• After a successful Jobs Fair in Atherstone offering lots of opportunities to local people with regional businesses I am delighted to say that my next Jobs Fair will be hosted together with Marcus Jones MP in Bedworth. The event will take place in one of Bedworth’s iconic local landmarks, The Old Meeting URC Church in Leicester Street from 10am to 3pm on Friday 21st October. So if you are looking for a job or a career change come down and see us.
• Last week in Parliament during a debate on local planning I urged the Minister to consider the impact on Brexit to revise housing figures. Local people have contacted me with concerns for our area taking on extra housing from Coventry, however the numbers required are based on migration figures before we voted to leave the EU. I have seen statistics that suggest that if migration figures were to reduce following Brexit then the housing need from Coventry would reduce substantially. I also used the debate to raise the current issue of Dordon and Polesworth to push for guaranteed infrastructure improvements, in consultation with residents, for any significant new housing developments.
• In parliament and in the press, Brexit continues to be the dominant subject due to its significance, but also due to certain interests groups trying to influence what will happen. As someone who voted to leave the EU, like two-thirds of local people did, alarms bells ring when I hear calls for every aspect of negotiations to be fully scrutinised and voted upon in Parliament. Firstly there has already been a democratic vote and the will of the people must be heard. Secondly, when you go into negotiations you cannot reveal your hand; as the Prime Minister has said we cannot give a ‘running commentary’ on talks with EU. This would completely weaken our stance and ability to get the best possible deal. I also welcome Theresa May’s announcement that Article 50 will be triggered before the end of March.
• I have recently returned from Conservative Party Conference which was held in Birmingham this year. I was very pleased to hear the announcement to prevent lawsuits against our armed forces in future conflicts; something I called for earlier this year in Parliament. This is an important step in the right direction to protect our troops who risk everything to do their job. How can they do that job properly with the threat of spurious lawsuits hanging over them from these law firms looking to make as much money as possible?
• Congratulations to Bodymoor Heath Victory Club winning a National Community Life Award at the Biffa Awards 2016 and a further grant. I visited the Victory Club recently and saw for myself the great work they do and the community spirit they have.