This newsletter is one of the regular updates I send out to residents in Scunthorpe. If you did not receive this directly from me, please sign up for future updates on my website.
Dear Resident,
I hope you are well and are looking forward to the warmer weather as we come to spring and summer! I also hope you were all able to enjoy the various religious celebrations that have taken place recently, including Easter, Ramadan and Passover.
The situation in Ukraine continues to trouble all of us. The more we uncover about Putin's horrific actions, the more we can see how reprehensible and inhumane he and his cronies are. We must take solace in the remarkable efforts of the Ukrainian people and assist as much as we can as a country.
As MP for Scunthorpe, it has really humbled me to see the response of our town and surrounding villages. People have opened up their hearts and their homes to the people of Ukraine. I know that the donation drive held by North Lincolnshire Council was a huge success, whilst several local groups have done their bit to fundraise. I want to thank everyone who has done their bit, and people can still donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal at donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal (the Government has matched £25 million of donations from this appeal so far). I understand the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are suggesting monetary donations rather than donated goods, as cash can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed and individuals and aid organisations can use it to buy what is most needed.
In Parliament, it has been a priority for me that Scunthorpe is represented in debates and discussions about Ukraine. Last month, the Government introduced bespoke humanitarian routes for the people of Ukraine fleeing the conflict, and provisions to speed up the visa application process. I stood up on the floor of the House of Commons to ask the Home Secretary that these measures be kept in place for as long as they are needed. More recently, I highlighted to the Foreign Secretary how important it was to keep Ukraine at the top of the news agenda whilst the horrible situation continues.
I continue to attend briefings and recently had the privilege of meeting Alona Shkrum, Lesia Vasylenko, Maria Mezentseva and Olena Khomenko, all Ukrainian MPs. They gave us an update on the situation on the ground in Ukraine and the impact of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and what military assistance is needed to help repel Russian forces, and what humanitarian assistance is needed to help those who have fled their homes and save lives.
You will have seen that the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiyy, spoke to MPs in the House of Commons last month. It was an honour to stand in that Chamber on behalf of Scunthorpe and show solidarity with the incredibly brave people of Ukraine. I will continue to relay our unrelenting support.
Here in Scunthorpe, I have undergone a real tour-de-force of our town and surrounding villages over the past few weeks, and I wanted to share with you some of the fantastic local groups I have been fortunate enough to meet. Please keep reading to the Progress Report on our local community groups!
As ever, please find below my progress reports on key local issues:
Progress reports:
- Protecting and promoting our world-class British Steel
- Improving our local health offering, upgrading Scunthorpe Hospital
- Improving Our Local Roads
- Supporting our local businesses, community groups, and building up our high street
- Working with our schools
Progress Report:
Protecting and promoting our world-class British steel
What is being done?
The Government delivered a huge victory for our steelworks in March, persuading the United States to remove Section 232 tariffs on British steel and aluminium products. This is an issue that my fellow Conservative Steel MPs and I have campaigned on for some time and something I have personally raised in the Commons (in corridors) and in meetings with Ministers. These tariffs hit our steelmakers badly and unfairly, so I’m absolutely delighted that they have been removed. Indeed, I tabled a Written Question to the Government on these tariffs just before the announcement and then received the below response.
Of course, our steelworks continue to be hindered by unfair levies on electricity prices combined with already high international energy costs. Over the past few weeks and months, I have raised my concerns again with the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Steel Minister Lee Rowley. In particular, I wanted the Prime Minister to reaffirm the promise he made to me in January that a package would be brought forward and pushed him to make sure the Chancellor made good on that promise as soon as possible. Ahead of the Spring Statement, steel MPs such as myself and my friend and neighbouring MP Andrew Percy made sure our views were noted! I was delighted to hear back that a British Energy Security Strategy was forthcoming, and this has now been published.
The Strategy has increased the budget for the existing Energy-Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme, extended it for another three years, and increased aid intensity by up to 100% (exact detail will be forthcoming on this). This has been welcomed by the steel industry's representative body and the steelworkers' community union.
UK Steel Director Gareth Stace said:
"We warmly welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent commitments to tackle the issue of industrial energy costs, and this is the start of translating these commitments into practical action. The three-year extension of the Energy Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme and the increase in the level of relief provided by it delivers on a long-standing industry ask and provides a much-needed reduction in electricity costs.”
Alasdair McDiarmid, Operations Director for the steelworkers’ Union Community, has added:
"It was vital the Energy Security Strategy contained support for the steel industry, and the extension of an enhanced EII compensation scheme is an important step in the right direction."
I remain in consultation with our steelworks on the specifics of the extra compensation outlined, but there is no doubt that this is a really major demonstration of steel support by the Government. I am proud to have played my part for our area and will continue to push for more support.
I have also written to the Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency, Jacob Rees-Mogg, to ask that the Treasury ringfence the UK’s share of the EU’s Research Fund for Coal and Steel to fund programmes to support our steelworks. I will not stop pushing for extra support for our steelworks or to get this money back to the industry.
What's next?
I also look forward to seeing the benefits of our steelworks' improved access to the US market in the coming months, and will continue to work on number-crunching the impact of new compensation measures on steel energy costs.
Progress Report:
Improving our local health offering, upgrading Scunthorpe Hospital
What is being done?
Our £350 million bid for a new Hospital in Scunthorpe continues. I have recently met with both the Health Secretary and the Minister of State for Health to make the case for our new Hospital, and wrote a follow-up letter to them just prior to the Spring Statement.
In the short-term, it was fantastic to see that our new Acute Assessment Unit (AAU), funded by the Department for Health, have received Government approval. Construction will begin once the new A&E is finished, and the AAU will also house Same Day Emergency Care services. This project, combined with the new AAU at Grimsby, is made possible as a result of £24.86 million in Government funding. You can take a virtual tour of the planned AAU here.
Several residents have contacted me about their trouble registering with an NHS dentist. Along with other regional MPs, I raised this with the Health Minister, Maria Caulfield at the start of March. I know this is an incredibly important issue, I want to reassure residents this is something I will continue to raise with Government and follow closely.
Just recently, I had another evidence session with the all-party group of MPs on brain tumours. We continue to look into early-stage research, novel drug delivery research and development, and clinical trials. Too many of our friends and family suffer from these vicious diseases, so we want to make scientists' important work as easy as possible.
25th March was Brain Tumour Awareness day, and people up and down the country wore hats to help raise awareness. I’m not much of a hat person myself, so I had to nick my dad’s! To mark the event, the council buildings were lit up.
I’d like to thank Nicki Hopkins for all the incredible work that she’s been doing to raise awareness for brain tumours, and I’d also like to thank Cllr Rob Waltham for helping to organise the light-up. Raising awareness gives us the public support we need to make this a Government priority, and I will keep working with local stakeholders to make this happen.
I have also been tabling Written Questions on health campaigns close to constituents' hearts, like the fights against cancer and dementia.
What's Next?
I understand the eight new Hospitals selected will be announced later in the year. Until then, you can trust that I will continue to bang the drum for our bid through every avenue possible.
Progress Report:
Improving our local roads
What is being done?
I continue to work with residents to solve problems with our transport infrastructure. For example, earlier last month, I raised residents' concerns regarding potholes at The Cliffs to North Lincolnshire Council, and received assurances that the road has been highlighted for a full resurface scheme.
I have also been doing some important work with Outward Academy Brumby's Student Parliament and Staff. We have been looking at improving pupil safety when crossing Queensway and Cemetery Road. I really enjoyed meeting with their School Parliament and we have since been liaising with North Lincolnshire Council to find a solution.
What's Next?
I will continue to pick up the bespoke issues that residents raise regarding their local area. Please do get in touch if you have any concerns with roads in your area!
Progress Report:
Supporting our local businesses, community groups, and building up our High Street
What is being done?
As you are about to see, it has been a really busy month for me in Scunthorpe! I have had the chance to meet a number of local groups over the past few weeks, and it has been an absolute privilege.
March signalled the opening of the Foresight Community Hub in Crosby, and I was delighted to attend. The Hub has real potential to have a positive impact on Scunthorpe and our disabled community.
Speaking of Crosby, I recently met with members of Crosby United Juniors Football Club to present them with a community grant cheque. There has been a significant amount of work going on at Foxhills Sports Ground as the club have been installing a brand new 3G pitch for the team. North Lincolnshire Council were able to supply funds of £19,675 to help fund the project, and it was pleasing to see the progress being made.
At the start of April, I visited Scawby to present another community grant cheque to 1st Scawby Rainbows. It was lovely to do so as the Rainbows are a brilliant part of the Girlguiding community, providing invaluable life lessons whilst having lots of fun. If you know of a young person who may wish to get involved, or would like to volunteer yourself, you can find out more for both the Scout Groups, North Lincolnshire, and Girlguiding, Lincolnshire North, at the links provided. A massive thank you to the wonderful Rainbow Leader volunteers changing young people’s lives. Thank you!
I also had the opportunity to meet with members of Scawby Parish Council and Cllr Trevor Foster recently – thankfully the weather held out for the occasion although it was sleeting ten mins before we took this photo! Meeting with the group on the playing fields, Scawby was really looking it’s best - especially now we have entered Spring.
The village’s Events team have some exciting plans for Scawby Gala Weekend which will be held to coincide with the Queens Platinum Jubilee and the MUGA was looking brilliant. Our local councillors and volunteers do an excellent job and they sent me away with a list of jobs - quite right too!
On another trip, I also went to see members of Kirton in Lindsey Town Council. It's always lovely to meet them and find out what fun activities and events they have coming up.
Following my recent visit, I understand the Kirton in Lindsey Amateur Gardeners Group ran a “Daffodil Delight Show” and the Town Hall has played host to several gigs too, on top of several activities which take place on a weekly basis.
There are so many exciting activities and events taking place right on our doorstep and I would encourage those who are interested to take a look at what’s going on across North Lincolnshire!
I’m sure that many of you, like me, will have fond memories of a trip to Messingham show. Whether that be watching the show classes or trying to win a prize on an array of tombolas.
It comes as no surprise to anyone that Messingham Showground looks entirely different for the majority of the year, I was quite taken a back by how big the site actually is! It was great meeting with the team, and I can’t wait for the next show to take place.
The “Words Count Fire Fighter Reading Champion 5-year celebrations” took place at our local Fire Station last month, and it was great to see children developing a love of reading. As part of the “Words Count” scheme, firefighter champions visit schools and engage with children to help children with their reading comprehension, communication, confidence, and self-esteem.
I know many of the children involved in the scheme really look forward to reading to our local firefighters and look forward to their visits. Access to books and literature is as important now as it ever has been! As always, we owe our firefighters a massive thank you for their support, in both their roles as reading champions and the invaluable service they provide to our community. If you would like to volunteer to be a reading champion, you can do so by clicking here.
Cllr Waltham, Cllr Davison and I had the wonderful opportunity to present a cheque to Lincolnshire Twirlers who celebrated their 8th anniversary in February. It was fantastic to meet with the troupe and I wish them all the best in future competitions.
I was also delighted to present a check for £15,000 to the Sunflowers Children’s Action Group alongside the Mayor of North Lincolnshire and the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM). The money, which was donated by the ICCM, was awarded as part of their Recycling Metals Scheme, and will support the charity’s fantastic work across North Lincolnshire. The scheme recycles the metals left behind after cremation (with written consent of the bereaved family) and donates the money raised to local causes. It was a joy to meet those involved.
Like many, I really missed the joy of the theatre throughout the COVID Pandemic, and I appreciated the toll that it took on our arts and tourism industry. I therefore jumped at the chance to present a community grant funding cheque to the Duck Egg Theatre Company. Duck Egg provide a great range of theatre classes for young people aged 3 – 24 and I understand the classes are aimed at everyone, no matter your skill or ability.
Back in Parliament, I was absolutely delighted to be given a beautiful tankard after joining the campaign to reduce draft beer duty! This is something the Government are considering as part of their response to the recent Alcohol Duty Consultation, and I was keen to lend my support to the proposal on behalf of pubs and restaurants in our area. I have also recently co-signed a letter to the Chancellor asking for VAT to be cut for hospitality businesses because we need to be doing all we can to help them after the past two years.
I wrote to businesses following the Spring Statement in late March, highlighting the new support available and pointing to local business schemes. Please sign up here if you want to hear more about this!
What's next?
I look forward to sharing even more Business Updates as the Spring Statement headlines get implemented. My team and I will keep reaching out to local residents and groups to raise awareness of their fantastic work. I also still haven't forgotten about the Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove's agreement to visit our area!
Progress Report:
Working with our Schools
What is being done?
I recently had the absolute pleasure of visiting St Hugh’s, an outstanding special school in Scunthorpe, where I was shown around by two pupils, Spencer and Thomas. The boys gave me a great tour of the school including the chance to meet the chickens! I was delighted to be able to talk about the visit in the Commons. St Hugh’s, and all the staff and teachers, do a really fantastic job supporting the amazing young people there and I know it’s been especially tough through Covid. I was really happy that the Education Secretary commended them- they thoroughly deserve his thanks and I look forward to welcoming the pupils in Westminster in the future.
Towards the end of March, I stood up in Parliament in support of the petition to extend Statutory Adoption Pay to self-employed people. Currently they cannot access this important help. We have so many children waiting to be brought into a loving home and meet their families, so we should be removing as many barriers to people adopting as possible. This is something I will continue working on.
What's next?
I think it is so important to talk to pupils directly to inform my representations on education, and this is something I am looking forward to doing more of. I also look forward to welcoming even more schools down to Parliament over the coming months.
Useful information and links for residents:
The global pressures on cost of living continue to be a priority for me. I have put together some useful information on my website- please do take a look and share with anyone who may find this helpful.
If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Take care and stay safe,
Holly