South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy on community pubs, places of worship and the King’s Lynn hospital rebuild

In his fortnightly column, South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy discusses pubs, religion and health…

Many rural areas have seen their public services decrease over the past 14 years – often forcing people to undertake long travel distances to access some of the most basic of services. Those increased travel distances are difficult enough, particularly if you are elderly or disabled, but even more challenging given the lack of public transport options available in such areas.

There is hope, however, and many communities are fighting back against this decline.

Last Friday I visited the Blue Bell Pub in Stoke Ferry. A community-owned pub, the last in the village, but now delivering a whole range of vital services over and above the traditional pint.

The Blue Bell is one of three community-owned pubs in my constituency, with the Kings Arms at Shouldham and the Fox at Garboldisham - all supported by The Pub is The Hub campaign team who undertake great work across the UK helping rural pubs develop services. We had a thorough conversation on my recent visit about how community-minded pubs could be used to support this Labour Government's priorities around health and social care with a greater focus on prevention.

Talking about community hubs – I was delighted this week that the Government announced the continuation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant. Providing a further £23million in the 2025/26 financial year so that thousands of historical buildings can carry out restoration work and reclaim the VAT.

I raised the matter in Parliament as South West Norfolk is home to 138 places of worship, all unique in character and special to the local community, such as St Germans Church just outside Lynn, which is a 13th Century Grade I listed church.

As the famous English poet and writer John Betjemen wrote: “Norfolk would not be Norfolk without a church tower on the horizon or round a corner up a lane. We cannot spare a single Norfolk church. When a church has been pulled down the country seems empty or is like a necklace with a jewel missing.”

Finally, it was confirmed this week that the Queen Elizabeth Hospital will get up to £1.5billion for its much-needed major reconstruction. I know the date for the building work and construction timetable is of concern given this rebuild was left waiting for so long by the previous Government.

I will continue to press on the need for the hospital rebuild to happen as quickly as possible, but I am relieved we now have a realistic timetable and a clear commitment with the funding. I will continue to advocate for the QEH and health services in South West Norfolk more generally, in line with my commitments made prior to the election.