My Week In Westminster: w/c 5th January

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 Parliament, it’s been a busy first week back as we returned for 2026.

I started Monday with a visit to Middlestown Primary School, to attend the grand opening of their new early years provision. Meeting the brilliant children and dedicated educators was a delightful way to begin the week. After travelling to Parliament, the rest of the day saw the discussion of some of the other welcome announcements the Government made over the Christmas period; from new powers to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls, to measures protecting family farms in agricultural property relief changes.

I was particularly pleased to see the launch of the Government's new Animal Welfare Strategy, which represents the strongest set of reforms in a generation. We’re a nation of animal lovers (none more so than me!) and by banning snare traps, shock collars, puppy farming and trail hunting, we’re improving their lives in the home, and out in the wild.

This week has seen Parliament debate the Government’s Cyber Security Bill. We’ve all become increasingly reliant on digital and online services to work, learn, access services and connect with loved ones. This new law will harden Britain’s defences against the threats that now target our local hospitals, councils, and schools every day.

As well as action to tackle the problem of dangerous pavement parking this week, Wednesday saw the Government set out its plans to make our roads safer in its new Road Safety Strategy. I hear too frequently about the problems of speeding and unsafe driving on our local roads. We sadly all know the disastrous and awful consequences of this trend.

I'm assured to see that the new approach will see tougher sanctions on those who drive under the influence of both alcohol and drugs, better enforce safe practices like seatbelt wearing and a crackdown on uninsured drivers. These new measures - in combination - will make roads across our community safer for all who use them.

Thank you all for reading this first edition of my newsletter. I hope it will be a continued way I can keep you updated on all things going on in Westminster.

As ever, if I can be of any help - my contact details are below.