It has been a busy month in the run up to Summer Recess! Keep reading for a snapshot of what I have been up to in Parliament and the constituency.

Ongoing suffering in Palestine

I share the horror of my constituents at the abhorrent scenes we are witnessing in Gaza, including starvation, desperation, and suffering of children and babies.

I therefore welcome the announcement from the Prime Minister this week, setting out a pathway to recognition of a Palestinian state in September before the United Nations General Assembly. This is part of a wider plan for peace aimed at ending the suffering and re-establishing a pathway to a two-state solution.

I am pleased to note the Palestinian Ambassador, Dr. Husam Zomlot’s response to the Government’s plan, stating “We welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK will recognise the State of Palestine in September. This marks a significant and overdue step towards addressing a historic injustice and affirming the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and sovereign statehood.”

I have long called for Palestinian statehood and this is a commitment I am proud to stand on. This must mark a turning point and form part of a wider peace process in the Middle East, ensuring a lasting and sustainable future for the people of Palestine.

Read the Prime Minister’s statement in full here.

Postal survey update!

This month, I had a productive meeting with Justin Madders MP, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, to share the concerns of people in Luton South and South Bedfordshire regarding postal services.

From infrequent and unreliable deliveries to significant delays in receiving important mail, resulting in missed hospital appointments or fines, it is clear my constituents are not experiencing the level of service they deserve.

I have now also contacted Ofcom as the regulator of Royal Mail to share the results of my postal survey. I raised some concerns around recently announced reforms to the Universal Service Obligation (USO), which have already been outlined by The Communication Workers Union, as to whether this is the appropriate approach to fix the systemic issues within Royal Mail and ensure improved service delivery. You can read my letter in full here.

I will continue to keep residents updated on this issue.

Best Start Family Hubs rollout

I welcome the announcement from the government on the rollout of Best Start Family Hubs across the country. Building on the proud legacy of Sure Start Centres, these hubs will act as a one stop shop, offering wide-ranging support for parents and children across health, social care and education.

Children growing up in Luton South and South Bedfordshire deserve the best start in life and I will continue to work to make this a reality.

Watch my question to the Minister on just how vital Family Hubs will be to tackle inequalities in constituencies like ours.

Making the case for the redevelopment of Luton Station

Transport is the backbone of our economy, so I welcome the government’s £92 billion investment announcement this month into new rail and road projects, providing a huge boost across the country.

However, I know people in Luton South and South Bedfordshire remain deeply concerned by the state of Luton Station. This month, I took the opportunity to raise this with the Secretary of State directly. Watch this here. 

I will continue to do all I can to push for our station to get the upgrade my constituents deserve.

Fit for the Future: The Government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England

The government recognises that our NHS is in crisis and committed to reforming our NHS to make it fit for the future. This month, the 10 year health plan for England was launched to ensure that goal is met.

This plan includes the rollout of Neighbourhood Health Services across the country, bringing diagnostics, mental health, post-op, rehab, and nursing to people’s doorsteps. These centres will house services under one roof, opening at evenings and weekends.

This plan will rebuild the NHS to train thousands more family doctors, transform hospital outpatient appointments, and provide personalised care plans for complex needs.

It will also deliver three big shifts in how the NHS works:

• From hospital to community
• From analogue to digital
• From sickness to prevention

And importantly, it will tackle some of the enduring health inequalities plaguing our country, making sure that those in working class communities like ours are receiving high quality, timely treatment.

You can read the 10 year health plan in full here.

Philomena’s Law drop-in

It was wonderful to meet Derry Girls star Siobhán McSweeney at a drop-in supporting Philomena’s Law, alongside the lovely Elleesa and Christina from Luton Irish Forum.

Philomena’s Law would support survivors of Ireland’s Mother and Baby homes who are at risk of losing means-tested benefits if they receive redress payments from the Irish Government. It was particularly important that Christina joined us as she is a survivor of one of these cruel institutions, and I had the honour of telling her story during a Westminster Hall Debate that took place last month.

My friend Liam Conlon MP is doing a brilliant job fighting for this change to bring about long overdue justice and I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this Bill.

Visiting Penrose Connects Group with Councillor Charmaine Isles

A huge thank you to Liz and the Penrose Roots to Recovery team for inviting myself and Councillor Charmaine Isles down for their Connects Group at Strathmore Avenue Methodist Church!

Running from 10am – 2pm every Friday, the group aims to tackle social isolation and is a warm and welcoming environment for all individuals including those with mental health issues, trauma and complex needs. With range of activities on offer, including a coffee morning, bingo, mindfulness and art therapy and sports and leisure activities, there is truly something for everyone! You can find out more about Penrose’s various groups and services here.

New election strategy!

I was delighted to see the publication the government’s new elections strategy this month! As part of work being carried out to restore trust in our democracy, an Elections and Democracy Bill will be brought forward during this Parliament, introducing a range of new measures, including automatic voter registration, use of bank cards for Voter ID and new rules to stop foreign interference.

Alongside these measures, I am so glad that by the next General Election, 16 and 17 year olds will have the right to vote – ensuring young peoples’ voices are heard! This change has long been campaigned for and I am very glad it is being delivered. This month, I was also lucky enough to have a young person join me for work experience. Read her reflections on the importance of this change for young people here.

Love Luton Summer Reception!

It was good to enjoy the sunshine and attend the Love Luton annual Summer Reception, now in its 15th year!

Bringing together businesses, charities and organisations from across Luton to celebrate all that’s so brilliant about our town!

A big thank you to University of Bedfordshire for hosting. Their focus on career powered education is driving skills development and giving students the opportunity not just to graduate but excel in their future aspirations.

Also an early reminder to sign up for the annual Run Fest, taking place on Sunday 12 October this year! Find out more here.

Celebrating at DesiFest!

Sunshine and showers didn’t stop the party at DesiFest!

Held in Wardown Park over 2 days, it was a brilliant celebration to kick off South Asian Heritage Month with plenty of food, music and dance to enjoy.

Most importantly it was a beautiful display of everything Luton is about – people coming together from every background to celebrate and appreciate South Asian culture as one vibrant community!

A huge well done to all the organisers, community organisations, stallholders and everyone involved in the fabulous parade!