Chancellor Visit:
I promised my constituents that I would take their concerns to the highest level and I was pleased to invite the Chancellor to Beeston yesterday. We spoke about the cost of living and what more can be done to support local people. We talked about the importance of local businesses to our economy and I was pleased to introduce him to both Fred Hallam’s and Hairven.
It was great to meet with the several apprentices at Hairven. I stressed to the Chancellor the role that apprenticeships play in providing young people with the skills they need to succeed in employment.
Queen's Platinum Jubilee:
It was fantastic to take part in so many great events across Broxtowe to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. I attended many community events, including ones in Stapleford, Kimberley, Nuthall, Bramcote, Greasley, Beeston and Cossall that displayed the best of Broxtowe and I was touched by the range of tributes to Her Majesty The Queen.
To mark the occasion I held a charity afternoon tea at my constituency office. Thank you to everybody who came along to support the event.
Robin Hood Half Marathon:
This year, I will be running my first ever Robin Hood Half Marathon in aid of local charity Forces in the Community.
Forces in the Community is based in Beeston and offers advice and support to Veterans and their families with issues such as housing, benefits, mental health and employment.
As a Veteran myself, I know first-hand the important role played by organisations like Forces in the Community in helping members of the Armed Forces transition to civilian life. I am pleased to be raising much needed funds to help the charity continue with their vital work.
For anybody wishing to donate to the campaign, please visit https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/QnK2CQn9wCk6VnrVixqgiV...
In Parliament:
As ever, it has been a busy time in Parliament. This week was loneliness awareness week and as the Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Loneliness and Connected Communities, I have been keen to offer my support to this important issue.
It was a privilege to chair a webinar as part of loneliness awareness week to discuss 'Tackling Loneliness at its Roots: how we can best support low-income households to overcome social isolation.'
It was great to engage with a number of key speakers including Campaign to End Loneliness, Age UK, Youth Focus: North East and WaveLength charity looking at innovative schemes that will help to support those most in need. I will continue to raise this vitally important issue in Parliament.
Earlier this week I visited Old Oak Common which will be the main terminus site in London for HS2. The site will combine the HS2 Line, Elizabeth Line and Great Western Line. It was great to discuss the project with Transport Minister, Andrew Stephenson. Along with the Government’s commitment for a railway station at Toton, I was keen to ensure that the East Midlands receives the benefits of increased connectivity.
I have also taken part in several sessions of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee. The Committee began its enquiry into council tax collection in England, examining the practices employed by local authorities to collect council tax arrears.
I asked questions to Catherine Brown, Chair of the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) regarding the engagement and responsiveness of enforcement agencies towards the newly established ECB.
At a different session, I questioned the Secretary of State, Michael Gove, about the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. I asked how the Government can be more ambitious as part of the Bill to ensure that it delivers real change to communities across the UK.
On Tuesday I took part in a Westminster Hall Debate in which we discussed the future of the hydrogen economy. Serving as the Co-Chair of the Midlands Engine All-Party Parliamentary Group, I stressed the importance of this emerging industry to our region creating new employment opportunities as well as its role in helping us to achieve net zero.
Constituency Visits
I had a great time alongside other local Veterans at the recent Recruitment Day Event organised by the Eastwood Branch of the Royal British Legion.
The event took place at Giltbrook Retail Park and it was lovely to see so many people engage and hear more about the work done by the RBL locally in Broxtowe.
On 28th May, I attended an event at Beeston Fields Golf Club for recently settled Hong Kongers in the Nottingham area.
All major political parties were represented and on hand to talk about how to vote and who you can vote for at elections.
I am proud of the Government's record in support to Hong Kong people through the British National Overseas (BNO) status. In the face of increasing restrictions, BNO families have been able to safely settle in the UK with a path to citizenship, access to healthcare and the right to study and work.
It was great to meet with families who have settled here and discuss their experience since coming to the UK.
I was delighted to welcome the Leader of the House of Commons, Rt. Hon. Mark Spencer MP, to Broxtowe last Monday for a visit to John Clifford Primary School. We had a lovely time talking to the pupils about Parliament and answering their questions.
Last week, I visited the Caribbean Plate Nottingham, in Stapleford. An authentic Caribbean restaurant, I cannot wait to visit again soon to try their BBQ Jerk Prawns!
As they are located on Derby Road, they have successfully applied for grant funding as part of the Town Centre Recovery Fund through Broxtowe Borough Council. If any other businesses in Stapleford Town Centre would like to apply they can find more information here: https://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/.../town-centre-recovery-fund/
On Monday, I visited Beeston Library where I gave a talk to their English Students of Other Languages (ESOL) class about my role as a Member of Parliament. I also met with Jackie, the Principal Library Manager, to hear about their Places of Welcome Loneliness group that meets every Friday from 10.30 - 12.00. Groups like this are vital in helping to tackle loneliness and isolation in local communities such as Broxtowe.
Constituency Surgeries
I have held two successful constituency surgeries over the last few weekends at Rumbletums Cafe in Kimberley and Canalside Heritage Centre in Beeston. I met with constituents to listen to their views and concerns and offer my assistance on a range of issues.
I am continuing to hold regular surgeries across Broxtowe. If you would like to book an appointment please do contact my office by emailing darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 0115 671 2530.
