Karen Bradley

Staffordshire Moorlands MP

DESPITE the restrictions that we all have to abide by to help combat Covid-19, Parliament does continue to meet, although with far fewer MPS allowed in the Chamber at any one time.

This means that it is much more difficult to get into speak, with all MPS having to apply for the chance through entering a ballot.

I was really pleased therefore that on Wednesday, I was picked out of the ballot to speak during an Urgent Question on Government support for professional and amateur sport, so that I could raise the situation at Leek Town.

I am in regular touch with the club, so was able to explain how Leek Town has managed to keep its head above water, thanks to grants from the District Council and the Football Foundation and gate receipts from up to 400 spectators, but it does need to start to do other things. They would like to be able to offer more food and drink options and, slowly, be able to start introducing more fans into Harrison Park, which as anyone who knows the ground, has plenty of space to maintain social distancing and observe the ‘rule of six’.

As it is now October, I am delighted to launch my 2020 Christmas Card competition which is open to children in the Moorlands aged 11 and under. The theme is ‘Christmas in the Moorlands’ and the winning design which will be judged by Cllr Sybil Ralphs MBE, will be sent electronically to other politicians including the Prime Minister as well as local leaders, colleagues and friends.

Entries for the competition should be emailed as a photo to karen.bradley.mp@parliament. uk and further details can be found on my website.