I will raise serious concerns in the House of Commons on 19 January about failures in support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Worcestershire. I will question the Government on repeated failures by Worcestershire County Council to meet its statutory duties, following reports from parents of long delays, poor decision-making and a lack of accountability. I have also called for a debate on Government intervention powers when local systems...

I welcomed the Government’s new £50 million VALOUR programme to transform support for veterans in Redditch and the Villages. Drawing on conversations with local veterans, I said too many have been “passed from pillar to post” and deserve joined-up support that works around people, not bureaucracy. VALOUR will bring housing, employment, health and mental wellbeing services together through local centres, backed by dedicated field officers working with councils, the NHS and charities. I also...

I visited Church Hill Middle School to meet pupils, staff and Principal Laura Jarvis, discussing the school’s positive improvement journey and future priorities. During a student-led Q&A session with the School Council and Head Pupils, I answered thoughtful questions about Parliament, local decision-making and how young people can make their voices heard. I praised pupils for their confidence, curiosity and civic awareness, describing them as “a real credit to the school.” Highlighting the...