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Alex Norris MP's Weekly Newsletter

Member of Parliament for Nottingham North
9th August 2019
Issue #108

Welcome to the latest issue of my weekly newsletter.

We’re now into week two of recess. There’s been a lot of talk this week on how a No Deal Brexit can be prevented. Due to the new Prime Minister and his advisors’ desire to force Brexit by 31st October, regardless of the damage is done, this is a real possibility, and I will play my part as  the Opposition does whatever we can to stop it. I do not believe this is what was voted for 3 years ago, and the results would be catastrophic.

As I said, this week’s newsletter will be a bit of a preview of what could be in store for me after summer, dependant on what you tell me in my summer survey. More on that and a bit on developments in Kashmir below.

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.

Kashmir

Earlier this week, the Indian Government took the decision to revoke Article 370 of its Constitution. This Article provided the disputed region of Kashmir, between India and Pakistan, with a special status, which has now been withdrawn.

I am concerned that this move will increase tensions in the region, taking the people of Kashmir further from the peaceful, political settlement to the dispute that is required. Kashmir is already one of the most heavily militarised regions in the world, yet we’re now seeing additional troops and paramilitary police being sent in the tens of thousands in attempts to maintain order.

I have therefore this week written to the new Foreign Secretary to urge him to make the strongest representations to India to maintain Kashmir’s special status and end this unwelcome and unnecessary escalation.

India and Pakistan must be encouraged to work together, with our support and the support of the whole international community, to seek a peaceful political solution that will last. The Kashmiri people, who for 70 years have been locked in this cycle of violence and fear, need an end to this turmoil, and they need a solution which protects their human rights and respects their right to determine their own future.

Summer Survey

As we head into the summer Parliamentary recess, I'm looking forward to spending much more time in the constituency.

While I’m there, one thing I will be doing, is asking you to have your say.

Like I did last year, I'm therefore running a survey so that I can hear your views about some of the work I've been doing in Parliament and across the constituency as your local MP. I'd also like to hear about your political priorities for the year ahead to help inform my work in the coming weeks and months. 

Please complete the survey by visiting the link below.

www.NottmNorthSurvey.com

I look forward to reading what you have to say. Thank you!

The Issues

If you’ve already clicked the link above, and filled in the survey, then thank you and also, you’ll already know what’s in store. But if you haven’t, maybe hearing a bit about the issues the survey asks about will convince you that it is worth completing. I’ll follow this up next week, but here are a few of the things that I’m asking about:

  • Crime and Community Safety – When I’m out and about in Nottingham, knocking on doors whenever I can spare the time, something that comes up again and again is people’s safety, not least after the recent spate of knife crime. While I will of course be continuing to urge the Government to spend the money to ensure we have enough Bobbies on the beat – which the new PM has indicated he’ll do – there are also lots of other things we can do. I have my own ideas about what measures are effective, but I can’t tell you what would work for you, so please let me know what steps you think need to be taken to make Nottingham North a safer place.
  • Domestic Abuse – One thing I’ve been working on extensively since being elected to Parliament is stopping domestic abuse and protecting victims of it. Most recently this has involved analysing the Government’s draft Domestic Abuse Bill as I sat on the Committee for this. The Bill has now been introduced to Parliament, a massive step, but the work isn’t over. The next step will be working in Parliament to improve it further, and ensure we can provide the best protection possible to survivors. Please use the survey to let me know what you think needs to be done to ensure that people are protected from.
  • Safe Standing – As well as dealing with the really big issues that we try to deal with in Parliament, there is time for other things too. One of my personal priority campaigns is to introduce safe standing at football matches, which I think would be a great step for atmosphere and the fans’ experience at football matches – something that has unfortunately gone to the wayside in general recently. We’ve already had some success by getting the Government to review the law as it is, but this hasn’t been published. While I keep pressing for that, please let me know your views by filling in the survey.

Next week I’ll follow this up with Rebalancing, Modern Slavery, and International Development.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

Next week’s issue will fill you in on what I’ve been up to so far in recess, as well as continuing with more detail on the issues asked about in the summer survey!

Please do spare the time to fill in the survey, found here, if you can!

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

Fundraising for PASIC

I've recently been contacted by an NCS group, based in Hucknall, who are currently raising money and awareness for a charity called PASIC. This is a charity which deal with young children who have been diagnosed with cancer. They are partaking in a bag pack and a sponsored cycle to raise awareness and money. It would be very much appreciated if you could either donate or help raise awareness for this useful charity.

You can find the fundraising page here. Please do support them if you can.
Nottingham Mencap

I recently received the following email from John Ballard of Nottingham Mencap with some good news and a request. Please read and support them if you can, their volunteers do tremendous work supporting those with learning disabilities and autism to live as independently as possible:

Dear Alex Norris MP,

I am thrilled to inform you that Nottingham Mencap has finally found a new home! 

Working closely with Nottingham City Council, we are in the process of agreeing to a long lease on the Edwards Lane Community Centre.  We desperately need to move from Harpenden House on Edwards Lane where we have been for nearly 70 Years.  Based on City Hospital land, our current building is beyond repair and the Hospital is seeking a massive hike in ground rent.

We have been raising funds to purchase, renovate and extend the Community Centre.  Working with Richardson Hall Construction Ltd we plan to design and deliver ample, high-quality space, for our Charity and local residents.   By undertaking this venture we aim to secure the long term future of the new Centre as a vibrant hub for the local community and a place our members can proudly call their new base.

Our members are so pleased to have the chance to move such a short distance.  Furthermore, we recognise that by sharing our building with local residents we can help catalyse tangible and enduring community integration.  

You will appreciate that as a charity we understand the importance of making every penny count. Which means that we frugally balance our income from grants and allowances with our expenses, without detriment to the services we provide or cutbacks to staff.  Our fundraising methods, as outlined on our website (www.nottinghammencap.org.uk see ‘Support Our Work’) your generosity will enable us to undertake the requisite works renovating our new premises and address the more pressing issues impacting our service users.

I do hope you will support us in our ongoing adventure!

Please do not hesitate to contact us (at info@n-mencap.org or by phoning 0115 920 9524) if you require any clarification on the points raised here or have any further queries.

Kind Regards,

John Ballard
Nottingham Mencap Fundraiser
www.nottinghammencap.org.uk  

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.


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