It is a stark reality that the world we live in has become a more dangerous place. There are powerful regimes elsewhere in the world that do not share our values of freedom, democracy, and respect for the rule of law. Ensuring peace and the security of ourselves and other friendly nations, depends on the west being able to deter threats of aggression through our collective military strength.
Next week on Thursday 2 May, there are two elections taking place in Crawley. The Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner election takes place across the whole of Sussex, with our excellent Police Commissioner Katy Bourne, seeking re-election. I was pleased to be out campaigning with Katy at the weekend in Crawley, telling residents about her strong record of delivery, including more police and PCSOs for Crawley.
Henry Smith MP is backing the campaign for a memorial to the late Dame Vera Lynn CH, who famously sang ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’.
Henry Smith MP has hailed the decision of Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket, to become the latest retailer to support the campaign he is backing which called on supermarkets to implement an online ‘Buy British’ button.
In the first three months and one week of this year, Crawley’s rainfall for the year so far reached 400mm (16 inches). This follows a very wet October to December, meaning we’ve had an unprecedented twice the average rainfall over the last six months. This has had a major impact on the condition of road surfaces and the ability to make permanent repairs.
The new financial year came into effect on 6 April and this year, that is good news for everyone. After two difficult years with global high inflation eroding the value of our money, it is starting to feel like a corner has been turned.
· Millions of bus passengers will enjoy cleaner, more reliable and more comfortable journeys thanks to the Government funding almost a thousand zero emission buses.
· Supported by £143 million of funding, 25 local authorities across the country will receive funding for cleaner, more modern and reliable bus fleets, with rural areas prioritised.
· The Government is sticking to the plan to improve everyday life for people across the country, grow the economy and deliver a brighter future for all.
I wish more people had seen the shenanigans at last week’s Full Council meeting of Crawley Borough Council, in order to see the attitudes and behaviours displayed by several Labour councillors. While the live broadcast failed again, the recording was uploaded the next day onto Crawley Borough Council’s YouTube channel. It’s there for everyone to see, if anyone doubts the accuracy of what I’m about to say.
Following a campaign pursued by Henry Smith MP calling for a ‘Buy British’ section on supermarkets’ online stores, three more stores have implemented a ‘Best of British’ section for online shoppers.