Westminster Despatches - 17th January 2023

Dear Resident,

The New Year is a great time of optimism as we all begin planning for the year ahead and so I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to outline plans for 2023.

The year began with the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak setting out his plans to address the big issues facing our country as we focus on building a better future after the pandemic. This is a five-point plan which the Government is already working on and includes pledges to:

- halve inflation this year to ease the cost of living, giving people financial security
- grow the economy by creating better paid jobs and opportunities right across the country
- ensuring our nation’s debt is falling in order to secure the future of our public services
- reduce NHS waiting lists, enabling patients to get the care they need more quickly
- pass new laws to stop small boats, making sure that anyone who comes to this country illegally will be detained and removed swiftly

From the conversations I have with residents, as well as the many letters and emails, I know these are the priorities that the majority of those living in Erewash. I am looking forward to working with my Parliamentary colleagues and Government Ministers to ensure the Prime Minister’s plan is delivered.

I know many residents are concerned about pressures in the NHS caused by the perfect storm of a rise in admissions due to seasonal flu and Covid-19 and the backlogs as the result of the global pandemic. This issue is not unique to England, but can be seen in Labour-run Wales and SNP-run Scotland, as well as France, Germany, Spain, Canada and the US to name just a few. This was something I highlighted last Wednesday when MPs debated the issue, my contribution can be found here.

Illegal immigration continues to be a hot topic in my in-tray, especially given the temporary Home Office Accommodation Centre at the hotels on Bostocks Lane. I have used every opportunity possible to voice my strong opposition to these centres, most recently during Questions to the Justice Secretary last Tuesday, which can be viewed here. I want to reassure residents that I continue to do everything in my power to secure the permanent closure of the accommodation centres.

As well as my contributions in the Chamber, I met representatives from several charities about less survivable cancers - lungs, pancreas, liver, brain, oesophagus and stomach. Over 90,000 people are diagnosed with one of these six cancers every year in the UK, and they account for over 40 percent of all common cancer deaths. Currently, only 16 percent of people diagnosed with a less survivable cancer will live for five years or more after diagnosis. At such events, we all remember our colleague James Brokenshire who lost his battle with lung cancer just over a year ago at the age of 53. James had never smoked and spent his last few years trying to highlight that not all lung cancers are caused by smoking and this form of cancer should always be considered whether a smoker or not.

Within the constituency I have had some very interesting meetings since the New Year. One was with a very interesting company in Long Eaton, Medigarments which tailor-makes garments supporting patients with a range of medical conditions including stroke, burns and cerebral palsy. This is yet another innovative product range which is likely to have originated from the Nottingham Lace industry. The business is always looking for machinists, whether looking to be trained or experienced.

When driving from meeting to meeting, I always listen to Erewash Sound, our local community radio. It’s a great listen, with lots of local information and great music. And now with the additional transmitter, I can hear it loud and clear across the whole of Erewash. I am sure everyone is familiar with the Erewash Sound Bear that attends so many community events and is so popular with children and adults alike. The Academy it runs offers anything from ‘Studio in a Box’ for schools to Producer and Presenter training, more information by emailing [email protected]. Erewash Sound can also boast some amazing awards and success for their presenters, as well as being a great platform for local advertising. Why not give it a listen next time you have the radio on.

Keeping on a musical theme, the Long Eaton Silver Prize Band are offering residents the opportunity to learn to play a brass instrument for free. They are also on the lookout for experienced brass players too. Anyone interested should contact Sharon Stansfield for more information [email protected].

Finally, back to the NHS! From data I have obtained from the Department for Health and Social Care, there are still many eligible people who are yet to come forward for their flu and Covid-19 jabs. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, just check here and if you are, play your part in protecting the NHS and book your jab today!

May I wish you and your family every success for 2023.

With best wishes,

Maggie Throup MP
Member of Parliament for Erewash

P.S. My Community Office is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday from 9am-5pm and on a Thursday 8am-5pm. Should you have an issue I can help you with, please either phone my office on 0115 930 0521 or email me at [email protected].

P.P.S. Your friends and family can now sign-up to receive my Westminster Despatches, by visiting www.maggiethroup.com. In addition, should you know of anyone who does not have access to a computer and would like to receive paper copies of my e-news on a regular basis, then please do let me know their details (including their full name and address).