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Newsletter April 2014

Posted by Margot James, MP for Stourbridge, at 08:48, Wed 2 April 2014:

Dear Subscriber,

Last week I met some of our Members of the European Parliament who represent a vast part of the Midlands and South West regions. They work very hard, but as they represent such a large area, many of their constituents don't recognise them. I have invited the MEP most local to Stourbridge, Philip Bradbourn, to the town centre on Saturday April 12th to meet people and answer questions.

Elections to the European Parliament are less than two months away. The single market is vital to the economy of the West Midlands, and roughly half of Britain’s trade is with countries within the European Union. Access to the single market, and the trade deals negotiated between the EU and countries outside the Union, are the main reasons why two thirds of British businesses support the UK’s continued membership.

But claims that the EU is a bureaucratic organisation, over spending and interfering too much in the governance of member states are also true. For these reasons, and more besides, there is no doubt that the EU needs to change. The Prime Minister is leading calls for change which are starting to deliver real results.

Working with Germany, the Netherlands and the Nordic states in particular, Britain has achieved a cut in the EU budget for the first time ever. The terrible scandal of ‘fish discards’ has been brought to an end. And small businesses have been exempted from new EU regulations. These exemptions are making a positive difference to 360,000 small businesses across the West Midlands.

So the European elections on May 22nd are important. It is your chance to elect members of the European Parliament who are working hard to represent Britain’s interests in general, and the interests of our region in particular.

---In Parliament---

I asked questions and spoke in debates about:

I wrote to Ministers about the following issues:

  • Anna Soubry, Defence Minister, regarding the 1975 Armed forces Pension Scheme.

  • Jeremy Wright, Justice Minister, to thank him for taking up the measures in my Private Members’ Bill, the Prisons (Drug Testing) Bill, in the Criminal Justice Bill.

  • Mike Penning, Minister for Disabled People, to raise a constituent’s concerns about being unable to claim Attendance Allowance because they have spent a short period of time outside the country.

  • Kris Hopkins, Minister for Housing, about safeguards over the liability of joint tenants to pay council tax.

  • Stephen Williams, Local Government Minister, regarding the payment of council tax on empty homes.

I attended various events and had meetings in and around Parliament:

  • Hosting the Manufacturer of the Year Awards launch in Parliament. I was pleased that the Minister for Business, Michael Fallon, attended to speak about the success of British manufacturing.

  • Speaking at the Centre for European Reform seminar on EU reform.

  • Hosting Sarah Kavanagh and Lorraine Turner from Pedmore TC for International Women’s Day, taking part in a tour of Downing Street and attending a reception in the Speaker’s state rooms.

  • Joining the MPs’ panel on the BBC Daily Politics, to discuss party election manifestos.

  • Meeting with the acting Chief Executive of Stonewall to discuss the charity’s work.

  • A UK Japan 21st Century Group breakfast with David Pilling, Asia Editor of the Financial Times.

  • A lunch to discuss state spending, hosted by the Institute of Economic Affairs.

  • Chairing a Dignity International event to discuss gay rights in Africa.

  • The Set for Britain Awards in Parliament, meeting Dr Edward Davies from Stourbridge and currently researching optical accelerometers and their practical applications at Imperial College. Read more (http://www.margotjames.com/content/margot-congratulates-stourbridge-born-engineer-commons-exhibition)

  • Speaking at the launch of the European Mainstream pamphlet about EU reform.

  • The Stonewall annual dinner.

  • Meeting the Chief Executive of UK Export Finance to discuss trade issues.

  • A meeting of the West Midlands MPs and MEPs to discuss how we can work together on issues affecting the region.

---Out and about in Stourbridge---

I took part in various visits and meetings:

  • The fifth event in my Aspiration Programme, the Further Education and Apprenticeships Fair. Unfortunately I was ill and could not attend myself, but I am pleased that over 150 students and parents were able to benefit from the evening.

  • I held a drop-in advice surgery in the Ryemarket Shopping Centre and a confidential surgery in the Crystal Leisure Centre. Read more (http://www.margotjames.com/content/mp-hosts-drop-session-ryemarket)

  • I celebrated the Centenary Anniversary of the Stambermill St Marks Scout Group at the opening of their new headquarters on Timmis Road. Read more (http://www.margotjames.com/content/new-premises-scout-group-celebrating-centenary-year)

  • Presenting a petition to the Dudley CCG calling for a permanent blood testing service in Wollaston. I am delighted that almost 500 local residents supported my petition, showing that this service is valued locally and should remain in Wollaston. Read more (http://www.margotjames.com/content/mp-presents-blood-testing-petition-ccg)

  • Talking to students at Dudley College about my experiences of being a female MP, and encouraging them to get involved with politics. Read more (http://www.margotjames.com/content/mp-addresses-local-students-union)

  • Attending the launch of Max Appeal’s new office at the Glasshouse College. Max Appeal does excellent work to support people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, aka DiGeorge Syndrome, and their families.

  • Hosting a Battle of the Bands contest for talented local bands at Base Studios. Congratulations to The Dark Eyes and War Kites who the judges nominated for the national Rock the House competition in Parliament this summer.

  • Speaking at Russells Hall Hospital to launch the Dudley Group NHS Learning Disabilities Strategy, which will ensure that people with learning difficulties can access patient focused health care.

  • Meeting with David Harcourt from the Stourbridge Chamber of Trade and local business owners to discuss the future regeneration of the Lower High Street.

  • I was delighted to attend the Stourbridge Conservative Association dinner at the Hagley Golf and Country Club. Former Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell MP spoke during the highly enjoyable evening.

---It wasn’t all work...---

I enjoyed a day out in Canterbury with my best friend Jenny McGregor. We visited the majestic cathedral, the spot where Thomas Becket was murdered by Henry II’s soldiers is marked by a simple and beautiful sculpture.

Jay and I had a good time at the Stonewall annual dinner, where we sat on a table with Matthew Parris and Sue Perkins, amongst other guests.

It was great to join my old work colleagues at Ogilvy for a farewell dinner for Emma Sergeant; who I recruited from Glaxo fourteen years ago and who did such a great job for the firm over that time.

Spring is finally in the air and Jay and I enjoyed a weekend of perfect weather in the Cotswolds. Let’s hope it stays like that for Easter. I am looking forward to Easter Sunday when Jay and I will be cooking for cousins, nephews, nieces and my Auntie Paule. Ages range from three years to eighty eight so there will be something for everyone. I wish you a very enjoyable Easter too.

Margot James

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