Welcome to this week's newsletter.
Preparations are now well underway for the Live Well Age Well Fair at the De La Warr Pavilion on Wednesday 30 September. More than 50 organisations will be joining us, offering information, activities and practical support covering everything from health, housing and finances to fitness, travel, volunteering and local community groups.
The fair is free to attend and everyone is welcome, particularly those aged over 55, their families and carers. I really hope you can join us between 11am and 3pm.
We would also be grateful for some extra pairs of hands on the day. If you would like to volunteer and help make the fair a success, please email [email protected].
Elsewhere in this edition, you can read about my visit to 1066 Gymnastics, my reappointment as Shadow Justice Minister, Back British Farming Day and my continuing support for our Northern Ireland veterans.
Have a great weekend.
Supporting Grassroots Sport
I’ve always been passionate about fitness and the huge difference sport can make to both our physical and mental wellbeing, so it was great to visit 1066 Gymnastics and have a go myself!
I don't know what you think but I think throwing yourself up in the air like they do is an amazing way to develop courage and resilience and practice perseverance! Qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives!
A big thank you to the coaches and volunteers who give young people these fantastic opportunities, and to the talented gymnasts who made it all look much easier than it was!
Re-appointment as Shadow Justice Minister
Over recent months, I have been working hard to hold Labour to account on its approach to justice and to stand up for victims and public safety.
For example, I have repeatedly challenged ministers in Parliament over plans to release thousands of serious criminals early, including rapists, killers and child sex offenders. I then supported victims and campaigners in pressing the Government to change course and exclude more serious offenders - a victory for victims and common sense.
I also helped successfully challenge Labours attempt Labour’s attempt to delete vital court records used by journalists to scrutinise the justice system and expose serious crimes, including grooming-gang offences.
As I continue in this role, I will keep standing up for victims, fighting for public safety and holding Labour to account.
Back British Farming Day
I was pleased to join the NFU in Parliament to celebrate British Farming Day.
Our farmers work tirelessly to feed the nation, care for our countryside and support thousands of jobs. They really are the backbone of our rural economy.
I recently visited Overy’s Farm and Redlands Farm in our constituency to see their work first-hand and hear about the challenges facing local farmers.
Farming families show extraordinary hard work, resilience and innovation. They have already put up a determined fight against Labour’s damaging Family Farm Tax, and I will continue to stand alongside them.
We are committed to abolishing the tax and giving farmers the confidence to invest, grow and pass their farms on to the next generation.
Live Well Age Well Fair
The Live Well Age Well Fair will bring together more than 50 exhibitors under one roof at the De La Warr Pavilion.
You'll be able to speak directly to organisations working across: Health & wellbeing, Housing & home support, Benefits & financial wellbeing, Carers' support, Fitness & physical activity, Travel & leisure, Adult learning, Culture & community, Volunteering & local groups, Fraud prevention & staying safe
Whether you're looking for practical advice, thinking about the future, supporting a loved one – or simply want to discover what's happening locally – come along.
Wednesday 30 September
11am–3pm
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
Free entry - Everyone welcome, particularly over 55s, their families and carers welcome.
World Suicide Prevention Day
On World Suicide Prevention Day, we remember everyone affected by suicide and recommit ourselves to preventing future deaths.
Suicide is not inevitable. With the right support, human connection and action, lives can be saved. We must continue starting conversations, reducing stigma and helping people find support before they reach crisis point.
If you or someone you know is struggling to cope, Samaritans are there free, day or night, on 116 123.
I also wished everyone taking part in the Midnight to Midnight Relay with The Pelham the very best of luck. Walking and running through the night and day is an incredible effort for a very worthy cause, helping to raise awareness, bring people together and share a message of hope. Thank you to everyone involved.
Standing up for Veterans
I joined my colleague Lincoln Jopp MC MP in Parliament to support his Bill to protect Northern Ireland veterans from being subjected to endless investigations decades after their service.
Having served himself, including in Northern Ireland, Lincoln knows first-hand the immense pressure our Armed Forces personnel faced and the split-second decisions they were required to make in the most dangerous circumstances.
Labour’s decision to repeal the Legacy Act removes the certainty our veterans were given by the previous Government and opens the door to them once again facing investigation and potential prosecution decades after serving their country. I have consistently voted against this.
No one is above the law, but those who bravely served our country deserve certainty and our full support. I was proud to stand with Lincoln and stand up for our veterans.
9/11 Memorial
Last week, we marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11, when we remember the day the world changed.
This commemoration in New York features 2,977 lights created by drones. One honouring each innocent life lost.
I'll never forget seeing those first images of people falling from the buildings, potentially having jumped rather than stay to die in the fire and smoke. I remember thinking how scared they must have been. These events should remind all of us to value our time with our loved ones because we never know when suddenly we might be permanently separated.
We remember the victims, their families and the extraordinary bravery of the emergency services who ran towards danger to save others.
They will never be forgotten
Supporting our local convenience stores
It was good to visit the Association of Convergence stores drop-in in Parliament last week and hear more about the contribution made by the 73 convenience stores across Bexhill and Battle.
Together, they provide 657 local jobs, offer essential goods and services, and play an important role in supporting their communities.
I’m proud to support our brilliant local shops and the people who work so hard to keep them running.
World Suicide Prevention Day
On World Suicide Prevention Day, we remember everyone affected by suicide and recommit ourselves to preventing future deaths.
Suicide is not inevitable. With the right support, human connection and action, lives can be saved. We must continue starting conversations, reducing stigma and helping people find support before they reach crisis point.
If you or someone you know is struggling to cope, Samaritans are there free, day or night, on 116 123.
I also wished everyone taking part in the Midnight to Midnight Relay with The Pelham the very best of luck. Walking and running through the night and day is an incredible effort for a very worthy cause, helping to raise awareness, bring people together and share a message of hope. Thank you to everyone involved.
Standing up for Veterans
I joined my colleague Lincoln Jopp MC MP in Parliament to support his Bill to protect Northern Ireland veterans from being subjected to endless investigations decades after their service.
Having served himself, including in Northern Ireland, Lincoln knows first-hand the immense pressure our Armed Forces personnel faced and the split-second decisions they were required to make in the most dangerous circumstances.
Labour’s decision to repeal the Legacy Act removes the certainty our veterans were given by the previous Government and opens the door to them once again facing investigation and potential prosecution decades after serving their country. I have consistently voted against this.
No one is above the law, but those who bravely served our country deserve certainty and our full support. I was proud to stand with Lincoln and stand up for our veterans.
9/11 Memorial
Last week, we marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11, when we remember the day the world changed.
This commemoration in New York features 2,977 lights created by drones. One honouring each innocent life lost.
I'll never forget seeing those first images of people falling from the buildings, potentially having jumped rather than stay to die in the fire and smoke. I remember thinking how scared they must have been. These events should remind all of us to value our time with our loved ones because we never know when suddenly we might be permanently separated.
We remember the victims, their families and the extraordinary bravery of the emergency services who ran towards danger to save others.
They will never be forgotten