Welcome to the latest news and updates from Huw Merriman MP
I am currently on crutches, having ruptured my Achilles tendon playing football with the Parliament team. I have another 3 months to go and this has given me the opportunity to experience first-hand our remarkable NHS and its staff but to also recognise how difficult it is to get around with reduced mobility. It has stirred my resolve to help both of these causes.
Supporting our NHS and Care HomesSince being elected, I have embarked on visits to meet our local GPs and healthcare professionals. I am supporting our healthcare trust get out of special measures. I spent a fantastic day in the Conquest Hospital visiting the dedicated staff and patients and have particularly engaged with junior doctors as part of their recent contract negotiations. I also speak regularly in Parliament on what our local NHS and Care Homes need from Government.
Take a look at my Carers speech in Parliament from Wednesday, http://www.huwmerriman.org.uk/news/care-homes-england-debate
New Link Road is open
I am delighted that the Hastings to Bexhill Link Road is now open, cutting journey times down from 40mins to 10mins. A business tenant has been found for the first office development and the next is due to be built. Planning permission has also been granted for 1,500 quality homes. I am really excited about the new adjoining countryside park and have spent three hours travailing it. Better transport, housing, jobs and leisure amenities will follow from this £120m investment.
A School a WeekAs the son of a teacher, and a former governor of a transformed school, I am passionate about helping our schools succeed. To get a better understanding of what schools need from me, I am visiting a school every week. I have covered over 20 schools so far on this mission and I love taking questions from the children.
Delivering Better Local TransportAs a member of the Transport Select Committee, I help to scrutinise Government policy on transport and how its performance measures up. This is a key issue for constituents and allows me to continue to champion the need for High Speed Rail from Bexhill to London and dualing the A21. Barely a week goes by when I am not lobbying ministers on this point, in private or in the House of Commons chamber.
Europe: You ChooseI am proud that constituents will finally have a chance to decide our future in Europe. This is not a vote for MPs but for the people. I will play my part by organising and chairing a series of public meetings across the constituency and will invite local people to speak both for and against. I will explain what changes will be brought about by the Prime Minister’s negotiations. By playing a balanced role, I hope to use my position as your MP to help you understand the arguments rather than influencing you one way or another. The BBC will be coming to film and I hope you will join us.
Council of EuropeAs a newly appointed member, I will work with Parliamentarians across Europe to promote democracy and accountability. I have been put on the Legal and Human Rights Committee and hope to rigorously hold institutions to account in this new role.
Parking CampaignI am pressing our police and local councils to deliver a solution to our parking problems. It is not good enough that Battle and Bexhill town centres are snarled up by cars parked dangerously and inconsiderately. This issue is causing our shops and traders to lose business. I will continue to press on this matter until something is done.
If you would like to make an appointment to see Huw at one of his regular advice surgeries which take place across the constituency or if you would like him to visit your organisation please telephone the Constituency Office in Bexhill on
01424 734910.