This week I spoke in parliament about the government’s new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which will strengthen legislation in several key areas including tougher sentences for child killers and sex offenders.

It is very disappointing that Labour is failing to support this bill which has a great deal in it that will help better protect Stourbridge residents.

As I said in the House of Commons, a Government’s first duty is always to protect the people.

This flagship Bill will ensure that our justice system will always serve the law-abiding majority. It is timely after recent events as it emphasises that this government has put women’s safety front and centre. Allied to the landmark Domestic Violence Bill now going through the House of Lords, these are strong and effective pieces of legislation that will protect women.

However, there is no doubt more should be done and the government is listening to women’s concerns following the tragic death of Sarah Everard in London. Like many women, I do not always feel safe on the streets alone and particularly at night. I fully understand how women walk home with their keys in their hand. I have done the same thing myself.

The government is looking at how to make women feel safe and legislation might be appropriate going forward, but measures like better street lighting, better street design and more undercover police in bars and clubs could help too.

Other parts of this important bill are welcome. It makes sure that more repeat knife offenders and burglars serve the specified minimum jail term. Every stabbing creates a trail of misery, and often devastated families when it ends a life, as in the case of my constituent Ryan Passey, who was stabbed in a Stourbridge nightclub.

It will also strengthen police powers to tackle unauthorised encampments. As I said to MPs, this will be welcome for residents in Withymoor Village in Amblecote, who have suffered from this activity but have often felt powerless. I fully recognise everyone has the right to a nomadic life, but this must be balanced against the rights of local communities. For me, the balance has never been quite right, and we needed greater police powers.

Some constituents are concerned about the proposed protest laws in the bill. My view is protest is very much protected but disruptive protest will be tackled by this legislation. Again, a balance needs to be struck between the right to protest and the right of everyone to get on with their lives.