James Naish MP writes his monthly update for Rushcliffe constituents.
James writes:
‘Did you know that there has been a Budget recently? Unless you’ve been prematurely buried under Christmas wrapping paper, I suspect so.
‘I’ve never experienced such a drama from start to finish, with speculation starting weeks beforehand. It’s not been a good look for anybody, and I sincerely hope that we can find a better approach moving forward.
FOCUSING ON THE COST OF LIVING
‘That said, it would still be remiss of me not to lead with the Budget given the centrality of this to everybody’s lives. I was genuinely pleased to see movement towards helping with the cost of living with £150 off energy bills from next year, frozen rail fares, frozen prescription charges and a temporary extension of the fuel duty freeze.
‘Help was also confirmed for individual resident groups, including pensioners via a 4.8% increase to the state pension; more than 2,500 Rushcliffe families via expanded free school meal eligibility; and 870 Rushcliffe children whose life chances will be significantly enhanced following the removal of the two-child benefit cap.
JUSTICE FOR RUSHCLIFFE’S RETIRED MINEWORKERS
‘The Budget also saw a fourth national injustice resolved through the return of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme investment reserve to its members. This means a 41% boost to the annual pensions of 40,000 former mineworkers across the UK – an average increase of £100 per week for each member.
‘This is something that I have campaigned on alongside other coalfield MPs for several months, and follows positive settlements on the infected blood scandal (£11.8 billion), the Post Office Horizon IT scandal (£1.8 billion) and the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme injustice (£1.5 billion), which were all allocated funds in the October 2024 Budget.
On the eve of the Budget, colleagues and I visited 11 Downing Street to meet the Chancellor to make the final case for members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS).
PUSHING DOWN BORROWING COSTS
‘Despite these positive news stories, I recognise that not everybody welcomes the decisions taken by the Chancellor as part of the Budget – and nor should they, given we live in a democracy. It is particularly painful to see the income tax thresholds – first frozen in 2021 – extended for a third time.
‘However, given projections that £111 billion will be spent on interest payments in this financial year without further action (with debt growth over the past few years primarily driven by the Covid-19 pandemic), it is essential that we drive down borrowing rates as quickly as possible so that we can reinvest some of that money directly in local communities and local people.
‘The markets appeared to welcome the restoration of £22 billion of headroom, and I hope we will all look back in 12 months’ time to see that the Budget package contributed to, rather than hindered, our economic recovery.
OTHER CAMPAIGNING SUCCESSES
‘After six months of intensive campaigning alongside colleagues from across Parliament, I was pleased to hear this month that Hongkongers on British National (Overseas) visas will continue to have a five-year pathway to indefinite leave to remain. The Immigration Minister called me directly to confirm this decision, which is not subject to further consultation.
‘This matters enormously to the almost 2,000 Hongkongers who’ve made Rushcliffe their home. They have become our neighbours, our colleagues and our friends, and I believe our communities are richer because they chose to build their futures here.
‘There was cross-party recognition that the UK had a moral and historic responsibility to offer a route to those holding British National (Overseas) status in 2021 when civil liberties in Hong Kong were suppressed, and I’ll continue to advocate for appropriate support for both Hongkongers and Ukrainians who have integrated so successfully into our community.
MORE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT HEALTHCARE AND LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES
‘Healthcare investment continues gathering pace with the Government announcing funding for 250 new health “one-stop shops” bringing GPs, nurses, dentists and pharmacists together under one roof. I’ve raised the Radcliffe-on-Trent and East Leake health centres with ministers repeatedly, and will keep pushing until they receive the required funding.
‘I’ve also met with the bosses of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust to discuss the need for upfront investment to tackle some of the £439 million maintenance backlog, and will be working with other Nottinghamshire MPs to lobby for extra investment to address this.
In November, the Commons passed the final steps of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) legislation, which will help to protect two-thirds of the world’s oceans.
‘More broadly, I’ve been working with charities supporting people affected by the infected blood scandal to ensure that they have the resources they need to continue their vital work. The Veterans’ Strategy, launched in November, will provide easier access to specialist support services, including guidance on health, housing and employment. I was proud to be present for the launch of the first Men’s Health Strategy for England. And I was pleased to present my first petition to Parliament calling for a Changing Places facility in central West Bridgford – a need highlighted through the SEND roundtables I organised earlier this year.
REMEMBRANCE AND COMMUNITY
‘In Rushcliffe itself, it was an honour – as always – to celebrate Remembrance weekend with you. It is always humbling to pause to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and now more than ever, it is important that their service for our freedoms is never forgotten.
‘My “roaming surgeries” have taken me to Gotham and Cropwell Butler in recent weeks, and I launched the Rushcliffe Small Business Awards 2025 in advance of Small Business Saturday on 6 December. These awards celebrate businesses across six categories, from best small shop to best rural business, and it’s been amazing to read about some of the things local businesses are doing to go that extra mile.
GET IN TOUCH
‘As always, my team and I are here to help with any local or national concerns. Please get in touch at james.naish.mp@parliament.uk or call 0115 646 6404.’
