Monthly Bulletin - February 2016

Henry Smith MP, Crawley Bulletin, February 2016

European Union referendum

Throughout my time in Parliament, and indeed long before, I have been proud to speak as an EU sceptic and vote in favour of the people having a referendum. This has now been realised because of the majority Conservative Government, led by David Cameron, elected at the 2015 General Election.

I will be voting for the UK to leave the EU for numerous reasons, but primarily because our long and great history of freedom, democracy as well as global connectivity has been increasingly threatened.

Please click here for my full statement.

Crawley Apprenticeship & Jobs Fair 2016

Crawley Civic Hall, Friday 4th March 2016, 10am to 3pm

Entry is free to everyone interested in work or training opportunities. As with the two previous Fairs I hosted in 2013 and 2014 there will be a range of employment options available; however this year will also have a focus on apprenticeships.

Although recent figures show that there have been more than 4,000 apprenticeship starts in Crawley since 2010, I know that there's more to do.

I look forward to welcoming organisations including the British Army, Autism Sussex, the Crawley Town Community Foundation, and the RNIB.

I’m also grateful to the event’s sponsors; B&CE The People’s Pension, Virgin Atlantic, L-3 Link Simulation & Training, Westminster Homecare and CGG.

For more information, please visit: www.crawleyjobsfair.co.uk

Columns

National Citizen Service: Supporting NCS delivered locally by the Crawley Town Community Foundation. The Community Foundation will be taking part in the NCS National Day of Action on Saturday, 5th March, at 1.30pm on the Community Ball Court outside the Checkatrade.com Stadium ahead of Crawley Town’s game against Morecambe at 3pm.

Meeting with the Rail Minister: Told the Minister as well as Southern and Thameslink executives that the recent sub-standard service is unacceptable. Working with ‘Which?’ on a campaign in support of commuters – more details to come.

World Cancer Day: Joined with Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care, Anthony Nolan and the Movember Foundation in Parliament to support World Cancer Day on 4th February.

Other News

Apprenticeships: Joining the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Apprenticeships as part of the Parliamentary 100 in 100 initiative ahead of the Apprenticeship & Jobs Fair.

NSPCC: Backing the It’s Time campaign – aiming to ensure every child who suffers abuse receives the therapy they need. Raised this in the House of Commons where I was pleased to hear the Care Minister confirm his support as well.

Fair School Funding: Working with other West Sussex MPs to secure a fairer funding settlement for local schools. This month we were joined in Westminster by county headteachers in a meeting with the Education Minister. The Government have already confirmed a consultation this year ahead of the implementation of a new formula from 2017-18.

FGM: Supporting West Sussex County Council’s Charter against FGM. This was recently signed by all County Councillors.

National Voter Registration Drive: Urging people in Crawley to ensure they are registered to vote in elections for Crawley Borough Council, the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, and the remain/leave referendum on the European Union.

Holocaust Memorial Day: Signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January. We must never forget the horrors of the Second World War.

A Fair Tax on Flying: Supporting further reductions in Air Passenger Duty.

Fall in unemployment: Welcomed January’s announcement that since December 2010, there are 1,279 more Crawley people in work – representing a 60 per cent drop in ‎joblessness. I’m organising the Crawley Apprenticeship & Jobs Fair because there is still more to do.

Please let me know if I am able to assist; either by writing to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, calling 01293 934554, or via email directly at: [email protected]

To keep up to date with my various activities in Crawley and in Westminster, please follow me via:

With my best wishes, as ever

Henry