A lot has happened since my last update. Following the resignation of Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak became the Leader of the Conservative Party and our new Prime Minister on 25th October. I was pleased to welcome Rishi to Broxtowe earlier this summer during his time as Chancellor to introduce him to local businesses in Beeston. I look forward to working with him to tackle the major priorities facing Broxtowe and our country right now.
In Parliament
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to question the Prime Minister during his second ever Prime Minister’s Questions. I raised the case of my constituent, Aaron, who tragically lost his wife in childbirth and due to a disparity in the laws of shared parental leave he was not entitled to any leave to raise his new-born son, Tim.
I look forward to meeting with the Minister on this issue and I will continue raising this case until there is equal access to shared parental leave.
Also this week, I took part in a piece of Delegated Legislation on the draft Drivers’ Hours, Tachographs, International Road Haulage and Licensing of Operators (Amendment) Regulations. These Regulations implement aspects of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom entered into on 30th December 2020, specifically those relating to road freight and passenger transport, mainly in the area of drivers’ hours and tachograph rules.
Last week I joined the Dogs Trust to pledge my support to work together in Parliament to once and for all end puppy smuggling. Puppies continue to be smuggled into the country on an industrial scale, often in horrific conditions and poor health. I know this is an issue of real concern to many dog owners in Broxtowe.
This week is National Fertility Awareness Week. Fertility treatment affects millions of people worldwide in what can be a difficult and emotional journey. Undergoing treatment while juggling a career is tough. Many people feel they cannot tell their employer for fear of being overlooked for a promotion or being made redundant.
We must work to change this. Couples need the right to attend fertility appointments regardless of their job without fear of it having a negative impact on their career.
This week, I met with Donna Ockenden, who is leading the Independent Maternity Review into Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. It is incredibly important that this review takes place and is done so with care and sensitivity for the families involved. I will continue to closely follow the review as it progresses and support those from Broxtowe who are affected.
Recently, I met with the Minister for Railways to discuss connectivity within the East Midlands. I raised the importance of consistent and reliable trains for my constituents, as well as the importance of rail for our environment.
Remembrance Sunday 2022
Remembrance Sunday is taking place on Sunday 13th November. There will be services taking place across the Broxtowe constituency including main services in Beeston, Kimberley and Stapleford. For times and information on attending the Beeston service please visit Broxtowe Borough Council’s website here.
Information on the Kimberley and Stapleford services are on the posters below. Other services will be taking place across Broxtowe and information can be found on the local parish council websites.
To mark the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal, I had the privilege to join fellow members of the Eastwood and District Branch of the Royal British Legion at Giltbrook Retail Park for a service to mark the event. It was lovely to see so many local cadets in attendance. Thank you to John and Margaret Handley for their efforts in organising such as excellent service.
Earlier this week I took part in the 2022 Poppy Ride by the Industry and Parliament Trust in partnership with the Royal British Legion. As we approach Armistice Day, my thoughts turn to those who gave their lives in past conflicts, a sacrifice that we must never forget.
Broxtowe Job Fair
My second annual Job Fair is taking place on Friday 25th November at Kimberley Leisure Centre from 10 am – 2 pm.
Last year's event comprised of over 40 different employers and skills providers with hundreds of jobs on offer. Stallholders included major local employers such as Boots, Amazon and DHL. With around 300 attendees through the door, the event was a great success and I would like this year's event to be even bigger.
This is a unique opportunity to bring together employers and local jobseekers, including those individuals looking to start their careers, wishing to change profession or retrain. As such, there is no charge for businesses to attend. Likewise, there is also no charge for members of the public to attend.
There will be parking available for the event at Kimberley School. Alternatively, free bus transport will be provided on select routes by Trent Barton. These are rainbow one, the two, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, H1, my15, connect, indigo, and i4 services. If you would like to travel to the event by bus, please use the link provided on your registration email to print your free voucher.
To register for the event, please click here.
Bank Closures
I know that bank closures have become an increasing concern here in Broxtowe - especially in Beeston and Stapleford.
During October, I held a really productive meeting with Cash Action Group to discuss the future of banking services in Stapleford. Access to cash and banking services has become a real issue in the town over recent years, even more so since the Post Office closure earlier this summer. Along with Cash Action Group I will be exploring options to look at trying to increase access to these vital services again in Stapleford through the possibility of a banking hub.
I have also written the letter below to NatWest regarding the proposed closure of their Beeston Branch and I am in the process of discussing my concerns about this closure.
Access to high street banking services is still essential for elderly and vulnerable customers and it is important that we have solutions that retain access to these essential facilities in our town centres.
Local Visits
It was great to visit GoDaddy's offices in Beeston and meet with their Global CEO. It is excellent to have the world's largest service platform have its UK base here in Broxtowe. Micro businesses are the engine of the British economy and GoDaddy offers key services to help those businesses to thrive in the digital age.
On Saturday 8th October, I joined members of the Stapleford Combined Services Club for a Veteran's Breakfast. Supporting those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families is an issue very close to my heart and one which I have campaigned passionately for during my time as Broxtowe's Member of Parliament. Thank you to the club members for inviting me along!
It was lovely to meet Hannah and Damian, the new owners of Madhatters in Kimberley last week. This is a fantastic local business that brings people into the town from further afield. I am looking forward to finding out the results of Kimberley's £16 million Levelling Up Bid which includes plans to help revitalise the town centre with space for new businesses and grants to support existing ones. I wish them the best of luck with their exciting new venture.
Recently, I attended the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust Awards and to be a judge on their Mindfulness Award. Our local NHS staff go above and beyond in the care they provide, and I feel that it is only right that we recognise and celebrate the amazing work that they do day in day out for our communities.
Congratulations to Tabitha on her award!
It was a privilege to join representatives of Nottinghamshire's Ukrainian community at County Hall to raise the Ukrainian Flag in commemoration of Defenders Day. A public holiday in Ukraine, Defenders Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifice made by the Ukrainian Armed Forces for the defence of their homeland. The UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine and its freedom in the face of Russian aggression.
I had a lovely time attending Stapleford Mayor, Cllr Jan Goold's Civic Service at the Haven Centre. It was especially great to hear a performance by the Ukrainian Children's Choir as part of the service.
Thank you to everybody involved in organising such a wonderful local event.
Last week I joined a roundtable discussion with a variety of Business Leaders from throughout the East Midlands, hosted by the East Midlands Chamber. We had a very worthwhile discussion covering topics such as: devolution, the rental market, economic stability and interest rates. I look forward to further such discussions.
I took part in a question and answer session with George Spencer Academy. It is important that young people are engaged with politics and I always enjoy hearing the perspective of the students on the topics of the day. Lots of good questions were raised and I look forward to engaging with other schools in my constituency in the future.
Constituency Surgeries
I hold regular constituency surgeries at different locations across Broxtowe, meeting with constituents to listen to their views and concerns and offer my assistance on a range of important matters. My next surgery is scheduled for Saturday 12th November. 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.
