Copy
View this email in your browser

Alex Norris MP's Weekly Newsletter

Member of Parliament for Nottingham North
22nd June 2019
Issue #102

Welcome to the latest issue of my weekly newsletter.

If you read last week, you’ll know I led a Westminster Hall debate calling for the Government to improve rail connectivity between us in the East Midlands and our neighbours in the West Midlands, particularly by supporting Midlands Connect’s Midlands Rail Hub. At the time, Midlands Connect hadn’t yet published their report on this project, setting out all the benefits that the project would bring to our area. They have now, and you can read it here.

Meanwhile, not a massive amount is happening in Parliament while we continue to wait for the Tories to pick a leader and unravel the Brexit mess they’ve led us into, but I’ve been busy all the same.

Read on to find out more...

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.

The Time Is Now

We are currently in a climate emergency and on 1st May I supported the House of Commons’ declaration of this emergency. It is time to act. I also welcome that the Government has introduced legislation to establish in law a target of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions down to net zero by 2050, something I have supported for some time now but we intend to do much more swiftly in Nottingham.

On Wednesday, Westminster welcomed passionate campaigners from all over the country urging us, their Parliamentary representatives, to do more. The Time is Now Mass Lobby for Climate, Nature and People asked MPs to support three main things – introduce legislation, scale up investment and put environment and climate action at the heart of the UK’s international agenda. All of this is needed urgently, and as a member of the Opposition International Development Team, I’ll be working hard in particular to make the third point a reality.

Achieving net zero will need huge levels of investment, coordinated planning, new laws and, as with any emergency, significant Government intervention. It means reducing our greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible, with short-term targets for green energy and sustainable transport. It means properly funding environmental protection and legislating to move towards a zero-waste economy. It means a green industrial revolution to capture the jobs of the future, while protecting vulnerable workers and members of the public. It means restoring our wildlife and biodiversity to levels we have not seen in over a generation. Above all, it must mean devoting the time and resources necessary to deal with the scale of the problem we face.

After an interesting rickshaw ride to their location, I was delighted to meet with the campaigners from Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trusts, including Richard, and Mia from their ‘Keeping It Wild’ youth team, both pictured here. I’ll be doing my very best to make it to one of their Wednesday night meetings soon to show my support and hear more about all the great campaigning work they do to keep our local green spaces healthy!

In Nottingham

This morning I’ve been at Victoria Embankment for the unveiling of the new First World War Memorial, which was performed by HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. Found next to the memorial built between 1923 and 1927, it features the names of all 13,482 from Nottinghamshire who lost their lives in the 1914 – 18 War, as well as civilian casualties, including nurses, two people killed in a Zeppelin air raid in September 1916 and the victims of the Chilwell shell filling factory explosion of July 1918. All these people died in service of their country and the new memorial is a very fitting tribute. I recommend visiting to remember the fallen in your own manner.

And here’s what else I've been up to: 

  • Last night I was at the Castle Pub to attend the latest meeting of Positive Money Nottingham, a campaign group seeking out a fair, sustainable and democratic economy through a new money and banking system. 
  • After the memorial unveiling this morning, I headed to Whitemoor Academy to take in part of their efforts for the National School Sports Week, to champion the positive impact that physical activity has on young people’s lives. 
  • Later I visited Fairway View Care Home for their Open Day, a great opportunity for the residents and the wider community to come together. 
  • I’ve had a few important phone calls throughout the day with constituents that haven’t been able to make it into the office, on a number of important issues where I’m trying to assist. 
  • This evening I’ll be meeting with new Bulwell councillors Jane Lakey, Ethan Radford and Maria Joannou to discuss cooperation on all that’s going on in their ward. 
  • And at each end of the day, I met with newly elected Bilborough Councillors Rebecca Langton and Phil Jackson to talk all things Bilborough.

In Parliament

I didn’t get drawn for any questions or debates this week, so I haven’t spent as much time in the Chamber as other weeks, but here’s what I’ve been up to in Westminster: 

  • On Monday I met with three representatives of the Western Sahara Campaign UK. Western Sahara isn’t as well known as the Occupied Territories or Crimea, but it is a similarly disputed area on the western coast of North Africa, which sadly faces both the similar issues that come with this kind of conflict and those unique to its own situation, which I heard all about. 
  • Also on Monday, I welcomed Dean Fathers, Chair of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, to Westminster to discuss the health work of the Local Enterprise Partnership. 
  • On Tuesday I had both International Development and Whip duties take up a lot of my day, but between those I spoke with a journalism student about the Domestic Abuse Bill to assist with a project on how the Bill will affect those with uncertain immigration status that she’s hoping to publish. 
  • My schedule on Wednesday was jam-packed. After meeting with those at the environment summit, I dashed around Parliament to attend the latest Deliberative Democracy APPG meeting, meet campaigners from a number of organisations on climate change, before speaking at a Global Fund reception. Since taking on my International Development role, one of my key aims has been to encourage the Government’s support of the Global Fund efforts to fight TB, Malaria and Aids, and I continued this there. 
  • And before returning to Nottingham yesterday, I met with Dr Warren Larkin about early intervention, and spoke to BBC journalists about the abuse that MPs face. I am fortunate to not face as much as many of my colleagues, but it is something that all MPs have to endure, which we shouldn’t.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

Next week will be International Development heavy, as I respond on behalf of the opposition on the Department’s Estimates Day debate on Monday, and a debate on Displacement in Africa on Thursday. I also have a Treasury question on Tuesday, and back in Nottingham I’m looking forward to the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Primary School Sports & Summer Fair. Hopefully we’ll have good weather!

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

Basford United U16 Amber Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Playing kit sponsor – squad of 15 logo on shirt  ~£450
Drill Top sponsor – squad of 15 logo on shirt ~£450
An alternative is a food sponsor – we provide chip cobs to all travelling players after each home game – last season we entertained teams from Wellingborough, Coventry, Birmingham etc so any contribution towards this would be gratefully received

Basford are hoping that anyone who does sponsor the team will get a banner on the side of the pitch, as well as on their logo on the kit and hopefully on the Basford website this year.

For further information, please contact Lisa Fox on 07921361555.
Joining Blind Veterans
 
Have you served in the Armed Forces? In the UK Regular Armed Forces, including National Service.
 
Or UK Reserved Armed Forces. Reservists must have completed one year’s satisfactory service following training (or qualified for Bounty) or a lesser period if blinded on duty.
 
Or Polish/Indian Forces under British Command or Merchant Navy deployed within a combat zone in direct support of UK military forces.
 
And
 
You have significant sight loss- visual acuities worse than 6/60  in both eyes or struggle to see top letter of the eye chart. Optician or eye clinic to confirm.
 
If you meet our criteria for sight loss you can get free support. Help in the form, of Rehabilitation, training, peer support, grants, Sports and recreation.
 
We also run local social groups in Nottingham.
 
Please contact 0800 389 7979 for an application form. We can complete the form by telephone too, you will need your service record details. If you want to discuss further ring Mary James, Community Team Leader on 0114 2127612
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

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

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

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

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

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 © 2019 Alex Norris MP, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp