“It is the honour of my life to represent the people of Birmingham Erdington in Parliament. On Monday 16^th May 2022, I made my maiden speech in the House of Commons. It was one of the proudest moments of my life, and I’m looking forward to using every opportunity I get in Westminster to stand up for our community. In my speech, I said;

On our community making history:

 

“I can only say how proud I am to be a Brummie today. I am overwhelmed but privileged to be standing here today in this great institution. Being elected to Parliament is not a right it is an honour, and an even greater honour knowing your community voted for you to be here.

 

 “When I was elected on the 4^th of March, people found it difficult to understand that I was the first female to be elected for the Erdington constituency. They were even more shocked to learn that I was the first person of African Caribbean descent to be elected as a Member of Parliament in Birmingham. I hope the constituency shares my pride in knowing that they have made history.”

 

My tribute to the late Jack Dromey MP:

 

“Jack was elected in May 2010 and worked relentlessly to serve our community.

 

“Until his death he worked to support his constituency in so many ways. Any job lost to the area was a personal blow to Jack.

 

“The many tributes that have been made to him in this place and in our community, show just how much he will be deeply missed.”

 

Key priorities I will be campaigning on:

“I am looking forward to being involved with debates relating to people living with mental health issues. Serving as a mental health champion for BCC since 2013, I have seen at first hand the increase in people living with mental health issues, and the massive increase since the pandemic of young people living with severe and enduring mental illnesses.

“The funding in this area has been cut, and it does need to be increased, as mental health services are struggling to access adequate inpatient beds when needed.

“In Erdington, the community has also seen an alarming increase in Houses of multi occupancy (HMOs) where we have the second highest number in the city. My constituency needs to see an urgent change in legislation to ensure poor unscrupulous landlords are punished, fined, and removed from the market if they fail to comply with the rules that are designed to protect residents.”

“Our manufacturing history is well known. Sadly, too many workplaces have closed. It is vital that new business comes into the constituency, so it is important that through the levelling up fund we are given funding to develop our High Streets – particularly Erdington High Street.”

Championing our diversity, beautiful spaces and local community groups:

“As I have already noted, Erdington is a very diverse part of Birmingham, with a wonderful strong community and neighbourhood spirit with people who work very hard and look out for each other.

“One day you could be celebrating Eid in Stockland Green, or Vaisakhi in the local Gurdwara, or you could be working with our strong Irish or African and Caribbean community to celebrate the Good Friday walk along the High Street.

“We are also fortunate to have many lovely parks such as Pype Hayes Park and Rookery Park, Short Heath playing fields, and a beautiful 13-acre site owned by Erdington Rugby Club.

“I would also like to mention the stunning bowling facility we have in the constituency, run by Erdington Court Bowls Club.

“The Brookvale lakes, and Witton lodge lakes where residents do duckling watch to ensure we preserve the natural beauty of this area is truly incredible, alongside the amazing Eco hub – run by an organisation called the Witton Lodge Association.”

My promise to the people of Erdington:

 

“I want to thank the people of Birmingham Erdington for putting their faith and trust in me. It is an amazing privilege to be here, and my promise to you is that I will work tirelessly on your behalf – both in this place and in our community.”

Paulette Hamilton’s full speech: https://fb.watch/d3bVobd4cg/

Paulette Hamilton MP

Member of Parliament for Birmingham Erdington