I visited St Mary's the Mount RC School on Friday 26 January 2024 and was shown around the School by Mrs Amor and the Deputy Head Mrs Smith.  We spoke about the challenges the School faces daily with the lack of suitable SEND provision. 

I was shown and spoke to the students in each Year and saw a presentation from a pupil about single use plastics and recycling. It was a great contribution. 

The school had a calm atmosphere while the children were working. I was delighted to see there was a Library. I look forward to a visit in future.  

The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic Mrs Marketa Pekarova Adamova was invited by Mr Speaker Hoyle to visit Parliament. I was pleased to meet her to discuss how our two countries can maintain cultural and trade ties. Speaker Adamova was able to listen to Prime Minister's Questions.  


Speaker Adamova With Mr Speaker (pic left) and (right) Stephen Doughty MP and Ondrej Lochman MP

The Opposition Day debate was held on 23 January 2024. The motion to be debated was about protecting the Steel industry. There is a manufacturing firm in Darlaston wich plays a vital part in the supply chain.     

That this House recognises the need to decarbonise steel production; appreciates the pride that local communities have in their historic steelworks; regrets that the Government has pushed through plans for decarbonising steel in the UK which will result in thousands of steelworkers losing their jobs and risk leaving the UK as the first developed country in the world without the capacity to produce primary steel; further regrets that the Government has failed to produce an industrial strategy which could have included a plan for the whole steel sector; believes that primary steel is a sovereign capability and is therefore concerned about the impact that the Government’s plans could have on national security; also believes that steel production can have a bright future in the UK; therefore calls on the Government to work with industry and workers to achieve a transition that secures jobs and primary steelmaking for decades to come; and further calls on the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to report to Parliament by 27 February 2024 with an assessment of the impact on the UK of the loss of primary steel production capabilities.
I voted Aye and the result was: Aye 223 and Noes 0

The Prime Minister made a Statement on Tuesday 23 January 2024 about the recent further action by the UK by the Houthis in the Red Sea.  I asked the Prime Minster: 

"What assessment has the Prime Minister made of the risks if the Houthis move to a different part of Yemen, and how many civilian casualties have there been so far?"

The PM did not answer the question in full but said there were no civilian casualties. 

With the Football Governance Bill expected to be introduced shortly, MPs, the EFL clubs and other guests to hear from a Panel including the Rick Parry, Chair of the EFL , and the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport Lucy Frazer and later Nigel Clough and Dion Dublin. (see above) Clive Betts MP chair of the APPG on Football introduced the evening which was hosted by Baroness Ann Taylor of Bolton. the event took place on Monday 22 January 2024.

I was pleased to meet up with the Chairman of Walsall FC Leigh Pomlett.  It is vital that the Premier League come up with the formula that ensures other clubs  have access to the financial support. The EFL is asking for a 75:25 split. The footballers  in the Premier League  come through the lower leagues. This financial formula ensures money flows back to the grass roots. The EFL clubs support a Regulator to ensure that there is proper oversight of funding and due diligence on owners of football clubs and that the fans voice is heard.. 

Walsall FC website