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On 7 December 2011 the new All-Party Parliamentary Group on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was launched at a meeting in Parliament. Valerie was elected as Vice-Chair. Valerie said: “I am delighted to have been elected as Vice-Chair of this new group, and pleased that so many colleagues across all main parties have joined. It is

Valerie highlighted women’s rights in Afghanistan by attending a campaign event led by ActionAid UK, Amnesty International UK, CARE UK, GAPS, Womankind Worldwide and Women for Women Internationalin Parliament.    Valerie said:  “This is an important campaign which I am very pleased to support. Many of my constituents have written to me on this topic and

Valerie said:   ‘I was delighted to meet the West Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association. They play a vital role in supporting our Armed Forces and our local community. The Cadets Association provide activities for young people which build on their teamwork, leadership and fitness. I am pleased to see so many young people getting involved.’  

During a House of Commons debate on 1 December 2011 Valerie called for a rethink of the proposed 20% cuts to the BBC budget.   Valerie said:   “As a West Midlands MP I am dismayed about the proposed decimation of BBC West Midlands, which has a unique 90-year history of both factual and drama programme