CAROLINE ANSELL MP: Eastbourne’s great generosity and kindness

No one believes this is the strategy that will ultimately transform children’s life chances but for me, in the shadow of the pandemic, it was an important short-term lever we had and would have added to the other support measures in place. I could not then in all conscience vote against the motion.

I always consider my vote, have sought further clarification on occasion and there are aspects of some legislation ahead which will no doubt inspire, particularly careful consideration on my part. That sits in the context of my total commitment to delivering on the Conservative manifesto and our pledges on Brexit and levelling up the country. I’m incredibly grateful for the government’s support of Eastbourne and Willingdon during Covid-19, which is now approaching £100 million.

Here in Eastbourne, I have been heartened, but not surprised, to see a spontaneous wave of local community-led outreach for our young ones this half term holiday and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have rallied.

Such generosity and kindness are what create a strong society; it really does take a village to raise a child as I said in a parliamentary debate this month when I paid tribute to local groups Embrace and Holding Space, who are both supporting young people and their families in these extraordinarily difficult times.

So, I may have left DEFRA, my government department, but I will continue to serve on the Environment Bill Committee which returns to the House of Commons next week. It is a privilege to be involved in creating the law of our land, which will improve the air we breathe, our waters, restore nature and turn around the decline of species and habitats witnessed these last decades.

The local Get Your IT Kit Out campaign I am involved with advances and I will be planning our Saturday November 7 route to collect unwanted tech from homes across the four corners of the constituency, all to be wiped and repurposed by Tubbs Computers. This further example of local people supporting local people will help to meet a very real local need to tackle the digital divide. Do you have a computer you could donate? Call 07872 579328 if you do.

That same day, I will be supporting the British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. I’m sad that we will not all gather on Remembrance Sunday but I think of all those who served and gave up – some forever - every occasion: births and birthdays, weddings and funerals and of course, Christmas.

With France and Germany moving back into national lockdowns, it is unsurprising the idea is creeping into our conversations. We are not in that place, at this point, but please sign up to be a local NHS responder if you can at goodsamapp.org or call 0808 196 3646 and, with renewed motivation, take up Hands, Face, Space.