MP Hughes calls for Brexit that works for everyone in maiden speech
Eddie Hughes has called for a 'Brexit that works for the 100 per cent' in his maiden speech in the House of Commons.
The newly elected Conservative MP for Walsall North used his first parliamentary speech to highlight the importance of a Brexit that delivers on jobs and controls immigration.
Mr Hughes became the first Tory to win the constituency for 38 years when he defeated long-standing Labour MP David Winnick by 2,601 votes in the General Election.
Addressing the Commons to loud cheers on Monday night, he pointed out that 68 per cent of residents in Walsall North had voted to leave the EU in last year's referendum.
"Of course, they want a Government that will achieve the best Brexit deal for them and for the country," he added.
“They want a Brexit that works for not just the 68 per cent but the 100 per cent. They want local entrepreneurs who will create jobs and identify new export markets around the world.
“They want to take control of immigration, whilst making sure that we can deliver the skills needed to keep our economy and public services strong.
“They want high-quality, low-cost housing for every stage of their life.
“And they want inspirational head teachers who will give their children the very best start in life.
“It is an honour to have been elected to act as their advocate in this place and I hope you will call on me many times in the future to speak on their behalf.”
Mr Hughes had raised a laugh at the start of his speech when he announced his backing for a fellow MP's insistence that he would not take interventions from male members who were not wearing ties.
To gales of laughter he said: "I bought this suit at the weekend specifically for making my first speech in this chamber. And although obviously I will be wearing exactly the same suit for the rest of the week, at least for today I will be looking my best."
Mr Hughes also took the opportunity to thank his predecessor in Walsall North, Mr Winnick. "Many in this chamber will be familiar with David as a tenacious parliamentarian," he said.
"Indeed, if I remember correctly it was David's amendment to legislation concerning the detention of terror suspects that led to the then Prime Minister Tony Blair losing his first whipped vote in this chamber in 2005.
"When I knocked doors during the campaign I realised just how assiduously David had also worked on behalf of his constituents."
