Brexit and industry dominate MPs’ hopes and dreams for the year ahead
A clean Brexit and investing in British industry – MPs from across the political divide have had their say on what they would like to see happen this year.
Politicians from the Black Country and Staffordshire have put together a list individually of what they hope 2019 will bring.
Emma Reynolds, MP for Wolverhampton North East, said she hoped the Government rules out a no-deal Brexit.
She said: "I hope that the Government will think again and stop Universal Credit and that the poorest and most vulnerable will be helped, rather than made worse off.
"Hope that fact, reason and expert advice can start to prevail again.
"Hope that the Government will rule out a no deal Brexit so we can spend the billions of pounds on public services to help people.
"Hope we can put an end to rough sleeping and homelessness in the UK which will need huge investment in public health, mental health and affordable housing rather than Government’s warm words. They have recently reduced public health spending and are continuing to cut local authority budgets.
"Hope that a solution can be found to the Syrian civil war and that the killing of innocent people will stop."
The Labour MP also pledged to always speak truth to power, be the best parent she can be and work with MPs from all parties to find a solution to 'the Brexit mess the Government has created'.
Mike Wood, MP for Dudley South, said he would like to see a clean Brexit in 2019.
He said: "The biggest thing about 2019 is it will be defined by Brexit, we have to have a good, clean Brexit that works for business but also reflects the decision made by voters.
"There's also much to be done in domestic politics, and I want to see the start of the £20 billion funding for the NHS.
"The other thing is I want to see the Government working with the West Midlands and in particular with Mayor Andy Street to make sure we've got more control locally of the big issues such as housing, with solutions that are right for the West Midlands and not just dreamt up in Whitehall."
John Spellar, MP for Warley, said: "I'd like to see the Government backing British workers, particularly in goods and services, putting British industry first."
Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, said: "I would like a clean Brexit and for everyone to calm down over it. There is too much panic over Brexit at the moment and the EU needs us just as much as we need them.
"There will be some sort of deal and life will carry on as normal.
"I think it is important that we get a good, clean deal that satisfies the Brexiteers and provides security for everyone including businesses and people wanting to travel abroad.
"I would like for everyone to be happy, healthy and prosperous in 2019."
Adrian Bailey, MP for West Bromwich West, said: "I hope for an outcome from the Brexit negotiations which retains Britain's membership of the Customs Union and preserves our historic manufacturing base and sustains the jobs and wages of thousands of Black Country residents dependant on it."
The MP said his New Year's resolution is to walk a minimum of five miles per day and swim two miles of a weekend.
James Morris, MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis, said: "Next year will see us leaving the EU and I am confident that 2019 will see us unlocking the opportunities this will give us, but also to be able to focus on other issues at home other than Brexit like mental health, skills and jobs which all have a significant impact on people’s lives. My personal resolution will also be to try and run the marathon a little quicker this year.”
