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.
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