Last week in Parliament saw several important Bills get nearer to completion, as well as the Chancellor’s update on how Labour is rebuilding our public finances after years of Tory mismanagement.
On Monday, the wide-ranging Planning and Infrastructure Bill returned to the Commons for its Second Reading, and I was delighted to see it progress to Committee Stage. This landmark legislation will help us meet our goal of building 1.5 million homes across the UK by speeding up the compulsory purchase process, adding a Nature Restoration Fund so development and nature go hand-in-hand, and simplifying the planning process.
As the Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook, set out during the debate, these measures will help us put an end to the stagnation and decline that Britain has experienced in recent years.
Importantly, this Bill will help provide the infrastructure needed to support these homes, ensuring that communities like Stretford & Urmston will benefit from well-resourced services to support growth and enhance quality of life for both new and existing residents.
Later in the day, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, more commonly known as Martyn’s Law, completed its journey through both Houses of Parliament and is now set to become law in the near future. This legislation is the result of tireless campaigning by Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was tragically killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017. I would like to pay tribute to Figen for her incredible efforts in securing this important change in the law. The work she has done to make venues across Britain safer is nothing short of inspiring.
Under this new law, venues across Britain will be required to take proportionate steps to reduce the risk of terror attacks and ensure they can respond effectively if an attack does occur. I was pleased to see crucial amendments—such as consulting with venue operators and security experts on guidance and giving the Government powers to adjust capacity thresholds for public protection—were adopted after being introduced by the House of Lords. These changes will now be a vital part of this legislation. With venues across Stretford & Urmston hosting large events, this Bill is a crucial step toward ensuring stronger security at public spaces. I welcome its broad support and look forward to its implementation in the effort to keep people safe.
On Tuesday, the Great British Energy Bill returned to the Commons after progressing through the Lords. This Bill is the centrepiece of our commitment to making Britain a clean energy superpower by investing in projects that will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. I was pleased to see that community energy projects have been explicitly included as an objective of this new publicly owned energy investment company. Ensuring that local communities, like ours in Stretford & Urmston, have a stake in our energy infrastructure is the best way to bring people along on the journey toward building a resilient, low-carbon energy network that delivers lower, more stable bills for households across Britain.
On Wednesday, the Chancellor delivered the Spring Statement. This update came after last autumn’s Budget, which set out a clear vision to reset public spending and put our finances on a more sustainable path after the chaos left by the Tories.
The Chancellor’s approach, underpinned by tax reforms designed to protect working people, is already delivering results. I was pleased to hear that, despite the ongoing global challenges, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has upgraded its growth forecast for the UK, predicting stronger economic growth beyond 2026. This means living standards will rise twice as fast during this Parliament compared to the last, with real wages growing at their fastest rate in over three years. I wrote at length in last week’s blog about the changes to disability benefits and I appreciate they have raised concerns: the Chancellor’s Statement again made clear that the most vulnerable will be protected as we look to support those who can work into work.
I was really pleased to hear about the Government’s latest steps to tackle tax evasion, which will raise over £1 billion in additional tax revenue by 2029-30. Without economic stability, it’s working people who suffer, facing higher mortgages and inflation. That’s why I welcome the Chancellor’s commitment to meet fiscal rules and investment targets two years ahead of schedule, providing the security we need to move forward.
Also on Wednesday, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed its remaining stages in the House of Commons, taking a crucial step towards creating a smoke-free generation. This landmark legislation will phase out tobacco sales, protect against second-hand smoke, and tackle the harmful promotion of vapes to children in Stretford & Urmston and beyond. This law will mark a significant victory in our fight for better public health—and help reduce the burden on our NHS from smoking-related illnesses.
On Thursday, during a debate marking the tenth anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, parliamentarians reflected on the progress made in combatting this abhorrent practice and discussed the Labour Government’s ongoing efforts. The Safeguarding Minister, Jess Phillips, confirmed that the Home Office has halved the National Referral Mechanism backlog since 2022, ensuring quicker identification and support for victims. We also committed to launching a public consultation on how to further improve this process. The Modern Slavery Act was a landmark achievement, and I’m proud that this Government remains dedicated to leading the fight against modern slavery.
Back in the constituency on Saturday, it was great to meet with Trafford Young Labour to discuss the issues that matter most to young people in our borough. We had productive conversations about education, employment opportunities, and the vital importance of SEN provision in schools.
These are areas where Labour are making a difference, and I’m committed to ensuring that young people in Stretford & Urmston have the support and opportunities they deserve to succeed.
On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending an event at Trafford Music Service. It was wonderful to see so many young people engaged in music and the arts, and I’m always inspired by the talent and creativity within our community. Supporting local initiatives like this is crucial in giving young people the opportunities to thrive and develop their skills.
Andrew Western MP