My Staffordshire Update

I hope that you all had a wonderful Easter with friends and family. I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on my activities across the constituency.

I thoroughly enjoyed attending Stone Traders’ AGM as well as their social event which was held at Artisan Boutique. It is very encouraging to see the exciting plans that the Traders are progressing with, which will greatly enhance the high streets offering and attract customers to a range of fantastic independent businesses.

Elsewhere, it was brilliant to join so many hard-working and dedicated volunteers as part of the Essington Spring Clean. These community events are always so enjoyable to be a part of, and I am grateful for the work of organisations such as Friends of Essington for their tireless efforts to improve the area they live and work in.

Moreover, I welcomed the opportunity to visit Great Wyrley Scout and Guide Centre and catch up with Building Manager Dave Titley. It is wonderful to see all the activities and clubs that are being held for the community, and I look forward to offering my support to help with the growth of the centre.

In addition, I held a further roundtable that was attended by NFU representatives and farmers to continue the discussion around Labour’s disastrous policies that are seriously damaging to farming and rural communities. I will continue to stand-by farmers and urge the Government to change course.

Meanwhile, as ever, my office and I are always hard at work helping constituents, so please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to be further assistance. I can be reached via gavin.williamson.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 01785 847027.

Attending Stone Traders’ AGM and Social Event

I attended Stone Traders’ AGM and social event as I continue to offer support to businesses across Staffordshire.

Stone Traders are a group of business owners who work together to promote the retail offering in the town, encourage footfall, and think of new ways to reinvigorate the centre to attract more visitors.

The AGM and social event took place at Artisan Boutique on 10th April, and provided an opportunity to discuss shared aims, community events, and to support independent businesses as consumer habits evolve.

Jamie Richards, Chairman of AED Donate said: “The evening was valuable and well-attended by members of our local business community. We were also honoured by the presence of Sir Gavin Williamson MP.

“While high streets across the UK continue to face significant challenges, our own is a hidden gem – a vibrant blend of independent businesses and respected national retailers and full of events for the community to attend.

“The sense of community, resilience, and pride in Stone was clear to see. We are committed to continuing our work together to champion and support traders that make our high street such a unique and special place.”

Stone has a unique history with a vibrant retail offering and a vast array of unique businesses. There is a lot to celebrate and be proud of and I am grateful to the Traders as well as the respective community groups for all they do to boost the local economy and engage with the community.

I am committed to supporting Traders and organisations to ensure that Stone remains a vibrant town to live and work in.

Joining Essington Spring Clean

I was delighted to join dozens of volunteers at the annual Essington Spring Clean which was organised by Essington Wombles and Friends of Essington. With the sun shining and litter pickers at the ready, the community spirit was on display as I joined volunteers in sprucing up the village and maintaining its cleanliness.

There are more than 342,000 volunteers, including hundreds in Staffordshire, who participate in Spring Cleans across the UK each year. Litter is hazardous for our wildlife and environment, and I am extremely grateful to all the groups across Staffordshire who work tirelessly to improve the areas they live and work in.

Visiting Great Wyrley Scout and Guide Centre

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Member of Parliament, is supporting community-focussed groups and organisations as well as individuals to deliver activities and classes that benefit the local area. This could not be any more prevalent that at Great Wyrley Scout and Guide Centre, where you will often find Building Manager Dave Titley with a paint brush in his hand or tools to fix a leaky roof. Dave is a true community champion and has worked extremely hard to maintain the Centre so it can host all manner of activities, parties, and receptions.

The Centre has two halls for hire with ample parking at the rear of the building. So, whether you are looking to partake in a dance class, hold a birthday party, or join an arts class, the Centre has something the whole community can enjoy.

I look forward to continuing to support the Centre through ways such as identifying grant funding, or assisting with general local authority enquiries.

Hosting a Roundtable with Staffordshire NFU Members

I hosted a roundtable with Staffordshire NFU members as farmers continue to be drastically affected by the Government’s punitive policies.

The Government’s Inheritance Tax raid and the closure of the Sustainable Farming Initiative has left farmers fearing for their futures; with the viability of many farms in serious jeopardy.

Ed Stubbs, NFU Mid Staffs group secretary, said: “Staffordshire farmers were pleased to air their views and concerns to Sir Gavin, and we hope he will continue to strongly make the case in Westminster for our industry which is currently under huge strain, with confidence at an all-time low and investment dropping day by day.

“Safeguarding our food security is an essential part of the nation’s ability to remain resilient to shocks at home and globally but Government policies announced since the election have only delivered blow after blow to farmers and growers’ confidence. Some sectors of UK farming are facing the worst cashflow crisis for generations.

"The NFU remains committed to working with all political parties to see food security, economic growth and environmental delivery at the heart of policy as that will help to make farm businesses confident, sustainable and profitable.

Staffordshire farmers are proud to produce food for 70 million British people, protecting our precious countryside and we need to see decisive action, including an end to the family farm tax, to secure business confidence, investment and growth”.

The Government must urgently listen to farmers and row back on damaging political choices, which are ruining the lives of farmers, their families, and rural communities.

Staffordshire NFU members are seriously concerned, and the Government must act before farming in the UK is consigned to the history books.

Meanwhile, as ever, my office and I are always hard at work helping constituents, so please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to be further assistance. I can be reached via gavin.williamson.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 01785 847027.