Isolating Russia
With England and Ireland front runners to host the 2028 Euros, I was horrified to learn a Russian Football Union bid has also been accepted, all whilst a Russian representative still sits on the UEFA committee.
I asked the Leader of the House how we can ensure that Russia continues to be treated as a pariah on the sporting stage for as long as Putin reigns. See the encouraging response from the Leader of the House below.
College Street delays
By the time this work has been completed it will have been 6 months. As opposed to the 3 months originally stated by Labour led Ipswich Borough Council.
I’m glad that the former merchant’s house is being brough back into use after being allowed to fall into a state of disrepair over decades. However, am I truly convinced that no stone has been left unturned when it comes to looking to keep the disruption caused to my constituents down to an absolute minimum? No.
The extent of the disruption over such an extended period of time has become unacceptable. In addition to the huge disruption being caused and the economic impact I’m also concerned about the consequences for air quality as we know that slow moving and stationary vehicles are even worse for this.
Another question that has been in my head is couldn’t this work have been carried out at a time during the pandemic when there were very few cars on the road? To minimise disruption?
Universities in career guidance
In the Education Select Committee this morning, talking about the role of universities in career guidance.
I spoke to the University of Suffolk about this on Friday, where we discussed how they are involved in early careers guidance with schools like Chantry Academy.
I asked about how we can make sure local universities play a positive and active role in linking young people to opportunities and that they give good careers guidance early on. We need universities to focus on enhancing employability of local people as well as supporting businesses rather than taking a ‘bums on seats’ profit orientated approach. The universities’ approach must include making students aware of all the available pathways, and promoting degree apprenticeships and technical skills. That being said, university isn’t for everyone and many can be very successful without attending.
Deterring dangerous channel crossings
I asked the Minister for Tackling Illegal Migration about those individuals who are coming to this country illegally, and how this makes it more difficult for the genuine refugees we should and must help.
Today in the chamber the Nationality and Borders Bill is being debated. The House of Lords has suggested removing a clause which was put in place to deter these dangerous crossings. There is a genuine concern for those putting their lives at risk by crossing the channel in small boats, and disgust towards the evil criminal gangs profiteering off of this. Removing this clause, which differentiates between those who came to the UK legally and those who arrived via unsafe and illegal means, would be a slap in the face to those who follow due process.
Unsurprisingly, Labour will be supporting the Lords amendment and doing nothing to prevent the small boats crossing the channel or safeguard the lives this puts at risk.
Ipswich Polish community
Today at Prime Minister’s Questions, I spoke of how the Ipswich Polish community has stood strong alongside the people of Ukraine.
The political-philosopher Rousseau once said about the Polish people, ‘You can swallow the Pole, but you will never digest them’. I’ve always felt that this quote is very reflective of the Polish people and their history of robustly standing against Russian aggression, and more specifically their steadfast support for their dear allies, the Ukrainian people.
Locally, we have seen the heart-warming generosity of Ipswich people: the Polish Community Hub has raised nearly £10,000 to support a town in Poland which is taking in Ukrainian refugees, predominantly children. Three lorries are taking donations to Lviv, in Ukraine, which were collected from generous donations (including essentials, medication, and bedding).
Ipswich people are going above and beyond to demonstrate their support for Ukraine, including local restaurant owner Julien, who is driving across Europe with donations, Rob and Sharon from the Geek Retreat who are donating their takings to Red Cross Appeal for Ukraine, Maidenhall Residents’ Association, which is taking donations from the community, and Ipswich Town which matched the donations taken by the Red Cross at their Lincoln match, with about £7,000 being donated in total. I am incredibly proud to represent the Town as it demonstrates true Ipswich spirit and generosity towards Ukraine.
I asked the deputy Prime Minister about how the UK is supporting Poland, as it welcomes Ukrainian refugees, and faces security threats of its own.
