This week in Westminster has been a significant one, with major legislation progressing through Parliament and bold steps being taken to reform our state. From tackling crime and strengthening workers’ rights to fixing our broken planning system and ensuring NHS funding reaches the frontline, the Labour Government is hard at work.
On Monday, FCDO Minister Hamish Falconer updated the Commons on the escalating violence in Syria, where attacks on the Alawite minority have killed around 1,300 people. Many constituents are deeply concerned, and I welcome the Government’s continued support for Syrians, including aid for 16 million people and £62 million in humanitarian assistance. This is a critical moment for Syria and the region—we must prevent a return to war and support a Syrian-led transition to an inclusive, non-sectarian government.
Later that day, the Government’s Crime and Policing Bill was debated in the Commons. This wide-ranging package of legislation will give law enforcement new powers to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in our community and across Britain. I know that the measures to tackle ASB will be particularly welcome to residents in Stretford & Urmston—especially the new police powers to seize nuisance off-road bikes. But the Bill also contains important new protections for women and children, creating new offences specifically criminalising spiking and vile AI-generated child abuse images—as well as making it easier to get Stalking Protection Orders. I look forward to seeing this groundbreaking Bill become law in the coming months.
Also on Monday, the Schools Standards Minister, Catherine McKinnell, confirmed that we are consulting experts on provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and will be setting out plans to reform the SEND system later this year. After listening to parent carers bearing the brunt of the SEND crisis in recent weeks, I will send the testimony from the people of Stretford & Urmston to the Department for Education (DfE) and hope to see the concerns raised by these parents be addressed.
On Tuesday, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill was introduced to Parliament. For too long, the Tories hid behind an archaic planning system which kept the handbrake on the British economy. This set of laws will streamline planning processes and speed up delivery of the homes and clean energy infrastructure this country desperately needs. In Greater Manchester, we have seen the change and renewal that comes when ambitious developments are not blocked—and I am proud to see the Labour Government in which I serve taking action to unleash the massive potential of this country.
Closer to home on Wednesday, Manchester United announced plans for a 100,000-seat stadium alongside a wider regeneration of Old Trafford, promising new homes, jobs, and economic benefits. This is an exciting moment for Old Trafford, but with such a major development comes responsibility—not just to fans but to those who live and work here. I’ve urged Club officials to engage meaningfully with the local community, ensuring their views help shape the project. I will continue talking to the Club and Trafford Council about what benefits can be delivered for existing residents across the Stretford and Old Trafford areas to ensure that their needs are considered and that there are positives for all as a result of these plans.
Later on Wednesday, I was delighted to see the landmark Employment Rights Bill pass through the Commons. This Bill will be the biggest boost to workers’ rights for a generation—banning fire-and-rehire, expanding sick pay to 1 million more workers, and ending exploitative zero-hour contracts. The insecurity that often comes with modern work needs to be tackled—and I am extremely proud that the people of Stretford & Urmston will have more rights and more security because of the measures that our Government is taking.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer laid out a bold plan for a more effective state, including scrapping NHS England. For too long, bloated bureaucracy has cost too much and delivered too little—especially in healthcare. The Tory-created NHS England has wasted billions while services have declined. By abolishing it within two years, we’ll free up vital funding for the frontline, helping to cut waiting lists further, just as we have for the past five months.
After fulfilling my role as Duty Minister on the Sitting Friday in London I was delighted to attend the Mayor of Trafford’s Civic Reception on Friday evening. These events raise money for many charities—and I was pleased to see the focus on supporting people with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) at this event hosted by Mayor Amy Whyte. We were treated to an incredible performance from Manchester Musical Youth and a range of young singers and dancers and it was pleasure to watch them in action.
On Saturday I was glad to be able to join Bucklow St Martins councillors out talking to residents on the doorstep, listening to your concerns. This is a really important chance for me to hear from my constituents first-hand about what is affecting them, and I always have a wide range of issues raised with me. This week was no different and I’m grateful to everyone who talked to me on everything from School Streets to the Renters Rights Bill.
Andrew Western MP