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

It was great to visit St John’s Church of England Primary School in Keele and spend time with staff and pupils. I was warmly welcomed by...

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

It was a real pleasure to be the guest speaker at the Rotary Club lunch at Newcastle Golf Club yesterday. I'm incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and excellent hospitality shown by all those who attended. The Rotary Club has a long and proud history of serving our community, and it was a privilege to spend time with members who give so much to support local causes. Thank you again to everyone at the Rotary Club for all that you do – and for having me along for such a lov

🗳️ Local Elections are taking place on Thursday 1 May across Newcastle-under-Lyme. Voters will be choosing their representatives on Staffordshire County Council, and in Knutton and Loggerheads there will also be by-elections for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. To vote, you must: ✅ Be registered by 11:59pm on Friday 11 April ✅ Bring photo ID to the polling station If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID (such as a passport, driving licence, or eligible bus pass),