Welcome to this week's newsletter.
We have, unfortunately, seen the start of Russia's long planned invasion of Ukraine. I am sure you are as saddened by the scenes that are coming out of Ukraine as I am. This type of expansionism and disregard for the sovereignty of neighbouring countries in Europe is something we thought we had left behind in the past. I am encouraging our Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister do whatever we can to help and we are sending military aid and have agreed logistical support to help get other aid to the border. This is a very dark and dangerous time for Europe that I fear will get worse before it gets better.
You may have seen a story that we are not accepting visa applications from Ukranians. That is misinformation. The location where they can ordinarily be made is closed and we are prioritising those with connections to British citizens first in the secondary site, but there is no such ban.
As much as at times like this it can be difficult to focus on domestic issues, closer to home, the Government released its plan for living with Covid this week. The last domestic Covid legislation expired, bringing to an end all legal restrictions. While it is very positive that the vaccine has brought us to a position where we can think about how we live with the virus long term, it is important to remember that we are not completely out of the woods. It cannot be ruled out that a new, more harmful variant could emerge which will change the situation once again.
I held a number of meetings this week, in particular, with Fez Khan, the Chief Inspector for the Crewe Local Policing Unit, which gave me an opportunity to raise any policing issues that constituents have brought to me. I also met with Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, along with other MPs this week to discuss planning reform, bringing up issues around housing. I also held further meetings to build support for our bid for Crewe to be the home of the Great British Railways HQ.
Last night I attended the fantastic Shavington Village Pantomine which is yet again giving young people an amazing chance to be up on stage building their confidence. Netflix isn't going anywhere, they have tickets left for their final show tonight, so why not show your support and do something different for the evening:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/shavingtonpantomime
It is International Women's Day next Saturday and local women and girls charity Motherwell are again holding a great event with South Cheshire College that I will be attending, more details below. We are also holding our local charity bingo at Hough Village Hall on Thursday (7pm 3rd March) raising money for the Christie Charitable fund.
Have a great weekend.
Ukraine Invasion
Living With Covid Strategy
Nantwich Museum
Great British Railways HQ - Arriva TrainCare
Flooding
Town Deal Event
Arts and Culture Funding
Veteran Visa Fees Scrapped
Meeting with Chief Inspector
AC Care
Crewe International Women's Day
Surgery
Traffic Report
Ukraine Invasion
I know things happening in other countries don't always seem like things we should care about. But I think we should all be very concerned about Putin's disgraceful invasion of Ukraine. He is invading them because he resents them. He resents and is threatened by any free and democratic country. Countries just like ours.
I got the chance to speak to Ukrainians gathered to protest at Parliament. They are proud of their fellow citizens flighting back, and grateful for the support the UK has given. But they need our help and support even more.
I joined a virtual call with Ukrainian MPs and will be doing what I can to support them in their requests for help.
The UK has announced a tough series of sanctions against Russia and people close to Putin. This includes restrictions Russian banks doing business in the UK and tackles over 100 businesses and individuals that are vital to Russia's war machine. These sanctions will undoubtedly make us poorer, but not only is it the right thing to do, in the long run, it is in our interests to make Putin pay a huge price for what he has done today.
We are also helping coordinate the supplies other nations are giving. I am personally encouraging the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary to go as far as we possibly can. If you want to help you can donate to a fund for their armed forces here:
I understand we and others are providing necessary financial support but don't underestimate the morale boosting value of knowing people around the world are behind them. You may have seen stories already of the bravery of their armed forces. I was deeply moved by this story of 13 border guards refusing to surrender and this video of every day Ukranians signing up to defend their country:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60522454
https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/europe/100000008227906/ukraine-civilians-military-video.html
I hope Putin does not go even further, and that we do not get to the point where we have to use force to make good on the NATO alliance if he does. Sadly, whilst this is my hope, history shows us that things may get worse before they get better. Absolute power corrupts and Putin has become a violent and uncompromising dictator. We may have to make even more sacrifices to stop him.
Living With Covid Strategy
It has been nearly 2 years since Covid first began to spread rapidly in the UK. Since then, much has been asked of everyone to help control the virus and keep people safe.
We are now, however, in a much better place thanks to the vaccine rollout. The virus has not gone away, and is not likely to anytime soon, so we must move towards a strategy for Living with covid long-term, with a greater focus on personal responsibility.
Firstly, all domestic covid regulations ended on Thursday. Encouraging safer behaviours will be done through public health advice, as with other infectious diseases. Routine contract tracing will also end, along with venue check-ins on the NHS Covid App.
While this is very positive, it is important that we remember that the virus is still out there and continue to be sensible. We are not completely out of woods, and it is impossible to know whether a future, more harmful variant could cause problems.
Nantwich Museum
Last week I visited an exhibtion at Nantwich Museum celebrating Cheshire's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) history.
Working alongside Crewe-based charity Body Positive and Nantwich's Railway Hotel; the ‘Prejudice to Pride’ exhibition showcases local people's stories, photographs, and documents during February, which is LGBT history month.
The exhibition highlights some of Cheshire's rich LGBT history, such as the 1707 marriage of Hannah Wright and Anne Gaskill in Prestbury - the earliest record of gay marriage.
I also got to see the rest of what the museum had to offer, with displays o many aspects of the history of Nantwich, such as its cheese and butter making heritage.
The Nantwich Museum is a fantastic local museum, that keeps alive the heritage of Nantwich and Cheshire, The LGBT exhibit, that was on this month, shares the amazing stories of local people, and highlights just how far we have come over the years.
Great British Railways HQ - Arriva Train Care
It was great to meet with Russell and Pauline from Arriva TrainCare this week to get their support for our bid for #DestinationCrewe as the Great British Railways HQ. Keep watching for ways in which the public can get involved!
Flooding
You will no doubt be aware of the recent stormy weather we have experienced with storms Eunice and Franklin, bringing high winds and rainfall. This has, unfortunately, brought flooding to some areas of the constituency.
This is an issue that I am working on throughout the year. I have held several meetings with Cheshire East and the Environment Agency to help with individual cases of flooding. There is still some way to go, but progress is being made.
Do let me know if you know of any areas of recurrent flooding which affects you that I could help with.
Town Deal Event
In the summer, it was announced that Crewe had won £22.9 million from the Government to fund our project to help regenerate Crewe Town Centre. The Crewe Town Board showcased the projects last week at Crewe Market Hall, to give residents a better understanding on what we will be delivering for you.
I was at the stand on Friday, talking to many residents about the various projects we are planning. It's great to hear your feedback on plans and give you a better understanding of what we hope to achieve.
Arts and Culture Funding
Arts funding is set to be redistributed to ensure all areas of the country have access to the arts and culture.
£75 Million is being made available for areas which have missed out on, or have been underserved by arts funding in the past.
Investment by Arts Council England to areas outside of London will increase to almost £250 million by 2025.
This could help local organisations such as Crewe Lyceum, Nantwich Museum and Crewe Heritage Centre, who could benefit from this funding.
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/over-100-places-to-see-improved-access-to-culture-and-arts-across-england
Veteran Visa Fees Scrapped
Visa fees for non-UK veterans are to be scrapped. Currently, upon leaving service, if personnel wish to settle in the UK they are required to pay over £2,000 in fees.
This fee waiver will also apply to veterans in the UK who have not regularised their immigration status.
There are over 9,000 brave servicemen and women who are not UK citizens serving in our armed forces. This fee waiver is just one way in which we can show our gratitude for their service.
Meeting with Chief Inspector
I held one of my regular meetings with Chief Inspector of the Crewe Policing Unit, Fez Khan, to raise constituents policing issues. I have these meetings regularly, so do get in touch if you are having an police or crime issue you need help with, and can raise it directly.
AC Care
Last week, I attended an event with AC Care Limited, a local provider that supports adults who suffer from mental health issues and learning difficulties. They help individuals in a wide range of setting , from everyday tasks such as shopping, to medical appointments and social activities helping the to become more independent.
I met with their CEO Andrea Cameron and Tina Jones to discuss the support that they offer local residents.
They are hoping to run a support group for adults suffering with their mental health. This will run every second Monday of the month at Autism Inclusive at the Apollo Buckingham Health and Science campus, Crewe. The next will be on 14th March at 12:30 until 2:30.
Crewe International Women's Day
Women from across South Cheshire are set to come together to celebrate International Women’s Day with an event in Crewe.
Motherwell Cheshire CIO is preparing for their first face-to-face annual International Women’s Day Celebrations since the pandemic by hosting Crewe Women’s Day at Cheshire College – South on Saturday 5th March. The event will be officially opened by Sarah Pochin, the Mayor of Cheshire East at 10am.
2022 will be the seventh Crewe Women’s Day where the localcommunity comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day, a global call to action for accelerating gender parity. The theme for the celebration this year is WOW – Women of Words.
Founder of the Women’s Day events and CEO of Motherwell Cheshire CIO, Kate Blakemore stated: “The theme Women of Words was chosen because there has been so many speeches, quotes and songs by women that have changed the way we think and live that it felt right to capture and celebrate them.”
Local charities and women in business will be there showcasing their businesses and selling their handmade crafts and for the first time this year there will be a Stakeholders Engagement Presentation held at 11am with local businesses, charities and community groups.
Kate stated, “The day is about celebrating women in the local community and
empowering all women to be proud of themselves and others. Motherwell’s strapline is Women supporting Women, and this event does just that. I want everyone attending the event to feel inspired by our workshops and the activities that we have going on throughout the day.
“This event could not happen without our sponsors, and I’d like to thank them all for their continued support through what has been an extremely difficult time.”
The day is free to attend and starts from 10am with talks, workshops and activities running until 3.00pm.
In addition to the event in Crewe, Motherwell will be hosting online webinars with key note speakers from 3 rd to 18 th March and with legacy speakers from 23 rd March which the public can access for free in the International Womens Collaboration - Choosing to Challenge Facebook Group.
Coronation Street star Sally Carman, Patron of our Believe Project, will be the first virtual speaker in Motherwell Cheshire’s Women’s Day programme and everyone can join Sally and Kate at 8pm on 3 rd March for their live interview.
Motherwell Cheshire will also be joined by the inspirational Councillor Joanne
Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, who Kate will be interviewing. From being a singlemum, to becoming the first directly elected black mayor in England and t he first female Mayor of Liverpool, Motherwell Cheshire look forward to sharing Joanne’s story at 7pm on 15 th March.
When asked why these events are so important, Kate answered: “Too often peopleexperience difficulties in accessing services, whether it is through not knowing they exist or feeling that it is a sign of weakness to ask for help, and that is why events such as this one are so important. It provides a safe place for to come together, to share their ideas and experiences in their own way and access much needed support in a relaxed and light-hearted setting; and that can only ever be beneficial.
“We look forward to seeing everyone at the events taking place.”
Surgery
I will be holding a surgery, alongside representatives from Gunness Housing, where local residents, who have outstanding issues with Guinness Housing can come and raise them.
Slots are by appointment only, so please call my office or email me at kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.uk to book.
Traffic Report
The following are road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire East.
- Elm Drive, Crewe - Until 7th March
- West Street, Crewe - Until 6th February
- Albion Street, Crewe (Between Doddington Road and Alton Street) - Until 11th March
- Davenham Crescent, Crewe (Between Alton Street and No.7) - 28th February until 4th March
- Valley Road (between Dane Bank Avenue and Nursery Close) - until 27th February
- Osborne Grove, Shavington - Until 2nd March
- Dig lane, Shavington - Until 11th April
- Millstone Lane, Nantwich (Between Turner Street and Imperial Court) - Until 4th March