Update on discussions with Marco Longhi MP

I'm pleased to say that I have had a very promising conversation with the office of Marco Longhi, MP for Dudley North.

Marco is exploring a number of areas of legislation relevant to the destruction of the Crooked House pub, and has stated that he is determined to ensure that legislative changes are brought about to prevent such incidents in future. Much of the legislation he is looking at is specifically concerned with the loss of pubs as valuable community assets, but he has also promised to take on the issue of interim protection, and has been briefed about the history of this legislation.

Following that conversation I again contacted CADW to get an update on their experience of applying the Historic Environment Act 2016 in Wales. This appears to have been working well, with no heritage assets lost in Wales while under consideration for listing since its introduction, and no compensation claims arising from its application - which was a significant, and not unreasonable concern.

I have been invited to visit Parliament soon to discuss the matter further, so there is reason for some cautious optimism that this latest incident might finally open the way to progress on this much delayed, but essential legislative change.

In the meantime, please keep sharing the petition as widely as possible.

Neil