It was straight to work this week with internal meetings in Parliament and on Whitehall. It was great to speak at a Devolution North All Parliamentary Party Group briefing on the upcoming English Devolution Bill. We talked about how it will reset the relationship between the government, local councils and mayors by extending devolution to drive growth far and wide in every community.

I strongly welcome this week’s publication of Baroness Casey’s review into group-based child sexual exploitation. This is a vital and long overdue step towards justice for victims and survivors across the country.

After engaging with MPs, group leaders and the local government sector, we have announced a consultation on council tax reforms bills more manageable for working people across the country. Labour inherited a local government sector on its knees – councils pushed to the financial brink, facing rising demand, and working people not receiving the quality local services they rightly deserve.

There’s broad agreement across council leaders, experts, and parliamentarians that the current funding model is broken and unfair. This government is stepping up to deliver the fairer system promised in the 2017 Fair Funding Review but never delivered.

These reforms are urgently needed to put councils on a stable footing and ensure better services for residents – especially working people – right across the country. It’s a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver the outcomes people deserve.

We are also reforming children’s social care and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including ensuring councils are properly funded to support the most vulnerable children.

This work comes alongside measures to simplify the funding system to get better value for money for the taxpayer and make tax collection fairer by spreading payments over 12 monthly bills as standard. Under these new plans, payment plans will now need to be offered, with councils working closely with those struggling with their bills – overhauling the current cruel system where people who miss a payment are expected to immediately pay the year’s sum.

More widely, we are doing more to tackle the cost of living crisis by expanding our Warm Home Scheme. This will means millions more families will get £150 off their bills this coming winter – putting more money in the pockets of working people as part of our Plan for Change.

Instead of being back in Oldham on Friday to end the week, MPs stayed down in Parliament to vote on the Assisted Dying Bill at its third and final reading in the Commons. The compassion that motivates many who support this bill is evident, and I do not question the sincerity or integrity of those who voted differently today. However, having weighed the final version of the bill against my own reservations, I have again voted against it.

Today, Parliament held the final vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at its third reading in the Commons. This bill, which proposes to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill individuals with six months or less to live, has sparked one of the most serious and heartfelt debates of this Parliament – and rightly so.

Since its introduction and during each stage of scrutiny, I have listened closely to the arguments put forward both inside and outside the chamber. I have read moving accounts from constituents who have written to me from deeply personal perspectives – some in support, others in opposition. I remain grateful to all who have taken the time to share their views.

As the bill has progressed, it has undergone important revisions – but, in my view, not the kind that resolve the concerns I have raised throughout. The removal of judicial oversight, for example, remains a significant departure from the original safeguards and continues to raise serious questions about the robustness of protections for the most vulnerable.

Despite the assurances provided by the bill’s supporters, I remain unconvinced that the current framework offers sufficient safeguards to prevent coercion, ensure full informed consent, and protect those who may be at risk due to age, disability, isolation, or inadequate access to appropriate care. These are not abstract risks – they are very real concerns, particularly within a healthcare system under immense strain.

I recognise the compassion that motivates many who support this bill, and I do not question the sincerity or integrity of those who voted differently today. However, having weighed the final version of the bill against my own reservations, 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐭.

I continue to believe that the right response to suffering at the end of life lies in improving access to high-quality palliative and hospice care, ensuring that no one faces their final days without adequate support, dignity, or compassion. I recently visited Dr. Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham and saw the incredible work done to make sure people live well at the end of their life. I believe we are at a point in this country where that should be our national priority – expanding and improving access to palliative care, not introducing a law that, however well intentioned, could place already vulnerable individuals at even greater risk.

My foundational belief remains that it is not the state’s role to sanction when someone should die but instead is to actively protect people throughout all stages of their life.

Although I voted against the bill, it has now narrowly passed its third reading and will move forward into the Lords for further scrutiny. I respect the outcome of the democratic process and also commend how thorough and respectful the discussion on this issue has been.

What must not be lost now – and what I will continue to advocate for – is a renewed national focus on palliative and end-of-life care. Legalising assisted dying cannot become a substitute for the comprehensive, compassionate care that every person deserves in their final days. If anything, this moment should serve as a wake-up call to address the gaps in our current system that we inherited from the Tories.

Whatever one’s view on assisted dying, we must ensure that no one ever feels they have to choose it because they were denied proper care, dignity, or comfort at the end of life.

Thank you again to everyone who has engaged with me on this profoundly important issue.

Pavement parking continues to be one of the most common complaints raised with my office and it’s clear we are facing a serious problem that is affecting every corner of our borough.

I hear from residents who are blocked from using the pavement safely, whether they’re pushing a pram, using a wheelchair, or just walking to the shop. It’s not just frustrating, it’s dangerous.

On Broadway outside Henry Newman School families doing the school run are having to walk in the road because cars are blocking the pavement.

Frederick Street and around Hulme Grammar have become known hotspots with reports of vehicles parked fully on pavements, forcing pedestrians into oncoming traffic.

But perhaps most persistently Union Street in the town centre has become a real flashpoint. The mix of fast food outlets, high footfall, and a sharp increase in delivery drivers means we’re seeing regular obstructive pavement parking. Vehicles are double parked, blocking bus stops, and mounting kerbs, especially during evening hours. Residents and businesses alike are raising concerns and it’s clear that more needs to be done.

These are just a handful of examples. Let me be clear, this is a borough wide issue affecting both our town centres and residential areas. Too often, it feels like those doing the right thing are being punished while those who flout the rules face no consequences.

I welcome the Council’s decision to bring enforcement back in house and the transfer of enforcement staff under TUPE. This move has the potential to make a real difference but it must come with a clear shift in focus toward proactive visible street level enforcement, especially in areas like Union Street where confidence in enforcement has worn thin.

It’s time for a joined up approach;

Officers where they’re needed, when they’re needed

Community feedback informing where action is taken

Engagement with businesses and delivery operators to reduce the problem at its source

It is good news to see that the Council have committed to establishing a red route on Union Street. This means that only emergency vehicles will be permitted to park on the road, with blue badge holders and Hackney Carriage Taxis allowed to stop briefly to allow passengers in or out, but will not be permitted to wait. This will be enforced by ANPR cameras, this is a positive and welcome step forward.

And while local councils do their part, it is also important that they have the tools and powers to properly tackle this issue. I will continue working with colleagues in Westminster to ensure areas like Oldham have the support needed to keep our streets safe and accessible for all.

Everyone has a right to walk safely in their own neighbourhood.

If pavement parking is a problem where you live, I want to hear from you. Please get in touch with my office so we can keep building the case for stronger action.