I HOPE you’re enjoying the summer and finding time to recharge.
Thank you to everyone who’s come along to my recent events: the new ‘Pub Politics’ in Emersons Green, ‘Coffee with Claire’ in Patchway, and my advice surgery in Hambrook – or who has spoken with me and my team on your doorstep in Winterbourne, Filton, Emersons Green and Patchway.
In July, I and my small team have been working on 923 new cases for residents.
If you need support or want to let me know about something, please get in touch at claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.
I recently welcomed Blackhorse Primary students to Parliament and would love to see more local schools here in the autumn.
In Westminster I was proud to support the plan to build on the legacy of Sure Start by launching up to 1,000 ‘Best Start Family Hubs’ by April next year, After support was previously cut in South Gloucestershire, I’m glad to see children and families being prioritised again.
Thank you to everyone – around 1,000 residents – who contacted me about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
I fully respect the range of views, and know this will be one of the most important votes I cast. After attending every debate, and having my own amendments accepted, I voted for the Bill. For me, with good safeguards, this came down to providing choice.
After hearing from a constituent cut off from her mum during the pandemic, I spoke in Parliament about the importance of safe contact in care settings.
It’s clear from local conversations that the welfare system isn’t working for anyone. I’ve met with the relevant Minister to share local concerns. One in eight young people nationally are not in employment, education or training, and we cannot afford a lost generation.
Many people want to work but lack support – that’s why the Government is introducing a ‘Right to Try’ and tailored back to work support. For those unable to ever work, we’ll always provide support and end mandatory reassessments.
Having met with the Policing Minister previously, I’m pleased that the government will deliver 70 new police officers for Avon and Somerset, working with Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody, as part of a £200 million investment in neighbourhood policing.
Locally this month I’ve visited veteran-led defence SME business RC Fornax, Airbus’ Family and Friends Day, joined the Mayor of Patchway to open the Pretoria Road Allotments pollinator project, and met pioneering companies at Bristol & Bath Science Park.
It’s been a pleasure to support many excellent community festivals and school fairs – from Filton to Lyde Green.