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Preet Kaur Gill - My Weekly Update - 18 July

Preet Kaur Gill (Birmingham Edgbaston)

Better Futures Fund Too many children continue to have their life chances determined by their background. That’s why this week as part of...

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has officially opened MP Amanda Martin’s new office in the heart of Portsmouth North.

The office, located at 349 Copnor Road, Copnor, will serve as Amanda’s base when working in the constituency, supported by her dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

It will also act as a local hub, offering information on public services, hosting community forums and networking events, and a space for local groups to meet.

Even before the official opening, Amanda had already used the office to host events on knife crime, a constituency coffee morning, and a reception for the city’s veterans. Since April, local residents have been able to drop in for help and support.

Looking ahead, there are ambitious plans to host regular community activities, bringing residents, voluntary organisations, and local businesses together. Amanda and her team will also hold frequent advice surgeries to provide direct support for constituents.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting MP said:

“It’s fantastic to be here in Portsmouth, just after the first anniversary of the General Election, to officially open the new office of my friend, Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin.

“Amanda genuinely cares about this city and the people who call it home. It’s clear she’s already rolling up her sleeves and delivering for her constituents both here and in Westminster.

“It was great to meet local volunteers and see first-hand the difference Amanda and her team are making for Portsmouth.”

Amanda Martin MP added:

“It’s been a busy first year as the newly elected Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North. I’ve been out and about across the city, meeting with over 300 schools, businesses, charities, and organisations, as well as speaking up for Portsmouth more than 130 times in Parliament.

“When I stood for election, I promised to be a visible, local, and accessible MP all year round. I didn’t want to be tucked away in some business park where nobody could find me I wanted to be based right in the heart of the community I serve, on the high street, accessible to everyone.

“If we’re going to make Portsmouth a better place to live for everyone, we need to work together. This office isn’t just a base for me and my team it’s a hub for local action, where residents and organisations can come together to make a real difference.”

The official opening took place on 17 July and was attended by around 70 guests, with ice cream provided by local favourite Mrs Whippy.

The post Wes Streeting, Secretary Of State For Health And Social Care, Has Officially Opened MP Amanda Martin’s New Office In The Heart Of Portsmouth North appeared first on Amanda Martin MP.

Judith welcomes new buses for Bradford

Judith Cummins (Bradford South)

Judith Cummins MP with Mayor Tracy Brabin and Bradford Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe at Bradford Interchange Judith has welcomed new...

Finally received a response on what more we can do to support Palestinians.

Whilst there is much to welcome, e.g. clarity on the illegality of settlements and commitment to free protest.

I’ll keep pressing for more to be done to stop the suffering in Gaza

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New fund to break down barriers to opportunity for young people

Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North)

This week, the Government announced a £500 million fund to break down barriers to opportunity for up to 200,000 children and young people. This fund is the largest of its kind in the world and will run for ten years, with plans to raise an additional £500 million from local government, social investors and philanthropists. […]

Statement on My Removal as UK Trade Envoy to Ghana

Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill)

This afternoon, I was informed by Downing Street that I have been stripped of my role as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Ghana for voting against cuts to disability benefits. Trade Envoys have historically been chosen as the person best suited to boost relations and trade with a given country. In some instances, this is regardless of party affiliation. However, it is the Prime Minister’s prerogative to choose his representatives on the international stage and I wish my successor all the best.

I am also concerned about the removal of the whip from Labour MPs who stood against these cuts. Solidarity with my colleagues. As the Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, my constituents’ voices come first. No Labour MP votes against the whip lightly, especially in government, but when our constituents speak clearly, we must listen.

As someone of Ghanaian heritage, I remain deeply committed to UK-Ghana relations and will continue this work as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ghana. I particularly want to thank the UK-Ghanaian diaspora for all their support in the role, which, like their jollof, is unmatched.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: A Strong Voice for Clapham & Brixton Hill

The post Statement on My Removal as UK Trade Envoy to Ghana appeared first on Bell Ribeiro-Addy.

15 July 2025
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee: Science diplomacy

George Freeman questions Dr Pia Hüsch, Research Fellow in Cyber, Technology and National Security, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI); James Black, Deputy Director, Defence and Security, European Lead, Space, RAND.

Nesil Caliskan, the Labour MP for Barking, has criticised the local NHS on their proposal to close the birth centre at Barking Community Hospital.

The closure would mean women in Barking and Dagenham would be required to travel to Newham University Hospital, which in its last inspection was ‘requires improvement’.

Nesil Caliskan MP told us:

“The proposals to cut services maternity services at Barking Community Hospital come as Secretary of State, Wes Streeting, announced an investigation into maternity services across the country.”

Nesil Caliskan MP for Barking has launched a campaign to save the local birth centre and is calling on residents to share their views and experiences by completing a survey.

“Expecting mothers in Barking and Dagenham deserve to give birth in a safe, local facility.

“Instead, the local NHS are proposing to direct pregnant women outside our Borough, to Newham Hospital which is currently rated ‘requires improvement.

“This indicates the scale of the problem for maternity services and the appalling state they have been left in by the previous Government.

“I have already raised my concerns in Parliament and will continue to make representations to the local NHS.”

Jeff Smith, MP for Manchester Withington, has welcomed the Labour government’s consultation that will give millions of homeowners across England and Wales stronger rights and protections over their homes.

Leaseholders are required to pay a service charge to cover the upkeep of shared areas in their building, however in too many cases they are left facing very unclear and unaffordable fees.

Demands for service charges are currently only required by law to include a limited amount of details, which can leave leaseholders in the dark over what services or works make up their bill.

This can leave leaseholders at risk of being overcharged for poor quality work, or out of pocket for work that has not been carried out in some of the worst cases, on top of existing cost of living pressures.

Switching on measures in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 will ensure almost five million leaseholders in England and Wales have the transparency they need to better hold their landlords to account, with a greater breakdown of what their money is being spent on alongside other changes.

The government is pushing ahead to implement these reforms and is consulting over the best way forward to ensure they are robust, workable and protect leaseholders effectively.

Welcoming the consultation, Jeff Smith MP said:

“Too many of my constituents in Manchester Withington have been trapped in a broken leasehold system, facing unfair bills, unaccountable managing agents, and no real power to challenge poor service. Labour is acting to change that. Giving homeowners greater rights, powers, and protections over their homes”

Further reforms – in addition to measures in the Act – that the government is seeking views on as part of this consultation include improving the Section 20 ‘major works’ process to ensure leaseholders are not hit by one-off, unexpected and very large bills with little or no notice as is the case currently.

This is part of the government’s wider mission to end the feudal leasehold system, reinvigorate commonhold, and give homeowners real control over their homes. In the second half of this year, the Labour government intend to publish an ambitious draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill which will set out a reformed commonhold model and we will consult later this year on a ban on the use of leasehold for new flats These reforms will help drive up living standards, as part of Labour’s Plan for Change.

You can submit your views here:

https://consult.communities.gov.uk/leasehold-and-private-rented-sector/strengthening-leaseholder-protections-consultation/

School holiday activities in Leicester

Liz Kendall (Leicester West)

The summer holidays have arrived, and thankfully there’s plenty going on in Leicester to keep the kids entertained!

From crafts to coding, or animals to outer space – there’s something for everyone!

The post School holiday activities in Leicester appeared first on Liz Kendall.

Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan has said Labour’s radical skills reforms will set Portsmouth young people up for jobs of the future.

Mr Morgan made the comments during a visit to City of Portsmouth College where he toured the specialist Refrigeration & Air Conditioning and Gas & Plumbing workshops.

The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion focusing on the college’s strategic goals, workforce development in the childcare sector, and the importance of collaborative leadership in education.

Mr Morgan discussed the government’s plans to deliver 120,000 new training opportunities across England as part of a radical skills revolution, giving them the chance to develop skills where they are most needed across the workforce to rebuild Britain.

More skilled brickies, carpenters and healthcare support workers will soon be trained up as Labour continues drive to get Britain working, with landmark reforms announced today that refocus the skills landscape towards young, domestic talent.

The Labour Government is making the UK a clean energy superpower creating jobs of the future for Portsmouth young people and investing in new measures to tackle construction skills shortages to build 1.5 million homes.

Commenting, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:

“It was great to City of Portsmouth College again to see how they’re equipping local young people with the skills and training they need to succeed in the future.

“Labour is investing in these skills for Portsmouth young people so they have more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive.

“The Government has set out ambitious targets to build 1.5 million homes and make our country a clean energy superpower and I’m excited by the opportunities this will bring local people. More skilled brickies, carpenters and healthcare support workers is exactly what Portsmouth can deliver as we continue to get Britain working.”

Mr Morgan recently welcomed a £2.3 million funding boost for students in Portsmouth from a fresh government investment in college buildings.

The post Stephen Morgan backs skills revolution on visit to City of Portsmouth College appeared first on Stephen Morgan MP.

Shoppers and businesses in Llanelli will see increased police patrols and local action to tackle town centre crime this summer, as the Home Secretary launches a major blitz to support safer high streets.

The blitz – which will see more officers in Llanelli town centre during peak times over the summer months – has today been welcomed by Dame Nia Griffith, Labour MP for Llanelli as a way to help shoppers and visitors feel safe and more confident and also to increase footfall in the town.

More than 500 towns have signed up to the Home Secretary’s Safer Streets summer crackdown. In the Dyfed Powys Police area, these towns include Llanelli as well as Carmarthen, Aberystwyth, Brecon, Builth Wells, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Newtown and Tenby.

The towns will see increased police patrols accompanied by stronger prevention and enforcement action by police, councils and other local partners.

Under the previous UK Conservative Government, shoplifting soared to record levels, with a staggering 70% increase in their last two years in office alone.

Local Police and Crime Commissioners have developed bespoke local action plans with police, businesses, and local councils with the aim of supporting town centres to become vibrant places where people want to live, work, spend time.

These plans include increased visible town centre policing and ramping up the use of targeted enforcement powers against troublemakers – including banning perpetrators from hotspots.

The blitz comes as part of the UK Labour Government’s Plan for Change, which will also put 13,000 more police personnel in neighbourhood roles over the course of this Parliament, backed by a £200m cash injection in the first year. Thanks to this investment, Dyfed Powys Police will get an additional 33 neighbourhood officers this year.

The Home Office, alongside police, retailers and industry are also launching a new Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy, which will use shared data to assist in disrupting not just organised criminal gangs, but all types of perpetrators including prolific offenders who are stealing to fund an addiction and ‘opportunist’ offenders.

Dame Nia Griffith, Labour MP for Llanelli, said:

“The Conservatives decimated neighbourhood policing whilst crimes like shoplifting and street theft were spiralling out of control and communities like ours here in Llanelli unfortunately paid the price.

Residents and local businesses have the right to feel safe in our town centre and the increased policing and enforcement will play an important part in sending a clear message to those intent on causing problems that their behaviour will not be tolerated.  Putting more officers back on the beat where people can see them will make a real difference.”

Meg's Weekly Round-Up: Friday 11 July

Dame Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch)

See here for what I've been up to in Hackney and Westminster this week.

BYRNE CALLS FOR A STATUTORY PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO THE BIRMINGHAM PUB BOMBINGS 1974

Liam Byrne (Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North)

Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP will make the case for a Statutory Public Inquiry into the 1974 Birmingham Pub Bombings during his Adjournment...

MP Column | It’s All Downhill From Here

Dave Doogan (Angus and Perthshire Glens)

At this stage in the electoral cycle at Westminster any new government, especially one with a 160-seat majority, should be at the peak of...
The Labour Government is implementing rules to protect tenants from dangerous mould I am regularly contacted by constituents living in...

One year of Labour

Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett)

So, what has a Labour Government done in a year?   The short answer is a huge amount – wages and employment are up, and NHS waiting times have fallen. Labour have been taking steps since day one to ensure that everyone in our country can benefit.   From the riots of last summer, to […]

June Newsletter

Mohammad Yasin (Bedford)

Dear Constituent,

This month, I marked the eighth anniversary of my first election to Parliament. It is an immense privilege to represent the community I call home, and I never take it for granted.

It was a surprise to many that I won my first election, let alone that we have managed to fend off the Tories in Bedford & Kempston since. Nobody could do this alone, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped along the way. My office team, CLP officers, councillors, members and valued trade union partners who do so much to showcase the difference Labour makes in power have so much to be proud of, and I am humbled to work with you all.

Yours sincerely,

Mohammad Yasin MP

Constituents get in touch

Since my last newsletter, my office has received nearly 1,500 emails and opened nearly 800 cases.

As you might expect, a large number of these were related to assisted dying and abortion, with a number of pieces of proposed legislation, and amendments to Bills. These have been serious matters of conscience to grapple with, and I have listened to a broad range of views. I will come back to this later.

In the constituency

Since my last newsletter, I have had the pleasure of attending the following meetings and visits around the constituency:

  • Bedoc Health Care Services’ new premises in Priory Business Park and the relaunch of the beautifully refurbished tennis courts in Bedford Park.
  • I met several headteachers and staff at local schools to discuss the need for more funding and support.
  • Grange Academy’s Community Farm open day where I saw first-hand the fantastic work being done by staff and students.
  • A delightful May Festival at Goldington Green Academy.
  • I’m happy to support the campaign to secure the future of Bedford Esquires, that has been a cornerstone of Bedford’s music scene and community for over 35 years. As part of the Own Our Venues initiative from Music Venue Properties (part of Music Venue Trust), this innovative campaign aims to place venues like Esquires into community ownership through crowdfunding and investment. 
  • I was pleased to join the launch of Neighbourhood Watch Week with John Tizard – Bedfordshire PCC with Colleen Atkins and other Labour Councillors. Involving the whole community in the work to keep us safe is a key part of stopping crime is crucial.
  • Flag raising ceremony for Nishan Saab celebrations at Valmik Bhagwan Sabha, and this afternoon I attended the 40th anniversary of the Nirankari Satsang Bhawan in Bedford.
  • Network Rail’s maintenance depot in Bedford, which provides around 350 local jobs, learning how staff make use of the onsite training facility for maintain overhead lines, and the emphasis placed on health and safety measures, with fantastic apprenticeship and work experience opportunities for young people.
  • The launch event for North Bedfordshire Network, combining three local units of St John Ambulance in Bedford and Biggleswade to provide first aid in our communities.
  • 170th Anniversary of the Foster Hill Road Cemetery opening.
  • The Darshana Exhibition, a unique and insightful showcase of Hindu civilisation and its vast contributions to humanity.
  • The Place celebrated National Volunteer Week (2-8 June) with an event to recognise the invaluable contribution of its volunteer team.
  • County021 Muranga UK BBQ at the Addison Howard Park in Kempston, celebrating Kenyan culture.
  • The Gurdwara Guru Ravidass Sabha off of Ashburnham Road, and had a great conversation on various topics, from community spirit, to Universal Studios, to Bedford town centre.
  • The Higgins Bedford Great Big Green Week events – a wonderful opportunity to celebrate nature and learn about sustainability at some amazing free creative workshops, information stands and stalls.

I continue to hold regular drop in surgeries, and have been glad to get out to do more canvassing during the warmer weather and lighter evenings.

In Westminster

Turning to Parliament – 

It has been an incredibly busy and important month in Parliament, marked by significant legislative activity and serious international concerns, particularly the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which remains deeply worrying for us all.

Government Spending Review

The Government’s Spending Review was the major fiscal event this month, setting the direction for public investment and departmental budgets through to 2028. This comprehensive plan covers everything from the NHS and education to energy, transport, defence, and more. Its aim is to address both immediate challenges and longer-term pressures facing the country.

A key highlight is the substantial new investment in the NHS, with an additional £29 billion each year to support core services, alongside £10 billion dedicated to upgrading technology and digital systems. Bedford will benefit locally from the Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation Fund, designed to modernise and expand GP surgeries. Practices including Putnoe, Elstow, and King Street have been prioritised for upgrades, which should improve access and help ease pressure on local services.

Public transport also receives a boost, with the £3 bus fare cap extended until 2027—good news for many residents relying on buses daily. Education funding includes repairs and rebuilding of schools, though specific allocations for Bedford are still pending.

On energy, the review strongly backs nuclear power and carbon capture, while promoting renewables like offshore wind. A new publicly owned company, Great British Energy, will be launched to support this green transition. Notably, new homes will be required to have solar panels, reflecting a consistent approach to sustainability.

Government Concessions to the Welfare Reform Bill

I am very pleased the Government has listened and made significant changes to its proposed welfare reforms. Here are main points:

  • Existing recipients of PIP and the Universal Credit health top-up will not lose their support.
  • No reduction in Universal Credit rates – and fair increases each year
  • £1 billion in employment support brought forward to this year

I was amongst the first MPs to sign the amendment to the Bill, because I have always shared many of my constituents’ concerns around the proposed changes to eligibility for PIP and the health element of Universal Credit.

I have been clear that the Government inherited a totally broken system, which meant disabled people weren’t getting effective support. I agree with the principle of reforming the welfare system and the dignity of work – and firmly believe this must be done with disabled people, not to them. Reforms must support, not penalise those who rely on the welfare system to live with dignity, independence, and stability.

I understand the Government’s concern about the projected increase in PIP claims—from 2.7 million to 4.3 million by 2029-30—but we need to look more closely at why so many people are in this position. The long-term impacts of Covid on public health, the mental health crisis, and over a decade of damage to the NHS and other public services  have left more people unwell and struggling to access the care they need.

While I am proud that the Government is working hard to improve public services and get the NHS back on its feet, we must also protect the safety net that Labour governments have always stood for.

I also welcome the Government’s £1 billion investment in personalised employment support and back initiatives like Connect to Work and Local Supported Employment, which are starting to make a real difference for people with learning disabilities.

It’s important to be clear – PIP is not an unemployment benefit, and its purpose is to help disabled people to access work. That’s why I believe it must not be reduced, without viable routes to support people to access work being in place. Welfare reforms should not come at the expense of the very people they are meant to help.

The original proposals lacked proper consultation and risked pushing 250,000 people—including 50,000 children—into poverty. They would have affected many people living with serious health conditions and disabilities. That is why I was proud to stand with colleagues to challenge them.

Thanks to that pressure, the Government has really listened and has now made important concessions. Existing recipients of PIP and the Universal Credit health top-up will not lose their support, and future assessment criteria will be developed with disability charities, who will be directly involved in designing future benefits through the DWP review. Changes to eligibility will apply only to new claimants from November 2026, after the investment in employment, health, and skills support to help more people back into work has come into effect.These changes are significant. They reflect Labour values: compassion, fairness, and protecting those who need support the most.

I will continue to follow the Bill closely ahead of the Second Reading vote on Tuesday. I am grateful to everyone who wrote to me, campaigned, and spoke out. Together, we made our voices heard.

Cost of Living and Social Support

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis remains a top concern. Measures announced include extending free school meals to 500,000 more children, and after some initial confusion around Winter Fuel Payment changes, the Government has revised the criteria to protect pensioners on incomes below £35,000—thanks in part to local campaigning. The Warm Homes Plan was launched, offering eligible households up to £600 off their energy bills, and prescription charges remain frozen.

Defence, Security, and Skills

Defence spending will rise to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, helping modernise the armed forces and improve living conditions for personnel. Border security also receives significant funding to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.

Skills and training are another priority, with a £1.2 billion fund supporting over a million apprenticeships and a new strategy to prepare workers for jobs in AI, green technology, and advanced manufacturing.

Housing and Infrastructure

One of the most significant announcements is the £39 billion Affordable Homes Programme—the largest investment in affordable and social housing in a generation—aimed at delivering 1.5 million new homes over ten years. This long-term certainty will help local authorities and housing associations in Bedford plan more effectively.

The Government also unveiled a comprehensive 10-year Infrastructure Strategy, committing at least £725 billion to projects across transport, energy, housing, schools, hospitals, and more. A new National Infrastructure and Strategic Transport Authority (NISTA) will oversee delivery to ensure efficiency and accountability.

Local Issues

I have raised several important local issues in Parliament. The potential closure of Bedford’s Oasis and Trinity swimming pools has been a significant concern, given their vital role in community health and wellbeing. I continue to press for secure long-term funding to keep these facilities open.

Improving GP access remains a priority, and I am closely involved to ensure local needs are met. The adjustments made to Winter Fuel Payments show the impact of sustained local advocacy.

Legislation on Women’s Health

The Crime and Policing Bill passed its Report stage, including free votes on amendments related to abortion law. I did not support the amendment to remove abortion entirely from criminal law, as I believe changes should be made carefully with medical safeguards and expert consultation. I abstained on the proposal requiring in-person consultations for at-home abortion pills, mindful of maintaining access while ensuring safety.

I remain committed to protecting women’s rights to safe, legal, and accessible abortion, and will continue to advocate for evidence-based, compassionate policies.

Other Developments

The Home Office launched a pilot scheme to allow survivors of rape and serious sexual assault to request case reviews, part of a broader strategy to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. A national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs has also been announced, with over 800 historic cases being reopened.

Economic indicators offer cautious optimism: NHS waiting lists have started to fall, growth forecasts have improved slightly, and wages are rising after years of stagnation. Nonetheless, challenges such as cost of living, housing availability, and workforce shortages remain pressing.

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

Many constituents have written to me, mostly against this Bill – the vote took place last week and the Bill passed, to go to the House of Lords for the next stage. I recognise the deeply personal and emotional nature of the assisted dying debate, and I have great sympathy for those facing terminal illness and unbearable suffering. I fully support compassionate care and the right of individuals to live with dignity.

However, after careful consideration, I have chosen to vote against the assisted dying bill at this time. My decision is guided by a number of important concerns:

Firstly, I believe we must ensure the strongest possible safeguards to protect vulnerable people—such as the elderly, disabled, or those experiencing mental health challenges—from any form of pressure or coercion. I am not yet convinced that the bill’s provisions provide sufficient protection.

I believe we should continue to prioritise and invest in palliative and end-of-life care, ensuring that everyone has access to effective pain relief and emotional support, so no one feels forced to consider assisted dying as their only option.

Finally, I feel that such a significant change to our laws requires extensive public and professional consultation, and I would welcome further dialogue to carefully consider all implications.

I will continue to listen to constituents, experts, and colleagues on this deeply sensitive issue, and I remain committed to supporting policies that protect vulnerable people and uphold compassionate care. I will set my thoughts out in a statement following the vote.

The post June Newsletter appeared first on Mohammad Yasin MP.

Stephen Gethins MP – Constituency Surgeries

Stephen Gethins (Arbroath and Broughty Ferry)

I endeavour to hold as many local surgeries as possible across the constituency. Below you’ll find any currently scheduled events; please get in touch to reserve a slot and note that appointments are limited to ten minutes each. Upcoming surgery dates: 20th June 2025 10:00 AM Broughty Ferry Library There are currently 4 available appointments ... Read more

Source

After a good kicking at elections, the usual and heavily anticipated response from the ruling party is that we are listening. But this isn’t going to wash. Labour needs a reset.


Sir Keir Starmer has shown strong leadership internationally and he needs to start showing the same leadership in our own country and stop the Government pussyfooting around. He should take a leaf out of Donald Trump’s book by following his instincts and issuing some executive orders. This is leadership from the front.


Where are the child abuse inquiries where the victims are still seeking justice? Telford-style inquiries should be set up immediately in the towns and cities where grooming gangs are running rings around the authorities.
There should be an immediate introduction of digital ID cards, required for employment and accessing public services. This is the only way to stop illegal immigration.


Free our public services from the pressures of Covid debts so they have the finances to deliver on our priorities by writing them off. Our schools and hospitals can be lifted from the shackles of debt in the way quantitative easing was used when Gordon Brown brought stability during the banking crisis. This would be a game-changer.


People are fed up with being told how to run their lives by people looking down their noses at them. We have a huge problem with our messaging; it is failing to hit the mark. Slogans on meeting our net zero targets are a prime example. They are meaningless for people who are facing rising energy costs and purchasing an electric car is an unattainable luxury.
The language needs to shift to the guarantee of green energy in order to get free hot water and cheaper electricity bills. Building on our security by making Britain self-reliant in energy production.


While the Government is busy talking to itself the voices of those on the outside are not being listened to. The realities of living in areas where there have been no big transport projects or huge development investments needs to have a voice around the table. Our lives are very different from the metropolis, our choices, and opportunities, less, our facilities are more remote or non-existent.

The demands raised by the new Labour MPs from the post-industrial towns, where infrastructure is poor and there have been years of disinvestment, and where large numbers voted for Brexit and have now switched to Reform, must be taken off the to-do list and urgently actioned. We know this works.


Ros Jones, the re-elected Labour mayor of Doncaster, made reopening Doncaster airport her number-one priority. The Government committed £30 million investment and she was rewarded at the ballot box.


While over half the country voted for Brexit, there isn’t a single person sitting in the Government who backed the EU leave deal. Where are the voices of the 40 Labour MPs who argued in favour of respecting the referendum? The number of government ministers representing leave-voting constituencies is insignificant.


Both Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher brought in people who were not like them, possibly people that they didn’t even like, and they were certainly people they sometimes disagreed with. This Government needs to step outside its comfort zone. Sir Keir needs to spend more time travelling the country quietly listening to what people are really thinking. This is a sign of a confident government.


Now we need to be honest with ourselves and address the issue that has hung like a weight around our shoulders since the early days of this Government, the Winter Fuel Allowance has now become our poll tax problem. We have lost the pensioner vote because of this; I hear the anger. To serve as the Government that listens, we should be immediately raising the threshold to the higher income tax level, and it is an executive order that my constituents in Bassetlaw would all welcome.


When Harold Wilson first became prime minister in 1964, the country had been left in a ruinous state with an £800 million deficit. Tough decisions were taken, including freezing a pensions rise, and there were concerns about rising immigration. A by-election disaster led to a reset. A Labour MP at the time commented: “The prime minister was becoming just a technician. [The by-election] forced him to remember what it was to be a political leader.” Wilson went on to win a landslide less than a year later. Sir Keir can take lessons from his approach

The post Starmer must stop ‘pussyfooting around’ – Jo White appeared first on Jo White MP.

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.

Last week I was sworn in as the MP for South Shields for the fifth time, and each time it strikes me how incredibly honoured I feel that you have put your faith in me as the first female MP to represent you in Parliament. It was a truly historic night as the UK elected […]

The post It is the honour of my life to be re-elected as your MP for South Shields appeared first on Emma Lewell MP.

ICC FILES ARREST WARRANTS

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

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Christian Wakeford (Bury South)

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