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