Stockport Express Column – October 2022
As I write, Liz Truss has resigned as Prime Minister and a Conservative Leadership election has been triggered, which means by the time this is published, there will likely be a new Prime Minister. The ever-increasing chaos that has been inflicted on our country demonstrates exactly why we need a General Election and a new government led by a new Prime Minister with a fresh mandate. The cost of living crisis continues to be at the front of everyone’s mind, as the BBC reports that the cost of living rose by 10.1% in the 12 months to September – the fastest rate in 40 years. Yet, the turmoil in the Conservative Party shows exactly how saving their Party over the country is their priority. I really do hope that we get the opportunity to vote for a Labour government to end this chaos and properly invest in our public services.
The Chief Executive of the British Dental Association has recently said that any cuts to the health budget will, in effect, end NHS dental services across the UK and deny millions of people access to a dentist. This comes following the news that no local authority area in the country had more than one dentist providing NHS treatment per 1,000 people. Week in week out, I am contacted by constituents struggling to even register with an NHS dentist, let alone book appointments. This is becoming a public health emergency and we desperately need the government to act. I have previously raised this in the House of Commons, both in the Chamber and via Written Parliamentary Questions, and I will continue to campaign on this issue.
I was delighted to learn the news recently that Kings Street West fire station will be saved from closure. I first learnt of the proposals for closure at the start of this year and worked with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) to keep the site open. As such, I met with the Deputy Mayor for Greater Manchester to discuss this back in April and have been working with the FBU on this ever since. Thankfully, it has now been officially announced that the site will actually be redeveloped, upgrading the site so that it is fit for the future. As our town sees increasing development, it is of paramount importance that we maintain a good level of service so that response time isn’t negatively impacted. I am grateful to all firefighters and the FBU for keeping us all safe.
Many people will have heard reports of the recent scenes in the voting lobby in the House of Commons as Conservative MPs desperately tried to prevent a rebellion in their own ranks against a Labour motion to ban fracking. I am very disappointed that this motion did not pass and I will continue to campaign against fracking.
As ever, if you live or work in my Stockport constituency and require support on any issue please do not hesitate to contact me by emailing navendu.mishra.mp@parliament.uk.
