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I want to say thank you to four brilliant Labour colleagues who weren’t re-elected as Councillors last week. It’s not easy to put yourself forward for the scrutiny of public office. And if you’re lucky enough to get elected as a local Councillor, it’s hard work and often thankless. Joanna Midgley, John Hacking, Suzannah Reeves and Angela Gartside all served their wards with distinction. They worked hard, each were at the heart of their communities, and they made a positive difference to the lives of people in their areas.
I believe the results are not a reflection on their great work as local councillors, but sent a message to the Labour Government that we need to do better. Their dedication will be missed, and I know their contribution as councillors has been hugely appreciated by the residents they worked alongside.
Thank you also to Ben Williams for his hard work as a Labour candidate, and to all our great local Labour campaigners – and thanks to the voters who supported Labour across Manchester Withington. Finally, congratulations to Andrew Simcock on his successful re-election in Didsbury East. Good luck to him and all newly elected Councillors.
Jeff Smith
Today marks the start of Foster Care Fortnight, a chance to raise awareness of the positive difference that foster carers make and to celebrate the huge contribution of over 3,500 foster carers across Wales caring for children and young people in our communities.
Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering locally can speak with the Foster Wales Carmarthenshire team at several events taking place in the next few weeks.
More info here:
https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/council-services/children-family-services/fostering/events
#FCF26

Local MPs raised “serious concerns” about a huge solar farm near Swaffham during public hearings held by the Planning Inspectorate this week.
The 500MW Droves Solar Farm, proposed by Island Green Power (IGP), would be built between Castle Acre and Swaffham.
For more on this story visit Lynn News here.
Stephen Morgan MP has given his support to new measures that will remove the fear of immediate benefits loss for over 16,500 disabled people in Portsmouth who want to try work.
New legislation has now come into force that will support disabled people with a ‘right to try’ work without losing benefits. More than a third (37%) of disabled people and people with health conditions told the DWP Work Aspirations survey that they want to work, but are held back by fear of losing their benefits.
The landmark legislation, which has now come into force, means entering employment will not automatically trigger benefit reassessment for claimants on new-style Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Universal Credit health element.
These policy changes developed by disabled people and those with health conditions via ‘Collaboration Committee’. Following recommendations from this committee the legislation also includes a guarantee that those looking to volunteer will be able to do so without fear of benefit reassessment – helping people move closer to, or into, work.
The changes are part of the Government’s drive to unlock work for sick or disabled people and boost living standards, by helping them move into good, secure jobs. This is backed by a £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support by the end of the decade.
Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“Through Right to Try, this Government has taken major steps towards removing the barriers to work for disabled people.
“I know from conversations with those in Portsmouth with long term illnesses and disabilities, that many feel they have been abandoned to a life on benefits that has prevented them from working, even if they want to try.
“Labour is removing the fear of whether trying work will result in an immediate benefits loss, allowing over 16,500 sick and disabled people in our city to be able to see if work works for them, boosting their living standards and supporting our local economy by unlocking the talent that previous governments have ignored.”
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said:
“Giving sick and disabled people legal protection to try work without fear is vital for their futures and for growing our economy.
“It’s part of the work we’re doing to bear down on the cost of living and boost living standards for sick or disabled people in every corner of the country.
“With 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term sickness, we’re removing the barriers that have held people back for too long.”
Whilst this legislation ensures that entering work is not in itself a trigger for reassessment, where a reassessment is already due to take place, this will continue as normal.
The Government’s wider support offer includes innovative programmes that meet sick or disabled people where they are, such as WorkWell – which is now set to unlock opportunities for 250,000 more people – and the Connect to Work programme which will provide personalised help for 300,000 people over the next five years.
Reforms which have just come into force will also tackle the perverse incentives in the Universal Credit system inherited by this government, which keep people trapped on benefits. By introducing a lower health element for new claimants, the government will save nearly £1 billion in taxpayer money and help move people towards work.
The post Barriers to work removed for disabled benefit claimants as landmark legislation introduced appeared first on Stephen Morgan MP.
This week Parliament ‘prorogued’ meaning MPs won’t be sitting in the House of Commons until the new King’s Speech and the next State Opening of Parliament.
This gives an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the government since it came to power in July 2024.
The government has now passed more than 50 Acts of Parliament, each of which works to rebuild the British state, so that it once again serves the interests of working people.
These include:
The Employment Rights Act, the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation
The Passenger Public Services (Public Ownership) Act, establishing Great British Rail – a publicly owned and accountable body to improve rail services and keep fares low
The Great British Energy Act, establishing a publicly owned organisation to bring clean energy and cheaper bills to British consumers and industry
The Renters Rights Act, providing renters with security and dignity in housing by outlawing no-fault evictions amongst other protections for private renters
The Removal of Two Child Limit Act, bringing 450,000 children out of poverty and providing security to working families by removing the arbitrary two-child benefit cap.
The Water (Special Measures) Act, reversing the Tory decline in environmental standards and accountability in the water industry, empowering consumers and holding water bosses to account.
The Crime and Policing Bill, tackling violence against women and girls, anti-social behaviour and retail crime, whilst rebuilding public confidence in policing and the wider criminal justice system.
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, making good on our promise to give back control to local communities and provide mayors with unprecedented powers to deliver growth.
Whilst there has been lots done, there is still lots more to do to restore pride in Britain and in our city.
I look forward to Parliament returning on 13 May with the State Opening of Parliament and a new King’s Speech, speaking up on the issues that matter to Portsmouth people.
Amanda Martin MP
The post A reflection on the past few months as Parliament prorogues appeared first on Amanda Martin MP.

On 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act officially entered into force, giving 11 million renters across Britain stronger rights, better protections and more security in their homes.
14,647 renters in Clapham & Brixton Hill will benefit from these new laws, which include a long-overdue ban on ‘No Fault’ evictions, ending the practice of tenants being evicted without a reason.
These reforms are designed to give renters greater security, stability and fairness – helping people to put down roots and feel more secure in their homes.
These changes are designed to make renting fairer and more secure, while also giving landlords clear, modernised rules to follow. 1 May 2026 marks the first phase of implementation, with additional provisions coming in later this year and beyond.
This legislation represents a significant upgrade to renters’ rights and I welcome it wholeheartedly but there is still work to do to stop renters being evicted and exploited.
The post Renters Rights Act Comes into Force appeared first on Bell Ribeiro-Addy.
What I’ve been up to throughout March March has been a busy month, both in Westminster and in the constituency. In Westminster, a lot of my time has been spent on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, where we have been doing pre-legislative scrutiny of commonhold and leasehold legislation. I asked constituents to
The post March Update appeared first on Sean Woodcock, MP for Banbury.
The post March Newsletter appeared first on Mohammad Yasin MP.

Nesil Caliskan, Member of Parliament for Barking, celebrates the announcement £20 million additional funding for Barking & Dagenham from the government’s Pride in Place programme after launching a campaign for more Pride in Place funding for the borough.
The government has selected Mayesbrook Park, in Mayesbrook ward, and Rippleside, in Eastbury ward, as the beneficiaries of the funding injection.
Nesil has been meeting with and speaking to constituents about where additional funding in Barking & Dagenham should go to benefit local people the most.
The Prime Minister backs UK renewal with a historic £5 billion investment into communities across the UK as part of the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Pride in Place programme.
Residents and Members of Parliament are to play a leading role in deciding the best use of the funding in their own communities. Local people decide how the money is spent, whether it is on improving local high streets, reviving green spaces or on community hubs, pubs and leisure centres.
Nesil Caliskan, Member of Parliament for Barking said:
“I was pleased with the government’s initial announcement of £1.5 million in funding for Barking & Dagenham’s high streets, but local people deserved more to make a tangible impact in our local communities.
“I’ve been campaigning for an uplift on the £1.5 million Pride in Place, speaking to Ministers and urging them to invest in Barking & Dagenham. People should feel pride in the places they live and enjoy the opportunities that emerge from revitalised community centres. That’s why I’m pleased that Barking & Dagenham will now receive £20 million which will make a real difference to our local area and economy.”
The post Pride In Place Drop In Events appeared first on Emma Lewell MP.
A huge thank you to every resident who is helping to organise and who will be attending our peaceful protest to protect our precious Green Belt and Green Spaces.
Setting politics aside, we are standing together to voice our total opposition to the Government’s plan to reclassify our Green Belt as “Grey Belt.”
This is about standing shoulder to shoulder and protecting our community’s future!
I am getting a huge number of messages from people about potholes across Bassetlaw. Our roads are falling apart and it cannot go on like this.
Many drivers tell me they are worried about damage to their cars. They say they have to swerve to avoid deep holes in the road. People are facing huge bills for car repairs to fix damage to tyres. I have even heard about license plates being ripped from cars by deep potholes in some areas.
Recently, I was contacted by residents who live on Sheffield Road in Blyth. The road there is in a terrible state. Large lorries hit the crater holes at speed, and the impact is so strong that nearby houses shake, day and night. Some residents are struggling to sleep through the night because the vibrations are so bad. Some have even seen cracks appear in their brickwork. That is simply not good enough.
I am pushing for the whole road to be properly resurfaced, not just patched up. I am pleased that this request has now been put forward to the County Council as part of next year’s roads budget. I will keep pressing for it to be approved.
I see the ‘dob jobs’ taking place, but this is a quick fix and not a permanent solution. In some cases, the roads crumble again within weeks. The County Council recently spent £75,000 on flags for lampposts. While I love to see our flag flying, is this really the priority when our roads are in such a bad state?
We have heard plenty of excuses. The councillor in charge of roads has even tried to blame my husband, John Mann, the former MP for Bassetlaw. But I have lived here in Bassetlaw for over 25 years, and I have never known our roads to be in such poor condition. Over the past few months, I have reported over 50 potholes across Bassetlaw. But when I go to report them, I often see that they have been reported many times before, and no action has been taken.
Many people ask me what is being done about it. Here are the facts. Nottinghamshire County Council is in charge of looking after our roads. It runs this service through its company, VIA. The Council has been given an extra £8.3 million from the government to fix roads. This is on top of the £70 million it already has for road repairs. I plan to meet with the County Council very soon, alongside other Nottinghamshire MPs of all parties to discuss the issue.
The Council is saying it plans to buy a special machine called the JCB Pothole Pro. It costs about £200,000 and is meant to repair potholes more quickly. However, I am concerned that the previous Conservative administration looked at this in 2021, and found that the machine did not save money, could damage kerbs, and had problems on narrow roads. Most importantly, it did not fix potholes any faster than normal repair methods.
I will be keeping a close eye on how this money is spent. What matters most is that our roads are maintained and properly repaired. My message is clear, use the money and get on with the job.
The post Potholes are the main concern for Bassetlaw residents appeared first on Jo White MP.
An abridged version of this article ran in The Times on 3rd February 2025
In 2007, in the pages of this newspaper, I argued that Britain should seize the moment and move Heathrow to the Thames Estuary, freeing up the congested west London site for much-needed housing while creating a world-leading transport hub fit for the 21st century. It was an ambitious plan—perhaps too ambitious for a nation that has lost its appetite for grand infrastructure. Seventeen years later, what do we have? The same tired debates, the same dithering, and now, a third runway proposal that represents the absolute minimum of what could be done. It is not a vision; it is a concession to stagnation.
Throughout history, Britain built infrastructure that transformed cities and continents. The Victorians laid thousands of miles of railways across India and Africa. British engineers built the world’s first underground railway in London, the great docks of Hong Kong, and the vast shipping hubs that made global trade possible. Ours was once a nation that saw scale and complexity as challenges to be overcome, not reasons to prevaricate. Today, while China constructs floating airports in Hong Kong and Dalian, we are still arguing over a few extra miles of tarmac at an aging airport hemmed in by suburban sprawl.
The case for expanding Heathrow is undeniable. The airport operates at near capacity, with any disruption causing delays that ripple across the global aviation network. Additional capacity is needed. But the third runway is not a bold leap forward—it is an unimaginative compromise. The design is a relic of a bygone era when Britain was still willing to approve large infrastructure projects but had already begun its slow descent into cautious incrementalism. Surely for a solution we should be looking beyond the immediate horizon, daring to create something transformative.
Compare this to the grand infrastructure ambitions of Asia. Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok, which replaced the legendary but perilous Kai Tak airport in the 1990s, was built on reclaimed land. It was a marvel of engineering (mostly British), completed in just six years. Now, China is taking the concept even further: Dalian is constructing a floating airport, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This is a country that doesn’t simply accept geographic limitations—it overcomes them. Britain, meanwhile, is paralysed by protest groups, endless consultations, and political hand-wringing.
A floating airport in the Thames Estuary—an idea proposed and swiftly dismissed—would have been a statement of ambition. London could have had its own Chek Lap Kok, a world-class hub unencumbered by the constraints of Heathrow’s location. Instead, we are left with a piecemeal expansion of an outdated site, in a project that will take decades and still leave Britain trailing behind.
The environmental argument against expansion is often cited as a reason for delay, but it is a red herring. Modern aviation is rapidly advancing towards lower emissions and greater efficiency. If the concern is air pollution and carbon footprints, the answer is not to stifle airport expansion but to embrace new technology, support cleaner aviation fuels, and invest in modern air traffic management. Britain should be leading these efforts, not using environmental concerns as an excuse for stagnation.
The economic cost of our hesitation is immense. Aviation is a key driver of trade, tourism, and investment. Heathrow’s constraints mean we lose out to European rivals, with airlines shifting long-haul routes to Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. The third runway, even if built, will do little to reclaim lost ground. By the time it is operational—assuming it even survives the judicial challenges that will inevitably come—other nations will have long since surpassed us.
What Britain needs is a fundamental shift in mindset. We must stop viewing major infrastructure projects as necessary evils to be endured and start treating them as national priorities. This requires reforming our planning laws, streamlining approval processes, and fostering a political culture that celebrates engineering excellence rather than recoiling from it.
The third runway at Heathrow is not the answer—it is a symptom of our decline. Instead of an afterthought tacked onto an aging airport, we should be considering radical alternatives: offshore airports, high-speed rail integration to regional hubs, and a renewed commitment to infrastructure that places Britain at the forefront of global connectivity. We were once a nation that built the world’s most advanced transport networks, that pioneered engineering breakthroughs others only dreamed of. We can be that nation again—but only if we stop settling for mediocrity and start daring to think bigger.
The world is not waiting for Britain to catch up. While we squabble over a single new runway, China is building entire new airports on water. The contrast is stark, and the lesson is clear: boldness breeds success, hesitation ensures decline. If Britain truly wishes to remain a global player, we must abandon the timid incrementalism of the third runway and embrace the kind of audacity that once made us great.
Kit Malthouse 1st February 2025
Christmas is a very special time. It's when we come together with friends and family to take stock, and give thanks for what we have.
Some years – in the best of times, this is cause for celebration.
Other years – it's more complicated if we're missing loved ones,
affected by illness, or facing money worries, homelessness, or loneliness.
Sometimes – let’s be honest, for many reasons, Christmas can just be about getting through it, and that's ok!
Because regardless of the year that’s been, or the circumstances you find yourself in, Christmas offers everyone a precious gift – hope.
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