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This Labour Government came into office with a determination to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, who have served, and Forces families. Those men and women who risk their lives every day for this country and stand at the heart of our national security. And the families that sacrifice so much support them. They are the very best of us. Whilst this is important across the country it should be part of our every day in our city.
As the proud mother of serving navy personnel, I know how important Armed Forces Day is to those serving and those with loved ones serving. Earlier this year I stood in Old Portsmouth with the Armed Forces Minister and waved off the Prince of Wales as it left the dockyard, to take part in the joint carrier strike group taskforce. A mum whose son was on board the Prince of Wales and lives in Cosham came up to me and the Minister and said ‘in an uncertain world my special cargo is on that ship and I’m proud you’re here to see what it means to us and I’m proud in what you are doing to support our armed forces’.
When we celebrate Armed Forces Day in Portsmouth, I’m always thinking of them, that mothers and every mother’s ‘special cargo’. I’m proud of what our Labour Government has delivered for service personnel in just 11 months of office.
We’re rewarding their dedication and professionalism – with the largest pay rise in over 20 years for our forces last year, and another inflation busting pay rise this year.
We’re bringing the military housing estate back into public hands, buying back 36,000 military homes, and investing more than £7 billion on military accommodation this parliament. Fixing long-term decline, increasing urgent repairs and renovations, and delivering homes fit for heroes.
We’re setting up our new VALOUR system to ensure veterans more easily access support on housing, employment, and health services. Disappointingly the city council haven’t yet signed up to be part of the new system. As the home of the Royal Navy, it should be a champion for veterans in our city and grabbing opportunities like this with both hands.
This month we’ve launched the search for the UK’s first ever Armed Forces Commissioner – an independent champion for serving personnel and families and a direct point of contact to raise issues affecting service life, such as housing, equipment, and welfare. I was proud to be a part of developing this role.
We’re overhauling outdated recruitment practices crisis – providing more opportunities and jobs across the country and attracting the best talent to the forces. And getting more young people excited about a potential career in our Armed Forces whilst learning vital life skills by increasing our Cadet force by 30% by 2030 through the Strategic Defence Review.
This Labour Government is committed to turning the page on 14 years of Conservative failure on defence.
We know that the need to reconnect Britain with serving personnel is more important than ever and we must strengthen links between our Armed Forces community and society. In a signal of that change, I’m proud that the Government is making Armed Forces Day bigger and better by bringing back the National Event.
As a country we saw 180 local events taking place across the UK to mark Armed Forces Day this year, including in Portsmouth. Which I had the pleasure of attending and meeting the many veterans, service personnel, charities, and organisations on display. The work by volunteers that happens in our city to support those who serve and have served is inspiring.
In this new era of threat, we must build society’s understanding of what the Armed Forces do to deter the threats we face and keep us safe. And we must honour those who served in decades gone by.
So, this week and indeed every week, I hope you will all join me in paying tribute – and celebrating – those who serve and served and our wider Forces community.
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In May, I was delighted to take part in Leicester Made 2025, an event showcasing the city’s dynamic fashion and textiles sector.
Leicester Made is an online directory designed for anyone, whether in the UK or overseas, looking to source or manufacture in Leicester.
It was brilliant to meet with manufacturers, retailers, and industry leaders, and the discussion was inspiring. I am passionate about creating meaningful job opportunities for young people, something I know was shared by others at the event.
Leicester is home to some of the best textile businesses in the country, and I’m proud that Leicester remains at the forefront of the evolving sector in this country!
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• UK Labour Government slashes energy prices by 25% for electricity intensive manufacturers such as steel and automotive.
• The Strategy will double business investment in growth sectors to £240bn a year by 2035.
• It will make the UK the best country to invest in and grow a business, delivering on the Plan for Change.
The UK Labour Government has unveiled the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, a bold 10-year plan to tackle the barriers holding back British businesses and unlock investment across the country. As part of the announcement, energy costs will be slashed by 25% for industries such as steel and automotive, bringing prices in line with Europe and accelerating grid connections through the new Energy Price Relief Scheme.
Key measures in the strategy include:
• Energy prices cut by 25% for thousands of manufacturers across the country
• Unlocking billions in business finance, including for SMEs through the British Business Bank and National Wealth Fund.
• Reforming the skills system to prioritise digital, engineering, and defence skills.
• Investing over £20bn in R&D for growth sectors
• Cutting regulation costs by 25% and streamlining planning for major projects.
The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change.
The Strategy will focus on eight key growth sectors – advanced manufacturing, creative industries, clean energy, defence, digital and technology, financial services, life sciences and business services.
Commenting on the announcement, DAME NIA GRIFFITH, Member of Parliament for Llanelli, said:
“This is great news for workers and businesses in Llanelli and rest of Wales. By cutting energy costs and unlocking investment, this strategy will help our local businesses grow, create high-quality jobs, and boost our economy.
It means manufacturers and other companies here in Llanelli will be able to expand operations, and new investment and innovation will bring more job and career opportunities, something that our young people are crying out for.
The Strategy builds on the Spending Review and Infrastructure Plan, targeting support where it’s needed most and making it easier for businesses not only to survive but thrive. It’s proof that Labour is committed to delivering the long-term stability and investment that industry needs to grow – backing our businesses to take advantage of the industries of the future.”
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
“We’ve said from day one, Britain is back in business under this government and our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people.
“This Strategy will ensure the UK is the best place to invest and do business, delivering growth that puts more money in people’s pockets and pays for our NHS, schools and military.”
Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan has welcomed the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, a bold 10-year plan to tackle the barriers holding back British businesses and unlock investment across the country.
As part of the announcement, energy costs will be slashed by 25% for eligible manufacturers, bringing prices in line with Europe and accelerating grid connections through the new Energy Price Relief Scheme.
Key measures include:
The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change.
The Strategy support 1.5 million jobs in the South East by focusing on eight key growth sectors including:
Commenting on the announcement, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:
“The 10-year plan announced today will be transformative for Portsmouth businesses.
“By attracting investment and cutting energy bills for Portsmouth companies, these announcements will bring high-quality jobs, opportunities for young people and economic growth to our city.
“One of my key priorities is to bring investment to Portsmouth, so I’m delighted to see these tangible plans to target support at those who need it most and make it easier for local businesses and people to succeed.”
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
“We’ve said from day one, Britain is back in business under this government and our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people.
“This Strategy will ensure the UK is the best place to invest and do business, delivering growth that puts more money in people’s pockets and pays for our NHS, schools and military.”
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Jeff Smith MP has welcomed confirmation that Didsbury Village Post Office will remain open, following uncertainty and community concern over a potential closure.
Residents across Didsbury expressed how much they value the local Post Office for its accessible services – particularly older residents, carers, and small business owners. Jeff worked alongside local councillors, including Cllr Andrew Simcock, to push for a solution that kept the service in the heart of the community.
Since the initial announcement of the potential closure, Jeff:
The Post Office has now confirmed that the Didsbury Village branch at 722 Wilmslow Road will continue operating, with a revised ‘local style’ model run from within the shop and with extended opening hours. While this represents a change in service model, customers will still be able to access the same range of key postal and banking services.
Jeff said:
“It’s good news that this much-valued Post Office will continue to serve the Didsbury community. I know how important it is to residents and local businesses, and I’ve been pleased to work with our local Councillors and others to help protect this vital service.” The service changes are due to take effect from July 2025. See the below update from the Post Office for further details:
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.
It's great to see the Norfolk Food Hall opening at the Norfolk Showground!
This is Norfolk's most exciting and newest delicatessen and restaurant.
I’m delighted to see some of Mid-Norfolk's finest businesses providing food for the shop and restaurant, including Tony Perkins Butchers. I can't wait to come by and visit!
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After a good kicking at elections, the usual and heavily anticipated response from the ruling party is that we are listening. But this isn’t going to wash. Labour needs a reset.
Sir Keir Starmer has shown strong leadership internationally and he needs to start showing the same leadership in our own country and stop the Government pussyfooting around. He should take a leaf out of Donald Trump’s book by following his instincts and issuing some executive orders. This is leadership from the front.
Where are the child abuse inquiries where the victims are still seeking justice? Telford-style inquiries should be set up immediately in the towns and cities where grooming gangs are running rings around the authorities.
There should be an immediate introduction of digital ID cards, required for employment and accessing public services. This is the only way to stop illegal immigration.
Free our public services from the pressures of Covid debts so they have the finances to deliver on our priorities by writing them off. Our schools and hospitals can be lifted from the shackles of debt in the way quantitative easing was used when Gordon Brown brought stability during the banking crisis. This would be a game-changer.
People are fed up with being told how to run their lives by people looking down their noses at them. We have a huge problem with our messaging; it is failing to hit the mark. Slogans on meeting our net zero targets are a prime example. They are meaningless for people who are facing rising energy costs and purchasing an electric car is an unattainable luxury.
The language needs to shift to the guarantee of green energy in order to get free hot water and cheaper electricity bills. Building on our security by making Britain self-reliant in energy production.
While the Government is busy talking to itself the voices of those on the outside are not being listened to. The realities of living in areas where there have been no big transport projects or huge development investments needs to have a voice around the table. Our lives are very different from the metropolis, our choices, and opportunities, less, our facilities are more remote or non-existent.
The demands raised by the new Labour MPs from the post-industrial towns, where infrastructure is poor and there have been years of disinvestment, and where large numbers voted for Brexit and have now switched to Reform, must be taken off the to-do list and urgently actioned. We know this works.
Ros Jones, the re-elected Labour mayor of Doncaster, made reopening Doncaster airport her number-one priority. The Government committed £30 million investment and she was rewarded at the ballot box.
While over half the country voted for Brexit, there isn’t a single person sitting in the Government who backed the EU leave deal. Where are the voices of the 40 Labour MPs who argued in favour of respecting the referendum? The number of government ministers representing leave-voting constituencies is insignificant.
Both Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher brought in people who were not like them, possibly people that they didn’t even like, and they were certainly people they sometimes disagreed with. This Government needs to step outside its comfort zone. Sir Keir needs to spend more time travelling the country quietly listening to what people are really thinking. This is a sign of a confident government.
Now we need to be honest with ourselves and address the issue that has hung like a weight around our shoulders since the early days of this Government, the Winter Fuel Allowance has now become our poll tax problem. We have lost the pensioner vote because of this; I hear the anger. To serve as the Government that listens, we should be immediately raising the threshold to the higher income tax level, and it is an executive order that my constituents in Bassetlaw would all welcome.
When Harold Wilson first became prime minister in 1964, the country had been left in a ruinous state with an £800 million deficit. Tough decisions were taken, including freezing a pensions rise, and there were concerns about rising immigration. A by-election disaster led to a reset. A Labour MP at the time commented: “The prime minister was becoming just a technician. [The by-election] forced him to remember what it was to be a political leader.” Wilson went on to win a landslide less than a year later. Sir Keir can take lessons from his approach
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I have been honoured to sit on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Committee since January 2025, collaborating to work on the momentous piece of legislation. My focus has been making a workable Bill with adequate safeguards. The last sitting of the Committee took place on the 25th March, 2025, where I spoke
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Barking and Dagenham is expected to receive at least £1.42 million through family hubs and the Start for Life programme, part of £126 million boost for families to give every child the best start of life and deliver on Labour’s Plan for Change.
Families in Barking will be able to access early years support such as pregnancy support, infant feeding advice, parenting classes and other support to give their child the best start in life.
Children’s early years are crucial to their development, health and life chances yet over 80% of parents have said they struggled to access services.
As part of our Plan for Change, the government is committed to strengthening family services to improve support through pregnancy and early childhood, and secure long-term outcomes for children – including through investment in Family Hubs and the Start for Life programme.
Nesil Caliskan, Member of Parliament for Barking said: “I am delighted that families and children in Barking will be able to access early years support through this funding boost from the Government.
“Families in Barking elected a Labour government to give every child the best possible start in life, and that is what we’re delivering.
“This will make such a huge difference for so many families in our community, and I know that the impact will be felt for years to come.”
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
Christmas is a very special time. It's when we come together with friends and family to take stock, and give thanks for what we have.
Some years – in the best of times, this is cause for celebration.
Other years – it's more complicated if we're missing loved ones,
affected by illness, or facing money worries, homelessness, or loneliness.
Sometimes – let’s be honest, for many reasons, Christmas can just be about getting through it, and that's ok!
Because regardless of the year that’s been, or the circumstances you find yourself in, Christmas offers everyone a precious gift – hope.
Last week I was sworn in as the MP for South Shields for the fifth time, and each time it strikes me how incredibly honoured I feel that you have put your faith in me as the first female MP to represent you in Parliament. It was a truly historic night as the UK elected […]
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