Maiden Speeches, better transport and standing up for local schools
I hope you are well. It has been a busy time in Parliament and in the constituency. I have been busy setting up my office and I am pleased to say my team is pretty much in place and they are working hard to support residents – please do get in touch with any questions, issues or concerns.
In Parliament
- Making my maiden speech: I spoke about the many things that make Norwich North great, including our amazing communities, but also the challenges. My full speech can be read here –tinyurl.com/3uykdb2d
- Backing better transport: MPs from the East met with Transport Secretary Louise Haigh to discuss how we can improve transport in our region from rail to buses and tackling potholes.
- Gaza: Many constituents have contacted me about the horrific humanitarian situation in Gaza, I asked the Foreign Secretary what is being done to press for unimpeded access to food aid. We need a ceasefire, all hostages to be released and aid to be let in.
There are many “drop-in” sessions in parliament and I attended many that constituents have contacted me about including meeting campaigners to discuss the cost of water and how to tackle the sewage scandal, the Scouts ((did you know we have over 200 volunteers supporting scouting in Norwich North) and the National Farmer’s Union.
In the Constituency
- I have been out and about meeting local businesses and community organisations including the Hellesdon dementia support group, Norfolk Citizen’s advice and The Matthew Project.
- Along with Clive Lewis have pressed Norfolk County Council for action after a school in Norwich was closed following concerns about the ceiling and reports other schools are affected
- Attended the opening of the new multi-purpose meeting room in the Community Centre funded by Catton Grove Big Local – congratulations to everyone who made it possible.
- September 10th was the anniversary of the Great Thorpe Rail Disaster. I attended a very moving service of commemoration to remember those who lost their lives in the disaster. Thanks to all those who organised, supported and donated to the memorial plaque. You can read more about the tragedy here.
- Raised concerns with Anglian Water about unpleasant odours in Thorpe St Andrew
SURGERIES
I am holding surgeries across the constituency. My next surgery in Heartsease on 5th October is already fully booked.
Future surgeries are as follows :
- Friday 18th October 4-6pm Thorpe
- Saturday 2nd November 10-12 Sprowston
- Friday 15th November 3-5 Sewell
- Saturday 7th December 10-12 Hellesdon
- Friday 20th December 10-12 TBC
I am also holding telephone surgeries, 9-10:30am on 10th October, 14th November and 12th December.
Follow me on social media to stay updated – alicemLabour
Please do get in touch with any issues, questions, or to make an appointment at one of my local or telephone surgeries (Please include your full postal address) via alice.macdonald.mp@parliament.uk or via my website – alicemacdonald.org
Best wishes
Alice