The past week in Westminster saw significant developments on energy, environmental protection, and international security, all issues which my constituents here in Stretford and Urmston raise with me regularly.
We started with an announcement on the most ambitious new nuclear program in a generation, backed by a £17 billion commitment, which centres on the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This project is vital to securing the UK’s energy independence.
Wylfa on Anglesey, North Wales, was announced as the site for the UK’s first SMR project, led by Great British Energy Nuclear. This endeavour, which could host up to eight Rolls-Royce SMR units, represents the largest industrial investment in North Wales for a generation and is expected to deliver 3,000 good jobs in construction.
On the environment front, the House of Commons passed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill, moving the UK toward ratification of the historic Global Ocean Treaty. This legislation is crucial for governing the roughly two-thirds of the world’s ocean beyond national control, supporting global ocean management, and protecting vital ecosystems.
The government also addressed illegal waste, committing to tackling waste criminals. To aid enforcement, the Environment Agency’s budget for waste crime enforcement has been raised by 50% this year.
The British countryside is one of our nation’s greatest treasures. It is both beautiful and essential to our wellbeing and our health. I find it deplorable when waste criminals scar the landscape, damaging precious ecosystems and undermining our communities. That is why I am so glad the Government is committed to tackling waste crime.
The Foreign Secretary updated Parliament on fragile ceasefires in Gaza and Sudan. Regarding Gaza, the focus remains on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803, securing the release of remaining hostages, and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians. The Resolution underscores the essential need for humanitarian aid and reconstruction and points the way to a path to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
The situation in Sudan is the worst humanitarian crisis this century, with horrifying atrocities unfolding in El Fasher. I am pleased that the UK supported a UN inquiry into these alleged crimes and continues to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, for the unimpeded access of humanitarian aid, and for external actors to contribute to the restoration of peace and security.
Security concerns extended to the UK’s waters, following an Urgent Question on the Russian spy ship Yantar. The vessel, which gathers intelligence and maps undersea infrastructure, dangerously targeted an RAF P-8 crew with a laser during surveillance, though no injuries occurred.
Furthermore, the UK reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, condemning Russia’s barbaric assault and the forcible deportation of almost 20,000 Ukrainian children. To date, the Government has sanctioned more than 900 individuals and entities, including Russia’s two largest oil producers, and announced a ban on maritime liquefied natural gas.
I am glad that the whole House remains united in support of Ukraine and recognises that an immediate ceasefire is urgently needed. The UK will continue to stand with Ukraine until a just peace, respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity, is secured.
Parliament also passed the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill, designed to reinforce the UK’s position in digital finance by recognizing digital items as personal property. This measure provides legal certainty for businesses and investors, paving the way for fairer outcomes in cases of fraud, commercial dispute, theft or insolvency involving digital assets.
Friday and Saturday were busy days for me in the constituency this week, as always. I kicked off on Friday morning with a visit to Henshaw’s Roofing Supplies in Trafford Park, to celebrate their 40-year anniversary.
There I met with company director Adrian Shelley as well as Brett Amphlett of the Builders Merchants’ Federation, a trade body representing builders’ merchants across the UK. I toured the branch, and we discussed the Government’s drive to build new homes and how builders merchants help drive industry towards this goal.
I then went over to Firswood to visit Kings Road Primary School. There I addressed a school assembly of years 3 to 6 with a few hundred pupils. I told them a little about my role and then took a wide range of questions from the floor, from “What’s your favourite season/” (Spring) to “What’s your favourite part of the job?” (Being able to help constituents with their issues).
After that I went to the other end of the constituency to join Andy Burnham and see progress on the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park in Carrington, spearheaded by Highview Power.
This innovative scheme will generate over 700 jobs in construction and the supply chain and is the world’s largest liquid air energy storage plant. It will store energy from wind power, delivering crucial stability services to the national grid. The potential of this technology is exciting for our area, and the country as a whole.
Saturday was my favourite day of the week, starting the morning off speaking to residents on the doorstep on Cross Lane West and other streets nearby with local councillors, before heading over to St Marys for their Christmas fair.
Then I popped over to Stretford Public Hall for their Arts & Crafts fair, before heading to Urmston for the Christmas Festival.
I finished the day off back in Partington for the Christmas lights switch on. As always in Partington, community spirit really on show – a lovely day all round!