Good evening, Although I am sadly unable to Join you all tonight, I am grateful to have the opportunity to share my reflections for this Important meeting. I would like to start by congratulating everyone involved with Street Pastors on your 15th anniversary, and for your fantastic achievements over the last decade and a half.

Street Pastors play a vital role in communities across our city, and up and down the country. From humble beginnings in 2007 patrolling the city’s hotspots, to night patrols in Guildhall Walk to looking out for others on the seafront during the pandemic, I’ve seen first-hand the work you do to keep our city safe joining you on patrols.

Finally, now that students are back in classrooms, it’s been great to also learn about the work School Pastors have been doing with local secondary schools – offering a friendly face, listening ear, and safe hands to staff and students in the school community.

I’m sure after two years of disruption, this year’s recruits are looking forward to building on the brilliant work School Pastors have delivered in service to our city. Street and School Pastors are the embodiment of Portsmouth – a close knit community that supports each other in times of need.

The pandemic has demonstrated that that sense of community has never been stronger, and Street Pastors have continued to be a leading light on this for our city. For that, and for all the dedication you have shown over the last 15 years, on behalf of Portsmouth, I thank you.

Congratulations once again for reaching this important milestone of 15 years of service to the people of our city. I wish you the best of luck for the next 15!

Yours,

Stephen Morgan MP

Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South I Shadow Min later for Schools