AS the year draws to a close, I look back on what has been a year of action on the issues that matter most to my constituents.
From protecting our precious greenbelt, to improving healthcare provision, to keeping residents safe with better policing and championing our great local businesses, I am determined to help deliver for our community.
With increasing pressures on Solihull and the wider West Midlands, defending our natural landscapes has never been more important. This is particularly important given the government’s decision to dramatically increase the burdens on rural areas.
I have worked closely with community groups to challenge proposals that threaten the greenbelt and to promote development strategies that prioritise brownfield regeneration instead. Our green spaces are central to the character and wellbeing of our area, and I remain committed to ensuring they are preserved for future generations.
As ever, I have also been focusing on my long-running campaign to restore full A&E services at Solihull Hospital. Earlier this year, I met with senior leaders from the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board to press the case once again for urgent progress. I also led a debate in Parliament to put pressure onto Ministers to restore these vital services to Solihull Hospital.
While improvements have been delivered, including the Urgent Treatment Centre, an elective surgery hub, and a Community Diagnostic Centre, I continue to argue that these fall short of what Solihull residents deserve. Too many people still face long journeys during serious emergencies, with some residents facing up to a 40-minute trip to the nearest A&E.
As Solihull’s population is set to rise because of the government’s development targets, it is more important than ever that we have the healthcare resources we need.
As a Conservative, I will always recognise the importance of our local businesses. Having run a small business myself, I know how damaging tax rises and increased regulatory burdens can prove to be. This year, I have met many inspiring entrepreneurs in the constituency to understand their concerns around staffing, regulation, and the cost of doing business which have come from the government’s anti-business approach.
I’ve raised these issues frequently in Parliament and have pushed for policies that help small firms grow and create local jobs. Our businesses are the heart of our local economy, and I will continue to champion them at every opportunity.
In Westminster, I was immensely proud to be appointed Shadow Education Minister. In this role, one of my top priorities is to help children and parents overcome the barriers relating to SEND.
The government is letting children and parents down, with numerous delayed to a much-needed White Paper that will provide clarity on how to support our constituents.
With last month’s Budget revealing a £6 billion funding gap, which could be taken out of the school’s budget, I will remain extremely focused on holding the Education Secretary to account.
