Monthly Bulletin - May 2016

Henry Smith MP, Crawley Bulletin, May 2016

Voting to Leave the European Union

The European Union has changed enormously since the UK joined the then EEC (or Common Market) in 1973. Over the past 43 years, it has grown to take control over more and more areas which do not have anything to do with trade – such as our borders, and our public services. The euro means that more and more financial decisions are being made in Brussels as well.

Dementia Friendly Swimming

Delighted that the Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison MP, accepted my invitation to come to K2 Leisure Centre for the launch of ASA Dementia Friendly Swimming, a Department of Health pilot project. This was one of a series of events taking place on Living Well Day, which itself is part of Dementia Awareness Week (16th to 22nd May).

I continue to be struck by the dedication and determination shown by the Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK, and everyone involved with the Crawley Dementia Alliance and Crawley Wellbeing, for their continued work to support people with dementia and their families.

Columns

Clarkson Evans recruitment event: Following my recent visit I am pleased to support Clarkson Evans’ latest recruitment drive for local apprentices. They are holding an open day at their Crawley site, at the Gatwick International Distribution Centre (off Cobham Way) from 3pm to 6pm on Thursday 16th June. If you are interested in attending, please register via: [email protected]

Economy and trade: The EU has too much control over our economy. While 5 per cent of businesses export to the EU, 100 per cent are caught by EU red tape. Let’s take back control and run our economy in the interests of millions of British small businesses, entrepreneurs and employers.

Queen’s Speech 2016: Welcomed measures to introduce a British Bill of Rights – I have told the Prime Minister of my disappointment that there was not an announcement of a Sovereignty Bill – I support the primacy of our Parliament.

Animal welfare: Why we should leave the European Union to take control of our policy on livestock.

Reforming school funding: I continue to work alongside West Sussex MPs and headteachers to ensure reform of the system, and a fairer deal for local pupils.

Protecting our natural environment: Welcome confirmation from the Environment Secretary that the Government are committed to plant 11 million trees over the next four years – I was pleased to welcome Liz Truss to Tilgate Park in February.

Local elections: Wrote before polling day earlier in the month about the importance of the leadership of the Town Hall working constructively with central Government.

Other News

Children’s Hospice Week: Pleased to support Chestnut Tree House, the only children’s hospice in Sussex, during Children’s Hospice Week. The week is organised by Together for Short Lives – bringing together the UK’s 53 children’s hospices and children’s palliative care charities providing vital support for children and families across the country.

National Citizen Service: Presented certificates to young people completing the second NCS scheme organised by the Crawley Town Community Foundation – congratulations to all who completed the programme. Welcomed the subsequent announcement that the Government will be introducing a National Citizen Service Bill to ensure more young people can take part in NCS.

Visiting apprentices at Clarkson Evans: A pleasure to meet with electrical apprentices working in Crawley’s newest neighbourhood, Forge Wood.

Queen’s Speech: Supporting the Digital Economy Bill – its aim is to create a world-class digital infrastructure by giving everyone access to fast broadband and mobile networks.

League Against Cruel Sports campaign against dog fighting: Hosted the launch of the report on Project Bloodline, a six month investigation designed to understand why, when and where dog fighting takes place, and how it can be stopped.

STEM in the Park: Great to go to STEM in the Park in the Memorial Gardens. Fun activities and career information on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects were on offer to young people – we need to do more to raise awareness.

Protecting our bees: Joined with Friends of the Earth in Parliament to oppose the lifting of a ban on bee-harming pesticides.

Potholes: Welcomed new dedicated funding to fill potholes across the country, including more than £840,000 for West Sussex.

Defence Secretary: Welcomed the Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, to Crawley to tour civil avionics company Thales.

God Save The Queen!: Attended the lighting of the Beacon in Tilgate Park on Thursday, 21st April, to mark HM The Queen’s 90th birthday.

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

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With my best wishes, as ever

Henry