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Staffordshire: Cultural Contribution
29 April 2025
Lead MP
Leigh Ingham
Stafford
Lab
Responding Minister
Vicky Foxcroft
Tags
DefenceEmployment
Word Count: 9743
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Leigh Ingham raised concerns about staffordshire: cultural contribution in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The debate aims to celebrate Staffordshire’s legacy, tap into its heritage, build on creativity, and ensure that traditions continue positively impacting the community. The hon. Member requests support from the Government in preserving skills through training systems and investing in local talent pipelines like Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Staffordshire is renowned for its ceramics, brewing industry, and skilled craftspeople. The county's history is encapsulated in archives at the new Staffordshire History Centre, including rare Anglo-Saxon charters and a letter written on the eve of the American Revolution. Stafford has significant historical landmarks such as Stafford castle, which dates back over 900 years, and the Ancient High House, known for being haunted by George.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
The hon. Member celebrated Newcastle-under-Lyme's cultural contributions such as the New Vic Theatre, Brampton museum, and Newcastle College while also highlighting local events like Staffordshire Day. Encourages the Minister to find government time for a debate on issues affecting Staffordshire, highlighting that nine Labour MPs were elected in the county.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Confirmed Wednesbury's historical inclusion in Staffordshire, adding a humorous anecdote about the Staffordshire knot’s origin. The hon. Member praised Staffordshire Moorlands' cultural impact including contributions to Parliament’s architecture by Augustus Pugin and the arts and crafts movement initiated at Leek college.
Allison Gardner
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent South
Praised Stoke-on-Trent's pottery industry and its role in shaping culture. Mentioned the city's world craft status and asked for UNESCO creative city recognition.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Emphasised Burton's brewing heritage and efforts to revitalize the National Brewery Centre. Also mentioned JCB’s headquarters in Rocester, the racecourse in Uttoxeter, and local charities providing drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked about passing on skilled heritage to new generations, highlighting the importance of a training system to prevent skills from being lost.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Cannock Chase
Celebrated Cannock Chase's cultural richness, including its schools, museums, theatres, and notable individuals such as Steve Edge and Chris Overton. Advocated for a broad curriculum that includes arts education.
Leigh Ingham
Con
Rotherham
Acknowledges the contributions of all participating Members and expresses optimism for the future investment in Staffordshire's creative sector.
Cheltenham
Emphasised the rich cultural history of Staffordshire from Josiah Wedgwood to Robbie Williams and highlighted the need for investment in extracurricular activities to nurture future talent. Called for protecting arts funding and introducing cultural creative enterprise zones.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Highlights the unique cultural richness of South Staffordshire, including Codsall's historical high street and arts festival, as well as Bilbrook's industrial partnership with Jaguar Land Rover for environmental conservation.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Acknowledged Staffordshire's significant contributions to British industrial, artistic, and sporting heritage, praising the county’s recorded history from Anglo-Saxon times onwards, including Tamworth castle as a key landmark.
Sarah Edwards
Lab
Tamworth
Praised Tamworth's rich heritage, noting its contribution to the industrial revolution and current economic growth. Highlighted national figures from arts grants cuts under previous government and praised Staffordshire Day initiatives.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Highlighted Staffordshire’s rich historical roots and cultural heritage, including pottery and brewing traditions. Emphasised the importance of local events like Christmas pantomimes and Crown Wharf theatre.
Government Response
Vicky Foxcroft
The Lord Commissioner of His Majesty's Treasury
Government Response
Acknowledges Staffordshire's cultural contributions and commits to supporting arts and cultural activities across the country, including over £270 million investment for arts venues and museums through the Arts Everywhere fund.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.