Shropshire MPs' column: honouring remembrance and tackling youth unemployment

It has been a busy few weeks across Telford, with opportunities to come together as a community to celebrate the contribution of local people and businesses, and look ahead to the future of our town.

I want to start by thanking everyone involved in this weekend’s Remembrance events across Telford, from our town and parish councils to the veterans, organisations and residents who attended services and paid their respects.

I was honoured to join the Great Dawley Remembrance Service yesterday after attending services in Oakengates and Madeley the last two years. With services taking place across Telford, it was impossible for me to personally attend every event, but I was incredibly proud that representatives, including local veterans, cadets and young people, were able to attend services across our communities and lay wreaths on my behalf yesterday.

Remembrance is one of the most important moments in our community calendar. It is a time when we come together, regardless of our background or generation, to honour those who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We have a responsibility to keep the stories of those who served alive and to make sure their sacrifices are never forgotten or taken for granted.

That commitment to remembering our Armed Forces community also continued last week, when I welcomed more than 50 veterans, family members and cadets from across Telford to the Houses of Parliament for a special visit ahead of Remembrance weekend.

Organised in partnership with the Christopher Turley Armed Forces Hub as part of the Government’s Op VALOUR scheme, the visit brought together veterans, their families and young people from our local cadet forces to recognise the service and sacrifice of those who have given so much to our country.

I am passionate about giving people from Telford the opportunity to experience parliament for themselves, and bringing this fantastic group together ahead of remembrance weekend made the occasion particularly special. From planting poppy stakes in parliament’s memorial gardens, speaking to the Veterans Minister and a visit to Number 10 Downing Street, I hope this is a day our local armed forces community remembers for a very long time. I am particularly proud to support veterans who have contacted me for help, and I will continue to do everything I can to make sure their voices are heard.

While remembering those who came before us, we must also make sure we are creating opportunities for the next generation.

Last week, with the support of Telford College and Pride in Place, we held the first Telford Jobs and Futures Fair in Madeley attracting hundreds of people interested in jobs, training and career opportunities here in Telford and wider Shropshire too.

The event brought together more than 30 employers, training providers and support organisations and offered around 200 job opportunities. It was fantastic to see jobseekers, young people and people considering a career change able to meet employers face-to-face and get practical advice about taking their next steps.

We know that finding work, particularly for young people, is not always straightforward. At a time when there is growing national concern about the number of young people not in employment, education or training, this was about taking practical action here in Telford. We received a fantastic response, and I am looking forward to hearing more about the people who attended and the opportunities that may come from it.

There has also been important news nationally and locally on the cost of living and housing. At the Budget, the Government announced investment to provide breathing space on energy bills this winter. More than 44,000 households in Telford are set to receive a £100 payment directly into their bank accounts towards their energy bills, with eligibility covering households in council tax bands A to D.

There was also welcome news for local businesses, with almost 500 retail and hospitality businesses across Telford and Wrekin, including pubs, cafés and restaurants, set to benefit from a real-terms freeze in business rates for the next two years.

Our local high streets and independent businesses are an important part of what makes Telford special. Supporting them with the cost of doing business is important for protecting jobs, encouraging investment and keeping our town centres busy.

I also welcomed Telford & Wrekin Council’s announcement that it plans to build council homes for the first time in almost three decades. Having grown up in a council home myself, I know how important secure, affordable housing is in giving families the foundations for a better future. It is encouraging to see new Government powers and funding helping to make this possible in Telford. Alongside the contribution of housing providers such as Housing Plus Group, building more affordable homes and keeping rents accessible will be vital to easing housing pressures and helping local people put down roots.

From remembering the sacrifices of previous generations to creating opportunities for young people, supporting our local businesses and building homes for the future, there is a common thread running through all of this: making sure Telford is a place where people feel supported, valued and able to get on in life.

I am proud of the people, organisations and businesses who make our town what it is. There is always more to do, but by working together, we can continue to make a difference.