Ashfield MP says there's no excuse for crimes committed during protests

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Last week, a young man was arrested and charged with arson for the attack on the Union flag at the Cenotaph on June 7.

I welcome peaceful protest but when it escalates into mindless violence and arson, then the culprits must feel the full weight of the law and I sincerely hope the courts teach this young man a lesson.

And, in the meantime, perhaps he should take some history lessons, to learn about the brave men and women who died so he could live in a free and tolerant country.

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I have been fortunate enough to have dined out a few times on the Chancellor’s ‘eat out to help out’ scheme.

Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield. Photo: London Portrait Photographer - DAVLee Anderson, MP for Ashfield. Photo: London Portrait Photographer - DAV
Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield. Photo: London Portrait Photographer - DAV

So far, it has been an incredible success.

It is worth remembering that this not just about giving us a cheap meal but more about helping boost the economy so we can try and get back to some sort of normality.

Yes, the pubs and restaurants benefit but so do the employees, the haulage companies that deliver the food, the wholesalers and the farms where the food is produced.

Once again, there is an illegal camp set up on the park off Stoneyford Road.

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Already, my inbox is filling up with complaints and I have raised this issue with the police.

But I have some good news in that new legislation will debated in the autumn which will see illegal camps become a criminal matter instead of a civil matter.

This is dubbed the ‘Irish option’ and I wholeheartedly support this move and look forward to speaking in the debate.

I will take direct action to secure sites if necessary and mark my words, I have a tractor ready and waiting.

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Finally, it was a great pleasure to welcome the Conservative Party chairman Amanda Milling MP to visit the Huthwaite Hub last week.

Amanda met with the brilliant volunteers who run sessions in woodwork and other craft activities at Huthwaite library.

This is a project I helped set up several years ago and it goes from strength to strength, teaching some of our most socially isolated residents’ new skills while making new friends.

If you know of anyone who would benefit from the hub, then please email me [email protected].

Lee Anderson is MP for Ashfield.

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