Political opinion with Mims Davies MP: Wave of support for social media ban

What a weekend – I was honoured to join the fantastic team at The Engine Room in East Grinstead for their re-launch and ribbon cutting – which was wooden! This fantastic micro pub specialising in craft beer (cask and keg) with a variety of craft ciders and a large selection of canned beers, as well as wines, spirits (including local Sussex gins) and soft drinks. Their bar was packed, and this was following their recent refurbishment and great transformation of their cold room and as part of the launch of the North Sussex CAMRA Ale Trail. So, what are you waiting for join in and raise a glass.

I’ve now received over 700 emails from residents supporting the social media ban for under-16s and our Conservative party policy to act to better protect our youngsters. We’ve now taken a huge step forward in our campaign to help parents shield their children from the increasingly recognised harms of social media. This challenge is backed by a growing body of evidence. While Government's role isn't to tell adults what to think, it should draw clear, enforceable lines to protect children. A simple age limit for social media does that. It protects our kids properly and stops adults being treated like children. Our Conservative led amendment to take children under the age of 16 off social media was passed in the Lords, despite opposition from the Government. Please add your voice by signing our survey here: https://www.whatlaboursaid.com/get-children-off-social-media

This week is National HIV Testing Week, and I was pleased to join the Parliamentary event organised by the Terrence Higgins Trust and the ‘All Party Parliamentary Group’ for HIV, AIDS and Sexual Health. As it’s the annual campaign promoting and encouraging regular HIV testing. It is particularly targeted at groups most affected by HIV, including gay and bisexual men, and heterosexuals of Black African ethnicity. We can all order a free HIV test from www.freetesting.hiv. Roughly 4,700 people are living with undiagnosed HIV in England and late diagnosis remains a concern so please do get tested.

I’ve been contacted by countless businesses in EGU regarding burgeoning business rates. Rather than keeping to their manifesto promises made to the voters, this sorry Labour Government have, again, chosen to ignore themselves. This time, by hiking business rates which are soaring for businesses.

Our local village and town high streets are the focal point of local communities especially in rural constituencies like mine.We depend upon a thriving high street for work, subsistence, community and pleasure. We should also recognise and cherish the heritage and cultural value many of our historic high streets offer and so it is vital we work to create the conditions which allow high streets to thrive.

Pubs are also facing yet more red tape reducing their custom as Labour plan to increase burdens on pubs further through measures such as reducing drink drive limits, banning 16- and 17-year-olds from drinking alcohol-free drinks, and their job-destroying Employment Rights Act, which also includes the incredibly unpopular ‘banter ban’.

While I remain very concerned about the impact Labour’s dire economic policies will have on our local and national businesses, I am pleased the Shadow Chancellor announced the Opposition would scrap business rates for most high street businesses and pubs altogether as well as getting rid of Stamp Duty to help free up the housing market and support first time buyers and downsizers.