Welcome to this week's newsletter.
In Parliament this week, I met with representatives from The Alzheimer's Society to hear more about dementia diagnosis rates here in Crewe and Nantwich. We are actually above the national ambition - meaning people are generally speaking getting good, timely diagnosis. There is, however, more that needs to be done to ensure this happens for everyone.
In other news, the Government has announced that the £2 Bus Fare Cap will be extended until October - supporting many people with the cost of living. The cap will also be continued at a new rate of £2.50 until November 2024. Cheshire East will also receive additional funding to support bus services in the area which as still struggling post a reduction in passenger numbers post COVID.
There was also an announcement that a new offence will be created which will see jail time for those who encourage self-harm online. I know that many parents are constantly worried about the content that their child may get access to when online - so I am glad to see measure being taken to tackle this vile behaviour.
Finally, there is a locally based community production of the Little Mermaid showing at Crewe Lyceum - so if you are free this evening or over the weekend get your tickets here: https://crewelyceum.co.uk/Online/tickets-little-mermaid-crewe-2023
Have a great weekend.
£2 Bus Fares Extended
The Little Mermaid at The Crewe Lyceum
Dementia Diagnosis Rates
UK Support for Ukraine
Jail for Internet Trolls Who Encourage Self-Harm
UK - Japan Security Deal Signed
Traffic Report
£2 Bus Fares Extended
Fantastic news that the Government is extended the Bus Fare Cap until the end of October – helping hardworking people with the cost of living.
The cap was introduced last year, funded by £300 million of Government money, and ensured that single bus fares on thousands of routes do not cost more than £2. This has helped many people commute to work and get around for less.
The Government has also announced that after October, the cap will be £2.50 until November 2024 – extended this support into late next year.
In addition Cheshire East will receive £1.2 million to support struggling routes. We have a real challenge with buses with passengers numbers not returning to pre COVID levels when already some services were struggling. I know also the quality of services puts people off. I don't think public ownership is a magic solution-we would have the same very empty buses with the total cost being met by the taxpayer. I think we need to think more about things like on demand services.
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-extends-2-bus-fare-cap-and-protects-vital-services?deliveryName=DM23516
The Little Mermaid - At The Crewe Lyceum
A local production of the little mermaid is currently showing at the Crewe Lyceum performed by the team at Curtain Call Productions.
This is a locally based community production giving opportunities to people locally to take part in performing arts. That can be a huge confidence boost.
Get your tickets here for tonight and the weekend: https://crewelyceum.co.uk/Online/tickets-little-mermaid-crewe-2023
Dementia Diagnosis Rates
I met with the Alzheimer's Society in Parliament to discuss local dementia diagnosis rates. In Crewe and Nantwich, our diagnosis rate is above the national ambition of 66.7% at 67.1%.
While it is positive that many people are getting a timely diagnosis, more must be done to ensure this is the case for everyone who suffers from dementia.
Find out more about the Alzheimer's Society and their work here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
UK Support for Ukraine
This week, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with the Prime Minister to discuss our ongoing support for them against Putin's illegal invasion.
We will continue this support by supplying them with new missiles and long-range attack drones - allowing them to take the fight to Russian forces in their territory.
We can be proud as a nation that we are leading the world in the help we are providing Ukraine - both in terms of military equipment and humanitarian support for victims of the conflict. This support will help bring this barbaric war to a quicker end.
Jail for Internet Trolls Who Encourage Self-Harm
We all want the online world to be a safe place for everyone. However, too many people, usually hiding behind anonymous accounts, present danger - particularly to young people.
One vile way these individuals behave is by encouraging people to hurt themselves. Self-harm is, unfortunately, far too common, with more than a quarter of young women reporting to have done it at some point in their lives.
No parent should worry about their child being exposed to content encouraging this.
The Government has announced that encouraging people to self-harm will be a criminal offence - with up to 5 years in prison for those found guilty.
This will apply regardless of if anyone actually does go on to hurt themselves or if they know the victim or not.
Prosecutors will only need to prove that the post or message was intended to encourage injury that would amount to Grievous Bodily Harm.
This new offence builds upon other measures in the Online Safety Bill that aim to make the internet safer.
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/trolls-who-encourage-serious-self-harm-to-face-jail?deliveryName=DM23586
UK - Switzerland Trade Talks
The Trade Secretary is headed to Switzerland to begin talks on a new Free Trade Deal.
This is a fantastic opportunity for British businesses, growing the economy and creating new jobs. Switzerland is already our 10th largest trade partner, with us both leading the world in the services sector.
Because of Brexit, we can now make these new deals and focus on our priorities with countries around the world.
UK - Japan Security Deal Signed
On Thursday, the Prime Minister signed a new security deal with Japan - allowing us to work more closely to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific and bring more investment into the UK.
Under this deal, the UK will double the number of troops participating in joint exercises in the region and deploy our carrier task force in 2025. Japanese businesses will also commit to investing £18 Billion in UK companies - growing our economy and creating jobs.
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-to-agree-historic-uk-japan-accord-ahead-of-g7?deliveryName=DM23586
Traffic Report
The following are road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire East:
Middlewich Road, Crewe (Between Pyms Lane and B5076) - Until 30th June
Prunus Road, Crewe - 22nd May until 21st July
Flag Lane, Crewe (Between Bridle Road and Castle Street) - Until 7th August
Delamere Street, Crewe (Between Flag Lane and St Mary's Street) - Until 7th August
Mill Lane, Oakhanger - Until 31st October
Broughton Lane - 19th May until 22nd May
Wistaston Green Road, Crewe (Between Garthmyl and Magpie Manor) - 22nd May until 26th May