I welcomed new Government plans to strengthen allergy safety in schools, describing the move as a huge step forward towards Benedict’s Law. Draft statutory guidance, expected to take effect from September 2026, will require schools in England to introduce allergy safety policies, Individual Healthcare Plans, staff training and access to emergency adrenaline auto-injectors. Nearly 700,000 children in England live with food allergies. I introduced the Schools (Allergy Safety) B

I visited the Woodrow Hub to meet volunteers supporting families and pet owners facing cost-of-living pressures. met organisers from Inspire Baby Bank and Animal FoodBank UK, which provide essentials such as nappies, clothing and pet food to those in need. I heard about growing demand and praised volunteers, local residents and businesses including Tesco for their donations. I said these grassroots initiatives show the very best of Redditch and the Villages, with neighbours

I visited Redditch Hale & Hearties at Oakenshaw Community Centre to meet members of the long-running cardiac rehabilitation group, which has supported patients since 1997. Joining a supervised session, I saw first-hand how the programme helps people recover from heart attacks and surgery through exercise and peer support. Welcomed by Deputy Mayor David Munro, I praised the group as a lifeline for so many. I reaffirmed my commitment to working with NHS leaders to protect cardi