UK at the heart of global fight for climate change

As you will have all seen, COP26 kicked off over the weekend, in what is a vital event for the future of our planet and environment. I am proud to see the UK is at the heart of the global fight to tackle climate change, and I want to assure constituents that in the coming days, we will be doing everything to convince global leaders to commit to achieving net-zero as early as possible and go greener!

I believe last week’s Budget was another really vital step on our road to recovery after the last 18 months, and will help working families across Mid Sussex and the UK, support businesses’ recovery, meet the cost of living, drive economic growth and deliver worldclass public services.

Businesses across Mid Sussex will benefit from new measures, including a 50 per cent cut in business rates next year for 90 per cent of retail, hospitality and leisure, while it prioritises helping working families and vulnerable households with the rising cost of living.

I was delighted to see the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid MP, confirm that the government will be cutting the cost of hormone replacement therapies (HRT), improving patient access and tackling menopause taboos and stigmas.

As Employment Minister, I have also commissioned a report from leading employer organisations on the issue of menopause, the workforce and the impact it has on work – I’m looking forward to seeing their recommendations.

There is vital work ongoing at DWP and across government to help employers increasingly educate and raise awareness around the menopause, supporting women in employment. However, far more can and will continue to be done to ensure women can access support as and when they need it.

On Saturday, I joined the team at the Burrell Arms as three of their staff, Adam, Marcus and Josh, ‘braved the shave’ for Macmillan Cancer Support. It was another brilliant fundraiser and the boys were all great sports as their hair was shaved off!

I was there with councillor Sujan Wickremaratchi and this follows several other fundraisers for the charity and is all part of the fantastic work they do supporting the community in Haywards Heath.

Special praise must go to the Burrell Arms, another brilliant, local pub which has a fun and friendly atmosphere, with Nick and Adam at the helm.

It was a pleasure to attend the fantastic charity evening on Halloween in Burgess Hill at the ‘haunted house’ with Samantha Smith, where £150 was raised for Chestnut Tree House, the children’s hospice for East and West Sussex, which does incredible work supporting life-limited children and their families.

A huge thank you to Ricky and Naomi for the scares, sweets and superb fancy dress!