 Mike Wood is urging any of his constituents who use mobility aids to offer feedback to a new study being carried out by the Office of Fair Trading.

Following on from an adjournment debate in the House of Commons last week, where Mr Wood raised co...]]> 01 December 2010 13:13:37 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=694 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood secured an adjournment debate last night in the House of Commons to press Government ministers for improved regulations and protections for people who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Mr Wood raised a series of ...]]> 24 November 2010 09:56:24 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=693 MP Mike Wood will today open Birstall's new Bridge Project at St Peter's Church.

The project has been created by church members and will feature a luncheon club as well as a wide range of activities for local people.

Mike ...]]> 19 November 2010 10:08:35 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=692 Last weekend was Remembrance Weekend and a very busy one at that!

Five Acts of Remembrance were held in Batley and Spen on Sunday in addition to many services on Remembrance Day itself.

I attended services in Roberttown and Heckmondwike t...]]> 10 November 2010 20:55:56 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=691 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood will lay a wreath at all six Acts of Remembrance taking place this year.

Mr Wood attends or is represented at all the Acts of Remembrance in Batley and Spen every year. He is represented at those events that clash wit...]]> 21 October 2010 11:34:40 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=690 Losing the £250million Building Schools for the Future was a terrible blow for thousands of pupils and teachers at local schools in Batley and Spen. But in a sense we lost something we'd never had. The scheme was needed, not just for the fabr...]]> 22 September 2010 11:36:01 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=688 A petition is calling for a new pedestrian crossing at Norristhorpe Lane to stop residents having to "play Russian roulette" crossing the road.

The petition, organised by Norristhorpe resident David Dyson, was presented to Batley and Sp...]]> 21 September 2010 14:13:25 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=687 Mike Wood MP was guest speaker today at the weekly discussion group held in Scholes.

Mr Wood visited the group to talk about the work he does as the Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen. He spoke generally about his work and the present polit...]]> 19 September 2010 10:13:24 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=689 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood laid a wreath in Batley today to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Mr Wood took part in the parade and service organised by Batley's RAF Association.

He laid a wreath on behalf of the peop...]]> 16 September 2010 11:14:44 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=686 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood had made a submission to the Ministry of Justice opposing its plans to close the local magistrates and county courts.

Mr Wood is opposed to the Government's plans to close both courts in Dewsbury, which serve Batl...]]> 16 September 2010 10:38:13 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=685 I have never known a Labour party leadership election get so much attention and coverage from the media as the one we're in the grips of at present. Although it has been a while since we last had one - it was 16 years ago since Tony Blair was elect...]]> 10 September 2010 18:32:20 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=685 Mike Wood MP has condemned fresh plans to push through the privatisation of Royal Mail.

The threat of privatisation to a successful and universal public service is, says Mr Wood, politically motivated and will do nothing for those who rely o...]]> 10 September 2010 13:44:19 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=681 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood has wished his Muslim constituents all the blessings of Eid.

As with Christmas, Mr Wood pays to send cards to many constituents he's had prior contact with in order to pass on his best wishes during the relig...]]> 03 September 2010 14:50:44 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=680 Mike Wood's autumn and winter series of advice surgeries begin tomorrow in Heckmondwike following the August break.

Mr Wood will hold his third advice surgery in the town after becoming the MP for Heckmondwike in May.

As he does every y...]]> 02 September 2010 18:42:19 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=679 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood has today met with Inspector Neil Money, commander of Batley's neighbourhood policing teams.

Mr Wood meets with the police regularly to discuss local issues and police operations. Mr Wood also takes the opportunit...]]> 23 August 2010 23:36:12 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=678 Many civil servants living in Batley and Spen have been writing to Mike Wood MP over Government plans to renege on a deal over government employees' working conditions.

Mike Wood says that he has been inundated with complaints about the threa...]]> 19 August 2010 23:33:11 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=677 We may have to endure enforced austerity at present but we've had a strong and varied programme of events locally to help us enjoy the summer months in spite of the grim economic backdrop.

In the Spen Valley we've had the ever popular and...]]> 13 August 2010 11:39:05 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=676 Flood defence work planned for the River Spen has been shelved as part of Government cuts to public spending.

Hundreds of residents were looking forward to a flood alleviation scheme along the Spen designed to prevent a repeat of events in 2007 w...]]> 09 August 2010 11:25:30 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=675 Dear Editor,

A large number of constituents have contacted me to raise concerns about threats to the integrity, impartiality and quality of the BBC.

It is quite clear that the government is under increased pressure from Rupert Murdoch and h...]]> 04 August 2010 11:21:07 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=674 Plans to close the two local courts has not been thought through, claims Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood.

The Government has announced it wants to close the magistrates' court and county court in Dewsbury and move them to Huddersfield. The propo...]]> 02 August 2010 22:57:40 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=673 Following the failed appeal against refusal to allow a new pharmacy to open in Roberttown, Mike Wood said:

 "I am surprised and disappointed that the decision to deny Roberttown its own pharmacy had been upheld.

"I was ...]]> 01 August 2010 18:12:42 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=673 Fox hunting was a major issue for many people during the 2010 general election campaign but the threat to abolish the ban remains very strong.

The coalition government is committed to a vote in Parliament on bringing back fox hunting.

...]]> 18 July 2010 22:29:49 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=672 Mike Wood has congratulated the Batley Bulldogs on winning the Northern Rail Cup. 

Batley Bulldogs won the trophy at Blackpool earlier today by beating Widnes Vikings 25-24.

Mr Wood, who is vice president of the club, sa...]]> 16 July 2010 20:33:12 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=671 Mike Wood has welcomed news that the town's new health centre is ready to open.

The centre, paid for under the last government's extensive investment in local health services, is a major component in the continuing regeneration of Heckmo...]]> 15 July 2010 16:40:10 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=670 We all knew it was going to be tough and we knew the new government was on a mission to cut public spending faster and deeper than necessary. But there's been a lot of surprise and shock at the decision to completely withdraw £200million of B...]]> 08 July 2010 10:47:44 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=668 Members of Parliament have expressed alarm at proposals to close 157 courts across the country, including two in Dewsbury.

Plans to close the magistrates’ court and the county court were announced by the coalition government two weeks ago ...]]> 06 July 2010 14:08:33 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=669 In light of yesterday's decision by the government to axe the Building Schools for the Future funding for Kirklees, Mike Wood said:

"This is a devastating, cruel decision.

All the money, work and time that have gone into this proj...]]> 29 June 2010 14:24:59 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=667 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood gave evidence in support of the campaign to overturn a ruling preventing a new pharmacy from opening in Roberttown.

Mr Wood was represented at the appeal hearing in Huddersfield on Monday where he gave evidence in fav...]]> 29 June 2010 14:11:39 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=666 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood is opposing Government plans to close two local courts and has branded the proposals unjustifiable.

The plans, announced by the Ministry of Justice last week, would see the county court and the magistrates’ cou...]]> 29 June 2010 09:29:28 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=666 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood is opposing Government plans to close two local courts

He describes the proposals as unjustifiable.

The plans, announced by the Ministry of Justice, would see the county court and the magistrates' courts in...]]> 17 June 2010 22:03:44 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=665 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood has congratulated Batley Bulldogs on beating Leigh Centurians to get through to the final of the Northern Rail Cup.

The 25-4 win puts Batley into their first final since 1952.

Mr Wood, who is vice president...]]> 17 June 2010 11:50:25 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=664 As has been the case since my first general election victory in 1997, within hours of the result being announced there are people wanting support from their MP. The reward for all that campaigning, all that hard work and all those long days and sleeple...]]> 16 June 2010 09:19:28 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=663 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood has turned down the offer to formally reopen Spen Valley Greenway following works by Yorkshire Water to lay a new sewage pipe.

Mr Wood, who played a key role in the creation of the Greenway, opposed plans to use the r...]]> 12 June 2010 08:47:32 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=662 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood today holds his first ever advice surgery in Heckmondwike.

Mr Wood became the MP for Heckmondwike for the first time following last month's general election and a series of boundary changes.

Consti...]]> 09 June 2010 10:20:34 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=661 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood has switched his nomination for Labour leader to Diane Abbott in a bid to ensure at least one left candidate makes it onto the ballot paper.

Mr Wood was backing John McDonnell but after it became clear it would be imp...]]> 07 June 2010 14:34:39 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=660 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood has nominated John McDonnell MP to become the new leader of the Labour party.

Mr Wood was campaign manager for Mr McDonnell in 2007 when he attempted to force a leadership contest following the departure of Tony ...]]> 17 May 2010 14:22:04 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=659 Fresh from the general election campaign, Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood has announced his latest series of local advice surgeries.

The list includes the usual venues of Batley, Cleckheaton and Birstall with the addition of Heckmondwike, which is n...]]> 11 May 2010 11:16:32 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=657 Mike Wood has expressed his views on the present political dealings over who should form the next Government.

Mr Wood said: "In my view David Cameron should be prime minister and for him not to be flies in the face of natural justice - his p...]]> 10 May 2010 12:11:20 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=656 Mike Wood will hold a special surgery on Saturday for new constituents from Roberttown and Hartshead.

Mr Wood's re-election as MP last week means he is now the MP for Roberttown, Hartshead and the whole of the Heckmondwike ward. The boundary ...]]> 07 May 2010 12:05:41 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=655 Mike Wood has been re-elected as the Labour MP for Batley and Spen at the general election.

"I'd like to thank everyone who voted me and all the people who have worked so hard for over two years to make sure the vital work we do here in ...]]> 06 April 2010 11:32:29 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=654 Local pub The New Charnwood will be celebrating its 5th Anniversary on Monday 12th April from 7pm. 

The event will celebrate five successful years of business and a chance to thank all those involved for their support over the years.  ...]]> 01 April 2010 09:53:13 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=652 Batley MP Mike Wood is set to meet the head of Batley Grammar School.

The meeting follows the announcement in last week's Batley News that the school is to seek to become an academy within the state sector.

Mr Wood visited the school l...]]> 31 March 2010 17:39:53 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=653 Mike Wood MP has welcomed news that council-controlled car parks across Batley and Spen are to remain free of charge.

And in light of this the he is to press Kirklees to look at ways of further helping local traders.

Mr Wood, who has fought...]]> 22 March 2010 13:21:50 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=651 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood is backing calls to improve access to polling stations for people with a disability.

Mr Wood is supporting a Commons motion calling on the Government to ensure that all electors can vote independently and with dignity...]]> 15 March 2010 12:23:12 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=649 Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood has been meeting constituents with long term conditions who are trialling a new NHS system that's designed to improve the care they receive.

Home Telecare is a new monitoring system provided to people with a chro...]]> 22 February 2010 09:42:03 http://www.mikewood.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=648 A reproduction of a painting that's too valuable to display has gone on show at Batley Art Gallery.