🗣️ Our local pubs are a vital part of Horsham, and we must protect them. Yesterday, I spoke about the experience of local resident Richard and the huge pressures facing businesses, with rising costs and constant uncertainty from the government.

📰 In my West Sussex County Times column this week, I discuss my recent visit to the NHS South East Ambulance Service Make Ready Centre.

🗣️ On Monday, I joined Lib Dem colleagues @alisonebennett.bsky.social and @jessbrownfullermp.bsky.social, alongside local residents, to protest against the delay of West Sussex County Council elections. People across West Sussex deserve their say and won’t accept this power grab.

🚨 Too many people are facing unacceptable waits in A&E, with patients treated in corridors and NHS staff left without the resources they need. Today we’ve set out a clear plan to end this A&E crisis, including more hospital beds and a legal guarantee that no one waits more than 12 hours.

Here is a quick update on some of the things I got up to last week👇 For a more detailed insight, sign up to my newsletter: www.johnmilne.org.uk

The business rate increase should never have been put forward in the first place. Our pubs and high streets in Horsham are already under huge pressure; the government must provide clarity now and reverse this hike. Without action, more of our much-loved businesses will be left worse off.

We must get the facts about welfare spending right.

📰 In my West Sussex County Times column this week, I discuss family farm tax & local elections.

🗣️ Renewable energy is vital, but it must be distributed fairly and strategically. I'm pleased to receive assurances from the Minister that this will be a focus of the government's upcoming energy plan.

🗣️ The BBC isn't just about news, it's a vital part of our creative ecosystem. We must protect this national asset at all costs.

✍️ I've joined cross-party colleagues in writing to Ofcom about a harmful suicide forum. Bereaved families have shown immense courage in campaigning for the Online Safety Act. However, years later, after it's been passed, this site remains.

🗣️ The government has been far too reluctant to challenge President Trump's actions. Failing to call out breaches of international law only emboldens further escalation, with serious consequences for NATO and the protection of Greenland.

🗣️ The narrative that welfare spending is out of control is not only harmful, it's also deeply misleading. As a share of GDP, it has barely changed since the mid-1980s. If the government is serious about reform, it must start with the right evidence.

The government has launched a consultation on local government re-organisation. Share your views👇 Deadline 11th January.

Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate leader, but a US President riding roughshod over international law sends a dangerous signal that only makes the UK and the world less safe. We must stand firmly with our European allies against Trump’s threats on Greenland.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2026! 🎊

 Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!🎄 Whether you’re celebrating or not, I hope you're able have a peaceful and joyful time over the holiday period 🙂

📰 In my recent West Sussex County Times column, I discuss attacks on welfare.

✨Pleasure to join the Holy Trinity Church for their Christmas carol service with wonderful music from the Horsham Borough Band. Congratulations on 125 years in Horsham!

✍️ I've written to schools in Cowfold following concerns about road safety. It's vital that all traffic-related incidents are reported to the police, including near misses.  These reports build the evidence base needed to secure road safety improvements from West Sussex County Council.

🗣️ Family farms are vital to our rural economy and food security. It's time for the government to see sense and abandon its damaging farm tax.

🗣️The government's announcement to give council leaders the power to further delay elections is deeply concerning. Further delays are unacceptable; we cannot continue to deny residents their democratic voice.

I recently visited Down Land Traditional Meats near Henfield to meet owner Luke Smith and Kevin Maher from the Food Standards Agency. These businesses are essential rural infrastructure, supporting local farmers and giving people access to high-welfare, locally sourced meat.

💧 Water shortages constrain our environment, our economy, and our ability to build the homes and infrastructure the country needs. With record dry weather and reservoirs in Sussex falling dangerously low, the system is failing to cope.

I'm really pleased to see the UK is set to rejoin Erasmus+. This will open life-changing opportunities for young people in Horsham to study, work, and volunteer across Europe. It's a welcome breakthrough and a step towards a more productive relationship with our closest neighbours.

🚨 Last week, I joined Sussex Police Sergeant David Broome and PCSO Rico De Barros for a patrol around Horsham town centre to discuss local crime and the challenges officers face. We discussed visible policing, prevention and the impact of shoplifting on local businesses.

In my recent op-ed for Parliament News, I discuss our problem with water scarcity👇

I’m delighted to share the winner of my Christmas Card Competition! 🎄 Congratulations to Grace Lee from Greenway Primary School, whose brilliant design will feature on my Christmas cards this year.

Here is a quick update on some of the things I got up to last week👇 For a more detailed insight, sign up to my newsletter: www.johnmilne.org.uk

💈 Great to join Grizzly's Barbers for Small Business Saturday! I met manager Chris O’Sullivan to discuss apprenticeships, minimum wage and maintaining footfall. It’s time the government backed our plans to better support our much-loved local businesses.

🗣️ We have some brilliant rural businesses in Horsham and across the UK. But too often they lack the support to unlock even greater productivity and growth.   I pressed the Treasury Minister on the need for a clear, measurable target to address this.

 Pleasure to speak to residents and staff at Broadbridge Park Care home last week!

I joined BBC Radio Sussex this morning to discuss water scarcity following my Parliament debate on the issue.   Its impacts are felt across so many sectors, which is why we need a coherent national strategy that delivers new supply and safeguards water security for future generations.

Brilliant to hear that the British Baby Box pilot scheme is launching. When I met with the team earlier this year, it was clear just how much support these boxes can give new parents. Find out more here👇

🗣️ The idea that “millions” receive Motability cars for conditions like anxiety or ADHD are simply untrue; only a fraction of claimants are eligible, and many have physical disabilities that justify the support. Our national debate around welfare must be based on the evidence.

Here is a quick update on some of the things I got up to last week👇 For a more detailed insight, sign up to my newsletter: www.johnmilne.org.uk

🗣️ Later today, I’ll be holding a parliamentary debate on water scarcity and the challenges it poses for the UK.  Water shortage is becoming a major threat to housing, agriculture, and ultimately economic growth.   It’s time to treat it with the urgency it deserves.

🗣️ Deeply disappointed to see the government delay the Sussex Mayoral Elections to 2028.

Great to speak with some of our local businesses at the Horsham Fairtrade Christmas Market.    Wonderful products and a reminder of the importance of Fairtrade!

📰 In my op-ed for Comment Central, I set out why we need to change the narrative around welfare.

🛍️ Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday! Last week's Budget offered little relief for our much-loved businesses in Horsham. Now more than ever, it's vital that we do what we can to support them this weekend.

🟣 Proud to wear my Scope badge for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.   As a member of the Work and Pensions Committee, I’ll keep pushing for a system that treats people with dignity and for meaningful reform in the upcoming Timms Review.

🗣️ A lasting peace cannot reward aggression or leave Ukraine more vulnerable.   Major cuts to Ukraine’s defences and commitments that would limit its sovereignty risk encouraging Putin to resume war later down the line.

It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Jack Dark, the last WWII RAF Lancaster Pathfinder.  I had the great privilege of meeting Jack and his son Chris in Horsham recently. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends.  We thank you for your service, Jack.

Here is a quick update on some of the things I got up to last week👇 For a more detailed insight, sign up to my newsletter: www.johnmilne.org.uk

📰 In my West Sussex County Times column last week, I discussed establishing a town council.

🗣️ Devolution should strengthen local voices, not take power further away. Our Capitol Theatre, our parks and many other community assets thrive because local people run them. Without proper protections and fair funding for town and parish councils, these loved local assets could disappear.

I had a great time at the opening of the new padel courts at Bluecoat Sports Centre at Christ's Hospital!   I got to test them out in a few doubles matches alongside Sophie Bray - Olympic gold medallist and now one of the UK's top 20 women's padel players.

This Budget offered a chance to restore growth and give people hope that things can get better. Instead, this feels more like we’re just treading water. It’s a Budget that kicks the big issues further on down the road. I'll continue to press for a better approach for Horsham.

🚜 Today’s Budget is the government’s chance to scrap this damaging tax and show they are listening to rural communities.  Our farms are the backbone of local food production and the economy; they deserve our support.