What a wonderful sight over Oldham this evening.

Well done to Oldham Council for lighting up the Civic Centre tower to mark VE Day.

Today marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day—a moment when the guns fell silent across Europe and peace began to return after years of unimaginable hardship and loss.

In Oldham, Chadderton & Royton, we reflect and look back on the contribution made by our towns —those who served on the front lines, and those who kept the home fires burning and those creating and manufacturing our industry. They all played a vital part in securing the peace we enjoy today.

We see their legacy in our memorials, in the stories passed down through generations, and in the strength and resilience of our community spirit.

As we mark this important anniversary, let us not only honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also renew our commitment to the values they fought for—freedom, justice, and unity.

For too long, water companies have treated our rivers, lakes and seas dumping grounds while dodging accountability and handing out bonuses to their billionaire bosses.

New powers introduced under the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 mean water company executives who cover up illegal sewage dumping can now face up to two years in prison. This is a long-overdue move to tackle the Tory scandal of sewage being discharged into our rivers, lakes and seas – often without consequences for those responsible.

In 2024 alone, there were 632 sewage discharges into waterbodies in Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton from 23 storm overflows. In total, these sewage discharges lasted for 3,659 hours. We should be able to enjoy our waterways, not watch them build up with sewage. Our town deserves better.

Under the new law, water company executives who obstruct investigations or hide illegal activity can face prosecution. Polluters will now pay for the cost of criminal investigations into their wrongdoing – not the public.

Bonuses for water bosses will also be blocked if they fail to meet high environmental, financial, and consumer standards, and the Environment Agency will have expanded powers to investigate and enforce action against illegal sewage discharges.

𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙚: 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙙𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙥 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙨. That’s how it should be.

This comes alongside Labour’s £104bn of private sector investment to rebuild and upgrade our water system, and an Independent Commission into the water sector – the largest review since privatisation.

During my time as Shadow Environment Secretary, I pushed for exactly this kind of tough enforcement. It’s right that polluters pay for the damage they cause – and for the investigations into their own wrongdoing.

This is a step in the right direction towards serious reform. The public deserve clean water, environmental justice, and a water system that works for people – not one for profit and corporate greed.

Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities. it’s illegal, anti-social, and deeply unfair to residents who take pride in their neighbourhoods. That’s why the Labour Government is taking decisive action to tackle this issue head-on.

Under new measures announced by the Labour Government, councils will be empowered to 𝒔𝒆𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒗𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒔 used in fly-tipping offences. Offenders could also face up to five years in prison, sending a clear message that waste crime will not be tolerated. These measures show we are serious about catching offenders, and making sure there are consequences to defiling where we all live and work.

Here in Oldham, the Labour council has been proactive in addressing fly-tipping through the ‘Don’t Trash Oldham’ campaign. Since its launch in 2021, the campaign has identified 38 hotspots—29 in residential areas—and implemented intensive engagement and enforcement strategies. Efforts include deploying CCTV cameras, collaborating with social landlords, and conducting community improvement programs like grass cutting and fence painting, alongside community litter picks.

These initiatives have not only improved the cleanliness of our borough but have also fostered community cohesion and pride. However, the fight against fly-tipping requires continued vigilance and support.

The Labour Government’s new crackdown complements our local efforts, providing additional tools and legal backing to deter and punish fly-tippers effectively. Together, we can build cleaner, safer, and more respectful communities.

Buckingham Palace fly over of the Lancaster Bomber PA474 – will take place at 1:45pm.

A Flying Tribute with Roots Close to Home.

As the nation prepares to mark 80 years since VE Day, one of the most stirring sights will be the majestic Lancaster bomber PA474 soaring over Buckingham Palace on Monday, May 5th — a centrepiece of the commemorative flypast honouring the heroes of World War II.

This aircraft isn’t just a symbol of our shared history — it has a story of resilience, service and remembrance.

Built in 1945, PA474 by Vickers-Armstrongs, Chester, was completed too late to fly in wartime combat. But in the decades since, it has become a flying memorial to over 55,573 aircrew of Bomber Command who never came home. Now operated by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, PA474 is one of only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world — and the only one flying in Europe.

For the people of Oldham and Chadderton, this moment in the skies carries added pride. During WWII, the Avro factory at Greengate in Chadderton was one of the key sites where Lancaster bombers were built, with the works social club the Lancaster Club at Failsworth named in the aircraft’s honour. Thousands of local workers — many of them women — played a vital role in producing the very aircraft that helped turn the tide of the war.

Their contribution is stitched into every rivet and wing of the Lancaster legacy.

So when PA474 passes overhead this bank holiday, it won’t just be a national symbol — it will be a powerful reminder of the role our community played in securing victory. From the factory floor to the frontlines, Chadderton’s story is forever part of the Lancaster’s.

Let’s honour their memory, their courage — and the peace they fought to protect.

There is a great film on British Pathe of Lancaster being built at Chadderton in 1942 here https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/137335

This year marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day — a moment that signified the end of the Second World War in Europe and a hard-won peace secured by immense sacrifice.

As this Bank Holiday weekend begins events to remember those who gave everything for freedom and democracy, we honour the resilience of those who endured the war on the home front — and the courage of communities who rebuilt in the aftermath. Their legacy is the peace and liberty we enjoy today.

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National Commemorations

Monday, May 5 – National Events

12:00 PM: Actor Timothy Spall will deliver Winston Churchill’s iconic 1945 victory speech in Parliament Square.

12:10 PM: A grand military procession of 1,300 personnel will march through Whitehall and The Mall, concluding at the Queen Victoria Memorial.

1:45 PM: A flypast over Buckingham Palace will include both historic and modern aircraft — from the Lancaster bomber to the Red Arrows.

Thursday, May 8 – VE Day 80th Anniversary

9:00 AM: Town criers across the country will deliver a VE Day proclamation as VE Day 80 flags are raised.

12:00 PM: A two-minute national silence will be observed, alongside a commemorative service at Westminster Abbey.

2:00 PM: The Royal British Legion will host a tea party for WWII veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum.

6:30 PM: Churches and cathedrals nationwide will ring their bells in unison, a symbolic echo of peace.

9:30 PM: Over 1,000 beacons and “Lamp Lights of Peace” will be lit across the UK, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. Communities will gather to sing “I Vow to Thee My Country”.

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Local Events

Residents are encouraged to participate in the national silence, attend local church services, or host their own commemorative gatherings. In addition, the following events will take place on Thursday, May 8:

Live Performances by Abbi-Kaye (Viva la Vintage)

Enjoy vintage hits at Tommyfield Market with performances at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.

Commemorative Message Card – Spindles Shopping Centre

Share your thoughts and tributes on a special message card located outside Next, available from May 3 to May 8.

Illumination of Oldham Civic Centre

The Civic Centre will be illuminated for the final time on VE Day, serving as a tribute to those who served and marking the end of an era for this iconic building.

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As we pause to remember, let us recommit to the values of unity, peace, and freedom that so many fought — and fell — for.

Well done to all local business and residents who have taken the time to display banners and bunting, and to host get-togethers.

Please feel free to share any local events.

Thanks

Jim

Last week deeply concerning figures came to light laying bare the scale of the crisis our retail workers are facing every single day. A 20% rise in shoplifting in just one year is not just a statistic – it’s a reflection of the fear, anxiety and danger faced by staff in our shops, supermarkets and high streets.

We’ve heard horrendous stories of shop-workers facing violence for confronting shoplifters – no one should be in fear at work and offenders must be held to account.

As the Chair of the Co-op Party, I have long campaigned against the rising tide of abuse, threats, and violence retail workers face. Alongside the retail worker union USDAW, I’m proud of the work we have done to stand shoulder to shoulder with retail workers, protect those who keep our high-street going, and shine a light on this epidemic.

I’m glad we now have a Government taking decisive steps to tackle this – from scrapping the shameful £200 shoplifting threshold to backing frontline officers and bringing in Respect Orders for tougher penalties. We have already seen the difference in giving more powers and resource to the police, especially across Greater Manchester with arrests doubling and the number of shoplifters in court rising sixfold.

But it’s the joint work – between unions, businesses, the police and government – that gives me real hope. Protecting shopworkers shouldn’t be controversial; it’s about respect, safety, and standing up for those who serve our communities.

The joint Co-op Party and USDAW campaign has always been about more than stats – it’s about people. And with Labour in government, we’re finally putting people first and will drive down this statistic.

Kicked off the week speaking at the CBI, making the case for mayors as strategic leaders who can help deliver the full potential of devolution. With the English Devolution Bill on the horizon, we outlined how a strong devolution framework will empower local areas to take real control over the decisions that matter to them.

Later in the week, I caught up with the Mayor of London to reflect on the impressive work happening in the capital. The Mayor’s new powers to review blocked licensing applications – aimed at strengthening London’s night time economy – is a clear example of what can be achieved when local leaders have the tools they need to be able to drive national growth and unlock opportunity.

We’ve continued to stay closely involved with the ongoing situation around the waste dispute in Birmingham. Meetings with local leaders and MPs are ongoing, and while progress has been made, it’s vital we remain focused on supporting residents and ensuring a resolution is reached that works for the people of the city.

This week also saw the first wave of feedback go out about local government reorganisation in areas taking part in the devolution priority programme – an important step in engaging with these areas and making sure we achieve a local government structure that is fit for purpose.

But the big moment this week was, of course, polling day. My team and I were in Runcorn for the by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, supporting our brilliant candidate Karen Shore. It was a sunny day on the doorstep – the perfect opportunity to speak with residents about the power of their vote and the importance of having their say.

Unfortunately we didn’t get the result we wanted, however Karen and the team in Runcorn fought a fantastic campaign, and she would have made an excellent MP.