What a fantastic weekend in Ardingly at the South of England Show, a touch too much wind and rain on Saturday but we can’t have it all.
It was a huge pleasure to join many local farmers, producers, exhibitors, volunteers and visitors who make this event such a showcase of the very best our region has to offer with displays, food, drink and local animals and country pursuits on display it was a feast for the eyes with much to see but and enjoy.
I had the pleasure of again welcoming Shadow DEFRA Minister, Dr Neil Hudson, to join me meeting with the NFU and their members, roundtables with the NFU, vets, stakeholders, landowners and business as members of the CLA, young farmers and business owners.
It’s crucial we meet and listen to our rural communities discussing their needs, wants, and challenges.
Events like this are a wonderful reminder of the importance of supporting British farming and local businesses, while celebrating the traditions and heritage that make our countryside so special. Thank you to everyone who stopped to chat and I look forward to next year and the Autumn and Spring fair and huge thanks to the residents for their patience and fortitude once again.
Locally in Uckfield and the surrounding areas, our brilliant businesses continue to face significant challenges, from rising costs to ongoing economic pressures. They are the backbone of our local economy, providing jobs, vital services, and ensuring our communities thrive. The Uckfield Chamber of Commerce has extended the opportunity for residents to nominate local businesses for this year's awards.
If there's a business you think has gone above and beyond, now is the time to recognise their hard work and contribution to our area. Nominations close midnight on Friday 12th June, so please don't miss this chance to show your support here - https://uckfieldbusinessawards.com
Last week was Volunteers Week and a huge thank you to them and all the incredible volunteers across our community.
Whether you're supporting local charities, helping at community events, coaching sports teams, serving as school governors, running and supporting youth groups, looking out for neighbours, or giving your time in countless other ways, your contribution makes a real difference every single day. To every volunteer who gives time to causes, events and activities across our constituency - thank you for everything you do. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and our community is all stronger because of you.
Delay after delay after delay on protecting women’s rights, clarity and dignity for all with the much-awaited EHRC guidance.
The Secretary of State for Equalities has used every excuse under the sun - impact assessments, then consultations, then election purdah, now after every excuse has been used, she chose to lay the code of practise on the last day before recess…then a no show herself in the chamber.
The appalling lack of action, failure of updating NHS policies a year after the Supreme Court Ruling, and lack of communication and protecting our women and girls is unacceptable. Sadly, also leaving trans people to feel their needs have not been addressed as well as key updates around, age, disabilities and much more.
The Conservative party roundly believes that everyone should be treated equally before the law, regardless of their race, sex or sexual orientation. Meanwhile cases including the Darlington Nurses saw the Labour Government do nothing to protect them. This cannot keep going on, women and girls want and need action from this Government.
As Shadow Minister for Women, my full comments at the Despatch Box is here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ORigvrpzEpU&ra=m
