This week the Prime Minister has launched a 10-point plan to create jobs in left-behind communities and parts of the country that most need the economic boost. New technology brings fresh opportunities, and Broxtowe is perfectly placed to prosper from this. This is great for anyone who wants to see more, better-paid jobs locally and for anyone who wants to see a boost to training and skills in these sectors for our young people and for adult retraining.
On this point, recovery from COVID-19 means investment here in Broxtowe is more important than ever. With this in mind, this week I led a Westminster Hall Debate to raise my concerns that communities along the Eastern Leg of HS2 have been left behind in the past. Here, I urged the Minister to look at the evidence provided and ensure that the East Midlands - and specifically the Toton Station - will not be forgotten in the Integrated Rail Plan which is currently under consideration. There is no doubt levelling up cannot be done in part; it must be done in full.
In local news, I must congratulate Awsworth Primary and Nursery School for their prestigious British Council International School Award. This is great news, their inspirational work to bring the world into their classroom and outstanding commitment to modern languages is at the heart of building a truly Global Britain. Well done.
Following conversations with Beeston FC, I wanted to share their fundraising campaign called ‘signforBeestonFC’ to raise money for their new clubhouse. They have got some star-studded names who have been kind enough to sign some Beeston shirts, so to make a bid on any of these amazing signed Beeston Shirts please visit this link for more information. All profits go to a great cause.
Though we are in lockdown, I want to ensure critical issues are not left behind. Protecting the environment is an issue that has been repeatedly raised to me so, on the 24th of November at 12 noon, I will be hosting my second Virtual Environment Coffee Morning. This is an opportunity for us to discuss your concerns about the environment and how we can work together to ensure we continue to protect it for future generations. I would be really interested in hearing your views, if you would like to join please email lucy.wakeley@parliament.uk.
It is true that some significant moments for people have been put on hold this year. Not least of these being weddings. Following concerns being raised to me, this week I have written to Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) on behalf of those who have been forced to cancel or postpone their weddings due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Those who have had to do so would normally be required to re-register their intent to marry with NCC and have to pay the registration fee for a second time. This should not happen, so I have asked NCC to waive a second registration fee for those who had to postpone their first date due to Coronavirus.
This week I have also attended a number of All-Party Parliamentary Groups which yielded some interesting discussions from MPs across the board. Particularly, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health. An important theme that has come up is isolation and how important it is to ‘check-in’ on neighbours, friends and family. You have done a great job so far but please continue to ask how your loved ones are feeling during this difficult time.
On a personal note, I was also delighted to attend the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Premature and Sick Babies meeting this week. It took place on World Prematurity Day and gave me an opportunity to reflect once more on my thanks for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust for the amazing care given 20 years ago when our tiny twin babies were born 6 weeks early. I will continue to lobby on behalf of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust to ensure NUH have the equipment and funding needed to continue their exceptional work.
Finally, on Wednesday I had a virtual meeting with the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. It was a productive discussion where the Prime Minister provided further details about our coronavirus recovery plan where he is investing in infrastructure, businesses, families and young people to provide the facilities for all to recover and prosper post-covid. Though this has been an increasingly difficult year for all, it is still critical that we all follow the rules to make sure we are safeguarding the most vulnerable in our community. Nonetheless, please do contact me should you be struggling and I, and my team, will do all we can to support you through this period and into the next year.
For now - stay safe everyone,
Darren