James Naish MP writes his monthly update for Rushcliffe constituents.
James writes:
‘I’m slowly realising that writing a monthly column isn’t just a good way of keeping constituents updated about what I’ve been doing in Westminster and Rushcliffe … it’s a great way of reminding myself about what’s being delivered month by month. In any single week, I can spend time considering dozens of different policy areas, so it’s often hard to see the wood for the trees.
The publication of the 10-Year Health Plan
‘So, stepping back to write this month’s column, I’ve been reminded that July started with an incredibly important story – the publication of the government’s 10-Year Health Plan.
‘Many constituents have shared their frustrations with me about the challenges of accessing GP appointments, waiting for hospital treatment, or finding an NHS dentist. The 10-Year Health Plan aims to address these issues by shifting the NHS’s focus from hospital treatment towards community settings.
‘In future, we will see services like ophthalmology, pharmacy and dentistry working together in Neighbourhood Health Centres open 12 hours a day, six days a week. These centres will bring hospital treatments into local communities while offering wider prevention support such as debt advice, employment help, smoking cessation services, and weight management support.
‘This builds on genuinely positive news that Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has been named among the “top 10 most improved NHS trusts in England” for urgent and emergency care and is the most improved in the East Midlands for four-hour performance. It’s also in the top 20 nationally for 12-hour performance. Well done and thank you to everyone involved.
‘On dentistry, urgent provision across Nottinghamshire has increased from two to seven providers over the past 12 months, with four more providers due to offer urgent appointments soon. This means we will have exceeded our target allocation of the 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments being created nationally. I’m in separate conversations with local commissioners about improving access to routine care on the NHS.
Continued focus on early years education
‘Education announcements continue to come thick and fast. I was really pleased to receive confirmation that Nottinghamshire will receive a new development grant this year to help prepare for the government’s Best Start family service – a major new initiative backed by over £500 million.
‘This national programme will see up to 1,000 Best Start hubs created across the country by 2028, acting as “one-stop shops” for family support from pregnancy through the early years and beyond. These centres – building on the positive legacy of Sure Start – will combine childcare, health services, parenting support and employment advice under one roof.
‘Together with the expansion of free childcare to 30 hours for eligible families, this measure represents the biggest investment in families in over a decade and will help to lift around 100,000 children out of poverty nationally.
‘The government has also announced a comprehensive review of parental and adoption leave this month. Having spent my daughter’s first few weeks campaigning last year, I understand how hard it can be juggling work and family responsibilities.
‘The government has pledged that businesses will be central to the review and that reforms won’t impose extra burdens. The core aim is to simplify the system for parents and employers alike, with ministers hoping to remove complexity from the current system, which includes eight different types of leave.
Tackling the local issues you’ve raised with me
‘In addition to hosting two roundtables – one on the new Ofsted framework with Rushcliffe headteachers and another with members of the local trans community – I’ve continued to prioritise important local issues.
‘Shoppers and businesses in West Bridgford will see increased police patrols and local action to tackle town centre crime this summer, as part of the government’s initiative to boost visible policing on our high streets. Even though crime is low in Rushcliffe, we want it to stay that way.
‘Over the past year, dozens of you have raised concerns about unfair leasehold terms and service charges, especially on new-build estates. Key issues include excessive service charges, unclear terms, and management companies that seem unaccountable to residents. I hosted a public meeting about one estate in East Leake this month and welcome the government’s new consultation on leasehold reform. I’m working with over 90 MPs to push for fairer rules, stronger protections for homeowners, and greater transparency in service charge calculations.
‘Many residents have also contacted me about ongoing issues with the cycleway between Radcliffe-on-Trent and Cotgrave. The decision on next steps rests with the County Council, but I’ve written to the relevant Cabinet member asking for an update.
‘I continue to support action on smartphone safety after hearing directly from parents and teachers about the impact of devices on children’s wellbeing and learning. Four feeder schools to The West Bridgford School have decided to go phone-free from September 2026, matching The West Bridgford School’s current policy. I intend to hold public discussions on appetite for broader action (or not) in October.
Meeting and representing constituents
‘I’ve been pleased to welcome over 100 constituents to Parliament this month and over 30 constituents to surgeries in West Bridgford, Normanton-on-Soar, and Willoughby-on-the-Wolds. These visits are always valuable opportunities to hear about local, national, and international issues that matter to residents.
‘The situation in the Middle East is being raised more and more frequently at these surgeries. In my role on the International Development Committee, I’ve continued to raise concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and recently met with the President of the Palestine Red Crescent Society to discuss the urgent need for safe humanitarian access to be restored. I also questioned the Foreign Secretary on the UK government’s efforts in this area in mid-July.
‘After signing two letters calling on the government to recognise the State of Palestine as a contribution towards lasting peace and a two-state solution, I’ve signed another letter with 100 MPs calling for the government to fast-track medical visas for children in need of urgent care – and we are already seeing movement on this. In the face of one of the greatest catastrophes the region has ever seen, we must keep pressure on international leaders to find a route to peace.
Get in touch
‘Despite the summer recess having started, I remain available to help with any issues you may be facing. If something pops up, please get in touch via my website www.jamesnaish.com or by emailing james.naish.mp@parliament.uk. For urgent issues, please call the Rushcliffe office on 0115 646 6404.
‘Otherwise, I hope you all have a relaxing start to the summer holidays.’
• Rushcliffe MP James Naish monthly column for constituents June 2025
