Welcome to this week's newsletter!
Unfortunately, I haven't been quite as active this week as I usually am - it seems the summer cold that is doing the rounds caught me out! Still, I've been able to attend and take part in a few different events over the past couple of weeks.
Firstly, the Third Reading of the Assisted Dying Bill - I was privileged to speak on behalf of the Official Opposition in what has been one of the most difficult and sensitive issues that I have been asked to consider as an MP. I did vote against the Bill in the end, but I hope that every constituent who's reading this, or has been in touch with me in the past, can see I took this responsibility seriously, and did my best to reach a thoughtful and honest judgement.
Last weekend, I was able to go along to the Robertsbridge 800, which celebrated the 800 years since Robertsbridge was granted a Market Charter. It was a great day, with lots of local history, bringing together the entire community. Thank you to everyone who made it happen!
This week (22 - 28 June) is Armed Forces Week, with Armed Forces Day 28th June. I was pleased to recognise Armed Forces Week earlier this week, whilst at the dispatch box representing the Official Opposition, and today I will be also celebrating Veterans Day through the Veterans’ Growth Fundraiser at Rock Farm Oast in Westfield.
I met with Bexhill Food Bank to talk about the Guarantee Our Essentials campaign and the vital support they provide to local people facing difficult times. Though we had different views on some of the solutions, it is inspiring to see volunteers so dedicated to helping people. Thank you to Jenni and all the volunteers at Bexhill Food Bank for the tireless and selfless work they do.
This week I focused my Bexhill Observer article on the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast and English Wine Week. There's lots to cover so check out the article below.
This week (23 - 29 June) is Cancer Prevention Action Week, led by the World Cancer Research Fund, with this year’s theme ‘Alcohol and Cancer’. As research from WCRF shows that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of 7 different types of cancer, they want to spark a national conversation about alcohol and cancer.
Local businesses – are you looking to grow your brand through major online markets? The Department for International Trade is hosting a wide range of webinars and events as part of their Digital Edge programme. See the article for more details.
And lastly, check out the end of this newsletter for updated information on local road closures.
Have a great weekend.
This week's newsletter:
- Assisted Dying - Third Reading
- Robertsbridge 800
- Armed Forces Week
- Meeting with Bexhill Food Bank in Parliament
- Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast & English Wine Week - Bexhill Observer
- Cancer Prevention Action Week
- Grow Your Business in New Markets with E-Commerce
- Local Road Closures
Assisted Dying - Third Reading
Last week, I spoke on behalf of the Official Opposition, during the Third Reading of the Assisted Dying Bill - one of the most difficult and sensitive issues I have been asked to consider as an MP. As this bill is a free vote, and therefore a matter of conscience, it was my job as the Shadow Minister to summarise the key points made during the debate.
I want to thank everyone who contacted me to share their views, including very personal and powerful stories. It was clear how much people on both sides of the debate care deeply about those facing pain and suffering at the end of life.
In the end, I didn’t feel able to support the Bill. Even those who back it admit there’s no perfect law in an area like this, and I’m not convinced it could be brought in without real risks and unintended consequences.
This was a free vote with no party line - each of us had to weigh up the arguments and make our own decision. It was an incredibly difficult decision, but I hope constituents can see I took this responsibility seriously, and did my best to reach a thoughtful and honest judgement.
See the video above to watch my speech. Alternatively, you can read it here in Hansard linked here.
Robertsbridge 800
I had a great time at the Robertsbridge 800 celebration - thanks to Simon and all the other organisers!
I judged the children's historical fancy dress with local councillors. Our two winners were Boudica and a Chimney Sweep!
I also got to talk to local groups like the WI (great cakes), local Scouts, Repair Cafe, St Mary's Church Salehurst and more!
Armed Forces Week
This week, 22 – 28 June, is Armed Forces week with Armed Forces Day celebrated on the 28th of June.
Those who are a part of the Armed Forces community, or somebody that supports them, make an incredible sacrifice for our country. It is one of the most vital roles in our society, and anyone who contributes should be immensely proud.
Whilst representing the Opposition as Shadow Justice Minister, I was pleased to raise Armed Forces week, and convey my respect to those who have, or are currently, serving in the Armed Forces.
To celebrate Armed Forces Day, I will be attending the Veterans’ Growth Fundraiser at Rock Farm Oast in Westfield, which I have visited before. Set amidst beautiful Sussex farmland, their site offers a relaxing green space where veterans can come to immerse themselves in nature and learn horticultural skills. During their time on site, participants socialise with other veterans, gain confidence, knowledge and experience and some go on to find employment within the industry.
Thank you to everyone who helped to organise this event with such a great cause!
Meeting with Bexhill Food Bank in Parliament
Last week, I met with Jenni from Bexhill Food Bank to talk about the Guarantee Our Essentials campaign and the vital support they provide to local people facing difficult times.
While we had different views on some of the solutions, I was genuinely inspired by Jenni’s passion and commitment to helping others. Volunteers like Jenni and her team make a real and lasting difference in their communities by stepping up when people need it most.
These issues are challenging because we have to strike a balance between helping people in need and not removing incentives to work. I also think the focus on the government using other peoples taxes to alleviate poverty grows and grows because it is the easy thing to ask for and the solution that doesn't asl uncomfortable questions of people.
A national system like the one we have, dealing with millions of people, is never going to be very good at striking the right balance between support and ensuring people don't escape the difficult decisions some people on welfare can sometimes avoid. The child benefit cap is a good example of that-everyone should take responsibility for thinking about the size of their family and who they choose to have children with.
That is why I like support to also be provided through local groups as much as possible. If we accept that it is difficult to eradicate all need, I'd rather that need was met by local people and local groups helping their neighbours.
Thank you again to Jenni and all the volunteers at Bexhill Food Bank for the tireless and selfless work they do. I think it shows the best of our communities-caring for each other through choice.
Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast & English Wine Week - Bexhill Observer
This week, I focused by Bexhill Observer article on the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast and English Wine Week.
I was due to attend Parliamentary Prayers with local pastor, Ed Jones, from Battle Baptist Church. Sadly, as I mentioned earlier, the summer cold currently doing the rounds caught up with me, so I didn't think it sensible to attend and help spread it further.
Fortunately, Ed was still able to attend and I'm grateful that he could represent our constituency.
Ed took this great picture as well, which shows just how busy prayers are, with MPs, Peers and church leaders gathering in the Houses of Parliament to pray for Parliament, government and politics.
It's aim is to build relationships between church leaders and their local MPs.
This event is not solely for those who have a faith, instead it is a great opportunity for parliamentarians to spend time with church leaders to talk about issues of local and national importance.
To touch on English Wine Week - as many of you will undoubtedly know, Sussex is an area which has built a reputation for vineyards producing world-class wine and they play an ever-increasing role in our local economy.
Due to parliamentary commitments, I was unable to attend the launch of the ‘Rother Wine Triangle', but would urge anyone with an interest in wine, beautiful landscapes or walking to explore this new local wine tourism initiative.
Rother Wine Triangle includes Oxney Organic, Sedlescombe Organic, Carr Taylor, Mountfield and Oastbrook in the Bexhill and Battle Constituency.
If you'd like to read my article in full, you can see it on my website through the following link.
Cancer Prevention Action Week
This week (23 - 29 June) is Cancer Prevention Action Week, led by the World Cancer Research Fund, with this year’s theme ‘Alcohol and Cancer’.
In the UK, alcohol is a major part of how many of us socialise, relax, and celebrate. But do we really know the risks we’re taking when we drink?
Research from WCRF shows that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of 7 different types of cancer, with nearly 4% of cancer cases due to alcohol – that is around 17,000 new cases per year.
This week, WCRF want to spark a national conversation about alcohol and cancer, so that everyone can make more informed choices about alcohol and their health.
For more information, check out their website here.
#CPAW25
Grow Your Business in New Markets with E-Commerce
Local businesses – are you looking to grow your brand through major online markets?
The Department for International Trade is hosting a wide range of webinars and events, delivered by The Export Academy, throughout the year as part of their Digital Edge programme.
If you would like to find out more about the range of webinars being hosted throughout the rest of this summer, please see the following link here.
Local Road Closures (please note this information is provided by third parties):
Bexhill
- Cooden Drive: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026
- The Barnhams: 7 July – 24 July
- The Gorses: 7 July – 30 July
- Maberley Road: 7 July – 8 July
- Jubilee Road: 24 June, 09:00 – 30 June, 23:59 BST
Battle
- London Road: 6 July, 00:01 – 7 July, 04:00 BST
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
Ticehurst
- Vineyard Lane: 7 July, 08:00 – 9 July, 17:00 BST
- Boarders Lane: 1 July, 00:00 – 2 July, 01:00 BST
Northiam
- Village Street: 8 July – 31 July
- Main Street: 2 July – 13 August
Brightling
- Rectory Hill: 11 July, 00:00 – 14 July, 01:00 BST
Brede
- Brede Hill: 1 July, 19:00 – 19 October, 07:00 BST
- Pottery Lane: 25 June, 09:28 – 27 June, 12:50 BST
Hawkhurst / Flimwell
- A21: 28 June, 21:00 – 6 July, 07:00 BST
- High Street: 1 July, 20:00 – 2 July, 06:00 BST
Etchingham
- Burgh Hill: 23 June – 27 June
Crowhurst
- Forewood Lane: 11 July, 00:00 – 14 July, 01:00 BST
- Telham Lane: 11 July, 00:00 – 14 July, 01:00 BST
Burwash
- Shrub Lane: 6 July, 00:30 – 7 July, 05:00 BST
Wadhurst
- Blacksmiths Lane: 6 July, 09:30 – 14:00 BST
- Church Street: 10 July – 8 August
- Whitegates Lane: 7 July – 18 July
Ashburnham
- Hammer Hill: 11 July – 30 July
- Kitchenham Road: 9 July – 11 July
- Standard Hill: 4 July – 16 July
Dallington
- Grovelye Lane: 7 July, 08:00 – 9 July, 17:00 BST
