Valerie appears on BBC Politics Midlands

On Sunday 26 March 2023, I was a guest on BBC Politics Midlands with Conservative MP for Mid Worcestershire Nigel Huddleston.

There were a number of topics for discussion including the National Express bus drivers’ strike in the West Midlands. I said “strikes are a last resort and there should be dialogue, dialogue, dialogue.” The Government has consistently failed to bring parties together around negotiating table to prevent strikes. The strike has now ended after National Express offered its drivers a 16.2% pay rise.

The cost of living crisis is still an important issue following the rise in inflation to 10.4%. For example, the cost of milk has increased to such an extent that the cost of 1 pint is now 95p but you could buy two pints for 95p in 2022. The Government’s recent Budget did not do enough to help people deal with the cost of living but seems to have helped the 1% with their pensions.

We also discussed the introduction of mandatory voter ID in the May local elections. The Conservatives’ unnecessary plan to force voters to present photo ID will cost taxpayers £180 million over 10 years. However, this obstacle will be overcome to ensure people vote. If you do not have any photo ID you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. Here is the link: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.

You can watch back the show using the following link: BBC One – Politics Midlands, 26/03/2023