On Monday I received the incredibly disappointing news that Rugeley Power Station may close this summer. As you will know this is a major blow to our community and most significantly, for all of the workers of Rugeley B and their families. This has, not surprisingly, dominated my week in Westminster.
I held urgent talks with the Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change on Monday to discuss the support that the Government can provide for the Engie employees, contractors and all those working in the wider supply chain to help them re-train and find new employment opportunities should the Power Station close. I also followed up this meeting with a detailed letter outlining the kind of support we need to see implemented locally.
I used Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs) to raise the potential closure of Rugeley Power Station and its impact on all of the workers and the wider supply chain. After “bobbing” furiously for 20 minutes I eventually caught the Speaker’s eye and was able to raise the issue with the Prime Minister.
On other matters, I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate (pictured) on greater collaboration between the emergency services. As you may know, the protection of our frontline emergency services and greater collaboration between emergency services has been one of my priorities since being elected. After securing a debate on a similar topic last year, I was pleased to talk about the steps that have been taken since then, with progress being made towards greater collaboration, not only in Staffordshire, but across the whole country. But there is more work to be done on this issue and I intend to speak in the Second Reading of the Policing and Crime Bill when it comes to the House. You can read my speech from the Westminster Hall debate in its entirety here.
I had another busy week with Select Committees this week, three in total. Before PMQs on Wednesday we had a Business, Innovation & Skills Select Committee meeting where we took evidence from the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills, the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP. This was the opportunity for me to ask questions about apprenticeships and the apprenticeship levy.
Thursday mirrored last Thursday and it was taken up by back to back meetings on a range of issues from exporting through to detailed scrutiny of legislation.
Today, I have been in Rugeley visiting the Power Station to discuss with the owners, management and union representatives the potential impact of a closure. It is important that we all work together to help everyone impacted by the announcement and support employees through the consultation process.
Parliament is on recess next week so there won’t be a Westminster Diary next Friday. We will return to Parliament on Monday 22nd February. Thank you to everyone who gave me feedback on last week’s diary.
As always if you have any issues or need my help with anything, please email me on [email protected], call me on 01543 877142 or pop into my constituency office on Market Street in Hednesford.
I hope you have a nice valentine’s weekend!