This week in Parliament

A snapshot of my time this week down in Westminster

𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹

Alongside other measures the Bill will establish a new Defence Housing Service, and out the Armed Forces Covenant on a statutory footing as promised in the Labour Party manifesto.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲

Pleased to attend a parliamentary reception hosted by the Ukraine Policy Network. As Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty against Russia’s illegal invasion, it was a timely opportunity to hear firsthand experiences of life in the UK from those who were supported through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Oldham is host to around 150 people who are being supported by local people who have opened their homes and hearts. 90% of adults in the programme are in work even with the difficultly of the temporary nature of their visas, which needs to addressed.

𝗔 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴

During the ministerial statement on the Farming Roadmap and the Farming Profitability Review, I spoke in the Chamber about the important role co-operative farming can play in strengthening rural communities, improving economic resilience & national security, and helping farmers secure a fair return for their hard work.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Great to have secured a Ten Minute Rule Bill to change stillbirth registration by allowing it to be completed online. At an incredibly difficult time for families, this simple change would remove unnecessary bureaucracy and make the process more compassionate for bereaved parents.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝘆!

It was great to welcome Makerfield’s new MP, Andy Burnham, to Parliament this week as he was sworn in. I know he’ll be a strong voice for local people and I’m looking forward to working alongside him on the issues that matter most to our communities in Greater Manchester.

Good to now be back up in Oldham to finish the week with meetings in Royton, visits and engagements with local people.