Presentation of the Petition in Parliament (24 February 2026) This week, I formally presented a petition to the House of Commons calling for the protection of College Fields in Madeley. For months, local residents have raised concerns with me about proposals that could restrict long-standing public access to this much-loved green space – including the possibility of fencing and other measures that would limit how the field is used. It quickly became clear just how strongly people feel about...

On Wednesday I welcomed the Education Minister with responsibility for SEND, Georgia Gould OBE MP, to the Peter Pan Centre for Children with Special Needs. The Centre is an excellent model of best practice, supporting children through their early years right here in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The dedication and expertise of the staff is second to none, and it was important that the Minister saw first-hand the difference that high-quality early support can make. During the visit, the Minister heard...

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 brickmaking and...