I have returned after taking some time off to get married, and I have been getting back up to speed with the casework and local issues.
One of the most pressing issues has been the shocking train derailment in Lewes, when a train bound for Eastbourne came off the tracks.
My team and I have been supporting residents and rail staff who were on board the train. While I’m relieved that there were no fatalities, 20 passengers were taken to hospital with physical injuries, with dozens more likely to have been affected by the psychological impact of this incident.
I met with Rail Minister Lord Hendy, as well as senior executives from Greater Thameslink Railway, Network Rail and British Transport Police to discuss the incident and the ongoing disruption.
I was reassured to hear that immediate action has been taken to ensure the safety of the rail network, and that passengers and staff affected by the incident are continuing to receive the support they need. I want to commend the emergency services, railway staff and members of the public for their professionalism and continued work following the incident.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is carrying out a full independent investigation into the incident, including what caused the derailment. Network Rail is also undertaking a detailed risk assessment to establish the condition of the wider railway network and what is required to safely restore services.
I have been clear that lessons must be learnt from this incident, and that urgent Government investment is needed in our local rail infrastructure to build a safer, more resilient railway, to ultimately help prevent an incident like this from happening again.
DGH bullying and harassment must be rooted out – READ MORE…
I am deeply concerned by the recent findings of a review into an East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (which runs the DGH), which found that a “significant proportion” of staff in the general surgery department reported experiencing bullying, harassment or discrimination – especially those who are women, non-consultant medical staff and ethnic minority staff.
On learning about what has gone on, I got straight on the phone to hospital leadership to urge that they publish a robust action plan to root this out of our hospital without delay. I have also referred this matter to the East Sussex Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) and asked them to urgently review this at their next meeting.
While I am glad to hear that staff affected by this are already receiving the support they need, I have been clear that there must be zero tolerance for bullying, harassment and discrimination in our NHS or anywhere else for that matter. If this is not properly addressed, we risk losing talented staff and failing to attract staff in the future that our hospital requires to deliver the care Eastbourne residents need.
Unacceptable storm overflows – READ MORE…
Folks may have seen in the news that, after months of little to no rain, Eastbourne was hit by several hours of raw sewage discharges during August.
For too long, Southern Water has failed to invest in the infrastructure needed to meet demand. It is unacceptable that our environment and local residents are now paying the price for years of underinvestment.
As a direct result of our campaigning, Southern Water has committed £23.3 million to upgrading infrastructure at the Water Treatment Works, helping to reduce pressure on the wastewater network during periods of heavy rainfall.
While this investment is welcome, it has come far too late. The current system is clearly not fit for purpose, and Eastbourne residents should not have to wait years for the investment needed to protect our coastline.
I have written to Southern Water’s CEO to once again express my concerns and make clear that this investment must be delivered as quickly as possible.
Get in touch!
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at josh.babarinde.mp@parliament.uk, call me on 01323 733030 or swing by my office at 100 Seaside Road during our drop-in hours of 1000-1300 each weekday, where a member of my team will be around to chat.
