Political opinion with Mims Davies MP: Their sacrifices will never be forgotten

This weekend across East Grinstead, Uckfield, and our villages, Remembrance Sunday was a deeply poignant and solemn day, with many processions, church services and wreath-laying events taking place. We will remember them. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

I was honoured to place a Remembrance Cross earlier in the week in Parliament’s Garden of Remembrance on behalf of my constituents in East Grinstead, Uckfield, and the villages. It was a great privilege to represent our community in this special place and pay tribute to all those who have given so much, and still do serve, have sacrificed, and given their lives for our safety and freedom across several conflicts.

Thank you to all who were part of the very many events across our wonderful area. It was also good to be amongst many young people, veterans, councillors and so many members of the community to give support and show solidarity with those who have served and give so much to our community.

It was lovely to be at the East Grinstead Social and Ex-Services Club for lunchtime refreshments, where, as ever, a warm welcome. I had the honour of attending events and processions across Maresfield, East Grinstead and Uckfield, with wreaths laid on my behalf in Wivelsfield, alongside many councillors and representatives attending the many events across our wonderful area and villages. There are more events and further important moments of reflection to come across the nation and locally on Wednesday for Armistice Day.

The annual village Maresfield quiz night with the Royal Signals in The Chequers was tremendous on Saturday evening and so well attended. Our team came a strong second. Next time we are going for the win! Brilliant hosting as ever by Rev Ben. This followed the honour of joining the East Grinstead Sea Cadets AGM and awards night on Friday evening at St Mary’s. It was a special evening, celebrating the commissioning of Fr Adam as their Chaplain and the unit gaining the 2025 Gold Burgee for the outstanding growth of the unit. Congratulations to all the cadets, volunteers and their Commanding Officer, S/Lt Ricky Joyce, on his leadership and dedication. I saw this unit in its early stages, and it has grown massively. It is wonderful to see what it provides for our young people.

We’re still experiencing issues locally with our rail services. I recently sponsored an event in Parliament for GTR to host local MPs to discuss the ongoing issues we’re facing in East Grinstead, Uckfield, and our villages regarding our rail services. With over 20 MPs and their teams joining us to share their constituents’ experiences, we lobbied GTR and Network Rail for improvements and upgrades to the services our constituents use.

I raised poor performance on the Uckfield Line again, as well as inconsistencies with timetables and frequently cancelled trains, standing up for my constituents who deserve reliable and improved rail services.

I also raised casework I’ve received with them and shared constituents’ experiences to show just how serious this is and how much it is disrupting lives.

Thank you to all who have backed my petition to upgrade infrastructure, improve service reliability, increase the frequency of services, and support measures to deliver a more resilient and dependable railway for passengers. I shared with the GTR team that we already have over 1,000 signatures.

I will present the petition in Parliament and during my meeting with the Minister for Transport, Lord Hendy. Find it and other local news at www.mimsdavies.org.uk.