The Monday Mail is back.
This week I have written about the Sussex maternity review, and the welcome news that Donna Ockenden has been appointed to lead this work after two years of campaigning by the 'Truth for our Babies' families.
www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...
The obtaining of transcripts from family courts can be the difference between justice and injustice, and long delays are pushing people into financial hardship.
I'm glad to hear the government is working on it but I will keep pushing Ministers to ensure change is achieved as fast as possible.
Rising fuel prices and soaring bills due to the conflict in the Middle East are hitting families hard, especially those in rural communities who rely on heating oil.
As I said recently on BBC Politics SE, any support for rising costs must include those who aren’t connected to the National Grid.
Mid Sussex recently made headlines as Lindfield village was named the best place to live in the South East!
It is great to see Lindfield being celebrated for all it has to offer.
Read more here:
www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/...
If Keir Starmer lied about Peter Mandelson’s vetting, he has to go.
Labour promised to clean up our politics. Now they're just as bad as the Conservatives.
A folded newspaper lying on a white surface, showing a feature titled ‘My SEND coffee morning’ under the header ‘ALISON BENNETT MP’. The page includes several columns of printed text and a photo of a person standing outside a brick building next to a sign that reads ‘Alison Bennett MP’.
📰 In last week's Middy column, I talk about the recent SEND coffee morning that I hosted in Haywards Heath for Mid Sussex residents.
You can read it here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...
We have warned from the start that the UK has to avoid being dragged into another war in the Middle East.
Starmer must now let Parliament vote on the terms of the agreement with the US for their use of UK bases.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ce...
Potholes plague our roads in Mid Sussex.
The Conservatives have run West Sussex County Council for decades, leaving our roads in a mess.
I recently asked the Leader of the House of Commons about our situation. He agreed the local authority simply must do better.
My thoughts are with the families of the two young people who tragically lost their lives to Meningitis in Kent this weekend.
Earlier today I responded to the Secretary of State's statement on behalf of my Lib Dem colleagues:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVxV...
Alison standing outside a building next to an A board sign that says 'Alison Bennett MP is holding a drop in surgery here today'.
On Friday I held a coffee morning for parents of SEND children.
We chatted about people's experiences and discussed the government's SEND white paper. If you would like to hear about any future events, or if you think I can help please email: alison.bennett.mp@parliament.uk
Alison with two others outside under grey skies
Really interesting conversations out talking to people in Haywards Heath earlier today with Kirsten one of our talented candidates.
📰 This week’s Monday Mail was dedicated to all things water.
You can read it here: prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/L...
Yesterday, to mark #youngcarersactionday, I joined Young Carers from Barnet, Suffolk and Manchester at Downing Street.
We took 15,000 postcards with a message to the PM from young carers from across the country: we need more support in schools to balance learning with our caring role.
I AM HIRING!
I am looking for a full time caseworker to join my team here in Mid Sussex.
Are you an empathetic and effective communicator? Do you have casework or customer service experience? Do you want help the people of Mid Sussex? If so, take a look:
www.w4mpjobs.org/JobDetails.a...
Young carers do incredible and often unsung work looking after disabled and seriously ill family members.
But as a result, they often don't have the same opportunities as their peers to succeed at school, and beyond.
That's why I think they should receive the pupil-premium.
Alison with a man and a woman outside.
On #IWD, it's a real treat to have been out supporting two of our brilliant women candidates, Caro and Lauren who are beginning their campaigns to serve on West Sussex County Council. My gratitude as ever, goes out to all the men - like David - who support and advocate for women's representation. 🙏
📰 In my latest Middy column, I wrote about the government's plans to reform the SEND system and the importance of getting this right for families.
You can read it here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/opinion...
With A&E in crisis, services are under huge strain.
Lib Dems have a plan to fix emergency care.
Lib Dem MPs visited London Ambulance Service HQ to thank the staff keeping Londoners safe.
Happy World Book Day!
Books open up the world to all of us. They are such a vital part of how we learn, think and create - and reading them keeps our brains healthy.
Keep reading!
📰 In Monday's weekly newsletter, I wrote about:
• The government’s plans for schools and the SEND system
• The Lib Dems' opposition day debates on Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and social media regulation
• What’s happening in Iran and the Middle East
www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...
On Friday, a burst sewer led to sewage spilling into woodland and Pook Bourne near Burgess Hill. The EA has told me of a “significant impact”. It was contained by Southern Water but they are now tankering sewage until it is repaired. I visited today, am asking questions and will keep you updated.
The govt expect cash-strapped councils to save money by merging with other councils.
But these mergers are going to cost huge amounts of time and money.
Councils are going to be out of pocket as a result, and as for whether or not the long-term savings will prove real - the only time will tell.
five people on a residential road
Glad to miss the rain and get out to talk to residents in Haywards Heath today.
Alison with two other people sitting at a table with a palm tree behind.
Portage - Early Years SEND Support
It was a real pleasure to meet Pam and Glenys from the National Portage Association (NPA) during the week. It was a timely reminder of the value of early intervention in supporting children with SEND.
Alison with four others outside holding leaflets and wearing rosettes
Alison talking to two people in front of a trishaw and a repair cafe banner
Alison and a lady talking to each other
It was good to join our Hassocks councillors at the village market this morning, and chat to people enjoying a welcome spot of dry weather.
Six people holding leaflets outside with flats and buildings behind.
It's Friday!
We Lib Dems are looking forward to getting out over the weekend to speak to people right across Mid Sussex. If you see us, do come and say hello.
If you want to get involved in our county council campaign, why not volunteer? www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/volunteer
Alison with Erika, Richard and David outside with a tree without leaves behind.
Great to be out in Burgess Hill earlier today with two of our current county councillors, Erika and Richard. Interesting conversations about bereavement support, the navigating the NHS if you aren't online, and the ECHR. Thank you to everyone to took the time to chat to us.
📰 In my latest Middy column, I discuss the reinstatement of the County Council elections and the positive message that Liberal Democrats are offering the people of Sussex.
Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...
📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I wrote about Labour's latest u turn - reinstating local elections - and what's at stake on 7th May.
You can read it here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...
Six people outside under grey skies ready to canvas
Alison kneeling next to a pothole in the middle of the road.
Great afternoon yesterday in Lindfield talking to people about the issues that matter to them. I also reported this pothole on Luxford Road.
Anyone can report potholes to West Sussex County Council here: www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-tr...
