Welcome to this week's newsletter!
Last week, campaign group Justice for Victims launched started by the families of victims of horrific crimes, calling for tougher sentences for the worst offenders in our society. I'm honoured to have helped in setting up and launching the group and to have secured them a meeting with the Prime Minister.
It was concerning to hear the closure of Santander, our last high street bank in Bexhill. However, I was pleased of the announcement that Bexhill will now receive a banking hub, and I will be working to ensure that free-to-use ATMs remain available in Bexhill.
Southern Water have confirmed that those who experienced water loss last year in areas around Brede, Udimore and Westfield will be receiving the compensation they are rightfully entitled to. Check out the article below to see contact details if you feel your compensation does not reflect the period of time without water.
I had the opportunity to meet with the Hospitals Minister to discuss the urgent need for interim funding to address the growing maintenance backlog at Conquest Hospital, Eastbourne District General Hospital, and Bexhill Hospital. I've seen first-hand the significant challenges our hospitals are already facing, despite the dedication and hard work of NHS staff, and will continue to push for the necessary investment to make that a reality.
On Friday I met with the main provider of our mental health services - Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to discuss mental health services across the region and how we can better support patients and staff. I got to visit the site of the construction of the new 54-bed hospital that will replace the outdated inpatient services currently provided in the Department of Psychiatry at Eastbourne DGH. The new hospital is due to open later this year and will provide individual bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms in a modern and therapeutic environment. The site will also be a centre for training and excellence in mental health care.
Since the pandemic, there has been an unprecedented rise in demand for mental health services in Sussex and across the country more broadly. We also discussed the unprecedented rise in demand for neurodevelopmental care and assessments. The waiting list for assessment in Sussex sits at around 7000. Whether its diagnosis related to neurodivergence or mental health issues such as anxiety I think it is vital that we better understand the causes of this increase in demand for services of all kinds. Whilst it is an area of ongoing debate I passionately believe that families and communities have got to be a big part of the solution and if it does turn out there has been a long standing underdiagnosis of a large number of people we need to think about how we mainstream living with these challenges.
I was pleased to meet with Sharon and Gordon Thompson, operators of Abbey Hotel in Battle, at the British Beer and Pub Association Leased and Tenanted Showcase. They expressed their concerns at Labours decision to increase NIC for employers, and to not extend business rate relief. I’m committed to continuing support for local pubs and calling for this Government to reverse their anti-growth policies.
April 11th marks World Parkinson’s Day aimed at raising awareness and ensuring that people with Parkinson's feel seen, heard and supported. I had the privilege of meeting with Bexhill-on-Sea Working Age Parkinson’s Group and have since attended the APPG on Parkinson’s to discuss the challenges facing neurological care in the NHS.
It is bowel cancer awareness month, so I wanted to share information below on possible symptoms of the disease. Bowel cancer can affect anyone irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity or where you live. The most important thing to know is that the earlier the disease is spotted, the more treatable it’s likely to be – make sure to see your GP if anything feels or seems wrong
March 26th was Purple Day, marking International Day of Epilepsy. It’s a vital opportunity to raise awareness for the 630,000 people in the UK living with epilepsy. Check out the links in the article for more information.
As your MP, I wanted to make sure that you knew I can arrange free guided tours of the UK Parliament for residents of my constituency. These 75-minute tours, led by expert guides, provide insight into how Parliament works, its history, and how you can engage in the democratic process. For any constituent who is interested in having a tour of Parliament, see the bottom of this newsletter for contact details.
And lastly, see the bottom of this weeks newsletter for information on local road closures.
I hope you've had a great weekend!
This weeks newsletter:
- Justice for Victims
- Santander & Bexhill Post Office
- Compensation for Water Loss
- Meeting with Minister for Hospitals
- Visit to Eastbourne Department of Psychiatry & Combe Valley Hospital
- British Beer and Pub Association Leased and Tenanted Showcase
- World Parkinson's Day
- Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
- Purple Day - International Day of Epilepsy
- Book a Parliamentary Tour Now!
- Local Road Closures
Justice for Victims
For too long our sentencing system has not given enough consideration to what victims, their families and the wider public would consider to be justice. This leaves so many people feeling let down. There are plenty of groups speaking up for what’s best for the perpetrators and asking for more lenient sentences.
Justice for Victims has been setup by people who have first-hand experience of serious crimes, often losing loved ones, and who want the criminal justice system to focus more on victims and their families and for sentencing policy to deliver proper punishment of the worst offenders.
The parents of Sarah Everard (who was abducted whilst walking home, raped and murdered), Katie Brett (whose 16 year old sister was raped and stabbed more than 100 times by her killer), Ayse Hussein (whose cousin was killed by a serial sex offender who stored her body in a freezer), Paula Hudgell OBE (who campaigns on behalf of her adopted son Tony who lost his lower legs as a result of child cruelty),and Becky & Glen Youens (whose 4 year old daughter Violet Grace was killed by a dangerous driver who spent barely more time in prison than their daughter was alive) have come together to say with one voice that it is time for change. It is time for us to start ensuring sentences truly deliver justice for victims and their families.
It was a privilege to meet with and help support these incredibly brave and strong people to form a group because they want to do something positive in spite of the horrendous circumstances they have and continue to have to live through. They should be very proud of what they are doing.
To find out more about Justice for Victims, check out their website - https://www.justiceforvictims.org.uk/
Santander & Bexhill Post Office
Last month, I spoke on BBC Sussex about the disappointing news that Santander has decided to close its Bexhill branch — the last remaining high street bank in the town.
While more people are banking online and closures may be inevitable, I know this decision will be worrying for residents and businesses who rely on in-person services. That’s why it’s essential to ensure Bexhill retains access to vital banking facilities, and I’m pleased to hear about plans to open a banking hub in the town.
A banking hub would bring multiple banks together in one place, providing essential services for residents and businesses. This would offer a much-needed alternative for those who still rely on face-to-face banking, particularly older residents and small business owners who need regular cash-handling facilities. I will be working closely with stakeholders to ensure this project moves forward as quickly as possible.
Access to cash is another key issue. Many people, particularly those on restricted incomes, depend on cash to help manage their finances. With so many bank closures, we’ve lost a significant number of cashpoints, and I will be working to ensure that free-to-use ATMs remain available in Bexhill.
This closure also reinforces the importance of keeping our local Post Office open. Many residents rely on it for withdrawing cash, paying bills, and accessing everyday banking services. I will continue to support the Post Office and explore solutions to maintain access to these essential services for our community.
Compensation for Water Loss
A number of constituents have been in contact with me about compensation for the water loss experienced in the areas around Hastings – specifically Brede, Westfield and Udimore.
Initially there were reports that these areas may not be included in the compensation being offered by Southern Water, therefore, I wrote to them asking for a confirmation that residents affected would receive the compensation they should reasonably expect.
I’m pleased to share that Southern Water have confirmed that those residents affected will be receiving compensation. Further they have offered contact details for their Customer Service Team for customers who feel the compensation does not reflect the time they were impacted for – Tel: 0330 303 0277; or Email: [email protected].
Make sure to get in contact if you feel that your compensation is not representative.
Meeting with Minister for Hospitals
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with the Hospitals Minister to discuss the urgent need for interim funding to address the growing maintenance backlog at Conquest Hospital, Eastbourne District General Hospital, and Bexhill Hospital.
The Labour Government’s recent decision to delay plans to rebuild our local hospitals means that the benefits of the New Hospital Programme won’t be delivered until at least 2039. In the meantime, East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is facing a staggering £460 million maintenance backlog—one of the largest in the country.
During my visit to Bexhill Hospital, I saw first-hand the significant challenges our hospitals are already facing, despite the dedication and hard work of NHS staff. Issues such as leaking roofs, poor ventilation, and power outages are putting increasing pressure on our healthcare facilities.
I am committed to securing the vital additional funding needed to tackle these urgent issues while we await the long-term rebuild plans. Our communities deserve safe, well-maintained hospitals, and I will continue to push for the necessary investment to make that a reality.
Visit to Eastbourne Department of Psychiatry & Combe Valley Hospital
On Friday I met with the main provider of our mental health services - Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to discuss mental health services across the region and how we can better support patients and staff.
Since the pandemic, there has been an unprecedented rise in demand for mental health services in Sussex and across the country more broadly. The Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has more than 600 beds across the region, but demand continues to grow, and the way in which we support mental health patients has evolved.
We also discussed the rise in demand for neurodevelopmental care and assessments. The waiting list for assessment in Sussex sits at around 7000, and every month 100 people join the waiting list. Addressing this waiting list requires a wider workforce of clinical psychologists, which is why I have agreed to write to the Chancellor to ask what plans the Treasury have to fund the training of more clinical psychologists.
Whether its diagnosis related to neurodivergence or mental health issues such as anxiety I think it is vital that we better understand the causes of this increase in demand for services of all kinds. Whilst it is an area of ongoing debate I passionately believe that families and communities have got to be a big part of the solution and if it does turn out there has been a long standing underdiagnosis of a large number of people we need to think about how we mainstream living with these challenges.
During my visit to the Department of Psychiatry at Eastbourne DGH, I saw first-hand the dedication and hard work of staff in providing compassionate care. However, it was also clear that the current facilities present challenges in meeting the needs of modern mental health treatment.
Ensuring patients have access to a supportive, therapeutic environment is vital and it was great to see progress at the site of the new mental health hospital in North Bexhill.
This new 54-bed hospital will replace the outdated inpatient services currently provided in the Department of Psychiatry at Eastbourne DGH. The new hospital is due to open later this year and will provide individual bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms in a modern and therapeutic environment. The site will also be a centre for training and excellence in mental health care.
I was pleased to hear that the hospital has been carefully designed with the patient's needs at its core. The construction project by Kier has created local employment opportunities and apprenticeships and the new hospital will provide skilled employment and training opportunities.
British Beer & Pub Association Leased and Tenanted Showcase
We are lucky in our constituency to have such a vibrant hospitality sector, with amazing vineyards and lovely pubs to enjoy!
This week, I was pleased to meet with Sharon and Gordon Thompson at the British Beer and Pub Association Leased and Tenanted Showcase. Sharon and Gordon operate Abbey Hotel in Battle and hold the belief that pubs are the beating heart of our high street, helping to increase footfall and keeping out rural towns active and vibrant.
However, they expressed their concerns to me that Labour’s decision to increase National Insurance Contributions for employers, and also to not extend business rates relief, was having a real impact on their ability to operate locally and risked putting their future as licensees at risk.
I have no doubt that these sentiments will be shared by licensees across the entire country, as publicans struggle to compete against rising costs, without the necessary support that the last Conservative Government offered.
I’m committed to continuing support for local pubs and calling for this Government to reverse their anti-growth policies. I would also like to thank Sharon and Gordon for their kind invitation to one of their pubs - I hope to make my way over soon!
World Parkinson's Day
April 11th marks World Parkinson's Day aimed at raising awareness and ensuring that people with Parkinson's feel seen, heard and supported.
Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over times. It is currently the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting 153,000 people in the UK.
To mark World Parkinson’s Day this year, Parkinson's UK is encouraging everyone to show their support and Make It Blue, from lighting up buildings to hosting blue bake sales to wearing blue for a day. However people choose to get involved, they will be helping to raise awareness of Parkinson’s, one blue hue at a time.
Late last year, I had the privilege of meeting with the Bexhill-on-Sea Working Age Parkinson’s Group and hearing their personal experiences was extremely informative. Following this, I attended the APPG on Parkinson’s meeting to discuss the challenges facing neurological care in the NHS.
Knowing how important support is for those constituents suffering with Parkinson's, I agreed to work with the group on ways we can ensure there are more staff of the right kind to better look after the needs of Parkinson's patients.
For information on the different forms of support available, or for more information on World Parkinson's Day, check out Parkinson's UK website linked above.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Bowel cancer can affect anyone, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity, or where you live. The most important thing to know is that the earlier the disease is spotted, the more treatable it’s likely to be.
That’s why this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month I'm supporting Bowel Cancer UK's Pass It On campaign.
They’re asking everyone to share information about bowel cancer because when you #PassItOn you could help someone else notice when something isn’t right.
Learn more about the possible symptoms of the disease: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/symptoms/
You can find out more about the campaign through Bowel Cancer UK's website linked above.
Purple Day - International Day of Epilepsy
March 26th was #PurpleDay, and I’m proud to support this year’s theme, #StandUpToSeizures. It’s a vital opportunity to raise awareness for the 630,000 people in the UK living with epilepsy.
Find out more through Epilepsy Society's website.
Book a Parliamentary Tour Now!
As your MP, I can arrange free guided tours of the UK Parliament for residents of my constituency. These 75-minute tours, led by expert guides, provide insight into how Parliament works, its history, and how you can engage in the democratic process.
Tour highlights:
✔ House of Commons & House of Lords
✔ Central Lobby, St Stephen’s Hall & Westminster Hall
✔ Expert explanations on Parliament’s role and history
Availability: Select weekdays during parliamentary sessions. Tours are subject to change based on parliamentary business.
Booking: Spaces are limited and available to constituents only. You can contact my office at [email protected] to enquire.
For more details on the tour itself and availability, visit the UK Parliament website: https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/tours-of-parliament/tours/
Local Road Closures (please note this information is provided by third parties):
Bexhill
- London Road – 17th to 18th
- Eastbourne Road – 14 Apr 23:00 - 22 Apr 06:00
- Victoria Road – 21 Apr 08:00 - 25 Apr 17:00
- Church Road – 17 Apr 07:30 - 14:30
Battle
- Crazy Lane – 24 Feb 10:23 - 2 May 23:59
Hastings & Surrounding Areas
- Stonestile Lane – 10 Mar 08:31 - 4 Apr 23:59
- Moons Hill – 16 Apr 09:00 - 17 Apr 16:00
- Church Lane – 14 Apr 07:00 - 16 Apr 19:00
Pevensey & Surrounding Areas
- Sluice Road – 18 Apr 01:00 - 22 Apr 04:00
Rother District (Rural Areas) (Including villages in the district)
- Willards Hill – 9 Apr 09:30 - 16:00 (Burwash area)
- Bardown Road – 9 Apr - 11 Apr (Stonegate area)
- Wadhurst Road – 1 Apr - 14 Apr (Wadhurst area)
- Blackdown Lane – 24 Mar - 4 Apr (Burwash/Common area)
- Ponts Green – 10 Apr 08:00 - 14 Apr 17:00 (Ashburnham area)
- Vicarage Lane – 11 Apr (Likely Hooe or Ninfield area)
- Faircrouch Lane – 31 Mar - 9 May (Wadhurst area)
Rye & Surrounding Areas
- Sheepstreet Lane – 17 Mar - 4 Apr (Nr. Northiam/Rye area)
Heathfield & Surrounding Areas
- Heathfield Road – 31 Mar - 2 Apr (Heathfield area)
- Blackdown Lane – 24 Mar - 4 Apr (Mayfield/Buxted area)
Robertsbridge
- Post Office Road – 31 Mar - 30 Jun
- Cackle Street – 1 Apr - 17 Apr (Cackle Street is in Brede, near Robertsbridge but closer to Rye)
Uckfield
- Junction Road – 2 Sep 2024 - 7 Jun 2025 (Near Jarvis Brook, Crowborough/Uckfield area)
Crowborough
- Whitworth Road – 2 Sep 2024 - 7 Jun 2025
- Quarry Hill – (Long-term closure)
