Graham Jones
Haslingden MP
IDO worry a lot about the United Kingdom. And if things aren’t going well for the UK then East Lancashire suffers considerably more.
There seems to be no answers to Brexit, at least no answer to the question about how does the UK stop 10%, 20%, 40% EU (Brussels) taxes being applied to British exports in two years’ time when we leave? It is important to make sure Brexit works for the people of Haslingden.
On the subject of Article 50 which I voted to trigger and leave the EU, I did not support the amendment putting into law the rights of 3million EU nationals to remain in the UK permanently. The referendum was about immigration. It is an issue that we have to address, not ignore. EU workers working in East Lancashire factories drive down wages – if they didn’t, owners wouldn’t employ them though I do accept that work ethic is important in recruitment.
l Lately I have been out on shifts with the local Police force. There I experienced the issues the police face in the line of duty. Many calls that come through are not criminal issues but mental health, domestic violence which I have done a lot to support, and serious anti-social behaviour.
On ASB it frustrates me that the Conservative government has watered down sentences and abolished the ASBO which provided communities through councils, an opportunity to send out desist notices – or hand out an automatic prison sentence. They should be brought back.
I have intervened to try and protect domestic violence services (men and women) and following my efforts to raise awareness several women have come to my surgery to tell their shocking stories.
It is mental health however that is of great concern. Loneliness, isolation. Drink or drugs. There are many reasons why people are unable to rationalise or cope and I saw this put on patrol. What is disturbing is the police have been left to deal with these social problems and the massive costs and demand it places on the force. I want to highlight the fact that the embedded NHS mental health staff will after the March 31 no longer be operating within the police.
I cannot from a cost, quality of service or outcomes based rationale understand why this service is being withdrawn by the NHS and I have written to the NHS to say so.
My worry about the UK is we are a nation forgetting about what is important. Community and family. Not individualism and rights - but responsibilities as I often say in Parliament and on social media.