Another week. Another newsletter. Another list of ways the Government has improved our country this week!   We kicked off the week in Parliament with the Secretary of State for Education announcing her Schools White Paper .   In part, the White Paper sets out a root and branch reform of the SEND system. I've spent much of the last few months meeting with educators, parents and SEND children alike. They all told me the same thing. The system was broken, and worse, it's been br

This week, Parliament has been in recess, which has meant I've spent a wonderful week in our community (and also means a very short edition of the newsletter!).   Highlights include a visit to Ossett United to discuss how I can support their unstoppable ascent to the Premier League, a trip up to Sandal Castle to promote local tourism, a visit to Pinderfields to discuss local maternity care, and a brilliant catch-up with the Rotary Club.   I'm spending much of the rest of the

I've always promised to talk straight with you - so let me be honest - Monday was a difficult day for the Labour Government amidst the speculation surrounding the Prime Minister's future. It is my belief that most people are, like me, uninterested in infighting, briefing, spinning, or stone-throwing. They just care about making their country, community and family; healthier, happier and more comfortable. That's why I'm pleased to see that we've put country before Party, and

Let me begin by directly addressing the matter dominating the headlines. On Wednesday, the House of Commons spent the day discussing the horrific revelations surrounding Peter Mandelson.   Jeffrey Epstein was a despicable criminal who committed disgusting crimes and destroyed the lives of countless women and girls. What he did is unforgivable. His victims must always be our first priority. Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, the extent and nature of which we are still disc

I know I say this every week - but it really has been  a very busy week in Parliament!   On Monday, the Home Secretary set out the Government's plan to modernise the structure of the police across the UK . I'm delighted to see the plan puts neighbourhood policing at its core, and strips away the back office work police officers are often burdened with, so they can be more frequently out on the beat.   I also voted to support the Government's Armed Forces Bill , which delivers

It's been another busy week in Parliament! On Monday, I was pleased to see the Government launch its consultation on banning social media for the under-16s . The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology gave a powerful speech  in the Commons, noting how "up and down the country parents are grappling" with social media harms, and her commitment to act in the interests of children, rather than unaccountable tech firms.   The announcement comes alongside immedia

After a wonderful weekend of constituency visits - including meeting local lad Jack Spencer at Queens Drive Chippy, who's been nominated for Young Fish Frier of the Year - it's been another busy week in Parliament.   On Monday, I was assured to see the Government take a strong position against the troubling creation of non-consensual deepfake pornography . The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology made an unequivocal promise in her statement to the Common

Let me begin by wishing you all a Happy New Year!   I was pleased to see the Prime Minister kick off this year with a clear focus:  tackling the cost of living . I know that many households have struggled to make ends meet since the pandemic, and I’m proud to support a Government that is rolling out support where it matters: by bringing down energy bills, freezing rail and bus fares, supporting young families, and increasing both the minimum wage and the state pension.   In P

I’ve written before about the need to deliver opportunities for young people in our community. This is an area filled with talented, ambitious young people keen to get on in life who just need a helping hand to kickstart their careers. But in recent years, they just haven’t gotten one. You hear about it when you talk to them, with so many thinking they have to leave home to get skills and find good jobs, and you see it in the statistics. In June 2024, there were nearly a mill

Having visited nearly every school in our area over the last year, I know how hard-working and skilled local teachers are. I've also seen the brilliant character, aspiration and ability of our young people. It's one of the many things about our community that brings me energy and joy. However, I also see that teachers are trapped by a curriculum devised for a different age. One that doesn’t prepare children for the jobs of tomorrow. One that doesn’t give them the life skills

Since becoming the MP for our area, I have met with many parents whose children have special education needs disabilities (SEND). When they speak about their children, and the difficulties they have faced securing the support they need, I am struck by their bravery and determination. But so often, when they tell me about those struggles, that drive to help their children - a drive any parent would have for their kids - is characterised by frustration and exasperation. They ha

Since becoming the Member of Parliament for our area, I’ve had the privilege of meeting the Dewsbury Sea Cadet unit in Ossett. I got to see firsthand how much the community values it. The children are proud to be members, while the parents are happy to see their kids outside, off social media and in their community. These institutions are so valuable. There are 7,000 cadets in our region alone, and I am glad the Government is taking action to give more children the chance to

When I became the Member of Parliament for our area just over a year ago, I knew how important it was to rebuild trust in politics. For me, one of the clearest places to start is anti-social behaviour. For over a decade, people in our area heard promise after promise from politicians in Westminster, on everything from ‘levelling up’ to the NHS, that were never fulfilled. Hearing those empty words while waiting lists skyrocketed and wages stalled, it is no wonder so many peopl

We are lucky to live in such a beautiful corner of our nation. The countryside is right on our doorstep, and within it lie so many unique communities. It is a different way of life, one that politicians in London can often overlook. I’m committed to representing rural communities in Westminster, where politicians too often see the beauty and community but forget the deep issues they can obscure - in access to public services, transport, employment opportunities and connectivi

So many of our iconic local buildings were once plans that needed skilled workers to design and build them. I am proud of that history - of generations of workers and tradesmen building their communities. But looking around us, you can see that the UK faces a crisis - in infrastructure, in public services, and in economic growth. Classrooms are crumbling, potholes have gone unfilled, and young families are unable to buy a house in the area they grew up in. After 14 years of d

Growing up in our area I’ve seen the impact that economic hardship – through austerity, mismanagement and global recession – has had on our community. Shops and businesses have closed. Too many face sleepless nights for fear of redundancy or monthly bills, as your paycheque just doesn't stretch as far as it used to. Local schools are literally crumbling, and Pinderfields is under increasing pressure. Young people are forced to move away in search of jobs and opportunity. Ask

We cannot accept that the current situation in our NHS is either inevitable or acceptable.

Thank you to the Huddersfield Town Foundation for inviting me to speak at the award celebration for their Twinning Project with HMP New Hall

As your MP I am here to help as many residents as possible. My team has worked tirelessly across the whole constituency since July, suppo

Christmas Eve tradition having a little tipple at The Three Houses Sandal   A big shout out to all the hospitality staff who do so much...