Dear <<First Name>>

Another busy week in Broxtowe whilst I have been virtually attending Parliament to represent your views.  Below is a quick summary of some of the other things that I have been involved with. 

Job Ready

A number of Broxtowe constituents have raised concerns that whilst on furlough or unemployed, they are 'losing their skill set'. So this week I spoke with Employment Minister, Mims Davies.  I asked her if the Department has any plans to support people 'upskilling' or are there any initiatives to make people more employable whilst they are staying at home?

Mims explained that it is vital to help people to be ‘job ready’ so the Department for Work and Pensions is working together with the Department for Education.  It is for this reason, a new free online learning platform called ‘The Skills Toolkit’ has been launched to help people in building their skills during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk/  

Rumours about Kimberley Leisure Centre

This week I spoke directly with Rob McDonough, Chief Executive of East Midlands Education Trust (EMET).

I was reassured by Rob that the EMET are not seeking to close Kimberley Leisure Centre.  EMET would like to revise the present agreement with Broxtowe Borough Council so that during the school day they can have improved access for their pupils.

https://www.darrenhenry.org.uk/news/rumours-about-kimberley-leisure-centre

Question in Parliament to Matt Hancock - Vaccines for Preventable Diseases

We are rightly tackling the global pandemic COVID-19, however there is a danger that the totally preventable diseases of Measles, Mumps & Rubella will re-emerge if vaccinations are missed.

I was encouraged to hear from Broxtowe GP, Dr John Doddy, of Hicklings Lane Medical Centre, that measures are in place to ensure that vital scheduled vaccinations can take place safely.

See my question to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, in Parliament this Monday.

https://www.darrenhenry.org.uk/news/question-parliament-matt-hancock-vaccines-preventable-diseases

Build back better after Covid-19

I think it is vital to work cross-party to create a plan for how we can build back better after Covid-19.  This week I took part in The All-Party Climate Change Group meeting chaired by Caroline Lucas MP.  Locally I have been speaking with D2N2 LEP Chair, Elizabeth Fagan CBE, about my priority to make Broxtowe part of a low carbon region with green connectivity.

Stay safe everyone,

Darren