Summer has been another busy period so far, with plenty of opportunities to meet local people, celebrate our area’s strengths and hear directly about the issues that matter most to residents.

One of the highlights was welcoming Industry Minister Chris McDonald MP to Stourbridge. Together we visited the Stourbridge Glass Museum to showcase the craftsmanship and innovation that have made our town world famous before meeting local steel businesses to discuss the future of manufacturing. Our industrial heritage remains one of our greatest assets, and I will continue championing investment in the skilled jobs and businesses that underpin our local economy.

Supporting vibrant town centres has also remained a priority. I recently joined local PCSOs for walkabouts at both Ryemarket in Stourbridge and Brierley Hill Market, speaking with traders, shoppers and residents about community safety and the challenges facing our high streets. Hearing these experiences first hand helps inform the work I do with West Midlands Police and local partners to make our communities safer and more welcoming.

This month also gave me the opportunity to meet some truly inspiring local people. I was delighted to visit Dudley Adult and Community Learning’s award winning Comm-Cast Project, where I recorded a podcast with learners who are developing media and communication skills through an innovative programme supporting neurodiverse adults. Listening to their experiences, ambitions and achievements was a real privilege, and I thoroughly enjoyed answering their questions about public life and representing our community in Parliament.

I also enjoyed spending an evening with members of the Rotary Club of Stourbridge. It was a pleasure to share more about my journey to becoming an MP, the work that takes place behind the scenes in Westminster and the constituency, and some of the campaigns I’ve been pursuing on behalf of local residents. My thanks go to Andy, Tina, Liz and everyone at the club for such a warm welcome and an engaging discussion.

Alongside my constituency work, I welcomed the return of the £2 single bus fare cap, the removal of VAT from domestic electricity bills and a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues which will all provide practical support for households while helping businesses across our high streets to thrive. I will continue to push for more measures to support individuals and businesses in Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Netherton.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll continue holding coffee mornings at venues across the constituency. These informal events are a fantastic chance to raise local issues, ask questions or simply stop by for a chat, so please keep an eye on my social media channels for details of upcoming dates and locations.

Whether we’ve met at a community event, on a market walkabout or during one of my visits across the constituency, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share your views with me. Your feedback continues to shape the work I do both locally and in Parliament, and I look forward to seeing many more of you over the summer.