My heart goes out to all of those affected by the horrific fire and tragic loss of life at Grenfell Tower.
With facts emerging about the speed the fire spread, witness accounts of alarms not sounding, no sprinklers in the building, and advance warnings of residents’ safety fears being ignored, it’s our duty to prevent a similar tragedy ever occurring again, and to hold to account those responsible for the failures that make this potentially not just a tragedy but a crime.
Letter to Rt Hon Sir Alan Duncan MP, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Rt Hon Sir Alan Duncan MP
Minister of State
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
Ref: ML.C0082.ID.12.04.17
12th April 2017
Dear Alan,
Last Thursday saw the official launch of the Save Our Schools campaign in Brighton and Hove.
In just a few short weeks they’ve built up a sizable following on social media, and they are doing a brilliant job raising awareness about the assault on our schools and the damage being done by under-funding them.
A few brilliant local projects have been shortlisted for ITV People’s Projects funding. As the local MP, it’s difficult for me to pick one project over another, but I would love it if one of the amazing local organisations in the running is successful. To win the funding it comes down to votes, so I’m hoping my blog will help to draw attention to the incredible work those in the running do, and just what the funding would mean to them.
This morning I made my submission to the Government’s Schools National Funding Formula consultation. The proposals would see schools in Brighton and Hove lose over £11 million by 2019/2020.
School budgets are already at breaking point, there is no fat left to trim. Local head teachers, who I’ve kept in close contact with, have issued stark warnings about what the proposals mean for our schools. Some schools are relying on charity PTA fundraising to buy essentials like pens and glue sticks – and there are serious fears that job cuts will become inevitable.
I’m delighted that Albion in the Community (AITC) has today been named as the South East regional winner in the Community Club of the Year category at the EFL Awards.
The Caroline of Brunswick is a unique Brighton pub, not least because of the three headed dog above the bar; but it’s also well-known as a live music and comedy venue.
It’s played host to many up-and-coming comedians at the start of their careers, and seen them return to try out new material ahead of Edinburgh fringe shows and tours.
The Caroline of Brunswick is a venue that champions alternative music, and isn’t afraid to host weird and wonderful experimental live performance.
Earlier today I dropped by the Amaze Info Fair being held at Brighthelm.
Amaze are a great local charity supporting families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities.
Events like the information fair today provide an opportunity for parent carers to share experiences, and to speak directly to local services and organisations able to offer practical support and guidance.
On Friday I met with the Save the Dyke Pub campaign group.
They formed following the closure of The Dyke Road Tavern, a much loved community pub in my Brighton Pavilion constituency. The pub has since re-opened as a second hand furniture store.
