This week I was lucky to come out in the top 20 in the PMQ’s ballot and questioned the Prime Minister about the forthcoming obesity strategy. It is a relief for many that gyms, indoor swimming pools and leisure centres are reopening again and evidence shows that exercise can have a hugely positive effect on mental and physical wellbeing.
I was recently briefed by the British Transport Police about the local response to tackling the problem of ‘County Lines’ crimes. This is where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, across police and local authority boundaries, usually by children or vulnerable people who are coerced into it by gangs. This harmful activity creates significant problems with increased levels of violence and weapons-related crimes in communities.
Dealers will frequently target children and individuals with mental health problems to act as drug runners or to smuggle cash so they can stay under the radar of law enforcement. The British Transport Police has a dedicated County Lines Taskforce, which has had significant success in tackling county lines criminality across the rail network and stopping the exploitation of children and vulnerable people. We can all play a role in helping the police with this vital work. Interestingly it is often members of the public who notice children travelling alone and draw it to the attention of the authorities.
After weeks of work to get the beauty industry back open it is wonderful to see so many Romsey businesses up and running again, many of whom I will be personally supporting over the next few weeks.
