My Week In Westminster: w/c 9th February
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
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 have committed ourselves to giving our focus on making the change we promised to deliver, instead.
I want to spend this newsletter cutting through the noise - and telling you about what has really been going on in Parliament this week.
Monday saw the Commons debate the implementation of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. In the Minister for Trade's opening statement, I was pleased to hear that the deal is expected to increase trade by £25.5 billion, including nearly £1 billion of UK alcohol and car exports.
Further, the Minister of State for Local Government, Alison McGovern also took to the dispatch box to set out Government plans to increase financing for local government. She set out that the Government would build on previous increases by adding a further £740 million for local councils, which includes £440 million to support areas most effected by Conservative austerity cuts, and money to end homelessness.
Elsewhere, it also kicked off National Apprenticeship Week. To mark the week and nod to the importance of apprenticeships to our economy, and developing young people's opportunities, the Government announced action to increase their accessibility across the UK. Specifically, it is acting to cut the red tape in setting up, delivering, and adapting apprenticeship schemes to make them more flexible for businesses and young people alike.
On Tuesday, the Energy and Net Zero Secretary, Ed Miliband, gave a statement to the House, detailing his Local Power Plan. The plan represents the most significant expansion of support for community energy in the UK's history, and is backed by up to £1 billion of funding from Great British Energy. I was delighted to hear that the scheme will support over 1,000 community and local energy projects, enabling communities to generate their own clean power and keep more of the value locally.
On Wednesday, the Home Secretary set out her plan to increase Police funding in England and Wales by £1.3 billion for the next financial year. The money goes in part to fund the Government's commitment to 13,000 new policing staff, but also will support the integration of technology and training in our law enforcement.
Finally, on Thursday, I was delighted to speak in a debate regarding the Government's action to enable and support healthy relationships (I'll take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day for the coming weekend!).
I was proud to note how my own parents have taught me the importance of working together, patience and kindness - I was also pleased to highlight the importance of giving children proper education around happy and healthy relationships, particularly for young boys.
One last thing to let you know - next Saturday (21st Feb), I'll be hosting a coffee morning in Wakefield South - if you'd like to join me, please do get in touch via email and I'd be delighted to send you the details.
Have wonderful weekends and - as ever - thank you for reading. |
