Interviewing Manuela Perteghella, the Italian-born MP for Stratford-on-Avon, could have been awkward. The night before we spoke, England’s women footballers had turned the tables to beat by two goals to one an Italian team that had led for much of the game. But who did she root for? More of that later.
A former university lecturer who has also served as a local councillor, Perteghella has been a fixture in the constituency where she has lived with her English husband and three children for many decades, campaigning particularly on educational and environmental issues. An amiable and open character, her candour belies a steeliness that saw her consign the constituency’s former Tory Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, the latest in a long line of Conservative MPs in Stratford, to the political dustbin at last year’s general election.
Reflecting on one year as MP
One year in, how’s it been?
MP: Honestly, it’s been a whirlwind. Not only have I become a legislator, but I’ve effectively had to start a small business at the same time, finding an office and recruiting staff while all the time having to deal with the day-to-day casework. Luckily, because there were so many new MPs elected last year, for the first time there’s been an induction programme to help us learn chamber etiquette and the behaviour code.
What do you feel have been your biggest achievements?
MP: I was adamant that I want to be a very ‘present’ MP and be the best constituency MP that I can be. Hopefully I’ve done this, dealing with well over 8,000 queries over the course of the year.
I had always campaigned for free school meals as a councillor and was pleased when these were adopted by the government. I’ve also campaigned for much stronger legislation to punish the polluting of rivers and brooks and, while the Lib Dems were pleased to see that Ofwat has been scrapped, we want a Clean Water Authority with real teeth to ensure that the water companies take their responsibilities seriously. Along with Labour party backbenchers, we have asked the Environment Secretary to guarantee that money from water bills is ring fenced for infrastructure improvements and does not find its way into the pockets of shareholders.
We will also be seeking to press the water companies to change the way that they monitor sewage spillages. At present, they only show the duration of the spillages and not the volume of sewage released.
The environment or building new houses?
The environment is clearly close to your heart. Do you have reservations over the government’s desire to cut red tape and weaken environmental protection as part of their huge housebuilding agenda?
MP: Well, I voted against the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Of course, we need houses as there are far too many families in temporary accommodation but they must be built while safeguarding nature, and developers should not be able to buy their way out of that responsibility. We must mandate environmental protection, or builders simply won’t do it. We have concerns that there has been no statutory consultation with environmental groups such as Natural England to ensure a builders’ charter is drawn up. We must also make sure we build according to local needs, preferably on brownfield sites. One of my Private Member’s Bills addressed the need for an improvement in building standards and ensuring that new developments were both nature and environmentally friendly, including things like permeable surfaces in areas vulnerable to flooding.
Incidentally, I’m very pleased that Lib Dem pressure on (Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change) Ed Miliband led to legislation that all new-build homes will have solar panels installed being added to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
My other Private Member’s Bill, which is due its second reading on the day parliament returns after summer recess on 1 September, aims to cap donations from, for example, individual foreign donors such as Russian oligarchs, and closes that loophole in order to restore some trust in politics.
Mainstream media covers Reform more than Lib Dems
Despite the Lib Dems having 72 MPs after the last election, do you sometimes feel frustrated that you maybe don’t get the coverage in the national media that you arguably warrant. It sometimes seems that smaller and, shall we say, more vocal, parties get an inordinate amount of airtime?
MP: Well, the Lib Dems have complained to Ofcom, primarily about the BBC who are, of course, our national public service broadcaster, about the disproportionate amount of coverage they seem to give Reform. We are the third largest party, and Reform have four, or is it five, MPs now, I can’t keep up. It’s only fair that coverage is split accordingly. Sadly, they seem to attract attention by spouting hate and dividing communities. Personally, I’d rather see some ‘positive populism’ that inspires the public.
Speaking of Reform, what are your thoughts on the recent situation at Warwickshire County Council, who eventually elected a 19-year-old Leader?
MP: I’m excited by the recent proposal to lower the voting age to 16, so it’s good when young people get involved in politics. However, it doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 80 and in a position of power, you have to be held accountable. They’ve been shouting from the sidelines for years but now they need to step up. There are many pressing issues in the region, but while things like, for example, improving access to education for the many children that are currently outside the system, unfortunately they seemed more concerned with flags and culture wars. Ultimately, they’ll be judged on their governance, though.
What does Stratford need to keep high street shops open?
Stratford, like many towns, is struggling with a growing number of empty shops and premises, along with big brands, including most recently Poundland, deserting the high streets. How can this be turned around?
MP: I think we need to look seriously at reforming the business rate system. High rents and business rates, along with crippling energy costs and the government’s recent National Insurance contribution hike have all combined to make life very difficult for small businesses. Local authorities need more powers to encourage landlords to fill shops, so they don’t lie empty for years, whether that’s by allowing pop-ups, or as in Stratford, arts organisations to use them. The larger landlords must take the lead and if that means lower rents for a limited period to encourage new tenants then so be it.
We have to encourage national growth, but we also feel it is important that those with the broadest shoulders pay their way, and that it is not small businesses or residents paying the lion’s share.
Lib Dem views on Europe and citizen rights
It is no secret that the Lib Dems want closer ties with Europe.
MP: Yes, we want a bespoke customs union that cuts red tape for small and medium businesses and encourages investment at a local and national level, but we’d also reverse the cuts the Tories gave the big banks and expand digital taxes. The big corporations like Amazon and the social media companies need to pay their fair share, and we need a proper windfall tax on oil and gas company profits.
As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Citizens’ Rights, what are the biggest challenges facing you?
MP: Well, as we know the immigration status of the many Brits abroad changed overnight when we left the EU, so we are committed to ensuring that their voices remain part of our democracy. We still have not set up overseas constituencies like France and Italy, and we are campaigning to see something similar for British citizens abroad.
How will you spend summer recess?
Parliament is in recess now until September. Is it time to put your feet up?
MP: Not at all. We’ll have a flying visit to see friends and family in Rome, my birthplace, but after that I am planning a summer tour of my constituency, setting up shop in various village pubs around the region in order to meet and talk to people about the issues that affect them and, at the same time, do my bit to help out the struggling hospitality industry.
Finally, back to that gnarly old question about the football. Who did she support in the England v Italy semi-final? With the consummate assurance of the professional politician, she batted it away with ease and a twinkle in her eye. “I’m very proud of the Lionesses,” she declared defiantly. Aren’t we all!
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