My Week in Westminster: March 17 – 21

Last week in Westminster, the spotlight was on the Department for Work and Pensions, as we take on the vital task of reshaping Britain’s approach to work and welfare — a central pillar of our mission to deliver real, sustained growth across the economy.

On Monday, I responded to Oral Questions in the Commons, updating MPs on my work to improve job centres so they can better support people into secure, well-paid employment. Job centres are critical to driving economic growth, and we are reforming them to offer more tailored, locally-informed support with stronger links to employers and local labour markets.

In Stretford & Urmston, this approach will mean people are matched more quickly with the right opportunities, particularly young people, who often face additional mental health challenges linked to unemployment. These reforms are a key part of Labour’s Youth Guarantee, ensuring all 18–21-year-olds have access to apprenticeships, training and meaningful work.

On Tuesday, the Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, outlined the Pathways to Work Green Paper — a major milestone in fixing the system we inherited. Too many were written off under the Tories, trapped by outdated processes and left without the support they needed. These reforms take a serious step toward building a system that offers security to those who cannot work and opportunity to those who can. I appreciate that some will have been concerned by what they heard, particularly regarding future assessments and benefit levels, and these decisions are incredibly difficult. That’s why I am glad that we have built-in protections in these proposals for those with the most serious conditions, including the end of unnecessary reassessments.

The Government will invest £1 billion annually in personalised employment support — one of the largest packages ever for sick and disabled people. We are delivering the first permanent, above-inflation rise to the Universal Credit standard allowance, worth £775 a year to claimants by 2029/30, and introducing a “right to try” guarantee that ensures people are not penalised for attempting jobs in order to find out if it the right fit for them. These measures are about modernising the system to restore dignity, improve outcomes, and unlock the potential of everyone who wants to contribute.

I was also pleased that the Bill that has consumed most of my time in recent months – the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error, and Recovery) Bill – completed its Committee Stage on Tuesday. This legislation creates a stronger framework to tackle fraud and recover public funds — a clear priority, given fraud and error surged to £9.7 billion under the Conservatives. The people of Stretford and Urmston rightly expect public money to be used efficiently, and this Bill is a step forward in safeguarding essential services.

Later in the day, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill passed its Third Reading in the Commons and now moves to the Lords. It introduces universal free breakfast clubs in all state primary schools and limits costly branded uniform requirements — easing pressure on families and ensuring no child is too hungry to learn. This legislation builds on what’s already working locally and reflects Labour’s wider commitment to improving education and supporting parents.

In the Chamber, the Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, paid tribute to Group Captain John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain, who passed away aged 105. His passing is a moment for all of us to reflect on the extraordinary courage shown by those who defended Britain during the Second World War, particularly as the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day draw near.

On Wednesday evening I closed the debate on the Tories’ Opposition Day motion on winter fuel payments, responding for the Government. The Tories brought this debate without offering any alternative and shamefully ignored their chaotic mismanagement of Britain’s finances which made this change necessary. Despite this, the Government has taken steps to support the vulnerable, including the largest-ever Pension Credit uptake campaign, which has resulted in almost 50,000 additional awards for those in need, as well as providing more people on Pension Credit with the Warm Home Discount.

On Thursday, the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, gave a statement on the collapse of the Gaza ceasefire and the tragic loss of more than 400 civilians, including a British national. I support his call for a transparent investigation and urge all parties to return to dialogue. The UK continues to work with France and Germany to secure a renewed ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and humanitarian access to those in need.

Closer to home, I was disappointed to learn that Urmston’s last bank branch is due to close. Like many residents, I’ve long expressed concern about the erosion of face-to-face banking services. Following sustained pressure from myself, local councillors and the community, I’m pleased that LINK has now confirmed it will establish a Banking Hub in Urmston, offering shared in-person services from multiple banks. I’ll be writing to them for further detail and will continue pressing to ensure our community retains the access it needs.

Andrew Western MP