Tom Rutland MP: school places and spooky Sompting pumpkins

East Worthing & Shoreham MP Tom Rutland with Caroline Harriott at Sompting Pumpkins

Last week I was delighted to vote for the government’s Employment Rights Bill, marking one key part of Labour’s plan to make work pay.

It is the single biggest boost to workers’ rights in a generation and the result of discussions with both trade unions and business.

I also wrote to the leader of West Sussex County Council regarding the urgent issue of secondary school places for those living in Shoreham, pushing for solutions for this year and for the longer term.

Alongside other Labour MPs from across the South East, I visited 10 Downing Street to ensure our region’s voice is heard at the highest level as the government makes policy.

After the fire at a tanning salon in Broadwater which is being investigated as arson, I visited residents and local businesses along with councillor John Turley to check that they were receiving the assistance they needed from relevant authorities.

I also met with the Adur Ukraine Support Association and visited an affordable housing development in Shoreham which will open in the coming weeks, providing much-needed homes for residents.

It was lovely to meet lots of residents at two Hallowe’en-themed markets in Lancing and Findon Valley – as well as at The Glamour Club in Worthing, where I had been invited to speak about tackling loneliness.

The spooky theme continued with a visit to Sompting Pumpkins at Lychpole Farm, hosted by Caroline Harriott, pictured, where we discussed farming and food security policy, and I learned the names of every colour of pumpkin imaginable!