Dear Friend,
I hope this finds you well.
I know a lot of people are worried about the US and Israeli military action in Iran. I believe Keir Starmer was absolutely right to put the interests of the British people first by refusing to enter the conflict with them, and then to ignore calls that would have rushed the UK headlong into a war without a full picture of what we were sending our forces into and without a plan to get us out.
The Prime minister has restated his priorities this week.
First, we will protect our people in the region.
Second, while taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war.
And third, we will keep working towards a swift resolution that brings security and stability back to the region and stops the Iranian threat to its neighbours.
Effect on the cost of living
The conflict is affecting the price of oil and threatening the wider global economy. We promised in our manifesto we would bring energy bills down and we meant it.
Today – because of decisions we have made – millions of households across the country will be paying on average £117 less on their bills.
Martin Lewis has said that this is “the biggest shakeup we’ve seen in the energy market in recent years”, and that the savings people will feel are “mainly due” to our work.
This means, that whatever happens in energy markets, in two weeks’ time energy bills will be cut and then capped for the next three months.
Additionally, in response to the war in Iran we have
- extended the cut in fuel duty until September.
- announced immediate support for vulnerable heating oil customers in rural communities, providing £53m for those households that are most exposed.
- Pledged to redouble our efforts in our drive to make the UK energy independent by developing more renewable energy.
The government is also
- giving a legal direction to the energy companies to ensure that every penny of the savings is passed directly onto customers.
- preparing to better regulate the market to better protect consumers in the future.
Keir Starmer will continue standing firm for the British interest, no matter the pressure. I believe time will show that we have the right approach. Right on the economy and the cost of living, right on defence and energy and right for the best interests of our people.
Tell me what you think
I want to hear the view of Hull West and Haltemprice residents on the Iran conflict. Let me know by completing the survey here.
More help for disabled households
Vulnerable households are particularly affected by cost-of-living pressures, including water bills.
That’s why the WaterSure scheme is there to support low-income households on water meters who qualify through having either a specific medical condition or three or more children living at home which means they need to use high amounts of water.
We know that life costs more if you are disabled, and so I was proud to announce as Minister for Water that we will be expanding the WaterSure scheme to include those in receipt of disability benefits, meaning over 300,000 people will now see significant savings.
The reforms will also alter the way the price cap is determined, with most of the existing recipients seeing further savings of up to £100.
These changes will make a meaningful difference to hundreds of thousands of families who need support the most and build on our Water White Paper that champions customers, protects the environment, restores public trust and works to secure a water system fit for the future.
Action on NHS dentists
We are getting on with our promise to tackle the terrible state NHS dentistry had been left in.
- We have taken steps to provide 2,000 additional dentists every year, by busting the backlog of overseas-qualified dentists waiting to take the exams that enable them to practice here – over 70% of whom will practice in the NHS.
- We are permanently increasing the number of dental school places available in the UK for the first time since 2007 so that we train more in this country.
- And we are legislating to embed urgent care into the NHS contract, and to enable dental nurses to apply fluoride varnish on children.
Our ambition was high and the NHS has risen to it. There is much more to do. But we are modernising the system, improving access and showing that when you need the NHS, only Labour will make sure that it will be there, and it will not keep you waiting.
Ditch the Diesel in Paragon Station
Electrifying the rail line to Hull is something I have been campaigning for – both with the other Hull MPs and cross-party – since I was first elected.
Going electric would bring faster, cleaner and more reliable journeys, help businesses across the Humber, cut dirty diesel emissions and improve our access to the rest of the country. After the announcement of Northern Powerhouse Rail investment left the lines out of Hull without a timetable for overhead power, Diana Johnson and I met with the Transport Minister Lord Hendy as part of our “Ditch the Diesel” campaign, and I have had two meetings since.
The good news is that advances in technology mean trains fitted with new powerful batteries can run on overhead electric power then switch to battery for the sections into Hull without overhead. This means Hull can still benefit from the Northern Powerhouse Rail improvements across the Leeds–Manchester–Liverpool corridor and see the end of polluting diesels in Hull Paragon.
But we need to make sure those trains are ordered. Siemens’ new Goole Rail Village can build them, as well as Hitachi in County Durham, so with Northen Rail and TransPennine now nationalised as part of Great British Railways I will continue to meet with ministers and the rail companies to get the modern, clean trains we need.
More stops for Hessle
Speaking of Northern Trains, I found out of nearly forty trains a day between Hull and York only 3 or 4 stopped at Hessle Station. So along with Hessle Town Council I have been meeting with Northern Rail bosses to push for more stops. The next opportunity for change to the timetables would be their December review and talks so far have been productive, so watch this space!
What’s on for Easter
I can’t believe the Easter holidays are nearly here! If you’re looking for things to do with the family in the constituency I have put some of the events together here.
The fabulous Rewilding Youth are running an amazingly wild Dino-themed fun day at Constable Street Allotment. It’s on Thursday 2nd April and is free to attend
Hull4Heroes Family Day Sunday 29 March 10 am – 4 pm Easter Egg Hunt & Prizes, as well as music, tombola, food and drinks, games, arts & crafts, bouncy castle. At the Mercure Hotel Hull, Grange Park Lane, Willerby, Hull HU10 6EB Parking is free and free tickets available here
Hull Truck A Great Easter Adventure Sat 28 March – Tue 31 March
An adventure for 3-6 year olds and their families that features an arts and crafts session followed by an interactive play that uses whatever you have made. Each Great Adventure is totally different and features a new theme every time. Each show lasts approximately 30 mins.
There’s a range of active activities for children as part of the Healthy Holidays programme from Hull CC and the Department for Education including
- Junior Football Camp (ages 7-12) and Multisport Madness (ages 8-12) at Costello Stadium – find out more and book here
- Paddle Sports with Kingston Kayak Club (ages 8-15) at Albert Avenue book here
- Free junior swimming at Albert Avenue Baths for u-15s (children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult). Sessions can get busy, so it’s recommended you arrive early!
Pickering Park Aviary has a series of events on.
There’s an Egg-cellent Adventure on Thursday 2 April, 11am to 1pm
Help find the Easter Bunny’s missing eggs to reveal the egg-citing clues and uncover some amazing facts about their animals. book here
The following week on Friday 10 April, 11am to 1pm you can become a Minibeast Detective – crafts, games, and activities, including decorating an insect mask and designing your own bug hotel book here
In between on Tuesday 7 April, 11am to 1pm there are Zoo Explorer Sessions, exclusive keeper-led walk around the site, where children can learn amazing facts about the animal residents directly from the people who care for them book here
Hull Ice Arena has two themed skating events planned that promise plenty of family-friendly fun on the ice.
On Thursday 2 April 2pm to 4pm there’s a Princess Skate, designed especially for families with younger children, where little skaters can glide around the ice while their favourite princess characters make special appearances book here
On 9 April 12 noon to 2pm there’s a K-Pop skate which features huge K-Pop hits, themed character appearances and exciting on-ice showcase performances book here
Consultation on children’s online safety opens
As promised, we have opened the consultation on keeping our children safe online. Your responses will inform the next steps we will take as a government. We know there are differences of opinion about a possible social media ban, overnight curfews, and other measures to protect children’s wellbeing. That is why we want to gather all the evidence – from parents, carers, experts, non-experts, tech companies, and from children and young people themselves. So please do tell us what you think.
- the consultation documents can be found here
- you can take part here
- the parents’ consultation can be found here
- the children’s consultation can be found here
- and practical information on keeping children safe online can be found here
We are determined to follow all the evidence, and last month the Prime Minister announced that the government is taking new legal powers so that we can act immediately to implement the findings of this consultation – within months, not years.
Pride in Place Chairperson appointed
I’m delighted to say that Simon Berry, local resident, long‑time community champion and a former Paralympian, will be the chair of Boulevard and St Andrews Pride in Place Board.
Simon is passionate about our area and his appointment is another step forward to seeing millions of pounds of investment into the area to make the changes local residents want and need.
Nationally, Pride in Place will see £5 billion spent over the next ten years by communities, in their communities.
Businesses of the week
I absolutely love Goodwin Friary, my long‑standing neighbour and an absolute friend to me and my office over the years.
Right next door, great value, and home to all the classics. Whenever I’ve needed a patty butty, a bag of chips, or just a quick pick‑me‑up on a busy day, they’ve always been there. I honestly couldn’t imagine an election campaign without them keeping us fuelled!
If you’re nearby, pop in and grab a bargain, they really are a proper local gem in Goodwin estate.
If you haven’t been yet, Liquid Jade is one of Hull’s true hidden gems – tucked away down a little alley off Whitefriargate, (or go through Zebedee’s Yard), this lovely café is well worth a visit.
They serve delicious lunches, sweet treats, great coffee, and an amazing range of loose‑leaf teas. The team are always super friendly, and it’s the perfect spot whether you’re out shopping, meeting a friend, or just fancy popping in for something tasty.
Mimi is a gorgeous clothing boutique in Hessle ran by mother and daughter, Cheryl and Zara.
They have just got their spring collection in and the shop is bursting with lovely pastel colours. They also have beautiful jewellery and a range of accessories.
Mimi Boutique is the perfect stop if you’re looking for something for an occasion or a gift for someone special – they’ve got a sale on at the moment too!
Victoria Pier replacement
Victoria Pier has been closed off to the public for a while now as it is structurally unsafe. The existing pier needs to be replaced, and Hull City Council are holding a public consultation on what that replacement should look like. I know lots of people have deep connections to this local landmark, so have your say here
Humberside Fire and Rescue – keeping us safe
I visited Humberside Fire & Rescue Service to see their new flood‑response equipment this month.
As well as a new vehicle, they showed how specialist kit strengthens their existing resources, including the High Volume Pump (HVP), the welfare unit for crews during long incidents, and the use of drones for better situational awareness.
They also carried out a live water exercise to demonstrate it all in action. It’s reassuring to know our communities are well protected should the worst happen.
And finally,
As always, I’m here to support you. I do a face-to-face surgery every week so you can always come and see me. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about how I can help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
You can email me at emma.hardy.mp@parliament.uk or call my office at 01482 219211. Leave a message if I’m unavailable, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
And, if there’s anyone you think would be interested in reading this newsletter, please feel free to share it. If you’re reading this for the first time you can subscribe at contact@emmahardy.org.uk
Best wishes,
Emma Hardy MP
Hull West and Haltemprice
P.S. I was invited to visit St Charles Borromeo Church in town. What an amazing place – a real hidden gem!
They are celebrating the churchs’ bi‑centenary this year, and are really eager for people to step inside, explore the building and see just how much history it holds. Well worth a visit.
