The economic challenges the country faces post-pandemic and in the middle of the war in Ukraine are unprecedented.

We need to work together to solve these issues and the government has earmarked £37 billion this year to help with cost-of-living pressures for hard-pressed families across the West Midlands and, of course, here in Stourbridge.

So, with sadness and frustration I say that we may well have a national rail strike perhaps as early as this month. How the RMT union can think this will help at this time is beyond me. West Midland Trains will be affected. Disruption is going to be substantial as any strike would cover both the management of track, signals and tunnels by Network Rail and train operators.

It will affect passenger services and the movement of goods, including fuel, materials and food. Ministers are already working up plans to ensure these items get delivered.

This government’s vaccine rollout got us out of lockdowns and on the road to recovery far sooner than most European countries. Industrial action risks squandering this good work in my view.

Train operators and Network Rail want to cut costs and reform and modernise the network and we all know that is much needed. Nothing they propose will compromise safety, but the union does not, as usual, agree.`

With passenger numbers still not recovered from the pandemic, I fear a strike will drive more away and cause more issues with the viability of some services.

All parties say they want to continue negotiating and I hope there will be a deal to stop any strikes. The unions have to give 14 days’ notice of a strike, so we will have warning.

The Prime Minister won a confidence vote on Monday. It’s now time to move on to the far more important issues we face.

The Prime Minister won an 80-seat majority in 2019 and a huge mandate to deliver on Brexit and level up the country.

My intention is to help him deliver that mandate because I believe that is in the best interests of the people of Stourbridge who want to see jobs and investment and levelling up in their communities.

That does not excuse what happened in Downing Street and the hurt and anger it has caused to many people in Stourbridge but I believe we have the right leader to see us through these challenging times.

Many thanks to all those who organised Platinum Jubilee events in Stourbridge. I managed to get to quite a few and a great time was had by all. God Save The Queen.