Each month, Gedling Eye tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.
Here’s what we know after analysing our MPs’ online presence.
Gedling MP Michael Payne
What did he do in Parliament?
In Parliament, Payne delivered his maiden speech in the House of Commons on November 20.
Payne said, “To the people of Gedling who sent me here to speak up for them, thank you. I am eternally grateful for your support and trust. I will work tirelessly to repay that trust, representing each and every one of you to the very best of my ability”.
Earlier in the month, he called on the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to work with him, the Woodborough Flood Action Group, and Woodborough Parish Council to bring forward a flood alleviation scheme for the area.
What did he do in his constituency?
Payne began the month by joining Gedling Borough’s Mayor, Councillor Ron McCrossen, and representatives of the Royal British Legion to launch the local Poppy Appeal.
Continuing a personal tradition he started eight years ago, Payne voluntarily placed Remembrance Poppies across Redhill and Arnold, including along the Arnold Remembrance Parade Route and the War Memorial. Addressing recent suggestions that financial constraints prevented the council from putting up poppies, Payne clarified that the council has never been responsible for this.
On Remembrance Sunday, Payne laid wreaths at the Arnold War Memorial for the people of Gedling and paid respects at memorials in Bestwood Village, Burton Joyce, Gedling, Lambley, and Woodborough.
Activities have also included visiting Helen Lloyd and the team of volunteers at Arnold Foodbank to thank them for their ongoing support to residents across Arnold and Gedling.
At Arnold Mill Primary School, Payne participated in an Internet Legends assembly on online safety and awarded Amanda Stones a certificate celebrating her 25 years of service.
Payne also showed his support by attending the Carlton Town FC match against Stocksbridge Park Steels on November 9.
While there, he launched the club’s Christmas Prize Draw and sold over £150 in tickets. In a post about the club, Payne said, “Carlton Town FC has a proud history in our local community, and I’ll always be in their corner – fighting for them to enjoy many more decades to come as a club.”
Additionally, Payne met Jackie Wilson, founder of Positively Empowered Kids, to congratulate her on receiving a 2024 Pride of Gedling Award.
Most recently, Payne organised a walk on November 22 around Arnold Town Centre with our local Police Inspector, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council, and the Council’s Public Protection team. The walk followed Payne’s earlier meeting with the Chief Constable, during which he raised concerns about anti-social behaviour across the constituency.
Payne has also called on his constituents to write in regarding the Private Members’ Bill on assisted dying. The Bill will allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards, to be assisted in ending their own lives.
Payne wrote, “Guided by my personal conscience, I am initially minded to support this bill—but I do have concerns about the safeguards needed.” He has requested that residents of the borough contact him to express their opinions and concerns.
To contact Michael Payne’s office, please email michael.payne.mp@parliament.uk or write to Michael Payne MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
Sherwood MP Michelle Welsh
What did she do in Parliament?
Welsh delivered her maiden speech in The House of Commons this month. “The communities of Sherwood Forest are kind people. They are strong, they are proud, and they tell you exactly how they feel. To be their MP is an absolute honour,” she said.
Her maiden speech reflected on local heritage, such as Robin Hood, of which the statue in Edwinstowe was damaged on October 31. Welsh said, “Many have tried to claim him, but we all know really, Robin Hood belongs to Nottinghamshire.”
What did she do in his constituency?
Welsh began the month by writing to the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner, requesting an urgent meeting regarding the Hucknall Levelling Up Funding consultation.
Speculation about the potential reconsideration of £9 million in regeneration funding for Hucknall town centre, originally secured under the previous Conservative Government’s Levelling Up Agenda, has risen. Welsh has clarified that the funding has not been withdrawn but is under review as part of a consultation.
On November 5, Welsh discussed the Levelling up Funding on BBC East Midlands. Welsh said, “The residents of Hucknall are right to feel very frustrated”.
Later, in November, Welsh was elected to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Welsh met with Marie from the Royal College of Nursing to discuss workforce shortages and the need for urgent investment in health and social care. Welsh wrote, “Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system… It’s vital that we, as a Government, support them to ensure better outcomes for patients”.
Concerning health, Welsh spoke in Westminster Hall last week regarding the diagnosis of Lung Cancer in Nottinghamshire.
Welsh said, “Diagnosis is often slow, and prognosis is often devastating.”
