As many of you will have seen, the big news item this week from Parliament has been the legislation brought forward to curb illegal immigration. I’ve been clear from the very start. This is not a question of compassion, nor is it as some would have us believe, about cutting off our country’s long and proud history of generosity. Those things will always remain.
Rather it’s about taking action to end the people smuggling gangs. Those who are facilitating economic migrants jumping the queue and entering our country from France without an invitation. The majority want this to end. And I agree. The Rwanda scheme is about setting up a strong deterrent factor and is why I’ll continue to back any action that is needed. Because it should be the British people who decide who comes to our country, not criminal smuggling gangs.
I’ve always said that my job is to be Burnley and Padiham’s voice in Westminster. Getting government focused on us. And so later this week I’ll be meeting the CEO of Burnley Council to discuss the new Town Deal. An extra £20 million is coming to the borough. But unlike previous funds (totalling £32 million without this further £20m) where this money is to be spent is not yet decided. That will be the job of a new Town Board whose composition needs discussion. In any event I’ve been listening to those feeding their ideas in already and will continue to do so regardless of what the boards makeup is.
On Friday I’ll also be meeting with The Coal Authority to talk about the Padiham Greenway Bridge. As everyone will know this has been closed for quite some time now due to structural issues and since then I’ve been pushing to understand the issue and find a way forward to get it reopened. This has included various meetings and raising it in the Commons, and I hope that we are edging forward to a solution. I’ll keep everyone posted!
As a final note I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of entries I received for my Christmas Card Competition. Having enrolled Burnley College art students in the judging process I couldn’t not give credit to all involved. But in particular to Year 6 pupil at Rosewood Primary School Arthur Trevor, and Callum from TAS St James’ in Burnley, who together have designed my card. A brilliant effort by all and congratulations to the two winners.
