The past week in Parliament has seen debates and decisions on all sorts of topics, from empowering renters and addressing international conflicts to transforming public transport and tackling the devastating issue of suicide prevention. 

On Monday, the House of Commons debated amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill made by the House of Lords. Despite attempts to “water down” greater protections for tenants, MPs rejected these amendments. I’m delighted at this – issues with landlords are a regular occurrence here across my constituency and I receive regular requests for help from constituents asking for my assistance dealing with them. 

This government will modernize England’s private rented sector, providing 11 million private renters with greater security and protections. The playing field between landlord and tenant will be levelled, completely transforming the private renting experience.  

Wednesday brought an Urgent Question regarding the Israeli strike in Doha, Qatar. The Government expressed deep concern and condemned these flagrant violations of Qatar’s sovereignty, warning they risk further escalation and setback for peace.  

The Prime Minister conveyed the UK’s solidarity to the Emir of Qatar and offered condolences for the lives lost. Qatar is playing a vital role in mediating the conflict, securing a ceasefire, and facilitating humanitarian access to Gaza. The UK reaffirmed its support for these efforts, advocating for the release of hostages, civilian protection, and unrestricted aid into Gaza as initial steps towards lasting peace.  

The UK is collaborating with partners to push for peace, emphasizing negotiation over violence and reiterated its full support for Qatar’s sovereignty. The Prime Minister also met with President Abbas and President Herzog to discuss the dire situation in Gaza, the need to end suffering, and the Palestinian Authority’s reform agenda. 

Later that day, the House debated the Bus Services Bill. This Bill aims to return power over local bus services to local leaders across England. I’ve always maintained that local leaders are best placed to make decisions on local improvements – the very principle of devolution.  

The Bill also addresses passenger safety and accessibility, introducing powers to tackle fare dodgers and antisocial behaviour, requiring enhanced criminal record checks for school service drivers, and mandatory training for bus staff.  

Crucially, it empowers transport authorities to determine socially necessary services, strengthens partnerships, and removes the ban on new council-run bus companies, helping secure vital “lifeline routes”. Since Andy Burnham launched the Bee Network here in Greater Manchester we have seen steady improvements in services for residents and I look forward to this being accelerated and rolled out elsewhere. 

Significant funding reforms were welcomed, including £1 billion to support services in England, consolidating funding under one grant, and extending the £3 bus fare cap nationally to March 2027. Across Greater Manchester the cap already stands at £2 – yet another instance of Greater Manchester setting an example to the rest of the country! 

Thursday saw a debate on regional transport inequality, highlighting the government’s commitment to investing in transport to boost living standards across the country.  

The government confirmed an integrated national transport strategy would be published later this year, championing transport that reflects diverse local needs and aims for safer, more reliable, and accessible networks.  

The government is providing substantial investment, including £1 billion this year for bus services, £15.6 billion extra for city mayors, and £2 billion for towns, villages, and rural areas. Billions are also being invested in fixing historical gaps in road and rail networks, including major projects which will create jobs and growth across the North of England, like the TransPennine route upgrade, East West Rail, and HS2. 

Also on Thursday, the House of Commons discussed suicide prevention following World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people, with middle-aged men and those with a history of self-harm also at high risk. 

The government plans to focus prevention on high-risk groups, expand mental health emergency departments, and instil greater responsibility in digital and media sectors.  

£120 million is being invested to increase the number of specialist mental health emergency departments, offering more dignified and specialist care. Support for higher-risk demographics is being made easier to find and navigate, including through the Men’s Health Strategy.  

Furthermore, efforts are underway to equip young people with mental health tools, ensuring every school in England has access to a mental health support team by the end of this Parliament, and promoting online safety against harmful suicide and self-harm content. 

Next week brings conference recess – I’m looking forward to spending a little more time than usual in the constituency – I’ll be visiting local businesses and schools and, of course, spending some time on the doorstep speaking to residents.