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The best of politics, culture and sport from across the West Midlands

The First Cut!

This week: Andy Street exclusive, the Cost of Living, Stock Market upsets, 'Police Chief's' Parliamentary ambitions, Culture Reviews and more! Welcome to Counter Cut!

Jul 4, 2022

Welcome to the first Cut! We’re excited to bring you our first newsletter from Counter Cut where we dive into the hot topics in politics, culture and sport from across the West Midlands. Please feel free to comment, like and share this cut’s pieces and maybe consider forwarding this email to a friend or colleague!

Alongside the newsletter, we have also launched our weekly news round-up podcast - The Short Cut - and The Sports Cut (coming later today!), both of which are not to be missed! We hope you enjoy reading and listening to Counter Cut.

Counter Cut’s content this month is sponsored by The New Talbot

This week’s leading article is an exclusive piece from Metro Mayor Andy Street, discussing all things Commonwealth Games and its legacy for the region:

Andy Street Exclusive: 'When we host the Commonwealth Games this summer, let’s seize the moment to the fullest'

Metro Mayor Andy Street writes:

In less than a month, the eyes of the world will be on the West Midlands as we play host to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

I have always believed in the potential of these Games to go far beyond the eleven days of sporting spectacle – as thrilling of course as they will be.

Also in this week’s issue, following the news that the Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner has made his parliamentary ambitions clear, Editor-in-Chief Dom Stanford asks,

West Midlands Police - the latest spring-board for ambitious politicians. Is the PCC’s office undermining the Police?

Having served as the Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner for just one year, Tom McNeil’s bid for Parliament may come as a surprise to some so early into his new role. However, those who follow the region’s politics closely will recall that McNeil boasts two unsuccessful Parliamentary elections for the Meriden Constituency, having contested the Conservative safe seat in 2015 and 2017.

McNeil enters a hotly contested selection process of hungry young candidates desperate to take on Gary Sambrook, the incumbent Conservative MP who won the seat in 2019. With Sambrook sitting on a majority of just 1,640, it promises to be a close-run contest.

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With McNeil’s intentions now public, frustration is mounting that the Police Force is being used to further the careers of ambitious politicians…

*Image Credit: West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Website*

Jack Dixon writes in his first piece about Birmingham City Council’s handling of the Cost of Living Crisis:

Tax hikes, payment delays and new Council charges - Brummies hit with triple blow during cost of living crisis

The cost of living crisis is hitting families across the UK. Supply-chain issues, energy bill increases and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have driven widespread inflation.

Families in Birmingham are struggling and concern is mounting that Birmingham City Council is adding to the pressures they face. The Labour administration’s decision to hike council tax could disproportionately hit working-class families hardest.

Counter Cut’s Sports Editor, Tomas Browne gives us a tantalising preview of the Women’s Euro, which kicks off this Wednesday as England face down Austria:

Its Coming Home (again, technically)

As the curtain closes on the domestic season in a World Cup year, the nation gears up for arguably the world's greatest sporting competition. Beer gardens with big screens, barbecues at home or listening to the radio at work. ‘Football is coming home’.

A fresh look at the latest from the US Stock Market comes to you from Business and Finance Editor, Nial Dixon:

The US stock market has plummeted, but in every downturn opportunity can be found

S&P 500 has worst half since 1970. What does this mean for investors?

You may be wondering how the American stock market would affect you.

As investing has become more accessible, more and more people have added US stocks to their portfolios. In fact, if you want to start to become a more globalised investor, across the Atlantic seems like a sensible way to start.

What does a poor half mean for future investments and how does this year compare to 1970?

*Image Source: finviz.com S&P 500 6 month performance*

Over in Solihull, Samantha Franklin writes an honest review of Freddie’s Play Pad:

Introducing Freddie’s Play Pad - A Safe Haven for this Sleep Deprived Mom

When I had my first child, referred to as ‘Kid 1’, I was terrified of the prospect of going on my own to a stay-and-play. It seemed like a cliquey, miserable and lonely place.

I spent most of my days doing one-on-one ‘messy play’ and heading to the park with Kid 1. It was great. Kid 1 was a dream.

Then ‘Kid 2’ comes along and ‘one-on-one’ is no longer the mother-daughter quality time it once was. ‘Messy play’ at home is most definitely not on the cards.

Why, you ask?

Because Kid 2 is the kid that eats the paint and throws the tray at the wall. Kid 2 is the kid that climbs over the child gate and swings from the light fixtures. Kid 2 is the kid that empties the sandpit inside the house…

Reporting from Harborne Carnival, Jamil Hooper gives us an insight into the day and a sample of the culinary delights:

Harborne Carnival - a Spectacle on the High Street not to be missed!

Sunday 26th June saw the return of Harborne Carnival attracting thousands of visitors to enjoy the sunshine as a community whilst supporting Heart Research UK after a 2-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There was plenty of fabulous food on offer

From the Digbeth Dining Club to Qbox’ Carnival Special - created by the culinary-genius Dan Sweet - which I couldn’t resist indulging in; so tasty I ended up opting for not one, but two desserts.

Counter Cut’s content this month is sponsored by The New Talbot. Enjoy traditional curried, mixed grills and speciality starters that you won’t find elsewhere. Enjoy an extensive range of drinks from draught beers to delicious cocktails.

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The Counter Cut Team