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Chris Heaton-Harris MP's
Westminster Report

A great deal has happened over the past few weeks. The NHS has offered everyone over 18 a coronavirus vaccine, the Prime Minister has lifted most restrictions on social contact, and the England football team did us all proud by reaching the final of the Euros!

As the Commons rises for summer, I wanted to update you on some of the work I have been doing as your Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Transport.

Of course, my team and I will continue to be on hand to answer any questions or concerns, so please do not hesitate to contact me at: chris.heatonharris.mp@parliament.uk
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

You will no doubt be aware that most restrictions on social contact were lifted on Monday. The emphasis of the national response to coronavirus has now shifted from rules and regulation towards expecting people to protect themselves, and others, through informed choice.

I appreciate that this may be a worrying time for some. There will never be a perfect time to take this step; however, although cases are rising, our vaccines are working by weakening the link between cases, hospitalisations, and deaths.

Furthermore, moving forward now, when we are supported by the arrival of summer and the school holidays, gives us the best possible chance of a return to normal life.

Of course, we must all remember the sensible precautions we can take to keep us all safe. That means staying at home when asked to self-isolate, seriously considering the guidance that has been set out, and getting both doses of the vaccine when offered.

I am assured that all data will continue to be kept under review as we progress and that contingency measures will be retained to manage periods of higher risk.
VISIT TO PROLOGIS LOGISTICS PARK

I had a very successful visit to the Prologis RFI logistics park at the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, one of the most successful intermodal logistics parks in the UK situated just off the M1.

I was able to tour around Prologis’ new centre for logistics training and education, plus a new state of the art intermodal rail freight terminal, both opening later this year.

As Rail Minister, I was extremely impressed by the 850m four track railway that has been installed to extend the rail freight terminal into DIRFT III. It will provide a significant boost to the UK’s rail freight network, offering businesses the opportunity to create stronger, more sufficient, and sustainable supply chains.

It is also very exciting news for Daventry. This project will give a welcome boost to the local economy with the creation of thousands of jobs, and I am hopeful it will attract even more business into the area in the future!

 
NASEBY VILLAGE FAYRE

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Naseby Village Fayre.

It was a fantastic day out with food stalls, classic cars, a live band, and even a dog show with a category for the best three-legged dog! While I do not own a four (or three)-legged friend, I was able to get involved by judging the ‘keepy uppy’ competition.

The organisers put on a brilliant community event and I hope to attend many more fayres and fetes in the near future.

 
BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET VISIT

I made a visit to Birmingham New Street Station last week, where I met with Network Rail and Shelter to hear about the work they’re doing to end rough sleeping on and around our railways.

Shelter has been training Network Rail’s staff to connect with the vulnerable people they encounter at BHMNS and other stations, so they can be offered help, advice, and the security of a safe place to sleep. Since it began last year, this brilliant pilot scheme has supported over 150 people.

I’m exceptionally proud to have launched the Rough Sleeping on Rail Forum, which will help unite the rail industry to tackle this issue, and bring the Government a step closer to our goal of eradicating rough sleeping in the UK by 2024. You can read more about the Forum at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rail-minister-launches-forum-to-help-rough-sleepers

 
FIRST OF A KIND COMPETITION
 
This month, the Department for Transport announced the winners of the First of a Kind (FOAK) competition, inviting innovative ways to make railways cleaner, greener and more passenger-friendly.

We have a fantastic selection of winning projects, from a scheme that aims to deliver a train running on hydrogen, promising low emissions and a greener railway, to a revolutionary app that uses geo-location to immerse travellers in the history and stories of places they travel through. I might actually look forward to my commute now!

This competition has been a fantastic way to encourage small companies with bright ideas to play their part in improving rail. We have funded 30 ground-breaking projects so far, with a share of £9 million, and it am excited to witness their long-lasting impact.
ADJOURNMENT DEBATE
 
I was asked to give an adjournment debate speech about railway accessibility on the 7th of July – which, as you may remember, was shortly before a certain rather significant footballing fixture.

Being a fan of the game, I decided it would be apt to make a few references to our brilliant England squad whilst discussing this important topic. You can watch the full speech below, and I hope you’ll agree it was a Sterling effort…


Adjournment Debate- Disability Access to Rail - YouTube 
CHRIS' JOKE OF THE MONTH
 

Why couldn’t the athlete listen to music?

 Because she broke the record!

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Chris Heaton-Harris MP · House of Commons · London, SW1A 0AA · United Kingdom

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