Dear John,

This week Rishi Sunak delivered his Spring Statement. For months now, Labour has been urging the Chancellor to take swift action to help millions of people struggling with the rising cost of living. On Tuesday I personally wrote to him, to tell him about my constituents across Edgbaston who are already being affected by this crisis. 
 
The current picture is extremely concerning. People in our society shouldn’t be left to suffer like this and what’s worse is we know that the situation is only going to become more severe. That’s why I was so disappointed with this Budget.  
 
The Government is hammering working families to the point where it’s now expected that one in five people believe they will fall into debt that they cannot repay. Energy prices are set to continue to rise to the point where it’s no longer a question of simply managing money and tightening their purse strings. I’ve spoken to residents who have told me about some of the really tough decisions that they’re having to make on a daily basis; including deciding who in their families gets to eat that day.  
 
I’ve also been hearing what financial experts, like Martin Lewis, have been saying on this crisis and it’s clear we need to see urgent intervention from Government. With energy prices rising by 54% in a few weeks and it is likely we’ll see bills increase by a further 25% in October. Government must take action. It simply isn’t good enough to force the country to take a £200 loan from them as it won’t solve the issue. But Rishi Sunak missed the opportunity to help millions, instead he’s working for the oil and energy companies making billions. 
 
Labour has an energy security plan that will use a one-off windfall tax on oil and gas producers to cut 9 million household energy costs by up to £600, and £200 for everyone else (not on a loaned basis). Then as part of its longer-term strategy, Labour will improve the energy efficiency of 19 million homes over a decade would cut UK gas imports by 15% and save up to £400 off the average energy bill for families. We would also invest in longer term nuclear energy and offshore wind. 

Earlier this week, I flew to Krakow in my position of Shadow Cabinet Minister for International Development. I visited to show British solidarity with the Polish people and authorities who are ensuring people are treated with dignity and humanity given the situation they are fleeing from Ukraine. 
 
Poland has taken in 2 million refugees in a matter of weeks. We must do all we can to show our solidarity and our support with the Polish authorities who have taken on this immense challenge. I recognise how much they are doing, to help the people of Ukraine. 
 
The British public have played their part with material and financial donations, now we must do more to support these neighbouring countries hosting refugees. I was pleased to visit, to be able to offer Labour’s support and to thank them for all that they are doing in helping those fleeing Ukraine.   

Today I’m launching a new consultation to ask residents across Bartley Green, Quinton, Harborne and Edgbaston where they would like to see their Police officers stationed. 
 
Since I was first elected in 2017, I have been campaigning along with local residents for more Police officers and designated sergeants. I’m thrilled to say, we have been successful and now Quinton will have a new sergeant, separate to Bartley Green. This means each ward will have their own Police Team. 
 
This is a fantastic achievement given we are in a climate where this Conservative Government has taken 20,000 police officers off our streets and has closed 600 Police Stations like our station in Quinton. 
 
Now, I’m working closely with the Police, to lead a project that will decide where in each ward of our constituency our Police should be based. However, I need your help in making this decision. It’s so important our Police have a visible presence and are accessible to the communities they serve. That’s why I’m carrying out a constituency-wide consultation.  

As the Birmingham Commonwealth Games approaches, you can Get Set for the Games with the latest info on what's happening across Edgbaston constituency with this guide on events, venue maps and travel advice during games time. 
 
Don’t forget, if you’re looking for work, the Commonwealth Games will also be recruiting more than 20,000 roles which are available with contractors and another 600 roles directly with Birmingham 2022. On Thursday 31 March, the Games will be hosting a jobs fair at the Library of Birmingham.