My Barnoldswick and Earby Times, Colne Times and Nelson Leader Column from Friday 19th April 2019...
The House of Commons is in recess until after Easter, so I am busy out and about catching up with people across Pendle. Aside from holding my regular Saturday surgeries, I’ve been out and about knocking on doors across Pendle. I do think it is important MPs make themselves as available as possible to those they serve. Please do say hello if you see me around.
In addition to a packed schedule, I like other Christians will celebrate Easter and the message of hope for millions of Christians in our country and all around the world. The values of the Christian faith are the values on which our nation was built. When we see Christians today in 2019 being persecuted for their beliefs around the world – we must speak out and stand with those who bravely practice their faith.
Regardless of your religion or if you have none, the values of Easter and the Christian religion – compassion, forgiveness, kindness, hard work and responsibility – are values that we can all celebrate and share. The tragic fire at the 850-year-old Notre Dame on Monday stunned the world and has seen an outpouring of support and generosity from people of all faiths and none. Even in a secular country like France, a Cathedral that has endured revolutions, wars and occupation has become a symbol of the nation.
Today marks a week until the deadline for MPs to submit nominations for the 2019 NHS Parliamentary Awards. The Awards are an opportunity for health and care organisations to be recognised for the work they do and for exceptional individuals within the NHS to be thanked for their devotion to improving the nation’s health care.
Last year saw recognition for NHS bodies as far afield as Cumbria to Plymouth, with the Manchester-based Pennine Acute Trust singled out for their work in making it easier for the homeless and hard to reach to receive care.
I’m hoping to receive several suggestions for who to nominate before next Friday’s deadline. If you know of incredible work going on within the NHS in Pendle, please do let me know and get them the nomination they deserve. I’d like to wish all readers a happy Easter.
