Tackling the issue of violence and anti-social behaviour has been an important priority of mine ever since I first became MP for South Swindon back in 2010. During my time as Justice Secretary, I worked hard to introduce new laws to keep dangerous offenders off the streets for longer to protect the public, as well as working to ensure that punishment is appropriate for the crime committed, working to tackle the many complex causes of offending, and providing the opportunity and support to reform for those who truly want to turn their backs on crime.
Antisocial behaviour blights lives and communities – that is a fact- and the perpetrators need to be held to account within the criminal justice system, so I am glad that the Conservative government has announced an extra £1m of funding for every police force in England and Wales to tackle violence and disorder, targeted in areas with high levels of anti-social behaviour.
I regularly meet with members of the Wiltshire policing teams here in South Swindon, as well as with the Police and Crime Commissioner, and I know that tackling anti-social behaviour and violent crime is high on their agenda. This extra funding will help Wiltshire Police to deploy uniformed patrols for up to 20,000 hours in “hotspot” areas each year, helping drive down crime and boost public confidence.
By the age of 12, 97% of children have their own mobile phone, according to Ofcom. Using mobile phones in schools can lead to reduced educational performance and excessive screen time has a negative impact on children’s wellbeing. I am aware that many schools here in South Swindon are already prohibiting mobile phone use with great results, so the new mobile phone guidance issued by the government this week, backing headteachers in prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout the school day, including break time, is welcome news. I am glad that the Conservative government is making long-term decisions to ensure that all pupils have access to a high-quality education, helping to give the next generation the best chance to realise their potential.
I regularly enjoy being out and about here in South Swindon, joining our Conservative councillors and residents as they work to improve our local areas in a variety of ways including litter picks and flower and tree planting. It is welcome news that through the Conservative government-funded Trees for Climate programme, Swindon Borough Council has announced that they are looking to plant thousands more trees across Swindon throughout the next two years, providing more places for nature and biodiversity to thrive in and around the town.
I am also calling on local charities and community organisations to apply for Conservative government funding to help with a variety of projects including wind farms, solar panel projects and electric vehicle charging points. The funding can also be used to fund retrofitting buildings to make them more efficient. Further information can be found here: https://www.swnetzerohub.org.uk/
As part of my ongoing Charity of the Week Scheme, this week I would like to shine a spotlight on Rainbow Trust, an excellent charity which provides both emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness. You can find out more about this wonderful charity by visiting https://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/
