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Alex Norris MP's Weekly Newsletter

Member of Parliament for Nottingham North
5th October 2018
Issue #65

Welcome to the latest issue of my weekly newsletter.

This week is the third and final week of party conference recess, so while the Tory conference has been ongoing I’ve been busy at home in Nottingham North, preparing for a return to Westminster on Tuesday, when I will be presenting my first 10 Minute Rule Bill to my colleagues in the House of Commons.

Read on to find out what I’ve been up to this week...

As I’ve said before, I will strive to send you a newsletter like this each Friday to keep you updated on the work I’m doing in Parliament as well as in our community, and to inform you of any interesting events taking place in our area. To help me with the latter, if you are running or know of anything that you think may be of interest to others, feel free to drop me an email at alex.norris.mp@parliament.uk and I will include it in future issues. Please also forward it onto anyone you think may be interested.

Bilborough Food Bank

Two things happened on Wednesday. At about midday the Prime Minister told her Party conference that their party are helping to build a stronger, fairer country for us all. About two hours before that I opened a new food bank in Nottingham North. I’m sure things don’t seem very fair for the increasing numbers of people who will have to use this service by the Prime Minister and her Government.

Theresa May’s Government may be improving life for some people, but it certainly isn’t those who are most in need, and instead we are being forced to take it upon ourselves to make sure that large members of our community aren’t going without food, and that’s exactly what the good people at West Nottingham Foodbank have done. They now run 10 foodbanks across the city, and I was honoured to be asked to officially open the latest, at the Community Centre next to Bilborough Library.

Food poverty is an increasingly severe problem across the UK with recent figures showing that over one in ten adults, and almost one in four parents with children under the age of 18, have skipped a meal because of a lack of money. It is no surprise then that food bank use across the UK is at a record high. This is shocking, and the Government must address the shameful increase in hunger and food poverty in the UK.

The Labour Party have been pushing for action in this area constantly -  as we have called for the adoption of a routine measurement of food insecurity to allow for effective targeting of policy and resources, for research to find out why certain groups are affected and how food insecurity affects food choices and health, for a standard assessment across the whole of the UK, and more. In Government we would do all of this, to ensure that those who are struggling to eat are put first.

Nevertheless, it is really important to recognise the incredible work done by Nina Hall and her volunteer team supported by the local Council and Councillors. Thanks to their generosity they will provide help at a critical time to people who really need it.

Talking Politics, Locally

Usually when I am working in Nottingham, my meetings and visits – constituents, business, charities, schools - are centred around local issues, as you’d imagine. And there was plenty of that this week, as you’ll read shortly. But a lot of what I was up to went beyond this , and national politics has come to the fore. As you might expect, Brexit was a key part. Here’s how that happened:

  • I started the week with a very interesting visit to my old University, the University of Nottingham, to their Rights Lab. The Lab is home to the world’s leading modern slavery experts, who are working to deliver the world’s first large-scale research agenda for ending slavery. Their challenge-led approach fuses cutting-edge research with real world application, working with governments and NGOs to achieve a Freedom Dividend: the global benefits of ending slavery for economies, rights, health, peace and the environment. Of course, since being elected a lot of my work has focused on Modern Slavery in the UK and globally, including my trip to Malawi to help their politicians develop their own Modern Slavery Act, so it was absolutely fascinating for me to see the in-depth research that the Lab are producing.
  • On Tuesday afternoon I visited Bilborough College, where a lot of students from Nottingham North head for Higher Education, to discuss UK politics. We mostly focused on elections but covered a wide range of issues. It was great to see so many young people with a real interest in politics of all levels.
  • One company working locally who are worried by the way Brexit negotiations have been handled under this Tory Government are Toyota, and on Wednesday afternoon I visited their Burnaston plant in Derbyshire to see first-hand the impact a ‘no-deal’ Brexit would have. The plant employs 2,600 people, 600 from Nottingham, so the plant’s potential temporary closure, as the Chief Executive warned about this week, would be a big risk to our local economy.
  • And yesterday I returned to Bilborough College for a consultation hosted by young people’s pro-remain group Our Future, Our Choice.  The event gave the students the opportunity to air their hopes or concerns at what Brexit might mean, what type of deal they want, and also encourage engagement in the democratic process with regard to Brexit. The number of young people interested in such a complex important issue was very encouraging, and I had a great time joining in the discussions. I also had a chance to catch up with Chris Bradford, the principal, while I was there.

In Nottingham North

Of course, there was also a very busy ‘normal’ schedule, as I met with several people and groups to discuss more local matters:

  • On Tuesday morning I visited Fairway View Care Home in Bulwell for a meet and greet with the residents there. I even joined in their dance class.
  • Paul Mullins, the Stakeholder & Engagement Manager for HS2, visited my constituency office to give me an update on the project’s progress, including their recent consultation with businesses at the Nottingham Business Park
  • And I finished off the day by meeting local stakeholders to discuss the re-development of Strelley Health Centre.
  • After opening Bilborough Food Bank on Wednesday, I headed to Bulwell Academy, which was taken over by the Creative Education Academies Trust in May, for a tour and a meeting with the Trust’s Chief Executive, Marc Jordan. I hope that this new leadership will help the Academy and its pupils thrive together.
  • Nottingham Community Housing Association has recently appointed Paul Moat as its new Chief Executive, so I welcomed him to my office to discuss what his plans in the role are. As one of the largest locally-based housing groups in the East Midlands, NCHA are incredibly important to our local housing market, so it’s important to keep up to date with their priorities.
  • In the afternoon, Nick Murphy, the Chief Executive of Nottingham City Homes, showed me round the new development on Strelley Road in Aspley.
  • And today I have rounded off the week with a meeting of my fellow Nottingham MPs at City Hospital, the opening of Unite’s new Nottingham office, welcoming local police to my office to discuss Modern Slavery and Domestic Violence, discussing fracking with a constituent and I’ve just now met with Andy Welsh and Martin Blakey from Unipol to talk about safe student housing in our constituency.

Looking ahead to next week

As I return to Parliament again on Tuesday, here’s a little preview of what I have lined up:

  • On Tuesday I will be introducing my first ten-minute rule bill, designed to offer extra protection to shopworkers assaulted while doing their jobs
  • I’ll be attending a Westminster Hall debate on tackling Modern Slavery in the evening on Tuesday
  • I’ll be sitting on the Delegated Legislation Committee for a Healthcare Order related to Brexit

There will be more on all of this and everything else I’m up to next week!

What's On

I want these emails to be as interesting as possible. That means there’ll be some politics – it’s important that I am held accountable. But I also want to offer information about what’s on locally. So, if you have an event you’d like me to advertise, let me know.

If you would like your events advertised here, or further information on those advertised, please email me at alex.norris.mp@parliament.uk.

That’s all for now! Details of how to get in touch or to have a look at the things I’m doing are below…

All the best,

Alex

Oscars event to raise funding for Nottingham based charity
 
Disability Direct Nottingham (DDN) will be holding an Oscars themed charity fundraiser on Friday 12th October. The Compere for the evening will be Mark Dennison from BBC Radio Nottingham, a long-standing friend and supporter of Disability Direct Nottingham.

This event will combine live music with a glitzy awards ceremony and captivating entertainment. There will be holding an auction with donations from local businesses. 

This event is to highlight the good work Disability Direct Nottingham do and to shine a light on the work of their amazing team of volunteers. These volunteers are key to running many of their services and this is a wonderful opportunity to show thanks to them with the glitzy event which will include an awards ceremony.

Please click the flyer below to purchase tickets, or contact Charlotte Throssel at DDN on 0115 978 5095 for more information.
Bulwell Forest Recreation Ground Cycle Centre is running EVERY SATURDAY in October, thanks to extra funding from Nottingham City Homes

Come down to Bulwell Forest Recreation Ground (meet near to the ‘pirate park’) each Saturday to boost your cycling skills. Best of all, it’s FREE to City residents
  • 9am for Learn to cycle and beginners
  • 10:15am for on road cycle training
  • 11:30am for a led cycle ride
Give RideWise a call on 0115 955 2288 to book a place, or simply turn up. We also have bikes that you can borrow for the session.
 
AND
 
Bulwell Build a Bike Course
By taking part in this course you will gain the skills to strip down and rebuild a preloved bike, and then get to keep it too!

Crabtree community Centre, Bulwell
Thursdays:
18th & 25th October & 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd Nov, 6-8pm.
All sessions to be attended.

The courses are FREE to Nottingham City Residents and suitable for people who are over 14 (children to be accompanied by an adult).

To book onto one of our courses, please send your full name, address, email address and phone number to flo@ridewise.org.uk. Places are limited, so be quick!

GOSPEL STREET is a powerful mix of theatre, comedy and spoken word – a breath-taking ride through all the important issues of life, death… and miraculous street food. Good news with wisdom, laughter, energy and insight.

At Bulwell United Reformed Church:
Saturday 17th November
7:00pm

Tickets: £5
Box Office: 01904 613000 or book online

St Mary's Harvest Weekend
St Mary’s the Virgin & All Souls Church, Highbury Road, Bulwell, NG6 9AD
Harvest Tea
Pea & pie supper before fun activities
Saturday 6th October, 5-7pm
Tickets in advance from Andrew Fisher - a.j.fisher@outlook.com
Harvest Festival Service
Please bring along in-date packets and tins of food to be donated to Bulwell & Bestwood Food Bank
Sunday 7th October, 10am (free breakfast for kids & families from 9.30am)

New Wellbeing/Self-Help Group
An opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and help you build up confidence and self-esteem.
Identify areas of your own wellbeing - physically & mentally.
Referral support to other services & support.
Friendly & comfortable environment, with no pressure to talk.
Hosted in the West Room, St Mary’s the Virgin & All Souls Church, Highbury Road, Bulwell, NG6 9AD.
For further info: fay.goodhand@icloud.com

Poems in the Pub
Open Mic Night, Free Admission, Local Talent, Full Bar
The William Peverel, Bulwell
First Thursday in the month, 7 for 7:30pm start.

Drop in Café
All welcome for a free cuppa and biscuit, and a place to sit and have a chat
Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Parish Community Centre, Brooklyn Rd, Bulwell NG6 9ES
Thursdays, 9:30am–12:30pm

Messy Church
Drinks, crafts, activities, bible stories and a meal for all ages and interests
Bulwell United Reformed Church, Broomhill Road/Brooklyn Road, Bulwell
Usually first Saturday of every month, 10:30am-12:30pm

Bestwood Park Church’s Bestop Kitchen
Social Eating Event, Donations Welcome
Bestwood Park Church, Beckhampton Road, NG5 5NG
Every Tuesday, 12-2pm

Whiz Kids Junior Church
Free breakfast, arts & crafts for children aged 5ish – 11ish
St Mary the Virgin & All Souls Parish Church, Highbury Road, Bulwell
Every Sunday, 9:30am

Crafty Ladies
Bring along a project, or learn to do something new.
St Martins Church, St Martin’s Rd, Off Strelley Rd, Bilborough, NG8 3BH
Every Wednesday, 11am – 2pm
50p, for further info: www.stmartinsbilborough.org.uk, info@stmartinsbilborough.uk

The Indian Army Contribution in the First World War, by Dr Irfan Malik
An illustrated presentation on 'The Indian Army Contribution in the First World War'. WW1 museum items will also be on display.
Baitul Hafeez Mosque, 308 Sneinton Dale
Thursday 11th October, 6.30-8pm
Tickets available here.

Athlete Accelerator
Khian Mility is helping young athletes reach their potential, with the goal of obtaining US College Sports Scholarships. For further information please visit his website.
https://www.theathleteaccelerator.com

Messy Church
All welcome – food, fun, arts & crafts, & God slot
St Mary the Virgin & All Souls Parish Church, Highbury Road, Bulwell
2nd Sunday every month, 3-5pm

Whiz Kids
Special breakfast, followed by stories, games, crafts & fun!
St Mary the Virgin & All Souls Parish Church, Highbury Road, Bulwell
Sundays, 9.30-11.15am
For more info contact Kerry Palmer - 0115 953 1780 or by email.

Messy Church Bestwood/Bulwell Forest
Bestwood Park Church, Beckhampton Rd, Bestwood Park
Various Thursdays, 4:30-6pm
Church on Rise Park, Revelstoke Way, Rise Park
Various Thursdays, 5-6:30pm

Free Community Cinema
Free screenings of films, everyone welcome!
St John’s Church, Key’s Close, Bulwell
2nd Friday every month, 7pm

Bulwell Connectors
Free monthly group developing opportunities for more art in public places in Bulwell. With trips to galleries and hands-on creative workshops, this group is for local people who want to be arts champions for Bulwell. Facilitated by Nottingham Contemporary associate artist Gillian Brent
Bulwell Riverside, Community Room 2 
2nd Tuesday every month, 6-8pm
For further info: www.creativenottinghamnorth.com, @CreativeNNorth, cathy.mahmood@rebalancingouterestates.com

Crochet Clinic
Community Room at Tesco Bulwell, Jennison St, NG6 8EQ (upstairs near the cafe)
First Wednesday of every month, 6:30pm–8:30pm
£5 (covers refreshments and materials)
For further info: www.apriltowriess.co.uk, hello@apriltowriess.co.uk

 
How to contact me

If you would like to contact me, please email alex.norris.mp@parliament.uk or give my Nottingham North constituency office a ring on 0115 975 2377.

If you are a constituent from Nottingham North e-mailing me regarding a casework issue you are my priority, so please ensure your message includes:
  • your full name
  • your full postal address, including postcode
  • a contact telephone number and
  • any helpful details relevant to your case such as date of birth, reference numbers etc.
Strict parliamentary protocol means I can only deal with issues on behalf of my own constituents. If you aren’t sure whether you live in Nottingham North, you can check who your local MP is by entering your postcode online here: findyourmp.parliament.uk.

You may also wish to write to me with your concerns. If so please send your correspondence to Alex Norris MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A OAA. All constituents who take the time and trouble to write a personal letter will receive a reply as a matter of priority.
 
Other useful links
LABOUR PARTY
  • If you’d like to learn more about the Labour party their website is here.
  • To join the Labour Party click here.
LOCAL NEWS
LOCAL INFORMATION
  • Benefits Information: Here’s an excellent site that allows you to find out exactly what benefits you are eligible to claim: EntitledTo
  • Housing: please contact your City Council
  • Problems with benefits or the Child Support Agency? The Citizens Advice Bureau and the Nottingham Welfare Rights Service can give advice. Remember to have your National Insurance number handy if you make an inquiry.
  • Local schools / education matters: please contact your City Council.
  • Employment rights: see Citizens Advice Bureau or the Trades Union Congress for info.
  • Social services, environmental health, noise nuisance, parking, and Council Tax should all be addressed to the City Council.
  • Another useful website on public services is Direct.gov.
NATIONAL LINKS
  • For the main Parliamentary website click here and to explore the Parliamentary education site click here.
Copyright © 2018 Alex Norris MP, All rights reserved.


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