Worthing West to Westminster

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Welcome to news and updates of Parliament and the constituency.

In April, amidst rain and sun, we welcomed the blossoming of flowers and trees. We recognise that miserable weather leads to an abundance of growth. Compare this with work to care for the community and important causes around us - sometimes hard work can be difficult and unenjoyable but the results are what we look forward to.

We care for people, we care for animals and birds and for our environment locally, nationally and around the world. I observe the need for good cause campaigning and I give my support to those who care as volunteers and as professionals. Speaking with residents on their doorsteps in the lead-up to the local election reminds us of what matters most to local residents. The quality of our roads and the provision of council services matters as much as protecting our green spaces and caring for our natural environment.

April also brought an abundance of religious and cultural celebrations. Meetings with our local church leaders, our Imam and our Rabbi alongside leaders and teachers of other faiths and cultures, reinforce to us the importance of inclusion and diversity.

In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in violence and anti-social behaviour locally. Victims ask for change for the better. In addition to greater information about offenders, there is need for earlier, effective intervention.

Aid is needed to reduce the injustice suffered by victims. Police and youth justice workers would much prefer to cut offending and to reduce the length of time that offending happens. Most importantly, we must work together to prevent, cure and care. As in most fields, we must listen to those who suffer and do what is possible to prevent any further suffering.

I continue to work with perseverance and dedication to the people of Worthing and Arun in Parliament as well as in Worthing West. National interests combine with local concerns.

Recent Worthing Herald and Littlehampton Gazette articles can be viewed here. Themes have included 'net-zero' campaigns, the ongoing violent situation in Ukraine and the work of party leaders.

This email comes with updates about some campaigns and recent activities in Arun, Worthing and Westminster, directly from me to each interested and valued member of our community.

The challenges may change. The opportunities to help and to be engaged with worthwhile causes will continue.

Updates from Arun and Worthing

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour in Worthing

I went on a walkabout with our local police team to discuss recent anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in central Worthing and the concerns of local residents. We can welcome the news that Sussex will be one of 16 areas in England and Wales to trial the 'Immediate Justice' programme as part of the Government's new action to tackle anti-social behaviour. Wherever you live, you have the right to feel safe and proud of your community. Thank you to the Sussex Police team for taking the time to discuss local anti-social behaviour and the concerns of Worthing residents.

Local Elections in Worthing and Arun

Over the last month, I have been out with local Councillors and candidates discussing the priorities of local residents going into the local election happening today, on the 4th of May. Candidates include local business owners and community campaigners who have been at the heart of their local communities for decades. Those elected will be stalwart councillors and represent what is good about our community. They will all be dedicated to the quiet, undramatic provision of local services. A form of ID is now required when voting in person at polling stations.

Angmering Tennis Club's Refurbished Clubhouse

I was grateful for the invitation to be present at the re-opening of newly refurbished facilities at Angmering-on-Sea Lawn Tennis Club. During the past two years, the club has undergone significant refurbishment through a particularly challenging time. The community in East Preston, surrounding the impressive tennis club, can be proud to be home to such a good modern facility with a thriving junior competitive membership, an active and significant healthy Senior Citizen membership and strong social-playing adult members. I share in congratulating the team behind the refurbishment.

The Winning Coronation Card Design

I was pleased to reveal the winning design of my Coronation Card Competition. The winning design is by Ethan, aged 9, a pupil at West Park CofE Primary School. The design encompasses the feelings many share in reflecting on Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II's legacy, and the King's promise for the commonwealth of nations. Ethan's design was made into a card delivered by me to the King on behalf of everyone across Worthing West, sharing our very best wishes to the King and Queen and thanking them for their service to our nation and to the Commonwealth.

Updates from Westminster

Improving Accessibility in Air Travel

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has launched a consultation asking for views on a proposed framework aiming to improve passenger accessibility on airlines. The framework would rank the performance of airlines based on their service for disabled and less mobile passengers at every stage of their journey: from booking flight tickets and assistance at the airport through to their onboard experience and complaints handling. The consultation is running until 21 July. I encourage constituents with views and experiences to contribute to the consultation.

UPDATE: Contaminated Blood Compensation

The Infected Blood Inquiry published its second interim report on 5 April 2023. This report included the inquiry’s recommendations for compensation and redress for people infected and affected by contaminated blood and blood products. The key recommendation in the interim report is that a compensation scheme should be set up now and begin work this year. Too much time has passed, too many innocent lives have been lost. The Government must act with necessary speed to deliver justice for the individuals and families affected by this failure of the British State.

Blossom Watch in Parliament and West Sussex

Spring blossom is one of nature’s greatest spectacles. I am pleased to be supporting the National Trust's #BlossomWatch campaign. As part of their campaign to bring blossom back to landscapes, the National Trust has committed to planting over 4 million blossoming trees and traditional orchards. Two years ago, I was pleased to secure beautiful flowering cherry blossom trees for Worthing and Arun as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, marking 150 years of Japan-UK friendship. I encourage all to get out and enjoy the beautiful spring blossom.

Donating Blood Saves Lives

In April, I was pleased to donate blood once more. The process was easy and comfortable, as always, with an accommodating and friendly team on hand to help. I suspect I am getting closer to 100 donations on this registration. It is something I look forward to - a date in the calendar one year to be an anonymous hero. There is a special need for BAME, black and minority ethnic, people to volunteer. Please consider it. I encourage all who are eligible to sign up today. Donate today; save a life tomorrow. For more information on how and where you can donate blood, visit here.

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 here.

Constituents are able to arrange free guided tours of the Palace of Westminster through my office. Should an individual or a group be interested in taking up this opportunity, please get in touch with Sally Myers in my office - her contact details are linked 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.

My team and I wish you all the very best of health and happiness,

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