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Stephen Morgan MP has voted to scrap the two-child limit in Parliament, lifting 450,000 children across the UK out of poverty.  

Speaking after the second reading of the Bill, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:  

“I have long campaigned for action to lift children out of poverty, and to ensure that all children in Portsmouth are able to get the best start in life. 

“Poverty can be a crucial factor in whether a child is able to succeed in education, with less than a quarter of children in the lowest income households getting five good GCSEs.    

“Beyond this, these children are more likely to experience mental health conditions, not be in education, employment or training and to face a life on benefits. 

“I am proud to vote to end the two-child limit introduced by the Conservatives and allow children the opportunity to succeed. Over 5,000 Portsmouth children are set to benefit from this change. 

“This investment into Britain’s future is yet another example of this Labour government putting Labour values into action and delivering the change Portsmouth people voted for.”   

Removing the two-child limit is the single quickest and most cost-effective way to lift children out of poverty – 450,000 by this measure alone, rising to 550,000 with other measures in the Government’s Child Poverty Strategy.  

Other measures in the Child Poverty Strategy include support for working families to stop children growing up in B&Bs, expanding childcare for families on UC and helping parents save up to £500 on baby formula.  

Measures in the Bill are due to come into effect from April 2026. 

The post Stephen Morgan MP votes to end the Two Child limit in Parliament, benefiting over 5,000 number of children living in Portsmouth appeared first on Stephen Morgan MP.

Labour is rolling out free breakfast clubs to save working families up to £450 and set children up to start the day ready to learn 500 more schools to offer clubs from April, delivering on Labour’s Plan for Change Half a million pupils in England’s most disadvantaged communities to benefit this year Families and children in Birmingham Edgbaston will soon benefit from free, daily breakfast clubs as the Government confirms the next 500 schools to offer the scheme from April. These include,...

Dame Nia Griffith, Labour Member of Parliament for Llanelli, will today vote to scrap the two-child limit in Parliament, lifting 450,000 children across the UK out of poverty.

Speaking ahead of the second reading of the Bill, Dame Nia said:

“Lifting so many children out of poverty is an investment in our future, locally here in Llanelli but also across the rest of the country too.

“Growing up in poverty means children are less likely to do well at school – with less than a quarter of children in the lowest income households getting five good GCSEs.  They are four times more likely to experience mental health conditions and far more likely to not be in education, employment, or training and to face a life on benefits.

“From April this year, over 2,200 children living in Llanelli will benefit from this change.  By voting to end the two-child limit we will be giving these children the opportunity they need to succeed in life and to fulfil their true potential which will be a win-win for us all.”

“I served on the Child Poverty Task Force, and we concluded that removing the two-child limit is the single quickest and most cost-effective way to lift children out of poverty – 450,000 by this measure alone, rising to 550,000 with other measures in our Labour UK Government’s Child Poverty Strategy. “

Measures in the Bill are due to come into effect from April 2026.

Great to visit Children’s Cancer North and the University of Newcastle

Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)

Great to visit Children’s Cancer North and the University of Newcastle for a tour of the childhood cancer research labs, seeing inspiring progress in paediatric oncology and the impact of research funded here in the North East.

Childhood leukemia survival was 1/10 in the 60s/70s, now 9/10 today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catherine’s Catch Up – 02 February

Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North)

As we start a new month, here’s what I got up to during the last week. The Government has announced changes to phones in schools, and ground rents for leaseholders – both of which will have a positive impact in Newcastle North. As always, you can stay in touch by following me on my social […]

Defence Question 02/02/2026

Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields)

In Parliament today I asked the Secretary of State for Defence, will Canada  be asked to join the JEF? You can Listen to my question and the response from the Secretary of State below.

The post Defence Question 02/02/2026 appeared first on Emma Lewell MP.

Pubs, music venues and studios are at the heart of communities like Manchester Withington. They are places where people meet, create, perform and keep our local high streets alive.

Last month, I joined colleagues in writing to the Chancellor to raise concerns about the impact that rising business rates would have on grassroots music venues and recording studios. Many of these spaces faced steep increases that threatened their future. You can read that letter here:

In the letter we warned that some venues and studios were facing rateable value rises of 45% to over 200%, with many unable to pass costs on and some considering closure altogether. These are not luxury spaces; they are essential community and cultural infrastructure.

I’m pleased that the Government has now announced a support package on business rates that will benefit pubs and other hospitality venues across the country. This includes continued relief to help protect the places people rely on for work, culture and community life.

For areas like south Manchester, this matters. Our local pubs, bars and venues provide jobs, host live music and events, and bring people together. Targeted support through the business rates system will help them stay open, invest and plan for the future.

This follows sustained campaigning from MPs and from the sector itself to make sure business rates better reflect the realities faced by community venues. There is more to do, particularly for grassroots music spaces and studios, but this announcement is a welcome step in the right direction to back British pubs and the wider cultural and night-time economy.

I’ll continue to press for a fair and sustainable system that recognises the value these venues bring to Manchester and to communities across the country.

1 February 2026
Big hearted farmer saves village from flood misery

Published in the Sunday Express

 

FARMER Sir David Ralli hopes to spare vil­la­gers the night­mare of flood­ing by build­ing giant stor­age basins on his land.

Res­id­ents in nearby Saham Toney, Nor­folk, who have repeatedly been swamped by water run­ning down from higher ground, are already safer thanks to the reser­voir.

Sir David, who des­cen­ded from the Vic­torian Greek immig­rant mer­chants Ralli Broth­ers, was approached more than five years ago to “sort the prob­lem out” with nature-based solu­tions.

The 79-year-old said: “The idea was to hold the water up, because the big prob­lem at Saham Toney was that the roads come down at two 

dif­fer­ent angles and the force of the water hits the vil­lage at one spe­cific point.”

Some farm­ers have con­trib­uted to the flood­ing – and droughts – by drain­ing their land and mov­ing pipes under­ground.

The two-year project with which Sir David is involved includes two large stor­age basins loc­ated upstream of the vil­lage and 14 dams.

The owner of Pan­worth Hall Farm, who is help­ing to defend 30 homes, said: “This is our first winter with the basin. In time, it will be inter­est­ing to see [the impact]. It’ll prob­ably take two years to fill up. By that time we may have deer and ducks.” Steven Halls, senior flood risk officer with Nor­folk county coun­cil, said the vil­lage has been flooded at least four times in five years.

He added: “We’ve had some extreme weather in those five years which may have exacer­bated things. We’ve had flood­ing prob­lems here since the 80s. It’s an inher­ent prob­lem. Our job is to find hol­istic and multi-func­tional options and schemes. So, we try to work with landown­ers who have the local know­ledge to find these places where we can hold back the flow. We call it slow­ing the flow. We’ll never be able to stop it but we can man­age and reduce the water.

“It’s not just for flood risk. There’s eco­lo­gical bene­fits as well.we’ve got newts around the farm which we’re hop­ing to provide hab­itat for in time. These aren’t just big bomb craters. They have multi-func­tional use.” Proud grandad Sir David’s land is man­aged to bene­fit the envir­on­ment as part of the gov­ern­ment’s sus­tain­able farm­ing incent­ive. And a par­cel of it may host part of a 4,500-acre solar park farm being developed by Ger­man energy firm RWE in around six years.

Con­cerns have been raised about the loss of good agri­cul­tural land to solar pan­els – and how that could affect food pro­duc­tion.

But farm­ers strug­gling with the uncer­tainty of gov­ern­ment policies are diver­si­fy­ing to secure the future of their farms. First gen­er­a­tion farmer Sir David said: “We never know what they’re going to do.they don’t tell us.”

Last week Storm Chandra caused flood­ing in some parts of the East of Eng­land.

It coin­cided with Mid Nor­folk Tory MP George Free­man present­ing a Ten-minute Rule Bill in the Com­mons. He said: “Flood­ing is no longer a rare event. It is becom­ing an annual trauma for thou­sands of homes, with ser­i­ous con­sequences. “The recent storm high­lights the prob­lem, with tor­ren­tial down­pours lead­ing to sig­ni­fic­ant sur­face water run-off which over­whelms drain­age sys­tems. Yet developers con­tinue to build on flood­plains, and flooded homeown­ers find nobody ulti­mately respons­ible.

“In Nor­folk we have over 30 bod­ies with respons­ib­il­ity for flood­ing but each year it gets worse. This can­not go on. “My Bill is about giv­ing power and fund­ing back to the Internal Drain­age Boards and local coun­cils with powers to force developers and water com­pan­ies to prop­erly upgrade drain­age when big new hous­ing estates are built. “Local author­it­ies and internal drain­age boards need clear respons­ib­il­ity, proper fund­ing and the tools to pro­tect homes before floods hap­pen – not just mop up after­wards.”

His Bill will receive a second read­ing on July 10.

 

The Chancellor is backing British pubs with the announcement of a major support package, as the government recognises the challenges facing the industry and the vital role they play in building strong local communities.

  • Government backs British pubs with a major package of support on business rates and licensing reform, recognising the challenges they face and important role they play in local communities.
  • Pubs will get a 15% cut to new business rates bills from April followed by a two-year real-terms freeze, as well as a review into the method used to value them for business rates. This is on top of support announced at Budget.
  • Government also announces a new High Street Strategy to help ensure retail, leisure and hospitality businesses can thrive, as the bedrock of strong communities.

Pubs have faced significant pressure as their numbers have fallen by nearly 7,000 since 2010, a roughly 15% reduction and amongst the highest across hospitality overall. The sector has also raised concerns around the way they are valued for business rates purposes.

Recognising the value they bring and the challenges they face, the government is introducing a support package to save the average pub an additional £1,650 in 2026/27. Around 75% of pubs will see their bills fall or stay flat over the same year with the pub sector as a whole paying 8% less in business rates in 2029 than they do currently.

Amanda Martin MP welcomed the news saying: “I know just how much pressure our local pubs have been under, which is why I have been meeting with landlords across Portsmouth North, writing directly to every pub in the constituency, and raising their concerns with ministers ahead of last year’s Budget and since. Our pubs are at the heart of our communities, and I’ve been clear in my conversations with government that they need fairer business rates and long-term support to survive and thrive.

I’ve lobbied hard on behalf of local publicans, and it’s really welcome to see the Chancellor listening and backing pubs with real action. This package will make a genuine difference to pubs in Portsmouth North and help protect the vital role they play in bringing people together and supporting our high streets.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “If we’re going to restore the pride in our communities, we need our pubs and our high streets to thrive. We’re backing British pubs with additional support, and our new High Streets Strategy will help tackle the long-term challenges that our much-loved retail, leisure and hospitality businesses have faced. Thriving local businesses, bustling high streets and pride restored in our communities – that’s what this government is delivering.”

Other sectors continue to benefit from the £4.3 billion support package and from permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties.

The government is also launching a review into how they are valued. The review will be carried out by the government alongside businesses and their representatives as well as valuation experts, ensuring that any decisions that follow will be implemented for the 2029 revaluation.

Over the last decade, changing consumer habits, increasingly working from home and shopping online, combined with the pandemic and the increase in energy costs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have had a significant impact on all high street business.

Recognising this, the government is also announcing a High Streets Strategy to reinvigorate Britain’s communities. Working alongside businesses and representatives, this cross-government strategy will be published later this year and will look at what more the government can do to support our high streets.

This government is committed to supporting pubs build sustainable business models over the long-term. In the spring, the government will consult on further loosening planning rules to benefit pubs, helping them add new guest rooms or expand their main room without local planning applications. We will continue to engage with the sector to ensure other retail, leisure, and hospitality premises also have sufficient planning flexibilities.

The Chancellor also announced today £10 million of funding for the Hospitality Support Fund over three years – upped from £1.5 million for one year announced last April – to support pubs across the UK. The additional funding aims to help over 1,000 pubs provide extra services for local communities, including creating community cafes, village stores and play areas to help pubs bring locals and families together and boost their footfall. It will also support people who are furthest from the labour market to move into jobs in hospitality.

As part of further licencing reforms, pubs and other licensed venues will be able to open after midnight for Home Nations’ games in the later stages of this summer’s Men’s FIFA World Cup, meaning more time for fans at the pub while boosting takings behind the bar and supporting jobs in hospitality. The government is also bringing forward a consultation to allow them to open late for other big events such as Eurovision.

The government will legislate later this year to increase the number of temporary events pubs and other hospitality venues can hold to help screen other World Cup games or host community and cultural events.

This support comes on top of the £4.3 billion package the Chancellor announced at Budget 2025. This includes capping business rate bill rises by 15% for most businesses from April, or £800 for the smallest, next year as pandemic-era reliefs end and new revaluations take effect.

This government is committed to reforming the business rates system and has already begun the work. At Budget 2025, the Chancellor announced a permanent 5p cut in the business rates multiplier for over 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties, funded by a higher tax rate for the most expensive 1% of properties.

The post Govenment Announces Support Package that Backs Pompey Pubs appeared first on Amanda Martin MP.

Meg's Weekly Round-Up: Friday 30 January

Dame Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch)

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

Pavement Parking Update

Liam Byrne (Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North)

  Update on Pavement Parking Following up on the pavement parking video I shared earlier this week, I’ve now received a written response from the Transport Minister, Lillian Greenwood MP, which you can read below Why this matters: In Hodge Hill and Solihull North, blocked pavements aren’t a nuisance — they’re a daily barrier for disabled residents, older people, and parents with pushchairs. What the Minister has confirmed: • New powers for councils to tackle pavement obstruction from...

This week Labour has published its draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill.


For too long, leaseholders and homeowners with unadopted estates have paid through the roof for
substandard service from unscrupulous managing agents and freeholders.


Every year, homeowners pay £600 million to freeholders. And in 2024, service charges reached an
average of £2,300 a year, increasing well above inflation.


Labour’s Bill will take direct action on the cost-of-living crisis for leaseholders.


The Government is capping ground rent at £250 a year, and moving to a peppercorn after 40 years.


The legislation also establishes commonhold as a default tenure, bans new leasehold flats, and creates
a route for leaseholders who want to transition to commonhold to do so.


More plans are also in the works to make it easier for leaseholders to enfranchise, and to ensure that
managing agents and freeholders are held to account for poor practice.


Every week I see in my constituency inbox the costs which homeowners are forced to pay for
substandard service. Working people deserve managing agents and freeholders who work for them,
and that is exactly what Labour’s Bill will achieve

The post Labour is protecting Leaseholders from unfair charges, and capping ground rents appeared first on Liz Kendall.

The Member of Parliament for Barking, Nesil Caliskan, is celebrating a government announcement on ending leasehold and cap on ground rents: “Since I became the MP for Barking, I have been fighting against dodgy developers and housing management companies who have been ripping people off,” she said. “It is clear the system is broken.”

The government has announced a total ban on new leaseholds, with current leaseholders given the choice to switch to commonhold as part of the new Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill. There will also be a cap on ground rents of £250, drastically reducing the cost of homeownership for people across the country.

Nesil Caliskan has called out developers, freeholders and housing managing companies across Barking for their exploitative practices and unaffordable service charges. Last year, for example, she slammed HomeGround, a freeholder in Barking Riverside linked to many allegations of poor transparency and exploitative fees: “They have made the dream of homeownership a living nightmare for so many families in Barking & Dagenham.”

Commenting on the wider reforms, Nesil Caliskan MP said: “Freeholders and management companies have exploited the basic need of people to have a roof over their head for too long, charging sky-high fees for poor service.

“I have seen families living with no heating or hot water and elderly people forced to climb flights of stairs because the management company failed to do basic lift repairs.

“I’m glad that now people in Barking & Dagenham will be able to have a say over their own futures, and we are seeing the back of this feudal system.”

Call for Public to Share their Experiences of Maternity Services

Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill)

Baroness Amos, Chair of the independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, has issued a public Call for Evidence, asking women and families to share their experiences of maternity and neonatal care in England.

Promotional graphic for the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation featuring a dark blue gradient background with a subtle diamond pattern. White and light blue text reads: “Call for Evidence – Have you used maternity or neonatal services in England? Share your experience… Help shape the future of care for women and families across the country. Have your voice heard.”

The Call for Evidence is designed to ensure that the voices of women and families, including fathers, partners and non-birthing partners, are heard. The investigation seeks to understand the full range of experiences of maternity and neonatal care. 

Responses to the Call for Evidence will be used to inform the development of national recommendations to shape the future of maternity and neonatal services in England. The Call for Evidence consists of two surveys: one for women and people who have been pregnant to share their experiences of maternity and neonatal services; and one for people who have supported someone through pregnancy.

The Call for Evidence is open to the public until 17th March 2026. Responses can be submitted here: matneoinv.org.uk/call-for-evidence

It has been designed to allow everyone to have the chance to respond. It is available online, with easy-read versions, translation into seven languages, and a postal option for those who prefer not to respond online. Interpreter support and one-to-one interviews are also available for people who would like additional help to respond. 

This is an important opportunity for women and families to share their honest experiences of maternity care and drive improvements to the system for all. I encourage everyone who has used maternity services to make your voice heard.

The post Call for Public to Share their Experiences of Maternity Services appeared first on Bell Ribeiro-Addy.

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.

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...

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 […]
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. 

Dan Jarvis' Christmas Message

Dan Jarvis (Barnsley North)

Christmas is a very special time. It's when we come together with friends and family to take stock, and give thanks for what we have.

Some years – in the best of times, this is cause for celebration.

Other years – it's more complicated if we're missing loved ones,
affected by illness, or facing money worries, homelessness, or loneliness.

Sometimes – let’s be honest, for many reasons, Christmas can just be about getting through it, and that's ok!

Because regardless of the year that’s been, or the circumstances you find yourself in, Christmas offers everyone a precious gift – hope.

ICC FILES ARREST WARRANTS

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

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