Spring Budget
I was in the Chamber to hear the Chancellor lay out the Spring Budget and was delighted to see a number of measures that will benefit Broxtowe. Some of the announcements I was particularly pleased to see were:
- A new Investment Zone is coming to the East Midlands to create innovation zones, boosting growth and creating jobs in our region.
- Duty on draught beer in pubs has been frozen, we have some brilliant pubs in Broxtowe and it is vital they can continue to compete with supermarkets.
- The Government will be introducing 30 hours of free childcare now extended to every child over the age of 9 months until they are 5 years old, worth on average £6,000 per year, fantastic news for local parents.
- The £2,500 energy price cap will remain for another 3 months and pre-payment energy meters will be brought into line with direct debit payments.
- As a Veteran, I was pleased to see £30 million given to support the Office of Veteran Affairs and the vital work that they do.
Commonwealth Day
Monday 13th March was Commonwealth Day! In the morning, I took part in a flag raising service in Beeston Square. It was wonderful to see those from Round Hill Primary School, the Mayor, Vice Lord-Lieutenant and others there, even if it was in the rain!
Following this, I headed to Parliament where I took a picture in front of the Jamaican and Trinidadian flags, the countries of origin of my parents. It is so important that we celebrate all the contributions past and present members of the Commonwealth have made to Britain today.
In Parliament
I recently asked the Home Secretary to lay out what more the Government is doing to tackle illegal immigration and what will be done about the hotels on the border of Broxtowe that are already housing large numbers of illegal migrants.
In February of last year, I spoke in a debate aiming to change the law in order to end child marriage. I was absolutely delighted that this change in the law, to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18, came into effect last month.
As I said in 2022, this single step will not eradicate child marriage, but it is a step in the right direction and one I am proud to have been involved in.
Please find further information here.
In 2021 the Integrated Rail Plan laid out plans for a new station at Toton, I recently reminded the Rail Minister of this commitment. I will continue fighting for this station to be delivered to improve connectivity for my constituents in Broxtowe.
Following requests from my constituents, I attended the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cats which met regarding pet theft. The Group are calling on the Government to extend the new criminal offence for pet abduction in the Kept Animals Bill to include cats as well as dogs.
I was proud to pledge my support for cats to be included in this legislation on behalf of my constituents in Broxtowe.
I took part in the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking last month. We discussed The Highway Code revisions one year after being changed, hearing from Department for Transport (DfT), the AA, Cycling UK, TRL (a global centre for innovation and surface transport) and The Metropolitan Police. It is essential we assess how these changes are affecting all road users, including those in my constituency of Broxtowe.
On 22nd March, I took part in a Delegated Legislation concerning Major Sporting Events. It dealt with exemptions needed for the Women’s Finalissima Football Match between England and Brazil taking place later this week.
Last week, I was proud see the King’s Colour Squadron and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force in Parliament. It reminded me how proud I am to have served in the Royal Air Force and a career in the military I would recommend to anyone. All those who participated were exceptionally smart on their drill on parade. I reiterated this to Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston and thanked him and the Speaker of the House of Commons for an excellent event.
International Women's Day
Wednesday 8th March marked International Women’s Day 2023. I was thrilled to officially open the Military Service Leavers Pathway into Policing Course at Royal Air Force Cranwell as the cohort are destined for Nottinghamshire Police.
On my visit I met with Group Captain Tina Jessop, Station Commander, and Chief Constable Kate Meynell of Nottinghamshire Police. It is so important that we have strong female role models across all aspects of our society!
Constituency Updates
Last month, I went to visit Pam at Bardill's Garden Centre to discuss business costs concerns of local independent SME’s ahead of the Spring Budget. I was delighted to hear about the fantastic Government support she received during the Covid - 19 pandemic.
It is vital that we listen to our independent businesses and help to provide the support they need.
Thursday 2nd March was World Book Day! Broxtowe Borough Council have launched the D.H Lawrence children’s writing competition. A kindle and national book tokens are on offer for the winners! Short stories, poems and non-fiction pieces written by children can all be submitted. Entries are open until May 31st!
This year on World Book Day our very own Yarn Bombers have crocheted some fantastic postbox toppers in the theme of the books listed on their Trail sheet. The task is to find them around Stapleford, I have already found one, guess which it is from? If you want to get involved please see their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/staplefordyarnbomb
I visited the Jobs Fair in Stapleford and had a lovely chat with Molly and Ashleigh from Nottinghamshire College.
I was delighted to hear about the amount of apprenticeship schemes on offer. I have always been clear that university is not the right path for everyone and I will continue to push for further alternatives within Broxtowe.
If businesses are looking to employ people through apprenticeships or individuals are looking for apprenticeship opportunities, they can find more information through Nottingham College with the QR code above.
Apprenticeships are available now right here in Broxtowe.
I was also delighted to be able to speak to the team from Mercia Power, a natural gas provider in my constituency. They highlighted to me how vital it is that the Government prioritises stability in order for UK business to attract investment.
It was also great to have this opportunity to meet with business leaders, ahead of the Spring Budget, who are focussed on the wider picture of security for British energy as a means to their own long term sustainability.
It was my pleasure on Saturday 11th March to be invited to speak to at the ‘East-Meets-West’ of Hong Kong culture event in Nottinghamshire which was held in Chilwell.
The event was a chance to celebrate Hong Kong’s rich culture and meet again with the community here in Broxtowe.
Additionally, over that weekend, I took part in the launch of a pop-up exhibition about the Bennerley Viaduct held at the Erewash Museum. I would like to give my thanks to Friends of Bennerley Viaduct who organised the event, the National Lottery, Friends of Erewash Museum and others.
The exhibition looks at the history of the Iron Giant and the long impact it has had on our landscape here in Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire. I was very proud that owing to our successful Levelling Up Fund Bid we have been able to secure a ramp for the eastern end of the viaduct.
Attending the ramps opening ceremony in August gave me the chance to witness the landmark becoming more accessible to our community and I would encourage everyone to take a stroll down to have a look!
At a Severn Trent Water meeting, I spoke with the Government Affairs Manager to request an update on the damage caused to homes within Broxtowe when a pipe was recently damaged. They are continuing to work on the damage caused to the pipe by third party contractors. It is essential Severn Trent work with residents affected so our community recovers.
Following this, I visited some of my constituents in Chilwell, along with local Councillor Trish Roberts-Thomson, whose homes were affected last month by the damaged water pipe. The scale of damage differed greatly between homes and I was very sorry to hear about the issues that it had caused. I will continue communications with local authorities to ensure all is being done to help those affected and if any constituents need further support please contact me at: darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk
I visited Bramwell Court Care Home and we saw a beautiful display of yellow ribbons.
Yellow ribbons are used in the home to identify any resident who is on end of life care, to allow staff to spend more time with the resident and family. I was truly touched by the visit and want to pass on my thanks to all at the care home who go out of their way to create a warm and caring community.
Last month, I met with Nigel and Jade at Hope Church to discuss possible solutions for antisocial behaviour in Broxtowe. This is a topic often raised in my recurring meetings with the Broxtowe Neighbourhood Policing Inspector.
We have had previous problems with antisocial behaviour on the trams and it is an issue that all agencies must work together to tackle.
It is important we look at long term solutions, such as the one Jade mentions in the video above, and ensure that there are places made available specifically for the youth in our communities.
My constituent, Caroline Keeton, brought to my attention HGV’s using a narrow winding road in Cossall. So last Thursday afternoon, I visited the site with her and Dave Walker, a Senior District Highway Manager. Dave pointed out that residents can report the misuse of weight restricted routes by HGV’s by sending the vehicle details to the Lorry Watch Scheme which can be done here.
On Friday, it was lovely to visit Middle Street Resource Centre and catch up with some of the trustees and staff. It is always a great pleasure to visit the Centre and receive a very welcoming reception. We discussed the excellent work that they are doing in the local community to support vulnerable individuals, particularly those struggling with mental health and their desire to increase staff and resources to support this work. We also discussed the Government's recent announcement about additional financial support for charities and I have offered my continued assistance in supporting the Centre and their work.
Last week also saw the Government give the final seal of approval for the East Midlands Freeport. This will be the only inland freeport in the entire country just down the road from Broxtowe and marks a significant breakthrough for the East Midlands. £25 million seed funding has been provided with the potential for £100s of millions in locally retained business rates helping to upgrade local infrastructure and stimulate regeneration both here in Broxtowe and the wider region.
I had a fantastic morning on Sunday at the Chariot festival in Beeston. This annual event is organised by members of the Hindu, Sri Thurkkai Amman Temple and marks the end of their annual festival for the Temple. It was great to see so many people from the local community coming out to support the event.
Easter Wishes
Ahead of the Easter Weekend, I wanted to extend my best wishes to everybody and hope that those of you who are able have an enjoyable extended weekend!
Constituency Surgeries and Parliament Tours
I will be continuing to hold regular surgeries across Broxtowe throughout the year, meeting with constituents to listen to their views and concerns and offer my assistance on a range of important matters.
If you would like to book an appointment at one of my upcoming surgeries then please do contact my office by emailing darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 0115 671 2530.
Additionally, I have had numerous constituents from Broxtowe who have recently visited Parliament to come on a tour. This is an exciting visit which many constituents enjoy immensely getting to look around the Houses of Parliament. If you are interested in booking a tour please do email me and I will be happy to book one for you.
