As we approach the Easter recess I thought it was a good opportunity to bring residents from across my Aldridge-Brownhills constituency up to date on some of the recent work of in Parliament.
Keeping the people of this country safe – is the Government’s first priority. The attack in Salisbury demonstrated the strength of the Prime Minister’s resolve to uphold that principle.
The Russian threat does not respect borders and as such has posed a risk to us all. The Government is therefore taking steps, within the rule of law, to protect our country and to ensure that this flagrant breach of international law is never repeated.
Turning to the Treasury and matters financial, the Chancellors Spring Statement demonstrated that the Government is taking a balanced approach as we build an economy that works for everyone. We have invested over £60 billion since 2016, in public services and in building the infrastructure for the future, while continuing to cut tax for millions of working families.
The UK has come a long way over the last eight years, with our economy growing strongly, unemployment at a near-record low, the deficit down and more investment in public services like the NHS which is to be welcomed.
Whilst public sector pay restraint was necessary to tackle the deficit left by the last Labour Government, in September last year we ended the 1 per cent pay award policy for public sector workforces, recognising that the economy has started to turn the corner.
The Health Secretary has now set out proposals that will see pay rises of at least 6.5 per cent for over 1.1 million NHS workers in England including nurses and midwives, as part of a package of reform to boost productivity for the benefit of all patients. This Health Secretary will also announce the largest ever increase in NHS midwives and maternity support staff with a plan to train more than 3000 extra midwives over 4 years.
The Ministry of Justice have now unveiled the Civil Liability Bill, offering potential lower insurance premiums to millions of motorists. The number of whiplash claims has been too high for too long. The Civil Liability Bill will put this right by ensuring whiplash claims are no longer an easy payday – putting money back in the pockets of millions of law-abiding motorists.
As we approach the Easter recess I look forward to being out and about across my Aldridge-Brownhills constituency and as ever I will keep you updated of developments when Parliament returns in April