My New Year Reflection - From Worthing West to Westminster

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This message reviews the past year.

The year has been eventful in Westminster and in Worthing West.

There have been positive results in local and national campaigns. We can look forward to objectives for the coming year. There have also been challenges and difficulties for many.

In early summer, a journalist wrote about Prime Minister Boris Johnson eyeing two more terms. Within weeks, he had departed Downing Street following a quick succession of ministers leaving his government.

A leadership contest was fought over the Summer recess. My choices usually do not triumph. I supported Jeremy Hunt, then Tom Tugendhat, before Penny Mordaunt and then Rishi Sunak. The majority of those voting made the choice of Liz Truss.

The ‘fiscal event’, the budget that could not be given that name had a disastrous reception at home and abroad. The Prime Minister rightly took responsibility for the results, stepping down after 44 days.

A quick selection took place: Rishi Sunak was the candidate with the greatest support across the Parliamentary party. Stability was the crucial element that was needed in our new Prime Minister and Chancellor to meet the difficult challenges the nation faces both domestically and internationally.

Next year, as last year, we continue the battle to safeguard our natural environment.

Let us build new homes only where they are consistent with adequate public services, provision of utilities and without inappropriate destruction to the vital green spaces between our towns and villages.

Work has continued to bring justice to leasehold owners, to those imprisoned by the effects of the cladding scandal and to those who were frozen out of support in park homes.

I fight on for overseas pensioners and for victims of the contaminated blood scandal. Progress is welcome, and more needs to be done.

In twelve months, we have seen continued achievements by our schools and colleges. When OFSTED raises a facilities’ assessment to Good and Outstanding, it reflects sound leadership and diligently committed teamwork from all. There has been some success from all involved to prevent the over-saturation of school places across the local area by the addition of a wholly unnecessary new ‘Bluebells’ primary school.

Since February, I have often worn a tie for Ukraine: it is blue for the sky above gold or sharp yellow for the grain. Local communities across the UK and across the globe have rallied behind the people of Ukraine.

A year ago, how could we anticipate the destruction and destitution that would be brought upon the innocent people of Ukraine at the hands of Russia’s President Putin.

Our leaders have been clear in their support for the free people of Ukraine. I believe our leaders will continue to stand firm, together. The force of argument should matter more than the argument of force.

Throughout the year, I enjoy being with people in their communities and learning about the work of charitable groups. Residents and amenity groups are among those I most admire.

We work together in support of the vulnerable and the bereaved at the most difficult moments of their lives, as well as caring for the communities and individuals overlooked by others.

Sadly, our beloved Queen was lost this year to end her reign as the longest-ever serving Queen. We can give continuing life to her values and virtues of kindness, aspiration, perseverance and pride. We can cherish her memory.

King Charles was welcomed by MPs to Parliament and it is clear the lessons learned from shadowing the Queen over all these years will result in a similar commitment to service for us all.

We are one community, together.

We can help to resolve issues when possible and we can empower those who seek to improve the quality of our lives and our communities.

Let us share together the greatest of hopes for a better New Year.

God save the King.

With best wishes to your family, friends and neighbours,

Highlights from the Past 12 Months:
Arun, Worthing and West Sussex

January: The Fight to Protect Goring Gap

The fight to protect Chatsmore Farm began in January when the developer's lodged an appeal against Adur & Worthing Councils' refusal of planning permission for hundreds of houses on the green fields by Goring-by-Sea Station. To help the Inspector understand, I shared the aerial view showing the fields that define the village of Ferring, separating it from Goring-by-Sea and from East Preston and Kingston. I explained that there was little sustained objection to other developments in worthing that had been proposed sympathetically. There had been total opposition to the plans here.

February: Groundbreaking the Integrated Care Centre

I joined local Councillors and representatives of each of the healthcare partners at the groundbreaking ceremony of Worthing's landmark £34 million healthcare centre in the heart of our town. The centre will be a state-of-the-art one-stop-shop for residents seeking help with a range of care issues including ample space for doctors, mental health specialists, outpatients and a pharmacy. Over subsequent months, we have seen the building grow from the ground up. We all share in a desire for a good place to live, a good place to work and for excellent healthcare facilities.

March: Meeting with Worthing Jobcentre

I was pleased to meet with the highly-capable team at the Worthing Jobcentre on Montague Street. Each day presents different people in need of guidance and support. Recent success stories are inspiring. The team are professional and highly knowledgeable. They care about the short-term and long-term results of their work. Some of the team have been in place for many years. With supportive colleagues and the knowledge that their work is changing lives, it is easy to understand why many in the team remain in place for some time, benefiting those using the service.

April: Worthing FC Top of the League

In April, Worthing FC won their match against Bowers & Pitsea, launching them to the top as champions of the Isthmian League and securing promotion to the National League South. This well-deserved promotion for the club was three years in the making. Two years ago, I supported the club in contesting the decision to suspend the league due to Covid. In the following year came the same disappointing decision. In both years, the club was at the top of the league and should have been promoted. Well done Mackerels, we share in pride for what you have achieved.

May: Fair Duties for Local Distillers

I was glad to help lead a virtual roundtable alongside other Parliamentarians with distillers from across the nation. It was rewarding to hear first-hand the brilliant work they do for the UK economy, particularly coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Distilleries, such as Slake Spirits in my constituency, are championing the UK Spirits Alliance campaign. This campaign seeks to ensure the Government implements a fair duty regime for UK wine and spirits producers, following the closure of the Treasury’s consultation into the Alcohol Duty Review on 30th January 2022.

June: Rampion Windfarm In Action

I was pleased to join Tim Loughton MP to see the Rampion wind turbines in action. It was a calm day but the turbines were still going around, generating enough green electricity to power the equivalent of around 350,000 UK homes - equal to almost half of the homes in Sussex. We can join in welcoming increased production of renewable energy. It is crucial that we work together to ensure that future developments take into account the concerns and views of communities and residents. We must ensure developments are appropriate as we transition toward a zero-carbon economy.

July: Local Illegal Traveller Incursions

The situation with the travellers’ invasion locally escalated over the summer. Every green recreation space is either defended or has been occupied. Residents rightly want fast and effective action to avoid disruption. The ongoing inability of current laws to address repeated incisions is unacceptable. When the intensity and scale of occupations and public property destruction grows, the responses must also change. I put these points to the Home Secretary as well as organising an open meeting for residents to share their concerns directly with the Police and Crime Commissioner.

August: Concern for Bathing Water Quality

It is vital that we protect the quality of our bathing waters. Sewage entering our rivers and beaches is wrong. When we heard reports of storm overflow during the summer, we expected Southern Water to do better. I was in close contact with Southern Water and the Environment Agency to share concerns. I joined with other MPs from across Sussex, calling for an urgent meeting with both organisations to press for improvements that would minimise future risks of pollution. It is essential that we monitor discharges to increase our understanding of the scale of the issue.

September: Pedestrian Safety in Rustington

I was in close contact with Rustington Residents Association regarding their ongoing campaign for a pedestrian crossing on Station Road outside of Rustington Hall. It is clear that walkers, from the very old to the young children going to and from school, will benefit by having a pedestrian crossing where they have priority. Everyone should be able to cross the road with confidence. Elderly people living at Rustington Hall, local churchgoers, and patients at the GP Surgery will benefit greatly from the protection of a pedestrian crossing. We must not wait until there is a fatal collision.

October: Meeting the Coastal Office Team

It was highly rewarding to meet with the team at the coastal office on the promenade to hear about their work to protect water users and to restore local habitats. Without Robert Dove and his excellent team, beach users would only be able to rely on the blue light services which we know are reactive rather than proactive. It is reassuring to hear about the positive impacts already being seen thanks to restorative interventions such as the trawling ban and kelp forest designation – increased fish populations, as well as greater bird flock sizes and murmurations, spotted locally.

November: Remembrance in Worthing and Arun

I was proud to be with those laying wreaths outside of Worthing Town Hall. Children, parents and grandparents gathered as a community to share a moment of silence in remembrance of all who have served in conflicts across the world. On Remembrance Sunday, I attended services and laid wreaths at the Kingston Gorse and the East Preston war memorials. We recall that the purposes of politics include the responsibility to reduce conflict and to prevent civil war in nations across the world. Peace should not have to be the result of bloodshed. Democracy matters.

December: Christmas with Care for Veterans

I thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas Fair at Care for Veterans ’ Giffard House in early December. So many came together to contribute in support of such an important cause. Andy Neaves, Chief Executive, did not give instructions during the day; he was instead behind the bar, confident in the good work of all of his caring team and aware that in serving drinks he would meet everyone. The Home is famous for its care, meeting the needs of the whole – physical, medical, social and emotional. Life continues to have meaning for the residents and their families thanks to the caring staff.

Highlights from the Past 12 Months:
Parliament and Westminster

January: Early Years Education in Focus

Throughout January, my team and I heard from parents and early years education providers about the concerns and priorities we share. At the end of January, I chaired a special meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Childcare and Early Education focusing on the important role early years professionals have in the growth and development of our next generation. I met with Ministers to share local concerns about funding levels, recruitment, regulatory pressures as well as inadequate support to address the impact of Covid-19 and discuss ways to provide better support.

February: Fighting for NHS Dentists

In February, my team and I paid special attention to the growing crisis caused by a lack of access to NHS Dentists. I am grateful to our local Dentists and practices. They are aware of the issues and already work hard and intensively to do what they can. For many, it is almost impossible. I wrote to each local Dentist to listen to their concerns. Many responded with concerns about contractual limits, burdonsome admin and recruitment. During a Westminster Hall Debate, I urged the Government to bring everyone together with the necessary urgent approach toward a full resolution.

March: Calls to Keep the Covid-19 Memorial

I joined bereaved families at the UK Covid Memorial, honouring the 186,094 people who have died of Covid-19. Many will share the view that this moving monument of remembrance for victims of the pandemic should remain. Alongside campaigners, we delivered a petition of over 100,000 signatures to Downing Street calling for the monument to be made permanent. I also met with Donna Broderick, a Worthing resident, who was in Westminster to remember her husband who tragically lost his life to Covid-19. We celebrate his life and recognise that he lives on through her.

April: Opposition to Channel 4 Sell-Off

Channel 4 and its viewers have my support. Plans to sell off the station were bad for the diversity of television, bad for viewers and bad for independent producers. Channel 4 was launched in 1982, in my early years as an MP. It was designed and committed to being different. Its approved remit has been to include programmes for minority interests and groups. My underlying question remained: why change the successful arrangements unless something substantially better is guaranteed? The Government rightly found opposition across both sides of the house.

May: The Queen's Speech

In May, His Royal Highness Prince Charles delivered the Queen's Speech setting out the Government's agenda for the next Parliamentary session. As Father of the House, I had the privilege of speaking first after the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition and SNP. I shared concern about the lack of progress in tackling severe issues facing park home residents and leaseholders across the country. I encouraged the Government to do what is necessary as quickly as possible. There are simple solutions that will have dramatic effects the millions of people across the country.

June: Passport Wait Chaos

I continued pressuring the Government to solve the dire situation with severely delayed applications at the Passport Office and DVLA. Most recently, I submitted an Early Day Motion calling on Parliament to condemn the severe delays with Her Majesty's Passport Office processing passport applications. My team and I listened to tears and complete utter panic from many families who reasonably booked trips ahead of time, often 12 weeks after applying for a passport, having read the website's estimated wait of 6 weeks. The situation has been beneath contempt.

July: Remembering the Srebrenica Massacre

I signed the Book of Remembrance, recognising 27 years since the tragedy of the Srebrenica Massacre. Tens of thousands of Muslim Bosniak women and children were displaced and abused; six to seven thousand men and boys were massacred. We remember them. We must continue to work together to reduce the risks of hatred leading to inhuman actions by bad leaders and compliant followers. Remembering and commemorating these horrific events reminds us that such atrocities have no place in our society. Instead, we must endeavour to learn, live, and love.

August: "Boulder" Action to Tackle Trawlers

It was my pleasure to support Greenpeace in taking real action to protect our seas from destructive trawlers. The South West Deeps (East), like the Marine Conservation Zone in Sussex Bay off the coast of Worthing and Arun, is a designated Marine Conservation Zone, protecting rare species and habitats from excessive human activities like fishing. There is an industrial fishing frenzy in UK waters, harming and destroying valuable marine environments. The boulders, some named, dropped by Greenpeace will deter destructive bottom trawling. Wrecking these environments must stop.

September: Remembering Her Majesty The Queen

Constituents may have seen my brief and succinct recording of their love, respect and gratitude to her late Majesty, The Queen, as senior members of the house paid their respects following her passing away in September. MPs will know how much she has been appreciated, respected and loved. Let us do our best to follow her lead and continue to bring people together in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth she devotedly served for seventy years. We can proudly give continuing life to her values and virtues of kindness, aspiration and perseverance.

October: Welcoming Ukrainians to Westminster

I was pleased to welcome a group of Ukrainian women from Worthing to tour the Palace of Westminster. The scenes we have seen in recent weeks in their homeland, matched by those of the past seven months, are harrowing to all. Seeing the Palace of Westminster, they will have been reminded that democracy and freedom prevail. I could not easily find the words to ask them to say to their fighting family members back in Ukraine how we respect them and their dedication and their selflessness in confronting the bloody aggression by Russia's Vladimir Putin.

November: Fairness for Overseas Pensioners

I spoke on GB News about the complete scandal that are the frozen pensions of thousands of British pensioners living in Commonwealth countries across the world. These British pensioners live in countries without reciprocal pension agreements. Their state pensions are frozen at the rate when they left the United Kingdom and so fall in real value year on year. To go on doing nothing is an insult to these thousands of British pensioners who have worked hard for what they rightfully deserve. Inside and outside of Parliament, the campaign to bring fairness to overseas pensioners continues.

December: Contaminated Blood Inquiry

For several years, we have been vocal in calling for the Government to grant an inquiry into the scandal and to bring justice to the sufferers and the families and loved ones of those who sadly passed away. During the debate I sponsored in Westminster Hall, I was discussed my personal connection with the contaminated blood scandal. It has been over 32 years since I first started working with the Haemophilia Society to try to get proper recognition of the effect of the contaminated blood scandal. The Government is beginning to respond in the right way, more must be done and fast.

Ongoing Updates from Westminster:

The Invasion of Ukraine

It is abundantly clear that this is a conflict not like any other in recent history. Ukrainians wish only to defend their freedom. The tragic loss of life and suffering in Ukraine at the hands of the Russian state invasion remains difficult to comprehend. This year, we have seen images of loved ones reunited and new friendships strengthened as Ukrainians arrived. We continue to see the charity and generosity of Worthing and Arun communities in fundraising and caring for those seeking refuge from the violence in Ukraine. Khay zhyve vilʹna Ukrayina – may she live a free Ukraine.

Campaigning for Park Home Residents

The lack of support to Park Home residents has been an ongoing concern. In recent weeks, I joined a mass gathering of demonstrators in demanding an end to 10% sales fees. We converged on 10 Downing Street to deliver a blunt message demanding reform of this massively scandal-hit sector of the retirement housing market. The greatest scandal is the 10% exit fee on sale taken by the site owners. Some years ago, we campaigned vigorously for the exit fees in retirement housing to be dropped by the Office of Fair Trading. A 10% fee on Park Homes is a scandal. Cut pitch fees too.

Justice for Leasehold Campaign

Many will know of my longstanding work with fellow colleagues and campaign groups to bring justice to leaseholders across the country. There has been progress this year. Thousands who paid doubled annual payments will receive refunds and growing numbers of developers will remove costly terms from leasehold contracts that would cause ground rents to double every decade. Constructive dialogue remains essential to solving this urgent issue. The most pressing concern remains the need to find, fund and fix the problems so that thousands of households can be free once more.

Should you or anyone you know need urgent assistance with any issue you are facing, my team and I continue to be available to help. If you wish to get in contact, details for my team and me are available here.

Do invite any friends and family members who might wish to receive these monthly updates to join my mailing list via: http://eepurl.com/gtt3pb

An archive of my previous newsletters can be accessed here.

There is much to look forward to in the New Year and a great amount of work to continue with.

With warmest wishes,

Sir Peter Bottomley MP
Member of Parliament for Worthing West

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Sir Peter Bottomley MP · House of Commons · London, SW1A 0AA · United Kingdom