It’s been a characteristically busy week in Parliament.
The Prime Minister’s bill on Rwanda passed its first reading while French President Emmanuel Macron was not so fortunate with his parallel legislation this week. His immigration bill was sunk between those who thought it went too far and those who thought it didn’t go far enough. We are not alone in wrestling with this global issue.
Also, this week, I addressed the All-Party Group for fire safety and rescue, and the minister responsible, about my concern for the undue stress and responsibility placed on resident directors in Eastbourne buildings. The minister has undertaken to look further into it. As with the issue of cuckooing I mentioned last week, people need to feel safe in their home.
I have also spoken with the minister responsible for paediatrics - my parliamentary next-door neighbour, Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes. ‘Minor changes’ are proposed for paediatric services at the DGH. Having had a child with complex medical needs myself, I am acutely sensitive to the concerns of parents. Having served on the Save the DGH campaign team for a decade and more, any change in services - no matter how small - is significant to me and many others. At the time of writing, I have lodged a number of questions to be answered. Chief among them is the confidence of staff in any proposal and any hint of redirection of children to Conquest.
For any number of reasons this time of year can be challenging. One such reason is bereavement. That’s why the Rotary Club of Eastbourne’s Tree of Light is such a special occasion. I remember my Dad and my baby girl. Even after all the years, it still feels like loss, why wouldn’t it? But this event is a beautiful way to move into the season with a lighter heart.
On that, a very fitting tribute is to be paid to friend and former councillor colleague Barry Taylor who passed away in the summer. He was a man for heritage and a Victorian lamppost is to be installed in Meads Street on what would have been his birthday.
Back at home this week, I have an early visit to our town centre postal sorting office, Birch Road businesses and a run of meetings with the Police, the NHS and the Sussex Resilience Forum, the latter looking at risk mitigation, with a special focus on weather events. All pretty important and serious stuff. But, I also get to go to the Panto at the weekend!
