Many of you have kindly been in touch to offer support after the death of Jo Cox MP.
Jo was newly elected and was a kind and genuine person. From time to time most MPs are threatened. This is mainly by people suffering from mental illness and not angry voters! But at the end of the day politics is about people. Politicians who don’t like people have no business being in politics. I enjoy my constituency and the company of the people I serve. Rest assured that won’t change and I will always be around to meet you or see what help I can offer.
It has been another very busy month both in Westminster and the constituency. I have been continuing to travel around the constituency visiting businesses to assist in any way I can. Recently I met with a local business, GB Energy, to discuss the impact of energy competition and I am continuing to work with them to ensure that smaller firms can compete fairly in order to supply the cheapest prices possible to consumers.
If you are a regular reader of this column you will know how keen I am that the Government and all concerned work with local communities in order to minimise the impact of flooding in the future. I have recently met with local people who have lived in the area for many years and have witnessed flooding many times. It was very interesting to hear their views and it is important that these views are passed on to the relevant bodies. I am continuing to meet with all agencies to press home the need for action on this important issue.
As well as being busy within the constituency I have also been working hard in London, meeting with business groups and charities amongst others. One such meeting was with representatives from BAE Systems. With over 6,000 constituents employed by BAE, I regularly hold meetings and discussions with representatives to ensure jobs in our area.
We are very lucky to have so many outstanding schools in our area and I know how concerning funding is. I have been raising the case of funding for Lancashire Schools and have arranged a meeting with Lancashire MPs and the Schools Minister to fight for the best outcome for Lancashire Schools.
I am sure many of you know that Lancashire County Council has made a number of recommendations to reduce services which includes libraries. I have been contacted by a large number of constituents and I share concerns about these proposals. The current recommendation for Wyre is to close Thornton Library but maintain Poulton and Garstang Libraries. I also note that just outside the constituency the recommendation is to maintain Knott End Library. I am making representations to support the retention of all libraries. I believe that this is possible and indeed was proposed by the Conservative Group at Lancashire County Council. This proposal was unfortunately defeated.
Please remember these are recommendations and your input is very important. I would encourage you to take part in the consultation which runs until Sunday 14th August. Hard copies of the consultation can be completed at a local library. Alternatively you can submit your views online on the following website: www.snapsurveys.com/wh/SURVEY_PREVIEW.asp?k=146339536029
If I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can email me at [email protected] or write to me at: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. I also hold regular surgeries. If you would like to book an appointment please send me an email or call my Office at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5804. I can also be contacted at my Constituency Office on (01995) 672976.