Tag: sussex

What do we need in our next MP?

The constituency of East Worthing and Shoreham currently has no MP. Parliament has been dissolved and, until the general election on 4 July 2024, the people of Shoreham and Adur have no representation at Westminster. On 5 July, a new MP for our area will begin preparations to take a seat in the Commons.

You might think that the struggle for easier, safer transport choices is a local matter, and you’d largely be right. But our MP has two important roles to play in this journey:

  1. National policy guides many of the decisions and investments that are made at a local level. Legislation around planning, air quality, highways and design is decided by HM Government in London, though the impact – for good or bad – is felt at a local level. We need an MP who will play a positive role in these important decisions, pushing national Government to enable and resource positive local change.
  2. Even at a local level, our Member of Parliament has input into decisions that are made, particularly by our county council. The approval of our MP is often sought, whether formally or informally, as West Sussex County Council makes decisions around improvements and street designs. A ‘Yes’ or a ‘No’ from our MP can make or break the efforts of our local authority to improve the journeys and the lives of people in our area. With this in mind, East Worthing and Shoreham needs an MP who will display leadership, supporting change where needed – and not shying away from changes that may invoke some debate or objection. Our MP should seek to build understanding and address misunderstandings. They should not let short-term political caution get in the way of leadership and a long-term mission to improve the lives of their constituents.

Importantly, our MP must have the integrity to deliver on their stated intentions. It is not enough to express positive-sounding words around ‘Active Travel’ if there is not a willingness and an ability to back this up with leadership and conviction where it counts.

This is a significant matter. So we are currently speaking to our fellow community groups in the Adur district, looking at ways to encourage the important conversation that is starting about who will represent East Worthing and Shoreham in the next Parliament. We’ll share more soon.