Welcome to this week's newsletter!
Earlier this week, I spoke on behalf of the Opposition against Labour’s Sentencing Bill, which will see rapists and child abusers spend less time in prison. The Government’s plans make permanent changes to sentencing laws that release dangerous offenders earlier – a move I believe is deeply wrong and out of step with promises to protect women, girls, and victims of serious crime.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to take part in the live immigration debate on Sky last week. Whilst I know we did not get this right in government, under Labour there are now more people in hotels than when they took office, and there have been a record number of small boat crossings for this time of year. Labour talks the talk, but their approach is failing. We need a an effective deterrent and after refusing to try our Rwanda plan, Labour still don't have one.
We have also put forward clear radical new plans on both legal and illegal migration - including letting Parliament set an annual cap on migration, disapplying human rights laws to immigration cases and increasing the salary thresholds for people coming here to work. We have listened and we are changing.
I really enjoyed my visit to King Offa Primary School, where I was warmly welcomed by the Headteacher, met the school council, and took part in a lively Q&A session. I often say that engaging with young people is one of the best parts of being an MP, and my visit to King Offa was a reminder of the importance of involving young people in conversations about leadership and public service.
During my recent visit to Royal Mail’s Bexhill Delivery Office, I had the chance to spend some time with our local postal workers. I heard about how Royal Mail is adapting to the huge growth in parcel deliveries, and I joined local postie Nick on his delivery round, seeing just how much effort goes into a typical day to make sure we all get our post.
It was a pleasure to meet Graham Copper and his wife, Rowena, to discuss his experience with bowel cancer, the difficulty of getting a diagnosis, and the importance of good GP access for early detection. Graham now campaigns for Bowel Cancer UK – see the article to read his message.
On the topic of access to health services, Hastings and Rother has been chosen as one of just 43 areas in the country to benefit from a new programme bringing healthcare directly into local communities. I have requested a meeting with the CEO of NHS Sussex to discuss how this will be rolled out locally.
It was a great pleasure to visit The Pelham, a much-loved community hub in Bexhill that has been transformed from a Victorian hotel into a centre offering everything from youth clubs and counselling to a volunteer-run café and social activities. With its final renovation nearly complete, The Pelham is expanding its impact even further – supporting local groups, tackling isolation, and providing vital services such as suicide prevention and inclusive employment programmes.
Wednesday 10 September was World Suicide Prevention Day. Every year, millions of people around the world are affected by suicide. We must take time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind each other that help is always within reach.
Whilst at The Pelham, I met Jacky Youldon, who set up RunningSpace, a group which has created a supportive environment that provides space and time to talk, leading to improved mental and physical wellbeing. Jacky speaks openly about being a suicide survivor, and I felt it appropriate to highlight her group in the article below to raise awareness of suicide prevention. I have also linked my column for the Bexhill & Battle Observer, which focuses on the incredible people who have taken part in events to raise awareness of suicide prevention.
One such pair undertaking a challenge to raise awareness of suicide prevention are Darren Clark and Danny Foster, former marines who will spend 24 hours flipping tractor tyres along the promenade from Galley Hill to South Cliff. The challenge will take place on Saturday 27 September to raise money for CALM. I recommend reading Darren’s words in the article, as he explains so powerfully the symbolism of the tyres the pair will be flipping.
UK Parliament Week is back from 24–30 November, with schools, community groups, and organisations across the country getting involved in activities to learn more about democracy and Parliament. See the article for the link to sign up for your free resource kit!
East Sussex County Council is holding a special Falls Prevention Awareness event at Bexhill Library on Monday 22 September, from 10am to 1pm. Visitors will be able to collect a free pair of non-slip slippers and learn simple exercises to improve strength and balance. I have also provided links for people to explore local strength and balance classes run by ESCC.
The UK Parliament’s Teacher Training Team is now inviting applications for its next three-day residential Teacher Ambassador Programme, taking place from 2 - 4 February 2026, with applications closing on 26 October. This fully funded programme is open to teachers, headteachers, and educators of all subjects and career stages.
The Start Smart, Grow Strong programme will be delivering two fully funded workshops at the De La Warr Pavilion. Whether you are starting out or levelling up, these sessions will help you grow your business. Attendance is free, funded by the local council and backed by the East Sussex Growth Hub. All details are in the article.
And lastly, please see the bottom of the newsletter for up-to-date information on local roadworks, as provided by third parties.
Have a great weekend.
This week's newsletter:
- Sentencing Bill Debate
- The Great Immigration Debate
- Visit to King Offa Primary School
- Visit to Royal Mail
- Bowel Cancer UK - Hearing Graham's Experience
- New Neighbourhood Health Hub for Hastings & Rother
- The Pelham
- World Suicide Prevention Day & RunningSpace
- Former Marines 24-Hour Tyre Flipping Challenge to Raise Awareness for Mental Health
- UK Parliament Week
- Free Slipper Giveaway & Fall Prevention Event
- Full of Life Festival
- Parliament's Teacher Ambassador Programme
- Free Business Workshops Coming to Bexhill
- Local Road Closures
Sentencing Bill Debate
Earlier this week, I spoke on behalf of the Opposition against Labour's Sentencing Bill, which will mean rapists and paedophiles spending less time in prison.
The Government is proposing a permanent change to sentencing laws that will see offenders guilty of some of the most serious crimes, including rape and child sexual offences, released earlier. In many cases they will serve just one third of their sentence instead of half.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly promised to tackle violence against women and girls, and as a country we have all been horrified by scandals such as grooming gangs. Yet Labour MPs were told to vote for measures that will let dangerous offenders out sooner, not as a temporary response to prison overcrowding, but as a long term change to how our justice system works.
Wanting to see more consistent and tougher delivery of justice for victims of serious crime is one of the main reasons I entered politics. That is why I find this decision so deeply wrong.
The vote was shameful, and I believe constituents up and down the country will be horrified. Labour MPs have previously stood up to their leadership on issues such as welfare, but on this occasion they chose instead to back a plan that allows rapists and child abusers to spend less time behind bars.
The Great Immigration Debate
Last week, I took part in a live debate on Sky on immigration. Whenever I do something like this you will hear me talking a lot about what you, my constituents tell me. From when I speak to you when I'm out and about in the constituency and from what I read in your emails on it every week. Not everyone will agree with me but I think there is pretty strong consensus on these issues amongst my constituents.
The first thing to say is I know we didn't get this right in government. We promised to bring down legal migration and we didn't manage to do that. Whilst we ended up with what I think is the right plan for tackling illegal migration via small boat crossing we were too slow to act and we never got the chance to put it into practice.
Labour talks the talk but their approach is failing. There are more people in hotels than when they took office and there have been a record number of crossings for this time of year.
In the end, the only thing I think will work is making it clear to people that if they cross illegally they will not get to stay here - they will either be sent back to their own country if reasonable to do so or sent to a safe third country. The National Crime Agency agree that what we need is a deterrent. We had managed to secure an agreement with Rwanda to do exactly that. The only country in the world to solve this problem is Australia and that is how they did it. I regret we didn't get to start the scheme in time but I regret even more that Labour cancelled it without even trying it.
We should always play a role in helping refugees but there is nothing wrong with saying we want to do it in a controlled way, where we decide who we take and how we manage it. That is fair to both refugees and the British tax payer. There is nothing compassionate about handing our refugee policy over to people smugglers.
We have also committed to a range of other polices to reflect that we know a new approach is needed. If we get back into government we would ask Parliament to set an annual cap on migration, putting MPs in charge. We are directly accountable to the public and this is the strongest way to let people have their voice heard on this issue. We will also disapply human rights act laws to immigration cases to stop them being abused to stop deportations. Finally we have proposed a whole range of changes to the requirements for both visas and indefinite leave to remain including raising salary thresholds and requiring immigrants to take into account the costs of their dependants to society when applying to stay here.
I will continue to make the case to you that if Labour don't solve this issue by the time of the next election we will have a clear credible plan to do so.
Watch the whole video here.
Visit to King Offa Primary School
I really enjoyed visiting King Offa Primary Academy last week. After a warm welcome from Headteacher Mr Towner, I met the school council and took part in a lively Q&A session. The pupils shared their experiences as elected representatives and their campaign ideas, including pyjama day, allowing pets in school, and installing new football goals.
I was impressed by the thoughtful and challenging questions the pupils asked, which sparked meaningful discussions about representation, economics, and social responsibility. It was also a real pleasure to hand out well-earned certificates at their Celebration Assembly.
I often say that visiting schools and engaging with young people is one of the best parts about being an MP, and my visit to King Offa was a reminder of the importance of engaging young people in conversations about leadership and public service. I encouraged pupils to believe in themselves and their potential.
Politics is for everyone and it was inspiring to see their curiosity and commitment to their community.
Visit to Royal Mail
Recently, I had the chance to spend some time with our local postal workers at the Bexhill Delivery Office.
I met with Customer Operations Manager Charlotte Wright and the hardworking team who keep our post moving every day. We talked about how Royal Mail is adapting to the huge growth in parcel deliveries, and how Ofcom’s recent changes to the Universal Service regulations will affect the service we all rely on.
One of the highlights was joining local postie Nick on his delivery round. It gave me a real sense of just how much effort goes into a typical day – sorting, organising, and then walking mile after mile to make sure letters and parcels reach the right doorsteps. I even got the chance to lend a hand delivering in the local area.
It was a pleasure to thank the team in person for everything they do. Our postal workers are out there in all weathers, keeping people connected and businesses running. They deserve recognition for their hard work, and I’m glad I could see it up close.
Bowel Cancer UK - Hearing Graham's Experience
It was a pleasure to meet Graham Copper, and his wife Rowena, to discuss his experience with Bowel Cancer and how difficult it was to get a diagnosis. Part of the challenge can be access to GP appointments and we talked about the importance of improving that in our area. Graham now campaigns for Bowel Cancer UK and wishes to raise awareness so more people can catch it early. A message from Graham:
"I can't stress enough that taking advantage of the bowel cancer 'FIT Test' might save your life, particularly with early diagnosis. The test is quick, free and is available on request from your GP. I also want to share my thanks for the care I received from NHS staff, which I greatly appreciated and helped me navigate the trauma of cancer."
Find out more about the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
New Neighbourhood Health Hub for Hastings & Rother
I know GP practices are still facing barriers to building new, state-of-the-art premises, and that many constituents are still experiencing challenges accessing a GP. But in what could be more positive news for our area, Hastings and Rother has been chosen as one of just 43 areas in the country to benefit from a new programme bringing healthcare directly into local communities.
Teams of GPs, nurses, hospital doctors, pharmacists, social care workers, and voluntary organisations will work together to provide joined-up care, focusing on people with multiple conditions and helping to reduce unnecessary hospital visits. The programme will make it easier for those living with long term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, angina, MS, or epilepsy to access the care they need.
I have requested a meeting with the CEO of NHS Sussex to discuss how this will be rolled out locally. This programme has the potential to improve care for residents in Bexhill and Battle, supporting people to manage long term conditions closer to home while easing pressure on hospitals.
The Pelham
It was a great pleasure to visit the team at The Pelham last week to hear about the history of this important community hub in Bexhill which began life as a Victorian hotel and has now been carefully renovated, floor by floor, for community use since being bought by a Christian trust in 2012. It is now reaching the end of its final renovation project - the top floor which will create bespoke rooms for expanded counselling services.
I met with some of the team at The Pelham, including Ollie Jeffs, CEO, Pili Portelli, Community Development Manager and Jacky Youldon, Director of RunningSpace – a suicide prevention charity based at The Pelham, to learn more about the services they provide to the community. These services include youth clubs and home education support groups from dedicated space in the basement, affordable and flexible counselling services, and they work with over 60 local partners to help deliver a wide variety of additional services to the community.
The volunteer-run Community Café on the ground floor, offers a warm welcome as well as delicious meals to everyone. I would certainly recommend it. It is also a great place to find out more about social activities, support groups and advice in the Sidley and Bexhill area.
Little Gate Farm which helps young adults with autism and learning needs into employment, operates its new college from dedicated space at The Pelham and has just started its second year.
In addition to all this, RunningSpace runs it inclusive running groups from The Pelham. I write more about suicide prevention below.
World Suicide Prevention Day & RunningSpace
Wednesday 10th September marked World Suicide Prevention Day.
Every year, millions of people around the world are affected by suicide. We must take time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind each other that help is always within reach.
You are not alone.
Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Talking openly about mental health can save lives.
If you’re struggling, here are some steps you can take:
- • Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor.
- • Call or text a crisis line if you need immediate support.
Remember, if you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go straight to A&E.
For 24/7 Mental Health Support, you can call 111 and select the mental health option — this connects you to the Sussex Mental Healthline, offering advice, listening support, and referrals.
If you prefer texting — text “SUSSEX” to 85258 for confidential, 24/7 text support.
You can also reach the Samaritans any time by calling 116 123. They offer free, confidential emotional support.
Locally, we also have groups such as RunningSpace, who have created a supportive community through running, and also provide a suicide alertness course – safeTALK.
Jacky Youldon who set up RunningSpace talks openly about the fact she is a suicide survivor. RunningSpace aims to support people regardless of ability, including those who have never run in their lives, to enjoy this physical activity in the company of others.
Her aim in doing so is to create a supportive environment which provides space and time to talk leading to improved mental and physical wellbeing. RunningSpace has been so successful that it now runs from three venues in Bexhill as well as Ashburnham and Sittingbourne in Kent.
Incredibly, RunningSpace held a 24-hour relay in Pelham as part of World Suicide Prevention Day!
This week I focused my column for the Bexhill & Battle Observer on World Suicide Prevention Day, and the incredible people who have taken part in events to raise awareness of preventing suicide, including RunningSpace. You can read it in full here.
For more information on how you could book a safeTALK click here.
Former Marines 24-Hour Tyre Flipping Challenge to Raise Awareness for Mental Health
Last Friday I met Darren Clark, a former Royal Marine who, alongside his former colleague and friend Danny Foster, is preparing for a huge challenge here in Bexhill. Next Saturday, 27 September, the two of them will spend 24 hours flipping tractor tyres along the promenade – from Galley Hill to South Cliff.
They’re not doing it for fun. They’re doing it for something far more important: raising awareness of mental health and suicide, and raising funds for CALM, a national suicide prevention charity.
Darren shared with me how both he and Danny have faced their own mental health struggles, and how this year they lost friends and colleagues to suicide. They wanted to do something powerful, something that would break the silence and stigma.
Since leaving the Marines, both Darren and Danny have built personal training businesses, and they’ve seen the impact physical activity can have on mental health. That’s why they’ve chosen such a tough, physical challenge.
Darren put it very well when he said the tyre flip is more than just a stunt – it’s a symbol. A huge tyre represents the heavy burden of depression, a weight too much to carry alone. But when someone steps in to help, the load becomes lighter. That’s the message, don’t tackle it alone. Reach out. Someone will always stand by you.
Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 50. Darren and Danny’s determination to do something about this is inspiring, and I’ve committed to working with them – not just to raise funds for CALM, but also to build practical, community-based support for men’s mental health here in Bexhill.
Their challenge kicks off at 10am on Saturday 27 September. I’d encourage you to head down to the seafront, cheer them on, and, if you can, support their fundraising through the link to CALM above. Also, do visit Darren's Facebook Page for more information.
UK Parliament Week
UK Parliament Week is back! From 24–30 November, schools, community groups, and organisations across the country will be getting involved in activities to learn more about democracy and Parliament.
If you’re a school or group in Bexhill and Battle, make sure you sign up to get your free resource kit.
Free Slipper Giveaway & Fall Prevention Event
As we get older, the risk of falls naturally increases - but there are practical things we can do to stay safe and steady.
Public Health bosses at East Sussex County Council are holding a special Falls Prevention Awareness event at Bexhill Library on Monday 22 September, from 10am to 1pm.
At the event, visitors will be able to:
- Collect a free pair of non-slip slippers
- Learn easy exercises to improve strength and balance
- Find out about local exercise groups and support services
I’m pleased to share this initiative, helping to prevent falls and support older people in our community.
You can also explore local strength and balance classes through the East Sussex Council Activities and Classes webpage, or read the NHS guidance on preventing falls.
Full of Life Festival
Running throughout September and October, the Full of Life festival celebrates the incredible role older people play in our communities, with over 70 events and activities to get involved in across East Sussex – many of them taking place across Bexhill and Battle.
The programme has been designed by East Sussex County Council with the support of the East Sussex Seniors’ Association (ESSA), and includes special events to mark International Older People’s Day on 1 October.
Highlights include:
- Over 50’s Judo at Pebsham Community Hub
- Bexhill Museum Coffee Morning
- Walking Netball Club Session
- Beginners Walking Football
- Health & Wellbeing Forums
You can view the full programme of events here.
Parliament's Teacher Ambassador Programme
The UK Parliament’s Teacher Training Team is now inviting applications for its next 3-day residential Teacher Ambassador Programme, taking place from 2–4 February 2026.
This fully funded programme is open to teachers, headteachers, and educators of all subjects and career stages. Sixty-five successful applicants will have the chance to:
- Explore the Palace of Westminster
- Take part in Q&As with the Speaker, Lord Speaker, and Members of both Houses
- Work with colleagues to develop new ways of teaching about Parliament
All travel, accommodation, and meals are covered. Applications close on Sunday 26 October 2025.
Find out more and apply UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme
Questions? Email [email protected]
This is a brilliant opportunity for teachers in Bexhill and Battle, and I would encourage you to share it with colleagues who may be interested.
Free Business Workshops Coming to Bexhill
The Start Smart, Grow Strong programme will be delivering two fully funded workshops at the iconic De La Warr Pavilion. Whether you're starting out or levelling up, these sessions will help you grow your business.
Upcoming Dates:
• Start Smart – Building the Foundations of Your Business – Tuesday 30th September 2025
• Smart Marketing – Turning Strategy into Action – Tuesday 21st October 2025
What You’ll Learn:
- Start Smart – Building the Foundations of Your Business: With Phil Ashford’s expert guidance, you’ll unpack the basics of sustainable business setup—from legal and financial know-how to smart planning tools and confidence-building strategies.
- Smart Marketing – Turning Strategy into Action: Marketing expert Alex Ryan will help you create a clear customer journey, select the right channels, and make every marketing move count.
Free to attend and funded by the local council and backed by the East Sussex Growth Hub.
Local Road Closures (please note this information is provided by third parties):
Bexhill
- Cooden Drive: 3 Feb 2025 – 1 Feb 2026
- Westcourt Drive: 1 Oct, 10:00 – 14:00 BST
- Devonshire Road: 20 Sep, 06:00 – 21 Sep, 19:00 BST
- West Down Road: 22 Sep, 08:00 – 26 Sep, 18:00 BST
- Ninfield Road: 22 Sep – 23 Sep
Dallington
- Woods Corner: 1 Oct, 19:00 – 7 Oct, 06:00 BST
Mountfield
- Junction Road: 29 Sep, 09:30 – 3 Oct, 16:00 BST
- Kent Lane: 29 Sep – 10 Oct; 1 Oct, 00:00 – 2 Oct, 01:00 BST
Bodiam
- Peters Green Road: 21 Sep, 09:30 – 15:30 BST
- Bodiam Road: 21 Sep, 09:30 – 15:30 BST
Peasmarsh
- Kitchenour Lane: 15 Sep, 18:57 – 18 Sep, 23:59 BST
- Tanhouse Lane: 19 Sep, 00:00 – 22 Sep, 01:00 BST
Northiam
- Mill Corner: 1 Oct, 09:30 – 15:30 BST
- Village Street: 22 Sep, 08:00 – 3 Oct, 16:30 BST
Robertsbridge
- Station Road: 27 Sep, 23:00 – 29 Sep, 04:00 BST
Brede
- Brede Hill: 1 Jul, 19:00 – 19 Oct, 07:00 BST
Ninfield
- Moons Hill: 29 Sep, 08:00 – 10 Oct, 17:00 BST
Herstmonceux
- West End: 8 Sep – 26 Sep
- Joes Lane: 26 Sep
