2019 was an incredibly busy and eventful year for so many of us, so it was wonderful to have some time at home with my family, catching up with friends and doing the things that we love to do to relax. Long walks in the countryside and the chance to enjoy fantastic local produce on the return home have been real treats. Watching Leek Town win 4-0 on New Year’s Day was one of the highlights. The team finished 2019 top of the table and I will be cheering them on in 2020 to get that one automatic promotion spot at the end of the season.
Last week saw us back in Parliament, working to get the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill through in time for the UK to leave the EU on 31 January, something I know people in the Moorlands want us to do. On Thursday at the third reading, the Commons voted 330 to 231 in favour and the Bill will now pass to the Lords for scrutiny.
There are some issues that required work over the Christmas break and one of those was the urgent issue of making sure that there was transport available for children when the schools went back. Following a recent court case, there has been real concern as to whether the buses that carry children who pay for their school transport could continue to operate. This has meant that Staffordshire County Council has had to pay the costs in the short term. However, that was not a long term solution. I met the Transport Secretary before the election to explain the problem and wrote just before Christmas to make sure action was taken. I am pleased that the DfT have listened and a short term exemption has been granted while we find a long term fix.