My Staffordshire Update

As the summer approaches, I wanted to update you on some of my activities across the constituency.

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting The Wayfarer in Stone. This wonderful hospitality business caters for people with all tastes – whether you are looking for pub classics, or international cuisine, The Wayfarer is a warm environment and a memorable experience. I know so many businesses are rightly concerned regarding the Government’s policies that are proving to be the enemy of business – I will continue to do all I can to urge the Government to change course and give businesses a fighting chance.

Elsewhere, it was great to pop along to the Salem Church in Cheslyn Hay as the Boys’ Brigade held their annual coffee morning. This fantastic organisation offers young people the opportunity to engage in a range of developmental activities as well as providing life skills in a variety of settings – I look forward to supporting the Boys’ Brigade moving forward.

Moreover, it was fantastic to attend the 25th anniversary of the River Canal Rescue (RCR) body alongside local organisations, stakeholders, and Councillors. We are so fortunate to have idyllic waterways across Staffordshire and the RCR’s work in providing breakdown cover and maintenance for boats is vital to continue this pastime. I wish the organisation all the best for the future and look forward to monitoring progress.

In addition, I continue to campaign against the introduction of solar farms across Staffordshire – which will have a detrimental impact on our landscapes, agriculture, and poses significant safety risks. I will stand with residents and others to urge the Government to stop their ideological campaign to bulldoze green spaces.

Lastly, I welcomed the opportunity to attend the prestigious British Eventing Area Festival at Chillington Hall in Brewood. It’s great to have national competitions in Staffordshire that bring communities together in the spirit of competitiveness.

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 of further assistance. I can be reached via gavin.williamson.mp@parliament.uk or by calling my office on 01785 847027.

Visiting The Wayfarer in Stone

I visited The Wayfarer in Stone to offer my support for the business as changes to National Insurance contributions and other Government policies threaten the viability of the hospitality sector.

Leading industry bosses have warned increases to National Insurance (NI) contributions, and rising employer costs could effectively call last orders on many hospitality businesses.

During a visit to The Wayfarer in Stone, I was provided an overview of The Parogon Groups growth plan which is likely to be curtailed by the Government’s policy announcements. As well as The Wayfarer, the Parogon Group also runs The Severn Stars in Brocton.

Rich Colclough, Managing Director, of the Parogon Group said: “At a time when the Government are taxing jobs through Employers’ NI increases and failing to heed the warnings from the business community, it’s refreshing to receive support from our local MP.

“As a former business leader, Sir Gavin was understanding of the blow that the Chancellor has dealt to the nation which is already manifesting itself in the shape of over 100,000 job losses in May.

“The additional costs added by the Government’s budget in October 2024 is the equivalent to refurbishing one new restaurant so by removing this it impacts jobs and other businesses in the area too.”

I was delighted to visit The Wayfarer in Stone – a fantastic hospitality business, which caters for luxury as well as casual dining.

I am deeply concerned that the Government’s policies are stunting the growth of the hospitality sector, affecting jobs, and supply chains who benefit from expansion.

I am committed to continuing to put pressure on Ministers to change course and ensure that hospitality businesses remain a crucial part of our local communities and economy.

Attending Boys’ Brigade Coffee Morning in Cheslyn Hay

I attended the Boys’ Brigade Coffee morning at the Salem Church in Cheslyn Hay.

The event raised almost £600 for a fantastic cause which provides young people with the opportunity to socialise in their community and engage in a range of fun as well as developmental activities.

There were a range of delicious treats on offer as well as competitions including guess how many sweets were in a jar. The event was well attended with local groups, residents, and community representatives in attendance.

Over 20,000 children and young people participate in Boys’ Brigade events across the country with activities tailored to each person’s needs.

Ian Slymn, leader of the 1st Cheslyn Hay Boys Brigade said: “Our coffee morning on Saturday was a massive success in bringing together so many people from our local community to Salem Church.

“The number of people that attended really exceeded our expectations and meant that we raised a massive £589.50 for Boys’ Brigade funds. This will all be spent on the development of the programme for our young people.

“We were so glad that Sir Gavin was able to come and support the coffee morning. It is always a pleasure to welcome him to our events and he is always so active in helping Cheslyn Hay Boys’ Brigade.”

I was delighted to attend the Boys’ Brigade Coffee morning in Cheslyn Hay on Saturday – it was fantastic to see so many people in attendance, for a very enjoyable and successful event.

The Boys’ Brigade provides young people with the opportunity to learn valuable life skills, and engage in a range of activities such as crafts as well as outdoor learning which significantly broadens their horizons.

I am thrilled that so much money was raised, and would like to thank Ian and his team for all they do in the community and beyond

Celebrating 25 years of River Canal Rescue

I attended the 25th anniversary of the River Canal Rescue (RCR) body alongside local organisations, stakeholders, and Councillors.

RCR is the only marine breakdown service that operates nationwide on all waterways in the UK. The organisation offers canal boat rescue services with an engineer on site for up to two hours to resolve engine related mechanical as well as electrical issues.

The 25th anniversary, held on 8th June, featured live music, refreshments, and other entertainment as a way of offering appreciation to those who support as well as contribute to the RCR’s work.

Stephanie Horton, Managing Director of RCR said: “We were delighted to welcome Sir Gavin to our 25th anniversary party and are appreciative of his support. During the afternoon, we hosted current and past members, dignitaries, staff, family, contractors, suppliers, the local community and boaters – who were all keen to help us celebrate this milestone.

“What started as a business with three staff, providing 24/7, 365 days a year breakdown and emergency assistance to 100 members in our first year, is now a family-run firm with some 40 staff supporting over 20,000 boaters using the UK’s inland waterway system. We are proud of this achievement and look forward to reaching our next milestone.”

It was such a pleasure to be part of RCR’s 25th anniversary – a wonderful milestone and a testament to the hard work of staff and its members.

We are extremely lucky to have so many brilliant waterways in Staffordshire which are enjoyed by so many. Therefore, it is very comforting to know that boaters can access dedicated support should there be any issues with their boat.

I will continue to support RCR’s work moving forward and very much hope they enjoy many more milestones in the future.

Campaigning Against Solar Farms in Staffordshire

I am campaigning against the introduction of solar farms across Staffordshire with developers keen to cash in on lucrative proposals.

There is growing concern that developers are seeking to build swathes of solar farms across agricultural and green belt land with areas such as Stowe-by-Chartley and Drointon possibly seriously affected.

I attended a meeting organised by experts, Parish Councillors, and other stakeholders at Stowe-by-Chartley Village Hall to devise a plan to oppose such schemes further bulldozing green spaces.

The attendees heard that dozens of plans are being muted, with concerns that food security will be further compromised if they are allowed to go ahead. Experts in the field also commented of increasing fire risks due to the lithium batteries, as well as damage to the local environment and wildlife.

Cllr Peter Coote, Chairman of Stowe-by-Chartley Parish Council said: “We were extremely pleased to welcome Sir Gavin to our meeting for councillors and clerks from across the whole of Staffordshire.

“The purpose was to discuss concerns regarding solar farms; one contributor wanted them to be referred to as ‘solar factories.’ Ten invitees from a wide range of experiences and qualifications spoke for three minutes to create the perfect start to the meeting, and to enable the fifty participants at the meeting to exchange ideas and concerns.

“It was accepted that there is a place for solar, but the plethora of planning applications took little account of the number needed and the overpowering cumulative effect on our beautiful rural countryside.”

I welcomed the opportunity to join Councillors and local stakeholders at Stowe-by-Chartley Parish Council to discuss the highly damaging consequences of building solar farms across our countryside.

The Government are lining the pockets of developers by giving the green light to mass proposals of solar farms without considering the consequences for food security, agricultural land, and the effect on natural habitats.

The policies in the National Policy Framework make it extremely clear that solar farms should not be put anywhere, and consideration must be given to the visual and cumulative impact on our landscape. I do not see this important measure being considered at all.

I will fight alongside residents, Councillors, and other local interested parties to ensure that our rural communities are protected against cash motivated urban interests.

Attending prestigious horse trial event in Brewood

I attended the prestigious British Eventing Area Festival which was hosted at Chillington Hall in Brewood.

The event was hosted for the 4th year running at Chillington Hall and provides both Area Championship and National Championship qualifier opportunities for grassroots riders at BE80, BE90, and BE100 levels.

Spectators were welcome free of charge at the weekend with dressage shows, show jumping, and cross country on offer for visitors to enjoy.

There were also equine related stands selling a range of clothing and horse themed merchandise, as well as food and drink.

I was delighted to attend the British Eventing Area Festival at Chillington Hall. It was thoroughly enjoyable to see so many talented competitors participate in the unique event which drew a sizeable crowd.

Equine related events are fascinating to watch, and we have a proud history of success in the UK at various disciplines and it was fantastic to have such a prestigious event being held in Staffordshire.

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 of further assistance. I can be reached via gavin.williamson.mp@parliament.uk or by calling my office on 01785 847027.