Newsletter from Antoinette Sandbach

Since the last newsletter Antoinette has...
* Supported the campaign to increase the penalties relating to causing death or serious injury by driving
* Met with Andrew Jones, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, to discuss the implications of the HS2 route announcement
* Expressed concern over NatWest's decision to close their Tarporley branch
* Attended a CLA reception standing up for rural business
* Been preparing for the public meeting on HS2 taking place on the 17th
* Spoke in the debate on the Neighbourhood Planning Bill in support of amendments that myself and parliamentary colleagues had tabled
* Attended 'Singing for Syrians' at Chester Cathedral and spoke about it on North West Tonight
* Discussed stalking laws with the Home Secretary
* Given a warm welcome to the UK's newest Member of Parliament; Dr Caroline Johnson as she takes her place on the green benches
* Spoken at an event raising awareness of perinatal mental health
* Talked about the importance of protecting communities against speculative planning applications and how we should ensure that the neighbourhood plans are upheld
* Co-chaired a meeting of the APPG on Baby Loss
* Hosted a public meeting regarding the latest news on HS2 (Phase 2b) in Winsford
* Spoke on the backbench business debate on broadband universal service
* Met with representatives from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
* Continued to hold meetings with parliamentary colleagues and representatives from various bodies regarding the Government's decision to press ahead with HS2 (Phase 2b)
* Wished colleagues and constituents a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year

Meeting with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
I was delighted to meet with a representative from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and was interested to hear of the plans they have for modernising their legislation. The NMC is the professional regulatory body for nurses and midwives in the UK. Their role is to protect patients and the public through efficient and effective regulation. I believe that their future programme of education for nurses and midwives will encourage better and more efficient practice within these professional spheres.

Consultation on Increased Penalties for Dangerous Drivers
On the 6th of December the Government announced a new Consultation on driving offences and penalties relating to causing death or serious injury. I have supported the campaign for this vital and important issue ever since my colleague Claire Perry brought before the house in September. I welcome the news that a review has been brought forward by Ministers and hope that this will result in justice for those families who have been affected by driving offences.
HS2 Public Meeting in Winsford
On Saturday I hosted a public meeting in Winsford to discuss HS2 and the proposed route which would cut through the east of the constituency, coming up through Crewe between Winsford and Middlewich. Over 300 people attended and the public and the panel (including lawyer Emma Crane and Graham Dellow, representing mid-Cheshire against HS2) discussed a number of points relating to Phase 2b. The impact on Winsford industrial estate and how the line will effect farmers were amongst the issues raised. HS2 are themselves holding meetings on the 5th and 6th of January in Cheshire and I recommend that anyone who can, attends so that Cheshire residents can make their views heard.
National Westminster's Tarporley Branch Closure
I was extremely concerned to hear of Natwest's decision to close their Tarporley branch. This is bad news for many of my constituents and I believe that this is the wrong decision. I have arranged a meeting with some of the bank's senior representatives and I intend to make the case for why NatWest's Tarporley branch should remain open.
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CLA Rural Business Conference
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) held their Rural Business Conference at Church House in Westminster. The conference brought businesses and policy makers together to discuss practical ways to achieve the vision of a robust, diverse and sustainable rural economy in 2030. The conference precipitated the launch of the CLA's Rural Business 2030 report. The report is the result of an extensive programme gathering evidence and insight about the future of rural business.

Discussing Crime with the Home Secretary
I was glad to have the opportunity to discuss stalking laws with the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd. Stalking is a terrible crime that can cause considerable distress to victims as well as putting them at considerable risk. It is essential that the Government strengthens and reinforces our laws so that victims of stalking feel that they are being adequately protected.

Neighbourhood Planning Bill
The Neighbourhood Planning Bill was discussed in the House of Commons by myself and parliamentary colleagues. The consideration of the bill, as amended in the Public Bill Commitee was extremely important to me as I had tabled an amendment and supported other suggested amendments made by Nick Herbert MP. I continue to believe that developers must be held accountable for their actions and will continue to campaign for the protection of neighbourhood plans.

Singing for Syrians and North West Tonight
I was one of many hundreds of people who attended a 'Singing for Syrians' Christmas carol concert at Chester Cathedral, raising awareness of the refugee crisis in Syria. Attendees were asked to make donations were made to Christian Aid and I spoke to the BBC's North West Tonight about the ongoing crisis in Syria and the atrocities in Aleppo.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you all!

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.