Welcome to this week's newsletter!
A number of local farmers wrote to me to ask that I attend the Westminster Hall debate on the potential merits for Government support of small-scale abattoirs. There are many professions which rely on these abattoirs as they offer flexibility in farming, but also support sustainable farming methods. Check out my article below to watch or read my speech.
Last week marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day. I was honoured to attend Central Lobby for the VE Day procession, and also to take part in the beacon lighting ceremony on Galley Hill. Millions of soldiers gave their lives in World War II to secure the freedom of future generations. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.
I spoke in the debate on future relations of the UK with the EU to make the point that whilst the full potential of Brexit might not have been felt just yet, that does not mean it was the wrong decision. As talks of new agreements with the EU begin, we must be clear on retaining the sovereignty we gained in leaving.
Recently, I met with local business owner, Stephen Jempson, to discuss the ongoing issue of shoplifting. Rother District Council and Sussex Police are encouraging local shop owners to sign up to DISC, a system to identify thieves operating in the area and feed directly to police. I will be asking Sussex Police for an update on the DISC system and what further measures can be put in place to stop serial and first-time offenders.
Last week, I spoke with volunteers and staff of the Hastings and Rother Citizens’ Advice Bureau where we discussed the many issues they help residents with. The service they provide to local residents is invaluable and they could not do this without the help of so many dedicated volunteers.
It was really good to meet with Sidley organisations, businesses and stakeholders at All Saints School last Friday. We discussed a range of issues including road safety issues and the work Sussex Police are doing to tackle shop-lifting. I am fully committed to supporting all the positive work and activities in Sidley which support residents of all generations.
I met with local stakeholders to discuss the flooding issues which have impacted Ocean View café and the retail park. I sought assurance from Southern Water that better monitoring of the pumps would be put in place to ensure that any mechanical or power failures would create immediate alerts and action from the water company to prevent any further flooding incidents and shall be following this issue closely.
I'm really pleased to welcome new funding for Sedlescombe and Westfield Surgery as part of a national £102 million upgrade programme to modernise GP surgeries across the country. However, while this funding supports upgrades to existing buildings, we also need action to get new GP surgery projects off the ground.
Many constituents asked me to attend the Age UK parliamentary reception, and I was very glad to do so last week. It was a valuable opportunity to speak with the team and learn more about the challenges older people are facing, and how we can do more to support them both locally and nationally.
I had the pleasure of meeting my Crowhurst constituent Dylan at the care leavers event in Parliament and was hugely impressed by the way he and other care leavers spoke, in sharing their own life stories.
This week I am marking mental health week, alongside the Mental Health Foundation, who have chosen ‘community’ as the theme for this year’s focus! The mental health foundation has come up with a list of 10 tips to get involved in your community. Check out my article below for more information.
The Bexhill Primary Care Network is bringing together local NHS services, wellbeing groups and community support at a free event this month. See the article for all the details.
Also, the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) will open for applications on 29 May. Grants of up to £25,000 are available to help reduce costs and improve efficiency on your farm - all details are below.
And lastly, see the bottom of this week’s newsletter for details on local road closures.
Have a great weekend.
This week's newsletter:
- Potential Merits of Government Support for Small-Scale Abattoirs - Westminster Hall Debate
- Celebrations & Commemorations for Victory in Europe Day
- Debate on Future Relations of the UK with the EU
- Jempson's Supermarket
- Hastings and Rother Citizens' Advice Bureau
- Sidley Stakeholder Meeting
- Visit to Glyne Gap to Discuss Flooding Issues
- Funding for Sedlescombe & Westfield Surgery
- Age UK Parliamentary Drop-in
- Care Leavers Event in Parliament
- Mental Health Awareness Week
- Bexhill Primary Care Network: Health & Wellness Event
- The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF)
- Local Road Closures
Potential Merits of Government Support for Small-Scale Abattoirs - Westminster Hall Debate
Last week, I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate about the vital role small-scale abattoirs play in supporting local farmers — and the urgent challenges they face as more continue to close across the UK.
Downland Traditional Meats, based in West Sussex, is a vital small-scale abattoir for local farmers who are rearing native breeds which are generally not accepted by larger abattoirs. Practices, such as conservation grazing, are an important tool in ongoing efforts to restore a rare and highly biodiverse habitat in Sussex – chalk grasslands – using native breeds that feed on invasive scrub, such as nettles, hawthorns and brambles. Local farmers may well have to reconsider this practice of farming should Downland Traditional Meats close.
This is also in part due to the lack of small-scale abattoirs within the South of England. Out of the four closest ones, within a 3-hour drive from Downland’s, only two are taking on new customers. However, these two do not sell meat back to farmers, instead selling directly to wholesale. This is another issue with larger abattoirs - farmers are unable to reclaim their meat for local sale. Local farmers being able to sell their own products allows a small premium, telling the story of the farm and the sustainable practices which have been used to rear livestock.
It is not just local farmers who will feel the knock-on effects from this, but also those associated professions such as butchers, delivery drivers and vets.
I was pleased to be able to raise these concerns and ask the Government what assessments they have made of the recent reduction in FSA discounts for those middle band abattoirs, cutting further into already tight margins.
Check out the full video above to watch my speech.
Alternatively, you can read my speech through Hansard linked here.
Celebrations & Commemorations for Victory in Europe Day
Last week marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Millions of soldiers gave their lives in World War II to secure the freedom of future generations. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.
In Parliament I was honoured to attend Central Lobby for the Victory in Europe Day procession from the Commons Chamber to Westminster Abbey as part of Parliament's VE Day ceremony.
Later that evening, in the constituency, I had the privilege of taking part in the beacon lighting ceremony on Galley Hill. There was a great turnout and it was an important way to remember the sacrifice of so many people that secured victory for the nation and future generations.
You might be aware already, that our area is steeped in WWII history, as our coastline would have been a first line of defence in the event of an invasion. I wrote an article for the Bexhill Observer to highlight this important history, which you can check out here.
Debate on Future Relations of the UK with the EU
I share the view of a lot of people that we haven't yet made the most of Brexit - people don't feel we have proven why it was, in my view, the right decision. But that doesn't mean we should let Labour- led by a man who never believed in it, fought for a second referendum and continued freedom of movement-take us back in bit by bit by stealth. I spoke in the House of Commons this week to make this point.
Brexit was a clear vote for sovereignty, national democracy, and a future decided by the British people—not by unelected EU institutions. That must be respected.
As talk of new agreements with the EU begins, we must be clear: no return to freedom of movement, no EU rule-taking, and no slow drift back into the orbit of Brussels. Labour may talk about a “reset”, but we won’t let that become a rollback.
The decision of the British people must be upheld.
Check out the full video above to watch my speech. Alternatively, you can read my speech through Hansard linked here.
Jempson's Supermarket
Recently, I met local business owner, Stephen Jempson, who co-owns Jempson’s supermarkets, bakeries and convenience stores across the constituency. It was really good to visit a local business which has invested heavily in the local area and created so many jobs, not only in retail but in local food production which trains local people in traditional skills.
Like many local businesses, they are blighted by the scourge of shop-lifting. They know from experience, that the majority of shop-lifters who steal from their shops are well-organised professional thieves who think that they can threaten and intimidate shop staff with impunity. They are deeply frustrated that not more is done to arrest and punish those who are guilty of shop-lifting. I know this is a shared frustration of many local retailers in Bexhill.
Rother District Council and Sussex Police are encouraging local shop owners to sign up to an information and response system called DISC which alerts shops to thieves operating in the town and directly feeds the information back to the police. However, until this and other measures lead to arrests, thieves being brought to court and proper sentences commensurate to the crime, the problems will persist.
I will be asking Sussex Police for an update on the DISC system and what further measures can be put in place to stop serial and first-time offenders.
Hastings and Rother Citizens’ Advice Bureau
Last Friday, I had an interesting and insightful meeting with volunteers and staff of the Hastings and Rother Citizens’ Advice Bureau at Rother Town Hall in Bexhill.
We discussed the many issues they help residents with, which include - dealing with utility and service providers; debt; benefits; housing; employment issues; discrimination, and special educational needs, to name just a few.
Their advisors work hard to understand the wide range of problems people face in their day to day lives and how best to help them deal with those challenges.
The service they provide to local residents is invaluable and they could not do this without the help of so many dedicated volunteers.
The CAB provides face to face advice at their offices in Bexhill and Hastings and at outreach services across the district. They can also be contacted by phone or via their website https://www.citizensadvice1066.co.uk/.
If you are interested in volunteering with the local CAB do get in touch with them at [email protected].
I look forward to working closely with them in supporting local residents.
Sidley Stakeholder Meeting
It was really good to meet with Sidley organisations, businesses and stakeholders at All Saints School last Friday. This regular meeting which I chair provides an opportunity for all those involved in the Sidley community to share information, raise issues and work together for the benefit of its residents.
At this meeting, we discussed road safety issues in Sidley and the lack of safe crossing points to the GP surgery and across Ninfield Road to the nursery. It is hoped that with the increase in housing in Bexhill some CIL or Section 106 money from the developers could be used to improve active travel routes in the town. Cllr Azad is also exploring other funding options with local partners.
Sussex Police also discussed the work they have been doing to tackle shop-lifting and anti-social behaviour. They reported that by joint working with the County Council, they have successfully curtailed the activities of a particular group of young people who had been involved in robberies and anti-social behaviour. They reminded everyone that all crime needs to be reported via 101 or on their website so that evidence can be gathered. Sharing information on social media does not provide formal evidence and cannot lead to arrests.
The Sidley Community Hub project is progressing well and is currently waiting for pre-contract approval from the district council. Their contractors are ready to start, and they expect to break ground in early summer which is very positive news.
The Pelham is also about to start work on developing the top floor of their building which will complete the renovation of this building which supports so many community groups and organisations. Their new youth centre is up and running and their facilities are being used by other youth organisations in the town.
I am fully committed to supporting all the positive work and activities in Sidley which support residents of all generations.
Visit to Glyne Gap to Discuss Flooding Issues
I met with representatives from Southern Water, Ravenside Retail park owners and Cllr Ian Hollidge at Glyne Gap to discuss the flooding issues which have impacted Ocean View café and the retail park.
This was a fact-finding meeting with Southern Water to raise concerns about flooding incidents and to hear what plans are in place for longer term solutions.
The reason for flooding is the surface water sewer, which diverts excess rainwater from this area into the sea, is no longer working effectively. The changes in beach profile mean that the old drainage pipe needs to be re-designed to prevent it from being blocked by shingle and beach materials.
Whilst the design work and necessary approvals for the beach works are being sought, Southern Water has temporary pumps on the beach to remove excess water from the retail park and pathways. However, these have failed on a few occasions causing disruption to the café and the retail park, as well as to local residents who use the coastal path.
I sought assurance from Southern Water that better monitoring of the pumps would be put in place to ensure that any mechanical or power failures would create immediate alerts and action from the water company to prevent any further flooding incidents. I have also asked that the project for an interim solution is expedited so that the pumps can be removed from the beach.
I shall be following this issue very closely and providing updates as actions are progressed.
Funding for Sedlescombe & Westfield Surgery
I'm really pleased to welcome new funding for Sedlescombe and Westfield Surgery as part of a national £102 million upgrade programme to modernise GP surgeries across the country.
This investment will be vital for improving patient experience, adding more consulting rooms, and increase the number of appointments available fantastic news for the local community!
However, I'm clear that this isn't enough. While this funding supports upgrades to existing buildings, we also need action to get new GP surgery projects off the ground, especially where current facilities just aren’t up to scratch.
I’ve been working with GP practices across the constituency who are ready to build modern, purpose-built surgeries, but they’re being held back by outdated NHS rent rules. Rents haven’t kept pace with rising construction costs, making new developments financially unviable.
We need a more realistic approach so patients and staff can benefit from the facilities they deserve.
Age UK Parliamentary Drop-in
Many constituents asked me to attend the Age UK parliamentary reception, and I was very glad to do so last week.
Age UK does vital work to support older people whether that’s through providing expert advice, helping those experiencing loneliness, or campaigning to make sure older people’s voices are heard. I also want to thank the staff and volunteers at the Age UK charity shop in Bexhill which raises money to help provide these vital services.
It was a valuable opportunity to speak with the team and learn more about the challenges older people are facing, and how we can do more to support them both locally and nationally.
You can learn more about accessing their services here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/ or call their East Sussex helpline on 01273 476704
Care Leavers Event in Parliament
I had the pleasure of meeting my Crowhurst constituent Dylan at the care leavers event in Parliament.
I was hugely impressed by the way he and other care leavers spoke, in sharing their own life stories. I had the opportunity to personally ask Dylan about his own experience as a care leaver, giving me a chance to find out what more could be done to improve the system. The needs of care leavers are diverse and often overlooked in our political discourse. Many care leavers don’t have the family and kinship support networks that many of us take for granted.
That's why I think it is important that we do more to support care leavers and provide help to them for longer, so that they have the best possible chance of making a success of life.
Mental Health Awareness Week
This week I am marking mental health week, alongside the Mental Health Foundation, who have chosen ‘community’ as the theme for this year’s focus!
I attended a parliamentary event where I spoke to Alexa from the Mental Health Foundation and I talked about how getting involved in physical community activities has supported me.
Protective mechanisms like community based activities can be a source of great enjoyment, meaning and improve our mental health! This week I’m encouraging everyone to take the time to think about what these activities meant to them.
The mental health foundation has come up with a list of 10 tips to get involved in your community. Follow the link here to check them out.
Bexhill Primary Care Network: Health & Wellness Event
The Bexhill Primary Care Network is bringing together local NHS services, wellbeing groups and community support at a free event this month.
- Wednesday 21 May 2025
- 10am – 2pm
- De La Warr Pavilion
This is a chance to meet your local PCN team – including physiotherapists, podiatrists and social prescribing link workers – and find out more about the support available in the Bexhill area.
Whether you're managing a long-term condition, caring for someone, or simply looking to improve your wellbeing, help is available.
More details:
01424 231480 (Option 3)
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF)
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) will open for applications on 29 May. Grants of up to £25,000 are available to help reduce costs and improve efficiency on your farm.
The FETF supports investments in machinery, equipment, and technology across three themes:
- • Productivity
- • Slurry Management
- • Animal Health and Welfare
Grant values range from £1,000 to a maximum of £25,000 per theme, covering a proportion of the eligible costs.
The application window will be open from 29 May until midday on 10 July.
Please be aware that this is a competitive fund, and all applications will be assessed against scoring criteria.
There will be a webinar on Wednesday 21 May at 1 pm, which will cover what the fund offers, eligibility, the application process, and how applications will be assessed.
Follow the link here for more information.
Local Road Closures (please note this information is provided by third parties):
Bexhill
- Cooden Drive: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026
- De La Warr Road: 27 May – 30 May
- Woodsgate Park: 14 May 12:00 – 20 May 23:59
Battle
- The Green: 24 May 08:00 – 26 May 20:00
- Market Road: 26 May 13:00 – 13:45
Westfield
- Junction Road: 2 September 2024 – 31 July 2025
- Whitworth Road: 2 September 2024 – 31 July 2025
- Maplehurst Road: 2 September 2024 – 31 July 2025
Ninfield
- Church Lane: 19 May 08:00 – 21 May 17:00
- Kitchenham Road: 27 May – 30 May
Brightling
- Perrymans Lane: 20 May 08:00 – 23 May 17:00
Ticehurst
- Rosemary Lane: 29 May 20:00 – 31 May 06:00
Sedlescombe
- Crazy Lane: 24 February – 30 May
- Brede Lane: 27 May 09:30 – 30 May 16:00
- Hurst Lane: 27 May 09:30 – 30 May 16:00
Hawkhurst / Flimwell
- Demolden Lane: 9 May – 28 June
- Post Office Road: 31 March – 30 June
Northiam
- Station Road: 29 May 08:00 – 30 May 18:00
Wadhurst
- Snape Lane: 12 May – 6 June
- Three Oaks Lane: 15 May – 30 May
- Whitegates Lane: 15 May – 30 May
Robertsbridge
- Bishops Lane: 19 May 08:00 – 22 May 17:00
- Brightling Road: 14 May 10:15 – 20 May 10:15
Burwash
- Shrub Lane: 20 May 01:00 – 23 May 05:00
