I updated residents on the campaign against plans for a 51‑person HMO on the former Hotel Rafiya site in Winyates Green. I praised local residents and the Winyates Green Residents Association for submitting nearly 500 objections to Redditch Borough Council, calling the proposal “completely unsuitable and inappropriate” for the area. I urged planning officers to use their delegated powers to reject the application without it going to committee and pledged to attend any plannin

I warned that cyber-attacks pose a serious threat to local jobs and businesses, supporting calls for an empowered Economic Security Minister following the JLR cyber-attack that disrupted Redditch’s supply chain. I highlighted the impact on local firms and called for stronger government leadership, practical support and reforms to improve cyber-security across supply chains. I backed the Business and Trade Committee’s recommendations, including supply chain mapping, modernised

I met NHS England leaders to discuss winter preparations for local health services in Worcestershire, focusing on paediatric care and flu vaccinations. I pressed for details on extra capacity for children’s care and clear communication for parents. NHS England outlined nearly £450 million in investment for urgent care, mental health and community services to reduce A&E waits. I also highlighted the new “flu walk-in finder” to boost vaccination rates, especially for children a

I thanked residents who attended my latest Coffee Morning at Batchley Community Centre, where local people raised concerns about fly tipping, damp and mould in homes, anti-social behaviour and road safety around Hewell Road and Batchley Road. Residents also highlighted the need for more youth provision, school parking solutions and interest in a residents’ association. I confirmed my team is already following up cases with the council, housing providers and police. I will now

I visited Acts of Kindness (Redditch Foodbank) on Church Green East to support this year’s Christmas Toy Appeal. I met Wellbeing Project Manager Nancy Deakin and volunteers, seeing gift-wrapping sessions and hearing how the team is ensuring children from families facing hardship receive presents this Christmas. I praised the charity’s year-round work and said no child should wake up without a gift. I encouraged residents and local businesses to donate new, unwrapped toys, vol

I used the International Men’s Day debate in Parliament to call for stronger support for men and boys in Redditch, highlighting the need for earlier intervention and honest conversations about mental health. I welcomed the Government’s new 10-year Men’s Health Strategy and praised local male role models, including carers, coaches and community leaders. I stressed the importance of boys seeing positive real-life examples and called for action to tackle pressures from online in

I paid tribute in the House of Commons to Gerry Marsden, a dedicated Royal British Legion volunteer and Redditch’s Poppy Appeal Organiser. Gerry has collected for the Poppy Appeal for 40 years, raising over £500,000 and ensuring Redditch honours those who served. I praised Gerry’s leadership and commitment and thanked all volunteers who support the appeal. The Leader of the House also expressed gratitude for Gerry’s work and that of all Royal British Legion volunteers. I enco

Thank you to everyone who has got in touch regrading the private planning application to turn Hotel Rafiya into a 51 unit house of multiple occupancy. I have shared my objections as a local stakeholder, and you can too. I do not believe that this is a suitable site for such a rapid increase in residents, and without upgrading local provision and infrastructure, this would put an unnecessary straight on local services. I also have concerns about the quality of the proposed hou

I met with Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the Education Select Committee, to discuss the urgent need for reform in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. I relayed concerns from local parents, schools and carers about the current system being fragmented and underfunded. I welcomed the Committee’s report, “Solving the SEND Crisis,” and am urging the Government to act swiftly to improve inclusion, reduce assessment delays, fix SEND transport and ensure families

I met senior representatives from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) to discuss the company’s recovery from its recent cyber incident and the impact on West Midlands suppliers. I welcomed confirmation that JLR’s operations are now fully restored and pressed for continued support for smaller firms in the supply chain. I highlighted the importance of ensuring that government and industry support reaches businesses at every level, protecting thousands of skilled jobs in the region. I pledg

I urged the Government to ensure welfare reforms and NHS workforce plans deliver real improvements for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate, I highlighted the unpredictable and degenerative nature of the condition and called for solutions shaped by those living with it. I praised the Parkinson’s passport initiative and stressed the need for services to reflect lived reality. I pledged to continue standing up for better welfare and NHS

I took part in Mitzvah Day at Alexandra Hospital, joining volunteers from the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum, NHS staff and community members to serve refreshments to patients, staff and visitors. Mitzvah Day is the UK’s largest faith-led day of social action, promoting unity and compassion. I praised the spirit of the event, highlighting how acts of kindness bring people together and strengthen the community. I thanked the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum and all volunteers

I joined residents, veterans, schoolchildren and emergency service workers for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day ceremonies in Redditch and Astwood Bank. I marched in Astwood Bank and laid wreaths in both communities, joining the silence at the eleventh hour to honour those who served and sacrificed. I praised the dedication of volunteers and the Royal British Legion for making the events possible. I highlighted the importance of young people’s involvement and the values o

I joined residents and local businesses in supporting a relief effort for St Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Redditch, twinned with St Elizabeth since 2006, is rallying to collect essential supplies such as food, hygiene products and batteries. The appeal is led by Damian Simpson of D&D Roofing Supplies, with donations accepted until 15 November. I praised the community’s compassion and leadership, highlighting Redditch’s long

I congratulated the team at Asda Redditch on their 10th anniversary, marking a decade of service to the local community. Since opening in 2015, Asda has supported local jobs, provided essential goods and contributed to the town’s wellbeing through community initiatives and fundraising. The store celebrated its milestone with in-store events, bringing together staff and shoppers. I praised Asda’s ongoing commitment to local families and good causes, thanking the team for their

I visited The Old Needleworks Foundation to see how its partnership with FareShare UK is tackling food waste and supporting families in Redditch. The initiative redistributes surplus food from supermarkets and suppliers to local charities, ensuring nutritious meals reach those in need. I praised the dedication of staff and volunteers, highlighting how their work strengthens community resilience and combats hunger. I thanked FareShare UK and The Old Needleworks Foundation for

I visited Tesco Extra, Redditch to support Usdaw’s ‘Freedom From Fear’ campaign, standing up for shopworkers facing violence and abuse. I met with union representatives and staff, highlighting the alarming rise in incidents and backing calls for stronger protections. I praised shopworkers for their vital role in the community and supported new laws making assaults on retail workers a standalone offence. I also backed efforts to remove the £200 shoplifting threshold and implem

I visited Batchley First and Nursery School to meet pupils, staff and governors, celebrating the school’s inclusive ethos and community spirit. I toured classrooms, enjoyed a game of Connect Four on the playground and was shown the new library by enthusiastic pupils. I praised the school’s commitment to kindness, respect and supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I highlighted the positive atmosphere and the dedication of staff and governors, tha

I visited Astwood Bank Primary School to meet staff and pupils and learn about their work supporting children’s education and wellbeing. I praised the dedication of teachers and staff, emphasising how the school encourages children to thrive academically, creatively, and socially. I highlighted the importance of ongoing investment in primary education and pledged to continue working in Parliament to secure resources for schools like Astwood Bank. My visit is part of my ongoi

I visited Holly Trees Family Hub to welcome new government funding that will expand early years and family support for Redditch. The hub, part of the local Best Start network, provides vital parenting advice, early development support and outreach roadshows for families with young children. I praised the team’s work giving children the best possible start in life and said the new funding will help reach more families across the town. I reaffirmed my commitment to championing