Observer Diary
Did you know that 6.5% of Coventry & Warwickshire businesses are in engineering manufacturing, and that they provide 16% of local employment? Meeting with the Manufacturing Advisory Service opened my eyes to their recent successes in providing advice for small businesses in Coventry.
I followed this with a visit to the Learning Skills Council who backed up the message of the importance of manufacturing in Coventry, and also provided many examples of businesses in our area that are boosting the skills levels of our school leavers by employing and training apprentices. I am determined to support the LSC in all their efforts to improve access to further education for people of all ages. My determination extends to all levels of education. I am currently supporting Coventry City Council in their attempts to further improve access to and standards of education in Coventry, by setting up a meeting between their representatives and Coventry MPs with the Minister for School Standards.
I have also recently had a few meetings with the other Coventry MPs relating to the planning application of Coventry Airport and the deal with Thomsonfly.com, where I clearly expressed my opposition to any expansion that adds to noise and environmental pollution for residents of the surrounding area.
In the House of Commons I have raised the issue of the sale of knives in the UK with questions to the Home Office, asking ministers to support CV One Knife Code in Coventry, and querying the possible tightening of knife sale regulations in the UK.
Also I have had a meeting with Rugby Cement regarding the effects of their plant on TV reception in certain parts of Coventry and I’m hoping that this matter will be resolved in the coming weeks.
If you miss this Diary or want to know what else I have been up to then you can find out on my website, at the address below.
Best Wishes, Jim.
