One of the best parts of being your MP is getting out across Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Netherton to speak with residents, businesses and community groups. Over the past month, I've spent as much time as possible out in the constituency, listening to local people and taking their concerns forward.
Recently, I joined our local PCSOs at both Ryemarket in Stourbridge and Brierley Hill Market to speak with traders, shoppers and residents about community safety and the issues affecting our town centres. From anti social behaviour to the everyday concerns people have about feeling safe in our communities, these conversations are invaluable and help shape the work I do alongside West Midlands Police and local partners.
It was also a pleasure to welcome Industry Minister Chris McDonald MP to the constituency. We visited the Stourbridge Glass Museum, celebrating the innovation and craftsmanship that has made our area famous, before meeting local steel businesses to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing this vital industry. Our manufacturing heritage is something we should be incredibly proud of, and I'll continue championing local businesses and skilled jobs at every opportunity.
It was also a pleasure to visit the Rotary Club of Stourbridge as a guest speaker. I enjoyed sharing my journey to Westminster, giving members an insight into life as their local MP, and discussing some of the policy issues I've been working on since being elected. Thank you to Andy, Tina and Liz for the warm welcome, and to everyone who came along for such thoughtful questions and an engaging discussion. Opportunities like these are a valuable way to hear different perspectives and stay connected with the organisations that do so much to support our local community.
Another highlight of the month was recording a podcast with the brilliant learners from Dudley Adult and Community Learning's award winning Comm-Cast Project. The project, which won the West Midlands Combined Authority Innovation in Adult Learning Award 2026, supports neurodiverse learners to develop podcasting and media production skills while building confidence and employability. It was a privilege to hear about the group's achievements and answer their thoughtful questions about being both neurodiverse and an MP.
I also welcomed the Government's "Burnham Means Business" package, which includes reintroducing the £2 cap on single bus fares, removing VAT from domestic electricity bills and a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues from next April. These measures will help ease pressure on household budgets while supporting the businesses that sit at the heart of our high streets and local communities.
Looking ahead, I'll be holding a series of coffee mornings across summer, so do keep an eye on my social media for these. These informal events are a great opportunity to pop along for a chat, raise any concerns you may have, or simply tell me what you'd like to see improved in our community.
Thank you to everyone who has stopped to speak with me over the past month. Your experiences, ideas and concerns continue to shape the work I do both here in the constituency and in Parliament, and I look forward to meeting many more of you over the summer.
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