Dear Friend,
I hope this finds you well.
June 8th was nine years to the day I was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle. A lot has happened in those nine years, including a boundary change along with the name of the constituency to Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice.
It has genuinely been an honour and a privilege to serve as MP for a fantastic part of the country. As your MP, I have had the opportunity to meet so many people doing so many amazing things. Together we have achieved a lot and there is always more to do (but at least the A63 underpass is finally finished!).
Thank you to everyone I have met and worked with over the last nine years. As always, I will continue working hard for everyone in Hull West and Haltemprice.
More in Common and a divided Britain – who really benefits?
This month, Parliament reflected on the 10th anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, near Leeds. In her maiden parliamentary speech, she said “We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.”
Following the scenes we have witnessed in parts of the UK recently Jo’s message has never been more relevant or important, and Jo’s sister Kim gave a moving speech, which you can watch here.
Much of this division is stoked from outside. A recent BBC investigation discovered Russian operatives ran a remote sabotage and provocation campaign through social media. They created fake online far-right and Muslim groups, which they used to stir up division and fear.
The arson attack on Keir Starmer’s house and car last year was a part of the campaign. They ordered the attack, then used their fake channels and accounts to post lies about the motive for the attack. These were picked up and repeated by figures such as Tommy Robinson.
Although the internet has given us access to a wealth of knowledge, it has also opened the door to new opportunities for “a lie to travel halfway around the world before the truth puts on its shoes,” and that is being ruthlessly exploited by our enemies. I always recommend checking with Full Fact if you are unsure – or every now and then even when you are! I have found it very reliable.
Of course, the government’s job is bigger than fact checking posts. It’s about creating a resilient nation. One with energy we can rely on. Industry we own. Institutions that are rock solid and communities that don’t split and fracture the moment someone pushes them.
Great Get Together
As a passionate believer in Jo’s message of unity and community, I hold a Great Get Together event every year. This year, I’m hosting an event with the Maurice Rawling Community Centre on Bean Street on Friday 26 June, 3:00pm – 6:00pm celebrating our local community. There will be free food, crafts, sports, music, outdoor games, pizza, gardening and much more. Everyone is welcome and I’d love to see you there. Further details here.
Businesses of the week
Wet & Wild is a fantastic family-run water sports equipment specialist on Anlaby Road and it’s the only shop of its kind in the region!
From kayaking to paddle boarding, freshwater swimming to skiing, Wet & Wild has everything you need from complete beginner to old hand.
In the winter months, they also offer (snow) ski equipment and the ability to hire, so you can try before you buy and decide if you enjoy it first.
With years of experience and a genuine passion for helping people enjoy the outdoors, Wet & Wild is a brilliant local business well worth a visit.
Artisan flowers is a lovely florist in Paragon Arcade with the most gorgeous range of flowers, planters and house plants.
They will create bespoke arrangements for all occasions and the ones they had in looked absolutely stunning. They also hold floral workshops for those who want to learn more about flower arranging.
If you’re looking for a special bunch of flowers or a plant, pop in and speak to one of their friendly team
It was lovely to meet Josh owner of Joshua Bradley Luxury who have been established for three years now. They do watch repairs and polishing and specialise in buying and selling antique watches, stunning art deco jewellery and high-end handbags. Josh has an office based in Hull Centre but mainly sells online. You can find his products and services here on his website.
Support for private renting tenants
Private tenants are now free from the threat of no-notice evictions, thanks to our Renter’s Rights Act, and there’s further support available over deposits for assured shorthold tenancies.
Renter’s deposits must be protected in one of three Government-approved deposit schemes. They each offer a free independent service to help settle deposit disagreements.
So, if you disagree with the amount your landlord or letting agent is taking from your deposit, you first need to check which scheme your deposit is protected by. It will be either Deposit Protection Service, MyDeposits (including deposits that were held by Capita) or Tenancy Deposit Scheme
You can then lodge a complaint with them, and they will investigate and make a binding decision.
Funeral of Martin Chadburn
The funeral service for Martin Chadburn takes place at 11.30am next Monday 22nd June at Hull Minster.
I first met Martin through his work at Hull4Heroes and we worked closely together on the ‘Postcards for Veterans’ project. Martin was great with the children, answering all their questions about his experience in the army with sensitivity and honesty. He was a lovely man, and worthy of the admiration and respect he received from so many.
My thoughts are with his family, friends, his colleagues at Hull4Heroes and all those who knew him.
Men in Sheds Anlaby
Men in Sheds is a community initiative designed to combat loneliness and social isolation, particularly among older men. It provides a safe, welcoming workshop environment where people can connect, socialize, share skills, and work on practical projects.
I recently visited Men in Sheds Anlaby, which was previously known as Men in Sheds Haltemprice.
I was amazed by all the incredible things they’ve built, and I loved the camaraderie between everyone.
It doesn’t matter how much experience you have. There’s woodwork and engineering as you might imagine, but there’s also gardening and computing and if you don’t fancy any of that, you can just pop in for a cuppa and a chat.
You don’t need to book to attend, just turn up. It’s open to everyone and it was great to see women and younger people there.
On Saturday 27th June they’re having a BBQ open to all at their base next to the clinic on First Lane Anlaby. I’m also reliably told all the sausages and burgers are homemade by one of their members and they’re delicious.
Pride in Place Board members appointed
The Neighbourhood Board members for Boulevard and St Andrews Quay Pride in Place have now been selected from an impressive array of candidates. This means we are close to the very first meeting of the Board, which will be followed by the announcement of public consultations.
This is where residents get involved in shaping the plan for the future. If you live in the area please get involved – this is a huge opportunity to make real changes in Boulevard and St Andrews driven by community need over the next ten years.
Humber Bridge tolls – what’s your experience?
Recently, I have been hearing from residents about the challenges they have been facing with the new payment system at Humber Bridge, which has, in some cases, led to fines being issued.
I have now launched a survey to listen to the experiences of residents, which I will present to the Humber Bridge Board at a meeting to discuss the findings.
Fill in my survey here.
Solar Panels for Francis Askew
I had a lovely visit to Francis Askew School to see their new solar panels in action. The panels were funded through a government scheme to help cut energy bills for public buildings which will save an estimated average of £650 million per year across the country over the next 12 years.
The panels are already saving money for the school, meaning it has more to spend on other resources for the students.
I also met the Eco Club and heard how they are learning to make their school more environmentally friendly. Listening to their enthusiasm as they described how they are leading on the different initiatives around the school and taking on responsibility was a real pleasure.
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. When a school from the constituency is visiting Parliament, I always try and spend time with them but sometimes it’s not possible with my duties as a minister. So, it was amazing timing for me to walk out of a meeting in Downing Street yesterday and see the children from Springhead Primary School outside Number 10! They also got to see their MP in action, as their time in the Vistors’ Gallery to see a debate coincided with me answering an Urgent Question as minister. Couldn’t have planned it better!