This week in Parliament

A quick overview of my week in Westminster

𝗧𝗮𝘅𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀) 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹

We voted on the Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill this week, delivering changes to strengthen the UK’s tax system while supporting the transition to cleaner energy and transport.

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗿 𝗔𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗱

Much of my week has been focused on the deeply concerning situation surrounding the release of Shabir Ahmed. Alongside interviews with BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, LBC, ITV Granada and BBC North West Tonight, I met with a Justice Minister and probation officials to press for answers, and raised the case during a Commons statement on prisoner releases. My priority remains the victims and survivors, public safety, and ensuring every available option is pursued.

𝗔𝘀𝘆𝗹𝘂𝗺 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

During a ministerial statement, I questioned ministers about the future of the Victoria Hotel in Chadderton and the wider need to reform our asylum system. Oldham has carried more than its fair share for many years, and I’ll continue pressing for the hotel’s use to end as soon as possible while ensuring the burden is shared more fairly across the country and problems in Oldham’s housing market are not worsened.

𝗖𝗼-𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆

It was a pleasure to host a delegation of the co-operative movement from Canada and Ukraine in Parliament this week. We discussed the important role co-operatives play in building resilient local economies and communities, and shared ideas on how the movement continues to grow and innovate internationally, especially out of the rubble of the war in Ukraine.

𝗦𝗶𝘅𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

I attended a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sixth Form Education at the request of Oldham Sixth Form College, bringing together parliamentarians and education leaders to discuss how devolution and changes to T levels impact on our Sixth Form Colleges.

𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

I also joined colleagues from the APPG for Mutuals for a discussion hosted by the Chief Executive of the Building Societies Association. Mutual organisations have an important role to play in doubling the size of the Co-operative and mutual economy.

Now back home for meetings, visits and events across Oldham West, Chadderton & Royton over the weekend.