Last week I presented a petition in Parliament calling for stronger support for rural life in Arundel and the South Downs.
West Sussex is a working countryside. Farming, country sports and the equestrian sector are part of daily life for so many residents in our rural areas. These vital sectors support so many local jobs, and individuals who manage the land and help sustain the character of the South Downs landscape
In recent months, hundreds of residents have written to me with concerns that these interests are being overlooked, and I fully sympathise with the sense that decisions are being made in Whitehall without a proper understanding of rural communities.
The current Government is not striking the right balance. Rural areas need practical support and a clear recognition of the role they play in the wider economy.
My petition calls on ministers to take that more balanced approach. It is about backing those who work the land, supporting established rural activities, and ensuring policy reflects the realities of places like ours.
I will continue to raise these issues in Parliament and press ministers for a more sensible and grounded approach.
You can watch me present the petition in the House of Commons here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMWfQyGUV-0
