I have just been advised that the operators of Walleys Quarry Landfill site notified the Environment Agency last night that they have gone into liquidation. This, in many ways, is no surprise. The operators at Walleys have been driven by profit over people, and now they have cut and run. It is an absolute disgrace and speaks to the failures surrounding the waste sector in our country. Be under no doubt, there will be a time to ensure that the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme ge

Grateful to all my Labour colleagues who spoke in my debate on Government Support for Coalfields yesterday. There was a real commitment to ending the days of empty words and broken promises to the people in our coalfield communities. We have much to do. You can find the full transcript of the debate here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025-02-06/debates/71B19D39-5D97-4393-8035-8E09CA3F0A4F/details?fbclid=IwY2xjawIZXEdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcbIpsct3FixERNzx8KpZg7Z5XsxXLqi7v

I’ve raised the issue of flooding in Newcastle-under-Lyme repeatedly since the election. Yesterday, on my way to Parliament, I stopped by County Hall in Stafford to meet with councillors and officers at Staffordshire County Council . It’s crucial that the necessary steps are taken to deliver a lasting solution.

Shamelessly, the operators at Walleys Quarry went to the courts in a bid to accept waste until their attempt at appealing the Closure Notice was heard. That attempt was rejected today and rightly so. It’s good news for the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

130 years ago, 77 men and boys lost their lives in the Diglake Mining Disaster in Bignall End. This anniversary is a moment to remember them, honour their legacy, and recommit ourselves to ensuring that workers can safely and securely carry out their duties now and in the future.

A very busy day in Parliament. Thank you to Kevin Larkin from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust for coming to see me. Today, I have applied for a debate on ‘Supporting Coalfield Communities’ like ours in Newcastle-under-Lyme. There is much for us to do.

Walleys Quarry Ltd is appealing the Closure Notice issued by the Environment Agency in November 2024. Today, I submitted my representations to the Planning Inspectorate, making it clear that the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme have endured enough. This is a fight for clean air, justice, and the right to live in a safe environment.  Read my full letter below. It’s time to uphold the Closure Notice and ensure Walleys Quarry is held accountable. Our community deserves nothing les

My statement on the Environment Agency's decision to issue a closure notice to the operator of Walleys Quarry Landfill Today, the Environment Agency has made the significant decision to serve a closure notice on the operator of Walleys Quarry. This is a major step forward for our community and a moment that so many have worked tirelessly to achieve. For years, Walleys Quarry has caused unacceptable harm to Newcastle-under-Lyme. This closure notice acknowledges the devastating