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  • Communities across England are set to benefit from a share of new £1bn fund. 
  • Portsmouth MP welcomes potential community energy opportunities for Portsmouth. 
  • Partnership with Great British Energy to put communities back in control. 

Stephen Morgan MP has welcomed the major announcement by Labour that communities across the UK, including in Portsmouth, will be given the opportunity to own and control their own energy projects. 

Labour’s plan delivers the biggest public investment in community energy in British history and will give communities a stake in the places they live, as well as generating profits that can be reinvested locally. 

Communities will be able to express their interest in funding and advice on building clean energy projects in their town or village through Great British Energy, with a new “one stop shop” set up for local energy. 

Welcoming the plan, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said: 

“This historic investment into community energy provides an exciting opportunity for our city to have and control its own energy projects. 

“This Labour government is putting power and wealth back in the hands of local communities, so profits can flow back into local areas, not simply out to big energy companies”. 

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

“Local and community energy is at the heart of our government’s vision. 

“We refuse to accept that the days when Britain owned things are in the past.  

“That is why we set up Great British Energy (GBE), the UK’s first new publicly owned energy company in 70 years, to ensure the British people can own and benefit from our natural energy resources”. 

The post Historic investment into community energy by Government to provide opportunity for Portsmouth energy projects. appeared first on Stephen Morgan MP.

Local MP Amanda Martin has today welcomed the major announcement by Labour that communities across the UK, including in Portsmouth, will be given the opportunity to own and control their own energy projects.

  • Communities across Hampshire set to benefit from a share of new £1bn fund
  • Amanda Martin MP welcomes potential community energy opportunities for Portsmouth
  • Partnership with Great British Energy to put communities back in control

Labour’s plan delivers the biggest public investment in community energy in British history, and will give communities a stake in the places they live, as well as generating profits that can be reinvested locally.

Communities will be able to express their interest in funding and advice on building clean energy projects in their town or village through Great British Energy, with a new “one stop shop” set up for local energy.

Welcoming the plan, Amanda Martin MP said: “This is a hugely exciting plan that opens up opportunities for communities in Porstmouth to take back control of their energy.

“This Labour government is putting power and wealth back in the hands of local communities, so profits can flow back into local areas, not simply out to big energy companies.”

Emma Bridge, Chief Executive of Community Energy England, added: “Community Energy England welcomes the announcement of £1bn for local and community energy, which will unleash the sector to grow exponentially again. By harnessing the passion, expertise and money of local people, this investment will deliver community benefit, bill savings, local jobs and energy justice.

“The Local Power Plan is an important step to putting people and community energy at the heart of the energy transformation. We look forward to working closely with Great British Energy and the government on detailed investment and delivery programmes so that our members can scale this work as soon as possible.”

The post Amanda Martin MP welcomes historic investment in community energy by the Labour Government appeared first on Amanda Martin MP.

IndividuaI Issues raised by constituents January 2026

Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)

The Labour UK Government has announced plans for a new Victims’ Code which will provide better support to child victims in Llanelli to understand their rights as victims of crime and, more crucially, how to get the help they need to recover.

Many children and young people don’t know where to turn following crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence – lost in the complexities of the criminal justice system.  As well as strengthening the Victims’ Code, the Government will work with young people and experts to develop the first ever child-friendly version of the code, setting out in age-appropriate language a child’s rights as a victim of crime – including the right to be referred or self-refer to support services.

The Government is seeking to restore victims’ trust in the Criminal Justice System and this move is a material guarantee of their rights.

Proposals in the new Victims’ Code include more direct contact with police and probation officers alongside parents for those aged 12 and up, granting them the dignity and autonomy they deserve as survivors of crime.

From reporting all the way through to trial and beyond, a better Victims’ Code will encourage all victims to see their cases through, knowing that the Government stands firmly on their side.

This represents a Labour manifesto pledge delivered and introduces invaluable support to victims in their time of greatest need.

Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, said:

“I know many people, and especially young people, across Llanelli have encountered difficulties in reporting crimes, seeking justice and in obtaining the appropriate support to take their cases through to the rightful conclusion.

These are issues I have raised in the House of Commons and beyond, and I am so glad that the Government has now presented this new Victims’ Code which will help children and young people in doing that.

“This will support all young victims of crime in Llanelli to have fuller confidence in our Criminal Justice System and support them in claiming the rights they are due.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, David Lammy, said:

“Navigating the justice system can be a challenge for many, but for children – a matrix! I’m incredibly proud of the changes to the Victims’ Code we’re exploring hand-in-hand with the people who will need it most.

“It’s unthinkable that an innocent and vulnerable child would ever need the criminal justice system, but it’s a reality we can’t ignore. Through the revisions we’re proposing, children will be the drivers on their journey to justice.”

Proposed improvements to the Victims’ Code for all victims include new fundamental principles and training for agencies across the justice system to deliver a higher standard of communication with victims.

Compliance with the Victims’ Code is enshrined in law. When commenced, the strengthened powers of the Victims’ Commissioner will hold agencies to account should they fall short of the Code’s standards without good reason.

This news follows a series of key interventions designed to protect women and children from violence and abuse.

These include the launch of the UK Government’s landmark VAWG Strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, and the decision to repeal the presumption of parental involvement to focus family court proceedings squarely on children’s safety.

Ministers have also committed to review the ‘National Protocol’ guidelines to stop the criminalisation of children in care and remove parental responsibility from people who have been convicted of a serious sexual offence against any child, and where a child is born of rape.

Preet Kaur Gill MP visits one of the commended schools, Lordswood Boys’ school 12 schools in Edgbaston have been identified as amongst best in country for supporting achievement of disadvantaged pupils. These schools are encouraged to share their best practice to set up every child in Birmingham Edgbaston to achieve and thrive. The government to build on progress in schools and drive national renewal. Today (9 th  February), Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, has congratulated 12...

Free breakfast club for Kenton Bar Primary School

Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North)

It’s great to hear that Kenton Bar Primary School is one of 500 schools to access a Government funded breakfast club from April this year. Putting money back into parents’ pockets and giving children a strong start to the day! The clubs come alongside a variety of measures to cut the cost of living, including […]
8 February 2026
UK now a pion­eer in plant breed­ing: Don’t ruin it, Keir!

Published in the Sunday Express

Sir Keir Starmer must stand firm against the EU when it comes to post-brexit free­dom to develop gene-edited crops banned by Euro­crats, an MP has warned.

George Free­man urged the Prime Min­is­ter not to “give away” the UK’S free­dom to pion­eer in plant breed­ing and reg­u­la­tion, such as the devel­op­ment of dis­ease-res­ist­ant and drought-res­ist­ant crops.

He said: “Agritech is a huge global growth mar­ket for both exports and invest­ment. For it to thrive, we must have policies in place that incentiv­ise our farm­ers to “grow more with less”.

“Europe is also a key mar­ket – for both UK food and agritech. One of the real bene­fits of Brexit was the free­dom to develop dis­ease-res­ist­ant and drought-res­ist­ant crops, such as the blight-res­ist­ant potato.

“As the gov­ern­ment reduces trade fric­tion with the European mar­ket, we mustn’t give away the free­dom to pion­eer in plant breed­ing and reg­u­la­tion, but instead be an innov­at­ive accel­er­ator test­bed where new innov­a­tions can be tested on their way to the EU mar­ket.”

The Express’s Give Us a Proper Brexit cru­sade has called for the gov­ern­ment to slash red tape for busi­nesses.

The UK intro­duced the Genetic Tech­no­logy (Pre­ci­sion Breed­ing) Act 2023 after Brexit, diver­ging from EU rules by allow­ing lighter reg­u­la­tion for gene-edited crops. Both the National Farm­ers’ Union and MPS on the Com­mons’ Envir­on­ment, Food and Rural Affairs Com­mit­tee have raised con­cerns over these tech­no­lo­gical advances being sac­ri­ficed in order to reach a deal with the EU.

Mr Free­man said: “Although few in White­hall seem to under­stand it, the global mar­ket for agri­cul­tural and food tech­no­logy is explod­ing with bil­lions of pounds of invest­ment as nations look to secure food sup­plies for grow­ing pop­u­la­tions.

“To avoid mass fam­ines, the globe has to double food pro­duc­tion on the same land area using half as much water and energy.”

He added: “The UK is a power­house in agri­cul­tural research and devel­op­ment, and agritech innov­a­tion – Nor­folk espe­cially – but we’ve been very bad at com­mer­cial­ising it glob­ally.”

Nor­folk’s Broad­land Food Innov­a­tion Centre is home to a cluster of agri­cul­tural food innov­at­ors such as Con­di­mentum, the home of Col­man’s mus­tard powder, and hand-made frozen meals brand Farm­yard.

James Smith, CEO of Con­di­mentum, told the Express dur­ing a tour of the 25,000sq ft facil­ity that the con­sor­tium was set up by the Eng­lish Mus­tard Grow­ers’ and Nor­folk Mint Grow­ers’ co-oper­at­ives.

It is one of only three mills world­wide cap­able of pro­du­cing double super­fine mus­tard flour.

The fact­ory makes mus­tard for Col­man’s par­ent com­pany Uni­lever, which closed its Car­row Works site in Nor­wich in 2020 after 160 years. Talk­ing about how Col­man’s is integ­ral to

Nor­folk, Mr Smith said: “Mus­tard is prob­ably one of those leg­acy con­di­ments that have such a her­it­age.”

They also pro­cess fresh mint from local farm­ers within two hours of har­vest. Mr Smith said Brexit had not impacted hugely in terms of sourcing raw mater­i­als. He added: “But goods com­ing from Europe into the UK got slowed down quite a bit.we were at that time selling pre­dom­in­antly into the UK so it didn’t really affect us. I think longer term, we’re going to find chal­lenges around reg­u­lat­ory diver­sion... espe­cially around farm­ing oper­a­tions like the use of pesti­cides and insect­icides.

“There is some cost impact that we’ve seen and some logistic chal­lenges that have come but I would say that’s lev­elled a little bit now. But I think for us in the food industry gen­er­ally, diver­sion of reg­u­la­tion is going to be a big chal­lenge we need to keep an eye on.”

Mean­while, nearby food innov­ator Han­nah Spring­ham and her chef hus­band Andrew Jones cre­ate Mich­elin res­taur­ant­level food for first and busi­ness class air­line trav­el­lers out of Heath­row and Gatwick.

The pair closed their fine-din­ing res­taur­ant Farm­yard, which fea­tured in Mich­elin’s guide, in 2024 after seven years.

When the Express vis­ited their kit­chen of the same name, parmesan cream sauce with black pep­per was bub­bling away beside len­til bolognese in indus­trial-sized pots.

Han­nah said: “In lock­down, we pivoted to mak­ing frozen ready-meals, which was a bit con­tro­ver­sial because we were fine din­ing. My hus­band, who’s the chef, was like, I didn’t get into chef­ing to do frozen meals. We’ve just pivoted because some­body in our res­taur­ant came and took away the food on their private jet and said ‘you need to get into air­lines’.

Chicken, cur­rently sourced from Europe because of sup­ply chain issues, is their “big seller” and is a staple on flights to the USA every day.

Andrew cooks around 20,000 chicken breasts each month which then get added to other dishes, and the kit­chen uses loc­ally sourced veget­ables.

Han­nah said: “As a small pro­du­cer and a small busi­ness, we hear a lot of talk about the gov­ern­ment want­ing growth and I think decisions being made more quickly in sup­port of busi­ness is really import­ant.

“Quite a lot of the time stuff with gov­ern­ment or local coun­cil can take a while, and if we have to wait that means we can lose a con­tract if we can’t act quickly.”

Meg's Weekly Round-Up: Friday 6 February

Dame Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch)

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

Jeff Smith MP has welcomed the news that Labour will be funding clean power upgrades that will help the NHS in Manchester Withington cut their energy bills.

The Labour government has today announced details of the nearly 200 NHS sites that will benefit from funding jointly delivered alongside Great British Energy, with The Christie Hospital and Buccleuch Lodge in line for funding.

Today’s announcement builds on the work of Great British Energy’s solar for schools and hospitals programme, and will mean less money wasted on energy bills and more resources going back into frontline services.

It’s estimated that the measures announced today will save the NHS nearly £30 million a year on energy bills, with a handful of military sites across the country also set to benefit.

Jeff Smith MP said:

“This fantastic investment by Great British Energy in Manchester Withington will mean the NHS spending less money on energy bills and more resources being directed into the thing that really matters – frontline services.

“Through Great British Energy, Labour is delivering energy security, investing in our public services and delivering lower bills for our communities.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

“We’re investing in clean power for the NHS so more money can go back into frontline services.

“This is our clean power mission in action – cutting bills, investing in our communities, and providing energy security for our country.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

“With lower bills for hospitals, better value for money, and a cleaner, more efficient NHS, everybody wins.

“Every penny of these savings will be redirected straight back into frontline care and delivering an NHS patients, staff and the whole country can be proud of again.

“This investment will help us build an NHS fit for the future.”

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.

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

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

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

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

The Third Runway: A Monument to Mediocrity

Kit Malthouse (North West Hampshire)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kit Malthouse 1st February 2025

Dan Jarvis' Christmas Message

Dan Jarvis (Barnsley North)

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

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

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

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

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

ICC FILES ARREST WARRANTS

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

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