I’ve had another busy week in Parliament and around the constituency, as well as enjoying the warm weather as much as I could.
Friday included visits to the University of Nottingham, East Midlands Airport and the DHL Hub at the airport. The university held a business conference, Power of Partnerships, which showcased how it could support local businesses and help solve some of the challenges they face. I was delighted to meet some of the 2022 Ingenuity winners, including Ben who has used his passion for physics to design a device to help the immobile get out of their chairs without having to rely on others.
Erewash residents play an important role as employees at East Midlands Airport and, of course, we all see and, to greater or lesser extent, hear the air traffic overhead. During my meeting with Chief Executive Clare James, I was able to quiz her on flight paths and plans to mitigate the impact on our local community.
I had been trying to arrange a visit to DHL for some time but had been thwarted by the pandemic. However, I wasn’t disappointed during my visit and was pleased I’d pursued the meeting. DHL is a local employer we can be proud of - they played an important role in ensuring the Covid-19 vaccine got to where it needed to be, as well as ensuring we get our ever-increasing home deliveries in a timely fashion. I was also able to see close up how the freight planes are ‘pushed’ into position on the runway - an amazing experience!
Last Wednesday saw a Pension Credit Day of Awareness, with the aim of reaching out to pensioners who are eligible for this financial support but have not or who do not take it up. Pension Credit is a top up to retirement incomes, with pensioners claiming as much as £3,300, receiving a free TV license for over 75s, housing support and more. DWP are working with Age UK and CAB to help identify those people who are missing out on what they are entitled to. If you need more information, just visit www.gov.uk and search for Pension Credit or contact my office for help.
Whether you’re a Forest fan or Rams fan, the worrying news last weekend that the deal to rescue Derby County had fallen through was really disappointing. This resulted in Derbyshire MPs having yet another meeting with the Minister for Sport, Nigel Huddleston, along with representatives from The EFL and the Administrators. I found the meeting extremely frustrating as The EFL seem to care only about the league and are not interested in the supporters and the role clubs play across our community. My message to all Rams fans - I stand united with you and all Derbyshire MPs to do whatever we can to ensure the new season starts with new owners.
An important piece of legislation began its way through Parliament during the week - the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill. This has been welcomed by many experts and academics and cleared its Second Reading with cross party support. I look forward to following the progress of this Bill over the coming months.
Last week I commended the amazing time we all enjoyed over the Platinum Jubilee weekend. However, this appears to have resulted in an uptick of COVID-19 cases, which is a harsh reminder that the virus is still with us and hasn’t gone away. So, a quick plea - please do remember to take precautions if you are with people you don’t normally mix with. We can still have fun, but with care!
However, the upcoming rail strikes may restrict us from mixing, with the irresponsible strikes impacting on so many aspects of our everyday lives. Whether its vulnerable patients missing their appointments, school kids and university students missing their exams or hardworking people unable get to work, striking is not the answer. It is bitterly disappointing that key members of the Labour Party have failed to condemn the strike. But that isn’t surprising as many Labour MPs are in receipt of funding from the Union Barons.
Yesterday’s Long Eaton Carnival, despite the unwelcome rain, was as well attended as ever. As in previous years, along with Paul from Erewash Sound, I had the great pleasure of judging the floats and walking parade – this task seems to get harder each year as entrants get more and more competitive in their eagerness to win the coveted trophies. Well done to all participants and a huge ‘thank you’ to the carnival committee, all who are volunteers; thanks also to all the stall holders and to everyone for attending, along with their umbrellas!
Best wishes Maggie Throup MP
Member of Parliament for Erewash
P.S. My community office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, however we are operating an appointment system. Should you need to visit my office, please phone 0115 930 0521 to book an appointment. Should you have an issue I can help you with, please either phone my office or email me at [email protected].
Promoted by Ian F. Gutteridge, on behalf of Maggie Throup MP, both of Unit 2 The Old Co-Op, South Street,
Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5SG.
