Welcome to my latest newsletter!

My debate on Luton train station 
 
For too long, Luton has had to put up with a train station that’s not fit for purpose. Four out of five platforms at Luton station are inaccessible and the decrepit building is leaky and badly lit. Luton is a brilliant town but it needs a modern station to help it thrive. 
 
I held a parliamentary debate calling for the Government to ensure no further delays to installing lifts at the station, and to consider a full redevelopment so our aspirational town has the train station it deserves. Watch my speech below. 

Nuclear Test Veterans campaign for medals  
 
Around 22,000 veterans were involved in Britain’s nuclear tests in the 1950s & 60s, but until very recently had yet to receive any formal recognition, despite them and their families still suffering the effects of their sacrifice. 
 
However, in a huge victory for veterans, their families and campaigners such as Labrats, BNTVA and The Mirror, the Government has finally agreed to award them medals. As Shadow Minister for Veterans and Defence People, I’ve been proud to support the campaign to ensure their service and sacrifice are recognised. 

UK Parliament Week: 14-20 November 
 
During UK Parliament Week I enjoyed visiting local schools across Luton South and talking with pupils about my role as their MP. My week included visiting Someries Infants, Hillborough Infants, Sacred Heart Primary and River Bank Primary schools, as well as speaking with pupils from Farley Junior School via zoom call.  
 
Pupils asked lots of thoughtful questions, and it was excellent to hear about how they participate in school democracy through School Councils, Pupil Voice and School Parliament elections. 

Cost of Living Crisis – Mortgage Costs  

The Government’s mismanagement of the economy has added hundreds of pounds a month onto people’s mortgages. As Lutonians face £540 more a month on their mortgages, further worsening the cost of living crisis, I called on the Government to reduce the ministerial severance payments by at least this amount. Watch my video here.