In Parliament

Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, has backed a call by Margot James, MP for Stourbridge, for the courts to impose the severest-possible penalties against the Oxford gang that exploited young and vulnerable girls.

Following the Home Secretary’s statement to the House of Commons on the case of Abu Qatada, Margot James welcomes moves to reduce the layers of appeal available to foreign criminals fighting deportation.

Margot James questions the Government about what can be done to increase the number of girls choosing a career in engineering.

Select Committee

Evidence was heard from Paul Coxhead, Chief Executive of Logistics Apprenticeship Training Agency in the West Midlands and John Hayes MP, the Minister of State for Further Education.

Evidence was heard from Paula Vennells, Chief Executive, Post Office Ltd, and George Thomson, General Secretary, National Federation of Sub Postmasters.

The Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee met on 26th April to take further evidence on apprenticeships.

Proud of Stourbridge

Margot James has congratulated a local student on hosting a performance festival aimed at showcasing the talents of young people with learning disabilities.

Margot James has congratulated local transport authority Centro on receiving three awards, two of which were for the new Stourbridge Interchange.

Margot James has lent her support to the No Limits Community Project, a local charity that works for people with able autism and asperger syndrome.

7th August 2012

Margot James, MP for Stourbridge, has lent her support to the Black Country Foodbank, visiting the main distribution centre which supports the local Stourbridge branch. Beyond food, the bank also offers a range of other services, including providing household goods and clothing to people in need.

As part of the visit Margot met volunteers and discussed with them the benefits of volunteering. As a champion for the welfare of older people, Margot also discussed the foodbank’s close work with the Dudley Group of Hospitals to support older people upon leaving hospital.

Margot said: ‘The foodbank is doing fantastic work to support people right across the Black Country. I was very impressed by the range of services provided, from food through to clothing. I was also heartened to hear about the work that the food bank does with local hospitals to support older people, who are particularly vulnerable and deserve our support. I would like to congratulate all those who work, volunteer, and contribute to the foodbank; they really are providing an invaluable service.’

Photo: Margot with Mr Kelvin Bates, Manager of the Distribution Centre, and one of the local volunteers.

Margot visits the Black Country Foodbank with Mr Kelvin Bates, Manager of the Distribution Centre, and one of the local volunteers