This week in Parliament, the focus has been on supporting UK businesses through new legislation with responding to global trade challenges, training a new generation of skilled workers, and addressing the impact of US tariffs on British exports all featuring on the Order Paper.
On Monday, the Indo-Pacific Minister, Catherine West, updated Parliament on the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. My thoughts are with everyone affected, including those in our area with loved ones impacted by this tragedy.
The Government responded swiftly, offering consular support to British nationals in Thailand and releasing emergency funding for Myanmar within 30 minutes. An additional £10 million has since been pledged for essential supplies like food, water, medicine, and shelter. Importantly, this aid will not reach the Myanmar military, which has continued its brutal airstrikes on civilians even after the earthquake. I repeat the Government’s calls for safe access for emergency responders into Myanmar, and I will be following this situation closely.
Later on Monday, the Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill passed through both Houses of Parliament. This Bill abolishes the VAT tax break for private schools, allowing us to use the funds raised to support state schools and ensure quality education for all children, regardless of background. It also lowers business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure, while raising rates for properties valued above £500,000. This will ensure that our tax system is helping small businesses to thrive while making sure that big businesses are paying their fair share.
On the same day, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education Bill passed the House of Commons, paving the way for the creation of Skills England. This body will focus on tackling the skills shortages that have hindered businesses across the UK and help young people and career changers get into good, well-paid jobs in sectors that need skilled workers to thrive. Skills shortages now account for over a third of all job vacancies and I am particularly enthused about the role the body will play in helping train workers in the construction and energy sectors. This will help us tackle the chronic housing crisis and help make Britain more energy resilient while providing our young people with opportunities and skills that will last a lifetime.
On Tuesday, the Government confirmed £50 million for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund, providing vital support to adopted children and those in special guardianship. This fund is crucial for building stable, loving homes for vulnerable children, and I’m particularly pleased that it will extend to kinship carers, providing much-needed support for families. The uncertainty about the future of this funding has caused concern locally, so I’m glad to see support will continue.
On Wednesday, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Minister, Hamish Falconer, addressed Parliament on the renewed hostilities in Gaza. I am deeply concerned about the re-escalation. Continued fighting will only worsen the humanitarian crisis and will not bring about the peace that the region desperately needs. Since the breakdown of the ceasefire, Gaza has once again become one of the most dangerous places for aid workers, with over 400 killed since October 7, 2023. Palestinians are suffering terribly. Humanitarian organisations must be able to operate without fear, and those responsible for recent attacks on aid workers must be held accountable. I support the Government’s call for an urgent UN Security Council meeting on the risks to aid workers in Gaza. I reiterate the call for both Israel and Hamas to immediately reinstate a ceasefire, end the violence, and return to negotiations. Only through dialogue and the pursuit of a two-state solution can we hope to create a lasting peace and ensure security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Later on Wednesday, I was proud to hear the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, confirm that the Government is establishing 300 new school-based nurseries across Britain as part of Labour’s plan to improve early years access nationwide. I’m delighted that Acre Hall Primary School and St Mary’s CofE Primary School, right here in Stretford & Urmston, will be among the first to benefit from this initiative, expanding their existing nurseries in the coming months. These 300 nurseries will provide better access to high-quality childcare, with a focus on areas that need it most, and I’m pleased that parents in Stretford & Urmston will be among the first to benefit from more affordable childcare options. Accessible childcare is essential for families, helping parents return to work and giving children the best possible start in life.
On Thursday, the Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, addressed Parliament following President Trump’s announcement of new tariffs, including a 10% tax on UK exports and a 25% tariff on cars, steel, and aluminium. This move is deeply disappointing for UK businesses, particularly those relying on US trade, and it’s understandable that these measures have caused concern for many businesses already facing significant challenges.
The Government’s response has been focused on negotiation rather than escalation, which is the right approach. A trade war would only further disrupt industry and put more British jobs at risk. Prioritising a fair deal that protects UK businesses is crucial, and I support the Government’s consultation with businesses until May, ensuring the voices of those most affected are heard as part of this process.
Closer to home, I’ve been dealing with casework regarding the situation at Westpoint Apartments in Cornbrook. Over 300 properties have been left without water and electricity for the past week, culminating in floods across the building. The response from M-Apartments Limited has been inadequate. I have written to them demanding answers on how residents will be supported, as some have been left with just nine litres of water each day. I’ve also written to residents, offering my support and encouraging anyone affected by poor management to get in touch with me at andrew.western.mp@parliament.uk or 0161 749 9120.
Andrew Western MP