SOLIHULL’S Conservative MPs have called on the new Prime Minister to change direction and provide a boost for the borough.
Neil Shastri-Hurst, MP for Solihull West and Shirley, and Saqib Bhatti, MP for Meriden and Solihull East, have written to Andy Burnham congratulating him on taking office and to emphasise that residents across Solihull have been let down by decisions taken under the previous Government of Sir Keir Starmer and are looking for a change of direction.
The letter sets out five priorities raised repeatedly by constituents: protecting the Green Belt from excessive housing targets, increasing neighbourhood policing, restoring a full Emergency Department at Solihull Hospital, backing high streets and helping young people into work, and making home ownership more affordable.
Dr Shastri-Hurst said: “The previous Labour Government left Solihull facing excessive housing targets, rising pressure on our public services, and fewer opportunities for young people.
“A change of Prime Minister must mean more than a change of face. Our constituents want to see a change of direction, and we’ve set out a clear plan for how the Government can start rebuilding confidence.”
Mr Bhatti said: “We have decided to write directly to Burnham to seek assurances that he agrees with the campaigns that my constituents in Meriden and Solihull East and I are prioritising.
“We want to see an end to Labour’s war on the greenbelt, more police on our streets, an A&E at Solihull Hospital, young people in work not on benefits and a Thatcherite revolution in home ownership.
“I wish the new Prime Minister the very best in his new role and hope he can deliver on issues that my constituents in Meriden and Solihull East need to see.
“I will be following the progress of his government closely and scrutinising his policies in Parliament wherever necessary. Andy Burnham desperately needs to realise the West Midlands matters and the Borough of Solihull from Chelmsley Wood to Meriden matter too.”
