The last two decades have seen a major deregulation of gambling, with it being much easier to gamble and with widespread advertising. For most of us this hasn’t been an issue, but it has been for an increasing number of people and the effects on them and their families can be truly devastating. For them, lives are literally wrecked.
I believe the impacts of online betting have yet to be fully understood. Lives are ruined on a daily basis and younger people are increasingly exposed to it. Teenagers play online games and it is now incredibly easy for online gambling to become an extension of that. Things have moved on from playing fruit machines in the pub.

A-Level entries were higher than expected, with a significant increase in the number of students studying STEM subjects. Entries have increased for both boys and girls, and more girls are now studying science subjects than boys, with overall entries up by 7.4 per cent.

Official ONS figures show that in the south east of England, there are 4,660,702 people in work – meaning that since 2010, 468,363 more people have been able to access the security of a job.

I very much welcome Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s strategy to get tough on the criminals who blight our streets and neighbourhoods. To deal with crime effectively, it requires a strategic approach that looks at everything. It is not just as simple as needing more police, as much as the 20,000 additional police that has been pledged is very helpful. We need to look at many things, including laws, tougher sentencing, police powers, rehabilitation and prisons.

After reading last week’s Observer Labour column, the old saying of “those in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones” sprang to mind. It was disappointing that Labour’s County Council Group Leader was selective with facts and disingenuous with information, intentionally leaving out context that provides the full picture. An example being his highlighting of the cost of redundancy payments, but not mentioning the ongoing major annual savings thereafter following restructures. With Labour in Crawley, it is all about trying to secure political advantage, not genuinely trying to address difficult issues.

After raising the issue last week with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on his first full day in office, Henry Smith MP has welcomed the Government’s confirmation that the recruitment of 20,000 new police officers will begin within weeks.

Our new Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson has certainly hit the ground running. A new government has been created and six key pledges have been given. They are: 1 - Getting Brexit done by 31st October, with a great new deal for Britain. 2 - Making sure Britain is prepared for a no deal, as the best way to get a great new deal. 3 - Making sure people start seeing the £20 billion in new NHS funding in their GP surgeries and local hospitals. 4 - Hiring 20,000 new police officers and giving them the powers to keep our streets safe. 5 - Properly funding our schools so that every child gets more guaranteed minimum funding, regardless of where they live. 6 - Delivering a strong economy to fund the public services we all rely on.

Henry Smith MP has received a special award in recognition of his support for the Long Live the Local campaign and helping to secure consecutive freezes in beer duty.

Henry Smith MP has called for urgent action to end the killing of tigers and other big cats by halting trade in their parts and products.

The summer holidays are upon us and my fellow Councillors and I would like to thank all the teachers and staff who work in our local schools for their efforts over the school year. It is right to recognise this hard work, often in difficult circumstances, that means Crawley’s children are gaining the skills and knowledge they need for the future.
I am delighted to hear that in figures released last week by the government, that 9,006 more children in Crawley are now in schools rated good or outstanding, compared with 2010. There are now 15,801 Crawley children receiving a good or outstanding education, compared to just 6,795 in 2010.