This week we have taken another step back to normality, as we move to step three of the lockdown roadmap.
With the number of jabs administered increasing daily, and hospitalisations at their lowest point since last July, we can be optimistic that the end is in sight for the coronavirus restrictions.
However, my main reason for contacting today is to provide an update on events in local and national politics in recent weeks, and to let you know about some of the work I have been doing as your Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Transport.
As always, if you ever require any assistance with anything, please do not hesitate to contact me: chris.heatonharris.mp@parliament.uk
LOCAL ELECTIONS
It was a pleasure to join a number of fantastic Conservative candidates out on the campaign trail over the last few weeks, to speak to constituents in the run-up to the local elections.
We had fantastic results locally for the Daventry Conservatives and I am absolutely thrilled that Conservative candidates have been elected into 21 out of the 24 County Councillor seats, and the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner seat as well. Congratulations to each one of you!
A huge thank you to and to all the candidates that campaigned to represent our wonderful area, and to everybody who voted and put trust in the Conservatives to deliver on our priorities, which will ensure that Daventry continues to be such a great place to live and work.
QUEEN'S SPEECH
Last Tuesday, the State Opening of Parliament took place, marking the formal start of the parliamentary session.
This year was a scaled back affair, with far fewer people in attendance to comply with the coronavirus restrictions. Unchanged, however, was that the Queen gave a speech from the throne, outlining the Government’s priorities for the year ahead.
The key focus is supporting the nation’s recovery. Now more than ever the NHS must be supported – tackling backlogs and improving patient care is at the heart of that.
But new laws will also be passed to deliver on the promises we made to the British people in our manifesto by:
Supporting jobs, businesses and our economy;
Creating safer streets and neighbourhoods;
And achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, for a cleaner, greener UK.
I am confident that in the year ahead the Government will not only begin to address the legacies of the pandemic, but will go further to unite and level up the country, as we build back better.
KILSBY LAYBY
My office has heard from a number of constituents about the condition of the A5 layby north of Kilsby, which is being polluted by extensive fly tipping, the disposal of urine bottles and food litter by passing truck drivers.
On May 7th, I visited Kilsby to look at the layby and speak to residents. I was appalled that despite recent clean-up efforts by Norse and the fabulous Northampton Wombles, there was still a noticeable amount of rubbish, creating an eye-sore in this beautiful part of Northamptonshire, and a health-hazard for local wildlife.
Littering is a significant national issue, and I am proud that the Government is committed to cleaning up the UK. But this is a specific and very well identified problem that demands immediate action.
I have spoken to relevant parties to help ensure that this layby is no longer used as a littering site.
OCTOPUS ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
I have been so impressed by the fantastic entrepreneurs in my constituency, who have made the most of lockdown by starting or growing their business, innovating to survive the challenges, and supporting their staff and local community.
It is always a pleasure to recognise businesses for their contribution for the local community, and so I am pleased to announce that Green Acres Farm has won the Octopus Entrepreneur Award.
Despite being forced to close their café and educational workshops for young people, they took it upon themselves to help the elderly and struggling families through the delivery of food parcels.
Green Acres Farm have also given local people a sense of purpose through the opportunity to get involved and give back to the community, learning invaluable skills along the way.
I am really proud of the work they have done, and look forward to hopefully visiting when I can!
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
I have also had a busy few months in my ministerial role.
Following the Union Connectivity Review published in March, the government have committed £20 million towards improved rail connectivity between the north coast of Wales and England, faster rail links from England to Scotland, and rail improvements in south-east Wales. This is on top of a £794 million investment package to reopen vital rail links in the Government’s bid to reconnect communities and stimulate economic growth.
As part of the Department’s overall commitment to decarbonising rail, we launched the 2021 First of a Kind (FOAK) competition, offering shares of a £9 million prize to cutting-edge, green rail ideas of the future.
In the past, this competition has welcomed sound-bending walls to cut noise pollution, hydrogen trains, and hydrogen-based steam turbines to drive zero-emission, low-noise rail freight, and I look forward to the innovative ideas that may arise from this years entries.
Finally, I have overseen a £2 billion investment in cycling and walking, the biggest increase in dedicated funding that this country has ever seen. I anticipate the publishing of the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy later this year, which will detail further ambitions to increase active travel.
Transport Questions - my most recent appearence in the Commons.
CHRIS' JOKE OF THE MONTH
What do you say to the man who discovered the vacuum?
Please Note: Due to the number of constituents this email is sent to, responses directly to this email will have their contents noted. For specific casework queries, please use my Parliamentary email address, as listed above.
