By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland,
Alicia Kearns MP’s Summer Update Local Government Reorganisation, Road Safety, Healthcare and More Across Rutland and Stamford
Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns has published a wide-ranging summer update covering some of the biggest issues facing residents across the constituency from the proposed reorganisation of local government and the future of Rutland’s identity, to A1 and A15 safety, healthcare, rail services, dental provision, fly-tipping and local businesses.
Although Parliament is in summer recess, Alicia Kearns says her constituency team remains active, with much of her recent work focused on meeting residents, collecting signatures, writing to Government ministers and pressing public bodies on issues affecting Rutland, Stamford, South Kesteven and the Harborough villages.
The full range of issues in the latest report illustrates how varied the constituency's priorities are, with local government reform and road safety among the most prominent themes.
Local Government Reorganisation More Than 6,000 Sign the New Petition
The most politically significant issue in Alicia Kearns' latest update is the Government's proposed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Alicia Kearns says the Government's decision to proceed with its preferred restructuring proposals represents a major change for Rutland, Stamford and surrounding communities.
According to her report, Rutland and some Harborough villages are proposed to become part of a much larger Leicestershire unitary authority, while Stamford and South Kesteven would form part of a new large-scale "Rural Lincolnshire" authority.
Alicia Kearns argues that these arrangements would create councils serving hundreds of thousands of residents and says the proposals do not reflect the views expressed by local communities.
Her campaign against the reorganisation has already attracted thousands of signatures. The MP is urging residents to sign and share her latest petition, which she says she intends to submit in the House of Commons in September.
Her earlier campaign to protect Rutland's ceremonial county status attracted 7,141 physical signatures, which she subsequently presented to Parliament.
Alicia Kearns' Local Government Reorganisation / Save Rutland campaign
Residents wishing to support the current petition or obtain a paper copy are encouraged to contact Alicia Kearns' constituency office.
Stamford Banking Hub Location Confirmed
There is also positive news for Stamford residents concerned about access to face-to-face banking.
Alicia Kearns says that after showing Cash Access UK several possible locations around Stamford, agreement was reached that Stamford Arts Centre would provide a suitable temporary home for the town's new Banking Hub.
South Kesteven District Council has agreed the terms, allowing work towards opening the hub to proceed. Cash Access UK will subsequently look for a permanent location.
The official opening date has yet to be announced.
Campaign for a 30mph Limit Along the A15
Road safety is another major focus of the update.
Alicia Kearns recently met representatives from the parish councils in Baston, Langtoft and Thurlby to discuss concerns along the A15, including speeding and whether reducing speed limits would make the road safer through the villages.
She subsequently raised the matter with Lincolnshire County Council's Highways Team.
Alicia Kearns says national guidance introduced in 2024 provides that where street lighting meets a particular threshold, a 30mph speed limit should be assumed. She argues that the affected villages meet that threshold and has therefore written to Lincolnshire County Council calling for 30mph limits.
The MP says she will continue to update residents as discussions progress.
The Rutland Sea Dragon Campaign Continues
The future of the Rutland Sea Dragon remains another contentious local issue.
More than 2,000 people signed a petition calling for the famous ichthyosaur fossil to be displayed at Oakham Museum. Kearns thanks Lawrence from the Friends of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle for presenting the petition at Rutland County Council.
However, she is strongly critical of the Council's decision-making and says the authority has confirmed that the proposed digital installation will not even depict the actual Rutland ichthyosaur discovered at Rutland Water.
Alicia Kearns describes the proposed alternative as an "imposter" and says she intends to work to raise funds to restore and return the fossil.
She also says she is continuing to press Rutland County Council to agree the legal arrangements required to preserve the fossil, claiming that Anglian Water has offered to share draft documentation but cannot do so without the Council's agreement.
Alicia Kearns' latest news and campaign updates
A Jurassic Tug-of-War The Ongoing Struggle for the Rutland Sea Dragon, Petition Video, Anglian Water are disappointed by Rutland County Council’s decision
https://oakhamandrutlandnews.blogspot.com/2026/07/a-jurassic-tug-of-war-ongoing-struggle.html
Rutland County Council Meeting Produces New Position on Reorganisation
Alicia Kearns also reports on a special meeting of Rutland County Council concerning Local Government Reorganisation.
She says a Conservative motion led by Councillor Lucy Stephenson called on the Council to write to the Government requesting publication of the evidence behind the decision to place Rutland into a new Leicestershire authority.
The motion also called for a timetable for legislation to protect Rutland's ceremonial status.
The motion passed.
She welcomes this as a sign that the Council and her parliamentary campaign are now working more closely to challenge aspects of the Government's proposals.
The MP nevertheless criticises the attendance at the meeting, noting that 12 of the Council's 27 councillors were absent. She also says residents were turned away from the meeting and that problems occurred with the online livestream.
Rutland County Council Special Meeting The Future of Rutland Full Video
https://oakhamandrutlandnews.blogspot.com/2026/08/rutland-county-council-special-meeting.html
A1 Safety Pressure for Better Junctions and Closed Crossings
The A1 remains one of the most important infrastructure and safety issues for communities around Stamford, Grantham and the surrounding villages.
Alicia Kearns says funding may become available for improvements to the A606 and Tinwell junctions, but she does not support the current proposal to introduce traffic lights.
Instead, she is pressing the Transport Secretary to consider using potential funding to widen slip roads.
She also reports progress following her campaign to close dangerous central-reservation crossings.
According to the update, the first 13 crossings between Little Ponton and Colsterworth have now been closed. A second phase is looking at the junction at Toll Bar Road, north of Grantham.
The next stage involves examining the Little Ponton-to-Colsterworth section. Kearns says there is not yet unanimous local support for closing all remaining gaps and that funding has not yet been allocated.
National Highways is considering several possible measures, including:
Closing central-reservation gaps;
Restricting certain movements at Heath Lane/Dallygate;
Reducing speed limits; and
Other junction safety measures.
Alicia Kearns also says improvements are needed at the A1 Stamford junctions and that she will continue pressing National Highways for further investment.
Deepings GP Services and a Second Stamford Practice
Healthcare continues to be a major constituency concern.
Alicia Kearns says residents in Thurlby, Baston and Langtoft have raised concerns about the service provided by Deepings GP Practice.
She has met with the Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board to discuss those concerns, as well as the possibility of establishing a second GP practice in Stamford.
The MP says she will continue to work with residents on improving access to primary care.
Rail Connections to London Under Pressure
Commuters are also facing changes to rail services.
Alicia Kearns says she met LNER to discuss concerns about rising season-ticket costs and changes to the East Coast Main Line timetable.
One particular problem affects passengers travelling from Stamford to London via Peterborough.
The former 7.20am Peterborough departure has moved to 7.12am, creating a broken connection for some passengers arriving from Stamford.
LNER has agreed to raise the issue with CrossCountry to investigate whether the morning connection can be improved.
Alicia Kearns acknowledges that there may be operational limitations but says she will continue pressing for improvements.
She is also raising the cost of rail season tickets with Government. Her report notes that a standard-class annual season ticket from Peterborough to London, including Tube travel, costs more than £11,000.
For commuters now travelling into London only around three days a week, Kearns argues that the economics of traditional annual season tickets are increasingly difficult.
Benedict's Law: New Allergy Guidance for Schools
The MP also highlights the publication of new statutory guidance for schools in England under Benedict's Law.
Alicia Kearns pays tribute to Helen and Peter Blythe and the Benedict Blythe Foundation, who she says have campaigned for five years to improve allergy safety in schools.
The new guidance is intended to strengthen protections for children living with allergies.
Alicia Kearns describes its introduction as both an important safety measure and a tribute to Benedict.
Improving Access to NHS Dentistry
Access to NHS dentistry is another issue repeatedly raised by constituents.
Alicia Kearns says she has supported the University of Lincoln's campaign for a Dental School and welcomes approval for a new Dental Hygiene and Therapy programme, due to begin in September 2026.
The aim, she says, is not simply to create new educational opportunities but to train more dental professionals locally, encourage them to establish careers in Lincolnshire and ultimately increase the availability of dental services.
New Drive to Identify Fly-Tipping Hotspots
Fly-tipping is also receiving attention.
Alicia Kearns says she has previously campaigned for tougher penalties and welcomed the introduction of penalties allowing people convicted of fly-tipping to receive up to three penalty points on their driving licences.
She says this followed an amendment she laid to the Crime and Policing Bill in March 2025.
Her latest initiative is a survey intended to identify fly-tipping hotspots across Rutland, Stamford, South Kesteven and the Harborough villages.
Residents who have seen repeated fly-tipping are being encouraged to report where it occurs and how frequently.
Mallard Pass Solar Development and £530,000 Community Payment
Alicia Kearns is also challenging the developer behind the Mallard Pass Solar Plant over community benefits.
She says residents were promised benefits in return for hosting the large-scale infrastructure project but alleges that developer Quinbrook Infrastructure is refusing to pay a £530,000 community substation payment referred to in Government guidance.
Kearns says she has written to the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero seeking intervention and asking that local communities receive what she describes as the compensation they were promised.
Celebrating Rutland and Stamford's Pubs
The constituency's pubs are also highlighted.
Alicia Kearns launched a one-off Rutland and Stamford Favourite Pub Awards competition during the summer, intended to recognise local pubs and encourage residents to support them.
Voting has now closed, with the winner due to be announced.
The initiative comes against a backdrop of what Alicia Kearns describes as significant financial pressure on pubs from rising costs and taxation.
Action Against Illegal Tobacco Shops
Alicia Kearns says she continues to campaign against illegal tobacco and vape sales.
She refers to a 2025 case in which Rutland police caught a local shop owner with a vehicle containing illegal cigarettes. She says she subsequently reported the matter to HMRC and Trading Standards but remains frustrated about the lack of action.
She has also raised the issue in Parliament, calling for tougher action against those involved in the illegal tobacco and vape trade.
Her argument is that legitimate high-street businesses should not have to compete against operators selling illegal products.
NHS Data Sharing Patients Shouldn't Have to Carry Their Own Records
Another practical healthcare issue is the sharing of patient information between NHS trusts.
Alicia Kearns says residents have told her about problems when moving between different NHS organisations, including missing results, repeated medical histories and delays.
She says the Government has confirmed that there is no legal barrier to NHS trusts sharing patient information for direct care.
Alicia Kearns has therefore written to local NHS trusts asking:
What protocols are in place for sharing records;
Whether staff have received appropriate training;
What is preventing timely information sharing; and
Why patients are sometimes required to repeat information between healthcare providers.
Her central argument is that patients should not have to act as intermediaries between their own doctors.
Councillor Mark Chatfield Standards Investigation
Alicia Kearns also reports an update concerning Rutland Councillor Mark Chatfield.
She says she previously complained to Rutland County Council about social-media posts that she considered offensive, including alleged racist remarks and comments concerning Rutland residents and local journalists.
According to Alicia Kearns, Rutland County Council did not act on her complaint, after which she referred the matter to the Liberal Democrats.
She says the Liberal Democrat Standards Office has now upheld her complaint and concluded that Councillor Chatfield brought the party into disrepute.
Alicia Kearns reports that Mark Chatfield has been suspended from the party and has had the Liberal Democrat whip removed at Rutland County Council.
She says the suspension and removal of the whip could be reversed if he apologises to those he offended and completes a social-media awareness course.
Editorial Note: These are allegations and political party disciplinary findings reported in Alicia Kearns' newsletter. Readers seeking the underlying decisions should consult the relevant council and party records.
Rutland Councillor Suspended by Libdems Following Year-Long Campaign Over ‘Offensive and Racist’ Social Media Posts
https://oakhamandrutlandnews.blogspot.com/2026/07/rutland-councillor-suspended-by-libdems.html
Visiting Communities Across the Constituency
The summer update also provides a snapshot of Alicia Kearns' constituency activities.
She recently welcomed 13 young people for a week of work experience, with participants helping collect signatures for the Local Government Reorganisation petition.
Other engagements included:
Colsterworth Parish Council
Alicia Kearns met the Parish Council to discuss road safety and traffic diversions through the village when the A1 is closed.
No. 9 Market Place, Oakham
She officially opened No. 9 Market Place, a new independent business in Oakham, and wished owners Shar and Rashni well.
A Warm Welcome to Oakham’s Newest Business Number 9 Market Place Is Officially Open
https://oakhamandrutlandnews.blogspot.com/2026/07/a-warm-welcome-to-oakhams-newest.html
Ryhall Village Fete
Alicia Kearns opened Ryhall's village fete, describing it as a traditional community event raising money for local causes.
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust
She attended celebrations marking the Trust's triple anniversary and paid tribute to its staff, volunteers, members and supporters.
Oakham Air Ambulance Shop
Alicia Kearns also visited the Oakham Air Ambulance shop, highlighting the work of volunteers and the fundraising that supports the lifesaving service.
Her constituency website confirms that her office continues to offer assistance to residents dealing with Government bodies and public services, and says her team has helped with more than 38,000 requests for assistance since 2019.
National Security, Taiwan, Iran, China and Foreign Influence
Beyond constituency matters, Alicia Kearns continues her responsibilities as Shadow National Security and Safeguarding Minister.
One of the most striking elements of her report concerns a visit to Taiwan.
Alicia Kearns says she became the first international parliamentarian to sail into the Taiwan Strait, and met Taiwan's President Lai, Vice President Hsiao and senior national-security and foreign-policy officials.
She says the message she heard from Taiwanese officials was that Taiwan is seeking international support for deterrence rather than asking other countries to fight on its behalf.
Iran
Alicia Kearns also discusses the UK's response to Iran.
She welcomes the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the State Threats Act but argues that the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) should also face stronger action.
She says the Government should close Iranian assets operating in Britain and has previously called for Iranian media outlets in the UK to be closed.
China and Military Equipment
Alicia Kearns says she has long warned about dependence on Chinese-made components and raises concerns over reports involving Chinese components in military equipment.
She calls for the Ministry of Defence, security services and police to conduct an audit of platforms in service to identify potentially compromised components.
She also argues that the issue goes beyond individual pieces of equipment and concerns wider questions of national sovereignty and supply-chain security.
Foreign Influence Registration Scheme
Alicia Kearns says the Government had promised transparency around the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) but argues that the annual report had not been published by the expected deadline.
She says she challenged ministers over the number of investigations involving people acting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party and questioned whether the report might be released during the parliamentary recess.
Andrew and Tristan Tate
Finally, Alicia Kearns welcomes the Crown Prosecution Service decision to bring further charges against Andrew and Tristan Tate, following her previous calls for their extradition.
She notes that deportation hearings are expected in September.
How to Contact Alicia Kearns MP
Residents of Rutland and Stamford who want to raise an issue with their MP can contact Alicia Kearns' constituency office.
Alicia Kearns MP
Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford
Constituency Office:
6 Market Street
Oakham
LE15 6DY
Telephone: 01572 360385
Email: alicia.kearns.mp@parliament.uk
Her official website also provides information about contacting the MP, local campaigns, constituency work and assistance with problems involving Government departments and public services.
Alicia Kearns MP — Official Website
A Constituency Campaign Focused on Local Issues
Taken together, the latest report presents a picture of an MP using the parliamentary recess to concentrate heavily on constituency issues.
The largest campaign is the continuing fight over Local Government Reorganisation and the future of Rutland's identity. Alongside that are practical concerns that directly affect everyday life: safer A1 and A15 roads, access to GPs and dentists, better rail connections, tackling fly-tipping and illegal tobacco, protecting communities affected by major infrastructure projects, and supporting local businesses and voluntary organisations.
Alicia Kearns' report also demonstrates the breadth of her role outside Westminster, from meetings with parish councils and NHS organisations to visits to local businesses, community events and charities.
While many of the issues remain unresolved, the MP's message is that the summer recess will not mean a pause in constituency campaigning. With Parliament due to return in September, several of the campaigns outlined in the report particularly Local Government Reorganisation, road safety and NHS access are likely to remain prominent issues for residents across Rutland, Stamford and the surrounding communities.
Editorial Note: This article reports and contextualises claims and positions set out in a newsletter produced by Alicia Kearns MP. It does not endorse or independently verify any political claims made by the MP.
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham
