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Welcome to the latest issue of my weekly newsletter.
Parliament has dominated the news this week, with Government corruption taking over business this week, while I’ve been busy in Committee rooms, Westminster Hall and the main Chamber. Read on to hear my thoughts on the Government’s actions and then what I’ve been up to.
As always, if you have any questions or need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me at alex.norris.mp@parliament.uk.
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For those who aren't already aware, this week the Government whipped its MPs to vote to not only let off one of their MPs, Owen Paterson, who had been found guilty by the standards committee of being paid to lobby the Government, but also scrap the independent process entirely in favour of a Government-led committee that would effectively remove any standards in public life and break up a 30-year consensus on how standards should be enforced: independently.
Firstly, Owen Paterson’s actions themselves, earning nearly three times his annual salary as an MP to benefit the two companies, demonstrate a failure to uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life. No previous case of paid advocacy has seen so many breaches or such a clear pattern of behaviour failing to separate private and public interests. Furthermore, since being found guilty of this, he has made serious, personal, and what appear to be unsubstantiated allegations against the integrity of the Commissioner and her team. There was no doubt about his guilt, the punishment he had been given initially was fair, and it is right that he has now resigned.
However, it is the Government’s actions in the wake of this that plumbs them into new depths. The amendment they made their MPs support on Wednesday would return to the worst of the 1990s and turn back the clock to the era of Neil Hamilton, cash for questions and no independent standards process. It would have allowed them to mark their own homework and get away with anything they wanted, at the public’s expense.
Imagine if that happened in any workplace across the country – someone is shown to have acted improperly – but instead of facing disciplinary action, the boss intervened and said, “don’t worry, we’ll get rid of the HR department instead.”
It surely wouldn’t happen. And if it did, we’d say it was utterly corrupt.
My colleagues and I refused to participate in this, first voting against the motion and then refusing to take part in what would have less authority than a kangaroo court. It is right that the Government abandoned the idea - yet another late U-turn in the face of overwhelming pressure - but it never should’ve happened in the first place. This was a very bad day for Parliament.
Labour are instead focusing on cleaning up politics. We’ve got a lot of plans in this area. For example, under the next Labour government, anyone who holds ministerial office would be banned for five years working for companies who want to write legislation in their own interests. The current situation is absurd and shouldn’t be allowed. You can choose to be a lawmaker or a lobbyist - you can’t be both. We would also introduce a truly independent anti-corruption and anti-cronyism commission, to ensure we never again see a situation where Tory MPs gorge their donors on billions of pounds of taxpayer money. And we would improve transparency around public spending and government contracts through a new Office of Value for Money, set up to ensure the government treats taxpayer money with the respect it deserves.
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It was similarly disappointing to see that Claudia Webbe has been convicted and now sentenced for harassment. This compounded a difficult week for Parliament and for Members of Parliament.
When she was charged she was suspended as a Labour MP, and now that she has been convicted she has been removed from the Labour party. She should now resign as an MP and give Leicester East the opportunity to choose another MP. It seems she does not plan to do this so, subject to her appeal, a Recall Petition will be initiated to give her constituents the chance to decide whether she should remain in her role.
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While this has been ongoing, I’ve mainly been busy with work related to my Shadow Health role, across a variety of Parliament’s different avenues for business. Here’s what I’ve been doing:
- On Monday morning, I started the week right, joining Bulwell Forest Bowls Club to see a Monday session, featuring bowls, curling, tennis, table tennis, the lot! Some good news: got mine in the house, bad news: wrong house. I then made my way down to Westminster, where I was in Westminster Hall, responding on behalf of the Opposition to a debate about research into endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome - two conditions affecting women that take years and years to diagnose. We all know that wouldn’t be the case if it was one condition suffered by a man, and we need to do more to fix this injustice.
- On Tuesday, the final Committee stage sessions of the Health and Care Bill took place, rounding off the long period since the end of summer where it has been my primary focus, talking to amendments including those on NHS dentistry, dental laboratories, and allergies.
- My Wednesday was a bit more (new) normal, with the latest meeting of the APPG for Usher Syndrome, a call with Maria Machancoses from Midlands Connect, a meeting with Marie Curie to discuss the next stage of the Health and Care Bill, a meeting with Unum talking about the impact of Covid on SMEs, and a discussion about my charity, Rebalancing.
- Yesterday my main focus was a Backbench Business debate on the use of cannabis-based medicinal products. I called on the Government to build on their action 3 years ago in making these products available for those who need them, and now make sure they actually get to them. I also caught up with the Labour Lords Health team, who we will be passing the Health and Care Bill to after its remaining stages.
- And today, back in Nottingham, I began the day with a visit to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Primary School, meeting and fielding questions from their Key Stage 2 classes. Always one of the best parts of my job, so I did it again, and then once more for luck, visiting Southwark primary School and then Bilborough College too. And this afternoon, I’m rounding off the week by hosting a Meet the MP event at Bulwell Hall Healthy Living Centre, to talk to local residents.
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In line with national guidance, you can now receive the Covid-19 vaccination if you are:
- Aged 12 – 15 (through the school immunisation programme)
- Aged 12-15 at higher risk of severe Covid-19 infection
- Aged 18 or over
- Aged 16 or 17 (at selected sites)
- At a higher risk from Covid-19 (clinically extremely vulnerable or clinically vulnerable)
- A carer
- A frontline health and social care worker
- A resident in a care home or long term residential facility
- Housebound
For information on how to do so, please visit this website.
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Booster vaccine doses are available on the NHS for people most at risk from COVID-19 who have already had 2 doses of a vaccine. You are eligible for a booster dose after 6 months after you had your 2nd dose.
Those eligible include:
- people aged 50 and over
- people who live and work in care homes
- frontline health and social care workers
- people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
- carers aged 16 and over
- people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
There are 3 ways the public can get a booster:
- You can wait to be contacted by the NHS (you will be contacted by letter or text) inviting you to book in for your jab. The invite will explain how you can book an appointment – either at a local GP surgery, a local community pharmacy or a larger vaccination centre.
- If you have not yet received an invitation, you can book an appointment at a pharmacy or a larger vaccination site. Appointments can be booked through the NHS website or 119 after 190 days.
- You can walk into certain sites to receive your booster without an appointment. The sites accepting walk-ins for boosters are as follows:
- King’s Mill Hospital Hub: Mansfield Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 4JL
- Mansfield Vaccination Centre: Chesterfield Road, Mansfield, NG19 7BH
- Forest Recreation Ground Vaccination Centre: Forest Recreation Ground, Gregory Blvd, Nottingham, NG7 6LB
You can book an appointment here or find a walk-in clinic here.
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Third doses for people who are immunosuppressed
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The Government has announced that people who are immunosuppressed should have a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine – this is not a booster, but a third dose to ensure that such people receive the same protection given by two doses for those with normal immune systems.
Letters are being sent from specialist teams at the hospitals to invite those eligible to receive their vaccine. People who are eligible can then walk into any of our vaccination sites with their eligibility letter to receive this third dose. These include:
- King’s Mill Hospital Vaccination Hub: Mansfield Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 4JL
- Mansfield Vaccination Centre: Chesterfield Road, Mansfield, NG19 7BH.
- Forest Recreation Ground Vaccination Site (From 21 October): Forest Recreation Ground, Gregory Blvd, Nottingham, NG7 6LB
Please use the GrabAJab website to find site opening times.
Please note, you will still need to receive a booster dose six months from the date of your third primary course dose.
If a person believes they are eligible for this third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, but have not been contacted by the specialist team from the hospital they can contact their GP or hospital consultant to discuss eligibility and provision of an appropriate letter.
You can book an appointment here.
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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 once the crisis has passed, 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
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Mental Health Services, from Health Scrutiny
Wellness In Mind
Based at the Well-being Hub on Hounds Gate. You can see them face to face (9-5 on weekdays), by phone or email. https://www.wellnessinmind.org/
Turning Point
Offers general information and 24/7 crisis support by phone. They can also make referrals in to the Crisis Team in some cases. https://www.turning-point.co.uk/services/nottingham-helpline
Crisis Services
Crisis Sanctuaries
Something we’ve long been campaigning for on Health Scrutiny is better access to in person crisis services which I’m pleased has now been set up through a partnership with four voluntary sector organisations.
They can be access face to face, by phone or by video call (I think this is Skype) and are open every evening from 6-11pm. I’m also aware that some of the organisations are working to offer the service on weekday afternoons too. https://www.turning-point.co.uk/services/mental-health/crisis-support/nottingham-crisis-sanctuaries
Crisis Service
People can now self refer to the Crisis Team (though personally I’m sceptical of how many people are actually taken on to their caseload, but the service in theory is there). Anyone currently accessing or discharged from Secondary Mental Health Services (Local Mental Health Teams or specialist services) can also access their service out of hours. City residents should contact the City and County South team. https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/crht
Voluntary Sector Organisations
Ask Lion
There is a directory available on Ask Lion that we can use or share with residents which is helpful particularly for smaller or specialist organisations. https://www.asklion.co.uk/kb5/nottingham/directory/advice.page?id=fvGQCJXp_WY
Harmless/The Tomorrow Project
I thought it was worth mentioning these organisations specifically as they’re Citywide and (in my opinion!) offer an incredible service and really do fill a huge gap in NHS services. They’re two charities run by the same people based on Sherwood Rise but open to anyone in the city. Harmless is more about long term support for self harm (including for young people), they also run some of the Crisis Sanctuaries mentioned above and The Tomorrow Project offer suicide prevention work and suicide bereavement support. https://harmless.org.uk/ http://www.tomorrowproject.org.uk/
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LIFE Scarecrow Trail
LIFE learning in a fun environment is a learning provision for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities in Nottingham.
We have recently moved locations and wanted to celebrate this with our local community, so together with our new Partners at Mellish we are putting on a scarecrow trail throughout Bulwell on Thursday 7th October 2021.
The trail will take place throughout Bulwell town centre, Bulwell Forest and Highbury Vale. Many local shops, residents, clubs and schools will be taking part and displaying their scarecrows for all to see.
You can collect a map of the trail from Dudley’s hair salon in Bulwell (14 Commercial Road, NG6 8HA) which highlights the location of all the scarecrows.
The trail will end at LIFE’s new home at Mellish Sports Centre (Kemmel Road, NG6 9FH).
From 12:30pm - there will be some stalls set up by various local businesses at Mellish Sports Centre so please come and have a look.
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Fully-funded Courses for Mental Health and Self-Harm, Suicide Awareness and Prevention
If you work to support people's mental health, or would like to know more about this rewarding career area, why not consider a funded online course (for adults 19+) from Nottingham College?
You can browse their funded online courses and see funding terms here.
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Robin Hood Youth Orchestra
To mark one year of being an 'online' orchestra, Robin Hood Youth Orchestra have created a 16-minute film marking the anniversary.
Narrated entirely by members of RHYO, it is absolutely stunning – uplifting, thoughtful and deeply moving.
The film can be watched here. Please do check it out, it's wonderfully impressive.
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Jamie - Forever12, Charity Ball
Jamie - Forever12 are hosting a charity Ball on November 20th, at Colwick Hall.
Great chance for staff night out and to support an amazing event at the same time!
Their charity support children of the East Midlands with severe or terminal illnesses.
They are a completely non profit organisation.
They set up this charity in 2019 after Jamie passed away of Ewing’s sarcoma (cancer) at just 12 years old.
They are always looking for sponsors, volunteers and donations of all kinds to help achieve this.
For more info, please contact Kerrie at:
kerrie_ann_brown@icloud.com or by phone on 07557903795.
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Futures for You
Futures for You offer a number of sessions set up focusing on CV, Interviews, Transferrable Skills, etc which can be booked onto via Eventbrite.
Additionally, they offer one to one telephone appointments offering a wide range of services and referrals to a more intense, one to one support team – Way2Work or Step into Work for those aged between 16 – 29 living within a Nottingham City postcode.
If this is something that interests you, please visit their website at: https://www.futuresforyou.com/.
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What's Up With Everyone?
Aardman has joined forces with leading researchers, led by Professor Paul Crawford of our own university of Nottingham, and mental health charities on a campaign developed to encourage young people to become more aware of the factors that may be having a negative impact on their mental wellbeing. Called ‘What’s Up With Everyone?’, the campaign sees the launch of a series of short films aimed at young people aged 17-24, and has been uniquely co-created with the young audience it sets out to support, ensuring it has an authentic voice and is genuinely representative of the challenges to mental wellbeing faced by the demographic.
The campaign was led by the Professor of Health Humanities, with research teams at The University of Nottingham, Loughborough University, the London School of Economics and Political Science; the Mental Health Foundation and mental wellbeing charity, Happy Space; and with young people’s mental health expert, Dr Dominique Thompson.
You can find more information about the campaign and the films themselves here: https://www.whatsupwitheveryone.com/.
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Going Places and Parents Matter
These initiatives are funded and run by Nottingham Trent University, are specifically for Bulwell and are another step towards getting more Bulwell children into university and high skilled careers.
This is a place to access advice and guidance on progression into high skilled careers, and higher education. You will be able to access:
- Information on courses and careers
- Academic tutoring
- A network of students and successful professionals
The Facebook page can be found here:
Here is the Facebook page for Going Places and Parents Matter:
Https://www.facebook.com/BulwellGoingPlaces
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Nottingham - For The Love Of Scrubs
Local volunteers have been doing a wonderful job sewing scrubs for our hard-working frontline workers, with over 28,000 items made so far, but now they need help to keep making more.
It costs approximately £15 per set of scrubs, so they're now raising £10,000 to be able to continue, with help from Tiger Community Enterprise CIC.
If you would like to help, you can donate here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/nottingham-for-the-love-of-scrubs, with rewards for generous donations.
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Online talks and guided tours:
We are currently commemorating 150 years since rebuilding work was completed on the Houses of Parliament, following the devastating fire of 1834 – and the Speaker of the House would like you to join in the celebrations.
As part of the 150 celebrations, the Speaker's Office will be running a series of online talks, on 6th, 13th, and 20th August, and online guided tours of the Palace of Westminster. Tour guides will take constituents on a virtual tour through the Palace of Westminster, recreating the on-site experience online. The tours will run throughout August and September.
The tickets page can be found here.
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We are an education charity supporting pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve a meaningful level of academic attainment, helping them to progress to further education, employment or training.
How can you get involved?
We are looking to engage as many volunteers as we can now to be our future tutors and ensure we can help these pupils get back to where they should be. At Action Tutoring, we already offer face-to-face tutoring in our partner schools where our volunteers commit to tutoring maths or English for just 1-1.5 hours a week, for a minimum of 8-10 weeks. However, with the social distancing rules in place, we have put face to face tutoring on hold. We will resume this as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we have another very exciting opportunity coming up. We will be able to deliver our tutoring online from September, to support disadvantaged young people to catch up and make meaningful progress, so you can get involved even if you’re not currently based in Nottingham.
You can apply straight away (for both in person and online tutoring) via our short online application form: our help will be needed more than ever to support these pupils to make up for the time they have lost.
We’re looking for volunteers to join us for the 2020-21 academic year (a weekly commitment for 8-10 weeks). More information can be found here.
We will provide you with online training to ensure that you feel confident tutoring. We are a growing charity and are constantly looking for new volunteers. Please do share the word with your team and colleagues at work. We all need to strive for change to help young lives and volunteering through Action Tutoring is the perfect opportunity to do this.
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Call for Stories: History of anti-Apartheid activisim in Nottinghamshire
The year 2020 marks 30 years since Nelson Mandela was freed from Victor Verster Prison. This was a defining moment for the liberation struggle in South Africa and its international supporters. By 1994 Mandela became the country’s first democratically elected president.
In the decades preceding Mandela's release, the British Anti-Apartheid Movement played a prominent role in the fight against Apartheid. The British AAM was headquartered in London, but it had vital networks of regional groups in the UK who co-ordinated action locally.
Studies of the British AAM have produced a rich literature and extensive archives. Many of the local groups, such as Bristol or Leeds, are well documented. Comparatively little, however, is known about the history of anti-Apartheid activism and solidarity in the Nottingham region.
This study, by the University of Nottingham, hopes to uncover and narrate that Nottingham history using archival research as well as public engagement to capture stories and reflections from Nottinghamshire people.
To find out more, or share your stories, please visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/go/anti-apartheid All stories welcome, no matter how small. Whether you were a seasoned activist, or took part in just one demo or protest, or changed your spending to boycott South African products, we'd love to hear from you.
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CARE WORKERS TO GET SHOPPING BOOST
MORE than 153,000 Yorkshire care workers providing vital help through the Coronavirus crisis will be able to cut their shopping bill following a proposal from MP John Healey.
Mr Healey had the idea to extend membership of Company Shop – which is usually open NHS, emergency services and FMCG workers – to care staff and took the proposal directly to Company Shop Group’s founder and chairman, John Marren.
The Company Shop team were pleased to work with the MP and shortly afterwards confirmed they would extend their membership from Monday (April 6) to care sector workers. The offer will be open to all care workers, from staff in residential homes to those doing home care visits.
Company Shop has seven superstores – including one at its head office in Tankersley, South Yorkshire – already providing discounts of up to 70 per cent on food and household products.
There are 153,000 care workers in Yorkshire and the Humber, with most - 115,000 – working for independent providers. One in four of those providing direct care is on a zero hours contract and sector average pay for this type of work in the independent sector is £8.33 per hour.
Company Shop Group is the UK’s largest redistributor of surplus food and household products.
It is scaling up operations during the Coronavirus crisis to give more support to key workers on the frontline and provide immediate access to food to those who need it most. It is calling for the support of the food and drink industry as it extends its reach to even more people.
Company Shop Group also supports people most in need, through its social enterprise Community Shop. Community Shop has stores in Goldthorpe and Athersley and has launched an emergency food box delivery programme to provide food for vulnerable communities.
Membership has been extended to care workers working for local authorities and private providers. They can apply for membership on the website: https://www.companyshopgroup.co.uk/
Company Shop is doing all it can to ensure members can shop safely, implementing all measure advised by the Government including social distancing and two-metre markings on the floor, screens at checkouts and a restriction on the number of shoppers in store at one time.
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D2N2 Announce Redeployment Triage Service for employees affected by Coronavirus Redundancies
Scheme matches recently redundant workers with new jobs in sectors experiencing demands for new staff.
D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is working with partners to create a triage service to help those made jobless as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, back into employment.
Whilst the Government has created the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, designed to help businesses retain their staff during the current outbreak by paying 80% of an employee’s salary, there are redundancies currently being made by businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
This is occurring whilst simultaneously large gaps in the labour market are appearing in sectors vital to the ongoing fight against Coronavirus...
Read more here.
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