We must learn lessons from fire disaster

I WOULD like to begin by saying a big thank you to the people of Cheadle for re-electing me as their Member of Parliament.

I look forward to delivering my positive message for Cheadle, by speaking out against threats to our green belt, supporting local businesses in creating jobs, ensuring our schools get their fair share of funding, pushing for more investment in local transport and infrastructure and championing the groups and charities which make our area such a friendly place to live.

As Parliament has been debating the Queen’s Speech put forward by the government on Wednesday last week, it has been a time to reflect on the challenges facing our country and the task ahead as we deal with the big issues at home and abroad.

I was delighted to see mental health highlighted in the Queen’s Speech.

It’s an issue which I have raised locally over access to services and it is right that we reform mental health legislation in order to prioritise it within the NHS.

We will also build on action we’ve already taken to support victims of domestic violence.

It is no surprise that Brexit will take central stage during this Parliament.

It is the responsibility of the government to get Britain a deal which commands maximum public support and it is right that we propose a Repeal Bill which will provide legal and economic certainty as we leave the European Union.

We will also propose Bills on Trade, Customs, Immigration, and Fisheries, so we can continue to do business around the world while taking back control of our borders and waters.

The events of the Grenfell Tower fire in London and the aftermath shook us all.

We must learn the lessons of this disaster and I am glad that in addition to a full public inquiry, the Queen’s Speech set out measures to create an independent public advocate for all public disasters, to support affected families and act on their behalf.

We will also look into whether a new Civil Disaster Reaction Taskforce would be beneficial, to help at times of emergency.

Finally, we must build a stronger economy and a fairer society.

We will continue to increase the National Living Wage to give workers the pay rise they deserve and we will ban letting agents fees giving certainty to tenants.

There is much to be optimistic about in Britain, even in light of the challenges we face as a country.

I look forward to getting on with the job I was elected to do and making sure that Cheadle’s voice is heard at the very highest level.