The ongoing situation in the Middle East has demanded a firm yet measured response. On Monday, the Prime Minister clarified that while the UK was deliberately not involved in initial offensive strikes on Iran, we cannot ignore the actions of a regime that has targeted uninvolved countries like the UAE and Qatar.
With an estimated 300,000 British citizens in the region, the government has launched the largest consular operation since the pandemic. To protect these lives and support our allies, UK jets are currently participating in coordinated defensive operations to intercept Iranian missiles and drones.
Furthermore, the UK has granted the US limited use of British bases for the specific purpose of destroying missile launchers at their source. These actions are rooted in collective self-defence and international law, aimed at preventing further escalation and returning to a path of diplomacy.
The conflict in the Middle East has underscored the urgent need for energy security. With 20% of global oil and gas passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the Energy Secretary emphasised that we must move away from volatile fossil fuel markets. The path forward lies in clean, homegrown power – wind, solar, and nuclear – that we control right here in the UK.
While we defend our interests abroad, we are also fortifying our institutions at home. The Representation of the People Bill recently passed its Second Reading, representing a landmark evolution in British democracy. This legislation is designed to restore trust by expanding the right to vote to 16 and 17-year-olds.
It also includes measures to clamp down on foreign interference through a “know your donor” principle and significantly increased fines of up to £500,000 for breaches of political finance rules.
It will also modernise elections via automated voter registration and provide enhanced transparency for digital political material.
These reforms ensure our system remains secure, accessible, and fair in the face of modern challenges from hostile actors.
The big news on Tuesday came with the delivery of the Spring Forecast by the Chancellor.
She confirmed that the Government’s economic strategy is working. Inflation is falling faster than predicted, and the UK economy grew more quickly than any other European G7 nation in 2025.
Key highlights of the forecast include £18 billion reduction in borrowing compared to last autumn and the removal of the two-child limit and a boost to the minimum wage to support working families
Energy bills for the average family are falling, with a 7% drop in the energy price cap scheduled for April.
By reducing wasteful spending and debt interest, the Government has increased its fiscal headroom, allowing for continued investment in the NHS and schools.
Finally, the Government is reaffirming its commitment to compassionate care with a record £125 million funding boost for hospices. This will fix vital infrastructure for 158 hospices across England, while an additional £80 million over three years will support children’s palliative care services.
Back in the constituency on Friday, I attended the Stretford campus of Trafford College for a presentation by the principal and a tour of facilities. Unfortunately, things ran over and I didn’t get to see as much of the college as I wanted, but I will be sure to schedule in another visit soon.
I then headed over to Urmston for a constituency advice surgery. Although nowadays, I can assist with most issues I’m contacted about by email, there are still some more complex issues where it is useful to meet residents face-to-face.
This is why I hold one advice surgery every month in each of Old Trafford, Stretford, Urmston and Partington. It’s incredibly important to me, that as a Member of Parliament, I am as accessible to my constituents as possible.
These advice surgeries are just one of the ways that they can seek my assistance – you can always email me at andrew.western.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on 0161 749 9120 should you require my support.