Support for locals worried about Ukraine
It’s now been over a month since Putin launched his illegal, despicable invasion of Ukraine and our support for our Ukrainian friends remains steadfast. I was proud to see President Zelensky specifically praise the role of our PM and the UK in the Western response to the Russian invasion over the weekend. I know constituents are deeply worried about family members directly affected by this conflict and support is available through the various government channels.
Meanwhile, NATO leaders also gathered last week in Brussels for an emergency summit, where the PM announced further major military support package from the UK for Ukraine, meaning the UK government is providing an additional 6,000 antitank missiles and £25million for the Ukrainian military – more than doubling the defensive lethal aid we have provided to more than 10,000 missiles, on top of our £400million in humanitarian and economic aid to Ukraine.
We also sanctioned a further 65 groups and individuals linked to the Kremlin. We will shortly make our voice heard once again at the G7 - we cannot relent, and Putin must fail.
Last week was English Tourism Week, and what a fantastic week it was weather wise in Mid Sussex! I was lucky enough to visit Albourne Wine Estate, a fantastic vineyard in a beautiful location, which I would encourage all of you to visit over the spring and summer. It was great to meet Alison, understand more about her growing business and learn about the delicious wines produced there.
On Friday, I was delighted to be asked to open the new ‘Thriiver’ offices, formerly Hands Free Computing, near Cuckfield. This wonderful local company enables disabled people, or those with a health condition, through innovative technology, to access employment. It was brilliant to see this vitally important technology in action, how it is used and how it is helping people in Mid Sussex and beyond.
On Monday, the Education Secretary set out our new Schools White Paper, which will dramatically improve attainment across the country, supporting children who fall behind and d helping the progress, as we build on the reforms which have seen a significant increase in the number of good and outstanding schools.
Meanwhile, it was an honour to attend the inaugural STEM meeting at the wonderful, Kings Church in Burgess Hill supported by the Burgess Hill Business Park, ahead of June’s latest ‘Mid Sussex Science Week’, to promote future STEM opportunities. It was great to meet with the six schools participating, local business sponsors and STEM mentors.
It is wonderful to see this event returning to Mid Sussex and I look forward to seeing how the students embrace this year’s exciting challenge and their final projects in June.