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Thursday, December 1, 2022
FORMER MP BIDDING TO CLEAR NAME Paterson statement claims he is innocent of lobbying charge
Former North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson has issued a statement about his suspension from the House of Commons which led to his resignation.
Through the statement issued by his legal team, the former Northern Ireland and Environment Minister says he is completely innocent of any charge of lobbying. He has decided to go to the European Court of Human Rights to clear his name – the very body he campaigned for the UK to quit during the Brexit campaign. There is, says his statement, no UK mecha-
Former MP Owen Paterson nism enabling him to seek justice. Lawyer Philip Barden, from the firm Devonshires, said that in October, Mr Paterson was found by the House of Commons Committee on
Standards to have, in the committee’s words, “used his privileged position as a Member of Parliament to secure benefits for two companies for whom he was a paid consultant”. The committee described Mr Paterson’s alleged actions as “an egregious case of paid advocacy”. However, Mr Barden said: “Mr Paterson did not engage in lobbying, nor did he use his position to secure benefits for any company. He is innocent of any charge of lobbying.” The statement says the former MP was supported by statements from no fewer than 17 witnesses. “The committee refused to call any of those witnesses. Other than Mr Paterson’s own testimony, no witnesses or evidence were produced and thus the committee’s conclusions could not reasonably and fairly have been reached.”
Restaurant saved as new bosses take over A popular restaurant has been rescued from closure by a businessman who also operates premises in Market Drayton. The future of The Peach Tree in Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, which opened in 1997, looked uncertain after its owners announced it was closing with immediate effect. However, the venue, along with neighbouring Havana Republic cocktail bar and Spirit Venue, are
now being operated by Michael Halford and The Shire Collection. Mr Halford is leasing the businesses. Mr Halford is the director of The Shire Collection Ltd, which also runs The Buttercross in Market Drayton. An announcement on The Peach Tree’s Facebook page said: “We are thrilled to announce that Michael Halford and The Shire Collection are now officially the new bosses
at The Peach Tree, Havana Republic, and Spirit Venue. Michael and his team have lots of exciting creative plans for the future – but their immediate focus is to roll up their sleeves and bring the magic of Christmas to The Peach Tree for each and every party booking this December!” Bosses have told those with bookings they will hear from the restaurant soon if they haven’t already.
Tori Watson and Alice Machin at Market Drayton Library with a tree decorated by Adderley Primary pupils
School pupils bring touch of Christmas magic to library Votes are now open for members of the community to pick out the ‘prettiest’ Christmas tree after they were decorated by 11 Shropshire schools. Adorned with gingerbread men and tinsel, bees and baubles, the Christmas trees have made staff feel like they’re living in a CS Lewis novel. The library team launched the project this week and invited local schools in the area to take part in decorating their tree in any way they want. Tori Watson, from Market Drayton Library, said: “It’s become a real talking point. They are on display from the lights switch-on until Christmas Eve and we are
hoping that we are going to get a new footfall of families that we usually don’t see. We want to get as many people in as possible; it looks slightly like Narnia in here and we are hoping to continue it next year.” The project is supported by the Friends of Market Drayton Library and the winning tree will receive a £50 cheque for their school. “We wanted to find a way to involve all of the local primary schools,” Tori said. “We are quite a rural area so we contacted nine or 10 of them and ended up with 11.” To cast your vote, visit Market Drayton Library. The winner will be announced at the Christmas party on December 10.
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