What has Huw Merriman been up to today?
Huw Merriman is MP for Bexhill and Battle and a member of the Conservative party.
Huw Merriman has 20866 followers on Twitter.
At the moment, 61% of people in mental health hospitals have autism as a condition. The Draft #MentalHealthBill offers us the opportunity to improve the lives of autistic people. I look forward to meeting the Health Secretary along with the Autism APPG to discuss this further
Yesterday, I raised the issue of housing associations selling off social housing stock. This is a significant issue locally, particularly in rural areas, and I look forward to meeting with the Housing Minister to discuss this further
Want to know more about inclusive employment? Hear inspirational success stories and get lots of practical advice at this free Bexhill Chamber of Commerce seminar for businesses on Friday 8 July. Find out more and book https://www.dlwp.com/event/inclusive-employment/
For Drowning Prevention Week - 18th-25th June, St Peter & St Paul #Bexhill pupils joined me for a seafront water safety lesson with local
@RLSSUK lifeguard, Dean.
Free resources visit: http://rlss.org.uk/dpw and the animation can be viewed by visiting http://rlss.org.uk/drowning-prevention-week-animation
For those in London who, like me, have been forced to vacate their usual bus service mid-route when it terminates (without reason or warning), this letter seeks to understand why 👇
Have just chaired a parliamentary briefing from BBC journalists covering the war in Ukraine. They provided an update on the conflict, the challenges they face when reporting, and how we ensure news remains impartial. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to their courage and hard work
We welcomed members of the Transport Select Committee to our facilities in Southampton, visiting as part of their inquiry into #Maritime2050.
Members met with a range of companies working in the NOC’s Marine Robotics Innovation Centre.
#MarineAutonomy #ScienceAndTechnology
Where will the maritime workers of the future come from? We spoke to a group of merchant navy cadets who were passionate and full of ideas about their industry. @warsashmaritime showcases modern training methods and we had a go ourselves!
We took a deep dive into autonomous vessel technology at the @NOCnews Marine Robotics Innovation Centre. Exciting to hear about all the work underway in their collaborative Hub.
The Port of Southampton is one of the busiest and fastest container ports in the country - 2021 was its busiest year on record. We’ve asked about trade, port infrastructure and decarbonisation. @PortofSoton
Off to Southampton today for our Maritime 2050 inquiry, the Govt’s strategy for the sector. It’s a great place to learn about training future workers, how tech is shaping up and see how the port works - all strands of our inquiry. 🚢 https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/2574
Great news on #SussexDay! Our local vineyards produce some of the best high quality wines in England. They make such a contribution to our local economy. Delighted by this news.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-61811299
Strikes will damage the railway for passengers and workforce. An early resolution is needed otherwise Govt and industry will have to hold their nerve if they wish to deliver these reforms #railstrikes
Spot on from the PM. Let’s hear it for the BBC. Superb effort; produced in-house. Most of us would not have seen it without our national broadcaster. All done for just over £2 per household for the four day event thanks to the licence fee
One week on from the spectacular #PlatinumJubilee weekend I'd like to thank all those who helped make the celebrations happen.
A huge team effort. Well done to all!
We cannot give way to rail strike blackmail – this is a defining moment for Britain
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/18856408/grant-shapps-cannot-yield-strike/
Great to chair Rother Rural Roundtable with @SallyAnn1066 - leaders, councillors and officials from District and County Council met with rural businesses and organisations to share ideas for rural economic growth. Thanks to everyone who attended.
How can the UK create a more robust and resilient road freight supply chain?
Read our report here 👇
Today we published our report on the road freight supply chain.
Industry must fix systemic shortcomings or risk Government action.
Read a summary of our key recommendations here
P&O Ferries lost thousands of customers to its rivals when it sacked its staff and suspended its service 10 weeks ago.
We’ve obtained internal briefing slides which suggest the company is finding it hard to get a lot of that business back.
Full story:
https://www.itv.com/news/2022-05-27/p-and-o-ferries-struggles-to-win-back-customers-10-weeks-after-sacking-800-crew
In case you missed it.
📺Watch our first evidence session on the National Bus Strategy: One Year On here https://parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/63408abc-ccc4-4e49-9240-1b5f7bd57445
Delighted to welcome a group of enthusiastic #BBC apprentices to Parliament this week. Was great to chat about the work of the BBC APPG and hear about their ambitions for the future. Now more than ever is the time to preserve their futures with our nation’s public broadcaster
Really pleased to see this package of support from Rishi and team. It won’t cover all of the increases in the costs of living but it demonstrates, as he did during the pandemic, that he’s on the side of those who need help the most
Alongside the action we’ve already taken this year today's measures will ensure:
The vast majority of households receive £550.
Pensioners receive £850.
And almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households will receive support of at least £1,200.
Watch 👇
I’ve heard people’s concerns about the impact of the Energy Bills Support Scheme repayments on future bills.
So those repayments will be cancelled.
Furthermore, the £200 of support for household energy bills will be doubled to £400 for everyone.
We are introducing a temporary, targeted Energy Profits Levy charged on profits of oil and gas companies at a rate of 25%.
We're also building in a new investment allowance that doubles the relief for the energy companies that invest their profits in the UK.
From the autumn, we will send over eight million pensioner households who receive the Winter Fuel Payment – an extra, one-off pensioner cost of living payment of £300.
Disabled people face extra costs in their lives like having energy-intensive equipment around the home or workplace.
So, to help the 6 million people who receive non-means tested disability benefits, we will provide an extra one-off disability cost of living payment worth £150.
I’m proud to say that around three quarters of the total cost of living support will go to vulnerable households.
Read more about today's announcements: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-of-most-vulnerable-households-will-receive-1200-of-help-with-cost-of-living
Click the link below to read my latest constituency newsletter 👇
https://mailchi.mp/parliament/constituencynewsletter-20-may-2021-11493030
“P&O can’t carry on like this”
The company’s biggest ferry, operating on its busiest route carried an average of 34 lorries per crossing last week - a load factor of 19%.
P&O insists customers are “steadily returning,” 10 weeks after it sacked crew.
https://www.itv.com/news/2022-05-19/p-and-o-freight-service-sailed-80-empty-between-calais-and-dover-last-week
🧵 THREAD 🧵
Today’s #TransportDebate is important because #Transport impacts everyone in our day to day lives. 1/7
P&O Ferries flagrantly admitted to breaking the law, but existing legislation is not sufficient to hold it to account.
Govt’s package of 9 measures is a strong start, but fresh legislation is needed to ensure it cannot be repeated and to protect the #maritime workforce.
This ironic description really is a pot calling for the kettle.. as a true Arsenal fan, through the good times and the bad, please can I implore fellow Gooners to come together and rid this total idiot ‘commentator’ from any link to our club
Arteta should be fired.
Instead he’s been given a new deal and massive pay rise. For abject failure.
Utterly ridiculous.
Join us at 11am today for our online launch event, with @CommonsTrans chair @HuwMerriman, @_wearepossible's Alethea Warrington & Matthew Gorman of @SustAviation & @HeathrowAirport ✈️
Register here
➡️http://bit.ly/3vR8DD2 https://twitter.com/GreenAllianceUK/status/1524641559790202881
🚨NEW REPORT: Preparing for take off ☁️✈️
By speeding up the switch to sustainable aviation fuel, the UK can cut emissions, create jobs and support the growth of new industries like green hydrogen & direct air capture
Read our report
➡️https://bit.ly/3stirRC
A thread 1/5
Utter madness. What’s next; ‘I veto the colour of your front door or your car on the drive’? The aspirational party I joined under Thatcher didn’t hold a poll, or deny hard-working people the chance to improve their homes, based on neighbour envy
Permission for house extensions could be voted on by neighbours under new planning reforms http://news.sky.com/story/permission-for-house-extensions-could-be-voted-on-by-neighbours-under-new-planning-reforms-12610380
Our Chair @HuwMerriman has commented on today's Queen's Speech: "We welcome the inclusion of a Transport Bill and look forward to scrutinising the detail. We hope it reflects recommendations we have made to help consumers, improve access for all users and decarbonise the sector."
🧵THREAD
The #QueensSpeech confirmed that a number of @CommonsTrans recommendations will be put into legislation. 1/4
The idioms involving ‘pots and kettles’ and ‘glasshouses and throwing stones’ are never more apt than today. Some throwing the stones (or are these boomerangs) are now calling for the police not to be dragged into politics.
In my experience, Simon consistently gets his facts right. This is a growing cause of public concern and enquiry. Our airlines need to give the correct advice and update their websites.
@RhonddaBryant Hi, Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent here. One reason for the huge number of applications is airlines and holiday companies falsely telling travellers their passports aren’t valid for travel to the EU. Correct rules here. https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/renew-passport-eu-expiration-rules-travel-b2071238.html DM for more.
New: another setback for P&O Ferries.
The Pride of Kent has failed its safety reinspection at Port of Dover.
@MCA_media has detained the ship again.
3 of the company’s 8 ferries remain laid-up almost seven weeks after P&O sacked its crew,
Focus is needed to ensure residents get the service they deserve from the Passport Office. Good to hear the Home Office Minister recognise my concerns and I will monitor the action taken to improve the situation to ensure it delivers.
🧵 THREAD 🧵
Good to discuss topical issues with @grantshapps in @CommonsTrans this morning, incl:
⛴️ will @POferries get away with it?
🚘 private sector to reduce #DVLABacklog?
⛽ powers to crack down on fuel protests. 1/5
Thank you to Secretary General Kitack Lim and all the staff at @IMOHQ for an informative visit ahead of our Maritime 2050 inquiry.
Wishing @CraigAndrew3 the best of luck as he embarks on his 254 mile trek 🥾 🚶 from @wembleystadium to the @UtilitaEnergy Stadium raising funds for @DarbyRimmerMND!
👀 Find out more about how you can get involved and donate here: https://www.huwmerriman.org.uk/news/local-man-walks-254-miles-raise-funds-motor-neurone-disease
💭Did you know that Autistic pupils are twice as likely to be excluded from school as those without special educational needs and disabilities?
@UoBautism's latest study is now live⬇️
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2022/autistic-pupils-twice-as-likely-to-be-excluded-from-school-study
@news_ub @unibirmingham @AutismEducatio1 @Autism @HuwMerriman
With all but one employee agreeing terms, it’s now even more important that Government and Parliament continue to barrel down on P&O Ferries’ management. Our industry is on notice that we’ll legislate and pursue punitive action to ensure this disgraceful event cannot occur again
BREAKING 🚨The Insolvency Service has reviewed P&O Ferries’ actions and placed it under criminal investigation for its actions.
Peter Hebblethwaite stood before MPs and admitted to breaking the law, and his actions must now be scrutinised.
Superb letter from the Heathfield students. I’ll be very happy to meet and discuss each and every point. In my 7yrs as an MP, and having a personal connection, I’ve always been taken by the role students play to make their world a better place for everyone.
Never question whether young people care about their world or are not ready to play their part in it. These students are engaged, articulate, informed global citizens. #internationalevents #politics #ukraine #compassion #pride. #ambition. #community.
What does World #AutismAcceptanceWeek mean to you?
- Understanding
- Equality
- Inclusion
- Appreciation
- Celebration
We wanted to hear from autistic people, their families, and autistic professionals about what acceptance means to them. Here’s what they had to say 👇🏼
Today's price cap increase can be worrying for many people. We have put together advice and information with @NEA_UKCharity if you're concerned about your energy bills. https://twitter.com/HuwMerriman/status/1509826629723471893
THREAD:
Ahead of the new energy price cap coming into effect from today, there is help available if you’re worried about your energy bills. @SmartEnergyGB and @NEA_UKCharity have worked together to create a helpful advice guide 💡🔋
Find out more at https://www.smartenergygb.org/advice-for-those-worried-about-energy-bills
THREAD:
Ahead of the new energy price cap coming into effect from today, there is help available if you’re worried about your energy bills. @SmartEnergyGB and @NEA_UKCharity have worked together to create a helpful advice guide 💡🔋
Find out more at https://www.smartenergygb.org/advice-for-those-worried-about-energy-bills