Welcome to this week's newsletter.
I'm sure you'll share my horror at the horrific attacks Hamas have conducted against Israeli civilians, including the elderly, women and children. What they have done is the very definition of terrorism. There can be no possible justification for deliberately killing a baby or any other civilian in a small village or young people at a music festival. Israel has every right to respond militarily against Hamas and Hamas deliberately place themselves amongst civilians to try and hide themselves. It is a very difficult call to make, but if Hamas aren't hit back they will be emboldened alongside other terrorist groups in the region. Of course Israel needs to do what it can to avoid civilian casualties, but even more civilians will die if Hamas thinks it can get away with anything by hiding amongst civilians. They are primarily responsible for any civilian casualties.
I find it very frustrating that there seems to be an assumption that you have to choose between saying and believing all of that and having sympathy for ordinary Palestinians and supporting their goal of statehood. I continue to wish Israel would take more proactive steps towards peace and I am against ongoing settlement expansion and destruction of Palestinian homes. But Hamas don't represent ordinary Palestinians and they don't really want peace-they have sworn to destroy Israel and kill Jews everywhere. They murder even their Palestinian political rivals. It's easy to say Israel should do more to secure peace but look at what has happened in the past. Gaza was largely allowed to self-govern and it has been turned into a terrorist haven. It would be very hard for any Israeli Prime Minister to make concessions in that context.
So the cycle of violence continues. I was touched by the words of the father of the young Israeli you might have seen vide of being kidnapped on a motorcycle. He showed extraordinary insight and passion, saying on television that
"Also Gaza has casualties...mothers who cry...let's use this emotion...we are two nations from one father, let's make peace, a real peace."
Unless more people and politicians are able to share his approach I don't see an end to the violence any time soon.
I am aware of the sad incidents of mass fish die offs on the River Weaver. I have met with the Environment Agency this week to insist on timely updates and have asked them to meet representatives of a local residents group to see what more we can do to help avoid this in future..
Applications for the Lessons at 10 programme are currently open. This is an initiative set up by the Prime Minister's Wife, Akshata Murty, providing a unique opportunity for school pupils to learn about what goes on behind the scenes in Number 10. Click here to find out more:
It is positive news that the UK economy grew in August, showing just how resilient we are against the current pressures. Whilst this is good to hear, I do understand that things are still difficult for many and there is more work to do.
Finally, I also wanted to highlight the Crewe Historical Society, a local organisation dedicated to preserving our local history. They organises talks on topics of local interest for anybody wanting to learn a bit more about historical events of the area. Visit the link below if you want to find out more and get involved in their important work.
https://sites.google.com/site/cheshirelha/member-societies/crewe-historical-society?authuser=0
Have a great weekend.
Lessons at 10
Shavington Academy Q&A
Economy Growing
Crewe Historical Society
Traffic Report
Lessons at 10
Lessons at 10 is an initiative set up by the Prime Minister's Wife, Akshata Murty, providing a unique opportunity for school pupils to learn about what goes on behind the scenes in Number 10. Supported by charities, industry experts and special guests, this programme hopes to bring education to life and encourage a love of learning for children across the UK.
Applications can be made by teachers for their classes - this can be any year group or subject.
Find out more and apply via the link here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ucvIKa_Zfkyyi0cPFSdeRxJfq-jKoklDj7tPQ3UEGXVUOVEyVDJQWktQQkdNM1VGQ1Q3TEw0N1E1Uy4u
Shavington Academy Q&A
It was great to have a Q&A session with Abi, Izzy, Harry and Esme from Shavington Academy who are looking at elections and turnout as part of their Citizenship GCSE. It is always great to talk to young people interested in politics with some really good questions.
Economy Growing
It is positive news that the UK economy grew in August by 0.2%.It isn't much but considering the challenges and growth rates seen elsewhere this shows that our economy is resilient, weathering the storm of the current pressures. Whilst this is good news, I understand that many people are still facing difficulties - and that there is always more we can do to build a more prosperous country.
Crewe Historical Society
This week, I wanted to talk about an important local organisation, dedicated to the preservation and exploration of Crewe and Nantwich’s rich history. The Crewe Historical Society organises talks on topics of local interest for anybody wanting to learn a bit more about historical events of the area.
Set up by Cheshire Local History Association, and linked with it is the Crewe and District Local History Association, the group meets 9 times, on the last Tuesday of the month from September to May inclusive in Jubilee House, St Paul's Street, Crewe at 7pm.
The first meeting since the Societies break over summer will be taking place on Tuesday 31st October, and will be led by Paul Blurton. Head down to Jubilee House, St Paul’s Street at 7pm to learn more abut our phenomenal history.
Find out more here: https://sites.google.com/site/cheshirelha/member-societies/crewe-historical-society?authuser=0
Traffic Report
The following are road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire east.
Annions Lane - Until 20th November
Flowers Lane – Until 26th Nov (see Leighton closures)
Smithy Lane – Until 1st Nov (see Leighton closures)
Manor Way - 25th September until 17th November
Park Road - Until 19th October
For further details of the closures around Leighton hospital, please see: North West Crewe Package (cheshireeast.gov.uk)