That’s why in the Commons yesterday I pressed the Leader of the House for time to debate how we expand farmer-owned co-operatives here in the UK.

There are around 430 agricultural co-ops in the UK, with 150,000 farmer members and nearly £10bn in annual turnover, helping deliver high-quality food produced to some of the highest welfare and environmental standards anywhere in the world.

The model works. Big players in this industry include Arla Foods with an annual turnover of around £2.5 billion, Openfield of around £600 million, & Mole Valley Farmers of around £600 million. And what do they all have in common? They are farmer-owned. This shows the power of producers working together to strengthen supply chains and back British farming.

As Chair of the Co-operative Party, I see every day how the co-operative model gives people more control over the things that matter to them; here in Oldham we know the value of that better than most, co-operative heritage runs deep.

From the Rochdale Pioneers who helped launch the modern movement, to the Co-op Group headquartered here in Greater Manchester and the many examples of the community taking control of important local assets in our borough today at Oldham Coliseum, West End Street pitches, Boundary Park & the Daisyfield Inn – our area has a proud tradition of people coming together to get a fair deal.

A stronger, co-op-shaped food system can help keep costs down for local people, strengthen our food security, and put more power back into the hands of farmers and communities.

If the Government is serious about doubling the size of the co-operative sector as pledged, we should be backing this model.

Campaign success! After sustained lobbying of Manchester Airport when raising issues with unfair parking charges, we’ve been pushing for better access for Oldhamers to good jobs at Manchester Airport.

With our local council being a shareholder and the airport being such an important institution to our city-region & the North more widely, it is right that we work with them & hold them to account.

For constituents, Manchester Airport is only 20 minutes down the road and we want to maximise the employment opportunities on offer to local people. With careers & vacancies available in security, finance, hospitality, IT and more on offer there, we want to make the most of it here in Oldham.

So contact Get Oldham Working to book your slot through the details above

I’ve been in contact with parents, teachers and young people across Oldham West, Chadderton & Royton about the impact of social media on under-16s, as a parent myself I understand the concerns raised.

The message I hear is clear: people want stronger protections for young people online.

Last night MPs voted on proposals to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s. The amendment was rejected, with Parliament instead backing flexible powers for ministers while the government’s consultation on the issue continues.

Social media brings opportunities, but it also brings very real harms. Too often big tech companies have failed to take responsibility for the platforms they run.

Even with the Online Safety Act now in place, many people feel it doesn’t go far enough and I share the view that more needs to be done.

What matters most is getting this right: making sure young people are properly protected online and that children’s safety always comes before the interests of big tech.

If you have views on this issue, I’d really welcome hearing from you at jim.mcmahon.mp@parliament.uk.

Great to be in central Manchester yesterday to visit Channel 4’s new office and spend time with the team there.

We had a good conversation about my push for more working-class representation in our country’s world-class creative industries, something I’ve been raising in Parliament with ministers through written questions. Talent is everywhere in Oldham, but opportunity still isn’t.

It was also great to hear about the work Channel 4 are doing reaching out to schools, including here in Oldham, and championing high-quality apprenticeships. As a former apprentice myself, I know just how powerful that route into a career can be.

The UK is recognised across the world as a cultural superpower and Labour is working hard in power locally and nationally to fight for our creative industries which provide good jobs and enrich our lives.

From saving Oldham Coliseum, to modernising Gallery Oldham & the central library, to then making law new tax relief for British films – Labour is backing our creative industries.

What’s important is connecting the dots. Here in Oldham we’ve got a growing creative ecosystem which includes the Oldham Coliseum, the Oldham Theatre Workshop, the Lyceum Theatre Oldham, and The Sharp Project right on the boundary of our borough, as well as across our city-region from MediaCityUK to Aviva Studios.

Institutions like Channel 4 have a real opportunity to tap into that talent and help open the door to the next generation. Thanks for having me!

The consultation has opened on the plans for Broadbent Moss and Beal Valley. Proposals include around 1,700 new homes along with new infrastructure, including a Metrolink stop at Cop Road, green space and improved connections across the area.

Development on this scale needs to be done properly. That means the right infrastructure, good design and making sure existing communities are fully considered.

This consultation focuses on the masterplan and design code for the site, setting out how the area could be developed.

It opened last week and 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝟭𝟮 𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟯𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲. If you live nearby now is the time to have your say and help shape what comes next

https://bigoldhamconvo.oldham.gov.uk/hub-page/draft-beal-valley-and-broadbent-moss-masterplan-and-spatial-design-code-supplementary-planning-document?fbclid=IwY2xjawQbc11leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81MTQ3NzE1NjkyMjgwNjEAAR6HM665FHnXvqNt4iDK5BdM7O0l5pxNGbLucq2NT4VuRrEixwxIPHFfZYUvVQ_aem_Q72Wkwemr89krQcHG_rQjg

Following discussions with Transport for Greater Manchester and Oldham Council, its good that we can now confirm that the plans for Royton Town Centre will now keep the guard railings in place, in line with the coroner’s recommendations.

From the outset I raised concerns about proposals to remove the railings. Those barriers are there to guide people to safe crossing points and help keep pedestrians safe, especially with the increase in evening footfall as the town centre has grown with more bars and restaurants.

Thanks to Oldham Council for its support and for championing investment in Royton, and to Transport for Greater Manchester for taking the time to meet in Royton and following it up with these changes.

I know from previous updates that not everyone is convinced about the proposed improvements, but I think Royton deserves to see investment.

There are compromises, but I hope when it’s complete it continues the longstanding work which started with the new health centre, leisure centre, supermarket and refurbishment of the historic Royton Town Hall with its new public square. The very obvious gap is the precinct itself, which has to be the focus going forward.

Head to https://www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk/news/25903331.changes-made-plans-improve-royton-town-centre/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQbcrlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81MTQ3NzE1NjkyMjgwNjEAAR7bMELOteorzf_IK6ThU_lSSeWqLlQlXAxXnJUN2PByUnAiVgx8tXIVVHr03w_aem_Epf2ASHXoHddZlaoFzo9jQ to see more.

Thank you to Chadderton FC for having me this week to show me around the new facilities, displaying the power of community-led sport.

The over £1 million investment into the new 3G pitch, renovated changing rooms & new viewing area are a brilliant examples of what local investment backed by the local council can deliver. Facilities like this mean more young people playing, training and being part of something positive.

Chadderton FC is member owned too, something I am proud to champion as Chair of the Co-operative Party. Community ownership works, in brings people together, gives them a stake in the future and protects vital local facilities for years to come.

The original visit was planned a while ago with Dale Harris. I know his passing was a shock to the club and its members, and more widely across the community. My condolences to everyone who knew and continues to miss him.