Yesterday I spoke in the House of Commons in a debate to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War — a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and determination of the Greatest Generation. In my speech, I reflected on the hard-won triumph of democracy over authoritarianism, nationalism, and fascism — and why the sacrifices made by so many must never be forgotten. From the veterans of Newcastle-under-Lyme, across the United Kingdom, and throughout the Commonwealt

After the recent blackouts in Spain and Portugal, in the Commons, I asked the Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks MP, how we’re protecting our electricity grid from foreign-owned smart tech that could be used against us. With technology increasingly run by third parties abroad, we must stay vigilant – because our grid isn’t just about power; it’s about protecting people in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across the United Kingdom. Cyber threats to our energy infrastructure are real,

On Tuesday, I had the privilege of leading a debate in the House of Commons calling on the Government to back the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) with a new wave of funding to help transform lives in former mining communities across our country. A Proven Model for Change The CRT was established by the last Labour Government in 1999 to deliver economic, social, and health improvements in places like Newcastle-under-Lyme that bore the brunt of deindustrialisation. Twenty-fi

Today is World Parkinson’s Day – a chance to raise awareness of Parkinson’s, the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and to stand in solidarity with the 153,000 people across the UK who are living with it every day. Earlier this month, I joined Parkinson’s UK at a special event in Parliament. I had the privilege of hearing directly from people affected by Parkinson’s about the daily challenges they face – whether that’s waiting too long for specialist care, n

Thank you to everyone in Newcastle-under-Lyme who took the time to respond to my recent survey on higher education funding. I heard from students, members of staff, graduates, and family members who are worried about the future of our colleges and universities. Your responses described course closures, job losses, increased pressure on staff, and students struggling to access the support they need. Your submissions were formally sent to the Education Select Committee ahead of

During the Second World War, brave pilots and navigators flew unarmed and unarmoured aircraft deep into enemy territory to gather critical intelligence. They served in the Photographic Reconnaissance Units (PRU)—and their work helped shape the course of the war. Flying solo missions in Spitfires and Mosquitos, the PRU captured more than 26 million aerial photographs across all theatres of operation. The intelligence they gathered supported some of the most critical decisions

This week in Parliament, I raised serious concerns about the Government’s proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). While it’s right to support people into work, any reform to PIP must be introduced fairly, with compassion, and with the voices of disabled people at its heart. The Government’s own impact assessment raised further worrying questions, and I made it clear to Ministers that these cannot be ignored. I asked the Minister to meet with me to go through

In Parliament, I recently raised my concerns with the Foreign Secretary about the worsening situation in Gaza. The breakdown of the ceasefire and the ongoing suffering of innocent civilians have shocked people across our community, and I felt it was vital to take those concerns directly to the Government. Following a number of conversations with constituents, I pressed the Foreign Secretary on what specific discussions he has had with key regional partners—including Saudi Ara

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.

MPs pledge to remember the Holocaust and its lessons, marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January This week MPs signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, and in doing so pledged their commitment to marking Holocaust Memorial Day – honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people to