Lutterworth MP secures meeting with Prime Minister about Leicester city expansion plans

The MP for South Leicestershire told the House of Commons of concerns raised by villagers who do not want to be drawn into the city’s new proposed boundary.

He said: “These are rural or semi-rural villages which have little in common with the urban area of the city of Leicester. They have responded to the Government’s consultation and said they do not want to be part of the city of Leicester.

"This is nothing to do with devolution. It is local government reform, changing the boundaries.

"The Prime Minister said he is in listening mode. Will he therefore agree to meet me, the villagers of these areas I have mentioned, and other

stakeholders?”

Andy Burnham agreed to meet with Mr Costa and discuss the issues raised.

The government announced it would pause local government reorganisation in the area.

Alberto Costa MP said: “The pause is welcome. It is not the same as taking city expansion off the table. That is why I asked the Prime Minister to meet residents, and why I am glad he agreed to my request.

“I will use that meeting to put the case plainly. South Leicestershire does not want to be absorbed into Leicester. Our villages are not spare land for the city.”

MPs across Leicestershire will take a petition opposing the plans to Downing Street on Monday (September 14) after thousands of people added their names.

Mr Costa added: “Monday’s demonstration is still on. A pause is not a victory. We need to show the Government and the City Mayor that local people are still united against this plan. The objective is simple: get city expansion taken off the table. Until that happens, we keep going.”