Mike Wood, MP for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire, opinion

IN MY last column, you may recall that I told you about my plans to introduce the Heritage Public Houses Bill for its second reading in Parliament on October 16.

Inspired by the tragic destruction of the Crooked House in August 2023 in Himley, South Staffordshire, the Bill aimed to strengthen protections for our historic pubs.

Sadly, I am disappointed to report that the Labour Government prevented it from progressing on this occasion.

I had been optimistic that we could build cross-party momentum for stronger protections for our pubs.

I even offered to work with the Government across party lines to address the gaps in existing planning and heritage legislation that leave historic pubs vulnerable to speculative purchases, secretive sales and demolition.

This was Andy Burnham's first opportunity to demonstrate that he means what he says about protecting our pubs, and I believe the Government's actions have fallen well short of the mark.

Labour MPs were lined up to speak against the Bill until there was insufficient time for it to proceed, before the Government then voted to ensure that no vote on its merits could take place.

Throughout the debate, Labour MPs argued that additional legislation was unnecessary because existing protections were already in place.

Many went on to list the pubs in their own constituencies that they considered worth protecting.

Yet many of these pubs enjoy no greater protection than the Crooked House did before it was sold and ultimately destroyed.

If so many of our treasured historic pubs remain vulnerable, surely that is evidence that the current protections are not enough.

We must close these gaps before more of our heritage is lost, and I remain determined to do whatever it takes to stand up for our historic pubs and ensure that our heritage locals receive the protection they deserve.

Elsewhere, I'm delighted to announce the return of my annual Older People's Information Fair, taking place at Richardson Hall in Wordsley on November 20, from 10am.

Entry is free, with complimentary refreshments provided.

The fair will bring together a range of local and national organisations, offering older residents valuable information, advice and support on topics including tackling loneliness, maintaining health and wellbeing in later life, and protecting themselves from fraud and scams.

I encourage everyone who attends to make the most of the advice and information available.

There's no need to book, simply turn up on the day!

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact my constituency office, where my team will be happy to help.

I'll also be sending personal invitations to more than 3,000 constituents in Kingswinford, Wall Heath and Wordsley, so please do keep an eye out if you live in these areas.

Finally, several constituents have contacted me about receiving parking fines at local hospitals, particularly Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.

If you believe you have received a parking fine incorrectly, I want to hear about your experience so I can raise concerns and campaign for change on this important issue.

Please watch this space for further updates.