Lots has been happening both in Parliament and in Broxtowe over the past couple of weeks. As always, I have been working hard to make the case for investment into our local area and I have been busy attending various meetings and events accordingly.
In Parliament
On Tuesday 8th March, I joined colleagues in the House of Commons Chamber for a historic address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I am proud that the UK has been unwavering in its commitment to supporting Ukraine during this time of crisis. The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) is supporting Ukraine with a package worth almost £400 million including £220 million for humanitarian aid. Furthermore, the Ministry of Defence has ramped up the supplying of equipment to Ukraine having also trained over 22,000 Ukrainian troops since 2015.
Equally, the Government has introduced new measures to help those most vulnerable who are fleeing from the conflict. As of last week, 4,000 visas have been granted by the Home Office under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the requirement for Ukrainians with passports to go to a visa application centre to give their biometrics before they come to the UK has been waived and the Government has also announced a new Homes for Ukraine scheme. This will allow British sponsors to open their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the war. Sponsors will be asked to provide a spare room or separate unoccupied self-contained accommodation. Households who become sponsors will receive £350 per month during the period of their sponsorship, up to 12 months.
I want to be absolutely clear, the Government needs to do more to assist Ukrainian people reaching the UK. We need to ensure that there are not unnecessary barriers preventing Ukrainians from finding safety. In unprecedented times we must take unprecedented measures whilst ensuring that the security of the British public is not compromised.
I was pleased to join Rt. Hon. Dr Liam Fox MP in support of his Down Syndrome Bill which had its second reading in the House of Lords yesterday. This ground breaking bill is the first of its kind in the world, putting in place a national strategy to improve provision and outcomes for all those living with Down Syndrome in the UK.
I have also attended meetings with advisors from Number 10 Downing Street to discuss opportunities for further investment into Broxtowe as well as an event to discuss ways in which we can better drive green growth in the East Midlands.
Earlier this week I was Vice Chair again of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Loneliness. This is an issue I am incredibly passionate about having championed the need to tackle loneliness and isolation in the House on numerous occasions. I was particularly pleased to see this issue highlighted on Wednesday as part of Young Carers Day. The Carers Trust have made isolation a key focus and I will continue to work with colleagues in Government to raise this important cause.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) Virtual Public Meeting
To further my previous updates on this matter, I will be holding a virtual public meeting on Tuesday 29th March 6.30 – 7.30 pm to discuss the suspension of the Nottingham to Matlock rail service.
This is an issue that I know has been of considerable concern to constituents particularly in Beeston, Chilwell and Attenborough. I am pleased that there will be an opportunity for the community to make their views heard on this important topic.
There will be senior officials from East Midlands Railway in attendance who will be on hand to answer any questions raised. If you would like to attend this meeting, please do email me at darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk and I will send you a link to join the meeting.
Constituency Visits
There has been a lot happening in Broxtowe over the past couple of weeks and I have enjoyed getting out and about in different areas of the constituency.
On Friday 11th March, I joined Cllr Trevor Rood, Chairman of Kimberley Town Council for a tree planting event to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Queen has planted over 1,500 trees during her reign. I look forward to future celebrations within Broxtowe leading up to this historic event.
That morning, I also attended a meeting of the Stapleford Towns Deal Executive Board in Beeston and chaired a meeting of the Stapleford Cycle Network Sub Group later that afternoon. These meetings are vital to ensure that the £21.1 million allocated to improve the town is best utilised and I will continue to listen to the views and needs of Stapleford residents to ensure that the money is delivered in the best possible way.
It was great to attend the Go to Green Growth Young People Event at the University of Nottingham that afternoon as well. I was delighted to meet with local students including from Alderman White School in Broxtowe.
I am so proud of the younger generation who are taking such a proactive approach when it comes to changing our habits and long held harmful attitudes to our planet. It is time we all follow their lead!
In the evening I went to see The Faces, Places Exhibition at Beeston library. Some wonderful drawings by local children, another example of the young artistic talent here in Nottinghamshire!
On Sunday 13th March, I was delighted to attend the Kimberley Food Fest. I would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who helped to organise the event.
It was brilliant to see another great event take place in Kimberley. It was wonderful to see so many local stalls, food producers and members of the public in attendance to support the event.
Yesterday, I held my regular meeting with Police Inspector Mike Ebbins. We discussed a range of issues from across the constituency such as off road bikes and inconsiderate parking. I will continue working with our local police to address these issues.
Greasley Footpaths
I have been contacted by large numbers of constituents in the Greasley area regarding the closed footpaths 32 and 40 and I fully share the desire to see these reopened as quickly as possible.
I have written a letter to the planning inspectorate in support of the County Council's diversion order which, if approved, will see these Rights of Way back in use by the general public.
The Planning Inspectorate will be organising a public hearing on this matter with more details being made available soon. I am hopeful we will start to see some progress in resolving this longstanding issue.
NHS Consultation
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have commenced the second phase of public consultation for their Tomorrow’s NUH (TNUH) initiative.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform and revolutionise the services run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) at Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospitals.
TNUH forms part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. This programme is about investing in buildings and equipment across the NHS, ensuring both patients and staff have the facilities they need for the future. More information on TNUH can be found using this link.
Constituency Surgeries
On Saturday 5th March, I held a constituency surgery at Rumbletums in Kimberley, it was incredibly worthwhile, and I heard about a range of issues. I will be holding surgeries on the first Saturday of every month with the next one taking place in Stapleford.
If you would like to book a constituency surgery please contact my office by emailing darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk or calling my office on 0115 671 2530.
