I welcomed a £1.17 million funding boost for Heart of Worcestershire (HoW) College, with significant investment directed to the Redditch campus. The funding, part of the Government’s FE College Condition Allocation, will upgrade digital connectivity and accelerate the transition to net-zero infrastructure. I secured the investment to ensure students learn in a modern, sustainable environment equipped for future careers. This is about more than bricks and mortar - it’s about i

I recently visited Carers Careline to highlight the extraordinary work of unpaid carers in the community. Meeting with Chief Officer Erica Gibson Di Meo, I discussed the immense pressures carers face - from financial strain to mental health challenges. I praised the charity for providing essential advice and emotional support to those balancing care for loved ones with work and family life. Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities. They often work tirelessly behind t

I pledged urgent support for the Redditch Local History Museum after trustees received a three-month eviction notice. With the deadline looming in July, I warned that the town’s heritage could be lost without swift action. My office is working closely with Redditch Borough Council to identify vacant town-centre premises for the museum’s 7,000-strong collection. Our history matters. If we are serious about our Town of Culture 2028 bid, we must preserve and celebrate our herita

I hailed Ribbons – Cancer for All as a lifeline for the community. During a visit to the group’s new venue, I met founder Kerry Hillier, who created the initiative after experiencing a lack of inclusive support during her own cancer journey. Ribbons offers a welcoming, barrier-free space for anyone affected by cancer to connect over tea and cake. Cancer can be an incredibly lonely journey. Groups like Ribbons change that - they are more than just meet-ups. Kerry’s courage has

I am calling for a sustainable funding model to safeguard vital local hospices, including Primrose Hospice and Acorns Children’s Hospice. Following discussions with Hospice UK, I warned that rising demand and costs are placing unprecedented financial strain on providers. Without urgent reform essential care for families in Redditch and the Villages could be jeopardised. Hospices deliver dignity and comfort during life’s most difficult moments. I will continue to push for the

I called for urgent reform of the heating oil market, warning that rural households are facing outright price gouging without adequate protection. Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate, I highlighted the financial strain on families in villages such as Inkberrow and Cookhill, where many rely on off-grid heating. I pointed out that these households are exposed to sudden and sharp price increases, lacking the safeguards available to those connected to the gas grid. While acknow

I demanded an end to insecurity dressed up as choice, calling for a radical overhaul of the UK’s employment status system. Speaking in Westminster, I highlighted the struggles of local delivery drivers, postal workers and care staff trapped in a three-tier system that denies them sick pay and job security. I warned that the current framework allows some employers to undercut responsible businesses, creating a race to the bottom. I am advocating for a single worker status to c

I urged the Government to ensure victims and their families remain central to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. Speaking in the House of Commons, I stressed that while financial redress is essential, the road back to normality for those affected by the NHS’s worst treatment disaster remains long and complex. I secured a commitment from the Minister to establish a formal feedback mechanism, ensuring ongoing concerns are escalated and addressed. The scandal was one of the

I secured a commitment from the Health Minister to meet with young cancer survivors and discuss improving post-treatment support. Speaking in the House of Commons, I highlighted that for many, the all-clear marks the start of a new struggle with social isolation and mental health. Drawing on cases from my local surgeries, I argued that clinical recovery must be matched by support for reintegrating into school and work. Recovery does not end when treatment ends. I welcomed the

I recently attended the Kerala Cultural Association (KCA) Redditch’s vibrant Vishu and Easter celebration at Trinity High School. The event united local families for a day of traditional music, dance and food, showcasing the Malayali community’s rich cultural heritage. I praised the community’s immense contributions, particularly in health and social care and celebrated the diversity that strengthens the area. Events like this remind us what makes Redditch and the Villages so

I recently rolled up my sleeves to help 1st Redditch Scout Group volunteers clear up a community garden in Greenlands. At the Scout Hut off Hadlow Close, I worked alongside Scouts and local residents to tidy the outdoor space. I also met with young people and leaders to discuss scouting’s vital role in fostering confidence, teamwork and community spirit. It was fantastic to see such brilliant community spirit in action. Scouting helps young people give back, and efforts like

I visited the Redditch Community Shed at the Kingfisher Centre to celebrate its £20,000 National Lottery grant. During the visit, I met members (including 95-year-old Terry) and saw firsthand how the Shed combats loneliness by bringing people together to share skills. The funding will support the group’s projects for the next two years, securing its future as a vital hub for local wellbeing. Groups like this are a cornerstone of our community. This funding is a fantastic achi

I recently visited Bee Lighting to discuss the future of the town’s manufacturing sector. Meeting with Operations Director Colin Fulford, I heard firsthand about the challenges posed by rising energy costs, regulatory pressures and the growing reliance on imports. As a cornerstone of Redditch’s industrial heritage, Bee Lighting underscored the need for policies that safeguard local jobs and supply chains. Manufacturers like this are the backbone of our local economy. Redditch

I recently visited Clifford Springs to highlight the town’s world-class spring-making industry and discuss the future of local manufacturing. Meeting with Director John Clifford, I saw how the family-run business blends heritage with innovation to export high-quality products worldwide. On the shop floor, witnessed the team’s precision craftsmanship, including expert welding, and praised the multi-skilled workforce for creating valuable career opportunities. Clifford Springs

I have taken local frustrations over driving test delays directly to DVSA Chief Executive Beverley Warmington. I highlighted how a broken booking system (exploited by bots and scammers) is blocking opportunities for residents. With theory tests expiring before practical slots become available, many face unnecessary delays in securing jobs and independence. Warm words won’t get people behind the wheel. I demanded immediate action: more test slots, a crackdown on inflated resal

I have written to global superstar Harry Styles, urging his support for Redditch’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028. In my letter, I described the bid as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate Redditch’s unique heritage - from its needle-making history to its musical legacy as the birthplace of Styles and Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham. I highlighted local assets like the Palace Theatre and Arrow Valley Park and called on Styles to inspire young people and put Reddi

I joined over 30 MPs in urging the Government to introduce a statutory price cap and stronger regulation for off-grid energy. The call aims to shield rural communities from spiralling costs that disproportionately affect households reliant on heating oil or LPG. In a joint letter, I highlighted that 1.7 million UK homes (including many in local villages) face prices roughly 93% higher than those on the mains gas grid. No household should be left at the mercy of an unregulated

I unveiled WELCOME , a new community‑led art installation at Alexandra Hospital celebrating care, compassion and connection. Created by Neith Art & Sculpture and funded by Arts Council England, the sculpture features eight oak hands based on hospital staff, engraved with designs developed through workshops with staff and the Woodrow community. From a distance the hands appear separate but up close they form a circle of care, symbolising teamwork and community spirit. I praise

I championed Redditch’s bid to become a future UK Town of Culture, raising the campaign in Parliament and celebrating the town’s rich heritage and creative talent. Speaking in the Commons, I highlighted landmarks including Bordesley Abbey and cultural figures such as Harry Styles. The bid is a chance to put Redditch on the national map, boosting pride, investment and opportunity. I urge residents, businesses and community groups to get behind the campaign and pledge to keep p

I reaffirmed my support for people facing financial difficulties by hosting a StepChange Debt Charity event in Parliament during Debt Awareness Week 2026. The session brought together MPs, advisers and policy experts to highlight the scale of debt and the need for accessible, stigma-free support. Debt is far more common than people realise and I urged anyone struggling to seek help, stressing that you are not alone and free, impartial support is available. I praised StepChang