2016 May

On Friday 20th May 2016, I launched the next phase of the electrification of the railway between Walsall and Rugeley which is being upgraded and electrified by Network Rail. The £36m investment will provide passengers with more reliable, faster and quieter journeys and is due to be completed in December 2017.

There was a crowd of 8,000 at the Banks’s Stadium as we watched the Saddlers in the FC play-off match against Barnsley on a warm Thursday evening on 19 May 2016. The photo shows the free kick to the Saddlers on the edge of the box.

The House rose on the 12 May 2016 and the State opening of Parliament took place on the 18 May 2016. The Queen’s speech outlined the Government’s programme of legislation and policies for the coming year. Here is the full text of the Queen’s speech:

On Wednesday 18th May 2016 I was delighted to present the first award at the Young Epilepsy Champions Awards to celebrate the achievements of those living with epilepsy, their families, carers, teachers and support networks.

I am a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee (EFRA) and on the 12th May 2016 the Committee visited the Somerset Levels and Moors. At the roundtable we heard from members of the Environmental Agency, the wildlife and trust and other organisations. The residents who suffered under the floods were also present and made their concerns known that the communication between the environmental agency and what happened to the water on their land was not often clear. 18% of Somerset was under water.