Blog
Last week we saw Keir Starmer set out his first steps to change Britain if Labour is privileged enough to serve in government. In case you missed it, they are:
- Deliver economic stability with tough spending rules, so we can grow our economy and keep taxes, inflation and mortgages as low as possible.
- Cut NHS waiting times with 40,000 more appointments each week, during evenings and weekends, paid for by cracking down on tax avoidance and non-dom loopholes.
- Launch a new Border Security Command with hundreds of new specialist investigators and use counter-terror powers to smash the criminal boat gangs.
- Set up Great British Energy a publicly owned clean power company, to cut bills for good and boost energy security, paid for by a windfall tax on oil and gas giants.
- Crack down on antisocial behaviour with more neighbourhood police paid for by ending wasteful contracts, tough new penalties for offenders, and a new network of youth hubs.
- Recruit 6,500 new teachers in key subjects to prepare children for life, work and the future, paid for by ending tax breaks for private schools.
These policies are fully funded, deliverable and will make a huge difference to people living in Stretford and Urmston. You can read more about Labour’s plan for government here.
In Westminster, I was pleased to host and speak at a Homes for the North parliamentary reception. Homes for the North are comprised of 17 of the largest developing housing associations in the north and as well as campaigning to increase the number and quality of houses, these associations are also committed to build almost 43,000 homes across the North over the next 10 years.
I passionately believe that improving the supply and quality of homes in the north will lead to economic growth, higher living standards, increased home ownership and stronger communities where people can meet their aspirations. I will keep banging this drum for as long as I am an MP.
Much of the rest of my time in Parliament last week was dedicated to my role as an opposition whip, I was in meetings with Labour’s Work and Pensions team and our Media, Culture and Sport Team as well as supporting our work in the House of Commons chamber.
However, I did find time to attend a parliamentary drop in event organised by the Alzheimer’s Society. The event was focused on improving dementia diagnosis rates. In Stretford and Urmston, the diagnosis rate is 64% which is lower than the national average and means that many people in my constituency living with dementia are going without the care and support a diagnosis can bring. There must be urgent action to drive up diagnosis rates locally and across the country.
I also had a very interesting meeting with Taiwan’s Deputy Ambassador to the UK to discuss the very real threat Taiwan faces from across the Taiwan Straits and the importance of safeguarding the country’s future.
Thursday brought some very sad news with the announcement that Kellogg’s will be closing their Trafford Park site by the end of 2026.
The Kellogg’s site at Trafford Park has been an iconic part of our community for decades, with generations of local families working there. Its closure will be a huge loss for people in Stretford and Urmston. My first thoughts are with the staff affected. I am pleased that through consultation with the unions an enhanced redundancy package and redeployment scheme has been agreed, but job losses are always incredibly difficult.
I will continue to work with Kellogg’s and their parent company Kellanova, as well as the trade unions to ensure the transition for staff at the Trafford Park site is as smooth and as fair as possible.
A real highlight of my Friday in the constituency was a visit to the Imperial War Museum. We are lucky to have such a world class institution in Stretford and Urmston and it was great to be taken round by the Curator of the museum and its CEO. They are currently displaying a fascinating exhibition on The Troubles, and I would encourage anyone to go and see it.
I also held my regular advice surgery in Stretford where I supported residents with a range of issues. These surgeries are a vital part of my work and if you ever want to attend one of them, please do contact my office at andrew.western.mp@parliament.uk.
I ended my week with a wonderful visit to St Matts Primary School’s Let Your Light Shine Community Festival on Saturday. Brilliant community spirit on show and loads of great activities to get involved in, it was a really good day out!
Thank you again for reading.