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Alex Norris MP's Weekly Newsletter

Member of Parliament for Nottingham North
12th July 2019
Issue #104

Welcome to the latest issue of my weekly newsletter.

After a very busy week last week in the chambers of the House of Commons, this week has been a bit quieter. However, there was still plenty going on inside and outside the chamber - and once again I was given the opportunity to speak from the dispatch box on behalf of the Opposition.

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.

Tackling Climate Change

This week I had the honour of closing Wednesday's debate on tackling climate change, protecting the environment and securing global development on behalf of the Opposition.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our country, and indeed the world. It is vital that the UK leads the way in reducing carbon emissions and ensures that the principal of global climate justice guides everything we do.

Our country's transition towards a greener, more sustainable future should not be at the expense of the Global South. That means managing our waste properly, not exporting it to fill the seas around South East Asia with plastic. It means securing labour rights and fair supply chains, and it means reducing our own emissions rather than simply supporting carbon offsetting and carbon markets which we know can create huge problems in the Global South.

The UK Parliament was the first in the world to declare a climate and environment emergency, yet there is no evidence that the Government is taking this seriously. Figures released in April show that the UK is set to miss its own carbon budgets by an ever widening margin, and last year saw the smallest drop in carbon emissions in the last six years – just 2%. Labour is committed to tackling this issue on the scale that is needed. We are working across all policy areas to ensure each department is bringing forward plans to tackle the climate emergency.

I also used the debate as an opportunity to talk about our great city, and how Nottingham is leading the way among local authorities in tackling the climate emergency. You can read the Guardian article about how councils can deliver on bold promises to cut emissions here.

You can watch a clip from my speech here.

In Nottingham

I didn't get back to Nottingham until late on Thursday this week, but I have a full day of meetings in Nottingham today. Here's what I've been up to:
  • Last weekend saw the start of this year's Bulwell Arts Festival, which finishes today. On Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the Family Fun Day at Bulwell Academy. It was a wonderful day that represented the very best of Bulwell and I want to congratulate Nicola and the whole team for organising another fantastic festival.
  • I started my day today with a visit to the Cancer Research UK shop in Bulwell, to hear how their network of shops contribute to life-saving research. It was really lovely to meet the volunteers at the shop.
  • After that I went to meet Kim Errington from Make to Make at one of her sewing and enterprise workshops in Aspley. Kim runs a range of free sewing courses across Nottingham that help people to learn new skills and build confidence. It was fantastic to catch up with her.
  • This afternoon I travelled to Carlton to visit a group of young people taking part in the National Citizen Service, including pupils from Bulwell Academy. The NCS is a programme for 15 to 17-year-olds come together where they push themselves out of their comfort zones in the great outdoors, learn important skills for work and life, and plan and deliver a social action project to make a difference in their community.
  • Finally, I'm about to meet with Steve Lack from Public Health England to discuss the work he is doing with Rebalancing the Outer Estates Foundation.

In Parliament

Here's how I spent my time down in Parliament this week:
  • On Monday, I met with representatives from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), including their Head of Mission for Libya. MSF and other humanitarian organisations have been warning of the dangers facing around 3,000 migrants and refugees locked up in detention centres in the capital Tripoli and the surrounding areas. Just last week, an airstrike on Tajoura detention centre is reported to have killed dozens of people. It is vital that the international community does more to help those caught up in the conflict.
  • I was fortunate enough to be selected to ask another question of Ministers this week. On Tuesday I was drawn to ask a question of Justice Ministers, which I used to ask about the roll-out of body scanners at prisons. You can watch this here. I am meeting with the Prisons Minister next week to discuss issues around prisoner and staff safety at HMP Nottingham. I will of course keep you updated on the outcome of the meeting.
  • Also on Tuesday, Parliament voted to legalise same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland if the devolved government there isn't restored by 21st October. Parliament also voted for an amendment tabled by my colleague Stella Creasy which will require the Government to extend abortion access to Northern Ireland. It is only fair that people in Northern Ireland should have the same rights as people in the rest of the UK, and I was proud to support these amendments.
  • On Thursday I met with Andrew Murrison, the Government Minister who I shadow in the Department for International Development. It was useful to discuss a range of international development issues with him.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

Next week I've got a number of meetings, including a meeting of the East Midlands APPG which I co-chair and a meeting with the Prisons Minister which I mentioned earlier. I've also got some interesting meetings back in Nottingham, so I'm looking forward to catching up on lots of local issues.

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.
Nottingham Credit Union in Bulwell Riverside
 
Over the summer, Nottingham Credit Union will be operating a Pop Up Credit Union at Bulwell Riverside.
 
We will be in the Bulwell Riverside every Wednesday from 10th July.
 
We know that many people in Bulwell have very little savings and often revert to High Cost Lenders when faced with an unexpected bill– hopefully by having a presence at the Riverside we will be able to speak with Bulwell residents about how the Credit Union can help with Simple Savings and Affordable Loans.
 
For more information please contact Jason Eaves Tel 0115 828 3120 Email Jasoneaves@nottinghamcu.co.uk
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.


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