Last Friday marked one year since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and I know that many local residents joined in the national moment of reflection to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people.
We have many Ukrainian families in North Staffordshire and it was lovely to see our guests and their host families coming together and making new friends at the Tea Party I hosted recently at Alton Towers. I was honoured to invite Olga Stefanishyna, a Ukrainian MP and the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine to the Moorlands as well as taking part in President Zelenskyy’s famous address to Parliament.
Russia’s appalling assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign, democratic state. This barbaric venture of Putin must fail, and we will continue to back Ukraine’s fight for as long as it takes.
On a more local note, I have to mention the plan to deliver a 0% rise to Council Tax across the Staffordshire Moorlands by the Conservative Group at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
My inbox is full of people who are struggling in many different ways due to the cost of living crisis and I was therefore surprised that whilst the Conservative Group unanimously voted to freeze Council Tax for Staffordshire Moorlands residents during the Full Council meeting last week, Labour refused to give their support. Conservative Councillors believe that the budget is stable and balanced in these uncertain times, yet ambitious for the future and that SMDC has the ability to support all residents in their time of need, to help with the rising cost of living and energy without damaging front line services.
Finally, I will be organising another coach trip to Parliament on Friday 12th May. Please do contact my office if you are interested.
