Welcome to my final update of this Parliament! Here’s a snapshot of how I have been representing Luton South this month.
It’s been an exciting month for our town, with stars coming to Luton for Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Stockwood Park, and the 48th Luton Carnival! Have a look at my photos of the carnival here.
Calling for Government to respect the ICC’s investigations into war crimes in Gaza & stop arms sales to the Israeli Government
This month, I joined over 100 MPs and Lords from 11 parties to sign a crucial letter calling for our government to respect the International Criminal Court and its independent investigations into war crimes in Gaza. Read the letter here.
I also once again wrote to the foreign secretary calling on the UK Government to stop arms sales to the Israeli Government immediately. You can share my letter here.
Meeting with Network Rail and GTR at Luton Station
I met representatives from Network Rail and GTR to discuss improvements at Luton Station, including the installation of the new lifts and footbridge, which will finally commence later this summer. I was pleased to see the new canopy and efficient LED lighting, alongside new artwork by Aimi Rix, installed ahead of Radio 1’s Big Weekend. I continue to press for full redevelopment of Luton Station as the gateway to our town centre.
I met representatives from Network Rail and GTR to discuss improvements at Luton Station, including the installation of the new lifts and footbridge, which will finally commence later this summer. I was pleased to see the new canopy and efficient LED lighting, alongside new artwork by Aimi Rix, installed ahead of Radio 1’s Big Weekend. I continue to press for full redevelopment of Luton Station as the gateway to our town centre.
For too long Luton has been let down by unreliable and inefficient train services. Fourteen years of Tory rule has left railways unfit to meet the demands of modern Britain.
Read my latest article on Labour’s plan to overhaul our broken railways here.
Hosting Kids Operating Room‘s event in Parliament
An honour to host the charity Kids Operating Room’s event in Parliament, alongside Sarah Owen MP. Kids Operating Room install specialist paediatric surgery rooms in hospitals in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin-America.The event launched their fundraising for the first project in Pakistan, at District HQ Kotli Hospital, AZK, to ensure children can have safe access to the surgery they need.I was delighted to welcome so many friends and colleagues from Luton to support the cause, and to demonstrate the close ties between Luton and Kotli.You can donate or find out more here: https://www.kidsor.org
An honour to host the charity Kids Operating Room’s event in Parliament, alongside Sarah Owen MP. Kids Operating Room install specialist paediatric surgery rooms in hospitals in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin-America.The event launched their fundraising for the first project in Pakistan, at District HQ Kotli Hospital, AZK, to ensure children can have safe access to the surgery they need.I was delighted to welcome so many friends and colleagues from Luton to support the cause, and to demonstrate the close ties between Luton and Kotli.You can donate or find out more here: https://www.kidsor.org
Visiting businesses in Bury Park to discuss local crime
It was great to visit local businesses in Bury Park with John Tizard, Bedfordshire’s new Labour Police and Crime Commissioner. We listened to shop owners’ and residents’ concerns around crime and antisocial behaviour in the area. Labour PCCs will play a key component in our plan to crack down on antisocial behaviour – one of Labour’s first steps for change. Read more here.
It was great to visit local businesses in Bury Park with John Tizard, Bedfordshire’s new Labour Police and Crime Commissioner. We listened to shop owners’ and residents’ concerns around crime and antisocial behaviour in the area. Labour PCCs will play a key component in our plan to crack down on antisocial behaviour – one of Labour’s first steps for change. Read more here.
Pressing the government on the prison capacity crisis
The Tory’s latest panic measures to deal with the long-predicted prison capacity crisis have fuelled the probation crisis instead. The government must address the sharp rise in probation workloads and warnings about the safety of early releases.
The Tory’s latest panic measures to deal with the long-predicted prison capacity crisis have fuelled the probation crisis instead. The government must address the sharp rise in probation workloads and warnings about the safety of early releases.
Attending the opening of the Farley Forest Garden
This month, Farley Big Local opened the Farley Forest Garden at Castle Croft Park! It was great to join Farley councillors, PCC John Tizard and partners at the official opening. The forest trail is a lovely walk through Bluebell Woods for people of all ages to explore.
This month, Farley Big Local opened the Farley Forest Garden at Castle Croft Park! It was great to join Farley councillors, PCC John Tizard and partners at the official opening. The forest trail is a lovely walk through Bluebell Woods for people of all ages to explore.
Sustainability of our Automotive Manufacturing Industry
Sustainability of domestic automotive manufacturing is vital to the future prosperity of Luton’s local economy. I called on the government to engage with the UK’s automotive industry about the impact of losing our sovereign virgin steel production.
Sustainability of domestic automotive manufacturing is vital to the future prosperity of Luton’s local economy. I called on the government to engage with the UK’s automotive industry about the impact of losing our sovereign virgin steel production.
Visiting Millfield Green Retirement Village in Caddington
As the local MP, I was delighted to visit Inspired Villages’ Millfield Green in Caddington, the UK’s first net carbon zero retirement village.It was fascinating to learn more about the sustainability measures at Millfield Green, including air source heat pumps, with over 8,000km of pipes heating and cooling the complex, solar panelling providing its energy, and carpets made from recycled fishing nets!I was also impressed by their ethos focussing on ageing well and social impact.
As the local MP, I was delighted to visit Inspired Villages’ Millfield Green in Caddington, the UK’s first net carbon zero retirement village.It was fascinating to learn more about the sustainability measures at Millfield Green, including air source heat pumps, with over 8,000km of pipes heating and cooling the complex, solar panelling providing its energy, and carpets made from recycled fishing nets!I was also impressed by their ethos focussing on ageing well and social impact.
Appearing on ITV Anglia Late Edition
This month, I appeared on ITV Late Edition where I spoke about the infected blood inquiry, the local election results and the issue of AI generated fake news.
Watch the ITV Anglia Late Edition episode here.
