Farewell to the Reverend John Routh at the Holy Trinity Centre
On Sunday I joined local well-wishers at the farewell lunch for our long serving local rector John Routh and his wife Christina. It was a wonderful farewell occasion much enjoyed by all present and the many people who had worked with John and Kristina, both of whom are looking forward to their next adventure in Cornwall. I have many interactions with our Royal Town church and its community, both as their Member of Parliament and as patron of the Friends of Holy Trinity.
Protecting our Green Belt land
A number of residents have been in touch with concerns regarding any development on green belt land in Mere Green.
AS a result, I spoke to the Chief Planner who responded as follows:
‘Just to assure you that there has been no change to the Green Belt status of that area.’
Obviously developers are always looking to promote green belt sites through the review of the Birmingham Development plan which has recently commenced.
As you would expect, all my constituents can rely on me to do everything possible to ensure that their peace and enjoyment continue and that developers are not allowed to damage it by building on the green belt.
Boots/ Boldmere
I have written to the Chief Executive of Boots to remonstrate with him about any proposal to close the Boots pharmacy in Boldmere in June 2023.
I will report back.
Meet the World’s Youngest Author!
Meet Jayce Joyce. He is a 4 year old youngster from Sutton Coldfield who leads a normal life doing normal things. But Jayce also has an exceptional talent for writing. And yesterday, on World Book Day, he published his first two books simultaneously, making him the youngest author in the world eligible to apply to the Guinness Book of Records.
In his stories, Jayce uses himself as the main character to deliver his message. His stories have morals to them, such as encouraging children to eat healthily or knowing that sometimes things may not always go the way we want, but we can still be happy with what we have. Jayce's stories draw on family experiences and knowledge from his numerous trips to attraction parks, museums and zoos.
When Jayce’s mum Anim bought him to see me to celebrate his extraordinary achievement I was left speechless! Please see the link below to the BBC report. This is an extraordinary achievement which needs to be shared and supported far and wide. World Book Day showcases the power of imagination and inspiration and Jayce’s story does exactly that.
To secure his place in the World Records he will have to sell 1,000 copies of each book (links below). Let’s help Jayce make history!
Reminder: HS2 Apprenticeships Webinar
HS2 are running two online webinars on 8 and 14 March, for potential candidates, guardians/parents, or careers advisors to learn more about the opportunities and hear directly from those involved in the programme.
For further information about the apprenticeships and how to sign up for the webinars, please follow this link:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-apprentices-information-event-tickets-546221291587
Statement on Turkey and Syria
On Wednesday I made a statement to the House of Commons on the UK’s rescue and recovery efforts following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
I visited the earthquake zone as reported in last weeks message.
The full statement can be read and viewed here:
https://www.andrew-mitchell-mp.co.uk/parliament/turkey-and-syria-earthquakes
Brexit Breakthrough
Whether or not you are an avid follower of current affairs, most of us are familiar with words ‘deadlock’ and ‘Northern Ireland Protocol’. These of course relate to efforts to ensure the free-flow of trade between the UK, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
It was a highly complicated and politically sensitive policy area plagued by a lot of disagreements. Solving it was a key piece of the Brexit puzzle, but it was also essential to ensure that any deal would not in any way risk the progress that has been made since the Good Friday agreement.
And we have succeeded.
On Monday, the prime minister announced the conclusion of The Windsor Agreement which will: deliver free flowing trade by removing the border in the Irish Sea and safeguard Northern Ireland’s place in our Union both of which, deliver certainty for the people of Northern Ireland.
The deal achieved what many thought was impossible. It is an example of why Rishi Sunak is the right prime minister to lead our country. He has displayed, at every turn, leadership, hard work and outstanding grasp of detail.
Useful info
Kelloggs Breakfast Club
This year’s @KelloggsUKI Breakfast Club Awards are open. Why not enter and be in with the chance of winning £1,000 for your school’s breakfast club.- https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/cmzFCMw3pCqvr8J1SwWpdk?domain=r1.dotdigital-pages.com #kelloggsbreakfastclubawards
Forthcoming Mobile Household Recycling Centre locations:
- Mon 06/03/2023 Sheffield Road B73 5HA 07:00 12:00 Sutton Vesey
- Tue 07/03/2023 Park View Road B74 4PR 07:00 12:00 Sutton Four Oaks
- Wed 08/03/2023 Bishops Way B74 4XS 07:00 12:00 Sutton Mere Green
- Thu 09/03/2023 Sir Alfreds Way B76 1ES 07:00 12:00 Sutton Reddicap
- Fri 10/03/2023 Sentry Way B75 7HT 07:00 12:00 Sutton Roughley
Roadworks: The southbound carriageway between J6 and J5 will be closed 7 nights a week, between 22:00 and 06:00, from 20 February-25 March. Diversion routes will be in place.
Neighbourhood Development and Support Unit: I have received the latest update from the NDSU in relation to External Funding as of 28th February. Please see for any opportunities that may be available to you and your organisation.
