Visit to Ipswich Academy
Great to visit Ipswich Academy yesterday and speak with headteacher Abbie Thorrington about how the school has been progressing over the last few months.
As I’ve said before, Ipswich Academy is a standout success making a big difference in the lives of students here in Ipswich. I was glad to be able to hear about how we can support them in developing their vision for opening up educational opportunities to those who need them most.
Meeting Minister responsible for fire safety and cladding
I’ve met more than once with the new Minister responsible for fire safety and cladding, Lee Rowley, over the past week. We have discussed the situation at Cardinal Lofts and I’ve also brought him fully up to speed as he’s new to his post on the scandalous situation at St Francis Tower.
This photo is from last week but I met again with him today and will be doing so again later this week.
He’s been responsive on the Cardinal Lofts issue and I’m hopeful that he’ll finally bring forward some concerted Government action on the St Francis Tower issue.
Food Boxes for FIND
Very pleased to have witnessed the delivery of 500 food boxes at FIND this morning. This represents a £15,000 donation from the charity Rapid Relief Team. It’s an international charity but has many Ipswich based volunteers. I’m pleased that my letter to the charity HQ seems to have made a different in securing this local donation.
Maureen at FIND. What a hero she is. Worked with her closely at numerous points over the past few years. She works tirelessly to support many of the most vulnerable in our community.
Cost of living is such a huge challenge. Even with the support announced by the Government this week such as increasing Universal Credit in line with inflation it will still be difficult for thousands of my constituents and I’m conscious of this. With energy bills soaring and inflation over 10% and the global headwinds showing little sign of abating the challenges will remain.
Huge credit to FIND and the Rapid Relief Team.
BBC Radio Suffolk today discussing the Novotel
On BBC Radio Suffolk today discussing the Novotel situation. You can listen to my full interview here.
I’m continuing to push for a total rethink to how the Home Office chooses to locate these illegal migrants. Hotels like the Novotel are completely the wrong place. Ipswich particularly is a visitor economy, and taking this hotel out of commission sets back local businesses and has put Ipswich residents out of their jobs.
We can be generous to genuine refugees, but people illegally entering from safe European countries should not be allowed to stay and should absolutely not be housed in hotels at the taxpayer’s expense.
Remembrance Sunday
Like every other year I’ve had the opportunity to do so it was a great privilege to be able to lay a wreath this morning as the Town’s MP in memory of the brave Ipswich residents who gave their lives in defence of our country and our values.
Extremely poignant and emotional address by an Ipswich Ukrainian resident. Absolutely her country men and women are in our prayers also at this dark hour for her country.
Like last last I enjoyed going back once the crowds had left to take a look at all the wreaths and chat with a few constituents.
Novotel Debate
Had my debate on the Novotel today. The Court case is also being held today on whether or not the temporary injunction blocking the use of Ipswich hotels for asylum seekers will be upheld. Fingers crossed.
I honestly don’t know what the short-term outcome of all of this will be but I gave my speech this morning some real welly. I will continue to be very outspoken on this issue. Both on the use of the Novotel and also the issue of illegal immigration more broadly.
I’m very concerned at the way in which some of my constituents who were employees at the Novotel have been treated. I’m also very concerned about the impact of the Novotel being used for this purpose on the local economy.
I will always put the interests of my constituents first. Myself and my office are not there to support those who have decided to enter our country illegally from another safe European country.
Ipswich has a proud record of welcoming genuine refugees from around the world who are fleeing persecution. We should be proud of this. We’re a welcoming Town but what’s going on at the Novotel is wrong on many different levels.
The Minister in response to my speech has agreed to look again at the matter. He also said the Government will be escalating efforts to curb the crossings. Let’s see. I will continue to work with colleagues to hold the Government’s feet to the fire on this issue.
Novotel Debate
Had my debate on the Novotel today. The Court case is also being held today on whether or not the temporary injunction blocking the use of Ipswich hotels for asylum seekers will be upheld. Fingers crossed.
I honestly don’t know what the short-term outcome of all of this will be but I gave my speech this morning some real welly. I will continue to be very outspoken on this issue. Both on the use of the Novotel and also the issue of illegal immigration more broadly.
I’m very concerned at the way in which some of my constituents who were employees at the Novotel have been treated. I’m also very concerned about the impact of the Novotel being used for this purpose on the local economy.
I will always put the interests of my constituents first. Myself and my office are not there to support those who have decided to enter our country illegally from another safe European country.
Ipswich has a proud record of welcoming genuine refugees from around the world who are fleeing persecution. We should be proud of this. We’re a welcoming Town but what’s going on at the Novotel is wrong on many different levels.
The Minister in response to my speech has agreed to look again at the matter. He also said the Government will be escalating efforts to curb the crossings. Let’s see. I will continue to work with colleagues to hold the Government’s feet to the fire on this issue.
