Storm Eunice

I used the House of Commons chamber to highlight the appalling situation which thousands of residents have faced from a lack of power and water. Storm Eunice was one of the worst we have seen in decades. It’s understandable that power lines came down. What’s not understandable is why South East Water did not have stand-by generators which would kick in to power the water pumping stations. Instead, the water supply to thousands of homes and businesses across the area was lost. 

On the Monday after Storm Eunice hit, I led questions to the Secretary of State for Business and Energy and sought a meeting to discuss further intervention and reform. During that meeting, I explained that the local water provider did not have back-up generators in place so the water failed along with the power and expressed concern that the power providers were focusing efforts to reconnect power to the most homes rather than prioritising the rural pumping stations which deliver the water. Watch here.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, I asked for help to deliver more resilience to the system and to ensure that power and water companies work closer together. Watch here.

I have since held meetings with Ofgem, Ofwat, BT (regarding landline phones which stopped working during the power cut). SE Water and UK Power Networks. I am also writing to the Sussex Resilience Forum to establish what more could or should have been done to help residents during this time. I shall be updating constituents through my newsletter.  

P&O Ferries

The decision by P&O Ferries to sack 800 workers has been condemned by the Prime Minister, the Business community and Trade Unions. In the chamber, I called on the Government to do everything in its power to ensure this appalling employment transaction cannot take place. Watch here.

Last week, the Transport and Business Committees held a joint session to explore the options available to the Government. We’ve now listed these out in a letter (read here)  and hope for more action as a result. The session heard from many witnesses but it’s fair to say that the section with the CEO of P&O Ferries captured most of the public attention. Watch the session here.

Promoting Local Tourism

I asked the Tourism Minister to help me support Sussex tourism by getting train operators to showcase what we have to offer. I’ve since met up with the Tourism and Rail Ministers to get those posters in the stations in and around London’. If you do go with another version then it’s ‘Southern Rail’ and the concept Sussex Modern isn’t universally known. Watch here.

Make it Easier to Buy British

In questions to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, I highlighted that despite residents wanting to buy British food, labelling is often confusing and misleading as to country of origin. I called on the Department to utilise technology to clarify confusion and make sure the true origin of produce is available for consumers to view before they buy.  Watch here.

TSC Rail and Fuel Inquiries

Since my last newsletter, the Transport Select Committee has held evidence sessions in our new inquiries into the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) and Future Fuels.  

The IRP is set to deliver £96bn worth of rail investments in the North and Midlands, with the potential to slash journey times, better connect our great northern cities, and bring about economic revitalisation. Our sessions were useful opportunities to discuss the plan with the Mayors of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, as well as the Chief Executive and newly appointed Chair of Transport for the North, and a diverse range of academics.  

Over recent weeks, we have halso heard from producers who are at the forefront of developing and delivering greener alternative fuels, as well as the Transport Minister, as we undertook our Future Fuels inquiry. Energy sources such as biofuels, hydrogen and battery power offer the potential to help meet our net zero targets across different modes of transport. We discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as what levers the Government could introduce to support the uptake of alternative fuels.  

MHA Roundtable

I chaired a social care roundtable event organised by MHA, the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Reforming social care is much needed, both nationally and locally, and this was a useful opportunity to discuss the scale of the challenge and the future direction of policy. 

BBC APPG Ukraine Briefing

I chaired a briefing on the situation in Ukraine in my role as Chair of the BBC All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). 

With 100 MPs and Peers on the line, I interviewed Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent who has been on the frontline reporting in Ukraine, Mark Urban, Newsnight’s Diplomatic & Defence Editor, Nick Robinson from the Today Programme, and Tarik Kafala and Jenny Norton from the BBC World Service and BBC Russia, and learnt more about the current situation in Ukraine and the challenges faced by journalists reporting from the region. 

The BBC continues to play a vital role in bringing informative and impartial news from the frontline to audiences in the UK, as well as to people in Ukraine and Russia, and this meeting was a good opportunity to thank their staff for their courage and hard work in incredibly dangerous circumstances. 

Bexhill Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair

The Bexhill Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair was back last Friday after a year’s absence due to Covid. With over 42 exhibitors and hundreds of people attending, it was another hugely successful event organised by the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill College, Rother District Council and my office with the support of the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. I spent the day talking to exhibitors from a wide range of sectors. Everyone was so pleased to be there making new contacts face to face, networking and discovering what a talented pool of people we have in the local area. Some employers were hiring on the spot! Huge thanks to the DLWP for all their work on making this a really dynamic and exciting event for all. 

Claremont Preparatory School Eco Warriors

I was delighted to be invited to meet the Eco Warriors of Claremont Preparatory School who had written to me about their concerns on climate change and the environment. The pupils from all year groups had some incredibly interesting and challenging questions for me and we enjoyed a really good discussion. There were definitely some strong contenders for the Prime Minister role amongst them.   

Ninfield Parish Council

I visited Ninfield parish councillors to talk about some local issues, including the housing developments in the village which are causing some concern in relation to pavement works and heavy vehicles entering the narrow lanes causing congestion and danger. I am asking county and district council to see what more can be done from a planning perspective to minimise the impact on residents and protect the village environment. 

Sidley Community Meeting

I organised a second meeting with key stakeholders and councillors for Sidley. This forum allows interested groups in Sidley the chance to share information, challenges and opportunities for Sidley residents. We are determined to press for further road safety measures for the village, especially at All Saints primary school. We are also working together on ways to return Gullivers to the community and support projects which are helping local residents. 

Young at Heart

I was delighted to meet members of intergenerational club, Young at Heart, which was established by Rachel Gibson. The club meets twice weekly at Heathfield Park cricket club and its elderly members spend time with children from local nursery, primary and secondary schools. Both young and old enjoy each others’ company and share activities together.  

Meeting Residents in Heathfield

The relaxation of covid restrictions means that it is now possible for me to get back out and about meeting residents in the communities I represent. I enjoyed spending an hour with residents from sheltered housing schemes in Heathfield – Davenport Park and Risingholme Court to talk about national and local issues.  

Bexhill Academy

The pandemic has been a challenging time for our local schools and getting out to visit them was just not possible. It was therefore good to meet Executive Principal, Catherine Davies, who took on the leadership of Bexhill Academy in the middle of 2020. Catherine has an impressive CV and I was pleased to hear of her plans to deliver an outstanding education for every student at the school whatever their background or ability. I look forward to working with her and providing whatever support I can to help her and her team of hard-working staff achieve their ambition. 

Mental Health Hospital

I took the opportunity to visit the public consultation on the new mental health facility which is planned for north Bexhill. The Sussex Partnership Mental Health Trust have plans for an outstanding new facility which will provide the very best environment for mental health patients in East Sussex. 

Ukraine

The situation in Ukraine is deeply concerning and I join constituents in being utterly appalled by the actions of President Putin’s regime and horrified by what is unfolding in Ukraine. Many constituents have contacted me on a number of issues. I have outlined my position and the work of the Government here.

You can also find a summary of the Government’s response which my team and I are updating regularly here.

I have raised the importance of welcoming Ukrainian refugees to this country and using positive rhetoric. Many in our area are ready and willing to take in Ukrainians in need, so I also asked for clarity and guidance on the exact role of Local Authorities in the process alongside financial support so they can do their bit. Watch here.

Spring Statement

Last week, the Chancellor delivered the Spring Statement. The key announcements are listed here on my website here.

One of these measures is a temporary reduction in fuel duty.  MPs sometimes struggle to accept that temporary doesn’t mean permanent. I asked the Chancellor to confirm that income tax cuts won’t be introduced without some fiscal political discipline. Watch here.

Dementia

This constituency has the second-highest number of Dementia sufferers in the 650 seats across the UK. Many of you will be caring for loved ones or work in the sector. In this debate, I made reference to the work you do and added my voice to calls for greater investment. Watch here.

East Sussex Education Investment Area 

Pleased to report that East Sussex has been selected as one of 55 areas across England to benefit from improved schools and has been designated an ‘Education Investment Area’.  

This will see the Department for Education offer retention payments to help schools keep the best teachers in the highest priority subjects and aims ensure children and adults have the skills they need to fulfil their potential.  Find out more here 

Support Autistic People Into Work

In Department for Work and Pension Questions, I raised the importance of supporting autistic people into employment.  Watch here 

Transport Questions - Sustainable Railways 

Before the pandemic, competition and franchising on our railways were delivering £200m profit to the Treasury. As a result of fewer people travelling by train, the Government is now funding rail to the tune of £14bn. This is clearly unsustainable. 

During Transport Questions, I asked the Rail Minister to set out how the Government plans to modernise workplace practices on our railways to help ensure the services so many of us in Sussex and beyond rely on remain sustainable going forward. 

You can watch my question and the Minister’s response here

Road Pricing Inquiry Published 

Transport Selected Committee report on Road Pricing was published last month.  

The ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 will eventually lead to a £35bn black hole in the public finances. As sales of electric vehicles increase, revenue from motoring taxation will decrease, because neither fuel duty nor vehicle excise duty is currently levied on electric vehicles.  

A road pricing system, based on the number of miles a driver travels and vehicle type, would enable the Government to fill this black hole and maintain the existing link between motoring taxation and road usage.  

When replacing the existing motoring taxes, the Committee has called for the Government to ensure that the new charging mechanism:  

• entirely replaces fuel duty and vehicle excise duty rather than being an additional tax; 
• is revenue neutral with most motorists paying the same or less than they do currently;  
• considers the impact on vulnerable groups and those in the most rural areas;  
• does not undermine progress towards targets on increased active travel and public transport modal shift; and  
• ensures that any data capture is subject to rigorous governance and oversight and protects privacy.     

The Government will formally respond to our report in a few weeks. In the meantime, you can read more about our report and recommendations  here

End of International Travel Restrictions

The last remaining restrictions on international travel have now been removed. This is good news for both passengers and the industry.  I sought reassurances from the Transport Secretary that Border Force will be given the necessary resources to deal with increasing numbers of travellers as we approach summer. 

You can watch my question and the Transport Secretary's response here

Bexhill Enterprise Park Sustainable Transport Summit

Sally-Ann Hart, MP for Hastings and Rye, and I invited key local stakeholders to a meeting at the Bexhill Enterprise Park to discuss the very real need for sustainable and public transport solutions for the development areas which are being built out along the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road. Businesses and organisations which are looking to locate there, along with residents of the new housing schemes will need transport options that are not almost entirely reliant on the car.  The discussions highlighted some transport challenges which need to be addressed as the sites develop but it was also good to hear from stakeholders who are keen to work together to provide sustainable transport solutions.  

Bader International Study Centre

It was good to be back at Herstmonceux Castle meeting the students from Queens University Canada who choose to spend the first year of college based in the heart of East Sussex.  The pandemic has meant that this opportunity for study in the UK had been lost for two years. I really enjoyed talking to the politics students who were interested our parliamentary system and keen to discuss issues affecting us all today. 

Pevensey Bay Coastal Management Team

The current Pevensey Bay flood defence contract runs out in 2025. For the past two years, I have been meeting with Ministers and officials to ensure that the sea defence contract continues to deliver for the village and surrounding area. The proposals are now being considered and I met with lead managers of Environment Agency to discuss the details of the plans which are emerging and to ensure that the local community and councils are fully involved. The Environment Agency has set up a website for the project which can be accessed here.

Wealden Talking News

I was keen to visit Wealden Talking News who supported their listeners throughout the pandemic and found innovative ways of recording their weekly listening news so that they did not miss a single edition.  This service is invaluable at keeping those with sight impairment in touch with the local community and up to date on local news. I was pleased to be able to thank the team for their dedication in person. To sign up to this amazing service read more here.

St Mary the Virgin Church, Salehurst

I visited the parish church team in Salehurst to see how I can help them move from oil to electric heating.  The oil-powered boiler has been condemned and the parish team are keen to move away from fossil fuels to heat this beautiful and ancient church. To do so requires a new electricity supply but the costs are looking prohibitive. The church is keen to upgrade so it can be more of centre for the local community so I will do all I can to help them achieve their goals. 

Fairtrade Fortnight

During Fairtrade Fortnight, I joined the Bexhill Fairtrade Committee at Wards Shop and Café on Devonshire Road to talk about how our everyday choices on clothing and food can make a real difference to the lives of those who produce them. Thanks to Wards owners Neil and Edele Archer who were so welcoming and informative about the fairtrade and ethical clothes and food that they stock. 

Cooden Beach Hotel

It was good to meet Grace Yeo, the new owner of the Cooden Beach Hotel, and her hotel managers, Craig and Jenny to hear more about her exciting plans to create a destination hotel in this area. The hotel has an exceptional location and her investment in it is excellent news for the town and its businesses.  I am looking forward to re-visiting when the refurbishment is completed later this year.