The Uckfield Community Hospital is crucial to the town’s residents and further afield. I was pleased to meet with the head of NHS Sussex at the beloved community hospital over recess to discuss local matters and share resident’s views and concerns they’ve taken the time to share with me. I’ll continue to fight for improved local services for my residents. I know in general wait times, lack of GP appointments, and local access are large causes for concern and frustration. I am continuing to raise your concerns as your MP and challenging Ministers on this important topic too.
I have been receiving a lot of correspondence from constituents on the Government’s proposed firearm licensing reform. The countryside makes up over 90% of our land and adds over £250 billion to our economy in England alone, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the nearly 10million people who call it their home and help look after it. My colleagues and I in the Conservative Party always want to see a vibrant, thriving countryside with freedoms to enjoy and celebrate long-held rural traditions and pastimes, enhancing a prospering countryside coupled with a richly biodiverse environment. It is vital we protect independent rural livelihoods, support environmental stewardship while defending lawful activities that support the direct and indirect employment of people all across the UK. Rural communities like ours matter and are the backbone of Britain- so must receive the support, understanding and attention they deserve. The challenges of the countryside, rural communities and the rural way of life must halt and be replaced with balancing risk and understanding practical needs.
In Parliament, I was pleased to recently meet with Dogs Trust discussing regulating the animal rehoming sector. We discussed the pressing need for licensing of animal welfare establishments including sanctuaries, rehoming organisations, animal rescues, and rehabilitation centres. My constituents and I in EGU care passionately about animal welfare - so it was therefore great to join the RSPCA in Parliament too discussing how we can work together to ensure a better future for pets and other animals. As a dog owner and lover, animal welfare for dogs and cats is very close to my heart.
Finally, I of course know mobile connectivity, or lack of, is a huge issue and source of ongoing stress and frustration for residents and businesses in East Grinstead, Uckfield, and our villages, and I am always determined to raise this in Parliament, with Ministers, and mobile providers on behalf of you all.
A key issue is finding the land to have masts – if you are a land owner – please do reach out to me! A big thank you to all who took the time to share your experiences with me through my survey which I shared in the Chamber, with Ministers, and providers during my meetings showing the severity of the issues. I will of course keep you updated on this matter on my website and social media pages.
