It really doesn’t seem possible that we have reached November – where has this year gone!? Don’t even tell me how many days there are until Christmas!!
October was a very busy month and as my newsletter can only ever provide a snap shot of my work, I would always recommend that you keep an eye on my website which is updated regularly with information about my work locally and in Westminster – https://www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/. Over the last month, I have uploaded information about Brexit, local infrastructure projects and a range of news articles, including my speech in the Budget debate about Universal Credit. You can also hear my recent questions to the Prime Minister about Brexit and also sleep-in shifts in the care sector.
As you will know from my last newsletter, I held a public meeting to discuss the state of play regarding Brexit. More than 150 constituents attended, making for a lively and passionate discussion. This type of engagement away from the Westminster bubble is invaluable for me as it helps to ensure I do my very best to represent you. If you were unable to attend, but interested in the debate, you can find video recordings on my website at www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/brexit
Whatever your views on Brexit, it is important for me to know what you are thinking. As the negotiations with the EU reach their inevitable conclusion, I will let you know about any further meetings I plan to hold.
Over the last month, I have been working hard to ensure the future of the Whippet X3 Papworth bus service. The service was originally due to stop this month, but through a joint effort with the District Council and our Mayor, it was possible for funding to be put in place to keep the service running until the end of March. This will ‘bridge the gap’ until some proposed changes to bus services, due to be in place from April 2019 are finalised. I will continue to work to provide a long-term sustainable future for this service as it is a lifeline for Papworth.
I am pleased to report that the Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock accepted my invitation to visit South Cambridgeshire. He began his day with a trip to CMR Surgical Limited (pictured above) who are based on Madingley Road. Their development of surgical robotics will transform how surgery is carried out in hospitals all over the world, its real ground breaking stuff. Matt also visited Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the Genome Campus and Granta Medical Practice in Sawston where he heard about their innovative plans to radically improve how primary care is delivered. It is fair to say Matt went home very impressed with our constituency! #proud
On the 11th November, I joined villagers to commemorate Remembrance Sunday in Guilden Morden and Elsworth. I always find these services very moving as we come together to remember those who gave their lives in service of our country. I was particularly honoured to be asked to unveil an extraordinarily beautiful memorial in the church at Guilden Morden, pictured above. If you are in the area, I would recommend you stop by to take a look.
Did you know there is a Royal British Legion drop-in service which meets at the John Huntingdon Centre, 189 High Street, Sawston, CB22 3HJ between 10am and noon on the 4th Thursday of each month?
Available to anybody who has served in the British Armed Forces and their families, it provides a place to drop in for a chat or to access the wide range of services offered by the Royal British Legion. The RBL offer an amazing service – well done to everybody involved.
Digital connectivity is vital to all of our local businesses. The Government’s Gigabit Voucher Scheme is offering small and medium sized businesses vouchers of up to £3000 to cover the cost of installing Gigabit-capable broadband.
Businesses can claim against the cost of connection either individually or as part of a group. Residents can also benefit from the scheme as part of a group project which includes businesses, and can claim a voucher of up to £500.
One gigabit is the same as 1,000 megabits – so it’s a big leap forward in connection speeds that could benefit your business into the future. To check if you are eligible for a voucher and find a local full fibre broadband supplier, visit https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/
If there is anything you would like to talk to me about, my next “drop in” surgery is on Saturday 1st December in Sawston at the Parish Council office, Link Road, CB22 3GB 10.30am - 12.30pm. If you’d prefer a particular time slot, I’m holding a “by appointment” surgery on 11th January 3pm - 5pm at my office in Hardwick. If you would like an appointment, please do call my office. You can find more details on my website here: https://www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk/residents-drop-surgeries.
In the meantime, if you would like to contact me, please email heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on 01223 830037. See you next month!