It’s been six months since Julian Knight was elected to serve the people of Solihull in Parliament, and he’s lost no time in making progress on some of his most important campaign promises: defending local health services and standing up for Solihull’s independent identity and character.
Julian has taken the lead on the challenges facing Heart of England NHS Trust, which oversees Solihull hospital. He has spoken up for local services in the Commons, organised urgent talks between the NHS watchdog and West Midlands MPs, and is in close contact with the Trust’s new leadership.
He has stepped up his campaign against extortionate fees in hospital car parks, which he has attacked as a “tax on compassion” which, due to poor contract management, doesn’t even contribute significantly to NHS budgets.
Julian also met the Courts and Justice Minister, Shailesh Vara, to seek assurances from him following the announcement of the closure of Solihull Magistrates Court. During this meeting Julian called on the minister to embrace bold and forward-thinking initiatives to ensure proper provision of justice locally through the use of existing alternative premises, such as council chambers and hotel function rooms.
Solihull’s special character and identity is very important, and Julian has been at the forefront of efforts to preserve and enhance our community landscape. He’s stood up to the Green Party’s attempt to preserve the derelict PowerGen building, spoken up for Solihull Manor House, and fought to preserve Shirley High Street.
Julian met with representatives of Marks & Spencer over their decision to close the Simply Food store on the high street. He also spoke out against plans by the Labour Police and Crime Commissioner to close down Shirley police station, and is leading calls for a community hub in the neighbourhood for the police to be based in.
Our economic independence is just as valuable, and Julian garnered support from across the House when he called a special Westminster debate to propose a cut in Air Passenger Duty to help Birmingham Airport, an important local employer, compete with rivals in Wales and Manchester.
He has also been closely involved in making sure that the Government’s devolution proposals properly respect, and reflect, local concerns, and burying Labour’s plan to see our town swallowed by ‘Greater Birmingham’.
It’s essential that Solihull residents know their representative is working hard for them in London. Since being sworn in, Julian has spoken in 48 debates in the Chamber, 37 special ‘Westminster Hall’ debates, and received 15 written answers from Government ministers – a total of 100 contributions.
Commenting on his first six months, Julian Knight said:
“It is an immense privilege to represent the people of Solihull in the House of Commons, and I’m determined to be an active and effective community MP. This Government has an exciting and ambitious programme for empowering English towns and cities, and I’m working hard to be a clear voice for our area.
“The people of Solihull should be able to hold me to the promises I made during the election, on such important issues as our local health service, community landmarks, and independent local government. I’m very pleased to offer this first report on my progress after six months in post, and look forward to making further progress in the months and years to come.”