Standing up for Ulster veterans
There are few things that get me angrier than seeing British troops getting raked over the coals by profiteering lawyers.
Last year, I urged the Government to crack down on so-called “tank-chaser” law firms hounding veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and I’m delighted to say that one of them was closed down.
Unfortunately, this weekend I learned that the Ministry of Defence has written to ex-servicemen who served in Northern Ireland as part of a “trawl for witnesses” about killings during the Troubles.
Many who served in Ulster at that time will be in their 70s and 80s now, and receiving such a letter may be very distressing – especially for those who have already given evidence on the grounds that no further action would be taken.
To be clear, there is no new evidence against any of the individuals who have received these letters, and they are under obligation to respond and potentially place themselves in difficulty. Any ex-serviceman or woman who needs support should not hesitate to contact me.
Our soldiers have a very difficult job, and it can only have been harder when they were fighting on British streets in Londonderry and Belfast. Unless the Ministry of Defence has new, clear evidence of wrongdoing it should stop harassing men who risked their lives for our country.
Making sure we’re ready for electric cars
As the newly-elected chairman of Parliament’s cross-party campaign for fairer fuel, my main job is speaking up for motorists on subjects such as fuel duty and Government proposals to phase out diesel cars.
But as MPs it’s also our job to take a longer view. That’s why I have written to the Chancellor to urge him to ensure that the infrastructure to cope with a mass shift towards electric cars.
Moving away from petrol would undoubtedly be good for the environment, and make personal vehicles much cheaper to run for hard-pressed families.
But the age of mass electric cars can only come if the new infrastructure they require – especially all the new charge points and battery-swap stations – are built in good time. Otherwise we risk squeezing motorists for sticking with petrol without giving them a viable alternative.
GCSEs
I’d like to offer my very warmest congratulations to everybody who received their GCSE grades last week. It’s been a long time since I received my own results, but I remember well how nerve-wracking it was waiting to find out how I’d done!
Across the country more pupils than ever are getting the best possible start at outstanding schools, and Solihull is very lucky to have so many of them. Where you go from here is up to you, so whether you’re heading to Sixth Form, college, or an apprenticeship – good luck!
Travellers
I understand that there will be another horse fair in a couple of weeks – and that means there may well be another round of incursions by travellers.
Solihull Council are reviewing their open spaces policy after our town experienced a string of illegal camps over the summer – I’m glad they’re taking seriously the concerns of the 3,700 residents who signed my petition calling for stronger measures.
As promised, I will be contributing to the review based on my own research of how other communities have tackled this challenge, and will shortly be publishing my submission on my website.
Originally published in the Solihull Observer, 31/08/17.