Peter Bottomley is MP for Worthing West

Today marks 74 years since the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush, a historical moment in Black history and British history. Despite living in the UK since, many who arrived on Windrush and similar ships were told they were here illegally due to a lack of paperwork. That was wrong.

I am grateful to the local residents who joined me for my drop-in advice surgery in East Preston, last Friday. Having been able to visit all those who were booked in, I instead used the time to chat with residents going about their weekly shop at the Sea Road parade of stores.

I joined neighbours, friends and colleagues from across Sussex to celebrate #SussexDay. Together with the West Sussex flag, perhaps we should have hired a choir leader to improve our rendition of the marching song ‘Sussex by the Sea’. At least we could be in time, if not in tune.

Today marks 40 years since the end of the Falklands War. As one of the few MPs who were present during the emergency debate in 1982, I want to remember the cross-party support for the Falklands' wish to remain British and the government's determination to liberate them.

I have submitted an Early Day Motion condemning the severe delays with processing passports applications. It is scandalous that applicants are expected to pay £73 to expedite their application even if they had applied far in advance of travel. Do share: https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/59848

The Gov must set out how they will provide greater security and fairness to the 1/4 million Park Home residents and 6 million private Leaseholders. Gov made clear commitment to sorting these issues. The Secretary of State's assurances must be met with clear, unequivocal action.

The Chancellor has explained his plans for "significant support" to the British people. Alongside the action already taken this year, today's measures will ensure the vast majority of households will receive £550 and Pensioners will receive £850. (1/3) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-61590957

On Friday, during the Mayor Making ceremony for Worthing Borough Council, I joined in thanking the outgoing Mayor for all of his service over the past two difficult years. Cllr Lionel Harman's commitment has been outstanding. Thank you, Lionel.

I am grateful to the residents who joined me for my advice surgery at Ferring's ASDA last week. Advice and requests for help ranged from assistance with housing and immigration to those who wished to discuss current affairs. Thank you to the team at ASDA for their hospitality.

I will be holding an Advice Surgery in Ferring between 16:30-17:15 on Friday 20th May. Residents are invited to attend should they need help with an issue they may be facing and may prefer to speak in person. Email for details: bottomleyp@parliament.uk https://www.facebook.com/events/1061344917821350

Good news! Universal Credit claimant count figures published this morning by the Office for National Statistics reveal decreasing levels of unemployment locally. This news is welcome and overdue. The past two years have been difficult for too many.

I am grateful to residents who joined me for my advice surgery at Goring Library last Friday. Requests for help ranged from assistance with housing concerns to the situation in Ukraine. Thank you to the library staff for their warm hospitality and for accommodating my team and I.

Russia is kind to recognise the efforts colleagues and I have gone to call out their heinous acts in Ukraine. Perhaps I should have done more to be awarded this honourable mention? I am grateful nonetheless. #SlavaUkrainii 🇺🇦 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/mps-moscow-russia-house-of-commons-liz-truss-b2066540.html?amp

For many years, I’ve been working with the #CarbonMonoxide APPG to raise awareness and develop better laws to protect more people.
I am grateful to Dan Edwards at @SGNgas for providing @fireblitzuk Carbon Monoxide alarms for us to share with those at risk in #WorthingWest @luhc

Thanks to @CSW_UK for discussing their work internationally. Freedom of belief is crucial for democracy. We see the strengths of a multicultural society where we are not simply tolerant but, rather, celebrate our differences and similarities, and we cherish our vibrant community.

I congratulate the team at Perch on Worthing Pier led by Alex Hole. They have brought all trades together to renew and repurpose the Southern Pavilion. I was pleased to share a meal during the soft opening. I encourage all to visit and see what a great job the team have achieved.

Whether in public or in private, women should be safe and not face or fear harassment. Support should be at every level. This is why I support the call by @PlanUK and @OurStreetsNow for public sexual harassment to be recognised as a #CrimeNotCompliment.
https://plan-uk.org/act-for-girls/crime-not-compliment

The Gov should accept this decision. The proposal was inappropriate for the site and not befitting a monument of such importance. I ask the SoS to meet those with concerns ahead of round table talks aiming for a suitable memorial in a better location. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/campaigners-win-bid-stop-building-parliament-holocaust-memorial-b993258.html

Worthing Council is leading the fight to save Goring Gap by taking the case to the High Court for judicial review. We support them. Below are excerpts from our community demonstration in March. Students from @StRomerosCS spoke passionately alongside Councillors from all parties.

I was pleased to visit @kameliakids in Goring, to see their hard work and to understand the challenges they face as a sector. The children are happy and active. The caring staff are qualified and enthusiastic. The leadership is confident and admirable. I congratulate them all.

𝗠𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝟰 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
I have publicly made known my opposition to this proposal: it is bad for the diversity of television, bad for viewers and bad for independent producers. (1/6)

Those with wheelchairs, pushchairs and other mobility issues face an almost impossible walk of over 1km to reach the other platform at Durrington Station. I have submitted a recommendation that the station receive massive investment under the 2023 Access For All Funding process.

On Tuesday, I joined bereaved families at the @CovidMemorialUK, honouring the 186,094 people who have died of Covid-19. Alongside campaigners and @Afzal4Gorton, we delivered a petition of over 100,000 signatures to Downing Street calling for the monument to be made permanent.

Last night, the House voted to uphold the Lords amendment making telemedicine (at-home service for safe, early medical abortions) permanent. Many know I have long supported equal and fair access to healthcare for all. Let us continue to put first the interests of women and girls.

Emboldened by the Inspector’s decision, proposals have resurfaced for housing on what is now Highdown Vineyard. Many agree that our green gaps should remain exactly that: green gaps. You can come today before 7pm to Ferring Village hall and register your feelings.

We share in warmly welcoming the Aghan Women and Girls Development Football Team. The group are currently in temporary, safe accommodation in the North of England and have begun training as a team again. Their safety matters an immense amount as do their human rights. @AmnestyUK

On Friday, I was pleased to meet with the highly-capable team at Worthing Jobcentre on Montague Street. What they do changes lives for the better. Each day presents different people in need of guidance and support. Recent success stories are inspiring.

It is important that we consider all ways to support mental wellbeing. I’m pleased to see new research from @Literacy_Trust and @audibleuk exploring the benefits that listening to audiobooks brings to adults in the UK. I know of these benefits, personally. https://literacytrust.org.uk/news/new-report-shows-link-between-adult-audiobook-habits-and-mental-wellbeing/

The Chancellor's Budget set targets for economic growth. I asked that he remember that pensioners do not just have the state pension. Many have fixed pensions on top and getting inflation down fast is vital to them. They do not benefit from a pay increase if they are not at work.

For the final day of #EnglishTourismWeek22, I met with Alex Hole at the soon to open Perch on the Pier. Work to renovate the Southern Pavilion has been ongoing since March 2021 and the visible progress is outstanding. Alex gave his hope that the doors would be open by Easter.

I share in thanks to the over 200 people who came together today, united against the concreting over of the Goring Gap. Today's gathering shows the strength of feeling of all age groups, from all corners of our community. We do this for the next generation, not just ourselves.

Pleased to join with students of @StRomerosCS to show our solidarity with the people of Ukraine. 🇺🇦 #HelpUkraine

I was pleased to add my name to the “Book of Solidarity for Ukraine”, initiated by the Speaker of the House of Commons, which will be sent to the Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. We must not allow the atrocities happening in Ukraine to fade into the evening news cycle.

Unite with fellow residents, students of @StRomerosCS, local Cllrs and community representatives at 3:00pm this coming Friday to send a clear message: revoke the planning inspectorate's unjust and undemocratic decision.

This year for #EnglishTourismWeek22, I am spotlighting @HighdownGardens. This world-class attraction sits at the peak of Highdown Hill and on the edge of the South Downs. I encourage all to take the time to see why so many flock to our shores.
#timeforworthing @VisitEnglandBiz

The issue of Goring Gap requires immediate consideration by the Prime Minister and the Government. I put this to the Leader of the House. The inspectorate's decision clearly runs roughshod over all the planning responsibilities of our councils.