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City MP marks D-Day Anniversary

Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth South)

Stephen Morgan MP has marked the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings, paying tribute to UK servicemen who served and gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy in 1944. 

Mr Morgan, who is himself the grandson of a Southsea D-Day veteran, said: 

“As ships and planes full of brave British soldiers approached the coast of France on D-Day 82 years ago, their courage and sacrifice would bring liberation to Europe and secure our freedoms for generations to come. 

“UK servicemen, including my own Portsmouth based grandfather, stood with our Allies from around the world to deliver a decisive blow against fascism and turn the tide of the war. Some made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives so we could live freely.  

“Like my grandfather, others returned home to build a new Britain out of the ashes of the war. 

“Today, here in Portsmouth, we commemorate their courage; we will honour their fallen comrades and we will ensure that their story is never forgotten. 

“Our debt to them can never repaid in full. But we can – and must – honour their sacrifice. We must never allow that generation’s heroism to be forgotten.” 

The post City MP marks D-Day Anniversary appeared first on Stephen Morgan MP.

10 million free breakfasts for primary school children

Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)

No child deserves to go to school hungry.

That is why I am proud that this Labour Government has provided 10 million free breakfasts to primary school children, improving nutrition and cutting the cost of living for my constituents in Newcastle Central and West.

  • Beaver Road Primary school, Parrs Wood High school, Barlow Hall Primary school, Brookburn Community school are one of 684 schools across England to receive grant funding to improve school buildings
  • Labour invests to replace heating systems, mend roofs, and update electrical works in schools
  • Funding is part of Labour’s 10-year plan to deliver a decade of renewal for schools and colleges across England

Pupils at Beaver Road Primary school, Parrs Wood High school, Barlow Hall Primary school, Brookburn Community school will benefit from more funding to improve their school building, as part of Labour’s long-term plan to improve the school estate.

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) grants worth over £450 million will give 684 schools and sixth-form colleges funding to help to replace heating systems, mend roofs and update electrical works, among other projects, after years of declining buildings.

The funding forms part of a wider package of investment in programmes including the School Rebuilding Programme which is rebuilding and refurbishing schools across the country, including those whose buildings contained dangerous RAAC materials.

These programmes form part of Labour’s 10-year plan to renew buildings across education. By improving classrooms, Labour is providing the opportunities children need to succeed in education and prepare for future careers.

Applications for the Mayesbrook and Rippleside Pride in Place Board opened this week and Nesil Caliskan, MP for Barking, is calling on local community champions to apply.

In March, Nesil Caliskan MP successfully secured a £20m investment for Barking constituency from the government’s Pride in Place fund. Mayesbrook Park and Rippleside have been chosen by the government has the beneficiaries of the funding. The money is for investment in local projects over a 10-year period, and local people get to decide how the money is spent.

The projects will be steered by a Pride in Place Board, made up of local community champions, local councillors and the Member of Parliament.

Nesil Caliskan says:

“I’m so pleased that Barking has been given £20 million over 10 years from the Labour government’s Pride in Place fund to drive change and improvement in our local area. I campaigned in Parliament for Barking & Dagenham to receive more funding from the Pride in Place pot and I’m glad we can now make a material difference in our local area.

“I am forming a Pride in Place board made up of local residents and community leaders to decide how the money is spent. Applications are open now, so if you live in the area and want to improve your neighbourhood, please apply. I look forward to joining you to kickstart projects in Mayesbrook Park and Rippleside.”

Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 5th June 2026

Preet Kaur Gill (Birmingham Edgbaston)

The new NHS Modernisation Bill was debated in Parliament this week. The Bill will introduce the Single Patient Record which means: 20,000 fewer patients in A&E 6,000 fewer hospital admissions £20 million of taxpayers' money saved

Amanda Martin MP has spent recent weeks joining each neighbourhood police officer on patrols across Portsmouth North, seeing first-hand the work being done to tackle antisocial behaviour, shoplifting and local crime in communities across the constituency.

The visits come as the Government delivers its Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee ahead of schedule, backed by a £200 million investment to recruit thousands of additional neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs across the country, including up to 65 new neighbourhood policing roles in Hampshire.

Amanda joined officers in Baffins, Stamshaw, Cosham, Paulsgrove, Drayton, Copnor and Hilsea, speaking directly with police teams, local businesses and residents about the issues affecting their communities.

In Baffins, Amanda accompanied officers through Great Salterns Recreation Ground, around the pond and along Tangier Road, discussing concerns raised by residents about antisocial behaviour. During the patrol, officers also investigated reports from constituents in Whitecliffe Avenue, locating nitrous oxide canisters that had been abandoned in the area. Amanda also spoke with local shopkeepers about the impact antisocial behaviour can have on businesses and the importance of visible neighbourhood policing.

In Stamshaw, the Portsmouth MP joined officers responding to reports of youth-related antisocial behaviour. During the patrol, officers successfully recovered a suspected stolen bike after locating a group of young people attempting to remove identifying features from it.

In Cosham and Paulsgrove, they walked through the High Street and surrounding areas, discussing local concerns ranging from environmental issues to retail crime. She accompanied officers responding to a reported shop theft and spoke with local businesses about the challenges they face.

Meanwhile, in Drayton, Copnor and Hilsea, Amanda visited local parks and community hotspots where residents have reported youth antisocial behaviour. She also joined officers visiting local businesses, including the Co-op on Tregaron Avenue, following concerns raised by staff and constituents about repeated incidents affecting the area.

Amanda Martin MP said: “One of the issues I hear about most from residents is the need for visible policing in our communities. That’s why it has been so valuable to spend time with neighbourhood officers across Portsmouth North and see the work they do every day to keep our communities safe.

“Whether it is tackling antisocial behaviour in our parks, responding to concerns from local businesses, recovering suspected stolen property or addressing issues raised directly by residents, neighbourhood police officers play a vital role in our communities.

“For too long, neighbourhood policing was hollowed out, leaving many residents feeling that the police were simply not visible enough in the places where problems occur. That’s why I welcome this Government’s commitment to putting more officers back on the beat and strengthening the connection between police and the communities they serve.

“Throughout these visits I have heard directly from officers about the difference visible policing can make. I’ve also heard from residents and business owners who want to see a stronger police presence in their neighbourhoods.
“I will continue working closely with Hampshire Police and residents to ensure the concerns people raise with me are heard and acted upon.”

Under the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, every community will have dedicated neighbourhood policing teams, with increased patrols in town centres and local hotspots. The Government is also introducing new measures through the Crime and Policing Bill aimed at tackling persistent antisocial behaviour, protecting retail workers and giving police stronger powers to deal with nuisance vehicles and repeat offenders.

The MP for Portsmouth North added: “Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live, work and shop. These visits have shown the value of neighbourhood policing and why investing in local officers is so important for communities across Portsmouth North.”

Here is the list of officers covering Portsmouth North, useful to know who’s out and about in your community or if you want to raise something directly with one of them:

  • Cosham & PaulsgrovePC Ben Treend
  • Hilsea, Drayton, Farlington & Copnor PC Owen Goldfinch
  • Hilsea, Drayton, Farlington & CopnorPC Sue Smith
  • Baffins PC Jamie Christian
  • FrattonPC Chris Middleton
  • NelsonPC Nicholas Joyce

The post Amanda Martin MP Joins Neighbourhood Police Officers Across Portsmouth North appeared first on Amanda Martin MP.

Bitterly disappointed Whitbread’s Chief Executive has refused to meet to discuss the future of the Sandpiper.

Along with the local County Councillors for that area, Councillor Martyn Palfreman and Councillor Edward Skinner, I will continue to make the case for retaining this much loved and well used pub for the people of Llanelli and for the interests of staff and those who value the Sandpiper to be taken fully into account as Whitbread continues to consider its future.

The Installation of Rev. Jennifer Elizabeth Mayo

Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills)

It was a wonderful afternoon on Saturday as we celebrated the Licensing and installation of Reverend Jennifer Elizabeth Mayo as the new Priest-in-Charge at the Parish Church of St. Mark, Shelfield & High Heath.

I know just how long the local church and our wider community have been waiting for this moment, and the sheer joy and warmth in the room on Saturday showed exactly how much this means to everyone.

A massive, warm welcome to Reverend Jenny! We are absolutely thrilled to have you here, and I know our community is looking forward to supporting you and working alongside you in this exciting new chapter for St. Mark’s.

Labour's achievements: children, families and young people

Dame Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch)

The Labour Government is delivering for children, families, and young people. Here's how:

Statement on EHRC Guidance on Sex-Based Spaces

Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill)

Clapham & Brixton Hill MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy holds up two signs that say 'inclusive education for all' and 'trans rights are human rights'.

The Supreme Court ruling of April 2025 caused considerable fear and distress amongst transgender people living in the UK and their loved ones. I am acutely aware of the very real harm this climate is causing to individuals and their families. It is particularly alarming that there have been reports of trans people seeking to leave the UK as they no longer feel safe here.

I share concerns that the latest guidance from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) will only further harm and marginalise trans people and risks excluding them from facilities they have used without incident for a long time. The government’s own equality impact assessment acknowledges the widely negative impact it is likely to have on trans rights: from excluding trans people from facilities to outing them without consent and safeguarding risks for trans women forced to use men’s services.

It specifies that trans women should not be permitted to use women’s facilities in places such as hospitals, shops, and restaurants. It also stipulates that people may be asked to confirm their birth sex where a service provider considers it “necessary and proportionate” to do so. Requiring trans people to confirm their birth sex in this way is an unacceptable infringement of their human rights: in particular, their right to privacy and dignity.

I also worry about the broader consequences of this decision for AFAB women who may not conform to traditional notions of femininity. This guidance could have worrying implications for their dignity, public perception and safety.

Trans people deserve to live with the dignity, freedom and safety to participate fully in public life. This guidance represents a significant step away from this aspiration. I recently raised my concerns in Parliament around the EHRC proposals, the implications for trans people and the wider LGBTQ+ community and the need for trans-inclusive guidance on sex-based spaces.

I have signed Early Day Motion 240, aiming to disapprove the draft Code of Practice for Services, public functions and associations laid before the House of Commons on the 21st May. I have also added my name to Early Day Motion 1251, which recognises that transgender transition liberates trans people to be their true selves, condemns baseless fearmongering in the media, and calls on the Government to fulfil its statutory public sector equality duty to trans people.

I will continue to advocate firmly to ensure that trans people, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community, are able to participate fully in public life as their authentic selves, free from discrimination, and welcomed and respected accordingly.

The post Statement on EHRC Guidance on Sex-Based Spaces appeared first on Bell Ribeiro-Addy.

Vacancy: Constituency Support Officer

Dave Doogan (Angus and Perthshire Glens)

Working for: Dave Doogan, MP for Angus and Perthshire Glens Job Title: Constituency Support Officer Salary: £27,000 - £37,846 Hours: Full time (40 per week) Location: Working primarily from Forfar office with travel across constituency on ad hoc basis Length of contract: Permanent Overview This role offers experience supporting an MP with their constituency work including dealing with casework and handling enquiries from members of the public. The Angus and Perthshire Glens office is a...

Healthy Start Scheme Bill

Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields)

Healthy Start value was increased by 10% in April. It’s been a long campaign. I am continuing to work with Sustain: The Alliance For Better Food And Farming, The Food Foundation, Feeding Britain and the Department of Health and Social Care as we push for maximum take up.

The post Healthy Start Scheme Bill appeared first on Emma Lewell MP.

18 May 2026
George Freeman speaks in the debate on the King’s Speech

George Freeman highlights that the UK’s most pressing national challenge is its persistently low economic growth and the structural barriers holding back productivity, enterprise, innovation, and investment. He calls on the Government to make a radical shift towards a “renaissance of enterprise and innovation,” including major reforms to regain control and unlock growth.

George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con)

There is no more important issue for the country than the stubbornly low growth rate and the structural barriers to the growth, productivity, enterprise, innovation and investment that this country so desperately needs, solutions to which have defied successive Governments since the coalition and the political crisis that Brexit unleashed in 2016. It gives me no pleasure to highlight that, for my constituents in Mid Norfolk, the King’s Speech is irrelevant without real delivery on the ground. In Mid Norfolk, the small businesses on which we rely are shedding jobs; disposable incomes are falling; high streets in market towns such as Dereham, Watton and Attleborough are struggling; pubs are closing; farmers are moving away from farming food to take the Government incentives for solar panels and commuter housing estates; and public services are being overwhelmed by rising demand from new housing and an ageing population.

This is fuelling a surge in political anger, which explains a lot of the election results last week. Across Suffolk, Norfolk and the fens of Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, rural deprivation, rural poverty and the disproportionate impact of high energy prices on the rural economy—where, according to Treasury figures, every cup of coffee, schoolbook, pencil, lesson and journey costs 20% more than in cities, yet rural areas are underfunded—are driving real anger, based on real grievances. People are now paying European levels of tax for American levels of public services, and they are fed up. Unless we—this Government, this Parliament, this media, this Whitehall—respect and understand the grievance and set out a truly bold plan to deal with it, I fear that the rich will continue to leave this country, that the middle classes, the engine of growth, will conclude that it is no longer worth putting the work in, and that the poor will turn to the black market and crime.

Sir John Hayes 

For that to happen, Governments and Parliament must take back control, and successive Governments have divested themselves of that control by, as Simon Case said when he left office, giving more power to unelected and unaccountable bodies of all kinds and types. For the Government to act, they need levers to pull to make the kind of difference that my hon. Friend described, and Governments have less and less ability to do that, yet the King’s Speech does not address that fundamental need for a change of direction.

George Freeman 

My right hon. Friend makes an important point. The King’s speech that my constituents loved was the King’s speech in Washington, in which he spoke for the very best of this country. My point is that it is in all our interests—I say this as a friend of mainstream politics and democracy—that we tackle this challenge more boldly.

I welcome the speed with which newly elected Labour MPs have realised the scale and urgency of the problem of public and voter anger, stubbornly slow growth, rising unemployment and demand for public services exceeding capacity, but they are in danger of going for the wrong prescription. What we need is a renaissance of enterprise and innovation across the public and private sectors. Convenient though it may be for my party politically, the idea that the answer is a regicidal political infighting crisis and a leadership contest in office is for the birds. Take it from me: my party has tested that idea to destruction, and we have all paid the price. We do not need a Labour party beauty contest. We need a Parliament and a Government that get more urgent about the many laudable things they have set out to do, but we do not have 10 years to deliver it—we have a couple of years.

If the Labour party knifes this Prime Minister, he will be the seventh who will have been got rid of because of the structural deficit. I remember, when I first arrived here in 2010, the brilliant Paul Johnson of the Institute for Fiscal Studies explaining what the structural deficit is, and it is worth repeating. The normal deficit is when a Government do not earn as much as they are spending; because the economy has taken a downturn, they borrow a bit to keep spending and then pay it back. The structural deficit is that bit of the deficit that goes up every year even when the economy is growing, and it is driven by four things. In 2010, it was being driven by welfare, public sector pensions, and—the big one—health, and debt interest was remarkably low. After the coalition, we had capped off the rise in public sector pensions, incredibly painfully, and we had capped off the rise in welfare, incredibly painfully. Health has continued to defy reform, and it is bankrupting the public sector. We are now spending more than 50% on health, welfare and social support. That is simply not affordable.

We cannot cut, borrow or tax our way out of this. The only way out is to grow, not through dumping cheap housing across the countryside, but by backing the industries of tomorrow.

Sir John Hayes 

I might press my hon. Friend a little further. The other way of dealing with that is to improve productivity, as I said earlier. He is right, of course, that the cost burden is fundamentally important, but it can be made better through greater efficiency. Indeed, the Government themselves have said that, as successive Governments have, but we must put in place measures—very often, tough measures—to deliver that kind of productivity.

George Freeman 

My right hon. Friend makes an important point. I will make a slightly different point, which is that there are huge opportunities for good growth in this country. Speaking as someone who has had a 16-year career backing the industries of tomorrow, whether it is in fusion, SMR nuclear technologies, agritech, bioscience, the bioeconomy on Teesside, or the satellite economy in Glasgow, we have an opportunity to turn these into the industries of tomorrow. I welcome the Government’s industrial strategy commitment to do it, but it is at 50,000 feet; we need to drop down to some more tangible and bolder policies to back those industries.

I know the Secretary of State gave a tub-thumping speech about the 1980s, but the truth is we have made a lot of progress over the last 20 years. I was doing my work as the Minister for Life Sciences, for agritech and for Science and Technology following in the footsteps of Paul Drayson and David Sainsbury. In life science, fusion, AI and quantum, we have built an unbelievably competitive economy, but other countries are moving fast. Our competitors are more agile. We are terrible at adopting technology in the public services. Our scale-ups are not getting the finance they need in the city. Kate Bingham in The Times today is right.

How do we unlock this? I want to suggest a ten-point plan for renewal. I support the Government’s ambition. I say this because if all of us fail, the Benches to my left of pub populists who are promising everything will win, and we will see even deeper disillusionment. I am calling in this speech for, first, real honesty of a 1979 scale about the extent of the emergency; secondly, bold devolution to the people, cities and mayors who know how to do it better—frankly, they could not do worse than Whitehall—thirdly, serious Whitehall reforms, so that we end the juvenile process of His Majesty’s Treasury playing Departments off against each other for funding, which in the end comes very late and is taken back; and fourthly, a serious backing for the innovation economy. 

I welcome the £20 billion of R&D, but how we allocate it is key. We need to allocate it in a way that attracts private investment. Fifthly, we need a bold revolution of tax incentives for enterprises—a new deal for new business. There should be no national insurance or VAT for a couple of years for someone starting a company and growing it. Sixthly, we need regulation for innovation. That is not just cutting regulations, but leading in setting the regulation. I welcome the Government’s work in setting up the Regulatory Innovation Office. We then have skills and patriotic capitalism. I do not think it is communism to get the city investing in British business. Boldness—

Hansard

In 2024, nearly 30% of home sales in Bristol South were on leasehold properties For far too many leaseholders in Bristol South, the reality of home ownership falls woefully short of the ideal they were promised. Escalating service charges, opaque fees and poor management can be daily stresses with many leaseholders feeling disempowered and at the mercy of a system that feels like it is extracting value from them rather than allowing them to enjoy the home they have dreamed of. Nearly 30% of...
Judith brings together partners from Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police, Incommunities, local councillors and volunteers. Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South, has welcomed the Government’s new Waste Crime Action Plan, the most robust crackdown to date on illegal waste activity. These new measures will see waste criminals facing tougher enforcement action, including additional penalty points on their driving licence and prosecution. The announcement follows a series of meetings convened...

SEND Provision

Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett)

I’m hosting a roundtable on Saturday 2nd May on SEND provision. I know many people were able to attend the roundtable event in January focused on SEND provision within schools, with a lot of constituents having personal experience of this. I really want to see a system that works for parents, schools and local authorities alike. Since that roundtable, the Government has […]

Royal Mail boss hauled before Business and Trade Committee

Liam Byrne (Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North)

Our post is broken. And our community is suffering for it. Missing hospital letters. Lost prescriptions. Court documents going astray. I've been hearing it on doorsteps right across the constituency. So, the Commons Business and Trade Committee, which I chair, hauled in the Royal Mail's new owner. He’s on notice. He has committed to publishing an improvement plan. I'll be watching - and reporting every step back to you. Read my column in the latest Solihull Observer:...

March Update

Sean Woodcock (Banbury)

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.

March Newsletter

Mohammad Yasin (Bedford)

Dear Constituent,

Eid Mubarak to everyone who was celebrating last week. This month has been marked by the meaningful overlap of Ramadan and Women’s History Month – a time to reflect on equality, community and shared values. I have been working to uplift women’s voices in Bedford and especially recognise their role throughout Ramadan, balancing professional work and family life. This month has been a moment to celebrate progress but also to recommit to action so that women’s health, safety, opportunity and equality remain at the heart of our work in Parliament. 

Yours sincerely,

Mohammad Yasin MP

In the constituency

Over the past month, I’ve been pleased to attend the following visits and meetings: 

Youth Mindset – I had a great meeting with Verity and Claire from Youth Mindset, an inspiring charity providing free mentoring to young people across Milton Keynes. I was particularly impressed by their focus on building confidence and resilience early, and by their diverse team of volunteer mentors. I’m delighted they are now expanding into Bedford. 

Bedford Sixth Form – I really enjoyed visiting Bedford Sixth Form, where I spoke with students interested in public service and politics. I was inspired by their curiosity and confidence, and we had a thoughtful discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing young people today. 

Flood Risk Visit – I met with the Environment Agency to visit areas at risk of flooding, including King Ditch, Kingfisher and Church Walk in Kempston. Seeing these locations first-hand, along with the pumping system at Bedford Girls’ School, reinforced how important it is that we continue working to protect homes and infrastructure. 

Miracle Church of God in Christ – I had a lovely introductory meeting with Bishop Eric Brown. It was great to hear about the Church’s ambition to engage more young people and provide a welcoming space for the community. 

International Women’s Day (Hawaa Empower) – I was honoured to attend this event celebrating the incredible women in our community. I was particularly inspired by young girls sharing how sport has helped build their confidence, and by the meaningful conversations during Iftar about family, work and equality. 

Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha – I was honoured to join celebrations marking the 649th Birth Anniversary of Sat Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of equality, humility and unity in our community. 

Acorn House Veterinary Hospital – I had a fantastic visit to this impressive local veterinary hospital. I saw first-hand the high standard of care available and had a valuable discussion about the cost pressures facing pet owners and the importance of transparency. 

Bedford School – Cultural Diversity Day – I was delighted to speak with students at this event and take part in a Q&A session. It was a great opportunity to celebrate diversity and hear directly from young people about the issues that matter to them. 

The Higgins Bedford (British Science Week) – I really enjoyed visiting the Science Lab and seeing so many young people getting hands-on with science. It was wonderful to see curiosity and learning brought to life in such an engaging way. 

Visit of The Princess Royal – I was honoured to attend the Combined Cadet Force inspection at Bedford School during the visit of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, where a memorial to former pupils who lost their lives in the First World War was unveiled. 

In Westminster

Global tensions and the cost at home 

The situation in Iran has dominated much of the past month. Every day that passes, the Prime Minister’s decision not to follow the United States into this war, despite intense pressure from the White House, the Opposition and Reform, looks more measured. The backpedalling from some of the loudest early advocates, including figures like Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch and parts of the media has been striking to watch. 

That said, this is an incredibly serious and volatile situation. The risks of escalation remain high, and the consequences are already being felt here at home. Rising global energy prices are feeding directly into the cost of living, and what only weeks ago looked like a stabilising economic picture is now far more uncertain. 

The Spring Statement pointed to improving conditions, with inflation easing and expectations that interest rates would begin to fall. But much of that progress is now under huge pressure. As I write, the Bank of England has held rates amid growing economic nervousness linked to the conflict, when previously cuts had been expected sooner. 

In Parliament, I pressed the Government to hold the line: to prioritise the safety of British citizens, act within international law, and resist being drawn into a wider offensive war without the consent of the House. Ministers have confirmed that the UK will not be drawn into a broader conflict, but the longer this continues, the harder it will be to shield households from the impact. 

Closer to home, I have already been supporting constituents trying to leave the region, a stark reminder that these events are not distant, but deeply personal for many families here who are already feeling the pinch in their pockets to rising petrol prices and a word economy looking more volatile every day the US/Israeli war in Iran continues. 

Education and opportunity 

Education reform has been another major focus this month. The Government’s Schools White Paper, a bold plan to raise standards, rebuild services around families and ensure every child can thrive. A White Paper sets out proposals ahead of legislation, so we now have the opportunity to scrutinise and strengthen the detail, particularly around support for children with special educational needs and disabilities which has particularly worried parent’s who have children with SEND. 

In the Chamber, I asked the Education Secretary for firm assurances: that inclusion will not become conformity, that children who do not meet the threshold for formal plans will still receive specialist support without families having to fight for it, and that parents will retain a clear right of appeal. 

I also raised the issue of student finance directly with Ministers. I asked what steps are being taken to improve the student loan system, because too many young people feel it is fundamentally unfair. While the Government pointed to measures such as reintroducing maintenance grants and raising repayment thresholds, I made clear that deeper reform is still needed. Too many graduates are burdened with debts they may never realistically pay off, and that generational imbalance needs to be addressed. 

Young people and the online world 

The Government has launched a major national consultation on how we keep children safe online an issue many parents raise with me. 

It will look at whether there should be a minimum age for social media, how to tackle addictive features like infinite scrolling, and how to protect children from harmful content. I have supported calls to go further, including exploring an under-16 ban, but it is important that any action genuinely improves safety rather than pushing risks elsewhere. 

Health and everyday services 

There have been important developments in healthcare this month, particularly around access to GP services. A new funding package aims to improve appointment availability, recruit more doctors, and modernise how patients access care. 

I also raised a specific issue that constituents have contacted me about: the long delays in diagnosing Endometriosis. In Parliament, I asked whether the Government would set stronger targets and improve GP training to recognise the condition earlier. In response, Ministers acknowledged that too many women are dismissed or misdiagnosed and committed to speeding up diagnosis and treatment through the upcoming women’s health strategy. 

Economy, jobs and fairness 

Alongside the Spring Statement, Parliament has been examining wider economic challenges, including youth unemployment and the ongoing cost of living pressures. 

The Government has set out plans to support more young people into work, but the uncertainty caused by global events, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, makes this more difficult. The longer instability continues, the more pressure it places on households and businesses here in the UK. 

During International Women’s Month, I also welcomed steps to reduce the gender pay gap, expand childcare, and strengthen workplace protections—important not just for fairness, but for economic growth as well. 

Standards, democracy and public life 

This month has also seen progress on transparency and standards in public life. I supported initiatives to strengthen openness in lobbying, because public trust depends on people being able to see how decisions are made. 

I also voted to remove the automatic right of hereditary peers to sit in the House of Lords, an overdue reform and a step towards modernising Parliament. 

Alongside colleagues from across parties, I supported action to tackle racism in football and challenged unacceptable public discourse where necessary. 

I also supported a letter to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards regarding comments made by Conservative MP and Shadow Justice Minister, Nick Timothy, who described on the platform X, a mass Muslim prayer event in Trafalgar Square with the Mayor of London, as an “act of domination and division”. Many felt those remarks were Islamophobic inflammatory, divisive and inappropriate… and in breach of the Ministerial Code. 

Whatever our political differences, there is a responsibility on all of us in public life to choose our words carefully and to avoid inflaming tensions. 

Environment and public health 

Environmental concerns remain high on the agenda. Following growing anger about sewage pollution, I met campaigners in Parliament to discuss the need for stronger regulation of water companies following the excellent C4 docudrama, Dirty Business. The drama shows how this national scandal was only exposed by two regular men – Ash Smith and Peter Hammond whose 10 year campaign started when they asked why their local river looked so dirty when it was transparent when they were growing up in a little hamlet in Oxfordshire. I had a chat with Feargal Shearkey, whose tireless campaigning in this area has also been great. 

The Government’s proposed reforms in the “A new vision for water: white paper” offer a significant opportunity to clean up our waterways, but it is clear that public expectations are high and further action will be needed and I am sympathetic to the idea of bringing water companies back into public ownership. 

Looking ahead 

It has been a month where global instability has cast a long shadow over domestic policy. While important progress continues across education, healthcare and reform, much will depend on how the situation in the Middle East develops. 

There is also a wider strategic concern that cannot be ignored. The United States remains an essential ally, but under Donald Trump it has also become increasingly unpredictable. 

There is a real risk that this conflict becomes the justification for a shift in priorities, particularly when it comes to Ukraine. 

We are already seeing signs of that. Peace talks on Ukraine have reportedly stalled as attention shifts to Iran, and there are growing questions about the future of US support. At the same time, moves to ease some oil-related sanctions in response to the energy shock risk strengthening Russia’s position just as pressure should be maintained. 

That is why it was so important to see Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the UK this week, working closely with the Prime Minister. His visit was a timely reminder that Ukraine’s fight remains critical to European security. 

There is also a harder truth here. As energy prices rise and global focus shifts, Vladimir Putin stands to benefit. Higher oil and gas prices bring in more revenue, and the diversion of international attention risks easing pressure on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Analysts have already pointed out that, in many ways, Moscow is one of the main beneficiaries of the current conflict. 

That leaves us in a precarious position. The challenge now is not only navigating the immediate crisis in the Middle East, but ensuring it does not undermine support for Ukraine or embolden those who seek to take advantage of global instability. 

For now, the priority remains to protect British citizens, support households through rising costs, and hold firm to our international commitments under a legal framework even in an increasingly uncertain world. 

The post March Newsletter appeared first on Mohammad Yasin MP.

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.

Friday 20 June 2025 marked a joyous and inspiring celebration of World Refugee Day at the Change Centre in Dundee, where eight refugee football teams from across Dundee, Glasgow, Perth, and Angus competed in the inaugural World Refugee Day Cup Football Tournament. The event was the vision of Sandy Greene, Chief Executive of ScrapAntics in ... Read more

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The Third Runway: A Monument to Mediocrity

Kit Malthouse (North West Hampshire)

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

Dan Jarvis' Christmas Message

Dan Jarvis (Barnsley North)

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.

ICC FILES ARREST WARRANTS

Brendan O'Hara (Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)

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