James Naish MP writes his monthly update for constituents.
James writes:
‘We were right in the middle of conference season at the end of September when my last column was due, so this month’s column is a bumper edition covering both September and October. It’s been a busy couple of months. The common theme has been continued investment and improvement in public services, as the following hopefully shows…
Supporting families and improving education
‘One of the most positive developments this autumn is the confirmed return of Sure Start-style early years services. More than £250,000 is being invested in Nottinghamshire to create Best Start Family Hubs – genuine one-stop shops for parents seeking help with everything from baby feeding to housing worries. One thousand Family Hubs will be rolled out across the country by April 2026. This is a long-overdue step forward after more than a decade of cuts to early years services.
‘My main concern is ensuring Rushcliffe doesn’t miss out simply because it’s seen as a relatively affluent area. Families in Cotgrave, Keyworth and other places have lost much of the early years support that they once relied upon. The evidence is clear: children who access early years support are more likely to thrive later at school. Every family, regardless of postcode, deserves the same start in life, so I’ll do my best to secure local access to this new initiative.
‘This investment complements the 30 hours of free childcare and free breakfast clubs already being rolled out – both helpful initiatives for families juggling work and rising costs. Together, these steps show real momentum in rebuilding a support system that puts children and families first.
‘At the other end of the education spectrum, I’ve been listening carefully to teachers, parents and carers about Ofsted reform and special educational needs (SEN) provision.
‘Over recent weeks, I’ve hosted three SEN round tables with teachers and families, alongside reviewing hundreds of survey responses from across Rushcliffe. The message is clear: if we are to restore confidence in the SEN system, reforms must be grounded in earlier identification of problems; in fair and timely access to support; in clearly defining and delivering inclusive practices while broadening alternative provision; and in developing a funding and accountability framework that empowers schools and parents.
‘Families shouldn’t have to fight individual battles every step of the way, and educators shouldn’t be left to pick up the pieces, trying to meet ever more complex needs without appropriate support that reflects the changing demands of the classroom.
‘I’ve also published a detailed report following a round table I hosted in June with Rushcliffe headteachers. Only 27% described Ofsted inspections as supportive, and over half said the process adds significant stress to their teams. Many fear that the new inspection framework risks being “incremental rather than transformative” – a more mechanical version of what we already have.
‘The report makes five clear recommendations, including tackling the mental health impact on staff and ensuring inspectors recognise pressures around SEN and funding. Accountability should strengthen schools, not exhaust them. I’ll continue pushing Ofsted and the Department for Education to make sure future reforms genuinely support improvement.
Progress on healthcare and resilience
‘Healthcare also continues to dominate my time. I’ve been pressing the Department of Health and Social Care and the Treasury about funding for new or upgraded health centres in East Leake and Radcliffe-on-Trent, and the British Dental Association on the future of NHS dentistry. Conversations over the summer were constructive, and I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll soon see clearer funding routes to meet growing local demand.
‘There’s also been real movement on flooding resilience – a long-standing frustration for many communities across Rushcliffe. The government’s recent decision to fully fund all priority flood projects under £3 million from April 2026 is excellent news. Having wrestled with the previous “partnership funding” model as a council leader, I know how much bureaucracy this will remove. It means more schemes can move forward quickly to protect homes and businesses.
TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS GATHERING PACE
‘Transport remains another bright spot. I’m genuinely delighted about East Midlands Railway’s announcement of new timetables and trains from December. For Radcliffe-on-Trent residents especially, this is game-changing. Weekday services to Nottingham will nearly double from nine to 17, with similar increases on Saturdays. Journeys will also become far easier to plan thanks to a “clock-face” timetable – trains at consistent times each hour.
‘The introduction of new Aurora trains also marks a huge quality upgrade. These quieter, greener and more comfortable trains replace rolling stock from 2004 and will run on electricity to Leicester before switching to diesel further north. Whether commuting to London or visiting friends across the East Midlands, passengers should notice a real difference.
‘That said, I remain frustrated about the decision not to proceed with full Midland Main Line electrification, especially given some of the infrastructure works – such as the reconstruction of Kirk Hill Bridge – are underway. I’ve called it “a missed opportunity” in Parliament, but I’ll continue pressing for progress behind the scenes. Reliable, sustainable transport is essential for both economic growth and environmental responsibility.
INVESTMENT IN CLEAN ENERGY AND LOCAL JOBS
‘Beyond transport, the scale of energy investment now coming to our region is remarkable. It was great to hear that Rushcliffe-based GeoPura will help to lead the operation of the East Coast Hydrogen Pipeline (EHCP), which will run from the Humber Estuary in East Yorkshire to the HyMarnham hydrogen production site near Newark. The project will cost a total of £700 million, could save up to 600,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, and hydrogen production in the East Midlands is estimated to create 10,000 direct jobs and 7,000 construction jobs over the next 25 years.
‘In total, around £20 billion in energy investment is planned in the East Midlands over the next two decades for fusion, nuclear and hydrogen projects, including the transformation of the former Cottam Power Station into an £11 billion nuclear-powered data centre hub.
‘Together, this represents the most significant wave of industrial renewal in the East Midlands for generations. After decades of underinvestment, our region is finally at the forefront of the clean energy transition. It’s an opportunity to strengthen the local economy, develop skills and ensure Rushcliffe’s communities benefit from well-paid, future-proofed jobs.
STAYING CONNECTED TO OUR COMMUNITIES
‘Closer to home, I’ve been holding roaming surgeries in Cropwell Bishop, Rempstone and Stanton-on-the-Wolds, where residents have raised everything from broadband reliability to water pressure. I also joined Cotgrave WI to celebrate its 100th anniversary – a fantastic milestone for an organisation that remains such a pillar of community life.
‘Finally, I continue standing up for Rushcliffe’s Hongkonger community, speaking at rallies and securing a parliamentary debate on maintaining the five-year pathway to settlement for British National (Overseas) visa holders. Britain must keep its promises to those who trusted us with their futures, and I’m grateful for the cross-party support this issue has received.
‘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.’
