One of the most important parts of my job is hearing directly from the people I represent. That is why I have been holding a series of Community Conversation events across the constituency, giving residents the chance to meet me, raise concerns and ask questions in an open and informal setting.
The first events in Northiam and Battle produced thoughtful discussions on subjects including housing, pressure on our water supply, road infrastructure and access to GP services. These conversations are invaluable. They give me a clearer picture of the issues affecting each part of our constituency and help shape the work I do on residents’ behalf. I am looking forward to bringing these events to Bexhill in the coming months. Details of future dates will be shared through my website, newsletter and social media pages.
There is also plenty coming up for our local schools too.
My annual Christmas Card Competition is now under way, and I would love as many schools as possible to take part. Every year, pupils produce some wonderfully creative designs, and the winning entry will feature on the Christmas card I send to organisations across the constituency.
It is always difficult to choose a winner, but seeing the imagination and effort pupils put into their entries is one of the highlights of my year. I hope teachers will encourage their classes to get involved, and I look forward to seeing this year’s designs.
Schools, youth groups and community organisations for all ages can also take part in UK Parliament Week, which runs from 23rd to 29th November. It is a fantastic opportunity for both young and old to learn more about how Parliament works, discuss the issues that matter to them and understand how they can make their voices heard.
Free activity kits are available to groups that sign up, with resources including debates, quizzes, games and voting activities. Politics is about far more than what happens in the Chamber of the House of Commons. It is about helping people understand how decisions are made and giving them the confidence to participate. I hope many organisations across our area will get involved.
Alongside my constituency work, I have recently been reappointed to my role in the Shadow Justice team. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work at a time when our justice system faces serious challenges.
A major focus for me has been holding the Government to account over its early-release policies. Victims should never be treated as an afterthought, yet changes to the release of prisoners have understandably caused real anxiety for victims and their families. I have repeatedly pressed ministers to ensure that dangerous offenders are not released early and that victims are properly informed and protected.
Following sustained pressure, the Government changed its plans to exclude some offenders from its early-release scheme. That was an important victory for victims, but serious concerns remain. I will continue pushing for stronger safeguards, proper transparency and a justice system in which public protection comes first.
I have also been speaking up on wider questions around sentencing, prison capacity and support for victims. There are no easy answers to the pressures facing our prisons and courts, but the solution cannot be to weaken sentences or ask victims to carry the consequences of government failure. Serious crimes must be met with serious consequences.
Whether I am questioning ministers in Parliament or meeting residents locally, my priority remains the same: standing up for the Bexhill and Battle constituency and making sure our communities are heard.
There is much more planned over the coming months. I look forward to meeting more residents at future Community Conversations, seeing the brilliant entries to the Christmas Card Competition and visiting local groups taking part in UK Parliament Week.
As ever, if there is an issue I can help with, please contact my office. My team and I will always do our best to assist residents throughout the year.
