Good evening john,

It has been a busy few weeks in both Westminster and in the constituency.

Below is my weekly update. As ever, if you have an issue you would like to raise with me as your local Member of Parliament, please email: [email protected]

 

Ovingham’s White Swan recognised for community work

I visited The White Swan in Ovingham and presented owners John and Lyndsey Sharkey and their team of staff with a Coronavirus Community Champion Award. 

Throughout the pandemic, John, Lyndsey and their team have carried on and have earned the gratitude of their local community, delivering hot and delicious meals every week to those who are shielding or vulnerable.

 

Local residents contacted me to nominate the White Swan for the amazing work they have been doing for the community, and the owners and staff have now been presented with the award.

The White Swan is now back open to all, so please support our fantastic local businesses across Tynedale.

https://www.thewhiteswanovingham.co.uk

Pet theft Survey

As the demand for pets has risen during the lockdown, so has the price of pets – up to around 400% on last year. And it is estimated thefts have risen by 250% with criminal gangs involved. Google searches for ‘buy a puppy’ increased by 166% in the months between March and August following the start of lockdown last year.

The Kennel Club has said that less than 5% of cases result in a criminal conviction and 52% of dog thefts take place in gardens.

In response, the Government recently launched a cross-departmental Pet Theft Taskforce to investigate the recently reported rise in pet theft since the start of lockdown and look at new measures to tackle it.

My dog Zola and cat Alfie are part of the family and I would hate the thought of anything happening to them. That’s why I have launched a survey to find out what local people think should be done to tackle pet theft, and I’ll be feeding the results to the new Pet Theft Taskforce

Tourism Recovery Plan announced

The Government has announced a new plan to drive rapid recovery of the tourism sector. A rail pass for “staycationers” will be launched later this year, helping to make it easier and more sustainable for domestic tourists to get around the country.

This rail pass will be of huge benefit to tourism businesses across Tynedale and Ponteland who have been hugely affected by the pandemic.

The Government will also launch a consultation on the introduction of a Tourist Accommodation Registration Scheme in England.
 

This will consider the benefits of the rise of short-term holiday rentals in attracting tourists to destinations across the country and contributing to the English tourism economy, as well as its impact on local economies and communities.

Again, whilst we welcome all visitors to our fabulous county, this review is very welcome so that we ensure short-term lets does not mean that local people miss out on housing.

A thought for the week

Recently, I wrote a piece for the Sunday Express on the issue of Judicial Review. It is time to let Parliament decide so that ministers and MPs elected to Parliament to represent their constituents decide the substantive issues, rather than a situation where the courts are making decisions.

Having spent many years working as a barrister prior to being elected in 2010, I know judicial review is important but it is the scope and administration of judicial review that has come into question. You can read the full article HERE.

Guy Opperman MP

Member of Parliament for Tynedale and Ponteland