I’m grateful to the Daily Echo for providing space for a regular column, where I offer my ‘View from Westminster’ and provide Echo readers with an update on my campaigns and news from across Southampton Itchen.
In case you missed this month’s column – first published in last Friday’s Echo – you can read it in full below.
Like many Echo readers, I’ve been dismayed by some of the anti-social behaviour happening in our city recently. I organised a community coffee morning in the city centre a couple of weeks ago where I met with more than 40 local people to discuss their concerns about this. Quite a few issues were raised, but one thing which I heard again and again is that people want a more visible neighbourhood police presence and a quicker response and follow-up from police and other services when reporting crime and antisocial behaviour.
This isn’t yet happening enough, partly because frontline policing has been stretched so thinly over recent years. That’s why I’m pleased that this Labour government is introducing the biggest package of measures on crime and policing in decades, including new plans to tackle the worst ASB offenders, as well as programmes to prevent youth offending in the first place. Crucially, this includes recruiting thousands of extra police officers across the country, which will mean a named contactable police officer in every community. I’ll be making it my job as your MP, including in my regular meetings with senior police officers and other community safety organisations, to make sure that your concerns are acted on and that these additional resources make a real difference.
Another theme that regularly comes up with constituents is the need to improve local bus services. This was one of my earliest campaign pledges, so I was pleased to help launch the new 19a bus route last month which will provide residents along the long stretch of Hill Lane with better connections to the hospital and city centre. Thanks to Bluestar, Southampton City Council, and everyone else who has worked hard to make this happen.
While I enjoy sharing good news, regular readers of this column will know that there are often difficult issues to tackle too, and one such current issue is the government’s proposals for welfare reform. I’m acutely aware that this has caused anxiety and worry for some people. Many of you have shared your views with me, and I’ve been especially keen to hear from those likely to be directly affected by the changes. My view as your MP is that while I want to support reforms that help people who can work to be able to do so, I’m also very clear that for those with the most severe disabilities who simply cannot work, any reforms must come with the right support so that vulnerable people do not fall between the cracks. This is not an easy balance to strike, but I hope and expect the government to listen to people’s views to get this right. If these reforms will mean changes for you in your situation, then please make your voice heard by taking part in the government’s consultation if you can.
As ever, I’m keen to hear from constituents if I can help with anything. Do get in touch at [email protected].