It has been another busy few weeks at home in the constituency and in Parliament.  

To begin with, I want to remember the brave Warwickshire firefighters who tragically lost their lives in the terrible fire in Atherstone on Stour back in 2007. Last weekend marked 18 years since that dreadful day in our county.  

Around 100 firefighters were drafted in to fight the fire at the food packaging plant. Four lost their lives that night. Another colleague was so traumatised by what happened that he took his own life.   

I know that day is and will always be a difficult day for their loved ones, colleagues and firefighters across Warwickshire. Let's remember their courage and bravery in the face of such danger and their colleagues that follow them.  

 Some of you will have seen a policy suggestion from the Leader of Warwickshire County Council earlier this month, requesting that the Education Secretary grant him powers to increase the distance kids over 8 can walk to school...to 5 miles each way.   

I must admit I was frankly appalled by the suggestion. To suggest that an 8-year-old walks 5 miles unaccompanied is irresponsible, dangerous, neglectful... and downright bonkers.  

Children would be expected to walk up to 1.5 hours to AND from school every day. I believe fresh air is good for children (and all for us) but 3 hours of walking just to get to school and then back home is ridiculous.    

As an example, it's 5 miles to walk from Leamington Town Hall or Shire Hall in Warwick to Abbey Fields in Kenilworth and would take almost 2 hours.   

I have written to the Education Secretary to express my serious concerns over the suggestion and encouraged her to firmly reject the proposal. I was grateful for see her correctly label the plans as 'Victorian'.  

I believe it is important that the Leader of the Council understands residents' views on this policy and if you have young children, I would urge you to email him to share your views and how this may impact your family. 

Finally, this weekend marks Remembrance Sunday, and I will be thinking of all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms as our communities come together to remember and honour them.  

It is worth taking a few moments this weekend to read the names of those listed on our war memorials. It always reminds me that each name was a person who didn't return home to our towns and left behind family, friends and loved ones. Their bravery and courage continue to inspire. 

This Sunday, we will remember them.  

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues or concerns you would like to raise with me. I can be reached at [email protected] or on 01926 882006.