Since my column last month, a lot has happened both locally and nationally. I want to take the opportunity this month to give you all an update on the work being done in Westminster, Stoke-on-Trent, and North Staffordshire to help improve our area.
I would like to begin with the Safety of Rwanda Act successfully becoming law and the work to put in place the proper deterrence we need to stop those coming here illegally. Like most people in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, I was bitterly disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Rwanda, particularly given that the UN already use Rwanda for their scheme.
The Rwanda Partnership plays a key part in our efforts to crack down on the people smuggling gangs, stop the boats, and save lives: and while crossings are already down by a third thanks to our Government’s actions, we must go further to ensure proper deterrence to illegal migrants and deport those who have no right to be here.
Despite repeated attempts by opposition Lords to block and delay our action, the Safety of Rwanda Act passed through Parliament. Now the Act has received Royal Assent, we will soon start sending flights to Rwanda, with processing teams already recruited, flights scheduled and work underway to expand detention facilities.
This will make clear that if you come to the UK illegally, you will not be able to stay. Detention of those identified to be processed in Rwanda has already begun. The scenes we have seen in the Republic of Ireland in recent weeks show this is working and we are clear that if France won’t accept illegal migrants back, we are certainly not going to accept any returns from Ireland.
I will continue to make certain that every effort is made to implement this fair, compassionate policy and ensure any further attempts by opposition parties to block it through the courts will be resisted. I am also continuing to push for further schemes and measures in Parliament to deliver the greatest possible deterrent to illegal migration and to tackle the evil people smuggling gangs.
Speaking of wins in Parliament, I am very excited to announce that I successfully got my ‘High Streets (Designation, Review and Improvement Plan) Bill’ through the Commons. The Bill was supported by MPs from across the political divide meaning it has now gone to the House of Lords for their consideration. I will be following the debate this Friday in the Lords very closely.
My Bill is focused on improving our high streets by getting local authorities to assess the condition of their high streets and come up with action plans to help them improve. My Bill does not create new powers for councils but is about getting them to better use the powers they have already got, working with high street businesses and our communities, to provide the focus our high streets need to improve. The Bill puts a duty on councils to designate high streets and work with stakeholders to develop action plans to help them thrive.
Recently, I welcomed Stoke-on-Trent charity Bear Force and KidsOut to Parliament. Local Meir Park resident, Richard Bland founded the charity in 2023 following the loss of his son, Andrew. Bear Force is a charity supporting children’s mental health and suicide prevention by providing simple tools that encourage them to talk about their worries. It also highlights the importance of adults providing time and safe places for children to talk and be heard.
During the visit, Bear Force and KidsOut joined me for a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, before touring the Palace of Westminster and ending the day at No.10 Downing Street to raise further awareness for their causes. I look forward to working with Richard and Sara, CEO of KidsOut, in the future to support their amazing work supporting young people.
Locally, we have also seen a win by residents, campaigners, and representatives. For years, local people have raised justified concerns about vehicles driving too fast down Lightwood Road. Alongside Cllr Faisal Hussain and Cllr Ian Parry, I have been repeatedly pressing for further action from Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and Staffordshire Police to address speeding on Lightwood Road.
I am very happy our calls have been heard and the 30mph speed limit is now being extended from St Matthews C of E Primary School to the Swynnerton Arms. I know this will be a relief to parents and teachers of St Matthews who have shared with me their worries regarding vehicles speeding past the school and will also be welcomed by residents on Lightwood Road.
I am informed that we should see additional 30mph signs going up on the 16th May. I will now work to ensure the speed limit is properly enforced.
Lastly, I am very pleased to congratulate both our Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, in being re-elected and our new Deputy Commissioner Cllr Dave Evans. I know they will do a fantastic job and I look forward to working with them both to keep our communities safe.
