My Personally Speaking Column in The Sentinel this week Last week I visited Walleys Quarry landfill site, to see the works underway and the progress being made by the Environment Agency for myself. We all know how much Walleys Quarry has dominated the conversation in Newcastle-under-Lyme. After everything our community has been through – the odour, the anxiety, the unanswered questions, and the years of ignored concerns – it was important to witness the restoration efforts fi

This week, FedEx announced its intention to close the depot at Parkhouse Industrial Park — a decision that puts around 400 jobs in Newcastle-under-Lyme at risk. The site has operated for over 35 years and is home to a workforce made up largely of long-serving, highly experienced local people. FedEx says it plans to replace five UK depots, including Parkhouse, with two new ‘super hubs’ in Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire. But for workers here, that amounts to being told to rel

To mark the recent St George’s Day celebrations, I was honoured to lead the St George’s Day and English Affairs debate in Parliament — a chance to reflect on what it means to be English, to celebrate our history, and above all, to recognise the people who make our country what it is today. As I said in my speech: “England’s greatest asset is its people. Hard-working, God-fearing, decent folks who don’t walk by on the other side but turn up to be counted.” From the NHS to our

My Personally Speaking Column in The Sentinel this week Today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day – a significant milestone in our national story and a moment of deep reflection. Across Newcastle-under-Lyme, people have come together to honour this occasion with pride and respect throughout this week. From school assemblies to wreath-laying ceremonies, and with today’s service at St Giles’ Church and the lighting of a beacon, our community has shown real appreciation for the

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 Sunday, it was wonderful to welcome the St George’s Day Parade to St Giles Church in Newcastle-under-Lyme. I was honoured to join the Squirrels, Cubs, and Beavers — along with many members of our local community — for a wonderful and uplifting service led by Reverend Penduck. It was a powerful reminder of how St George’s Day continues to bring people together across generations and backgrounds. St George’s Day is more than just a date in the calendar — it’s an opportunity

I'm always keen to share opportunities that could benefit local organisations here in Newcastle-under-Lyme—and the latest announcement from the Asda Foundation is one worth highlighting. From Wednesday 7th May 2025 , the Asda Foundation will be opening applications for its next round of funding: the Local Community Spaces fund . This scheme is aimed at charities and not-for-profit organisations working to improve spaces that bring people together and make a real difference in

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