News from your MP – January
Dentistry, fireworks, railways, being out and about in Norwich and so much more. It’s been a busy start to the year representing Norwich North in Parliament, and working to secure practical progress for local people.
Read all about it below!
Dentistry
Campaigning for better dentistry has been a priority for me from day one of being elected. Earlier this month I asked the Prime Minister what more we will do as a Government to tackle the dentistry crisis and whether he will back our calls for a new dental school at the University of East Anglia.
The Prime Minister agreed with me that UEA would be an excellent candidate for more dental school places, and I will continue to push for this much needed resource in Norwich.
Warm Homes
I welcomed the government’s Warm Homes plan. Under the Warm Homes Plan, support will be targeted at families that need it the most, alongside a universal offer to ensure every type of household in the country, regardless of income, will have the chance to benefit from clean power upgrades to cut their energy bills.
Norwich City Council has been taking applications for the local Warm Home grant. While applications are currently on hold, they are still encouraging people to apply and join their waiting list. Find out more HERE.
Fireworks
Many of you have contacted me about fireworks being too loud, and the issues they cause in our neighbourhoods. Last month I attended the fireworks debate in Parliament to support the petition calling for more responsible firework use, signed by 650 people in Norwich North.
Fertility Rights Campaign
In January, I launched the Fertility Support Pledge. This follows the 10-Minute Rule Bill I presented to Parliament in November to give employees a legal right to paid time off for fertility treatment.
Right now, I’m asking employers to act and sign the Fertility Support Pledge. By signing, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to supporting employees through fertility treatment, creating a more inclusive workplace culture, and setting a standard for others to follow. This isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good business sense too.
More In Parliament
I spoke with local content creators and community activists about the £20m Pride in Place funding coming to Norwich North at the Pride in Place Downing Street Reception.
I met with Railways Minister Lord Hendy to discuss railway connections in and around Norfolk and their importance in bringing growth into our region. I also raised the need for investment towards vital projects in the East during questions for the Treasury, including upgrading the Trowse swing bridge, and Ely and Haughley junctions.
Last week I also signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27th. We must stand against antisemitism and hatred in all its forms and never forget the horrors of the Holocaust and the 6 million Jewish people who were murdered and the many others persecuted.
Out and About
In January I visited a number of businesses and organisations, including the YMCA, Wherry Dragon Credit Union, and Oak Grove Community Church to see the great work their doing for the communities in Norwich. Thank you to all the organisations that welcomed me last month.
Here to Help
I held my most recent coffee morning in Thorpe St Andrew and spoke to many local people on a range of issues concerning the local area. Thank you to everyone who attended!
I’ll be hosting my next surgery this Saturday in Catton Grove. You can see the details of this event, and upcoming events on my website using the link below. As always, my team and I are here to help if you require support on a specific issue. Get in touch by emailing alice.macdonald.mp@parliament.uk or calling 01603 733182.
