Graham Jones

Hyndburn MP

WITH the summer recess over, parliament is back. One subject dominates. Brexit.

Will we get a deal that allows free access of goods or will the borders seize up in a tit for tat red tape contrétemps? Will EU governments apply EU taxes on UK exports (and UK workers jobs)?

Before the UK went into the EU it didn’t matter. Few goods (as a %) were exported and warehouses were the norm. That’s all changed. There are very few warehouses. The numbers of lorries crossing into Europe is colossal compared with 1974. The norm now is ‘just in time’ production, roll on, roll off and essentially a free border for goods.

I am opposed to EU taxes on our UK goods (and jobs), plus the EU delays and red tape which will be applied on UK goods if we leave without a deal. There is a romantic view that these things won’t happen.

The flaw in that argument is that it’s incorrect. We need a deal. Whether that deal is any good for the UK may well come down to the British people? • Following on from that I am concerned that unemployment in the constituency has risen significantly and so too has interest rates as the £1 weakens. The cost of a pint of beer on the continent has risen considerably.

These next three weeks are the party conferences. I want to see a bit more socialism and that needs a Labour government. However, there are things we could do and some new ‘council houses’ (or social housing) would be a good start. • There are many elderly people for whom the stairs in a terraced house present a real challenge and they sometimes choose to live just downstairs.

A new bungalow at £110,000 is beyond the price of their £45,000 terrace and they are trapped waiting.

Therefore bungalows for private sale are pointless. They don’t help the poorest and least able. We need bungalows for affordable rent.

Old people want to know that they are secure, in a nice complex of similar housing and that will be taken care of as they grow old with a bit of money from the sale to enjoy their last years with. That’s what should have happened with Hill Top in Baxenden. • I am writing to every publican to let them know of the £5,000 available to any community group to promote cycling. CCTV, bike sheds, locks etc.. Well done to the Black Dog who have put in such provision and are now a refreshment retreat for many cyclists.

Another group who provide recreational facilities for the ‘ageing’ and who are struggling are our small 9-hole golf clubs.

Like bowls, we need to support sport and support sport for that ageing demographic.

I have managed to ascertain where grant funding is available and the clubs will be receiving a letter from my staff. The problems at A&E start with poor health and wellbeing.

I know many clubs, football, cricket, otherwise aren’t flushed with money and helping them survive and prosper is important.

I have advertised various forms of grant funding available to various sports and put them online. I intend to repost these notices over the coming months.