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[Caroline Dinenage MP]

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October was an incredibly difficult month for us in Parliament. A month in which we lost two well-loved colleagues. James Brokenshire MP very sadly lost his incredibly brave battle with cancer while Sir David Amess was tragically murdered in his own constituency surgery. Both of these gentlemen were everything you would want from a collegue and a Member of Parliament. They were kind, friendly and supportive workmates. They were dedicated and effective representatives for their constituencies. They will both be missed desperately.

It’s sobering to think that I heard about the attack on David while hosting my own drop-in surgery at Elson Library. And that is all David was doing, at a surgery, supporting his constituents in Southend, as he always did. However, we must not be cowed by terrorism and, while being mindful of our own safety , I am determined my team and I will continue to meet face to face with constituents and local organisations.

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With that in mind, I had my regular catch up with Education Bosses at Hampshire County Council and visited the Year 11 Student Leadership group at [Bridgemary School]([link removed]). It was great to learn more about them and their role in the school. They’ve some success under their belts already, including the campaign to improve school dinners!

I also visited our local University Technical College, [UTC Portsmouth]([link removed]) alongside the First Sea Lord, Tony Radakin, to get a better understanding of this unique STEM focused education model for students aged 14-18, from across our area, sponsored by the Royal Navy.

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I was delighted to be a guest judge for Amazon UK’s [Kindle Storyteller Award]([link removed]). It was fantastic to meet this year’s winner Rachel McLean, author of The Corfe Castle Murders. I also caught up with [Teach a Friend to Read]([link removed]) who are looking to expand their project to promote adult literacy across the UK. Reading is so important, whatever your age. Whether it’s a new find or a much loved classic, books bring joy, knowledge and the escapism we have all needed over the last couple of years!

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As regular readers know, I recently returned to the Parliamentary Backbenches after 6 years as a Government Minister, so in October I took the opportunity to ask a number of questions in the house. In Health Questions I asked for an update on [#Oliverscampaign]([link removed]) - a programme I started as a Health Minister, for mandatory training on learning disability and autism for health and care staff. In Foreign Office Questions I asked what the UK are doing to support vulnerable women and girls in [Afghanistan]([link removed]). I also asked Housing Secretary, Michael Gove MP, about the Government’s[housing policy]([link removed])which is threatening our local strategic gap between Gosport and Fareham.

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Like many people I was bitterly disappointed with the [Planning Inspectorate’s decision]([link removed]) to allow homes to be built on Newgate Lane East. I have consistently opposed previous developments which threaten the strategic gap via objections to Fareham Borough Council, the Planning Inspectorate and asking the Secretary of State to ‘call in’ planning applications, and have had remarkable success via this route, until now. Unfortunately, on this occasion, all efforts have been in vain. Now, Bargate Homes are holding a consultation on a potential 420 property development and I would encourage everyone to make their views known [here]([link removed]).

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Another contentious issue in October was the Environment Bill and a number of constituents contacted me regarding my vote in this legislation. Online comments that I have actively voted to allow raw sewage to be pumped into our waters are blatently untrue and don’t reflect my vote or the Bill. You can read my statement on this [here]([link removed]).

I meet frequently with Southern Water to discuss the issue of discharges into the Solent and I did so again in October. During this meeting, the Chief Executive agreed to my request to a public meeting with local residents. The meeting is taking place virtually on Thursday 4th November at 6pm and you can register to attend [here]([link removed]).

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Another issue filling my mailbag is frustrations with access to our local GPs. For years I have been pushing the local Clinical Commissioning Group and the Department of Health & Social Care for improved access for patients. In October I met with the new Health Minister, Maria Caulfield MP, to hear the Government’s [plans to improve GP access]([link removed]) for patients this winter, backed by £250 million in funding.

It is important to remember that, as we head into the winter months, we all need to do our bit to protect ourselves and the NHS. As an asthmatic, I know that I could be really poorly if I catch the flu and I don’t want to add to the pressure on our local healthcare services, that's why I had my jab! This year will see the country’s biggest flu programme in history with [35 million people eligible]([link removed]) for a free vaccine. People will be invited for the[COVID-19 booster jab]([link removed]) when it’s their turn.

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In other health related news, the Government announced 40 new Community Diagnostic Centres - one at St Mary's in Southsea. These will help take the pressure off GPs and acute hospitals by speeding up access to disgnostic tests for illnesses such as cancer & COPD. The Government also announced that they are cutting the cost of HRT and tackling menopause taboos & stigmas through the new #WomensHealthStrategy - a project I started when I was a Health Minister.

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Back in Gosport, I met with HASAG Asbestos Disease Support to learn more about their life changing work helping people suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Many of those affected by asbestosis were involved in the Armed Forces and it was a delight to attend the[Royal Naval Benevolent Trust]([link removed]) Presentation at HMS Collingwood. I also met with [WithYouWithMe]([link removed]) to discuss their work in supporting veterans and military spouses with employment.

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Since I was first elected back in 2010, I have been on a mission to see the regeneration of the disused military airfield site of [Daedalus]([link removed]) at Lee on the Solent. I was determined to realise it's huge potential to deliver jobs, skills & economic prosperity for our area. It’s been a pleasure to work with so many dedicated people and organisations across the years to see this dream become a reality. I joined Councillor Seán Woodward to see the latest impressive improvements and investment at the site, including the [Solent Airport]([link removed]).

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Supporting businesses in our area is vitally important and I was delighted to host a roundtable with NatWest to meet with a number of local businesses from different sectors to hear about the impact of Covid and their thoughts about the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.

We all know the hospitality sector has been hit very hard by the pandemic and I’ve pledged my support for the [‘Long Live the Local’]([link removed])campaign to help pubs and breweries in the Gosport constituency recover and thrive.

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I really enjoyed visiting [Elite Offsite Ltd]([link removed]) at the old Ramparts at Priddy’s Hard, who are building low-energy eco homes in the disused munitions site. This is an opportunity to re-generate Gosport’s heritage while putting us at the heart of green revolution in housing.

Elite Offsite are a group of companies who specialise in transforming land into stylish and high quality but affordable dwellings using pioneering new building techniques with zero or near zero carbon impact.

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In police news we heard that [385 officers]([link removed]) have been recruited by Hampshire Constabulary since September 2019 and it was good to chat with the Chief Inspector for Gosport and Fareham to hear about their priorities for our area, including a recent operation in relation to [County Lines]([link removed]).

The [Budget]([link removed]) also took place, with investments which will support people across Gosport, Lee on the Solent, Stubbington and Hill Head including:

- Increasing the National Living Wage to £9.50, giving a £1000 pay rise to 2m of the lowest paid
- Increasing schools funding by over £4.7 billion
- Significant tax cut for low-income families by reducing the Universal Credit taper rate from 63% to 55%
- Cutting Business Rates by 50% next year for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, supporting our High Streets
- Tackling rough sleeping with additional funding of £640 million a year, an 85% increase compared to 2019
- Freezing Fuel Duty for the twelfth year in a row, meaning the average driver has saved £1900 since 2010
- Cutting Beer Duty which means a permanent 3p per pint!

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Of course, October wouldn’t be complete without a Halloween Bash and it was great to join Gosport Conservatives to celebrate!

Coming up, we have a number of festive events across the constituency in November so keep your eyes peeled on my social media for more information.

Don't forget about the public meeting with Southern Water on 4th Nov - details above!

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As ever, my team and I are here to help so if you have any questions or queries, please do email [email protected].

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Caroline Dinenage MP
167 Stoke Road
Gosport
PO12 1SE
[email protected]

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