My Westminster Update

Parliament is back after the Easter break, and it’s been a busy few weeks. I’d like to take a moment to update you on how I’ve been representing your voice in Westminster.

Calling for a National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs

I know that many of you were shocked and angered by the Government’s refusal to call a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal. I share your frustration, and as such, I have written to the Home Secretary to call for a full, national inquiry.

I believe a national inquiry is needed for a number of reasons. First and foremost, an inquiry with a national scope is needed to deal with what is an issue of national proportions. From Rochdale and Telford to Oxford and Peterborough, court documents suggest that more than 50 towns across the UK were affected by grooming gangs.

Moreover, we need to ask why local government and police forces across the country failed to stop the abuse. It is clear that disparate, local inquiries will not provide answers to these questions. Similarly, I fear that by allowing local authorities to run their own inquiries, they will be left to mark their own homework and will not face true accountability.

We dealt with other instances of child sexual abuse on a national basis, for example, abuse within the Catholic Church or residential schools. It is deeply worrying that the Government is not willing to commit similar time and resources to secure justice for victims of grooming gangs. Please rest assured that I will continue to push for answers and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The full letter can be read here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ESVTiZTzn/

Celebrating Staffordshire’s Cultural Contribution

On a more positive note, this week I had the pleasure of taking part in a debate to celebrate Staffordshire’s contribution to the UK’s cultural landscape.

I am sure I do not need to remind you that when it comes to culture, Staffordshire punches well above its weight. Staffordshire is one of the oldest counties, was the cradle of the industrial revolution, and even inspired Tolkien’s mythical landscapes in Lord of the Rings. From the Great Wyrley pretenders and Dunoon pottery to the Stone Food and Drink Festival, creativity is alive and well across Staffordshire.

I also took the time to ask the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism whether she would ask the Government to consider bringing cultural institutions out of London to places such as Staffordshire. We have so much culture and heritage to offer the country, and so I will keep you updated on her response.

Supporting Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Finally, I was proud to have attended a parliamentary event run by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, where I met with patients and campaigners to learn more about the challenges facing those suffering from MS.

Over 150,000 people suffer from MS across the UK. Symptoms differ from person to person, and as such, it is vital that we listen to patients’ voices to understand how we can best support them.

Many of you who suffer from MS, or have a family member who is affected, have written in to me to raise awareness for this condition. I would like to assure you that I will continue to do all I can to raise awareness for MS and improve the lives of patients in Staffordshire and beyond.