For this column I thought I would have some varied topics rather than a thematic piece.
Farming and food production remains one of the largest part of the UK’s economy. It outstrips automotive and aeronautical by some distance. One of my colleagues, North Dorset born Dr Luke Evans, last year launch a campaign to persuade supermarkets to have a ‘buy British’ section on the websites. It started small with just a few of us supporting him and then it grew and took root with a raft of my Parliamentary colleagues adding their voice. It is good news that Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Aldi have all created Buy British tabs on their websites. We have to hope that other retailers will follow suit and I would urge readers to write to the Chief Executives of businesses urging them to do so. Such action would augment and support the recent strongly farming supporting announcements made by the Prime Minister at the recent National Farmers Union Conference held in Birmingham.
On the subject of farming we are on the cusp of the important lambing season. We dog owners need to remember that our adorable companions are not that far removed from the wolf and that latent instincts can kick in. Please please please ensure your dog is on a lead when around livestock. I have seen for myself the mauled carcasses and mutilated yet still (barely) alive ewes and lambs that have been subject to dog attack. It’s not pretty and one cannot claim to be an animal lover and then act (or rather inact) in a way that leads to devastating, painful and costly attacks. Please be sensible and cautious.
On the subject of being sensible I was delighted that the Planning Inspectorate refused the Appeal to create a ghettoised caravan park for Ukrainian refugees on open land near Blandford. We have all welcomed Ukrainians fleeing the war to our country as they seek sanctuary from the horror. We have housed them with families to provide stability, support and comfort. We have not stuck them in some isolated field in caravans. Residents, Blandford Town Council, others and I recognised this proposal for what it was – a not particularly well disguised Trojan Horse to support a future application for housing development (on a site which has already been explored and rejected for new homes). The Inspectorate listened to our policy based concerns and dismissed the Appeal. It was the wrong scheme; on the wrong site; promoted for entirely the wrong reasons.
Many of us will be familiar with the phrase ‘joined up Government’. Sometimes it feels more like an aspiration rather than a way of actually working. Against this backdrop, I thought readers might be interested to hear briefly about the joint work I am part of as part of the DHLUC Ministerial Team with my opposite numbers. We are all concerned about bed blocking – people in hospital who are ready to leave but due to delays in their at-home care packages find themselves hospital bound. The Department of Health & Social Care and I are working closely to ensure maximum integration between our social care providing councils and the NHS. A recent key meeting was held in Downing Street and chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister to monitor progress and look to the future. Likewise I am working very closely with Ministers in the Department for Education on issues relating to SEND policy, home to school transport and policies towards combatting child abuse and exploitation. The role of local government (for which I have Ministerial responsibility) is absolutely pivotal given is place in service provision. More to do I know but steady delivery of joined up Government on policies that really matter to the lives of so many in North Dorset.
One of the most satisfying parts of a MP’s role is the Advice Surgery. Constituents, some of whom have been wrestling with a problem for months, come and see me in venues across the constituency to explain the issue and seek my help. Now, no MP is a miracle worker but it still amazes me the magical properties that the words Member of Parliament have. With those 3 words attention is gained and action summoned up. We can’t solve all of the problems but we do give everyone a damned good try. If you think I can help please email me at simon.hoare.mp@parliament.uk to arrange an appointment.
