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Ipswich MP Jack Abbott calls for urgent action on local mental health services

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During a Westminster Hall debate yesterday, Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT).

The big picture: The NSFT has been under scrutiny for years, with Abbott describing it as "arguably still...the worst performing mental health trust in the whole country" since its creation in 2012.

Why it matters: Mental health services in Ipswich and Suffolk are facing significant challenges, potentially putting patients at risk.

Key points:

  • Abbott highlighted issues with unexpected and unrecorded deaths at the Trust.

  • He criticised the NSFT's "shockingly insufficient internal mortality reporting processes."

  • The MP requested a meeting with the Minister from the Department of Health and Social Care.

What they're saying: Abbott emphasised the need for both justice and change, stating: "The families who have suffered so much deserve justice. And all of my constituents deserve change."

What's next: Abbott has called for a meeting with the relevant minister to discuss improving mental health care in Suffolk.

The bottom line: As the UK grapples with what many describe as a national mental health crisis, Ipswich residents are facing particularly acute challenges with their local mental health services.

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Nine arrests made in Ipswich police operation targeting road criminals

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More than 70 vehicles were stopped and over 190 Traffic Offence Reports issued during a multi-agency day of action in Ipswich last week.

Why it matters: The operation targeted criminals using Ipswich's road network while also focusing on dangerous driving behaviours that contribute to fatal collisions.

The big picture: The intelligence-led operation involved nine partner agencies and took place on Tuesday, 22 April at a check site at Sainsbury's in Hadleigh Road, aiming to disrupt organised crime groups that operate across county borders.

Police arrested nine people and stopped more than 100 vehicles
More than 70 vehicles were stopped and over 190 Traffic Offence Reports issued during the latest operationSuffolk Constabulary

By the numbers:

  • 71 vehicles were escorted to the check site, with just 14 found clear of offences

  • 63 Traffic Offence Reports were issued at the site

  • 129 additional speeding offences were detected in surrounding areas

  • Five vehicles were seized for various offences

The details: Police made four arrests, including three for drug-driving and one for a suspect wanted by Lincolnshire Police for theft. Immigration Enforcement made five further arrests after checking 51 people.

Officers focused on the "Fatal Four" offences that commonly cause serious accidents: drink/drug driving, mobile phone use, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt.

A motorcyclist was recorded travelling at 81mph in a 40mph zone on the A1214 London Road.

What they're saying: Sergeant Alex Kelly of the Roads and Armed Policing Team said: "Days of action like this are vital in helping us gather and share intelligence with partner agencies, and are also a great way of intensely targeting an area."

"I have attended far too many collisions where one of the 'Fatal Four' elements was a contributing factor, some of which have resulted in the loss of a loved one."

Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore added: "The number of arrests and traffic offences recorded show just how valuable these multi-agency days of actions are."

"I fully support these pro-active campaigns. They send out a strong, clear message to those who choose not to comply with the 'fatal four' that Suffolk Constabulary is on the case."

The bottom line: The operation was part of the National Police Chiefs' Council's Operation Spotlight, which focuses on criminal use of the road network and targets those committing the most dangerous driving offences.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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