Starting Out as Your Member of Parliament

Welcome to my Parliamentary newsletter where you can learn about the work I have been doing in Westminster and across the constituency. I said throughout my campaign that our town and villages deserve a hardworking MP who stands up for the issues we face as a community and I have spared no time doing this. I have attended meetings with ministers, debates and specialist policy meetings, and visited local community groups in Shrewsbury. My constituency office has helped over 900 people. Please reach out to my office if you are in need of any assistance, using the details at the bottom of this newsletter.

Supporting the Community

I was glad to support the Mayor of Shrewsbury’s two local charities, MHS Shropshire and Omega Ending Isolation Ending Loneliness at the RHS Flower Show - yet another successful event delivered thanks to the hard work of the Society’s hundreds of stewards and volunteers. I have enjoyed visiting organisations across the constituency, learning about the impact they are having.

Engaging with Partnership Organisations

During the August parliamentary recess I worked to establish positive relationships with crucial partners. I have met over 35 different local organisations including Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, attended a board meeting of Shrewsbury BID, am supporting the HIVE, meeting several GP practices, Shropshire Youth Association, Nesscliffe Army Camp, Better Shrewsbury Transport and our local DWP Jobcentre Plus team.

Specialist Policy Involvement

I have joined several national level All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) for policy discussions on topics of most relevance to Shrewsbury and the villages. These include Flood Prevention, Rural Services, Environment, Climate & Security, Cycling & Walking, Swimming, Arts & Heritage, SEND and Autism, WASPI and Households in Temporary Accommodation. I’ve been asked to support the Markets Group (APPMG) which works to connect market towns like Shrewsbury to government promoting retail, tourism, employment, hospitality and leisure sectors.

Parliamentary Activity

• Met with Ministers in relation to Winter Fuel Payments to discuss support measures.

• Spoke with Treasury team regarding pay rises for College staff.

• Submitted written questions on hospice funding, continuation of SPF funding for businesses, NWRR decision in the transport review, and future of Nesscliffe Army Base.

• Attended debates on flooding & food security.

Cross County Working

I met up with both Shaun Davies MP for Telford and Helen Morgan, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire. We discussed the most pressing challenges facing Shropshire and how we can tackle them collectively, most notably Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust (SaTH) performance, flooding and improving public transport. I look forward to working together on these issues to ensure Shropshire is heard in Westminster.