Henry Smith MP – Westminster Report – August 2023
Almost all of us will have travelled to and across London with a Day Travelcard safely in our pocket.
The Day Travelcard enables those of us travelling from Crawley, Ifield, Three Bridges and Gatwick Airport stations to have unlimited travel around London on public transport.
We can jump on a train to Victoria or London Bridge for example, then get the Tube or bus without having to worry about an additional ticket.
This could all come to an end next year, however, thanks to the latest controversial idea from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
On 21st July, the Government was notified that the Mayor of London plans to withdraw the Day Travelcard.
In the latest example of how the actions of the Mayor of London can have severe consequences beyond the boundaries of the city, this news will have a significant impact on all rail passengers from Crawley, Ifield, Three Bridges and Gatwick Airport stations.
The decision of the Mayor will turn people away from travelling to London and beyond, and hit the poorest families hardest.
It beggars belief that London’s own mayor is making it harder and expensive for us to visit our nation’s capital city.
This is where we can play our part. In their statement, Transport for London confirm that the Mayor has given six months’ notice of the withdrawal of the Day Travelcard. This states that ‘While this six-month process is now underway, it is important that we are clear this remains reversible and does not therefore mean that Day Travelcards will be withdrawn.’
I have launched a petition calling for the Day Travelcard to be saved and I will share this with the Mayor of London. I am encouraging Crawley rail users to sign so we can let the Mayor of London know the strength of feeling against his latest proposals.
To sign my petition to the Mayor of London and join me in calling on him to keep Day Travelcards available from Crawley, Gatwick Airport, Ifield and Three Bridges stations, please visit: www.henrysmith.info/savethedaytravelcard
Arrivals duty-free to support the aviation sector
On Wednesday 6th September I will be leading a debate in Parliament calling for the introduction of duty-free shopping on arrival at airports, international rail and ferry terminals in Great Britain.
We know that reinstating duty-free shopping and increasing inbound personal allowances on Brexit has proved popular: our first year outside the bloc saw a 45 per cent increase in sales of duty-free items by UK passengers shopping abroad.
The issue is that British business and airports are not benefiting: without duty-free on arrival, passengers can only spend their increased allowances abroad – at the point of departure.
This is why I am urging Government to introduce duty-free stores on arrival at British airports, international rail and ferry terminals: to ensure that this post-Brexit duty-free system can benefit British-based businesses such as those at Gatwick Airport.
Such stores have already been introduced in 65 countries including major travel hubs in Asia, the Middle East and Oceania. Britain must not be left behind.
At its heart this is an issue about British competitiveness on the global stage which can provide us with an economic boost here at home.
This is a change the UK Government can easily make to enhance the aviation, travel and tourism sectors both locally and throughout the nation.
On the side of hard-working people: Following the passing of the Public Order Act, police have powers to stop slow-walking and locking on tactics; preventing disruption to the lives of the British people who want to get to work or, for example, a hospital appointment.
Disruption which is also being felt by those of us who use public transport on our daily commute is additionally being addressed. The Strikes (Minimum Service Level) Act seeks to rectify this. Minimum service levels will go to ensure a minimum service operates in specified services during periods of strike action.
Ministers are to implement minimum service levels for passenger rail services, ambulance services, and fire and rescue services.
There will be a public consultation on reasonable steps to be taken by unions to comply with a work notice issued by employers under legislation.
The ability to strike is an important part of industrial relations in our country and of course remains protected by law. What this Act seeks to do is fulfil the expectation of commuters that Government takes action when essential services are put at risk.
Tackling inflation: We do not just know that high inflation in theory hits the value of well-earned pay and negatively impacts on the cost of living: it is something we have all experienced.
The commitment made at the start of this year to halve inflation was not designed to be easy.
High inflation is an issue being addressed right around the world. In May, UK inflation was lower than in nine of the EU’s 27 member states, with more than half of these having higher core inflation.
We need to see a continued focus in policymaking in Whitehall which recognises the effect inflation has on people’s day-to-day lives: beyond the direct support already provided to households.
Addressing the cost of travelling can make a real difference. More than £1.1 million is being provided for bus companies and West Sussex County Council to extend the £2 bus fare cap locally.
There are those who sit in the Commons and call for increased borrowing to fund their spending pledges. Such ideology would lead to inflationary pressures and run the risk of prolonging higher inflation. This would in no way go to support hard-working Crawley residents.
Stopping illegal crossings and saving lives: One of the issues which is frequently raised with me by Crawley residents is the action being taken to stop dangerous and illegal English Channel small boat crossings.
Such routes are unfair and unjust as they place a tremendous burden on hard-working taxpayers. Such crossings are an affront to those who come to this country legally, they put in danger the lives of those making such crossings, and those undertaking such journeys are paying evil people smugglers as they continue their barbarous trade in human lives.
Indeed, more than 45,000 people made such journeys last year, with many individuals originating from or travelling through safe countries.
The Illegal Migration Act 2023 has been passed by Parliament and received royal assent last month.
Recently in the Commons I questioned the Home Secretary over the work of the security services alongside UK Border Force to identify those entering Britain through such routes.
This country is known throughout the world for our sense of compassion and fair play. Since 2015, sanctuary has been offered to more than 450,000 people through our global safe and legal routes. An annual cap will be set for the number of refugees and Government have confirmed this will be set by Parliament, in consultation with local authorities, when illegal migration is under control.
While we know that the majority of lawyers act with professionalism, there are concerns over a minority reportedly helping illegal migrants stay in Britain by encouraging them to make false claims.
A Professional Enablers Taskforce is bringing together regulatory bodies, law enforcement teams and Government departments to increase enforcement action against such lawyers who help migrants exploit the immigration system.
The Taskforce was launched following months of preliminary work including on tackling immigration abuse in the legal sector, and enhancing intelligence and information sharing by regulators.
Additional action to stop such crossings and save lives will take place through improved working between the National Crime Agency, Government, and social media companies who will clamp down further on tactics used by criminal gangs.
Out into the world: The Business & Trade Secretary last month formally signed the document for the UK to accede to the Comprehensive & Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in New Zealand.
This marked formal confirmation of agreement for Britain to join the trading bloc, after negotiations earlier in the year.
What happens now is the Government will look to ratify the agreement. This will include parliamentary scrutiny in this country as other member nations, such as Australia, Canada and Japan, complete their own processes.
CPTPP is a gateway to the wider Indo-Pacific region: this is going to account for the majority of global growth and around half of the world’s middle-class consumers in the decades ahead. The UK will benefit from access to new markets.
In 2019, one in every 100 UK workers was employed by a business headquartered in a CPTPP member nation.
Membership of the trade group is expected to spark further investment in this country by CPTPP members, already worth £182 billion in 2021.
As well as the Business & Trade Secretary answering questions from MPs, I took the opportunity to ask the Development Minister about the benefits the UK will see.
The UK can now take such decisions for itself, looking around the world to sign free trade agreements as well as creating stronger economic ties with some of the world’s fastest growing economies.
CPTPP membership will go to help support more than 1,500 CPTPP-owned businesses in the south east of England as well as more than 60,000 jobs from such firms.
The CPTPP trading bloc is just that: a trading bloc. It does not come with its own flag, nor anthem, nor a president expecting the traffic to stop for them on arrival in the world’s capital cities.
It is this focus on trade which could lead to a £450 million boost to the economy in the south east in the long-run.
I look forward to further parliamentary scrutiny of the agreement in the months ahead.
More people in work: New figures show there are four million more people in work since 2010 and over 490,000 more people in a job across the south east of England, helping to grow the economy.
The UK economy has been through a challenging few years with Covid-19 and Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.
Despite these global challenges, Government is right to focus on its plan to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt – whilst also ensuring everyone has the security of a good job.
Indeed I am acutely aware that behind each of these numbers are individuals and families working hard – it is these experiences which are at the forefront of my mind in Westminster.
GP workforce: I welcome news that there are 94 more doctors, nurses and other patient care staff working in primary healthcare general practice across Crawley.
As we continue to see record investment in our NHS it is vital that this funding gets to where it is needed.
We know the importance of supporting and improving general practice, and ensuring patients get the best possible treatment and care.
Buy British: Joining more than 100 parliamentarians calling on supermarkets to highlight the very best of British produce by incorporating a ‘Buy British’ section online.
We know that people want to know more about where their food comes from and how it is produced. This simple change on a webpage helps to ensure homegrown food is easily identifiable, something I wholeheartedly support.
To keep up to date with my work standing up for Crawley please visit: www.henrysmith.info/news. Additionally you can follow my daily activities via Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – YouTube
With my best wishes
Henry Smith
Member of Parliament for Crawley
