This week in Parliament

A quick round-up of my week in Parliament

The biggest positive move this week was without a doubt the vote to finally scrap the Tories two-child benefit cap. A policy that pushed children into poverty is finally going and that matters for thousands of families here in Oldham, the majority of which are working families.

In the Commons, in clearly less positive news was the unfolding of the revelations on Peter Mandelson, where I pressed the government to deliver full transparency and accountability by ensuring the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) had oversight of the disclosure process.

It was a very co-opy week as usual with meetings with the Building Society Association, Co-op Parliamentary Group to discuss community owned energy, and the Co-op NEC which I’m proud to chair.

There was plenty of more good Labour things the government were getting on with too including setting out our new Cancer Plan, with the ambition that 75% of cancer sufferers will be saved. Early diagnosis, faster treatment and better outcomes where it counts, with the biggest drop in waiting lists for 15 years.

On Thursday, I was out campaigning in Gorton & Denton ahead of the by-election later this month. Great conversations on the doorstep about the change we are making to increase in the national minimum wage, tackling energy bills, and strengthen renters’ rights – although we knew there is more to do to drive up living standards.

Plenty done so far this week and plenty more to get on with back in Oldham from meetings with important stakeholders including the council and Transport for Greater Manchester.