About

Built by Dave Cross.

Powered by Perlanet

Subscribe

Feed Subscribe
OPML OPML

Sources

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North)

Our office is now closed for the Christmas period and will re-open at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026. In the meantime, we wish you a happy Christmas and New Year. If you require urgent help or assistance over the festive period, please see below for the contact information for organisations that we hope can […]

December Newsletter

Mohammad Yasin (Bedford)

Dear Constituent,

As another year draws to a close (where has the time gone!), I want to take a moment to wish you all a restful Christmas and New Year. Serving our communities here in Bedford and Kempston is an absolute privilege, and as always, I will strive to be a strong voice in Parliament for us all in 2026 and beyond. 

I’m excited to see what the new year has in store, and I look forward to everything we can achieve together.  

Yours sincerely,

Mohammad Yasin MP

Constituents get in touch

Since the start of the year, my office has created over 7,200 new cases for constituents, receiving nearly 17,000 emails, as well as letters and phone calls, and issues raised at my drop-in surgeries. 

Being here to listen, and offer my help and support, is my first priority as your MP. My team and I will always do all we can to help, or direct people to alternatives on issues that we can’t assist with ourselves.  

In addition to casework, constituents have been writing in on a lot of important campaign issues this month. Many of you have recently written to me about animal testing, and actions to reduce its use in the UK. 

Like many of my constituents, I am committed to phasing out animal testing in the long-term. I welcome the Government’s new animal testing strategy which was published in November 2025. Nobody in this country of animal lovers wants to see suffering. I recognise the urgency of the transition away from animal testing and I am determined to support meaningful change. 

Phasing out the use of animals in science and product development must be supported by reliable and effective alternative methods, so this strategy aims to create a system that drives their use. I welcome £60 million allocated to establish a hub to bring together data, technology and expertise, promoting collaboration between researchers, and to create a separate new centre to make the path to regulatory approval for new alternatives as straightforward as possible. I am also pleased that £15.9 million has been committed by the Medical Research Council (MRC), Innovate UK and the Wellcome Trust to advance promising ‘human in vitro models’ of scientific testing. 

However, as this strategy is implemented, I recognise some animal research will continue. I understand Ministers will focus on supporting well-justified and designed animal research where alternatives do not yet exist. I believe this strategy is an important step forward for animal welfare in the UK. Through our scientific excellence, we can deliver real benefits for animal welfare and advance innovative research that improves lives. I am pleased to note the strategy has been welcomed by groups including the RSPCA and Cruelty Free International. 

  

Although it will likely take many years of scientific and technological effort to fully replace animals in testing, a great deal of progress can still be made in the short-term. The Government is working closely with experts from across the many fields involved, including regulators, academics, industry and civil society organisations, to ensure this strategy remains up to date and focused on the key issues. I am optimistic about moving towards a future where animal testing is only ever a last resort.  

In the constituency

  • I shared the news that Universal Studios has received the green light, with the Special Development Order granted and set to come into force on 12 January! I’m delighted at this decision, and what it means for the region.  
  • I wrote to Marks & Spencer CEO Stuart Machin following news that M&S was considering returning an M&S Food Hall to Bedford. I advocated for a town-centre location, and made clear that many of my constituents would welcome the store’s return.  
  • I opened a new restaurant, Bites of Punjab, on Cauldwell Street opposite Bedford College. It’s been great to see the recent growth of new businesses and the continued success of long-standing businesses in Bedford and Kempston.  
  • I attended the 25th Annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church, raising funds for Bedford Hospital and St Paul’s Church charities.   
  • I visited the Addison Centre Christmas Fayre in Kempston to support local artists and stallholders.   
  • I attended the Bedford Borough Council Speaker’s Civic Carol Service at St Martin’s Church, which supported the church’s food bank through collections.   
  • I joined the Linking Lives Befriending Service at Woodside Church. Loneliness affects not only older adults but also young people in an increasingly virtual world. Weekly visits or phone calls can be a lifeline. Thank you to the incredible volunteers for giving their time to this service, it captures the true spirit of Christmas.  
  • I met with members of Red Flag Awareness at Biddenham School, a student-led campaign created through the Harpur Trust’s “Ready2Lead” programme, where students develop campaigns on issues they care about. The group is raising awareness about the impacts of domestic abuse; delivering assemblies, speaking with local leaders, and highlighting that nearly half of teens have experienced controlling or violent behaviour in relationships. We discussed the importance of open conversations about wellbeing and healthy relationships with young people.  
  • I visited M&J Group (Construction & Roofing) Ltd’s Training Centre to see the opportunities being created for young people and career-changers in Bedford and Kempston. The company, with 81 local staff, is investing in high-quality skills, apprenticeships, and training, and its Bedford training centre has already helped 25 young people start skilled careers in roofing, with plans to expand.    
  • I took part in a community litter pick around Moor Lane Skatepark alongside Cauldwell Councillors Atiq, Sultan, and Thapar, as well as local residents. We tackled a lot of litter and gave the skatepark a much-needed Christmas clean.  
  • I attended the Salvation Army Christmas carol service, enjoying the brass musicians and the festive atmosphere. The Salvation Army do incredible work in supporting people experiencing homelessness and serving the community.  
  • I joined Bedford Foodbank at the rail station for an evening event supported by Beds & Herts Community Rail Partnership and Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership to raise money and awareness. I’m really thankful for the volunteers who work all year round to run the foodbank, and to those who stopped by and donated. 
  • I attended the Bijoy Dibosh – Bangladesh Victory Day flag-raising celebration in Harpur Square, invited by Cllr Ralley Rahman, to mark the birth of an independent nation. I joined Cllr Akbor (Mayor of Kempston Town Council), Cllr Thapar, PCC John Tizard, and local residents in observing the day.  
  • I attended the official opening of Kumar’s Kitchen at 50 Ram Yard in Bedford. I wish the new business every success. 

In Westminster

I’m proud that the Employment Rights Bill has passed through Parliament and will become law before Christmas. Some of the watershed measures this Bill delivers: 1. Banning exploitative zero hours contracts, 2. Sick pay for all from day one, 3. Expanding paternity, parental and bereavement leave, 4. Strengthening protections for pregnant women, whistle-blowers and victims of sexual harassment, 5. Making flexible working the default, 6. Repealing Tory anti-union laws. Unions and workers have long campaigned for these vital rights. Finally, working people will enjoy more security, better pay and dignity at work thanks to this Bill.

I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor, highlighting the East of England APPG’s “Opportunity East: One Year On” report to showcase our region’s potential. I discussed major investment opportunities including Universal Studios and East West Rail (while maintaining my objection to house demolitions), addressed housing shortages, and focused on water security, warning about the East of England’s projected 800-million-litre-per-day water shortfall by 2050. Water, sewage capacity, and other infrastructure must be central to planning, objected to any development on Kempston’s flood plain, and welcomed the Minister’s response emphasising sustainable growth.

I asked a question in the DWP session about Social Security and Disability to the Minister, Sir Stephen Timms, regarding how the Government plans to tackle age discrimination in the workplace. I raised the issue after hearing from a constituent in their mid-50s who was struggling to find a job due to adverts seeking applicants with under 15 years’ experience. I highlighted that men and women in their 50s can feel vulnerable to this “hidden” discrimination, noted that age discrimination is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010, and pointed out practical support available through the Equality Advisory Support Service and 50 Plus Champions across the Job Centre network.

I welcomed the Government’s new Child Poverty Strategy, a historic plan that will make a real difference for families in our community. The strategy aims to lift over 550,000 children out of poverty, including nearly 3,000 in Bedford and Kempston, by ending the two-child limit, boosting support for working parents with upfront childcare costs, extending free school meals to more families, introducing free Best Start breakfast clubs, ending the use of Bed & Breakfasts for homeless families beyond six weeks, and investing in councils to reduce unsuitable temporary accommodation. I emphasised that these steps must be measurable, which is why I asked the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, how progress will be tracked. I stressed the need for clear, transparent data to ensure families are genuinely lifted out of poverty and children are moved out of temporary accommodation, so that every child truly has the best start in life.

I raised a question in Parliament with the Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, about the urgent need to protect women and girls from online misogyny and violent pornography. I highlighted progress locally in Bedfordshire, including Clare’s Law disclosures increasing by 250% in two years, trauma-informed training, improved responses to complex domestic abuse, and the doubling of Domestic Violence Protection Orders. I also drew attention to national issues, citing Baroness Bertin’s Independent Pornography Review and Ofcom guidance under the Online Safety Act, which show widespread exposure of young people to misogynistic content, deepfake abuse targeting women, and harassment of public figures. I asked what measures the Government will take to ensure tech companies properly protect women and girls online, emphasising that local progress in policing and safeguarding cannot be undermined by unsafe online spaces.

I attended a Parliamentary Reception on wearable technologies in diabetes care, invited on behalf of Julia Hammac (General Manager, UK & Ireland at Abbott Diabetes Care). I learned how wearables can improve outcomes for people living with diabetes and align with the NHS 10-Year Plan for technology-enabled, preventative healthcare. The event brought together MPs, NHS leaders, clinicians, and innovators, and I heard directly from users about how technology supports diabetes self-management, which is particularly important given that diabetes prevalence in Bedford and Kempston stands at 9.56%.

I welcomed the news that the UK and EU will reinstate the Erasmus scheme, allowing students to study for a year at a partner university abroad while paying the same fees as local students. Joining Erasmus+ in 2027 will expand opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to study and train abroad, and will also benefit educational, youth, and sport staff.

I met with carers from Bedford, organised by UNISON, to hear about the impact of the proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) rules. I heard firsthand how these carers, who look after our parents, grandparents, and loved ones daily, face low pay, exhausting workloads, and constant anxiety due to visas tying them to employers. I highlighted that the proposed ILR changes would deepen their insecurity and push dedicated workers to the brink. I’m grateful to UNISON and the carers for sharing their stories and I’m committed to continuing to raise these concerns in Parliament.

During a statement on the Local Government funding settlement, I pressed the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Alison McGovern, to go further, asking her to make a special case for additional funding for Bedford Borough, particularly given the Universal Studios announcement and the new pressures it will place on local public services and infrastructure. I was pleased that the Minister agreed to meet with me to discuss this directly, and I will be arranging that meeting in the new year. I noted that the settlement is a strong start – £40 million for Bedford, a 20% increase in spending power, and a clear break from Conservative neglect – but emphasised that I will keep pushing to ensure Bedford gets the support it needs for the opportunities ahead.

I welcomed the Government’s new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy, praising its bold measures to better protect children from misogyny and abuse. The strategy’s focus is on healthy relationships, consent, and early prevention, aiming to keep the next generation of girls and boys safer while steering boys and young men away from harmful online influences. I noted concerning statistics: nearly 40% of teenagers in relationships experience abuse, and over 40% of young men hold positive views of online influencers who promote misogyny. I welcome the £20 million investment to empower teachers and families to challenge dangerous attitudes, promote positive role models, and tackle harmful myths about women and relationships.

A word from my work experience students

This month it was a pleasure to be joined by Louis and Selim for a week’s work experience. I hope it was eye-opening, and that you both learnt a lot about the behind the scenes of an MPs office. Both lads have written up some lovely reflections on their week. If you are interested in work experience with my office, please email me for more information!

Louis:

“I was extremely lucky to be selected to undertake a week’s Work Experience shadowing our local MP Mohammad Yasin, gaining key insights into the world of politics as this is a career I would be interested in pursuing. 

The week started with writing up a Select Committee debate briefing on a local or national issue. I was able to highlight key work done in our area regarding Town Centre regeneration, and explained some new ideas on how to make the area safer and drafted questions to be raised to Ministers 

Tuesday began with an exciting trip on the underground before walking up the stairs to see The Houses of Parliament. Once inside, we were given an indepth tour of the entire building, exploring the House of Lords and meeting the Leader of the Opposition in the Lords. The afternoon included sitting in on a Treasury Select Committee and further getting to know the work of our MP and those around him. 

An unfortunately cancelled train didn’t stop us from making Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, also getting to see Mr Yasin ask a question regarding the safety of women and girls in our country. Observing MPs debate and critique each other was an incredible experience – waving at the Prime Minister while he ate his Christmas Lunch was also a highlight! 

Thursday followed with another day in the Constituent Office. The first task was to plan a youth constituency survey on Universal Studios, asking important questions regarding their top priorities for the project, transport and any concerns. I was then given the opportunity to write a response email to a constituent concern regarding fireworks – this was a great learning opportunity to see how the MP communicates with constituents. 

The final day of the experience consisted of a trip to Biddenham International School, to listen to a new initiative created by their Sixth Form students regarding domestic abuse, and accompanying Mr Yasin to meetings around Bedford.  

I have thoroughly enjoyed the week and am very grateful to have been given this unique opportunity. I have learned many new aspects to politics and further increased my confidence in the subject. Learning how to write important reports and gaining experience surrounded by the building of Westminster have been enjoyable and will be useful for my future aspirations. My favourite part of the experience was watching Prime Minister’s Questions from the gallery and my days in Parliament, surrounded by key political figures and seeing first hand the everyday workings within politics, as well as spending time with Mr Yasin and getting to know him and all the hard work he does. I would strongly recommend this opportunity to anyone interested in politics as seeing how your representatives work and carry out their roles is an incredible experience. I would like to thank Mohammad Yasin MP and all his staff for making me feel so welcomed and giving me the opportunity to carry out this fantastic work experience.”

Selim:

“Over the past week I’ve been lucky to work in Mohammad Yasin’s offices, alongside his brilliant team and another sixth-form student. Every day was different, I got stuck into policy research, preparing briefings and surveys. It was a real eye-opener into how political communication and constituency work actually happens behind the scenes, and it really deepened my understanding of how theory connects to public service.

Visiting Parliament on Tuesday was a highlight. I’d been before, but the tour amazed me all over again. Standing in the Lords Chamber, spotting MPs and peers, taking in the intricate, beautiful architecture and artwork, then working in an MP’s office inside Portcullis house for the rest of the day gave me a unique perspective on how Parliament works behind the scenes. Later, watching the Treasury Committee in action really showed me how impressive parliamentary democracy can be.

Wednesday started with a cancelled train, but made it just in time to see Mr Yasin raise a question on tackling violence against women and girls online. After that came Prime Minister’s Questions, where I saw the lively exchanges between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. We explored Westminster afterwards, which was just as memorable, I even spotted Sir Keir Starmer enjoying his lunch.

Thursday brought us back to the office for a closer look at the daily rhythm of an MP’s work. We were given a few research tasks and draft responses to work on, then sat down with a member of staff who talked us through their own approach and gave feedback on what we’d prepared. It gave me a glimpse of the core of the office’s operations: the meticulous attention to each constituent’s concern and the ongoing balancing act between many tasks. By the end of the day, I had a much clearer sense of how an office stays on top of things, and how even small, careful contributions help keep everything moving.

On Friday, Mr Yasin was in Bedford for constituency meetings. We joined him at multiple times, including one meeting with the Redflag Awareness group; a brilliant team of sixth-form students working to raise awareness of domestic violence. Their dedication and enthusiasm inspired me and demonstrated to me the critical role that youth can play in influencing community discussions.

I learned this week how crucial empathy, precision, and clarity are in political communication. Being trusted to contribute to worthwhile projects, witnessing how even little efforts can benefit constituents, and, of course, visiting parliament were what I most loved. I now have a complete understanding of what it means to represent a community because of the combination of local involvement and legislative perspective.

One issue that really stood out for me, and which I am deeply passionate about, is the challenge of mental health among young people. Many face pressures from education, social media, and uncertainty about the future. Awareness has grown, but access to timely support remains uneven. Tackling this is about making sure young people can thrive, feel heard, and take part fully in society without feeling disillusioned or detached.

I’m deeply grateful to Mr Yasin and his team for this invaluable opportunity. It has strengthened my desire to contribute to public life and to support the vital work being done in our community, and it’s really reinforced my ambition to go into politics.”

The post December Newsletter appeared first on Mohammad Yasin MP.

Ahead of Christmas, Stephen Morgan MP has called upon Portsmouth people to donate to local charity The Society of St James to support those who are experiencing homelessness across the city. 

Due to the sharp decline in temperature and increase in extreme weather, the Winter period is especially difficult for homeless people, with many having to bed down either on the street or in parks regardless of the season. 

The Society of St James is a local charity supporting those across Southampton, Portsmouth and the wider Hampshire area experiencing homelessness and addiction, rebuilding lives through housing, recovery services, and community support.   

In recent weeks the Government launched a bold new National Plan to End Homelessness to support the most vulnerable in our society to find their feet and improve their lives.    

This plan is backed by £3.5 billion of investment over the next 3 years, and has been shaped by the voices of those who have experienced homelessness to support the most vulnerable people to find their feet and improve their lives.  

Rough sleepers in Portsmouth will benefit from this investment, with almost £150 million of overall investment being allocated to the South East to ensure support within this region. 

Mr Morgan is now calling upon those who are able to donate to give money towards The Society of St James to support rough sleepers during their most challenging months, following a partnership with the charity with his 2025 Christmas Card Competition and a recent “Cuppa & Chat” on ending homelessness which fed into the national strategy. 

Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said: 

“Unfortunately, there are those within our community for whom Christmas is a difficult time a year. For individuals experiencing homelessness, these harsh winter months are amongst the most dangerous.  

“Without the homes, meals, and security that we may take for granted, these rough sleepers will be facing challenge after challenge as temperatures drop, and extreme weather conditions increase.  

“However, as Christmas is also a time of giving and compassion, I am calling upon all those who are able to help those less fortunate.  

“The Society of St James is a fantastic local charity, supporting people across our city experiencing homelessness and addiction, rebuilding lives through housing, recovery services, and community support.  

“If you can give, I encourage you to donate to this vital cause. If we work together and give what we can, we can make this a brighter season for everyone.”

You can donate to The Society of St James here:

https://ssj.org.uk/ 

 

The post Stephen Morgan MP encourages donations to local charity The Society of St James to support rough sleepers this winter appeared first on Stephen Morgan MP.

Newcastle Food Bank  at the Venerable Bede Church

Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)

Inspiring visit to Newcastle Food Bank  at the Venerable Bede Church on West Road, to see how they are helping those less fortunate this Christmas with food, support and advice.

Thank you to all the staff and volunteers for the incredible work you do.

And to all those generous geordies donating to the food bank.

I am proud to have voted for the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation Parliament has passed the landmark Employment Rights Act: the biggest uplift to workers’ rights for years.   This is a major win for working people in Bristol South and in every part of the country.  The Act will decisively tilt the balance of power towards workers allowing for pride, security and respect in work. For many people, the world of work in Tory Britain was far too often characterised by poor...
23 December 2025
Reporting Back 2025 – Annual Christmas Report

As your local constituency MP, I take seriously the responsibility of trying to represent everyone in Mid Norfolk and to report back on what I’m doing. 

Each year I send an Annual Report to all those constituents who have emailed me. 

You can read my Annual Report email here or pdf version here.

Wishing everyone across Mid Norfolk a peaceful and Happy Christmas. 

Yours, 

George.

Click here for full email report or download a pdf version using the blue arrow below.

Local Government Funding Settlement

Jeff Smith (Manchester Withington)

Jeff Smith MP welcomes £331 million cash injection for Manchester City Council to boost local services.

Under the Tories, local authorities were starved of investment, with core spending power down by around a quarter since 2010. That put immense pressure on councils up and down the country, including Manchester City Council.

But the Labour Government has announced a radical overhaul of how local government is funded, reversing Rishi Sunak’s efforts to put money into wealthy shires and Tory seats.

Fair Funding is the next step on Labour’s journey to build stronger communities and reverse a decade and a half of austerity and decline under the Conservatives and Lib Dems.

England’s councils will get [over £XX billion] for essential services with more money going to places with the greatest need.

The funding injection is aimed at restoring pride and opportunity in places that have been left behind, to get back what has been lost. Councils will have more resources available to bring back libraries, youth services, clean streets, and community hubs.

The money is part of the first multi-year funding settlement in over a decade, giving councils three years of financial certainty so they can plan ahead rather than firefight year to year.

In total, councils will see an [X] per cent increase in their core spending power compared to 2024-25 to pay for services including bin collections, housing, and children’s services.

And in a turning point for the way local government is funded, the outdated system that saw some councils build up savings while others faced financial collapse has been replaced.

Instead, places are now being funded using an evidence-based system that properly recognises local circumstances and the true costs of providing services in deprived communities.

Labour Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed said:

This is a turning point, a chance to turn the page on a decade of cuts and callousness, and for local leaders to invest in getting back what has been lost – to bring back libraries, youth services, clean streets, and community hubs.

“For too long, deprived communities were left behind. Today we’re ending the postcode lottery so everyone can access the services their community deserves.”

Manchester Withington MP, Jeff Smith said:

“I well remember the painful decisions that our Council had to take after the coalition government brought in its austerity policies in 2011. So I joined other Manchester MPs in writing to the government asking to confirm a substantial uplift in funding for our Council. I’m pleased after 14 years of Tory austerity, Labour is putting money back into our local services in Manchester”

Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth, welcomes the announcement that workers across Portsmouth will benefit from better workers’ rights, with this Labour Government’s landmark Employment Rights Bill passed into legislation.

This newly passed legislation introduces key new measures to bring workers’ rights into the 21st century, including ending exploitative zero hours contracts; establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave; strengthening statutory sick pay; and establishing a new Fair Work Agency.

Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North, celebrates this proud moment for this Labour Government, which has worked closely with businesses and trade unions to deliver these generational upgrades to workers’ rights.

The new laws come despite consistent efforts from the Conservatives, Reform, Liberal Democrats and Green Party to block and water down this legislation. By putting up barriers at every point, these opposition parties have not only attempted to delay and deny the implementation of better working conditions for employees but also created uncertainty and caused economic harm for local businesses.

This Labour government’s new measures mean that sick pay and paternity leave changes are set to be introduced by April 2026, with additional protections, including for Britain’s lowest paid workers, being introduced in line with the Government’s delivery timetable.

Through constructive conversations between trade unions and business representatives, this law will also introduce a qualifying period for unfair dismissal, reduced from 24 months to 6 months (whilst maintaining existing day one protection against discrimination and automatically unfair grounds for dismissal) to ensure employees are given more security at work, whilst businesses are given more time to prepare for these changes.

Commenting on the bill, Amanda Martin MP said: “I’m delighted to be part of a Labour Government that has delivered upgrades to workers’ rights for employees right across Portsmouth.

“After speaking to local residents, I’ve heard how much of a difference this will make to their lives – offering more security, better working conditions and increasing opportunity at work. These laws will strengthen certainty for businesses in my constituency too, benefitting those brilliant businesses in Portsmouth already treating their workers’ right, levelling the playing field and helping to improve retention of staff.

“After opposition parties all attempted to block and water down these transformative upgrades to workers’ rights, I’m proud to have voted for this Labour Government’s legislation, delivering an economy that works for both businesses and workers alike.”

Minister for Employment Right, Kate Dearden MP said: “I am delighted the Lords have passed the Employment Rights Bill. This is a historic moment that will make working life fairer, more secure and better for millions of people across the UK.”

Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle MP said: “The Employment Rights Bill has cleared its final parliamentary hurdle.”

“This is a piece of legislation only a Labour government could bring and long fought for by many of my colleagues and the wider movement. It will being our employment rights into the 21st century with many of these measures long overdue.

“The hard work of implementing it starts now. I look forward to working with trade unions, business and civil society to make it a reality.”

The post Amanda Martin MP celebrates the passing of the Employment Rights Act, bringing employment rights into the 21st century for workers across Portsmouth appeared first on Amanda Martin MP.

Preet Kaur Gill - My Weekly Update - 19 December 2025

Preet Kaur Gill (Birmingham Edgbaston)

Big win for Birmingham as the government announced it would be spending £78Billion funding injections to areas across England including £651 for Birmingham.

Christmas Opening Hours and Useful Organisations 2025

Dame Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch)

Christmas opening hours and useful organisations for support over the festive period.

Thank you & Happy Christmas from the Business & Trade Committee

Liam Byrne (Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North)

As we break for recess, I today wrote to all MPs to say a huge thank you for supporting the Business and Trade Committee’s work this year! Thanks to their help and to our extremely hard-working Committee members and Committee team, we’ve been able to deliver thirteen reports and inquiries this year which I thought I’d share in case you’d like some recess reading! We kicked off as promised with our stock-take on the Post Office Horizon Scandal ; published on New Year’s Day this was widely...

I recently met the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, to present him with the winning entries from my Christmas Card competition.

The designs by Isla-Grace Dininno (Swiss Valley Primary) and George Davies (Ysgol Gymraeg Brynsierfel) are now on display in the Speaker’s Rooms in Parliament over the Christmas period alongside artwork from similar competitions across the country.

Announcing the Winners of My 2025 Christmas Card Competition

Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill)

I’m delighted to announce the winner of my 2025 Christmas Card Competition. Firstly, I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the amazing young artists who entered. My team received so many brilliant entries, full of festive cheer, snowy scenes, and creative sparkle. I loved every single one of your entries, which brilliantly captured this year’s South London Winter Wonderland theme. It was incredibly hard to choose just one winner because you all did such a fantastic job!

The winning entry from Bell's 2025 Christmas Card Competition. A hand-drawn festive city scene featuring a red double-decker bus with a coffee ad, snowy streets, and colorful storefronts. A rainbow mural decorates one building, capturing a joyful South London winter atmosphere.

Congratulations to Nico, age 9, from Corpus Christi Primary School, whose beautiful drawing of a festive South London scene was chosen as the winning design! Nico’s artwork is now proudly featured on the front of this year’s official Christmas card and will go out to thousands of people as my official e-card as well. Well done, Nico

The runner up of Bell's 2025 Christmas Card Competition. A festive card design with “MERRY CHRISTMAS” in bold red and green letters above a winter scene. A brown bird perches on a snowy branch surrounded by holly, with presents and a gazebo nestled in snowy hills below. Bright stars and clouds fill the cheerful sky.

I also want to give a special shout-out to Liam, Year 8, from Elms Academy, whose clever and colourful design was picked as the runner-up and is featured on the inside of this year’s card. You can now see all your entries proudly displayed below.

Thank you again to everyone who entered and made this year’s card competition the most magical yet! You can see all the entries below.

Collage of Christmas Card designs by young people who attend Corpus Christi Primary.
Collage of Christmas Card designs by young people who attend Elm Court School.

The post Announcing the Winners of My 2025 Christmas Card Competition appeared first on Bell Ribeiro-Addy.

Banbury Museum Petition

Sean Woodcock (Banbury)

The closure of Banbury Museum would be a devastating blow for our town. I have created this petition to urge Cherwell District Council to find alternative funding, so the museum can continue to serve our community. Please see the petition below: https://www.change.org/p/save-banbury-museum-and-gallery-urge-cherwell-to-source-alternative-funding

The post Banbury Museum Petition appeared first on Sean Woodcock, MP for Banbury.

Time to unwrap some welcome Budget measures

Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett)

Festive decorations may be up, but things are far from winding down in Westminster. The Budget, delivered on November 26, has set the stage for a busy advent period as MPs like me will be spending December unpacking its contents. There is much to welcome in this budget. It is one which prioritises public services […]

Budget 2025: Reaction from Liz

Liz Kendall (Leicester West)

This Budget is about making fair choices for the British people. 

We’re stabilising the economy and doubling down on driving growth. 

We’re supporting our high streets and tackling the cost of living. 

We’re building a stronger, fairer country – one where child poverty falls and living standards rise. 

After years of decline, there is a lot of work to do. But this government is committed to making the right choices for our country.

The post Budget 2025: Reaction from Liz appeared first on Liz Kendall.

Local beauty businesses and students showcased their contribution at a special event in Westminster.

Nesil Caliskan, Member of Parliament for Barking, helped local beauty businesses “take over Parliament” to celebrate this year’s British Beauty Week. Hairdressers, nail salons and beauty academy students – all from Barking and Dagenham – were invited to Parliament by the MP for a special reception and tour.

British Beauty Week is promoted by the British Beauty Council every year to celebrate the contribution of beauty businesses to our economy and high streets.  

The theme of this year’s Beauty Week is the future of beauty, highlighting the industry’s innovation and sustainability. The UK beauty industry contributes over £31 billion to the economy each year and supports more than 85,000 jobs in London. 

Nesil Caliskan, Barking MP, speaking to guests at her Beauty Week reception in Parliament in front of a lecturn.

Commenting on the takeover, Nesil Caliskan, Member of Parliament for Barking said: “I invited local beauty businesses and students to takeover Parliament to celebrate their contribution, let them know how important they are for our community, and how much this government values them. 

“They employ hundreds of local people, bring life to our high streets, and help people feel great every day. They are vital for our local economy, and today’s takeover proved the future of beauty is undoubtedly in Barking and Dagenham.” 

Victoria Brownlie, Chief of Policy & Sustainability at the British Beauty Council, who was at the event, said: “The hair and beauty industry provides so much to so many and events like this help those working in the industry to feel seen, recognised and appreciated, just as they deserve to. Their social, cultural and economic contribution cements them as serious businesses, not just fluffy stuff that girls do, and we’re so grateful to Nesil for shining a light on this during British Beauty Week.”

Nesil Caliskan, Barking MP, with Erica Brobbey, owner of Empress Hair & Beauty - a business in Barking - and her daughter Tiana at a reception in Parliament.

Erica Brobbey, from Empress Hair and Beauty, a business in Barking, said: “It was an honour to join fellow beauty professionals in Parliament and proudly represent Barking and Dagenham’s thriving beauty community. Meeting other business owners and speaking with Victoria from the British Beauty Council was truly inspiring. The event highlighted the real impact our industry has, not just economically, but in the confidence and wellbeing it brings to people every day.  

“I’m proud to be part of a community that continues to empower others and contribute so positively to the local economy. Events like this show that the future of beauty is bright, and it’s happening right here in Barking and Dagenham.” 

Judith has welcomed today's announcement that Bradford Bulls have been promoted to the Super League - Rugby League's highest division next season. "A huge congratulations to the Bradford Bulls on their promotion to the Super League! From fighting to get the Bulls back to their rightful home at Odsal Stadium to developing the club over the last few seasons, this has been a hard-fought win for the team. It is a testament to the years of hard work from everyone involved with Bradford Bulls, and...

Sure Start was life-changing for so many people in Bassetlaw, transforming the lives of children by putting in place family support in the earliest years of life. Sure Start, introduced by the last Labour government, helped level the playing field for children from lower income families, with research showing that children who attended a Sure Start centre were much more likely to perform better at school.

The previous Government cut community services, scrapping Sure Start, leaving a gaping hole in family services. When they left government, one in four families with children under five couldn’t access local children’s centres, rising to one in three lower income families. Speaking to local families in Bassetlaw, I hear time and again an ask for more support around SEND, youth services, and early development.

I welcome the news that the Government are building on the proud legacy of Sure Start, and reviving family services by rolling out 1,000 ‘Best Start Family Hubs’ by April 2026, including here in Bassetlaw.

Best Start Family Hubs will be a one stop shop for parents needing support, including on difficulty breastfeeding, housing issues or children’s early development, and other services such as:

  • Activities for children aged 0-5
  • Domestic abuse support
  • Early language support
  • Health Visiting
  • Infant Feeding Support
  • Midwifery/maternity services
  • Parenting Support
  • SEND support and services
  • Youth services

The post Giving Children in Bassetlaw the Best Start in Life appeared first on Jo White MP.

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...
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

Source

It was great to call into Neighbourhood Watch in Pelsall again and catch up with Edwin and Andrew. 

We discussed a range of local issues across the Rushall, Shelfield, Pelsall, and Brownhills Neighbourhood Watch area. Our focus was on how we can work together as one community to address these challenges.  

It was also fantastic to hear about Project Phoenix – a pilot community-run initiative launched by Walsall Council! This project is dedicated to building a stronger community right across our Borough, and I’m really keen to see the positive impact it will have. 

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.

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)

Made by @davorg / Last built: Wednesday 24 December 2025 06:31