About

Built by Dave Cross.

Powered by Perlanet

Subscribe

Feed Subscribe
OPML OPML

Sources

April 2026 Monthly Report

Dame Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch)

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

The Labour Government is removing the fear of immediate benefits loss for 7,500 of disabled people in Portsmouth North who want to try work. New legislation that comes into force today (Thursday 30th April) will support disabled people with a ‘right to try’ work without losing benefits.

More than a third (37 percent) of disabled people and people with health conditions told the DWP Work Aspirations survey that they want to work, but are held back by fear of losing their benefits.

The landmark legislation – coming into force today – means entering employment will not automatically trigger benefit reassessment for claimants on new-style Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Universal Credit health element.

These policy changes developed by disabled people and those with health conditions via ‘Collaboration Committee’. Following recommendations from this committee the legislation also includes a guarantee that those looking to volunteer will be able to do so without fear of benefit reassessment – helping people move closer to, or into, work.
The changes are part of the Government’s drive to unlock work for sick or disabled people and boost living standards, by helping them move into good, secure jobs. This is backed by a £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support by the end of the decade.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said: “Giving sick and disabled people legal protection to try work without fear is vital for their futures and for growing our economy.

“It’s part of the work we’re doing to bear down on the cost of living and boost living standards for sick or disabled people in every corner of the country.

“With 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term sickness, we’re removing the barriers that have held people back for too long.”

Whilst this legislation ensures that entering work is not in itself a trigger for reassessment, where a reassessment is already due to take place, this will continue as normal.

Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North said: “I’m glad that the Labour Government is removing barriers to work for disabled people with The Right to Try. For too long, those with long term illnesses and disabilities have been abandoned to a life on benefits – even when they want to work.

By removing the fear that giving work a go will result in an immediate loss of benefits, 7,500 sick and disabled people in Portsmouth North will be able to see if work works for them, boosting their living standards and supporting our local economy by unlocking the talent that previous governments have ignored.”

Brian Dow, Chief Executive, of Mental Health UK said: “People often tell us that fear of reassessment, or even losing essential support if things don’t work out, is a significant barrier to taking those first steps back into work. The Right to Try is a positive and practical step that will ensure people have a safety net when exploring opportunities for work or volunteering.

“This welcome initiative will ensure people are more supported and help them to build confidence, skills and connection at a pace that supports their recovery to better mental health.”

The Government’s wider support offer includes innovative programmes that meet sick or disabled people where they are, such as WorkWell – which is now set to unlock opportunities for 250,000 more people – and the Connect to Work programme which will provide personalised help for 300,000 people over the next five years.

Reforms which have just come into force will also tackle the perverse incentives in the Universal Credit system inherited by this government, which keep people trapped on benefits. By introducing a lower health element for new claimants, the government will save nearly £1 billion in taxpayer money and help move people towards work.

The post Barriers to work removed for disabled benefit claimants as landmark legislation introduced appeared first on Amanda Martin MP.

From Friday 1st May, the Labour Government’s transformative Renter’s Rights Act will come into force, introducing major changes designed to strengthen protections for tenants and improve standards across the private rented sector.

Millions of renters across England, including those in around 12,000 private rental homes in Manchester Withington, are now benefiting from the biggest strengthening of renters’ rights in over 40 years, as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force.

Over 12,000 private rental homes in Manchester Withington will now have greater security and protection under the new law, which delivers long-awaited reforms to make renting fairer, safer and more secure.

The landmark changes include a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, ending the practice of tenants being evicted without a reason. This will help families put down roots and reduce the risk of homelessness.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:

“Renters have been living at the mercy of rogue landlords and in fear of losing their home for too long. We are putting a stop to this with historic changes that give renters the security they deserve – marking the beginning of a new era for private renters.”

The new law also introduces tougher enforcement powers for councils, with fines of up to £40,000 for landlords who break the rules, ensuring that rogue operators can no longer evade accountability.

Key measures that renters will benefit from include:

  • Ending Section 21 “no-fault” evictions and moving to periodic tenancies
  • Balancing possession rules to protect tenants while supporting responsible landlords
  • Preventing “backdoor evictions” by allowing tenants to challenge excessive rent increases
  • Introducing a landlord ombudsman to deliver quick, binding dispute resolution
  • Launching a Private Rented Sector database to improve transparency and compliance
  • Strengthening tenants’ rights to request pets, with appropriate safeguards such as insurance
  • Applying the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to improve property quality and safety
  • Banning discrimination against renters on benefits or with children
  • Ending rental bidding wars above advertised prices
  • Increasing enforcement powers and penalties for rogue landlords

These changes represent a step forward in creating a fairer, more secure rental market for everyone.

For more detail, including top tips for renters, visit Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert website here   https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip/ 

Judith brings together partners from Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police, Incommunities, local councillors and volunteers. Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South, has welcomed the Government’s new Waste Crime Action Plan, the most robust crackdown to date on illegal waste activity. These new measures will see waste criminals facing tougher enforcement action, including additional penalty points on their driving licence and prosecution. The announcement follows a series of meetings convened...

City MP welcomes Southsea Skatepark go ahead

Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth South)

Stephen Morgan MP has welcomed planning approval for an ambitious plan for Southsea Skatepark following his support for the community asset 

The plans, developed by dedicated trustees at the Skatepark, proposes the modernisation of facilities within the historic site on Southsea Common with a new roofed structure providing an indoor skatepark, viewing areas, a café and a shop. 

The city MP has given his full support to these proposals, having met trustees and visiting the Southsea Skatepark in recent days to discuss the opportunities that modernisation would provide for skatepark users and the wider community. 

The proposed redevelopment is both ambitious and respectful — a modern, sustainable structure that draws inspiration from Portsmouth’s rich architectural heritage while embracing cutting-edge design.  

The building will include new viewing areas for spectators, a café, and a shop, creating a welcoming, social hub that serves skaters, BMXers and scooter riders and the wider community year-round and in all weathers. 

With proposals now approved, the next phase will be to carry out detailed work for the build. You can follow regular updates on progress made here. 

The Southsea Skatepark charity will shortly begin fundraising to make the plans a reality.  

Mr Morgan is encouraging Portsmouth people to give what they can and plans to convene funders to assist trustees with their efforts. 

Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said: 

“Southsea Skatepark is not only a much-loved community asset, it is also an iconic landmark for the international skating community. 

“Standing the test of time, thanks to the dedication of the team of trustees, the Southsea Skatepark now has a bright future ahead with their ambitious plans for improvement.  

“I look forward to working with the team now that planning consent has been granted to help make this exciting project a reality. Anyone who can help should get in touch”. 

Commenting, Victoria Wenyon, a Southsea Skatepark charity trustee, said: 

“This isn’t just a roof – it’s a complete reimagining of what Southsea Skatepark can be.” 

“It’s about creating a lasting, inclusive space that reflects the character of our city, while providing modern facilities for current and future generations.” 

To find out more visit https://southseaskatepark.org/  

The post City MP welcomes Southsea Skatepark go ahead appeared first on Stephen Morgan MP.

Renters Rights Act Comes into Force

Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill)

A residential street of red brick houses with parked vehicles and 'To Let' placards outside.

On 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act officially entered into force, giving 11 million renters across Britain stronger rights, better protections and more security in their homes.

14,647 renters in Clapham & Brixton Hill will benefit from these new laws, which include a long-overdue ban on ‘No Fault’ evictions, ending the practice of tenants being evicted without a reason.

These reforms are designed to give renters greater security, stability and fairness – helping people to put down roots and feel more secure in their homes.

How have renters’ rights improved?

  • No more Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – private landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason.
  • Goodbye to fixed contracts – all tenancies in the private rented sector will roll on from month to month or week to week (depending on your arrangement) with no end date, giving renters more flexibility. Tenants can end them with two months’ notice.
  • Fairer rent rules – landlords can only raise rent once a year and renters can challenge unfair hikes.
  • No more bidding wars – landlords must stick to no more than the advertised rent price.
  • One month’s rent upfront, max – landlords can’t ask for more.
  • No discrimination – it’s now illegal to refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have kids.
  • Pets welcome – renters can now ask to live with a pet and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse permission.

These changes are designed to make renting fairer and more secure, while also giving landlords clear, modernised rules to follow. 1 May 2026 marks the first phase of implementation, with additional provisions coming in later this year and beyond.

What further changes am I pushing for?

This legislation represents a significant upgrade to renters’ rights and I welcome it wholeheartedly but there is still work to do to stop renters being evicted and exploited.

  • Rent controls: whilst the legislation limits the frequency of rent rises, it does nothing to address the soaring hikes we’ve seen. As I pointed out at Third Reading, a large rent increase is just a no fault eviction by another name. The government must adopt rent controls to prevent renters being exploited and evicted in this way.
  • Stronger protections for renters in upgraded homes: I welcome the government’s commitment to improve energy efficiency standards in private rental homes, tackling fuel poverty for renters. However, I fear that without stronger protections, many tenants may not enjoy the benefit of their upgraded homes — even when such upgrades are delivered with public money. That’s why I’ve been pushing for a protected period from eviction after a government grant is used to retrofit a privately rented property — to stop landlords simply cashing in on the increased value of their property by selling up.

What future changes has the government promised?

  • A Private Rented Sector Database – a register of all landlords and rental properties in England, so you can check who you’re renting from. The new online database will be rolled out gradually by area from late 2026, showing who is renting out homes across England. You’ll be able to check your landlord and see if they’re properly registered once it is live in the area you live.
  • A free complaints service – a new independent Private Landlord Ombudsman will help renters sort complaints against landlords quickly and fairly, without needing to go to court. It will also support landlords with tools, guidance and training on handling complaints from tenants early.
  • Warmer and safer homes – new rules in the future will raise the standard of rented homes – tackling damp, mould and dangerous conditions. Landlords will need to fix serious hazards faster and make homes more energy efficient, helping tenants stay warm and cut bills.
  • Greener homes by 2030 – by 2030, all privately rented homes must meet new energy efficiency standards (EPC rating C or better) unless exempt. That means better insulation, lower bills and greener living.
  • Landlord action to fix hazards – the government is looking to extend Awaab’s Law to private rentals – forcing landlords to act fast when homes are unsafe. A consultation on how best to do this will be launched soon, so private tenants can benefit from protections like those already supporting social housing tenants.
  • A new Decent Homes Standard by 2035 for private rentals – the government will introduce a Decent Homes Standard for privately rented homes: a clear set of rules to make sure every rented property is safe, warm and in good repair. This new standard will help raise the bar across the board, giving renters confidence that their home meets basic safety and quality rules – and giving councils more power to crack down on landlords who don’t meet them.

How can renters exercise their rights?

  • Landlords are responsible for sticking to these new rules – and your local councils now have stronger powers to act if your landlord breaks them.
  • Should you need help as a renter, the process you follow depends on the type of dispute you want to raise. The government’s guidance is a good starting point to check how you approach different rental issues.
  • It is always a good idea to raise concerns with your landlord in the first instance before taking formal steps. But if you think they might be breaking the law, you should get in touch with your local council. Councils have significant powers to take enforcement action including higher fines and prosecution.
  • In the future, a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will provide quick, fair, impartial and binding resolution for tenants’ complaints about their landlord.

What does the Renters’ Rights Act mean for landlords?

  • Landlords can still get their property back for clear reasons – like selling up, moving in, or dealing with rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
  • The changes aim to strike a fairer balance between renters and landlords, making the system more stable, safer and easier to understand.
  • The government is investing in the courts to help tenants and landlords see justice quicker, with boosted powers and funding for councils now in place to tackle rogue landlords.

The post Renters Rights Act Comes into Force appeared first on Bell Ribeiro-Addy.

Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 1st May 2026

Preet Kaur Gill (Birmingham Edgbaston)

This week, the Parliament session officially ended, this means Parliament will not meet until after the King's Speech on 13th May. This marks the end of the current Government's session, and has been a monumental 22 months since we were elected to deliver a new agenda of change for the country.

Two Jewish men stabbed in north London – concern for all Jewish communities

Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)

These horrendous attacks in London will make Jewish communities feel unsafe across our country including Newcastle.

I want to send solidarity and sympathy to everyone affected, we will stand up to and defeat the agents of violence and bigotry in our country.

More Information:    https://x.com/MayorofLondon/status/2049457457093603333

BBC News:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c3ve2nr60xzt

 

 

 

 

SEND Provision

Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett)

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

A Healthcare Plan for Dereham

George Freeman (Mid Norfolk)

28 April 2026
A Healthcare Plan for Dereham

Towns like Dereham cannot keep having new homes built without additional investment in local facilities, services and infrastructure, especially health and care services.

The closure by local NHS managers of Toftwood Surgery in South Dereham has put even more pressure on existing facilities, and Toftwood patients who lost their local surgery now have to get across town to Orchard or Theatre Royal surgeries.

With the new Government now increasing the local housebuilding targets in Breckland by 50% - we need a new Community Health Hub in South Dereham to cope with growing demand for health care services.

If all parties can work together on an integrated plan for Health & Care services in Dereham reflecting its growth and population health needs for the next 10-20 yrs, and back it with one voice I'm confident we can secure the funding we need.

Other towns have done it. It’s what the Attcare Project I chair for Attleborough healthcare providers is doing.

I have written to all Dereham town Councillors, civic leaders and local healthcare providers to propose a Dereham Health+Care Summit, after the elections in May, to put together a Dereham Health Care Plan.

Image courtesy Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government In just under a fortnight’s time, the biggest ever change in the private rented sector will take place, transforming the rights of thousands of private sector renters in Bristol South. A third of properties in Southville are privately rented, and more than a quarter of those in Bedminster and Windmill Hill are the same. From the 1 May there will be no more “no fault” evictions meaning landlords will no longer be able to...

Royal Mail boss hauled before Business and Trade Committee

Liam Byrne (Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North)

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

March Update

Sean Woodcock (Banbury)

What I’ve been up to throughout March March has been a busy month, both in Westminster and in the constituency. In Westminster, a lot of my time has been spent on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, where we have been doing pre-legislative scrutiny of commonhold and leasehold legislation. I asked constituents to

The post March Update appeared first on Sean Woodcock, MP for Banbury.

Final reminder to get comments on Meddygfa’r Sarn GP Surgery into Hywel Dda Health Board by the consultation closing date – 6th April – Easter Monday.

I attended the public engagement event in Carway Hall on Tuesday, and once again stressed to the Board how important it is to put patients first and keep premises and regular surgeries in Pontiets.

The Board really needs to look at the best way to GUARANTEE that…an arrangement which would be unlikely to appeal to an Independent GP surgery from outside Pontiets. The Board already control Minyrafon, so they could control and guarantee the provision of surgeries in Pontiets.

A big thank you to everyone who has voiced opinions to the Board and especially the Save Sarn Surgery Working Group Page for all the work they have put into their comprehensive report.

March Newsletter

Mohammad Yasin (Bedford)

Dear Constituent,

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

Yours sincerely,

Mohammad Yasin MP

In the constituency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Westminster

Global tensions and the cost at home 

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

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

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

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

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

Education and opportunity 

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

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

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

Young people and the online world 

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

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

Health and everyday services 

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

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

Economy, jobs and fairness 

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

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

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

Standards, democracy and public life 

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

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

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

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

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

Environment and public health 

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

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

Looking ahead 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post March Newsletter appeared first on Mohammad Yasin MP.

A graphic that says MP for Barking secured £20 million for the local area - Funding for Eastbury ward and Mayesbrook ward.

Nesil Caliskan, Member of Parliament for Barking, celebrates the announcement £20 million additional funding for Barking & Dagenham from the government’s Pride in Place programme after launching a campaign for more Pride in Place funding for the borough. 

The government has selected Mayesbrook Park, in Mayesbrook ward, and Rippleside, in Eastbury ward, as the beneficiaries of the funding injection. 

Nesil has been meeting with and speaking to constituents about where additional funding in Barking & Dagenham should go to benefit local people the most. 

The Prime Minister backs UK renewal with a historic £5 billion investment into communities across the UK as part of the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Pride in Place programme. 

Residents and Members of Parliament are to play a leading role in deciding the best use of the funding in their own communities. Local people decide how the money is spent, whether it is on improving local high streets, reviving green spaces or on community hubs, pubs and leisure centres. 

Nesil Caliskan, Member of Parliament for Barking said: 

“I was pleased with the government’s initial announcement of £1.5 million in funding for Barking & Dagenham’s high streets, but local people deserved more to make a tangible impact in our local communities. 

“I’ve been campaigning for an uplift on the £1.5 million Pride in Place, speaking to Ministers and urging them to invest in Barking & Dagenham. People should feel pride in the places they live and enjoy the opportunities that emerge from revitalised community centres. That’s why I’m pleased that Barking & Dagenham will now receive £20 million which will make a real difference to our local area and economy.” 

Pride In Place Drop In Events

Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields)

The post Pride In Place Drop In Events appeared first on Emma Lewell MP.

Join the Peaceful Protest – 28th February

Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills)

A huge thank you to every resident who is helping to organise and who will be attending our peaceful protest to protect our precious Green Belt and Green Spaces.

Setting politics aside, we are standing together to voice our total opposition to the Government’s plan to reclassify our Green Belt as “Grey Belt.”

This is about standing shoulder to shoulder and protecting our community’s future!

I am getting a huge number of messages from people about potholes across Bassetlaw. Our roads are falling apart and it cannot go on like this.

Many drivers tell me they are worried about damage to their cars. They say they have to swerve to avoid deep holes in the road. People are facing huge bills for car repairs to fix damage to tyres. I have even heard about license plates being ripped from cars by deep potholes in some areas.

Recently, I was contacted by residents who live on Sheffield Road in Blyth. The road there is in a terrible state. Large lorries hit the crater holes at speed, and the impact is so strong that nearby houses shake, day and night. Some residents are struggling to sleep through the night because the vibrations are so bad. Some have even seen cracks appear in their brickwork. That is simply not good enough.

I am pushing for the whole road to be properly resurfaced, not just patched up. I am pleased that this request has now been put forward to the County Council as part of next year’s roads budget. I will keep pressing for it to be approved.

I see the ‘dob jobs’ taking place, but this is a quick fix and not a permanent solution. In some cases, the roads crumble again within weeks. The County Council recently spent £75,000 on flags for lampposts. While I love to see our flag flying, is this really the priority when our roads are in such a bad state?

We have heard plenty of excuses. The councillor in charge of roads has even tried to blame my husband, John Mann, the former MP for Bassetlaw. But I have lived here in Bassetlaw for over 25 years, and I have never known our roads to be in such poor condition. Over the past few months, I have reported over 50 potholes across Bassetlaw. But when I go to report them, I often see that they have been reported many times before, and no action has been taken.

Many people ask me what is being done about it. Here are the facts. Nottinghamshire County Council is in charge of looking after our roads. It runs this service through its company, VIA. The Council has been given an extra £8.3 million from the government to fix roads. This is on top of the £70 million it already has for road repairs. I plan to meet with the County Council very soon, alongside other Nottinghamshire MPs of all parties to discuss the issue.

The Council is saying it plans to buy a special machine called the JCB Pothole Pro. It costs about £200,000 and is meant to repair potholes more quickly. However, I am concerned that the previous Conservative administration looked at this in 2021, and found that the machine did not save money, could damage kerbs, and had problems on narrow roads. Most importantly, it did not fix potholes any faster than normal repair methods.

I will be keeping a close eye on how this money is spent. What matters most is that our roads are maintained and properly repaired. My message is clear, use the money and get on with the job.

The post Potholes are the main concern for Bassetlaw residents appeared first on Jo White MP.

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

The Third Runway: A Monument to Mediocrity

Kit Malthouse (North West Hampshire)

An abridged version of this article ran in The Times on 3rd February 2025

In 2007, in the pages of this newspaper, I argued that Britain should seize the moment and move Heathrow to the Thames Estuary, freeing up the congested west London site for much-needed housing while creating a world-leading transport hub fit for the 21st century. It was an ambitious plan—perhaps too ambitious for a nation that has lost its appetite for grand infrastructure. Seventeen years later, what do we have? The same tired debates, the same dithering, and now, a third runway proposal that represents the absolute minimum of what could be done. It is not a vision; it is a concession to stagnation.

Throughout history, Britain built infrastructure that transformed cities and continents. The Victorians laid thousands of miles of railways across India and Africa. British engineers built the world’s first underground railway in London, the great docks of Hong Kong, and the vast shipping hubs that made global trade possible. Ours was once a nation that saw scale and complexity as challenges to be overcome, not reasons to prevaricate. Today, while China constructs floating airports in Hong Kong and Dalian, we are still arguing over a few extra miles of tarmac at an aging airport hemmed in by suburban sprawl.

The case for expanding Heathrow is undeniable. The airport operates at near capacity, with any disruption causing delays that ripple across the global aviation network. Additional capacity is needed. But the third runway is not a bold leap forward—it is an unimaginative compromise. The design is a relic of a bygone era when Britain was still willing to approve large infrastructure projects but had already begun its slow descent into cautious incrementalism. Surely for a solution we should be looking beyond the immediate horizon, daring to create something transformative.

Compare this to the grand infrastructure ambitions of Asia. Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok, which replaced the legendary but perilous Kai Tak airport in the 1990s, was built on reclaimed land. It was a marvel of engineering (mostly British), completed in just six years. Now, China is taking the concept even further: Dalian is constructing a floating airport, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This is a country that doesn’t simply accept geographic limitations—it overcomes them. Britain, meanwhile, is paralysed by protest groups, endless consultations, and political hand-wringing.

A floating airport in the Thames Estuary—an idea proposed and swiftly dismissed—would have been a statement of ambition. London could have had its own Chek Lap Kok, a world-class hub unencumbered by the constraints of Heathrow’s location. Instead, we are left with a piecemeal expansion of an outdated site, in a project that will take decades and still leave Britain trailing behind.

The environmental argument against expansion is often cited as a reason for delay, but it is a red herring. Modern aviation is rapidly advancing towards lower emissions and greater efficiency. If the concern is air pollution and carbon footprints, the answer is not to stifle airport expansion but to embrace new technology, support cleaner aviation fuels, and invest in modern air traffic management. Britain should be leading these efforts, not using environmental concerns as an excuse for stagnation.

The economic cost of our hesitation is immense. Aviation is a key driver of trade, tourism, and investment. Heathrow’s constraints mean we lose out to European rivals, with airlines shifting long-haul routes to Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. The third runway, even if built, will do little to reclaim lost ground. By the time it is operational—assuming it even survives the judicial challenges that will inevitably come—other nations will have long since surpassed us.

What Britain needs is a fundamental shift in mindset. We must stop viewing major infrastructure projects as necessary evils to be endured and start treating them as national priorities. This requires reforming our planning laws, streamlining approval processes, and fostering a political culture that celebrates engineering excellence rather than recoiling from it.

The third runway at Heathrow is not the answer—it is a symptom of our decline. Instead of an afterthought tacked onto an aging airport, we should be considering radical alternatives: offshore airports, high-speed rail integration to regional hubs, and a renewed commitment to infrastructure that places Britain at the forefront of global connectivity. We were once a nation that built the world’s most advanced transport networks, that pioneered engineering breakthroughs others only dreamed of. We can be that nation again—but only if we stop settling for mediocrity and start daring to think bigger.

The world is not waiting for Britain to catch up. While we squabble over a single new runway, China is building entire new airports on water. The contrast is stark, and the lesson is clear: boldness breeds success, hesitation ensures decline. If Britain truly wishes to remain a global player, we must abandon the timid incrementalism of the third runway and embrace the kind of audacity that once made us great.

Kit Malthouse 1st February 2025

Dan Jarvis' Christmas Message

Dan Jarvis (Barnsley North)

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

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

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

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

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

ICC FILES ARREST WARRANTS

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

Made by @davorg / Last built: Sunday 03 May 2026 07:10