Derby - 10th December

Theresa met representatives of the business community at the Derby Chambers of Commerce on Wednesday 10th December.

The discussion focused on the effects of the recession on the local business community. A number of issues were covered including how to help first-time home buyers, issues of National Insurance and corporation tax, VAT, employment legislation and the banking crisis.

Beccles, Suffolk, 15th April

Theresa met community representatives in Beccles on 15th April to discuss rural affairs.

Catterick, 9th April

Theresa met soldiers, vetrans and their families at the Royal British Legion in Catterick on Wednesday 9th April.

Liverpool, 17th March

Theresa met representatives from the Winning Women network in Liverpool on Monday 17th March. A wide variety of issues were covered, including the need for more careers advice for girls at school, problems facing women GPs and medical professionals, the role of female entrepreneurs, problems with divorce and family justice laws, and more. Theresa will be taking forward these issues in her role as Shadow Minister for Women. 

Yorkshire, Wednesday 21st November - Hull University

Theresa met student groups in Yorkshire on Wednesday 21st November. Speaking after the event, Theresa said: “My visit to Hull allowed me to meet students and hear first-hand about the issues that are concerning them. It was an extremely useful visit, and I have had the chance to raise several of the issues back in Westminster. One thing that was mentioned was the Government’s plans to reduce tuition fees for students participating in volunteering schemes. This was announced in 2006, but, as this answer to my recent Parliamentary question shows, the Government still does not have any firm plans on this.”  

“Another issue that was raised was that of overseas students who wish to study in the UK but have difficulty doing so due to visa problems. I therefore asked the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills about the numbers of overseas students who experienced delays in getting their visas, and the response is available here. In response to another issue raised by the student, I also asked about variable tuition fees. The Department’s response is here.”

West Midlands, Wednesday 24th October - 12.30 to 13.30 - Birmingham and Walsall Chambers of Commerce 

Theresa met representatives of the business community in the West Midlands on Wednesday 24th October.

Following the visit, Theresa said: “I came to the West Midlands to hear what local business leaders want to see raised in Parliament, and my meetings were incredibly useful.  It is clear that the growing burden of regulation on business continues to restrict growth.  The business representatives that I met also expressed their concern about the current tax regime and, in particular, the proposed changes to capital gains tax.  I look forward to now bringing these issues to Parliament.”