Happy New Year and welcome to my first update of 2025!
It has been a busy month in Parliament and the constituency, so keep reading for an overview of what I have been up to this month.
A ceasefire deal in Israel and Gaza
News of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Gaza is very welcome after 15 months of devastating conflict and suffering.
During the Foreign Secretary’s statement to the House on this matter, I emphasised the importance of the recognition of Palestine and a lasting two-state solution in the region, as well as ensuring there is no forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. You can view my question in full here.
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
This month, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill had its second reading in Parliament. Children growing up in our country deserve the best start in life. This landmark Bill represents the single biggest piece of child protection legislation in a generation and includes landmark reforms to safeguarding and children’s social care.
I was very proud to vote in favour of the Bill.
Renters’ Rights Bill
The newly amended Renters’ Rights Bill returned to Parliament for its third reading this month.
This vital legislation will bring in a number of reforms to protect and strengthen renters’ rights that will directly benefit people across Luton South and South Bedfordshire. I am proud that this Labour government is delivering on our promise to ensure everyone is safe and secure in their homes.
Read more on some of the measures in the Bill below.
Labour’s plan to fix potholes!
This month marked #NationalPotholesDay. Under the Tories, the condition of our roads spiralled, costing drivers almost £500 million in damages to their vehicles as a result of potholes.
As part of Labour’s #NationalCampaignWeekend, I was joined by Labour councillors and volunteers speaking to residents in High Town and Caddington, picking up local issues and discussing the government’s funding boost to make journeys smoother and safer for drivers in Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
You can read more on the investment they are making across Luton South and South Bedfordshire here.
Emergency funding for homelessness and rough sleeping
The Labour Government has announced that we are tripling emergency funding from £10 million to £30 million for councils to help the most vulnerable into safe and secure housing with warm beds, hot meals and specialist care.
This emergency funding boost builds on the largest-ever investment in homelessness prevention services of almost £1 billion this year and reflects our Plan for Change, to raise living standards for people across the country, and deliver the biggest boost in affordable housing in a generation.
Luton Council will receive £6.3m to offer direct support to those who need it. You can read more on this here.
Standing up for leaseholders in Luton South and South Bedfordshire
This week, I raised an issue that leaseholders in Luton South and South Bedfordshire are facing, footing the bill for the replacement of unsafe cladding. This is completely unacceptable and those who created this crisis should fix it.
This Labour Government is committed to abolishing the feudal leasehold system once and for all, and we are acting quickly to provide homeowners with greater rights, powers and protections.
I am grateful that the Minister agreed to meet with me to discuss this issue further. You can view my full question here.
Marking ‘Brew Monday’ with the Samaritans
Monday 20th January marked ‘Brew Monday’ and I was pleased to mark this with the excellent Samaritans in Parliament to hear more about their important work.
Bad days can happen any time, but the Samaritans have reframed ‘Blue Monday’, instead seeing it as an opportunity to check in over a brew and reach out to those you care about.
I pay tribute to the great work that Samaritans do to support people all year round and they are always there to listen. If you do need any support, reach out on 116 123.
APPG for Pakistan meeting
As a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Pakistan, I joined colleagues to meet with Matt Cannell, British Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan.
He took the time to update us on the current landscape of Pakistan as well as answer any questions. I know that current affairs in Pakistan are a matter of great importance to many in Luton South and South Bedfordshire, and I will continue to stay updated on this matter.
Visit to Luton Fire Station
I was glad to be able to visit Luton Fire Station and meet the team! Thank you to the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Jim Davies, and FBU Bedfordshire Organiser, Darren Barrett, for showing me around Luton Fire Station and introducing me to White Watch.
I even saw first-hand how they spring into action, with crews being called to emergencies as we spoke. Firefighters are community heroes, making enormous contributions to keep us all safe, and I pay tribute to them for their courage and commitment.
Visiting Crawley Green Football Club
I enjoyed my visit to Crawley Green Football Club, meeting with the CEO’s of The Football Foundation and Bedfordshire FA along with the Chair and team of the Club. We discussed the Football Foundation’s work in Luton and funding they have provided to improve the pitches, as well as issues facing our grassroots clubs.
It was interesting to hear about the range of teams they have and their partnerships with Luton Ladies FC and Luton Caribbean Cricket Club.
15th annual Luton’s Best Awards
The 15th Luton’s Best Awards was a wonderful evening, celebrating people who go above and beyond to make Luton a great place to live, work and play! It’s always one of my favourite evenings celebrating the best of our town and this year was no exception. Well done and thank you to all the organisers who work so hard every year, and of course all our worthy winners.
There was also a poignant and special award to recognise the beautiful Lucie Moore. Much loved, much missed.
