Each month I write a column for the Halesowen News where I look at the latest news and events. Here is a copy of my July column:
"Since my last column it would be fair to say that politics has had its ups and downs, adding to what has been an extraordinary time in British politics over the past 18 months.
As in 2010 and 2015 I am enormously grateful to the people of Halesowen & Rowley for re-electing me as your local Member of Parliament with over 50% of the vote, and again with an increased majority. I set out very clearly my plan for our area and what I want to achieve to make Halesowen & Rowley Regis an even better place to live, work and raise a family, and I am going to stick to that plan.
Over the next two years we will be engaged in the vital process of negotiating our exit from the European Union. We need to achieve the best possible deal for local jobs, businesses and investment. I have no doubt we can achieve this. I am going to be doing all I can to ensure that the Black Country reaps the rewards of Brexit. I want to make sure that our businesses are able to trade around the world, and create jobs for local people – this is an area where I will be taking an active role in this new Parliament.
Along with Brexit and trade, I will continue to work in Parliament, and in Halesowen & Rowley Regis, on many different issues that affect local people and the UK as a whole. Mental health, as I have written about several times, will continue to be one of my main areas of interest, addressing the disparity it receives and how we can improve prevention, especially in children and young people.
The next few years will define our country’s future for a long time to come, it’s important we get it right, but equally important that we heal the many wounds that have been opened over the past 18 months. The challenges may be great, but that doesn’t make them impossible, and I look forward to playing my part, as your MP, in building that positive future."