Last weekend (19th October) saw Parliament sit for the first time on a Saturday in nearly 40-years for an historic debate on the Prime Minister’s renegotiated deal to deliver on the outcome of the EU Referendum and to leave the European Union by the 31st October. After a busy Friday in the constituency I returned to Westminster to support the Prime Minister and back his deal.
It was therefore very disappointing that the House of Commons voted to accept an amendment to the Prime Minister’s deal, causing more delay and uncertainty. I voted against this amendment, as I want to ensure we leave the European Union on 31st October 2019 – but instead, Parliament sought to bind the Prime Minister’s hands.
It is my responsibility to honour the result of the 2016 EU Referendum and deliver on its outcome. It was the largest democratic exercise this country has ever undergone. To deny its legitimacy or frustrate its result threatens public trust in our democracy. I will continue to do all I can to get Brexit done by 31 October. However, it’s not all about Brexit! I continue to campaign on the issues which matter to you, including the over development of our local area and the demolition of the Perry Barr Flyover.
I was therefore extremely disappointed that Birmingham City Council have decided to plough ahead regardless with their reckless plan to demolish the flyover, in spite of the concerns expressed by more than 10,000 local residents.
The decision taken by Birmingham City Council will be detrimental to a large number of residents across Streetly, and shows a blatant disregard for their own technical report which highlights that their proposal to remove the flyover would actually make traffic flow worse! Not to mention the disruption it is going to cause! I have always believed that the Commonwealth Games should leave a lasting legacy for our region, but sadly the decision taken by Birmingham City Council will only leave a lasting headache for a large number of residents across Streetly. I urge the Council to reconsider their decision.
However, I am pleased to note that Walsall Council’s Planning Department have rejected a planning application for a 60-bed care home on Thornhill Road which would have dramatically changed the street scene, detrimentally affecting the character of the local area.
Following my meeting with local residents I was pleased to add my support to their campaign to have this development stopped. I believe that all new development should be sensitive to the character of our local area and should meet the needs of Streetly residents and not simply work in the interests of developers. As your Member of Parliament, I will continue to stand up for Streetly.
This Article was first published in the Royal Sutton Observer on 25th October