I welcomed the Government’s decision to create North and South Worcestershire unitary councils from April 2028. Backed by five local authorities, this replaces the two-tier system to deliver tailored services and unlock economic growth. Speaking in Parliament, I pressed for transition funding to support staff. Former Housing Secretary Steve Reed confirmed additional funding. A North Worcestershire unitary authority gives us the opportunity to deliver the economic vision Reddi

I secured confirmation from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander that the Midlands Rail Hub will deliver over 25 additional daily trains on the Redditch line. During Transport Questions, I pressed for updates on engineering upgrades, stressing tackling rail bottlenecks is vital for local growth. Ms Alexander confirmed phase one design work is underway to boost regional capacity. Better rail connections mean more opportunities for businesses and reliable journeys for commuters.

I welcomed the Government’s action to secure British Steel’s future, highlighting its importance to local manufacturers. Speaking during an Urgent Question in the House of Commons, I noted local firms rely on British Steel and want access to more steel grades. Minister Blair McDougall confirmed workforce briefings have begun, stressing workers remain central. British Steel matters to Redditch. Our manufacturers rely on it to grow.

I welcomed the UK-Switzerland Enhanced Free Trade Agreement, highlighting new export opportunities for local manufacturers. Speaking in the Commons, I congratulated Minister Sir Chris Bryant on securing the deal, projected to boost UK services exports by £5.2 billion. The agreement reduces bureaucracy for high-tech sectors, helping local firms expand globally. Growing our economy means backing businesses that make things and export worldwide. This deal gives Redditch firms co

I delivered a 2,000-signature petition to 10 Downing Street calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to award national honours to Jordan and Cian Adams. Known as The FTD Brothers, Redditch constituents have raised over £2.4 million for dementia research after losing their mother to frontotemporal dementia. Both brothers carry the gene mutation. They completed 33 marathons in 33 days and secured Freedom of the Borough. Jordan and Cian have turned personal loss into public action

I called on the Government to provide long-term certainty for UK packaging manufacturers as EPR regulations take effect. Speaking as Chair of the APPG for Packaging in the Circular Economy during a Commons debate, I warned annual changes to recyclability assessments create uncertainty and risk stalling investment. I urged ministers to commit to periodic reviews and a post-implementation assessment. To transition to a circular economy, our businesses need rules that are fair,

I challenged the Government to ban imports linked to state-sponsored forced labour during a Business and Trade Select Committee session. Questioning the Business Minister Sir Chris Bryant over legislative delays, I pushed for concrete progress on products from regions like Xinjiang, arguing ethical businesses should not be undercut by exploitation. The Minister outlined stronger measures. We either believe in not trading with people who use slave labour or we don’t. The next

I secured a government commitment to engage with bereavement campaigners ahead of a parliamentary debate on Bereavement Support Payment reform. Speaking during Work and Pensions Questions, I urged ministers to meet campaign groups after a 100,000-signature petition. Minister Andrew Western agreed to review evidence from groups including Widows Fight UK. I highlighted Redditch families affected by the 18-month cliff-edge cutoff. Losing a partner is devastating. Financial suppo

I challenged online marketplace Temu over consumer safety at the Business and Trade Select Committee hearing. I questioned the platform’s Head of Public Affairs for Europe about its landmark €200 million European Commission fine for selling counterfeit and dangerous goods. I pressed Temu on why it hasn’t appealed the decision and whether new safeguards are sufficient. Temu acknowledged stronger checks were introduced after the investigated period. Companies must protect consu

I took the fight for Redditch Local History Museum to the House of Commons after its sudden eviction. During Culture, Media and Sport Questions, I urged ministers to secure a new home for the volunteer-run museum. Culture Minister Ian Murray backed my advocacy, saying the museum ‘deserves all the support it can get’ and signposted Arts Council England. The museum is the keeper of our identity. I will explore every avenue, grant and space to get it into a permanent home.

I raised the international child contact case in House of Commons, securing direct ministerial intervention. Speaking during Business Questions, I presented the case of David, a Redditch father struggling to maintain contact with his daughter after she was taken to Latvia. I highlighted procedural errors and false evidence in proceedings. Leader of the House offered to arrange discussions with relevant ministers. No parent should feel powerless when maintaining a relationship

I called for fair R&D funding for Redditch’s engineering sector. During a Commons debate, I argued local precision firms contribute millions to the economy but receive little investment. I demanded ‘granular regional tracking’ to support high-performing clusters. Following the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee’s ‘Flying Blind’ report, Dame Chi Onwurah backed my call. Economic growth happens in Redditch’s precision workshops. Our firms deserve their fair share. I vo

I championed rural pubs in Parliament, warning they are often the last community asset in local villages. In a Westminster Hall debate, I highlighted pubs in Harvington, Inkberrow, Feckenham and Hanbury, emphasising their role in tackling isolation. While welcoming Government business rates discounts, I set out a three-point plan: business rates reform, expanded draught relief and stronger protections for Assets of Community Value. If we lose our village pubs, we lose the hea

I secured a ministerial roundtable to safeguard local manufacturers from damage caused by steel tariffs. Speaking in a Commons debate, I named Springmasters, KM Products and Accurate Laser Cutting, which rely on specialist steel grades unavailable in the UK. I warned that blanket import penalties on EU components risk local jobs and inflate costs. Climate Change and Industry Minister Chris McDonald agreed to meet me and local business leaders to find a solution. Supporting Br

I welcomed the Government’s historic defence spending increase, highlighting Redditch manufacturers’ role in national security supply chains. During Commons questions, I noted the biggest sustained rise since the Cold War provides an economic boost to regional hubs like the West Midlands. Secretary of State Jo Stevens called it a defence and Union dividend. I pledged to engage with Worcestershire engineering firms to secure high-skilled jobs. Businesses in Redditch are proud

I exposed a stark mental health funding disparity during a Westminster Hall debate. I highlighted that mental health conditions account for 28% of NHS caseloads but receive only 13% of funding, despite legal parity of esteem requirements. I warned this leaves Worcestershire services facing long waits and over-reliance on crisis care. If we are serious about parity of esteem, the spending must follow the rhetoric. I pledged to keep pushing for the resources mental health servi

I warned that abuse against customer-facing staff is driving experienced workers out of jobs. Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate following discussions with USDAW representatives, I highlighted the impact on staff at major retail hubs like Kingfisher Centre. I called for stronger protections, backing calls to extend the offence of assaulting a retail worker to all customer-facing roles. No one should go to work fearing abuse. When people are driven out, communities lose ess

I warned in Parliament that Redditch is missing out on critical investment due to arbitrary regional borders. Speaking in a Commons debate, I highlighted that lying just south of the West Midlands Combined Authority boundary excludes it from strategic transport partnerships, housing funds and education investment. I argued that mayoral structures systematically favour major cities over historic industrial towns. Redditch built things the world depended on long before metro ma

I was appointed Parliamentary Dementia Research Champion after attending Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Showcase. Inspired by the FTD Brothers Jordan and Cian Adams, who raised over £2.4 million after 13 family losses to frontotemporal dementia, I met scientists driving new treatments. I pledged to push for faster NHS diagnoses and clinical trial access. The FTD Brothers show what determination can achieve. I will ensure government delivers for affected families. I will work with

I hosted a cross-party parliamentary reception calling for a National Allergy Strategy. The event gathered clinicians, patient groups and policymakers to tackle the UK’s growing allergy challenge. It highlighted Benedict’s Law, requiring schools to hold adrenaline auto-injectors from September 2026. I urged central funding, warning a unified national strategy is still needed. While Benedict’s Law is a vital step forward, a fully resourced, nationally led strategy is a necessi