We are now waiting for the regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, to make its decision at the end of the month.

We discussed the economic benefits of the proposal, as well as the current capacity challenges on the West Coast Mainline. The Minister agreed with our case for cross-border connectivity and links to London.

I will continue to coordinate efforts with stakeholders to lobby for these extra trains, and I will leave no stone unturned until the decision next week.

Following meetings with Ministers yesterday to urge for their support, I have written again to the treasury given the huge economic benefits of the additional train service.

For Shrewsbury especially, residents and businesses have been very clear of the boost it would offer our town.

I have met with over 220 of the 347 farmers in my constituency and I remain committed to engaging with as many as possible to understand their views and support their needs.

We also covered, at length, proposals to change the rules around Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief. I reaffirmed my commitment to supporting Shrewsbury’s farmers and offered to act as a bridge between them and the government.

Shrewsbury residents and businesses often live with the threat of flooding all year long. We must do all we can to ensure flood management structures are fit for purpose, in the present and into the future.

The EAC inquiry that I secured is ongoing, and is looking at the impact of flooding on local communities and what more can be done to protect them, whether that be nature-based solutions or hard infrastructure projects.

She has worked tirelessly to draw attention to the difficulties people face not only with flooding, but in where to go for support after an event.

She chairs the Shrewsbury Flood Action Group and has been a vocal advocate for her community on flooding, something that she has experienced herself more than twenty times.

I'm also proud to be the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Local Markets which pushes to bring recognition to the importance of local markets in bringing business and tourism to our towns.

Our own brilliant market, The Market Hall Shrewsbury has won Britain's Favourite Market three times in a row, a fantastic achievement!

And a sombre tribute in the lighting of the beacon to finish off the event, remembering those who contributed so much to secure our futures.

This strategic group will look at a more joined up approach to our transport links, both in and around Shrewsbury and unlock our railway station for use as an economic and social hub to make journeys more enjoyable and lift this important gateway to our town.

I also recently formed STIG (Shrewsbury Transport Integration Group), where I brought a number of important stakeholders on board including ALSTOM, Transport for Wales, Midlands Connect, West Midlands Railway, Network Rail, Shrewsbury Moves team, Shrewsbury BID, and Shropshire Council.

The initial plan is for 5 direct trains a day from Shrewsbury, with the option of a further 3 for early morning commuters, if successful.

Every child deserves to start the school day well-fed and relaxed and every parent should be able to get to work on time without added stress.

I’m proud of this policy and look forward to seeing it continue to grow in the future both in Shrewsbury and across the country.