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The House divides to vote on Amendment NC1 to the Crime and Policing Bill Last week, the Labour Government’s tough new Crime and Policing...

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.

The post Labour is delivering for our Armed Forces community this Armed Forces week, writes Amanda Martin MP appeared first on Amanda Martin MP.

Liz at Leicester Made!

Liz Kendall (Leicester West)

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!

Homepage – Leicester Made

The post Liz at Leicester Made! appeared first on Liz Kendall.

• 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.”

NHS Waiting Lists in Bradford falling

Judith Cummins (Bradford South)

Judith has welcomed data which shows that NHS waiting lists in Bradford are falling. As of April 2025, the number of cases where a...

A proud, self-reliant, secure country, where opportunity, jobs and wealth are spread fairly.

That is what Labour’s industrial strategy will create.

More details:    https://www.pesmedia.com/275m-skills-package-unveiled-as-business-secretary-vows-to-invest-in-british-people-to-power-industrial-strategy

Government slashes energy prices by 25% for manufacturers This Modern Industrial Strategy will double business investment in growth...
  • Government slashes energy prices by 25% for manufacturers in defence, creative industries and clean energy
  •  This Modern Industrial Strategy will double business investment in growth sectors to £240bn a year by 2035.
  • This Industrial Strategy will make the UK the best country to invest in and grow a business, delivering on the Plan for Change.

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:

  • Energy prices cut by 25% for 1000s of businesses 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 support 1.5 million jobs in the South East by focusing on eight key growth sectors including:

  •  Advanced Manufacturing
  • Clean Energy Industries
  • Creative Industries
  • Defence
  • Digital And Technologies
  • Financial Services
  • Life Sciences
  • Professional and Business Services

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.”

 

 

The post City MP backs Industrial Strategy to boost local businesses, enhance skills and support growth in Portsmouth   appeared first on Stephen Morgan MP.

Catherine’s Catch Up – 23 June

Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North)

Last week was a busy one: welcoming students from Northern Counties to Parliament, celebrating Thank A Teacher Day, and meeting with the fabulous Shirley Ballas as Minister for School Standards. If you would like my assistance, please contact me here, and follow me on social media for regular updates. Welcoming Northern Counties to Parliament I […]

Spending Review

Liam Byrne (Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North)

Renewing Britain: My Thoughts on the 2025 Spending Review  Last week, I was out with Councillor Saddak Miah for Garretts Green, chatting...

An Update from your Local MP – 21st June 2025

Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill)






*|MC:SUBJECT|*




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Picture of Bell against a graffiti backdrop

Dear *|FNAME|*,

This week, the government introduced legislation that would slash disability benefits by £7 billion, pushing 300,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children. I have consistently opposed these plans and made it clear that I will vote against them. I continue to urge the government to reconsider these cuts.

A Freedom of Information request just this week revealed that these cuts would hit more than half of the disabled workers who claim PIP. We also heard that the government initially underestimated the number of people claiming PIP.

These are two reminders that the cuts are too widely targeted and have not been properly thought through. This is unsurprising when you consider that the government actively chose not to consult on these specific measures with those who would be affected by them.

These cuts would have made George Osborne blush. We cannot underestimate their human and political cost. Rather than facing another embarrassing u-turn, as happened with winter fuel cuts, the government should go back to the drawing board. The public will not forgive us if we remove support from those most in need of it.

Alleviating Disability Poverty

Protesting for Peace in the Middle East

In recent days, we witnessed another worrying escalation of events in the Middle East as Israel launched new strikes against Iran. Last weekend, I joined an emergency demonstration calling for an end to the bombing of Iran and the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

We need to be clear that Israel has been emboldened by the support and impunity it has enjoyed whilst carrying out a genocide in Gaza. The IDF is now engaged in military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. This is not about defence, it’s about regional domination.

End UK Military Support for Israel

On Monday, the Foreign Secretary appeared before the House of Commons to give a statement on the strikes traded between Israel and Iran. Britain has a role to play in pushing for de-escalation and restraint from both parties. But UK military aircraft have been deployed ready to protect Israel, IDF troops continue to be trained in the UK and UK arms sales to Israel continue, including F-35 parts.

In my question, I asked the government whether it accepts that calls for de-escalation are undermined by bolstering of Israel’s military, even as the Gaza genocide continues. You do not have to support the Iranian regime’s repression of its people, its persecution of women and minorities, or its destabilising regional role to acknowledge that another campaign of indiscriminate bombing only undermines long-term prospects of a just or lasting peace. You do not build democracies with bullets and bombs.

Voting on the Assisted Dying Bill

On Friday, MPs were asked once again to vote on the Assisted Dying Bill and related amendments. As those of you who have followed this debate closely will know, I have consistently voted against this legislation, despite supporting the principle of giving people more autonomy over their own deaths. This legislation does not just have implications for people who want to end their own lives but also for those who do not.

With many important safeguards rejected at committee stage, this bill would undoubtedly leave the most marginalised and vulnerable exposed to coercion. As Mother of the House, Diane Abbott MP, put it in Friday’s debate: “if this Bill is passed in its current form, people will lose their lives who do not need to. They will be among the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society”.

When MPs legislate, we must be realistic about the impacts of that legislation. In the current context of our overstretched health and social care system, supporting this bill would not have been consistent with my responsibilities to my constituents or my principles.

Read my full statement on the Assisted Dying Bill over on my website →

Support Local Families with Baby Clothes

A huge thank you to everyone who has dropped off donations for Little Village at my constituency office already. If you haven’t had a chance yet, there’s still time! I’ll be collecting for another week or so. Please keep your pre-loved baby items coming to support families in need in our area!

More Power Must Mean More Scrutiny

A Stride Forward in the Struggle for Reproductive Rights

Firefighters’ Charity Car Wash

St Paul’s Eco Fair

Another Plea for New Blood Donors

Last week, I was shining a light on the current issues facing NHS blood donation services. The NHS has been on its longest ever Amber Alert for low blood stocks since last July. Supplies are still dangerously low.

Bell stands outside Brixton Blood Donor Centre, wearing a red coat.


The post An Update from your Local MP – 21st June 2025 appeared first on Bell Ribeiro-Addy.

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:

  • Met with Neil Brocklehurst, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Post Office to make the case;
  • Wrote to Post Office CEO Nick Read and Royal Mail CEO Nigel Railton, raising concerns;
  • Joined Cllr Simcock to meet with Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas MP to hand in a community petition to save the branch.

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:

Meg's Weekly Round-Up: Friday 13 June

Dame Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch)

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

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. 

Creating change that will enable region to thrive

Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett)

We’ve passed the first anniversary of Rishi Sunak standing on Downing Street in the pouring rain announcing a General Election. A year that has both seemed to have flown by, yet has seen so many difficult headlines. From the heartbreak in the Middle East to the Southport attacks and riots on our streets, this Labour government […]

Stephen Gethins MP – Constituency Surgeries

Stephen Gethins (Arbroath and Broughty Ferry)

I endeavour to hold as many local surgeries as possible across the constituency. Below you’ll find any currently scheduled events; please get in touch to reserve a slot and note that appointments are limited to ten minutes each. Upcoming surgery dates: 20th June 2025 10:00 AM Broughty Ferry Library There are currently 4 available appointments ... Read more

Source

Norfolk Food Hall Opening

George Freeman (Mid Norfolk)

29 May 2025
Norfolk Food Hall Opening

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!

Norfolk Food Hall

Spring Newsletter

Mohammad Yasin (Bedford)

Dear Constituent,

With the 80th anniversary of VE day yesterday, I have been proud to see our communities celebrating and reflecting on our shared history. So much has changed in those eight decades, but we always carry echoes of the past in our social heritage.

The NHS has become a fundamental part of British life, a hard-fought achievement in those post-war years of optimism and change. We all know the NHS has faced numerous challenges in recent years, so I am proud to be part of a Labour government that is once again working hard to get it back on its feet.

Recent announcements that the Government is bringing the NHS back under direct government control by scrapping NHS England, as well as investing over £1 billion in GP services and £100 million for hospices are huge steps forward. I have always stood up for patients and our dedicated healthcare workers, and will continue to support our local services.

As well as this, echoing colossal efforts to tackle the post-war housing crisis by the then-Labour government, we have seen the Government announce £2 billion in initial investment to get spades in the ground for 18,000 new social homes, on the way to meeting our pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes across the country.

Britain is at its best when we are standing together and facing challenges head-on. The spirit of hope, ambition, and determination to build a better future is well and truly in the air this Spring.

Let’s keep going to deliver the change we need!

Yours sincerely,

Mohammad Yasin MP

Constituents get in touch

Since my last newsletter, my office has opened 1,132 cases including over 300 for casework on behalf of constituents.

Many constituents have been in touch about a number of serious topics which have been in the news recently, including the tragic situation in Gaza, proposed changes to PIP and other benefits, and matters relating to transgender people and gender identity.

I am horrified by the Israeli Government’s announcement that it intends to occupy Gaza indefinitely. Israel is systematically denying Gaza’s entire population access to the most basic needs to sustain human survival. Make no mistake – this is a war crime. I raised this issue to a Foreign Office minister recently, and urged the Government to join France in recognising the state of Palestine in the upcoming UN conference on the two-state solution. The UK must play our part in international efforts to bring peace to the region, and end the appalling suffering being endured by so many innocent civilians.

Many constituents have been understandably concerned about the proposed changes to PIP and other benefits, laid out in the Government’s Pathways to Work green paper. I want to be clear that the Government’s plans will not result in any immediate changes to anyone’s benefits – but they are considered necessary to ensure we retain and embed a sustainable welfare system for those who need it.

Disappointingly, I believe that widespread media reporting in advance of the Green Paper will have fuelled anxiety about the Government’s plans. I am continuing to monitor the developing discussions closely, and will take care to carefully review the final proposals when they come before the house. For me, the most important thing is representing my constituents’ interests to ensure they have access to a fair, sustainable support system.

These reforms announced in Pathways to Work have been designed to protect those who need support most, and I welcome that those with lifelong health conditions (who will never be able to work) will no longer face future reassessments. These people will be eligible for a new Universal Credit premium, giving them the financial security they deserve. Existing claimants will also have their health top-up protected, and it is right that not only will PIP payments not be frozen, but will continue to rise with or above inflation for the first time ever, equating to a £775 annual cash increase by 2029/30 for new and existing claimants.

Several issues relating to gender and sex have been topics of discussion. In 16 April, the Supreme Court announced it had reached a unanimous decision that the terms ‘man’, ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex. It is extremely important to note the Court warned against reading this judgment “as a triumph of one or more groups in our society at the expense of another”. Fundamentally, the discussion about access to single-sex spaces should be governed by common sense and sensitivity, on a case-by-case basis, rather than with blanket bans. It is clear to me that this ruling is the beginning, not the end, of much-needed work on making our approach to gender recognition and equality fit for purpose in the modern world.

Additionally, my Labour colleagues and I voted against a proposed opposition amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill. I was pleased to see it was defeated, but it has undoubtedly caused serious concern for many people who would have been harmed by it.

Transgender people make up approximately 0.5% of the population of the UK. Yet, they experience a vastly disproportionate amount of discrimination and abuse. According to surveys conducted by Stonewall, 41% of trans men and women have experienced a hate crime, 25% have experienced homelessness, and the Government Equalities Office have found that 67% of trans people have hidden their gender identity due to the fear of negative responses.

I strongly believe trans people deserve safety and respect, and must be able to live their lives free from discrimination and harassment. Matters of gender and sex have become a divisive topic of debate in recent years. We cannot lose sight of the fact that real people’s lives lie at the heart of this issue. Disagreements must not be exploited for political gain. Real equality depends on us upholding our shared values, such as tolerance and open-mindedness, and continuing to advocate for some of the most vulnerable in society. It is essential that people in positions of authority, such as politicians, emphasise the importance of treating everybody with dignity and respect, and do not seek to sow division.

As well as these important issues, my team and I have been helping many constituents with a wide range of casework concerns, on matters such as housing, immigration, and access to public services. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is something we can help you with.

In the constituency

This Spring, I had local meetings with:

  • Universal Studios executives a month on from April’s exciting announcement in April. I will be sure to amplify the voices of my constituents every step of the way, and advocate for fair opportunities and inclusive economic growth.
  • South Midlands Careers Hub to hear more about its work here in Bedford and Kempston. It’s an exciting time for the Hub with two key initiatives underway – The Modern Work Experience Programme (EQUALEX) is a new national initiative, which aims to ensure every young person has access to high-quality workplace experiences, starting in Year 7 and building a network of Cornerstone Employers: a group of locally-rooted businesses committed to delivering sustained, high-impact careers support in their area, with plans to grow a Bedford-specific Cornerstone Employer group in Bedford Borough.
  • Our local Youth Cabinet and Youth Parliament, – how wonderful to see young people taking an interest in our community and governance in this way.
  • I joined Queens Park residents and councillors to get petitions signed against the proposed route changes and reduction to the No. 8 service, and lack of enforcement against illegally parked vehicles on street corners and across zebra crossings.
  • CPRE Bedfordshire, who briefed me on the group’s concerns about housing and infrastructure developments across our region and had the opportunity to engage in some interesting discussion of wider issues.
  • Local business owners to discuss exciting plans a new mixed martial arts facility in Bedford.
  • Bedford Open School Group to hear about plans to open an ‘Open Learning Centre’ (OLC) here in Bedford. They plan to open a full-time educational provision that will provide a much-needed alternative, particularly for children who do not thrive in mainstream education.
  • East London Foundation Trust to raise the experiences of constituents who have struggled to feel adequately supported with their mental health. Sadly my office has seen a notable increase in casework relating to mental health. I will always advocate for improved mental health support in Bedford, Kempston, and beyond. There is simply too much at stake following years of stagnation and underinvestment.
  • De Parys Group at their new Enhanced Medical Services Centre, where I was really impressed by the surgery’s new figures, particularly call waiting times with approximately 50% of calls answered in under a minute.

Events around the constituency I’ve had the pleasure of attending, include:

  • The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day Flag-raising ceremony at Harpur Square Led by Parade Marshal Major Ben Mason. We renew our commitment to those who served—not just through remembrance, but through action. The Labour Government’s new VALOUR programme will ensure that veterans receive the care and support they deserve. Because remembrance must be more than words—it must be a promise fulfilled.
  • A visit to Bedford College to see what impressive work students are undertaking in the digital, computing, and science departments.
  • Real Coffee shop on the high street where I met with owner Peter McCormack. Every cup of coffee bought goes towards supporting Real Bedford’s men and women football teams. We talked about the challenges facing our town centre, including anti-social behaviour and petty crime. The Government has introduced the Crime and Policing Bill, aimed at giving the police and local communities the support and tools they need to tackle local crime. I will be following this bill closely as it progresses through Parliament.
  • The annual Polish Day celebrations in Harpur Square, showcasing traditional food and dancing.
  • Cutting the ribbon at the opening of Monal, a new Karahi and Grill restaurant on Tavistock Street.
  • Bedford Marston Kerala Association’s Easter and Vishu celebrations at the Addison Centre in Kempston.
  • Equality Day celebrations in Kempston, to recognise Indian statesman Dr B R Ambedkar’s enormous contribution to equality and social justice.
  • Linking Lives Bedford’s 5th anniversary celebrations. They provide a wonderful befriending service for adults who find themselves requiring some extra friendship and support.
  • A family friendly Eid event at Kids World Bedford, creating a joyful experience for local children. There was a wide range of stalls, games and activities for kids to enjoy.
  • Bedfordshire Lord Lieutenant’s honours presentation ceremony. A great celebration of the achievements of local Bedfordshire people.
  • The 648th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji .
  • Sharnbrook Academy invited me to speak to students, to support the Sharnbrook Academy Careers & Unifest 2025 . It was great to discuss the important role young people have in directing our political decisions, and the importance of people of all ages engages with politics.
  • Book of Bedford launch event – recognising and celebrating the talent of the 265 local children who have written a new guidebook to Bedford.
  • South Bedford Masjid Committee’s iftar. I am always moved by the strong community spirit and culture of giving throughout our diverse communities in Bedford and Kempston.
  • The Pavement project, who every 2nd and 3rd Sunday of the month from 11am at Pigeon Square, provide a wonderful service, caring for homeless people with tea, coffee, sandwiches, warm clothes and other essentials.
  • Planting apple and pear trees at the Cardington Road Picnic Area.
  • The St Patrick’s Day Celebration Party, organised by the Queen’s Park Community Organisation, with fantastic Irish music from local bands and musicians, Irish dancing, and some delicious national foods.
  • Neighbourhood Watch Group coordinator, Ajit Shah showed me around the Spires Estate. The estate has great facilities, including a basketball courts, kids play area, and clean streets.
  • The Arty Giraffe – A Really Friendly Shop’s private view, where I met several artists with incredible work on display, and enjoyed live music from the Living It Up Performing Arts Centre band.
  • Women Empowerment Without Borders’ celebration. This day is not only a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of women but also a call to action—a reminder of the work still needed to break down the barriers that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential.

In Westminster

Turning to Parliament – 

These past weeks have brought a mix of significant local achievements and major international developments. While Easter recess provided a brief moment to reflect, parliamentary work continued at full pace—shaped by historic announcements, pressing global challenges, and continued advocacy for Bedford.

The most exciting milestones was the progress toward a Universal Studios theme park in Bedford Borough—a transformative opportunity for our community that I’ve raised directly at Prime Minister’s Questions. This game-changing project for a region will bring thousands of local jobs and a huge economic boost. I am working closely with Government, the council, and the studios to ensure it is delivered responsibly and thoughtfully to ensure local residents are informed and involved wherever possible in the development.

On the international front, the UK has made substantial headway by securing key post-Brexit trade deals with India and the United States, offering vital economic stability amid ongoing global uncertainty. Meanwhile, international affairs have remained turbulent, with escalating tensions in Gaza and Kashmir, tariff threats from Donald Trump, and the sombre news of Pope Francis’s passing and now the conclave to elect a new Pope—a moment of global reflection.

The 80th commemoration of VE day was a big event -given it is probably the last significant anniversary that will include World War II veterans.

Parliamentary Highlights

• WASPI Women and Pension Justice:
I spoke in support of compensation for women born in the 1950s affected by state pension changes. These women deserve justice for the hardship caused by Government maladministration. Let’s focus on solutions—such as scheduled compensation—while upholding the findings of the PHSO report.
• Welfare Reform Green Paper:
The Government has unveiled long-overdue welfare reform. I support fair reform that helps people back into work while protecting those with lifelong conditions. Key proposals include ending the Work Capability Assessment by 2028, a £775 annual boost for claimants, and extra support for the severely disabled. But there are aspects of the Bill over the assessments for future PIP payments that I am concerned about and will be challenging the Government on.
• Employment Rights Bill:
I proudly voted for this transformative legislation, which ends exploitative zero-hours contracts, introduces Day 1 rights for parental leave, strengthens sick pay and harassment protections, makes flexible working the default, and establishes a Fair Work Agency.

Health and Social Care

NHS Investment and Impact

With £26 billion in record NHS funding, we are beginning to see improvements in services. A better GP booking system is making access easier, and cancer care has progressed—80,000 more patients are being diagnosed earlier, with 2 million extra treatments happening seven months sooner. More diagnostic hubs, scanners, and out-of-hours services are being delivered, and waiting lists are finally starting to fall.

  • Hospice Funding Secured:
    The Government’s £100 million support for hospices is welcome news for Bedford’s Keech and St John’s Hospices. I’ve called for long-term funding to be prioritised in the upcoming 10-year NHS plan.
  • NHS England Reform:
    The Government is scrapping NHS England in a move to streamline services and return accountability to Parliament. I support reform that improves care and reduces bureaucracy.
  • GP Access Boost
    General practice has received a further £102 million, bringing total investment to over £1 billion. This funding will enable three million additional GP appointments and help tackle the backlog. The Royal College of GPs has welcomed the action on outdated facilities.


Heart Disease Treatment

A few years ago, the first drug treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in adults was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Mavacamten – a life-changing drug to treat adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

I met with the pharmaceutical company behind the drug—to discuss concerns over why the drug has yet to be made available in the Eastern region, what its rollout means for patients, and what the next steps might be.

Local Investment and Community Projects

  • Affordable Housing Investment:
    The Government is investing £2 billion to build 18,000 new social homes—part of Labour’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes nationwide. This will help families in Bedford access secure, affordable housing.
  • Pothole Action Plan:
    Councils must now publish annual road maintenance reports to unlock their share of the £1.6 billion road repair fund. I’ll be working to ensure Bedford Borough Council delivers on this commitment.
  • Toothbrushing Programme for Children:
    A new supervised toothbrushing initiative will benefit up to 600,000 children, including those in Bedford. A partnership with Colgate-Palmolive will provide every child with the tools for better oral health.

Equalities and Rights

  • Caste-Based Discrimination:
    I welcomed the launch of the new Race Equality Engagement Group, chaired by Baroness Doreen Lawrence. I raised the issue of caste discrimination in Parliament and have met with Baroness Lawrence and members of the House of Lords to discuss Government action under the Equality Act.
  • Assisted Dying and Palliative Care:
    I emphasised the urgent need for long-term funding for end-of-life care. I raised this with the Minister for Care and met with local hospice leaders visiting Parliament. This comes ahead of the upcoming vote on the Assisted Dying Bill.


National Living Wage Boost

I voted with the Government to raise the National Living Wage. From April 1, full-time NLW workers will earn approximately £1,400 more per year, with some Minimum Wage workers seeing increases up to £2,500 annually. This is about making work pay and helping families through the cost of living crisis.

Police and Community Safety

£7.3 million has been secured for Bedfordshire Police through the renewal of the special grant, in coordination with the Police and Crime Commissioner and fellow MPs. This is in addition to a general funding increase to help keep our streets safer.

Education and Childcare

A new school-based nursery is opening at Westfield Primary as part of Labour’s childcare plan, creating 6,000 new places nationwide and offering 30 hours of free childcare. This saves families up to £7,500 per year and marks the first step toward the delivery of 3,000 new nurseries.

Breakfast Clubs in Schools

Eight local schools were amongst the first in the country to host Gov funded breakfast clubs now benefiting 180,000 children. This initiative improves attendance, supports learning, and saves parents around £450 per year. It is part of Labour’s plan to offer breakfast clubs to all primary schools.

Universities and Higher Education

I led a 90-minute parliamentary debate on the crisis in university funding. Over 200 jobs are at risk at the University of Bedfordshire, with 10,000 threatened across the UK. This crisis has been driven by visa changes, funding cuts, and a flawed financial model. I’m fighting to protect vital courses and ensure a sustainable future for staff and students.

Men’s Health Strategy

The UK’s first Men’s Health Strategy has been launched, focusing on heart disease, mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer. A public survey is open until July 17 for people to contribute their views.

Water Industry Reform

Labour’s Water (Special Measures) Act is now law, introducing real accountability. Executives who cover up sewage dumping now face up to two years in jail. The Act brings real-time pollution data, independent monitoring, and a £104 billion investment to clean up UK waterways.

Net Zero and Green Jobs

Labour’s clean energy plan is already powering two million homes, has banned fracking, and created 4,000 green jobs. Our push for faster transition to net zero will cut bills, create jobs, and protect our environment, including right here in Bedford and Kempston.

Electoral Reform

I met with Labour for Proportional Representation to express my support for electoral reform. I continue to advocate for fair votes, devolved powers, and expanded voting rights for young people.

Crackdown on Fly-Tipping

New enforcement powers mean vans used in fly-tipping can now be seized and destroyed. CCTV and drone surveillance will aid enforcement. Offenders face serious penalties, including up to five years in prison. These steps will help restore pride in our local environment.

Veteran Support

To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Labour has launched the VALOUR scheme—a new system making it easier for veterans to access care and support. This honours the service and legacy of those who have served.

The post Spring Newsletter appeared first on Mohammad Yasin MP.

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

The post Starmer must stop ‘pussyfooting around’ – Jo White appeared first on Jo White MP.

Vacancy: Constituency Support Officer

Dave Doogan (Angus and Perthshire Glens)

Dave Doogan MP is hiring a Constituency Support Officer to work in his constituency office in Forfar. This is an exciting opportunity to...

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

The post Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Committee appeared first on Sean Woodcock, Labour MP for Banbury.

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.”

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.

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 […]

The post It is the honour of my life to be re-elected as your MP for South Shields appeared first on Emma Lewell MP.

ICC FILES ARREST WARRANTS

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

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Christian Wakeford (Bury South)

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