On Friday, I joined the Minnie Pit commemoration steering group, the Mayor and local residents in Halmer End for a very special moment – the planting of a new “Tree of Hope” at the memorial garden. The sapling is one of 49 grown by the National Trust from seeds taken from the Sycamore Gap tree, which was illegally felled in 2023. The number of saplings reflects the height of the original tree in feet, and it’s wonderful that one of the first has now been planted here in our c

UK Parliament Week is taking place from 24–30 November , and I’m inviting everyone across the constituency to get involved. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to find out more about how Parliament works, how decisions are made and how each one of us can participate. This year, 44 organisations across Newcastle-under-Lyme have signed up so far. Schools, youth groups and community organisations will be using their free UKPW resource kits to host workshops, games and di

My Personally Speaking Column in The Sentinel (20 November 2025) One of the best things of being our local Member of Parliament is getting out across Newcastle-under-Lyme to meet the people and businesses that drive our local community and our local economy. In recent weeks, that’s included visits to Meighs & Westleys in Holditch and Broxap in Chesterton – two examples of the many long standing businesses rooted in our community. At Meighs & Westleys, or the Westley Group, I

Following the recent announcement about the future of Betley GP Surgery, the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent has opened a consultation to gather views from patients registered at the practice. The current contract for Betley Surgery ends in March 2026, and the ICB must decide how patients will access GP services in the future. They are asking patients to complete a short survey to share their priorities and experiences. Responses are confi

Last week, Newcastle-under-Lyme said goodbye to one of its longest-standing independent businesses: Farmer’s Shoe Shop. For fifty years, Farmer’s Shoe Shop has been a fixture on our high street – providing quality footwear and friendly service to generations of local people. First opened by Frank and Sylvia Farmer in 1975 on Merrial Street, and later based on Bridge Street, the shop has played an important role in the life of our local economy for half a century. To recognise

On site with representatives from Audley Parish Council, National Highways, Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police. This morning, I brought representatives from National Highways, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Police, Audley Parish Council and the office of Sarah Russell MP – Member of Parliament for Congleton – together on site at the Audley A500 slip road to press for further safety improvements. Residents have been raising concerns about this j

I have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to press the case for members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS), including many here in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Since my election, I’ve heard from constituents who dedicated their working lives to powering our country through Britain’s coal industry – people who rightly expect fairness and recognition for their service. Since the Labour Government took office in July 2024, important progress has been made t

I have today been informed by the NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board that Betley GP surgery will close at the end of March 2026. The current providers have taken the decision to hand back their contract for personal reasons, and the private premises currently used for the surgery will not be available after that point. While services will continue as normal until March 2026, this will understandably be worrying news for residents who rely on the surger

At this time of national reflection, we come together to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all those who have given so much in defence of our freedoms. On Sunday, I was privileged to attend the Remembrance service in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Joined by veterans, serving members of our Armed Forces, local organisations, faith and community leaders, and residents from across the borough, we gathered to remember the fallen and to pay tribute to all who have served and co

In House of Commons Business Questions (30 October 2025) In recent days and weeks, there have been disturbing reports of people being spiked by injection in Newcastle town centre. I’ve heard from residents who are fearful and angry — and I share their concern. No one should feel unsafe on a night out. Our town centre must be safe, welcoming and secure for everyone. Yesterday I raised this issue directly in Parliament during Business Questions to the Leader of the House, calli