Mansfield MP Ben Bradley has wished all constituents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ahead of 2023, which is shaping up to be an important year for Mansfield and Warsop. With key announcements due next year, 2023 is likely to be a big year in progressing many of the local projects important to the local area.
Ben ensured Nottinghamshire remained at the heart of Government’s levelling up agenda and helped to secure a landmark £1.14 bn East Midlands Devolution Deal with four East Midlands authorities. This deal will allow for local decision makers to make joined up decisions regarding economic development, transport and many other issues, particularly regarding the major projects underway in the East Midlands, such as the EM Freeport and HS2.
In addition to this, Ben was an integral part of North Nottinghamshire’s success of securing the world’s first STEP Fusion Reactor, which is expected to bring more than £20bn and up to 10,000 jobs to the area.
Ben has also continued his campaign to stand up for white working-class boys and recently highlighted the importance of positive male role models. His debate on a lack of male primary school teaches received high levels of media attention, and has brought the issue to the forefront of people’s minds.
A big local issue for residents has been illegal channel crossings, and this is something Ben has prioritised. Ben has continued to raise the issue of small boat crossings and illegal immigration with the government, including during a question to the Home Secretary on asylum accommodation and the impact this is having on local public services. Following a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the issue of channel crossings and illegal immigration, the Prime Minister then announced tougher measures to tackle the issue. Ben has welcomed this tough approach, but will continue to fight on behalf of residents to ensure the words are followed up with action.
The Mansfield MP has consistently made representations to Government to secure more funding for the area, and this year his achievements include securing a combined £811,304 in arts and cultural funding for Mansfield District Council and Unanima Theatre, a 4.5% funding boost in 2023-24 for schools across Mansfield, £318,273 Government funding to prevent homelessness in Mansfield and £4,630,000 funding for Nottinghamshire for new active travel projects, amongst many others.
Commenting, Ben stated:
‘Wow – what a year! 2022 has certainly been an important one for our area and I’ve definitely kept myself busy! We have seen the landmark East Midlands Devolution Deal finally be signed off with local government, unlocking over £1 billion in extra funding for our area and extra powers that will benefit us in Mansfield.’
‘I’ve also continued to raise issues close to my heart, such as the plight of White Working Class Boys and have been having positive discussions with government on how we can best support these boys who all too often have the worst educational and life outcomes.’
‘I recently held a debate on the lack of male teachers in our Primary Schools. Having a positive male role model in the classroom is important for so many societal and psychological reasons and I was shocked to learn that nearly a third of all schools in the East Midlands do not have a male classroom teacher. Since this debate I have had positive engagement with the Department for Education on new avenues to encourage men into teaching, such as through the Professional Footballers’ Association.’
‘Next year looks to be just as important to our area with a decision due in the new year on our area’s bid for the Levelling Up Fund. This bid focuses on the redevelopment of our town centre, an issue many constituents have contacted me about, and I look forward to a decision on the bid being announced soon.’
‘I would just like to end by wishing all constituents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I hope everyone enjoys spending some valuable time with their family and friends.’
