Week In Westminster: w/c 22nd June
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
I wanted to begin this newsletter by paying tribute to the Prime Minister. His decision to resign marks the end of a record to be proud of. The first Labour Government in 14 years, new rights for workers and renters, child poverty falling, small boats being tackled, and NHS waiting lists coming down. He has handled the last week with the dignity and grace of the dedicated public servant that those who have worked with him know him to be.
A future leader of our party will bring fresh energy and perspective to our movement, but ultimately, they will also be building upon the effort and achievement of Sir Keir.
In the Chamber on Monday, the Deputy Prime Minister updated the House on the G7 summit, including new sanctions on Russia, continued support for Ukraine, and progress on the Iran deal. There was also a very sad statement from the Transport Secretary on the rail collision near Bedford the previous week. My thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this tragedy.
The Commons also debated the Pathways trial, looking at puberty-suppressing hormones for children with gender dysphoria. The trial follows a recommendation from Dr Hilary Cass's independent review, and has been through extensive scrutiny by the MHRA, the Health Research Authority and independent scientists. It involves strict safeguards, including consent from both child and parent, sign-off from clinical teams, and the right to leave the trial at any time.
Elsewhere, I'm sure it will not have passed anyone's attention that we’ve seen one of the hottest weeks on record. It was very apt given the Government also passed its Seventh Carbon Budget through the Commons on Wednesday. The budget represents part of a long-term plan to cut emissions and protect families from the kind of energy shocks we keep seeing. Good for the planet and good for your wallet.
Wednesday also saw the Government publish its Farming Roadmap - a 25-year plan for farming, the first of its kind. The Environment Secretary set out the document to the Commons, noting its commitment to maintaining domestic food production at current levels, treating it as a matter of national security, while protecting the most productive agricultural land.
Specifically, I was pleased to see that the Government was putting investment behind the plan, and into farmers pockets; including an extra £53 million for the Farming Innovation Programme, bringing the total innovation funding to £123 million this year, plus £50 million in equipment funding. The Sustainable Farming Incentive also reopens next week for small farms and those without an existing agreement, backed by £11.8 billion over this Parliament - the biggest budget for nature-friendly farming in our history.
Finally, on Thursday the Government's Great British Summer Savings comes in to effect. VAT on kids' meals out, cinema tickets and days out at places like soft play and theme parks drops from 20% to 5% until September. Every child aged 5 to 15 will also get free bus travel in August. Here in Ossett and Denby Dale, that's around 11,600 children who could get free bus travel, and over 10,900 families who could save money on days out. Its real, practical relief arriving just in time for the school holidays.
I'm spending my weekend visiting schools, small businesses and enjoying the sun at local festivals, including the newly launched 'Can Fest' in Clayton West and the ever-wonderful Horbury Show.
Thank you, as always, for reading. |
