It’s been another incredibly busy month serving as the Member of Parliament for Boston and Skegness. November is always a poignant time, and I was honoured once again to pay my respects to the fallen at Boston’s annual Remembrance service, before continuing visits across the constituency.
One of this month’s highlights was an insightful tour of the award-winning Skegness Community Diagnostic Centre. I was joined by United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals CEO, Professor Karen Dunderdale, and her colleagues, who shared detailed updates on the exciting new Boston development at the former Boston United Jakemans Stadium on York Street.
I was also delighted to join the Boston Women in Business for their lunch meeting, a fantastic gathering of around 40 women who each play an important role in businesses across the town.
A visit to Boston West Academy saw me welcomed by Headteacher Mrs Braybrook for a tour of the school. I enjoyed meeting members of the school council and staff to discuss their work and aspirations.
I stopped by Coral to meet their supportive team and learn more about their community-focused initiatives, including MOSES, a self-certification exclusion system used locally. It remains deeply concerning that around 1,000 shops have closed since 2010, with more at risk due to Rachel Reeves’ diabolical outlook on the UK’s financial standing.
Of course, I couldn’t miss placing my free charity bet, this time on Boston United to win against Yeovil, with all potential winnings going to the Butterfly Hospice. Sadly, it wasn’t to be, with United defeated 2–1.
The Christmas spirit, however, has truly arrived in Boston. Over a thousand residents packed the Market Place for the Illuminate parade and Christmas Light Switch On. Despite the biting cold, a warm hot chocolate kept spirits high. Unfortunately, the classic British weather didn’t hold for the rest of the weekend, putting a dampener on festivities.
In Skegness, I enjoyed a tour of the Marks & Spencer Foodhall, speaking with managers to understand how the store is operating. Once again, unnecessary regulations continue to burden both developers and businesses, pushing up build and running costs, ultimately raising prices for residents. I am very much looking forward to Boston’s own store opening in 2026 on Swineshead Road.
Earlier this month, I also announced a significant victory as IPSO, the press regulator, ruled in my favour against the Mirror Group following their false and libellous reporting after my contribution to the British Steel debate in April.
In Parliament, I spoke 15 times across a range of subjects in both the Chamber and Westminster Hall. Topics included the Soldier F trial verdict, the Budget, China, G20 and Ukraine, pension investment in UK equities, income tax, and the right to trial by jury. I submitted eight written questions, to the Home Office on undocumented migrants in hotels; the Ministry of Justice on foreign national prisoners and HMP Dartmoor; DESNZ on manufacturing for renewable energies; the Department for Levelling Up on social rented housing for foreign nationals; the Treasury on employment statistics; and the Department for Education regarding workplace pensions for teachers.
As always, I want to say a huge thank you to my incredible constituency team. In November alone, they closed more than 550 cases and replied to over 1,200 emails. These covered everything from road conditions, DVLA delays and housing issues to NHS concerns at Pilgrim Hospital, river dredging, flooding, adult social care, digital ID, animal welfare, assisted dying, the Budget, and small business challenges.
As ever, I remain committed to serving the people of Boston and Skegness. If you require assistance, please contact me at richard.tice.mp@parliament.uk. To help my team respond quickly, please include your full address and postcode. Please note that I can only assist residents or business owners within the constituency.
