Matt and Jack from my team are representing me at the apprenticeships careers fair today at Port Vale FC. There are over 30 businesses attending, and approximately 250 apprenticeship vacancies are on offer in a vast range of sectors.
I attended the World Cancer Day drop-in event in Parliament to learn about the campaign to reduce waiting times for cancer treatment across the UK. I also met with Bryan Robson, an England and Manchester United footballer and cancer survivor.
Jack Brereton MP and I attended a meeting at the British Ceramic Confederation to discuss the potential implementation of anti-dumping measures on ceramic tiles imported from China as part of the tiles transition review.
Had a lovely morning at the Tamil Thai Pongal Festival at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. It was a privilege to join the vibrant Tamil community of Stoke-on-Trent and celebrate with them. The festival continues until 4 PM today with traditional music, dance, delicious food, and more.
Brilliant morning at the Staffordshire University Apprenticeship Fair with more than 400 people in attendance. Enjoyed talking to a variety of local employers and individuals seeking apprenticeships.
I met with the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Cartlidge with Jack Brereton MP and Jonathan Gullis MP to discuss the pressing energy challenges faced by the Ceramics industry.
Before heading back to Westminster, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past year. 2022 was a turbulent year punctuated by events no one could have predicted, or even imagined: the death of our beloved monarch, a war in Europe and three Prime Ministers in 10 Downing Street.
