I urged the Government to do more to support constituents stranded in the Middle East following airspace closures and travel disruption. Speaking in the Commons, I raised cases of residents facing weeks-long delays and difficulties securing visa extensions. I called on the Foreign Secretary to work with airlines to ensure safe routes home. While welcoming progress that has helped thousands return, the situation remains incredibly stressful and I pledge to keep working with mi

I welcomed a major Government package to reduce youth unemployment and support young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). Speaking in Parliament, I described the measures as long overdue and highlighted strong backing from local businesses eager to see real results. The plan will improve skills provision, expand training opportunities and strengthen links between employers and education providers. Young people in Redditch have huge potential and I pledge to

I officially opened a new trim trail at Holyoakes Field First School, praising it as a brilliant addition that will boost pupils’ health, confidence and outdoor learning. Funded by a £6,000 donation from Persimmon Homes, the equipment encourages active play and helps children build strength, balance and coordination. During the visit, I met staff and pupils to see the trail in action and hear about its impact. Facilities like this make a genuine difference and I thanked Persi

I praised local campaigners, police and community leaders following a moving knife crime awareness event at Redditch Baptist Church. The event featured Adam, speaking publicly for the first time about surviving a knife attack fifteen years ago and Peter Martin, founder of Redditch Self‑Defence and Youth Engagement, who has dedicated his life to educating young people on the dangers of knives. I described their stories as a powerful reminder of the devastating reality of knife

I am encouraging residents, schools and community groups to visit Between Life and Death: Stories of Rescue during the Holocaust, on display at Redditch Library until 18 March 2026. The international exhibition, previously shown across Europe, Japan and at the United Nations, shares powerful stories of individuals who risked their lives to help persecuted Jews during the Second World War. It is a tremendous honour for Redditch to host the exhibition and I urge people to atten

I visited Primark in Redditch town centre to discuss tackling retail crime and supporting local businesses. Meeting Assistant Store Manager Emma Shaw, I heard about the challenges retailers face, including shop theft and anti-social behaviour and the steps being taken to protect staff and customers. I welcomed the Government-backed Winter of Action initiative, boosting police visibility and enforcement. I highlighted the vital role retailers play in supporting jobs and drivin

I visited Tudor Grange Academy Redditch to meet students from the school’s Treetops autism base and discuss democracy, Parliament and the role of an MP. Invited as part of the Raising Aspirations programme, I delivered sessions for Years 7 to 11, answering thoughtful questions about politics and public service. I praised the students’ engagement and thanked staff for their warm welcome, describing the Treetops team as doing fantastic work. School visits help young people unde

I visited the Redditch campus of Heart of Worcestershire College during Colleges Week 2026, celebrating the national “Skills for All” campaign and the vital role of further education in transforming lives. Meeting students and staff, I heard directly about young people’s ambitions and discussed careers, skills and future opportunities. I praised the college for changing lives in Redditch and supporting learners of all ages. Highlighting the importance of lifelong learning, I

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 welcomed government plans for the first major reform of the UK veterinary sector in nearly sixty years, aimed at making vet costs clearer and fairer for pet owners. The changes will require practices to publish transparent price lists and improve accountability, following concerns from the Competition and Markets Authority about rising costs. Pets are part of the family and owners deserve clarity when seeking care, citing my own experience with my cat, Hamilton. The reform

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

I visited Vaynor First School to meet pupils and staff and learn about the school’s work teaching democracy and British values. Welcomed by Headteacher Helen Colcombe, I toured the school before joining the School Council for a Q&A on Parliament and my role as an MP. Pupils have been exploring democracy through activities including school polling days and UK Parliament Week. I praised their curiosity, saying it is fantastic to see young people learning about democracy early.

I praised the achievements of women in business and community leadership ahead of International Women’s Day. During a visit to Tesco Redditch Extra, I learned about the Accelerator Programme supporting UK entrepreneurs, including many female-founded brands and welcomed a local event attended by around 200 people, including young women from local schools. Women’s leadership helps make Redditch and the Villages a vibrant place to live and work and initiatives like this inspire

I visited Tesco Redditch Extra to support its heart health campaign with the British Heart Foundation during Heart Month, encouraging residents to check their blood pressure as part of their weekly shop. With up to five million UK adults living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, the initiative promotes simple, preventative checks and practical lifestyle advice. I met pharmacy and community staff, praising the partnership for making heart health part of everyday life. This

I backed the Fur Free Britain campaign and wrote to ministers seeking assurances that fur products will remain outside upcoming EU-UK trade negotiations. After attending a Westminster event hosted by Ruth Jones with organisations including RSPCA and FOUR PAWS UK, I called for clarity that fur, as a processed fashion product, will not be included in agrifood talks. Strong public support for a ban must be respected and I pledged to keep pressing for protections and robust anima

I secured an improved funding settlement for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service after challenging the Government’s initial offer as inadequate. Working with Chief Fire Officer Jonathon Pryce, I made the case for funding that reflects the demands of a large rural-urban area and rising incident complexity. I also pressed the issue with Samantha Dixon, leading to a revised settlement. The agreement will protect frontline roles, improve stability and ensure firefighters

I raised the case of a vulnerable constituent in the House of Commons after concerns that Worcestershire County Council failed to respond to serious complaints about her care. Speaking during Business of the House, I highlighted the case of Bethany, 27, whose family reported unexplained injuries, neglect and a decline in her health while receiving council-arranged care. Despite repeated complaints and requests from my office, no final response has been issued while care fees

I attended a Westminster session organised by the League Against Cruel Sports to discuss trail hunting, animal welfare and the impact of hunting on rural communities. MPs reviewed new polling and evidence on current legislation, with concerns that, more than 20 years after the Hunting Act, loopholes and enforcement challenges may mean it is not always working as intended. Rural communities deserve to feel confident that the law is clear, effective and properly enforced, and I

I warned against complacency on youth homelessness after new data from Centrepoint revealed 167 young people in Redditch were recorded as homeless or at risk in 2024/25. While this represents a reduction from the previous year, only around half of those who approached Redditch Borough Council received a formal housing assessment. Every statistic represents a young person needing stability and support. I pledged to pursue further parliamentary action and work with local partne