A very Happy New Year to everyone in Stourbridge. I hope that 2017 is a successful one for us all.

Many local people will have watched the Prime Minister’s speech on Tuesday, outlining the Government’s Brexit plan.

She confirmed we will be seeking the best possible deal for Britain outside the EU, leaving the Single Market and the Customs Union in its current form.

We will also be in control of our own borders, and the European Court of Justice will no longer have a say over British laws.

As an independent, self-governing country, we will seek a new relationship that benefits both ourselves and the EU.

We will also seek not just to preserve worker’s rights, but to enhance them where necessary.

As my colleague Mike Wood said last week, regardless of what side for which we campaigned, MPs now have a responsibility to implement the result of the referendum in June last year.

With the Prime Ministers vision now very clearly outlined, I look forward to delivering a prosperous and global Britain outside of the EU, but very much part of Europe.

Last week I hosted another meeting about the derelict Longlands site with my colleagues Cllr Nic Barlow and Cllr Steve Clark.

I hope to be able to report some good news in my next column.

I know this has been a long, arduous and complicated process – but I think the situation is now close to being resolved.

Nic, Steve and I will continue to ensure that residents have their say on any firm plans in the near future.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Margaret Fraser OBE, former President of Stourbridge Conservative Association.

She was a wonderful woman and her passing is a great loss to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Finally, congratulations again to Gary Hackett and Stourbridge FC for their fantastic performance in the FA Cup.

I was at the game in Wycombe and despite a narrow defeat, I left prouder than ever of our local team.

Should you wish to get in touch with me, you can call my office on 01384 370 574, or email me at margot.james.mp@ parliament.uk.

You can also write to me at my constituency address, 1a Worcester Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1AH.

Please also sign up to my regular newsletter at www.margotjames.com/ subscribe for more about what I am doing to represent you here and in Westminster.