English wine & unauthorised encampments

This past month I gathered with my neighbouring MPs to celebrate Sussex Day by organising an event in Parliament for our fast-growing English Sparkling Wine Sector. Sussex has over 50 vineyards providing countless local jobs and bringing a bit of the Sussex sun to wine lovers around the world. This event coincided with English Wine Week and gave us an opportunity to launch the Sussex Wine Tourism Plan, funded by the Government and led by Sussex Modern, Plumpton College, and our local councils. The plan sets out an ambitious strategy to boost the industry to attract even more tourists to our county.

Summer also brings a familiar challenge to many Sussex communities: unauthorised encampments of vehicles or caravans. One such incident recently occurred on Pulborough recreation ground. This year, however, things are different. I was pleased to see the police intervene swiftly, clearing the space within 24 hours using the new powers available to them thanks to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. I supported this Act in Parliament, and I am pleased to see it reducing the time it takes to clear encampments which would otherwise be treated as a civil matter. This is a real example of a new law improving lives for Sussex residents on the ground. Andrew Griffith MP for Arundel & South Downs Andrew.Griffith.MP@parliament.uk www.andrewgriffithmp.com