Welcome to this week's newsletter.
On Monday, I was invited to the Eden Project in Cornwall for the opening of their new Deep Geothermal Plant. As you may know, I have been pushing the Government to consider the opportunities this new technology could provide - recently publishing a report for the Prime Minister.
You can read it in full here: https://www.drkieranmullan.org.uk/news/deep-geothermal-report-publishd
This week is Armed Forces Week, where we thank our armed forces personnel, past and present, for the selfless work they do protecting our country. The local Help the Heroes team will be holding a celebration event across Saturday and Sunday at Queen's Park - read on below for full details.
In Parliament, I met with the team from Guide Dogs UK. I got to hear about their #opendoorsforguidedogs campaign to prevent people with guide dogs being refused access to premises, such as restaurants and shops. This is a campaign my constituent Scott and his dog Milo help support.
I also went along to and event by the Jo Cox Foundation to promote the Great Get Together, which builds upon Jo Cox's work, encouraging communities to come together and celebrate what we have in common than what divides us.
The Government has announced a new and improved Sustainable Farming Incentive, which will compensate farmers for doing environmentally friendly actions such as supporting hedgerows, nutrient management, as well as enhancing food production and farm productivity. Read on for more details.
They have also announced that prescriptions will continue to be free for over 60s. This is very welcome, particularly with the current cost of living pressure many are facing.
Have a great weekend.
Eden Project Geothermal
Armed Forces Week
Guide Dogs
Supporting Our Farmers
Great Get Together
Prescriptions for Over 60s
Work Experience
Traffic Report
Eden Project Geothermal
On Monday, I invited to attend the Eden Project for the opening of their new Deep Geothermal Plant. You might be familiar with their amazing biomes and the work of the charity. This is the first deep geothermal plant in 37 years in the UK.
It is great to see the Eden Project pioneering this technology. I got to look around their new greenhouse, powered by the Geothermal plant, allowing them to grow their own food and plants and heat their rainforest and Mediterranean biomes containing thousands of plants from around the world.
Find out more about their work here: https://www.edenproject.com/
As you may know, I have been pushing the Government to consider the opportunities this new technology could provide - recently publishing a report for the Prime Minister.
You can read it in full here: https://www.drkieranmullan.org.uk/news/deep-geothermal-report-publishd
Click here to read some of the news coverage: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/02/network-of-geothermal-power-stations-could-help-level-up-uk
Armed Forces Week
This week is Armed Forces Week, where we thank serving and veterans members of our armed forces for their selfless service - keeping us safe overseas.
To celebrate, there will be a weekend of events at Queens Park, Crewe - following the success of last year. This years events will take place on Saturday and Sunday and include displays, military vehicles, memorabilia, food stalls & more.
Thank you to Steve and Audrey Pragnall, who's son Nathan Pragnall is a serving royal navy leading hand, and everyone else from Help the Heroes involved for helping organise and make this event possible!
Guide Dogs
It was great to meet with the team from Guide Dogs UK in Parliament last week.
They are a fantastic charity who do incredible work improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people.
Last year, I spoke to local guide dog ambassador Scott and his dog Milo about how getting a guide dog has transformed his life - providing him with a new sense of freedom. Read more about them here:
https://www.facebook.com/GuidedogteamMilo/
This time, I got to hear about their #opendoorsforguidedogs campaign to prevent people with guide dogs being refused access to premises, such as restaurants and shops.
Find out more about their work here:
Supporting Our Farmers
Farmers do vital work, not only growing our food but also protecting our rural environment. It is important that they are supported to carry out their work sustainably.
The Government's new and improved Sustainable Farming Incentive will compensate farmers for doing environmentally friendly actions such as supporting hedgerows, nutrient management, as well as enhancing food production and farm productivity.
Nutrient management reviews and reducing farmers' costs and carbon emissions will help achieve the environmental goals outlined in the Government's Environmental Improvement Plan and support sustainable food production.
We are also supporting farmers through the adaptable schemes and initiatives that were announced at the Farm to Fork Summit - helping farmers feed the nation while safeguarding and enhancing the environment.
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sustainable-farming-incentive-2023-expanded-offer-to-roll-out-from-august
Great Get Together
This week I went along to The Great Get Together event in Parliament run by Jo Cox Foundation - remembering the work of Jo Cox - the MP who was tragically murdered in her constituency.
It was incredibly well attended by fellow MPs and their staff - standing room only.
The Great Get Together builds upon the work of Jo Cox - encouraging communities to come together and celebrate what we have in common than what divides us.
Find out more about the Great Get Together here: https://www.greatgettogether.org/
Free Prescription for Over 60s
The Government have announced that everyone over the age of 60 will continue to receive free prescriptions. This comes following a consultation on whether the age limit should be aligned with state pension age.
This is welcomed news, particularly with the current cost of living pressures we are all facing.
Free prescriptions will also continue for those aged under 16 or aged 17 and 18 but in full time education and those on certain benefits.
People on a low income who do not qualify for an automatic exemption can also seek help under the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/free-prescription-age-frozen-at-60
Work Experience
This week I have had Jacob from Nantwich come to my office for work experience. Thank you for your hard work - I hope you found it useful! This is what he had to say about his week:
I could tell the moment I walked into the office on Tuesday that it was a welcoming and enjoyable place to work. Getting to know my local MP and his team and finding out what they do on a daily basis has been a true delight.
Over the last week, I've learnt a tremendous amount about the local issues the MP faces on a daily basis and how he manages to address them. The past several days have been occupied with drafting replies to the various casework requests the office receives, generating a Facebook post for Kieran's page, and composing a newsletter piece. I had imagined performing menial tasks like getting coffee, yet each assignment I was given was crucial to fixing issues in the community.
It has been educational and has suited to someone with minimal experience in the field, helping train me with technical and social skills, I couldn't recommend it more! I truly enjoyed coming in each day and starting my work.
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 - 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
Bradley Hall Road - until 27th June
Buck Lane, Hough - until 3rd July
Pit Lane - 27th June until 5th July
Pillory Street Rail Crossing, Nantwich - 24th June until 26th June
Flowers Lane, 26th June until 26th Nov
Smithy Lane - Until 1st Nov
Primrose Hill - Until 21st July
Goddard Street - Until 30th June
Holt Street, Crewe - 26th June until 30th June
Elton Lane - 24th June until 25th June