March 2023 Community Update

Spinal Injuries roundtable

I was pleased to attend a recent roundtable organised by the Spinal Injuries Association on Neurogenic Bowel Care.

Many people with a spinal chord injury are not receiving the specialist bowel care they need when they go to hospital. This has to change.

It was interesting to hear from more than 30 representatives from the NHS and the spinal cord injury sector, including Dharshana and Glyn pictured above.

The meeting was extremely positive with important discussion points and tangible outcomes.

Visit to Meynell Primary School

I was delighted to visit Meynell Primary School recently to speak to pupils about my work as an MP.

It was great to hear from pupils about their views on issues such as animal welfare and answer their questions.

I also spoke to many teachers about the challenges facing schools and reiterated my commitment to standing up for our education sector in Parliament.

A huge thanks to Sue Tewson and all the staff and pupils at Meynell Primary School for an interesting and enjoyable visit.

Campaign to commemorate Second
World War local hero

I am proud to be supporting a campaign to commemorate the brave pilots and navigators of the Photographic Reconnaissance Units (PRU) during the Second World War.

Throughout the Second World War, the PRU operated highly dangerous, clandestine photographic reconnaissance operations over all theatres of operation, and captured more than 26 million images of enemy operations and installations during the war.

Despite their heroics, there is no national memorial to the PRU. The Spitfire AA810 Project has therefore led the campaign to establish such a memorial to the PRU pilots and navigators.

Among those who served in the PRU was Albert Wall, who was born in Wadlsey. Albert was selected to fly the Mosquito aircraft and was posted to the 544 Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron. Albert Wall survived the war but little is known of his later life.

If there is anyone related to or who knew Albert Wall, or if anyone know someone who served in the PRU during the war, I encourage them to go to the Spitfire AA810 Project website (www.spitfireaa810.co.uk) or email Tony@spitfireaa810.co.uk.

Casework Corner

Over the last month, my team and I have opened 854 new cases, helping people with their issues and concerns.

The most common issues raised with me were:
International affairs
The NHS
Energy bills

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza

I am horrified by the ongoing loss of life in Gaza, the majority being women and children.

It is heart breaking to see more and more people being killed in airstrikes or left without vital humanitarian resources like food, water and electricity. As Ramadan approaches, I believe an immediate humanitarian ceasefire must be implemented – a stop to the fighting that lasts and is observed on all sides.

Last month, I signed Labour’s amendment calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. We need a stop to the fighting, the immediate release of all hostages, a surge in aid into Gaza and a two-state solution.

The scale of the humanitarian catastrophe is unbearable to even think about. I will continue calling for an end to the fighting and the long-term security that a two-state solution would provide for both Israel and Palestine.

LABOUR’S SHADOW PENSIONS MINISTER
Closing the pensions gender gap

One of the biggest challenges facing our pensions sector is the gender gap. On average, women retire with £136,000 less in their pension pot than men. This must be fixed.

To help solve this, the Government has proposed expanding Automatic Enrolment into pension schemes to everybody, regardless of income, so that those on lower incomes and those working part time can build up their savings.

In February’s Work and Pensions Questions, I urged the Minister to provide a timetable for these changes to be implemented. In my role, I will continue to speak up for pension equality.

Labour’s five missions for a better Britain

Labour’s five missions for a better Britain will form the backbone of Labour’s election manifesto and the pillars of the next Labour government.

They will allow our country to break out of the cycle of ‘sticking-plaster’ politics and get our confidence and our future back:

Get Britain building again

Following strict rules that strengthen public finances and by reforming planning laws, so we build more houses, giga factories, windfarms, roads, labs and ports, developing the skills needed to do so.

Switch on Great British Energy

Switching on Great British Energy, a new publicly owned, clean energy company, that ensures jobs are created here in Britain and that we aren’t dependent on tyrants like Putin.

Get the NHS back on its feet

Paying doctors and nurses overtime to work evenings and weekends to cut the backlog – paid for by ending the non-dom tax break for the very wealthy.

Take back our streets

Guaranteeing town centre police patrols in every community to tackle gangs, drug dealers and fly tippers – paid for by cutting outside contractors and waste.

Break down barriers to opportunity

Introducing free school breakfast clubs and more high quality teaching with more specialist maths and science teachers – paid for by removing tax breaks for private schools and non-doms.