Three years on from the demolition of The Crooked House, the loss of what was affectionately known as "Britain's Wonkiest Pub" remains something I continue to feel deeply. For so many people like me across the Black Country and beyond, The Crooked House was far more than just a pub. It was a cherished local landmark, a symbol of our industrial heritage, and a place that held countless memories for generations of visitors.
When news first broke that The Crooked House had caught fire, my immediate reaction, like that of so many others, was to assume that this was a tragic accident. I can still vividly remember the sense of shock and sadness as I saw the now infamous images of flames engulfing the building, reaching high into the midsummer sky. Watching such an iconic part of our local heritage consumed by fire was heartbreaking.
However, as further information emerged in the days that followed, it became increasingly difficult to accept that this had simply been an unfortunate accident. Reports soon surfaced that a substantial mound of earth had been placed across the main entrance to the site, preventing fire appliances from gaining effective access to the building. Then came the deeply disturbing revelation that, just days after the fire, the pub had been demolished without the necessary permissions. It was a devastating and profoundly regrettable act that left a permanent stain on the proud history of the Black Country's most distinctive and celebrated historic buildings.
Getting a sense of justice for the heritage pub, and for those who loved the local pub has remained central to my work. It has now been some time since people were charged in connection with the fire and subsequent demolition of The Crooked House. Throughout this period, I have remained in regular contact with Staffordshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to understand how I can best assist in ensuring the case progresses. I was therefore pleased to receive confirmation from Staffordshire Police on Monday that their investigation has now been completed. The evidence has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service, and the decision on how the case proceeds now rests with them.
Although the intense national and international media attention surrounding The Crooked House has inevitably faded, my determination to secure justice and learn from what happened has not diminished. The Crooked House belonged not only to the Black Country but to the nation's shared heritage. Its destruction raised a fundamental question that has remained with me ever since: What can I do to ensure that no other historic pub suffers the same fate?
For some time, I reflected on that question. As a Member of Parliament, it became increasingly clear to me that the most meaningful response was not simply to mourn what had been lost, but to strengthen the law so that other historic pubs could be better protected from a similar fate in the future.
This led directly to the creation of my Heritage Public Houses Bill, which I reintroduced to Parliament as a Private Member's Bill on Friday 17th June 2026. Whilst a Private Member's Bill is introduced by a backbench Member of Parliament rather than the Government, it provides an important opportunity to bring forward legislation on matters of significant public interest and to encourage Parliament to address issues that deserve greater attention.
My Bill seeks to establish stronger and more consistent protections for our nation's historic pubs, recognising the unique role they play in preserving local identity, culture, and history. Above all, its purpose is to ensure that no other community has to endure the devastating loss of an iconic local landmark, as the people of the Black Country have experienced in recent years.
The legislation would require local authorities to compile, maintain and regularly update a register of those heritage public houses over 150 years old within their area. It would strengthen planning safeguards by introducing additional requirements when applications are made affecting registered heritage pubs, ensuring that their historic significance is properly considered before any irreversible decisions are taken. The Bill would also make further provision relating to the listing and protection of heritage public houses, creating a more robust legal framework to safeguard these important community assets for future generations.
Whilst no amount of legislation can undo the destruction of The Crooked House, I firmly believe that its legacy should be one of lasting change. If the loss of Britain's Wonkiest Pub can inspire stronger protections that prevent another historic public house from being lost in the same way, then something positive can yet emerge from one of our region’s darkest moments.
Together, we can ensure The Crooked House rises from the ashes once more and is rebuilt, brick by brick.
