As this is my first column I’d like to start by thanking you for electing me as the Member of Parliament for Walsall North. It is immensely humbling and it is an honour to be your voice in Parliament. Rest assured that no matter how you voted, I am here to work hard for you.
As a new MP, it has been a busy few weeks. As previous MPs have a few weeks to vacate their offices I still don’t have a telephone landline or office! However, I am now able to respond to emails and I am already helping constituents with problems.
So, it was straight down to work and I have written to the National Schools Commissioner regarding the inadequate Ofsted report at Willenhall E-ACT. It is clear that something has gone very wrong to the detriment to pupils, staff and parents. We all want the best education for our children and I want the Commissioner to intervene to help support the school and help turn it around. I strongly believe we cannot have pupils and staff so unhappy.
I also had the opportunity to make my maiden speech in the House of Commons last Monday. I took the opportunity to thank David Winnick for his years of service on behalf of the people of Walsall North and for our country over the last fifty years. He has been a fine public servant and I wish him well.
It was also an opportunity to raise in the Commons the Brexit that 68% of people in Walsall North voted for. I campaigned to leave the European Union and I am pleased to see that the negotiations with the EU are now finally underway.
I want a Brexit deal that is good not just for the 68% but for the 100%. We want more local entrepreneurs who are going to create jobs and find new and exciting export markets around the world. We want to control immigration while ensuring that we have the skills to maintain a strong economy and a strong public sector. We want low-cost affordable housing for every stage of our lives, and we want inspirational headteachers to give our children the best start in life.
There is much work to be done. If I can help, assist or you’d like me to come to visit your business or organisation please email me: eddie.hughes.mp@parliament.uk