April Newsletter

 
Having settled into my new role as Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party for young people, it seemed to me that this month drew in engagement from all ages. Protests drew attention to the issue of climate change and in Westminster, I had the opportunity to see Greta Thunberg address a crowded room of MPs and staff, which really highlighted what an impact young people are having on politics.
 
In the Chamber, I had the opportunity to question the Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, Claire Perry MP, about whether we can reduce emissions whilst continuing to grow the economy. I also asked Ministers on what we can do to retain prison officers, how the Government can reduce the amount of young people in the Justice System and the best way to tackle football discrimination. Amidst all the headlines, I asked for clarification about the real risk of Huawei and how we need to rationally and fully investigate the potential risks, but also the positive aspect of their huge contribution to the UK’s digital economy.

I also questioned Ministers about the new Youth Charter, Gender Pay Equality and the business and economic benefits of having more equality and diversity in the workplace. At the start of last month, I had the opportunity to hold a debate in Parliament on puppy smuggling to keep up momentum on the calls to tackle puppy smuggling and was delighted that so many colleagues from across the House were able to join me to push for more checks at borders, and higher penalties for illegal traders.
 
Welcome announcements in Parliament included firstly, that Finn’s Law received royal assent which means it is now an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to service animals like police dogs. The Government are introducing a new Youth Charter which will mean more funding to organisations aimed at young people. The Online Harms White Paper was published earlier this month and, as well as bringing attention to it in the House of Commons Chamber, I took the opportunity to sit down with the Minister for Digital and Creative Industries, Margot James MP, to address some misconceptions and to explain what online harms are, as well as to respond to some of the criticisms that have been made about the White Paper.

I was pleased to hear the Health Secretary’s statement that more funding will be allocated to hospitals in Worcestershire. I, along with other Worcestershire MPs, have been lobbying the Department for Health and Social Care to release urgently needed funding for the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust and am delighted that Ministers have heeded my concerns.
 
Elsewhere in Westminster, I attended the Let Nature Sing event held in Parliament by the RSPB. On World Parkinson’s Day, I joined Parkinson’s UK at an event in Westminster to promote awareness, I spoke to homelessness charity, Shelter, about their study into discrimination of the private property sector and welcomed a new Rail Ombudsman to make sure passengers can effectively address disputes and hopefully go towards improving passengers’ experience.

I attended an event hosted by the Lotteries Council which talked about the reform of the Charity Lottery Law. I promoted our picturesque part of the country during English Tourism Week with VisitEngland and Tourism Minister, Michael Ellis MP. I was lucky enough to welcome the strategic adviser of Midlands Engine into Parliament to discuss how we can collectively sure the Midlands continues to drive the UK economy. I met with Swan Lane First School when they came to visit and answered all their questions about what it’s like to be an MP and very nearly managed to get through the whole Q&A without a question on Brexit.
 
Back home in Worcestershire, I recently welcomed the start of the Asparagus Festival and celebrated tourism in our area. I also held a business breakfast event at the Lydon Arms, where local business leaders took the opportunity to quiz Anthea Mcintrye MEP and I about recent economic and business issues. I recently met councillors from Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council as well as local business leaders to talk about Evesham’s bid for the Future High Street Fund and the further regeneration of the town centre. I know that this fund could make a considerable difference to Evesham High Street and I will continue to liaise with local representatives as they work on the bid and play my part in lobbying for a share of the funds.

I met with the wonderful charity, Spectrum Days, who are doing a fantastic job helping and supporting those with a profound disability, along with their families. I visited St Barnabas First and Middle Schools and I also had a meeting with 8 different headteachers from Droitwich, including from Westacre Middle School, St. Peter’s First School and St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.
 
Of course, Brexit negotiations are continuing between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Brexit looks to be very challenging without everyone – MPs included – making some sort of compromise and I do remain hopeful that some form of consensus will be reached soon. As always, I consider all the views, opinions and correspondence that I receive about this. Things are moving very fast in Westminster, and constituents who are keen to find out the latest goings-on can visit my website and social pages which I endeavour to update frequently.
 
As we enter the festival and events season in Worcestershire, I hope to see many of you face to face in the next few months.