With Parliament in recess, I have been out across North West Norfolk over the last month meeting constituents, local firms, charities, and other groups. Not having to be in Parliament also means a greater opportunity to support local events and causes including the fascinating RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre.
A major milestone was being on site for the start of construction of the new multi-storey car park at QEH. When complete next October, this will allow the new hospital to be built on existing car park. I am pleased it will be built using British steel by largely local construction firms. Anyone going past will see the progress.
I also met the QEH leadership to continue to push for better care for patients. Recent Care Quality Commission and other reports highlighted serious issues with the surgical care and the decision to suspend medical student places highlighted further concerns. That’s why I raised those matters urgently and I will continue to challenge and support QEH to provide better patient care.
One of biggest issues locally that has been consistently raised with me is the poor train service. When I met Great Northern and GBR Anglia, both companies apologised and clearly the hot weather has caused challenges. But it is vital steps being taking to improve reliability are effective. That’s what matters to passengers and they are not yet good enough. I will keep pressing until people get the reliable service they deserve.
The warm weather has been an ideal time to knock on doors and talk to people about local and national issues. I’ve also held public surgery meetings across the constituency and individual constituent meetings. As well as traffic, planning, mobile coverage, bus links, crime and other matters, people shared concerns about higher bills they are facing. A clear message has been that they want the government to get a grip on ballooning welfare spending.
A particular concern for communities is the proliferation of energy infrastructure proposed locally. Pylons, substations, battery storage in the Walpoles. A huge industrial solar power station near Castle Acre. A major onshore wind farm from Lynn to Downham. This month I’ve spoken at Walpole and West Walton parish councils and at a public meeting in Castle Acre which filled the village hall. I’ll continue raising concerns over the cumulative impact of these plans.
Visiting local businesses is something I prioritise as they create jobs and growth in the economy. There’s no doubt things are tough and margins are under pressure from higher taxes and regulatory costs. However, there are also encouraging signs and I heard about Palm Paper’s exciting plans for investing to ensure the long-term future of their site. I also met local printing, care, transport and retail businesses.
With Parliament returning next week, this will be the first opportunity to scrutinise the new Prime Minister and his plans. He has pledged to stop Labour’s plans for the early release of the killers of PC Harper – as yet no proposals have been published. The Budget in October will also be a key moment but the new Prime Minister has talked only about more spending, not living within our means.
When the weather has been so glorious there’s no better place to be than Norfolk and it has been good to also have the chance for some kayaking and swimming at Burnham Overy as well as popping into Rainbow Park and supporting local hospitality firms.
As ever, please get in touch if you think I can help with an issue or would like me to visit your charity, group, or businesses.
