On Armistice Day we pause to remember all those who gave their lives serving this country to protect our freedom.

We will remember them.

I was honoured this week to plant a cross of commemoration on behalf of the Royal Town in the constituency Garden of Commemoration in Parliament.

This act of collective Remembrance, where all 650 constituencies are represented and remembered in a single place, takes place in partnership with the Royal British Legion.

The RBL is committed to ensuring the service and sacrifice of those men and women from Britain and the Commonwealth shall never be forgotten.

Brilliant News

Every now and again in politics you get some really great news to celebrate. I’ve been working now for over 5 years to get our Royal Town Cottage Hospital turned into a centre to support older residents so that they are able to remain in their own homes.

It is a project Dame Julie Moore and I worked up together when she was running Birmingham NHS and which I’ve written about over the years – not least in 3 of my annual reports to my constituents! It is close to many hearts and one of my key objectives ahead of the Royal Town’s 500th anniversary in 2028.

Simon Ward, Leader of the Town Council and I have been working on it continuously as your Royal Town Council drives forward renewal plans for our town centre. Following a series of recent meetings, the following confirmatory letter arrived today!

Arthur Terry School

It is always a pleasure to visit Arthur Terry School and as their MP I have visited them more than 50 times!

The school held their Remembrance Day service and I had a most useful catchup with the head teacher, Sam Kimble and deputy head teacher, Michael Gannon.

Great News on our Royal Town Cinema

I have spoken today with the Chief Executive of our cinema, Justin Ribbons, who has now confirmed that a refurbished and enhanced cinema is scheduled to reopen ‘early in the new year’.

The cinema will be undergoing significant upgrades with brand new seating, carpets and internal repainting.

This is very good news and I have accepted an invitation to perform the reopening ceremony!

There has been widespread and serious support throughout the Royal Town to have our cinema reinstated.

I’d like to thank all those who have campaigned and supported the reopening and enhancing of this priceless local asset – our cinema.

Visit to Trinity College

I had the pleasure this afternoon of visiting Trinity College on Lindridge Road accompanied by Royal Town Mayor Jan Cairns where we had a good chat and catch up with the principal, Sally Evans.

Trinity College is a Further Education day placement centre for students with learning difficulties, disabilities and challenging behaviours. It does excellent work locally ensuring support and inclusivity for a most important community.

Boundary Commission

In more good news, the Boundary Commission has announced that the Royal Town Parliamentary constituency will remain as it is. Last time this issue was under consideration a great fight ensued over proposed changes and apparently half of the letters of objection received by the Commissioners from across the country came from our own Royal Town residents!

The strength of feeling was recognised then and the powerful arguments for the integrity of our Royal Town’s boundaries as they have stood for so long continue to be recognised today.

As before, I used the opportunity to mount an argument for the prefix ‘Royal’ to be included in the Sutton constituency name – as it is now in so many of our Royal Town’s local institutions and bodies. While regrettably unsuccessful in persuading the Commissioners, I am hopeful there is a potential way forward and I will keep lobbying next time.

Remembrance Sunday

Every year I never fail to be moved by Remembrance services in the Royal Town. They are a huge part of our history and ensure the memory of service and sacrifice is never extinguished. We will always remember the bravery of our servicemen and women.

Here is a reminder of the programme for this year’s Remembrance Sunday.

Holy Trinity Church / King Edward Square

• Church service starts at 9.30am followed by a Parade to the memorial for 11am
• Road closures will be in place at various key points around the memorial from 10.20am – noon.
• Dr John Craggs MBE DL will be in attendance alongside Councillor Jan Cairns, Town Mayor.

Walmley War Memorial

• Rev Adrian Evans, St John’s Church, will conduct a service at 10.40am from Walmley War Memorial followed by traditional acts of remembrance at 11am.
• Dr Nasir Awan MBE DL & Councillor Jane Mosson, Deputy Town Mayor will be amongst those laying a wreath.

All Saints Church

• Church service starts at 10.00am followed by acts of remembrance at the War Memorial at 11am.

Mick Laverty DL will be representing the Lord-Lieutenant with Cllr Tony Briggs laying a wreath on behalf of the Town Council.

Supporting Veterans

Yesterday, the government launched the first ever UK-wide survey for veterans and their families – as part of the effort to improve support for veterans in their civilian lives.

The survey aims to ensure better understanding of the unique challenges faced by veterans and to give them the opportunity to shape the future of public services.

Just as our armed forces have stood by our country in times of need, we must continue to do our bit and support veterans in their civilian lives. Veterans deserve every chance to thrive.

Sanctions on Russia

Yesterday, UK government sanctions on Russia topped £18 billion for the first time – as the UK continues to crack down on individuals propping up Putin’s military effort.

Putin continues to rely on his coterie of elites to maintain control of his industrial complex and fuel his illegal war in Ukraine.

That is why, alongside our allies, the UK imposed the most severe set of sanctions Russia has ever faced – sanctioning more than 1,200 individuals, over 120 entities and freezing the assets of 19 banks with global assets of £940 billion, to cripple Putin’s war machine.

The UK continues to lead the world in supporting the people of Ukraine, targeting all those who aid and abet Putin’s illegal war and creating conditions to help Ukraine ultimately prevail.

One Nation Resignation

Now that I have been appointed Minister for Development I have resigned from various positions including as Chair of the One Nation Dining Club. I have been an officer of the One Nation since 1988!

The One Nation represents the liberal wing of the Conservative party and brings together like-minded MPs to discuss and exchange ideas relating to the direction of the Party and governance of public life.

The dining club allowed for such discussions to take place in an informal setting. I am very sorry to have to hand over the mantel, but I have no doubt my successor, Philip Dunne MP, will do an excellent job.

Association Dinner 18 November – Rt Hon Theresa May MP

There is just one week to go until the Association’s annual dinner on 18 November in the Royal Town.

We are very much looking forward to hosting the Rt Hon Theresa May MP and to hear her ruminate on politics past, present and future.