Caldmore Balti House has won a place in the regional final after being chosen to represent Walsall South by Valerie Vaz MP in the prestigious Lyca Tiffin Cup 2011 competition.

Valerie has criticised the decision to close the New Art Gallery in Walsall on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The new opening arrangements which began on 3 April mean that the gallery is now closed at the only times when it is convenient to visit for many busy families.

On Tuesday 10th May Valerie hosted a reception at the House of Commons to launch Walsall College’s new ‘Accredited Skills for Industry’ qualifications.

Valerie today spoke in the House of Commons on the Government’s proposed reforms to the NHS.  MPs were debating an Opposition motion, and Valerie used the opportunity to speak out against the Health and Social Care Bill, and in support of an integrated, accountable and effective NHS for the future.

On 27 April 2011 in the House of Commons, Valerie presented the petition signed by local residents to save Pleck Library.  Over 1,100 people signed the petition which requests that the House of Commons urges the Government to take all possible steps to protect Pleck Library for the future.

Valerie has written to UK airlines asking them to clarify their current policies on the carriage of musical instruments on aeroplanes. 

Valerie  visited the Walsall Ecohouse to see how the owners, Martin and Jane Normanton, managed to cut their energy use and carbon emissions by 70%.

Valerie has welcomed the Secretary of State for Health's announcement on April 4th that there is to be a pause in the progress of the Health and Social Care Bill. However Valerie remains concerned that the consultation announced by the Government will yet again fail to address the most serious and controversial aspects of the Bill.