My Personally Speaking column in The Sentinel (12 February 2026) Last week, I brought my first Bill to Parliament. It was prompted by something straightforward: if we’re aiming to build 1.5 million more homes, and working to build our future – from schools to hospitals and everything in-between, we should be doing that in a way that backs British workers and British industry. That matters in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across North Staffordshire, where skilled labour like brickm

I am aware of rumours circulating about the future use of Gordon Court in Knutton – and of a protest now being planned in response to those claims. These rumours are unfounded. There are no plans for Gordon Court to be used to house asylum seekers or to operate as a so–called ‘migrant hotel’. I have discussed the issue with the Home Office, raised it with Newcastle-under-Lyme District Borough Council and have spoken directly to the new owner of the site following its sale by