Tragic Events in Nottingham City
I was horrified to learn of the event that happened in Nottingham City. My thoughts are with the families of those who have tragically lost their lives and those who have been injured. My thanks go to all the emergency services personnel involved so far .
I was incredibly moved by the tributes paid to the victims at the vigil in Nottingham City Centre.
Get Around for Two Pounds
It is absolutely brilliant news that the Government fare cap scheme has been extended until October 2023. Whether you use the Bus for work, school, errands or leisure, you can get around Broxtowe for two pounds. My constituents and I welcome the extension and urge the Government to keep it going for as long as possible.
School Funding Announcement
I am delighted that it has been announced that multiple schools in Broxtowe will benefit from the Government's School Improvement Fund.
As part of the work to refurbish and repair school buildings, 859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools in every region of the country will receive a share of £456 million for improvement projects.
This money will have a direct benefit on our young people in Broxtowe and the following schools will receive some of the funding: Alderman White School, Foxwood Academy, John Clifford Primary School and Bramcote College.
This is a welcome addition to the extra investment secured for Chilwell School to improve facilities as part of the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
Beeston Players
I had a wonderful time on 25 May watching Beeston Players in their new show, Duets!
A fantastic performance and when shows are on I would highly recommend going along.
Meeting the Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force
I had the pleasure of visiting Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force, at Chetwynd Barracks here in Broxtowe.
The Cadets offer young people a chance to learn a variety of new skills, as well as instilling core values such as: a sense of service, loyalty and initiative.
As a Veteran I know the value of our military and it was really rewarding to see young people experiencing it.
Discussing Local Concerns with Neighbourhood Police Inspector
I had my regular meeting with the Neighbourhood Police Inspector, Mike Ebbins. We discussed many of the ongoing concerns of residents and actions being taken. Some of the things discussed included: antisocial behaviour in Beeston and Toton, the ongoing Operation Potassium, E-Scooters and many other issues.
I will continue to engage regularly and raise the concerns of my constituents.
Answering Bramcote College Student's Questions
I recently went to speak with students from Bramcote College. They asked a large range of insightful questions and I was delighted that many of them seemed to have a keen interest in Politics.
J. McCann & Co. Ltd Visit
I visited McCann's head office in Chilwell - McCann's has directly contributed to HS2 by completing work in lighting, traffic signs and NRTS (National Roads Telecommunications Services) diversions. We discussed the importance of jobs and skills in the constituency of Broxtowe. It is important that people not only develop skills, but they are also matched to the relevant jobs that are available.
Greasley Gathering and Hemlock Happening
A short time ago I had great fun at two community events, Greasley Gathering and Hemlock Happening.
It was lovely to see so many of my constituents there, great days had by all!
Open Gardens
Broxtowe was truly in bloom with open garden events in: Cossall, Beeston and Chilwell! The love and care all put into their gardens was clear to see!
Stapleford Combined Services Breakfast Club
I caught up with Stapleford Combined Services Breakfast Club recently, they do fantastic work providing support and companionship to Veterans in our community.
Raleigh
I relived my childhood by riding a Raleigh Chopper. Raleigh is a wonderful company in Nottinghamshire and it was brilliant to continue my engagement with them by visiting their headquarters. As an active campaigner for increased active travel and utility cycling, we discussed at great length the future of cycling for both individuals and businesses.
Beeston Development
I have written to the to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities regarding the inspector's decision on the 419-bed block just off Station Road and Middle Street. I have let Michael Gove know of my constituents' disapproval of the decision. It is an issue that they have contacted me about whilst expressing their concern and I will do my very best to represent their views. We need to ensure developments are being approved by Beeston for Beeston.
DB Cargo
Following the Minister's recent visit, I engaged with DB Cargo for a second time. I am really pleased to have such a large employer in Toton, very close to my Stapleford office. They contribute a vast amount to the local economy in Broxtowe and employ high skilled individuals. DB Cargo UK is the UK’s largest rail freight company.
George Spencer Academy Footbridge
Recently I spoke with National Highways at their site in Broxtowe and with staff from George Spencer Academy in attendance. We once again discussed what improvements can be made to the footbridge over the A52 between the two George Spencer Academy sites. Having raised this issue in the House of Commons multiple times I will continue to speak out until we have further safety measures in place.
Antisocial behaviour at Toton Lane Tram stop
I spoke to representatives from Nottinghamshire Police, Tramlink Nottingham, Nottingham Trams Limited, Broxtowe Borough Council and residents to raise the issue of antisocial behaviour at Toton Lane Tram Stop.
These are concerns that I have been contacted about and it was a productive meeting discussing measures that could be introduced and I will continue to correspond with those constituents who are affected.
Armed Forces Week
I have been honoured to be included in a range of events to mark this occasion. I began with flag raising ceremonies in both Stapleford and Beeston. I then attended a reception for Veterans hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons. As a Veteran myself, I want to thank all those who have served and are serving in our Armed Forces, including those here in Broxtowe.
Elderberries Social Club
It was great to meet the Elderberries Social Club. They are an over 60s club in Greasley that has been going for 26 years.
A lovely group and I very much enjoyed pulling the raffle tickets.
Thank you all for having me!
Opening and Discovery Day at Stapleford Library
I took part in the official opening and discovery day at Stapleford Library and Learning Centre.
The Library has benefited from the Stapleford Towns Fund, part of a £21.1 million investment in Stapleford funded by the Government, delivered by Broxtowe Borough Council.
Our library will now provide three additional learning spaces, a refreshment point and new toilet facilities for learners. There is a new exhibition space and a reconfigured library including redesigned library shelving and computer study spaces. There are a huge range of courses now on offer, from entry level courses up to Level 2.
Greasley Beauvale Primary School
Congratulations to Greasley Beauvale Primary School for winning Beano's Britian's Funniest Class 2023. To mark this occasion I thought it was appropriate to arrange for Raleigh to bring the limited edition Beano Chopper along.
It was a great pleasure to engage with the school children and even share jokes, although, I have to admit their jokes were a lot funnier than mine.
They won the Beano competition with the joke: what happened to the maths teacher’s garden? It grew square roots!
All I could muster up was: why do bees have bad hair? Because they use a honeycomb.
Dementia Action Week
I had a discussion in Parliament with Lewis Scott, who is doing a PHD at the University of Nottingham, about dementia diagnosis. Broxtowe’s dementia diagnosis rate is 65.4% which is above the national average of 62% but is slightly below the national ambition of 66.7%. The diagnosis of dementia is vital for people living with it so that they can access the care, the support and the treatment that they need.
Mental Health Foundation
Mental Health is such a prevalent issue which we all need to help address and normalise. Whether that could be raising awareness, being there for a loved one or helping people change their attitudes towards Mental Health. This year anxiety is the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week. Everyone can feel anxious at certain points but for some it can seriously effect their ability to live their day-to-day life.
At the Mental Health Foundation’s Parliamentary Drop-In, I listened to an incredibly brave individual share their experiences of anxiety and how it affected their everyday life. If you or someone you know find yourself dealing with similar issues, please know there are people out there you can talk to who are willing to help.
Here is a list of websites and charities that you can contact if you are looking for help and support.
https://www.mind.org.uk/
https://www.samaritans.org/
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/
Meeting with the Chief Dental Officer for England
Following my recent question to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on NHS dentistry provision, I have now met with the Sara Hurley, Chief Dental Officer for England, and Dr Rachel Foskett-Tharby, Deputy Director of Dentistry at NHS England, in order to raise the concerns of my constituents regarding NHS dentistry provision.
I spoke on behalf of constituents who cannot access treatment locally and others whose practices have stopped providing them with NHS dentistry care after being patients there for decades.
It was a productive meeting and I will continue to raise this issue and listen to my constituents until NHS dental provision improves.
Baton of Hope
I attended the Baton of Hope Event in Parliament where I showed my support for the introduction of a workplace charter for suicide awareness, support and prevention.
Suicide is the largest killer of under 35s in the UK and it is time we all do more to address this. I am delighted to be currently working with the Baton of Hope UK on their tour around the UK, where they will be raising awareness of suicide charities.
I am also glad to see the Government will soon be publishing their suicide prevention strategy, an important step in ensuring far more is done to address the rates of suicide in the UK.
More information about the Baton of Hope UK can be found here: https://batonofhopeuk.org/
Guide Dog Parliamentary Event
At the guide dog drop-in we discussed the issues surrounding access refusals with 81 percent of guide dog owners saying they have experienced an access refusal in the past. The Guide Dogs charity have helpful policy and guidance for businesses available through the following link: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/research/policy-and-guidance-for-businesses/
Loneliness Awareness Week
We have just marked Loneliness Awareness Week. As a Member of the Loneliness All-Party Parliamentary Group, I am passionate about doing all I can to continue to tackle this issue.
Loneliness can affect everyone, even those surrounded by people can feel truly alone. The Marmalade Trust has put together a number of helpful resources for anyone struggling: https://www.lonelinessawarenessweek.org/get-involved
Midlands Engine APPG - Health
At the Midlands Engine All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) we spoke about the unfortunate health inequalities we face in the Midlands. An example of this is that the East Midlands has the second highest hypertension rate in England. We discussed the need to raise these inequalities and the need for equality of opportunity to access healthcare, both nationally and locally. I have been raising the issue of access to dentists in Broxtowe both in the Chamber and with the Chief Dental Officer England.
Windrush Day
I am incredibly proud to be the son of Windrush parents and I spoke about this with GB News. My parents came to the UK as part of the Windrush generation and built their lives here.
I am delighted that, on the 75th anniversary of Windrush, that we could celebrate the huge contribution made by that generation to our Country.
Please see my interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwDc4kfNaBY
