I chaired the launch of the new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Packaging in the Circular Economy, bringing together MPs and Peers to support sustainable packaging and British manufacturing. The group will focus on reducing waste, increasing reuse and recycling and protecting UK jobs. I praised the vital role of packaging in the economy and food supply chains, highlighting the importance of innovation and sustainability. I pledged to champion local businesses and wor

I celebrated UK Parliament Week 2025 by engaging with hundreds of young people across Redditch and the Villages. I visited schools, youth groups and community organisations, where students asked questions on mental health, safety, education and the environment. At Woodfield Academy, I helped launch their new Woodfield Parliament, with pupils electing Class MPs and setting their own priorities. I invited every school to submit questions for me to raise in Parliament, ensuring

I visited VIP Day Centre in Winyates to celebrate 10 years of award-winning, affordable dementia care in Redditch. I praised the centre’s person-centred approach, which helps reduce social isolation and enables people to remain at home longer. VIP Day Centre’s services cost just £11.95–£12.50 per hour, a fraction of domiciliary care and have won national recognition for quality and innovation. I highlighted the vital support the centre provides for families and pledged to cha

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 reiterated my support for prostate cancer awareness after attending the Westminster Darts Championship in Parliament, hosted by James Frith MP to raise funds and encourage men to check their risk. The event brought together MPs, darts players and charity supporters as part of the “Even Bigger 180” campaign, which has raised over £2 million for Prostate Cancer UK’s TRANSFORM trial. I praised the power of sport to raise awareness and urged men to speak to their GP about conce

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