I invited Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP to Birmingham to discuss his work as Secretary of State for International Development with local residents.  The cabinet minister met with local people at Swanshurst school, following a number of other high profile visitors at the school.

Mr Alexander met with around 40 Birmingham residents including representatives from Oxfam, Friends of The Earth, Jubilee Debt Campaign and religious groups.  Also present were members of Swanhurst Sixth Form, including Kiran Basra who recently travelled to London to meet with the Prime Minister.  A lively hour long discussion was held on a wide range of topics including environmental and developmental issues and debt concerns.

I am grateful that Douglas Alexander could take the time to meet with local residents to discuss issues which are clearly very important to them. I am always ready to welcome ministers to join me in my constituency to hear their concerns because I know that is what local people want.

Revd Andy Delmege, St Bede’s Church Brandwood:  “It was wonderful to see Douglas Alexander coming to the constituency and great to take part in such a session and hear him respond to questions from a variety of local people on issues which were clearly of interest to them.”