New Year message from Liz McInnes MP

Liz McInnes MP

Liz McInnes, Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton, has the following message for her constituents at the start of 2019.

“This time last year, I highlighted particular issues of concern for me as your Member of Parliament and representative in Westminster. Sadly, even though the last twelve months have been eventful, in many ways this Government has stood still, paralysed by its own inertia and unwillingness to act.

“Of course, Brexit has loomed over all political issues this year. In December, we had the pantomime of the meaningful vote that never was, with the debate on Theresa May’s deal being halted halfway through the proceedings in a shameful display of the Government putting its own party’s interests first rather than acting in the national interest. I have been contacted by many constituents regarding the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal and the overwhelming majority - around 80% - have urged me to vote against it.

“It’s difficult to predict what will happen next but one thing I will not support is any attempt to crash out of the EU with no deal, which is the worst of all possibilities and most definitely not in the national interest.

“Last year I highlighted problems with rising Foodbank use and with Universal Credit, and sadly, this continued throughout 2018. Until changes and improvements are made to the Universal Credit system and until work pays, the scandal of Foodbank use will continue.

“In 2019 I will continue to work on holding the Government to account on many issues, including the scandal of homelessness, the plight of 1950s born women and State Pension Inequality, and investment in transport in the North of England.

“In addition to my role as a Shadow Foreign Minister and working with our Commonwealth friends – a relationship of increasing importance in a post-Brexit world - I’ve initiated and taken part in many debates in Parliament in the last year, including funding for non-NHS Hospices, the future of diabetes treatment, the need to appoint a Minister for Older People, Safe Standing at football grounds, and the scandal of new-build Leasehold properties.

“We don’t know what this year holds for us but I would not be too surprised if a General Election features somewhere in 2019. In the meantime, I’m proud to be your representative in Parliament and I will continue to work hard on your behalf. I hope that 2019 is a happy and successful year for you and your families and I wish you all the best for the coming year.”