Pride at Sussex’s generosity to refugees
On Saturday at the invitation of The Royal Sussex Regimental Association, I joined the Bishop, the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, other local MPs and mayors and council leaders for a St George’s Day and 100th Anniversary service of remembrance to those who gave their lives during the Great War and whose names are recorded on the memorial panels within St George’s Chapel in Chichester Cathedral. Even after the regiment’s disbandment more than 55 years ago now, the Royal Sussex Association lives on and is proud of its place in the hearts of the people of Sussex. Rare is the village church or war memorial in West Sussex that does not record names of those who died in the service of our country while serving in our own county regiment.
The glorious spring weather motivates us all to get outside for long walks and to enjoy time in the garden or inside with the windows open. But for too many residents I know that it also means an increase in noise disturbance and the scourge of a minority of antisocial drivers on roads such as the A272, the A29 and the A283. Vigilant policing is one way to deter this which is why I sought and received assurances from Chief Inspector Nick Bowman, Sussex Police District Commander for Arun and Chichester, when we met last week, that Operation Downsway will continue throughout the dry spring and summer months this year. If you see
the police in your village or local area do give them a thumbs up.
I have been working hard to help constituents sponsoring refugees via the Homes for Ukraine scheme. My small team and I have been working daily with the Foreign Office to progress cases and to keep hosts and refugees updated. I am pleased that there are many success stories which is not the impression reported in the media. Since the scheme opened last month, I have received more than 90 case requests, and my office has been able to resolve 82 of them at the time of writing. I am proud that Sussex is ‘punching above its weight’ in terms of generosity in opening local homes to Ukrainians seeking safe refuge. If any constituents are having issues with their applications please contact me and I will do all I can to help.