My Westminster Update

Parliament is really beginning to get going, and I have had a busy few weeks. So, I’d like to take a moment to tell you all about what I’ve been up to.

Supporting Local Schools

With the Autumn Budget fast approaching, many of you have been in touch to raise your concerns about the Government’s plans to lift the VAT exemption on independent schools. I share your worries, especially when it comes to the impact this policy will have on children with special educational needs, who require that little bit of extra support to unleash their potential.

Moreover, research has shown that the policy will not raise money for state schools; in fact, it may even end up costing the taxpayer £1.6 billion. All in all, this policy is the worst of both worlds: it will unnecessarily disrupt children’s education, while not doing anything to help the state sector.

That’s why I attended a mass lobbying event in Parliament alongside representatives from Yarlet School in Staffordshire. Yarlet is one of many smaller independent schools whose future hangs in the balance, which could in turn have knock-on effects throughout the local community and economy. It is clear that many of you feel strongly about this issue, so please rest assured that I will be doing all I can to oppose this measure when it comes before Parliament. 

Standing up for British Sovereignty

Like many of you, I was shocked at the Government’s recent decision to surrender sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This little archipelago is located in the Indian ocean, many thousands of miles away from Staffordshire – but this is much more than a quarrel in a faraway land.

Home to the Diego Garcia military base, the archipelago is vital for British security. By giving away the territory to Mauritius – an ally of China – we not only lose a key strategic outpost, but we also leave ourselves vulnerable to Chinese espionage.

I’m also concerned about the impact this decision may have on other overseas territories, including Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands. We are already seeing difficulties emerge at the border between Gibraltar and Spain, with Spanish authorities requesting surprise border checks. Surrendering the Chagos Islands has clearly set a dangerous precedent – and if history has taught us anything, it is that appeasement does not work.

However, no matter where you stand on the issue, I’m sure you can agree that the Government’s attempt to surrender territory behind Parliament’s back is simply wrong. I am glad that the Prime Minister will now be forced to put this decision to Parliament, and I will be sure to give this issue the scrutiny it deserves.

Protecting Food Security

Elsewhere, I decided to speak out on an issue somewhat closer to home: the role farmers play in ensuring our food supply is secure. When it comes to keeping food on the nation’s plates, it’s fair to say that Staffordshire’s farmers pull their weight: Staffordshire is the largest producer of dairy in the Midlands, with the farming industry as a whole generating £254 million and employing 9,600 people.

However, our farmers need a helping hand too. I know that many producers throughout Staffordshire are concerned about potential changes to inheritance tax and capital gains tax, and worry about how this may affect the future viability of their businesses. I raised this question in the House of Commons during a debate, and I sincerely hope that the Government takes the concerns of our farmers seriously as they get ready to unveil their Budget. After all, if the future of our farms is secure, then our food supply is secure.

Celebrating International Day of the Girl

Finally, on a lighter note, last Thursday was International Day of the Girl. As a father to two daughters, I care deeply about the challenges young women face in the modern world, whether that is staying safe online or the negative impact social media can have on their self-esteem.

That’s why I took the time to meet with Girlguiding UK and discuss their Girls’ Attitude Survey, as well as their wider work in amplifying the voices of young women across the UK. There are many fantastic Guides and Brownies units across Staffordshire, and I will continue to do all I can to help them provide opportunities for our girls and young women.

As always, my office and I have also been hard at work helping constituents with casework and other important matters. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any queries or issues you would like to raise - I can be reached by email at gavin.williamson.mp@parliament.uk, or you can phone my office on 01902 846616.