This week I thought I would cover some recent and upcoming debates in Parliament.
Storm Bert this weekend was a reminder of the threat of severe weather and I spoke about this in the House of Commons last week as we debated flood preparedness in Norfolk. Sadly, in recent years heavy rainfall has meant villages across North West Norfolk have felt the awful impact of flooding - last winter alone, I helped constituents in the Burnhams, the Creakes, Pott Row, Grimston, and other villages affected. High groundwater levels mean that flood risk is here once again.
Dealing with the problem needs better co-ordination. Norfolk County Council is the local lead flood authority, but it cannot direct anyone; it does not have sufficient funding. That is why I supported creation of the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance to bring the groups involved in dealing with the problems of flooding together.
I’ve helped to get multi-agency groups set up to deal with some issues which has seen welcome investment in dealing with the infiltration and inundation that causes the flooding. But more needs to be done.
An issue I feel particularly strongly about is having much better welfare support when things go wrong. I have been to the homes of vulnerable constituents who have been unable to use their toilets, sinks and showers and all they have been offered is a portaloo. That is completely unacceptable. Constituents just want people to take responsibility. The Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance is actively working on that.
I also highlighted the importance of coastal flood defences, particularly between Snettisham and Heacham. The Environment Agency has begun a review of the Wash East coast management plan and this must continue to protect the properties, holiday homes and agricultural land.
As part of my campaign to improve access to NHS dentistry, I used health questions to reiterate my backing for a dental training school at the UEA and called on Ministers to speed up the approval process for overseas dentists. It takes too long for dentists with overseas qualifications to be able to work as NHS dentists which has been an issue locally – yet they can provide treatment privately. That needs to change. I welcome the minister saying “we are very open to the idea of a dental training school at the UEA” and to speed up approvals.
This week MPs will be debating the Finance Bill. This implements measures in the Budget which put taxes up by £40 billion a year. Tesco, Lidl, and other major retailers have warned the £25 billion national insurance rise means shops could close, jobs could be lost, and the cost of people’s weekly food shop will go up. Private sector activity has shrunk for the first time in a year.
Finally, on Friday MPs will consider the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. This is a very important and emotive issue and I am carefully considering its provisions. This issue deserves the highest degree of compassion and debates on assisted dying should never distract from the importance of high-quality palliative care.
While I am open to exploring changes, it's very important to consider whether effective safeguards can and will protect vulnerable people and people from feeling pressured. This issue is one of individual conscience and I continue to listen to constituents and others reflecting on the moral, medical, and legal issues involved.
