Welcome to this week's newsletter
As you will see from the length of this newsletter, it has been a busy couple of weeks back in Parliament and in the constituency. There is a lot of news to share, including my decision to support Kemi Badenoch in the Conservative Leadership contest!
Kemi’s commitment to conservative values, and her strong leading voice, has led me to believe that she is the candidate best placed to deliver real change and fight this pessimistic view of the UK given to us by Keir Starmer.
Unfortunately, the mood in Parliament has been pessimistic this week as the Government cut Winter Fuel Payments to millions of pensioners across the country. Winter Fuel Payments have been afforded to pensioners since 1997, with each successive Government committing to it. It is an astounding scale of financial abandonment for pensioners across our constituency, which will be the worst affected of all in East Sussex.
However, it is not just the decision on Winter Fuel Payments that has us in the opposition concerned. In the Commons Chamber I challenged the Minister for Nature on the impact of centrally imposed housing targets on our constituency. This comes following the Governments new housing targets, which risk imposing increased development in our rural areas.
In more positive news, Wednesday was Back British Farming Day. This day is supported by the NFU and was a great opportunity to celebrate British farming and its values, as well as highlight the importance of agriculture to our rural communities and wider society.
Last week I was able to attend the Football Foundation drop-in, meeting with our local representative to discuss funding opportunities for grassroots football investments for local teams, where I also met former footballer Stuart Pearce, who is supporting them!
In the constituency I was pleased to have my first formal meeting with Rother District Council’s senior leadership team to better understand the £20m Levelling Up Fund award for the De La Warr Pavilion and Heart of Sidley.
I also had the opportunity to meet the Bexhill Rail Action Group, who volunteer their time to try and improve local rail services. We chose a few areas where I will try and support their efforts in the future.
Many residents will be aware that the Robertsbridge GP Surgery is far too small to service their 6000+ patients. With planning permission granted for a new state of the art health centre, I met with the team there to get to grips with some of the hurdles they’re facing.
Last weekend I had a lot of fun attending the opening of Crowhurst’s Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). This was a brilliant community day that not only celebrated the launch of the MUGA, but all of the clubs that use it too.
I was also able to see Hastings and Bexhill Rugby Club’s opening game against Beckenham and had the pleasure of presenting some awards at Westerleigh Judokwai Awards Evening to recognise the athletes and members who work so hard throughout the year.
Lastly, Rother District Council wants your views on its works and priorities for the next four years as it launches a public consultation for feedback on its draft Council Plan.
For any residents, businesses or organisations wanting to offer a view on the draft plan, the consultation will run until Monday, October 21, 2024. To view the draft Plan and give your feedback, visit - https://www.rother.gov.uk/consultations/council-plan-2024/
Have a great weekend.
In this newsletter:
- Why I'm Supporting Kemi for Party Leader
- Winter Fuel Payments
- Raising Concerns About Unrealistic Housing Targets for Bexhill & Battle
- Back British Farming Day
- Football Foundation Drop-in Event
- Meeting with Rother District Council
- Bexhill Rail Action Group
- Robertsbridge GP Surgery
- Launch of Crowhurst MUGA
- Sporting Events in East Sussex
Why I'm Supporting Kemi for Party Leader
I think it is best to start by addressing the question a number of constituents have asked - who I'm supporting in the upcoming Conservative Leadership contest.
Well, I'm pleased to confirm I will be supporting Kemi Badenoch.
She is committed to conservative values and has a strong leading voice. I believe she is the candidate best placed to deliver real change.
Now, I know a lot of people have too many other things going on in their day-to-day lives to be paying much attention to the Conservative Party Leadership contest. But this person could be the next Prime Minister! So, I thought it would be good to keep you up to date with my choice.
There is no doubt that the last election was a bruising one for the Conservative Party. Whilst I know from knocking on doors that there was no enthusiasm for Labour, too many people just didn’t feel like they could vote for us. It was always going to be tough after 14 years in charge and with challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and impact of the war in Ukraine. However, we cannot pretend that it was purely because of events that were out of our control. I believe that we lost our way in certain areas – people voted in 2019 for change which we didn’t deliver quickly enough or, in some cases, at all.
We need to choose a leader who can win back the support of voters up and down the country, from all different backgrounds. We need to choose a leader who can make people feel positive about voting Conservative again and can ensure that people know who we are and what we stand for.
I’m backing Kemi Badenoch because she understands that the way we do politics has got to change. We must stop pretending there are simple solutions to difficult problems. We must stop offering only platitudes and telling people just what they want to hear. Kemi is someone who believes that more government cannot be the answer to everything, which is a core Conservative value to me.
Furthermore, Kemi knows that the common ground is where Conservatives need to be, and that what social media and commentators describe as right wing is just common sense. If we as a Party can get back to that, the British people will vote for it.
Kemi isn’t afraid to say the difficult things, but she loves this country and knows what an amazing place it is. I think she is best placed to fight this pessimistic view of the UK given to us by Keir Starmer and I know she will put forward a positive vision for our future that is centred around families and communities – a vision where our responsibilities to each other are just as important as our rights.
Winter Fuel Payments
It's confirmed. The planned cut to Winter Fuel Payments was put forward for a vote this week and Labour voted it through against cross party opposition, although many Labour MPs abstained from the vote or voted against it entirely.
In Bexhill & Battle there are 27,877 people aged 66 and over, with Age UK estimating that 25,256 now will lose their Winter Fuel Payments as a result of this decision. That is a staggering 91% of constituents aged 66 and over.
Of these, Age UK estimates that only 1,539 might become eligible if they sign up for pension credit. This is an astounding scale of financial abandonment for pensioners across our constituency, and the country.
Winter Fuel Payments have been afforded to pensioners across the country since 1997, with each successive Government committing to it. The current Government has now removed this crucial lifeline.
I was pleased to take part in the Save the Winter Fuel Payments protest, and the debate in Parliament, to show how many MPs oppose this decision.
If you would like to voice your opposition then sign the petition through the following link - https://www.whatlaboursaid.com/winter-fuel-payment
If you are affected by the Winter Fuel Payment decision and need more support this winter, but are not already in receipt of Pension Credit, you can make an application via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.
Pension Credit is a vital lifeline of support for people on low incomes later in life and is often a gateway to other kinds of support like free dental care and Council Tax reductions, but around only 60% of those eligible actually claim it.
Many eligible often go without the support they need because they either have no-one to help them make a claim, feel uneasy about sharing their details, or simply aren't aware they're entitled to it.
Going forward, I will be pressuring the Government to remove these barriers and make Pension Credit more accessible to those who need it.
I have been vocal in my opposition and will continue to fight against this decision.
Raising Concerns About Unrealistic Housing Targets for Bexhill & Battle
This past week, I challenged the Minister for Nature on the impact of centrally imposed housing targets on our constituency, which includes large parts of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). I asked what input the Department for Environment had when these targets were drawn up by the Housing Department. The Minister didn’t seem to have an answer but agreed to follow up with me in writing.
With 83% of Rother District designated as AONB, the government’s formula doesn’t make sense for us. Something has to give. We will either see house building in protected spaces or completely unrealistic targets for the non-protected parts of our rural communities. They have to review their formula to take into account parts of the country with large areas of protected land. They have lowered the targets for big cities like London because they are saying they aren’t realistic. These new targets aren’t realistic for our area.
Back British Farming Day
This Wednesday was Back British Farming Day, which was a great opportunity to celebrate British farming and its values, as well as highlight the importance of agriculture to our rural communities and wider society.
Farmers play such a vital role in our country, shoring up our food security and contributing to our economy. In fact, they manage 71% of the nation's landscape!
We often take for granted that our supermarket shelves are filled with produce, but this is only because of the dedication that farmers have.
Back British Farming Day is supported by the National Farmers Union, who do fantastic work supporting our incredible farming communities across the country. I know Gillian van der Meer, our constituency's local NFU representative, is very active in Bexhill & Battle, and I look forward to future engagement.
Football Foundation Drop-in Event
Last week I was pleased to meet with the Football Foundation to discuss funding opportunities for grassroots football investments where I also met manager, and former footballer, Stuart Pearce who is supporting them.
The Football Foundation is the charity of the Premier League, The FA and Department for Culture, Media and Sport, offering funding opportunities for football related equipment, including 3G Pitch Maintenance, Changing Pavilions & Clubhouses, and Small-Sided Facility Improvement.
I am also due to meet separately with the Football Foundation to discuss funding opportunities for the rebuild of Battle Pavilion and will be able to provide an update soon.
For any teams in the Bexhill & Battle constituency check out their website for upcoming funding opportunities!
https://footballfoundation.org.uk/
Meeting with Rother District Council
It was good to have my first formal meeting with Lorna Ford (CEO), Andrew Vallence (Deputy CEO) and Cllr Doug Oliver (Leader), the senior leadership team at Rother District Council.
We were kindly hosted by the De La Warr Pavilion - thanks to Stewart Drew and Sally-Ann Lycett for making us so welcome. This meeting gave me the opportunity to understand the £20m Levelling Up Fund award for the De La Warr Pavilion and Heart of Sidley.
This funding will be transformational in securing the future of this iconic building in Bexhill, which is a key cultural destination supporting the wider Rother tourism economy, as well as delivering an essential community resource in Sidley.
The Levelling Up funding awarded by the previous Conservative government will help to deliver real opportunities and growth for residents of Bexhill and Rother.
We also had the opportunity to discuss other local issues and challenges. Rother is now setting its future budgets and has a live consultation for residents and businesses. Please do take the time to participate and have your views heard. The link to the consultation is in the introduction of this newsletter.
Bexhill Rail Action Group
Last week I met with Yolanda, Richard, Ray and Trevor from Bexhill Rail Action Group.
The group does a really superb job volunteering their time to try and improve local rail services. It was a pleasure to get the time to discuss their campaigning for direct high-speed services from London to the South East, and their work to encourage the return of Eurostar services to Ashford.
They have quietly secured wins that passengers benefit from locally which is not easy. Going forward, I know they are exploring ways to encourage people to use rail services by addressing the more off-putting aspects of rail travel, such as anti-social behaviour and reducing the cost of fares.
We chose a few areas where I will try and support their efforts. Thanks to the group!
Robertsbridge GP Surgery
It was great to meet last week with GPs from Robertsbridge Surgery to discuss their plans for a new state of the art health centre.
As many residents will know, their current site is far too small to service their 6000+ patients. The new site, which was recently granted planning permission, will allow them the space they need to recruit more GPs and nurses, and alleviate some of the pressure on other surgeries in the area.
During our meeting, I was able to get to grips with some of the hurdles they're facing in trying to build their new facility. Until then, I will be doing all I can to help them overcome these challenges and help the residents of Robertsbridge get the new healthcare centre they deserve.
Launch of Crowhurst MUGA
Last week, I was able to attend the opening of the Crowhurst Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). It was a brilliant community day that not only celebrated the launch of the MUGA, but all of the clubs that use it too.
There was a range of fun activities to take part in, including yoga, tennis, pickleball, basketball, football, and netball. I was lucky enough to have a go at several of these, and I would certainly encourage anyone to give these a try at the MUGA!
This asset to the community has been organised by the Crowhurst Parish Council, as well as several volunteers, and made possible with funding from the National Lottery and Rother District Council. It is free to use, and a timetable is being produced for the various clubs who are lining up to use it.
I also got a chance to hear more about their ambitions for the rest of the recreation ground. The Parish Council have asked for input on what people would like to see at the location in the future, so get in contact through their website linked above if you have any ideas!
Sporting Events in East Sussex
Last weekend, it was my pleasure to spend time with some local sports clubs.
Across the border, I was able to see Hastings and Bexhill Rugby Club's opening game against Beckenham. It was a brilliant game on both sides, but good to see Hastings and Bexhill get the win!
The Club has just entered their centenary season and is a credit to our community, holding numerous events throughout the year which I'm looking forward to.
It was good to meet with Helena Dollimore (MP for Hastings and Rye) at the clubhouse where we took turns drawing the raffle! I was also gifted a club tie!
Closer to home, I was lucky enough to attend the Westerleigh Judokwai Awards Evening in Bexhill, and even present some awards! It was a fun evening and a great way to recognise the athletes and club members who work so hard throughout the year.
I was very thankful to be included in this event, and it was wonderful to get to know all those connected to the club. What was clear from the awards is the special community they have created at the club - one that nurtures and grows the confidence of their athlete and brings out the best in them. Unsurprisingly, this sees them achieve fantastic results. A huge thanks to all the volunteers who give such fantastic opportunities to so many young people.
Below is the list of winners of the various awards!
THE SILENT IMPACT AWARD
Sarah H
W.P. KING PROGRESS FOR BOYS
Oliver B
DAVIES AND SEELEY EFFORT FOR BOYS
Joseph P
EMERGING JUDOKA AWARD
Mia S
PRESIDENT’S SHIELD ETIQUITTE (Juniors Weekly)
Harry S and Willow F
DAVIES AND SEELEY EFFORT FOR GIRLS
Willow M
JESS KING PROGRESS GIRLS
Maeve M
ACHIEVEMENT TROPHY
Russell C
WESTERLEIGH JUDO TRIUMPH IN IMPROVEMENT
Peter S
BOB AKHURST MEMORIAL TROPHEY (Consistently)
James E
CROSSLEY MEMORIAL (Overcoming Difficulties)
Jack H
W. SAMS MEMORIAL TROPHY FOR EFFORT
Daisy P
SENIOR TROPHY FOR PROGRESS
Thomas F
DAVE GOULD JUNIOR KATA AWARD
Jasper P and Jack H
DAVE GOULD SENIOR KATA AWARD
James E
JUDO EVENT COMMITMENT
Oran M
JUNIOR AWARD ETIQUETTE (General Performance)
Joe M
SENIOR ETIQUETTE (General Performance)
Isabelle E
SENIOR TROPHY OVERALL GOOD CHAP
Rob N
