Monday started with a statement from the Foreign Secretary on the Israel-Iran conflict. I like many of my constituents am watching developments here closely and with great concern. I am pleased that the UK Government has called for urgent diplomacy and de-escalation following recent military strikes between Israel and Iran, and U.S. action on Iranian nuclear sites.
The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and criticized its breach of international nuclear agreements. The UK is prioritizing the safety of its nationals, with evacuation flights underway and limited support available in Iran. While supporting a ceasefire, the UK continues to push for humanitarian aid access in Gaza and a long-term diplomatic resolution to regional tensions.
I was also pleased to hear the Business Secretary’s statement on the UK’s ten-year Industrial Strategy to boost investment, cut energy costs, and create skilled jobs.
Key measures include slashing electricity prices for manufacturers, investing £1.2 billion annually in skills by 2028, and improving infrastructure around industry clusters.
The plan also unlocks billions in business finance through the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank. This long-term strategy aims to make Britain the best place to do business and end short-term economic planning.
Parliament also celebrated Pride Month by recognising the progress made in LGBT+ rights and reaffirming the need for continued action to ensure equality and dignity for all.
MPs on both sides of the chamber paid tribute to historic milestones like the repeal of Section 28 and the legalisation of same-sex marriage. The Government committed to further steps, including a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices and stronger protections against hate crime. Ministers also addressed concerns following a recent court ruling, assuring that trans rights under the Equality Act remain protected.
Tuesday and Wednesday were largely made up of Estimates Day Debates. An Estimates Day debate is a type of debate in the UK House of Commons focused on scrutinising and approving the Government’s public spending plans, known as “Estimates.” Parliament sets aside three days each year—usually two in summer and one in spring—for these debates.
Then on Thursday the Prime Minister updated Parliament on the recent G7 and NATO summits. The UK has committed to a new NATO pledge to invest 5% of GDP in defence by 2035, including spending on homeland security and resilience.
The UK also pledged further aid to Ukraine and secured major trade wins at the G7, including a £500 million export deal with Canada and tariff cuts with the US. These actions aim to strengthen national security, support British industry, and deliver for working people.
I was also pleased to see that the Government has restored the national Armed Forces Day event, with over 180 events nationwide to honour service personnel, veterans, and their families. MPs praised the professionalism of UK forces serving globally and stressed the need to address recruitment and retention challenges.
Plans include a new Armed Forces Bill, easier access to reserve roles, and a strategic defence review focused on improving service life. The Government also committed £7 billion to upgrade military housing and introduced an Armed Forces Commissioner to advocate for personnel.
I was particularly delighted to see Veterans Minister launch the new VALOUR network in my constituency at the Imperial War Museum, attended by Trafford Council Leader, Cllr Tom Ross. VALOUR is the Ministry of Defence’s national re-structure of the Veterans’ Support System.
After much transport chaos, I did finally make it back home at about 1am on Thursday night. Then I started my Friday off with a visit to the De Brook Lodge Care Home in Flixton – in recognition of National Care Home Week. I met staff and residents – had a quick tour of the building, before sitting down with the management team to discuss the issues and challenges in the adult care sector.
I then travelled over to The Orchards in Stretford, a special free school in the Borough of Trafford and part of the Bright Futures Educational Trust. The school provision welcomes children with a wide range of learning difficulties. I enjoyed a tour of facilities from Principal, Helen O’Brien before sitting down with Helen and the Family Support team to discuss a number of complex cases that we are assisting with.
I then travelled around the corner to the St Hugh of Lincoln Primary School. I met teachers and students there. Students from the school had visited Parliament earlier in the week, and I was unfortunately unable to meet them, so it was great to catch up and answer their questions!
Friday was rounded off by my regular advice surgery in Urmston. I met several constituents with a diverse range of issues. Highlights included meeting Anya Clapperton – of the Team GB water polo team – who talked about the team’s recent successes and hopes of qualification for the next Olympics. I wish her and the team the best of luck!
I also met the son of former Manchester United player and manager, Wilf McGuiness. He wanted to talk to me about the effects of dementia on former footballers. A recent study found that footballers are three times more likely to develop dementia than non-footballers. I shall watch developments in this area with interest.
Then on Saturday I held a street surgery in Partington with ward councillors, talking to residents on the new build estate around Mersey Avenue and Severn Avenue. Unsurprisingly, build quality on the new houses was a major topic of conversation. We really do need to do better in holding housing developers to account on this – particularly the governments ambitious plan of 1.5 million new homes.
I then travelled over to Old Trafford for another street surgery, this time with the Old Trafford ward councillors. We were chatting to residents around the Humphrey Road and Northumberland Road area on a diverse range of issues and topics.
I finished off the day meeting community leaders and representatives from mosques around Old Trafford and Stretford this afternoon and discuss a range of local, national and international issues alongside local ward councillors and the Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime Kate Green.