Weekend engineering disruption to rail services
The data suggests that there has been engineering disruption to rail services from Ipswich to London across 35% of weekends over the past year. All I can say is it certainly feels like more than that. At times catching a reliable train at the weekends from Ipswich has felt like a bit of a novelty.
I appreciate that engineering works do need to be carried out from time to time, but I’m not convinced that no stone is left unturned when it comes to minimising disruption for my constituents who wish to use the train service at the weekend. Recent trends seem to confirm that actually the difference between those looking to travel during the week and at weekends is narrowing. Consistently unreliable train services at weekends is not cost free!
All of this disruption linked to rail engineering works is just compounded at the moment by the effects of all the strike action. I met with representatives from Greater Anglia and Network Rail last week to discuss and raise some of my concerns.
A real issue with the rail network though is our poor rail infrastructure. Haughley junction and Ely North junction are two crucial projects that should have been delivered many years ago. It’s crucial that the Department for Transport really starts to prioritise both projects, and I will intensify my efforts to convince the Government of the merits. Delivering both projects would greatly increase the capacity of the rail network in the East and lead to a significant improvement in the reliability and speed of train services and would also mean that things like an hourly service between Ipswich and Peterborough could be delivered.
I have frequent contact with both Greater Anglia and Network Rail, so please let me know if ever there is a specific issue you would like me to raise with them.
Neurodiverse within British Armed Forces
As many of you know, I often raise points about how to make better use of the talents of people who have neurodiverse conditions. Due to having dyspraxia and dyslexia myself, I come under this “neurodiverse” label. Many of those who are neurodiverse see things others can’t and think outside the box. As a society it is in our interest to make use of all talents and different ways of thinking.
Recently I discussed with the senior Army leadership how the British Army could make better use of those who are neurodiverse. Due to the increasing importance of cyber, the need for individuals who can think differently has increased so it feels like the issue is coming to a head.
Some of the physical tasks and challenges associated with being in the Armed Forces often prohibit those who are neurodiverse. Perhaps there may be a limit to what can be done, but if there is a way of ensuring that the Armed Forces don’t miss out on the talents of those who are neurodiverse and want to serve, that would be brilliant.
I was remined of my dyspraxia the other week when it took my almost half an hour to put a belt on when I visited Sandhurst.
I was reassured by the response provided by the Defence Secretary. He gets it, as do the leadership team at Sandhurst when I spoke to them about recruitment.
Suffolk Devolution deal
The Suffolk Devolution deal was officially agreed with Government Minister Lee Rowley this afternoon. This involves a significant amount of new funding for Suffolk and powers. Particularly over skills and things like adult education. It will include a £480 million investment fund over 30 years.
This does represent in my view an opportunity for Suffolk and Ipswich. It must be taken.
In principle I’ve always believed in decisions being taken as closely as possible to the people affected by those decisions.
Suffolk will only ever achieve its true potential if Ipswich achieves its true potential. The new devolution settlement for Suffolk must involve a strong focus on Ipswich. I will work with whoever I need to in order to try and ensure that.
I’m hoping this new model will help us get more investment into key infrastructure projects. Whether road or rail. There is much to be done.
Part of this will involve a new democratically elected leader of Suffolk County Council.
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.