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I write from Liverpool, where the Labour Party is holding its first conference in government since 2009. After many years attending conference—I attended my first 22 years ago while still at Holy Trinity, you come to recognise that every conference has its own character. This year there are the obvious physical signs, the enhanced security…
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Last week I gave my Maiden Speech in Parliament. With a record new intake of MPs it is taking some time for everyone to get to speak, but with Wednesday being the first debate on housing, I ensured that I would have the opportunity to give my first speech, focusing on the story of Crawley…
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Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Crawley Borough Council, and Peter Lamb MP have jointly expressed their concerns over the recent announcement of job losses at St. Catherine’s Hospice. The links between the town and the hospice are strong and long held, with so many Crawley residents benefitting over the years from the important services and support…
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To state the obvious, transport plays a fundamental role in all of our lives. Truth be told, there are fairly few services that every single one of us relies upon almost every day regardless of wealth or demography, but we all need the ability to get ourselves from A to B, from using the public…
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I don’t believe it’s possible to discuss the proposed changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance without discussing the wider context of the decision. The Winter Fuel Allowance was introduced by Labour in 1997, following on from a period of very high relative poverty amongst pensioners. Sustained efforts to increase the state pension (alongside benefits such…
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Britain’s greatest days remain ahead of it. I have seen commentators complaining of negativity in some of the Labour government’s messaging since the election. After years of pain, I understand why people are desperately seeking reasons to be hopeful, those reasons do exist, but getting there begins with government being prepared to level with people.…
