Monday December 3rd: Next week I'm honored to be officially opening the new university presence at Central Sussex College and was pleased to get endorsement for this positive development for Crawley in the House of Commons during Education Questions.
Tuesday December 4th: This morning in Westminster I've been adding my support to a very important campaign at this time of year, The Dog Trust's 'A dog is for life, not just Christmas' campaign.
Wednesday December 5th: Walking through the Aye Lobby in support of repealing the so-called Human Rights Act. We need to get back to British rights and I support the commission that has been set up to look into that.
House of Common Chancellor of the Exchequer Autumn Statement: I welcome the cancelling of the fuel duty escalator once and for all; welcome raising the threshold before income tax is charged to £9,440 and a third year of council tax freezes; as well as support for an increase in NHS and schools funding.
Thursday December 6th: Commons business, raised the issue of the UK still voting for tax-payer funded World Bank loans to Argentina despite Buenos Aries reneging on £10 billion of debts so far. If the US, Germany and Spain feel it appropriate to cease loans so should we.
Friday December 7th: At the Arora Hotel pleased to be opening and speaking at the ‘Grow Your Business Through International Trade’ conference which I organized with the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership. The Government have increased funding to the UK Trade & Investment Department to help and support companies to export, particularly to emerging markets. Setting up an Export Club Network, especially for small and medium enterprises in Crawley.
Saturday December 8th: At Gatwick to get an update on the £2 billion worth of investment currently going in to develop the airport as London’s preferred gateway, including a £53 million revamping of the railway station, track capacity and signaling.
Sunday December 9th: Honoured to be officially attending the British Military Tournament in London in aid of the three services' welfare charities. Impressive displays from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. My thanks to Crawley based Boeing for sponsoring the event.
Henry Smith MP