Welcome to my June update! It has been a busy month, so keep reading for an overview of how I have been representing you in Parliament and across Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
Update on my postal services survey!
Thank you to everyone who has taken part in my local postal services survey!
We have analysed the initial responses and you can find a summary of the main issues raised below. I have now written to the Minister to share these findings and request a meeting to discuss how my constituents can get the service they deserve.
In the interim, please do complete my survey if you have not done so already as all feedback is useful. Fill it out here.
Better buses in Luton South and South Bedfordshire
After 14 years of underfunding, Britain’s buses are broken – but the Labour government has brought forward the Bus Services Bill to fix them.
The Bus Services Bill will expand the power to franchise bus services – as seen successfully in Greater London and Greater Manchester – to all local authorities.
The plans will grant Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) greater control over bus routes, fares and service levels, with private operators bidding for contracts to operate franchises.
The package of measures will also give local authorities more flexibility on how to approach fixing local services. Instead of communities fighting for limited funding, a new formula will allocate resources based on need and deprivation, ensuring an equal and reliable service across the country.
I was proud to support this legislation in Parliament this month and look forward to supporting it as it progresses. Read more on what this legislation will mean for our area here.
I also want to hear from YOU about how we can shape transport in our local area, so please fill out my survey here.
Expansion of free school meals for children in Luton South and South Bedfordshire
From the start of the 2026 school year, every pupil in Luton South and South Bedfordshire whose household is receiving Universal Credit will have a new entitlement to free school meals.
The unprecedented expansion will lift 100,000 children across England completely out of poverty. Giving children the access to a nutritious meal during the school day also leads to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better outcomes – meaning they get the best possible education and chance to succeed in work and life.
I know the impact of child poverty in our constituency, so I very much welcome this fantastic announcement to ensure every child has the best start in life. You can watch my question to the Minister on this announcement here.
The Spending Review
This month, the Chancellor set out the Labour government’s Spending Review.
There were lots of positive announcements, with major investment in health, security, housing, transport and clean energy!
For people in Luton South and South Bedfordshire, this includes:
- An extra £29 billion per year for the day to day running of our NHS
- £190 billion more for public services and £113billion extra investment to rebuild Britain
- £39 billion investment in social and affordable housing – the biggest cash injection for 50 years
- £24 billion to maintain and improve motorways and local roads
- Extending the £3 bus fare cap until March 2027, covering 5000 bus routes
- £2.3 billion a year to fix schools and £2.4 billion to build new ones
- Millions of homes upgraded through Labour’s Warm Homes Plan, saving families and pensioners up to £600 off bills.
Pride Month
June marks Pride Month and I was glad to attend local events organised by Pride in Luton to mark this occasion.
Their launch event and vigil were extremely moving, with the personal stories shared by people highlighting that Pride remains a protest as well as a celebration.
On Saturday 14th June, there was the 4th annual Pride in Luton event. It was a brilliant day of celebration and music, and our Mayor of Luton, Councillor Amy Nicholls, gave a superb speech full of understanding and solidarity, rightly highlighting that Luton is no place for hate.
Thank you to the team and everyone involved in putting together this brilliant event.
Strategic Defence Review
The Labour government recognises that the world is ever changing, with new and more complex threats emerging. That’s why the government commissioned a strategic defence review (SDR) shortly after taking office in July 2024, with the aim of considering the threats Britain faces, the capabilities needed to meet them, the state of UK armed forces and the resources available.
This month, the SDR was published and the Defence Secretary, John Healy MP, made a statement to the House outlining the government’s Plan for Change for defence. Five key themes from the SDR included:
- Move to warfighting readiness – with a more integrated force, equipped for the future and strengthened homeland defence.
- NATO First – stepping up on European security by leading in NATO, with new tech, strengthened nuclear and updated capabilities.
- Engine for growth – driving jobs and prosperity through a new partnership with industry, radical procurement reforms and backing UK business.
- UK innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine – harnessing drones, data and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer.
- Whole-of-society approach – wider participation in national resilience and renewing the contract with those who serve.
Luton Turkfest
Great as always to join Luton Turkish Education & Culture Trust’s annual Turk Fest celebrations at Stockwood Park!
I was pleased to join our Mayor, Councillor Amy Nicholls, our Farley Labour Councillors, the Turkish Ambassador as well as other MPs and elected representatives from Turkey for an afternoon of traditional music, food and dance!
A special thank you and congratulations to Atilla Ustan on his Special Recognition Award as he prepares to retire from his role as Chair!
Thank you as always to the team for putting on these celebrations for our Luton community to enjoy.
Westminster Hall Debate on Philomena’s Law
I was proud to support my friend Liam Conlon MP in his efforts to implement Philomena’s Law in a recent Westminster Hall debate, to bring about long overdue justice for survivors of Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland, and ensure those applying for compensation in Britain don’t lose out on their means-tested benefits.
It was a pleasure as always to see Luton Irish Forum, who came along for the debate. It was also a privilege to meet and tell the story of a lovely Luton lady! You can read my speech in full here.
Windrush Day
Sunday 22nd June was the 77th anniversary since the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush.
I was pleased to attend events both in Parliament and within the constituency to mark this occasion.
In the lead up to Windrush Day, I was pleased to host Luton filmmakers Niyadre and Jadean in Parliament for a screening of their new film “Beyond the Rush”.
The film explores the vital impact of the Caribbean community on our economy, nightlife and cultural scene in Luton from the Windrush generation to the present day, including key cultural events such as Luton Carnival.
It was brilliant to bring young, local talent from Luton to display this brilliant piece of work in Westminster, featuring some wonderful members of our Luton Caribbean community!
It was also an honour to attend the Windrush Day reception at 10 Downing Street, especially to see the appointment of Reverend Clive Foster MBE as our new and first Windrush Commissioner, delivering on a Labour manifesto commitment.
In Luton South and South Bedfordshire, I was pleased to join Luton’s 6th Windrush Civic Ceremony hosted by United Luton Caribbean & African Committee at the Town Hall.
The government has committed to delivering long overdue justice for victims of the Windrush scandal, and I am glad to see concrete steps being taken to make this a reality.
Armed Forces Week
It was an honour to attend Mr Speaker’s flag raising ceremony, marking the start of Armed Forces Week and culminating in Armed Forces Day on 28 June.
At the heart of our security are the men and women who serve and risk their lives in defence of our nation. On Armed Forces Week, we celebrate the contribution of Regulars and Reserves, Veterans and families.
Police presence on our high streets
Anti Social Behaviour Awareness Week
This week marks #AntiSocialBehaviourAwarenessWeek, and the theme is Make Communities Safer.
As part of this, I joined our Labour Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Councillor Umme Ali, Bedfordshire Police, Luton Council enforcement officers, Councillor Maria Lovell as portfolio holder for Community Safety, Luton BID and other partners for a town centre walkabout to talk to business owners and customers about their concerns.
We also discussed the multi-agency approach being taken locally to ensure Luton town centre and other known hotspots are safe and welcoming for all, and increased community patrols which are planned over the summer months.
