Welcome to this week's newsletter!
Some of you may remember that earlier in the year I referred the case of Nicholas Prosper to the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. This week I appeared on LBC following the Lady Chief Justice’s decision not to give a whole life order to him. Nicholas murdered his siblings, and mother in what I believe was an exceptionally serious case, which is why I referred this case. I think the outcome reflects the fact our whole sentencing system needs a review to ensure the very worst offenders receive a punishment that truly reflects justice.
Locally, I facilitated an urgent meeting with local gas works contractor SGN for Battle Town Council and the Battle Chamber of Commerce following the announcement of a six-week road closure of Battle Hill over the summer holidays for gas mains replacements. As a result of the meeting, they have agreed to delay the planned works. Businesses in Battle were concerned that these closures would impact trading over the summer, so this is a real win. Thanks to councillors who helped raise this issue, and to SGN and ESCC for listening to the Battle community and facilitating a change of dates.
In the Commons Chamber we discussed plans Labour has to loosen some of the regulations on the banking and investment sector which the government says is needed to get savers better returns. I took the opportunity to ask the Minister what the Government’s plans to do to tackle the poor interest rates you get on regular savings and bank accounts rather than just encourage people to invest in more risky types of savings.
I decided to focus my fortnightly column for the Bexhill & Battle Observer on Labour’s appalling decisions to downgrade the planned reductions in water pollution levels established by the last government. To read my column in full, you can find the link in the article below.
Last week, I attended the Parkinson’s UK drop-in, where I met CEO Caroline Russell . I was pleased to have the opportunity to be briefed on two important new campaigns and to also discover Caroline knew about and had met with members of the Bexhill Working Age Parkinson’s group.
In exciting news the Bayeux Tapestry is coming to England. Given the historical significance of 1066, it would be truly meaningful for the tapestry to be displayed at the very site it depicts. With that in mind, I’ve written to the British Museum to open a dialogue about the possibility of bringing it to Battle Abbey.
23 July was Historic County Flag Day, celebrated by Parliament with all registered county flags displayed on Parliament Square. I headed out and took a photo with the flag for Sussex. Though the flag has only been officially recognised since 2011, the emblems have a deep history, with the first conclusive link to Sussex dating back to 1611!
The Combe Valley Countryside Park team is seeking your views through a new community consultation survey. If you would like to offer your feedback, please find the link in the relevant article below.
Historic England has launched a new interactive map celebrating our historic coastal landmarks – they want you to share your stories, whether it’s a childhood memory, a favourite photo, or a place that means something to you. See the link below for more details.
And lastly, please see the end of the newsletter for details on local road closures, as provided by third parties.
Have a great weekend.
This week's newsletter:
- LCJ Rejects Bid to Impose Whole Life Sentence on Triple Killer Nicholas Prosper
- SGN Postpone 6-week Summer Closure of Battle Hill
- Question to the Minister on Tackling Poor Returns on Savings
- B&B Observer Political Opinion: Government Must Present A Clear and Credible Plan for Water
- Parkinson's UK Drop-in
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Historic County Flag Day!
- Combe Valley Countryside Park
- Seaside Stories in Bexhill & Battle
- Local Road Closures
LCJ Rejects Bid to Impose Whole Life Sentence on Triple Killer Nicholas Prosper
Last week, I was interviewed on LBC about the Lady Chief Justice’s decision not to give a whole life order to Nicholas Prosper, who murdered his siblings and mother in what I believe was an exceptionally serious case. I had asked the sentence to be reviewed earlier in the year as I thought it was too lenient.
Although Prosper will serve at least 49 years in prison, there is still a real chance he may be released one day. His victims will never come home, and their families will live with the grief and trauma for the rest of their lives.
I work with victims of serious crime, including through the group Justice for Victims. What families tell me again and again is that they want justice to be done. A long sentence is one thing, but a whole life order sends a clear message that the justice system truly recognises the scale of the crime.
Whole life orders are very rare. Right now, only around 100 people in prison are serving one. I think we need to look again at how they are used. From what I hear, the public would like them to be used more often.
That is why I referred this case to the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, which allows the Court of Appeal to look again at the sentence. When a crime is this serious, I believe a whole life order should be the starting point.
Justice should be about more than the chance to change. It should also reflect the harm done and the lasting impact on victims and their families. People need to have confidence that the justice system is on their side.
SGN Postpone 6-week Summer Closure of Battle Hill
I facilitated an urgent meeting with SGN for Battle Town Council and the Battle Chamber of Commerce following the announcement of a 6-week road closure of Battle Hill over the summer holidays for gas mains replacements.
Battle business and visitor destinations considered the road closure this summer would be devastating for businesses in the town. Battle is already suffering from high levels of congestion as a result of the Queensway Gateway roadworks to connect Queensway to the A21 due to drivers diverting through the town to avoid them.
Businesses and councillors agreed that the closure of Battle Hill during the peak summer season would decimate visitor numbers as the congestion and challenges of getting to the town would cause people to stay away and spend their money elsewhere. Battle has a high proportion of hardworking independent businesses which heavily rely on summer trade to keep them viable over the remainder of the year.
I was pleased that SGN immediately responded by coming to Battle to listen and understand these concerns. They agreed to work with East Sussex County Council, who had granted the road closure, to request that the project is delayed until the Queensway Gateway Road opens at the end of August. ESCC has agreed to the postponement.
SGN is clear that the replacement of the old gas mains on Battle Hill are a priority project which must be completed this year. They cannot carry out the work without a complete road closure but will maintain access to businesses and properties. Whilst the road closure in September will still be an inconvenience and challenge for local residents and businesses, it is expected that the impact will now be reduced once the Queensway Gateway is opened allowing through traffic to take alternative routes.
Thanks to councillors who helped raise this issue, and to SGN and ESCC for listening to the Battle community and facilitating a change of dates.
Question to the Minister on Tackling Poor Returns on Savings
Labour has announced plans to loosen regulations on banks and consumer warnings on higher risk savings accounts. I know many constituents are worried about the low interest rates on regular savings and bank accounts.
Martin Lewis and others have raised this issue, so I asked the Minister in the Chamber what her plans are to tackle poor returns on savings more generally rather than just encouraging riskier saving.
Though she did not give a clear plan, she said that consumer duty rules ensure fair treatment for customers. She also confirmed that she’s working with Martin Lewis, who continues to stand up for consumers.
B&B Observer Political Opinion: Government Must Present A Clear and Credible Plan for Water
This week, I decided to focus my column for the Bexhill & Battle Observer on the Labour Government's failure so far to tackle water pollution.
Labour announced that the Government had committed to a 50% reduction in sewage releases by 2030, but unbelievably this pledge is against 2024 levels.
In contrast, the previous Conservative Government’s plan was a 45% reduction from 2021 levels - a tougher reference base. That means Labour will allow more sewage spills by 2030 than before - 20,000 of them. I don’t remember that being on any of their election leaflets.
Whilst the Independent Water Commission's report provided some interesting recommendations, some of which the Government has committed to, Labour is yet to provide a concrete plan on how they will deliver this.
We see again that problems Labour said were easy to fix in opposition are being made worse now that they are in power.
You can read my article in full online here.
Parkinson's UK Drop-in
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Parkinson’s UK parliamentary drop-in event, where I met their CEO, Caroline Russell. Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity working to improve the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s through support, research, and campaigning.
I was delighted to learn that Caroline personally met several members of the Bexhill Working Age Parkinson’s Group. I’ve previously met with this inspiring local group, who do tremendous work raising awareness of the condition and supporting those affected in our community.
As the MP for Bexhill and Battle, I’m proud that Bexhill-on-Sea has recorded the highest number of signatures on a government petition calling for legislation to support people living with Parkinson’s, as well as those yet to be diagnosed.
With two people diagnosed every hour, Parkinson’s is the UK’s fastest-growing neurological condition.
At the event, Parkinson’s UK marked the 10-year anniversary of its network of more than 7,000 healthcare professionals. These clinicians have benefitted from dedicated tools and resources to help them provide more specialised care for those living with the condition.
I also was also briefed on two important new campaigns: expanding the NHS Parkinson’s workforce and raising awareness of the urgent need for time-critical medication — as even a 30-minute delay can cause serious harm to patients.
Bayeux Tapestry
It's great news that the Bayeux Tapestry will be coming back to England.
Though it was stitched in France, the tapestry tells a story that is deeply rooted in our national history, the Battle of Hastings in 1066, a defining moment that shaped the future of England.
It is also incredibly important to our local heritage, as the battle took place right here in the landscape surrounding Battle Abbey. It would be truly special to see the tapestry return home, even temporarily, to the place where the events it depicts actually happened.
This is a welcome return for a remarkable piece of our shared history, and I believe it is only right that we push for a lasting connection between the tapestry and the town it represents.
That's why I have written to the British Museum to open a dialogue about bringing the tapestry to Battle Abbey, and I will continue to do all I can to support the idea.
Historic County Flag Day!
Parliament is celebrating Historic County Flag Day by flying all the registered historic county flags of Great Britain in Parliament Square. I headed over to get a photo with the flag for Sussex County.
A bit of history for our flag – though it was officially recognised by the Flag Institute in 2011, it is based on the traditional emblem of Sussex showing the six gold martlets on a blue field, representing the six regions of Sussex.
However, the use of this emblem dates far back into the medieval era, with the first conclusive link between Sussex and the six gold martlets on a blue background dating back to 1611!
Combe Valley Countryside Park
The Combe Valley Countryside Park (CVCP) team is seeking your views through a new community consultation survey - Bulverhythe Recreation Area Community Consultation Survey.
Whether you're a resident, a regular visitor, or simply value our beautiful green spaces, your feedback will help shape plans to make the park more inclusive, enjoyable, and beneficial for both people and nature.
Take the online survey here.
For more information on CVCP, see their website here.
Seaside Stories in Bexhill & Battle
Historic England has launched a new interactive map celebrating our historic coastal landmarks and they want your stories.
From piers to pavilions, lidos to lighthouses, the Seaside Stories project is collecting photos and memories that bring our seaside heritage to life. Their new interactive map features photos and stories from some of our most iconic seaside landmarks, including our very own De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill.
I’d encourage everyone in Bexhill and Battle to share their stories, whether it’s a childhood memory, a favourite photo, or a place that means something to you.
Add yours here: https://historicengland.org.uk/SeasideStories
Local Road Closures (please note this information is provided by third parties):
Bexhill
- Cooden Drive: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026
- Collington Lane West: 23 July, 09:30 – 1 August, 23:59 BST
- Collington Lane East: 24 July, 09:00 – 25 July, 16:00 BST
- The Gorses: 7 July – 30 July
- St Leonards Road: 3 July, 08:20 – 1 August, 23:59 BST
- Brockley Road: 25 July (Today), 17:00 – 23:00 BST
- Links Drive: 22 July, 02:07 – 28 July, 17:00 BST
- Wickham Avenue: 26 July, 10:00 – 18:00 BST
- St Georges Road: 4 August – 5 August
Battle
- Whatlington Road: 28 July, 08:00 – 30 July, 17:00 BST
- St Mary’s Terrace: 23 July – 1 September
Herstmonceux
- Chilsham Lane: 1 August, 00:00 – 4 August, 01:00 BST
Broad Oak
- Old Heathfield Road: 23 July – 2 September
- Rocks Hill: 8 July, 11:35 – 30 July, 23:59 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
- Harts Green: 25 July, 00:00 – 28 July, 01:00 BST
Ticehurst
- Cross Lane: 23 July – 25 July
Northiam
- Village Street: 8 July – 31 July
- Church Lane: 4 August, 08:00 – 6 August, 17:00 BST
- Hobbs Lane: 21 July, 08:00 – 18:00 BST
Bodiam
- Castle Road: 28 July, 08:00 – 30 July, 17:00 BST
- Bourne Lane: 22 July, 09:37 – 28 July, 23:59 BST
Brightling
- Rectory Hill: 11 July, 00:00 – 14 July, 01:00 BST
Brede
- Brede Hill: 1 July, 19:00 – 19 October, 07:00 BST
Cowbeech
- Trolliloes Lane: 29 July, 07:00 – 30 July, 19:00 BST
Crowborough
- Western Road: 4 August, 20:00 – 7 August, 06:00 BST
- Hadlow Down Road: 29 July – 1 August
- Church Road: 30 July – 29 August
- Hoadleys Lane: 28 July, 09:00 – 30 July, 16:00 BST
