The week beginning 8th Jun, the House of Commons passed two major pieces of legislation that signal a shift toward public interest and economic security. The Railways Bill successfully passed its third reading, paving the way for the creation of Great British Railways (GBR). GBR aims to end 30 years of fragmented and dysfunctional privatisation, integrating track and train to prioritize passengers and freight growth.
Similarly, the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill has cleared the Commons. This legislation grants the Government the power to take parts of the UK steel sector into public ownership when it serves the national interest. While respecting international investors, the focus remains firmly on safeguarding Britain’s industrial capability and economic security.
In other big news, the Government set out strict expectations for tech companies to implement device-level protections for children. These measures will restrict camera and messaging functionalities to make it impossible for children to take or view nude imagery. Companies have been given a three-month window to act before the Government considers further legislation.
On the environmental front, the Water Minister addressed the public’s rightful anger regarding pollution and infrastructure failure. Through the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, the Government is already banning unfair bonuses and introducing criminal liability for polluting water bosses. With a record 10,000 inspections delivered this year, upcoming clean water legislation aims to finally reset the water sector.
Following a horrific knife attack in Belfast last week, the response from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on Monday night was immediate, with a Sudanese man in his 30s arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and a critical incident declared.
Amid the horror, when confronted with scenes of terrifying violence, members of the public did not walk on by. Instead, a number of them stepped forward and, risking their own safety, intervened to pull the assailant away and protect the victim until the police arrived. They showed the very best of humanity, and I am profoundly grateful.
Following from that, we will have all seen the subsequent sickening riots in Belfast, the Government has pledged that those responsible for the disorder will feel the full force of the law. Ministers emphasized that there is no justification for the thuggery that targeted ethnic minorities and terrified law-abiding citizens.
Internationally, the Foreign Secretary called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East. The UK is pushing for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a revival of the 20-point plan for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Notably, new UK sanctions have been announced against networks supporting settler violence in the West Bank, which the Government views as a fundamental barrier to peace.
Friday in the constituency started off in Partington with a visit to the People’s Church on Chapel Lane. I met with John and Andy, who run the Men’s Shed volunteer group at the allotments there, to have a chat about the work they are doing, and how I could help them. I followed that up with a meeting with Stuart and Katharine McPhail, Co-Pastors at the church.
After that I shot over to Four Oaks Care Home on Wood Lane, Partington to visit there. They were hosting the Manchester leg of the Great British Care Cycle Relay, a cycle ride from Edinburgh to London run in legs, to highlight the fantastic work that care homes do in our communities. It was lovely to be able to present the staff at Four Oaks with a trophy to show the cyclists appreciation for their reception.
Finally on Friday, I held one of my regular advice surgeries, this time in Old Trafford, where I spoke to residents and gave advice on a wide range of different issues.
The week beginning 15th June in Parliament saw the government moving to protect children, bolster the NHS, and secure our national interests.
The main headline was the landmark social media ban for children under 16, intended to put children first by addressing risks to mental health, concentration, and self-esteem. Expected to take effect in early 2027, this policy will target major platforms that use algorithms, such as TikTok, Instagram, and X, while exempting educational and music streaming services.
I’m pleased this legislation came forward, during the consultation I held a discussion event locally in Urmston, where the overwhelming majority of parents were strongly supportive of these measures.
Beyond a simple ban, ministers are restricting livestreaming and communications with strangers for those under 16, ensuring these features are off by default for 16 and 17-year-olds to prevent a cliff edge.
The focus on the future extends to public health, specifically rebuilding NHS dentistry, another area of extreme importance to residents here in Stretford and Urmsotn. The government has already delivered over 2.5 million additional dental treatments compared to the same period before the general election.
By reducing the budget underspend by 90%, every penny allocated is now being invested directly into care. Our plans for reform are also addressing the workforce; by 2028, over 2,000 extra dentists per year will be registered due to streamlined exams for overseas professionals. Furthermore, two new dental schools will open in 2027, and newly qualified dentists will be required to practice in the NHS for at least three years.
On the industrial front, the government is taking decisive action to back UK steel. Starting in July, the UK will reduce tariff-free steel imports by 60%, with a 50% tariff applied to imports exceeding that level. This is a core component of the Steel Strategy, which aims for 50% of steel used in the UK to be domestically produced to protect critical national infrastructure and defence.
Finally, the National Security (State Threats) Bill passed its House of Commons stages to tackle increasingly sophisticated threats from foreign powers. This legislation addresses physical, democratic, and cyber threats predominantly from Russia, China, and Iran. It introduces powers equivalent to proscription under the Terrorism Act to target state-linked organizations and proxies. These measures, based on recommendations by Jonathan Hall KC, ensure our security services have the modern tools required to keep the public safe in an increasingly dangerous world.
Finally for this blog, you will all have seen the news this morning, with the resignation announcement from the Prime Minister. I’d like to thank Sir Keir for his dedication to public service and commitment to leading the country through some challenging times. His historic General Election victory was a highlight of my political career so far, and I’d like to put on record my thanks to him for his faith in me as a government minister.
Sir Keir’s efforts to strengthen communities, support working people and promote opportunity should be recognised and under his watch we have seen some genuinely transformational legislation passed.
This, of course, means that we will be facing a leadership election to decide the next leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister. It is not certain yet who the candidates will be, but if, as expected, Andy Burnham announces his candidature, I will be nominating and supporting Andy in that election. Regarding the timetable, nominations are due to open amongst MPs on July 9th and we will have a new Prime Minister by the time Parliament returns from summer recess in September.