Labour & Co-operative | Serving the communities of Oldham West, Chadderton & Royton
It is extremely concerning that Neo-Nazi group British Movement held an event in Royton.
It is an affront to those from the town who gave their lives to fight the Nazis and whose names are listed just a short distance at Royton Park.
This vile display is a stark reminder that the threat of the far-right is real.
Glorifying an ideology responsible for the deaths of millions has no place in our community. These acts of hate and division must always be called out and rooted out.
Fantastic to be out today in Runcorn to campaign in the by election and support our brilliant local candidate, Karen Shore.
We had lot’s of positive conversations about getting the country back on it’s feet again, and people were hopeful about the work we are doing in government – and excited to have a brilliant local and strong candidate to vote for!
It was great to have a strong Oldham Labour team out with us, my thanks to those who came out to support.
Less than a week till polling day!
This week I updated the House on progress on the waste dispute in Birmingham and the work done to clean up the city. It followed a significant effort by frontline workers, covering long hours to make a difference. It shows how critical waste workers are.
The fact is that Birmingham and fellow councils have rallied to turn things around. The military were never used to collect waste, and the Tories know that.
But what came out was more telling. It doesn’t take much for the Tory mask to slip and the disdain for vital working class jobs to show. Completely out of touch.
Thank you to those who came along to my advice surgery this week to raise concerns on a wide range of issues.
If you would like to book a surgery appointment and are a constituent in Oldham West, Chadderton & Royton, please contact my office at jim.mcmahon.mp@parliament.uk.
Although it’s been a shorter week due to the Bank Holiday on Monday, it’s certainly been a busy one, with Parliament returning on Tuesday. I’ve had a series of internal meetings, including discussions around local government reorganisation. In all of this, my focus remains clear: to ensure we bring in clearer and more effective structures and balancing the need to reflect identity, belonging and need for new councils to be sustainable for the future, so that we deliver the best possible outcomes for residents.
During the Easter recess, I made several visits to Birmingham – meeting with local leaders and seeing first-hand the communities most affected by the ongoing waste dispute. I’ve continued those conversations this week, and on Tuesday, I responded to an Urgent Question in the House on this issue. While the situation remains live, I’m encouraged by the swift action already taken – particularly the removal of over 26,000 tonnes of waste. It was important to reflect on that progress in the Chamber and to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to working alongside the Council to build a waste service that is fair, sustainable, and reliable – what every resident rightly expects and deserves.
On Wednesday, the regular department board meeting took place where the Deputy Prime Minister oversees the teams progress on the priority areas, for me this includes devolution and local government finance mainly, as well as supporting local investment and growth.
I had the honour of attending a Requiem Mass in tribute to Pope Francis – a powerful moment of reflection on his lifelong commitment to peace, unity, and the care we owe to one another. May he rest in peace, and may his example continue to inspire us all.
In Parliament, progress was made on legislation to ensure sentencing guidelines are based on the actions of an offender – not their race, religion, or cultural background. There was also measures to strengthen the UK’s banking resilience by empowering the Bank of England to stabilise failing smaller banks through a targeted levy on the sector.
It was also the week for my regular catch up with Local Government Association Chair Louise Gittins on a range of vital issues like the financial sustainability of councils, SEND and adult social care funding, and a wide range of other issues affecting the sector.
Few could have missed the latest round of nuisance fireworks, not least of all when are set off late into the night.
I’ve been contacted by a number of residents rightly concerned about the late-night use of fireworks — often well beyond acceptable hours — causing serious distress for families, older residents, pet owners and those with mental health conditions.
Let me be absolutely clear: this kind of antisocial behaviour is unacceptable, and no one should feel unsafe or unable to sleep peacefully in their own home. And it’s fair to say that public patience with these all to regular selfish acts has worn thin.
Police are aware that a some of the issue is currently originating from groups of cars gathering in Chadderton Hall Park, the council and the police are aware of this and are actively monitoring the situation to resolve this.
I’ve contacted Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police again to raise these concerns. I’ve asked for increased patrols in hotspot areas, stronger enforcement of existing laws, and a clearer reporting mechanism for residents to raise issues quickly and easily.
While fireworks can be part of cultural and family celebrations, they must be used responsibly and within the law. Under the Fireworks Regulations 2004, it is an offence to use fireworks after 11pm and before 7am without permission (except on permitted fireworks nights when the times are extended). Unfortunately, what we’re seeing more and more are incidents where fireworks are being misused to cause disruption late into the night, sometimes into the early hours waking up whole neighbourhoods.
Here’s some of the action being taken;
Our Labour-run Council continues to work hard to support residents affected by antisocial behaviour — whether that’s by supporting community safety officers, investing in CCTV, or working with local youth services to offer better alternatives for young people where that’s the cause. They have also previously carried out visits to venues which have been reported to them by local residents. But we know more needs to be done.
That’s the Labour government is committed to tackling this issue head on through:
‘Respect orders’ to grant the police, council and social landlords powers to impose tougher penalties on offenders engaged in antisocial behaviour, including the misuse of fireworks.
Supporting the council’s early intervention strategy to educate young people on the risks associated with firework misuse.
Restoring neighbourhood policing through 13,000 additional neighbourhood police officers to improve response times and have a single point of contact for firework complaints.
Enhanced licensing checks at shops, including extra visits by the police.
Initiatives by Labour MPs to reduce the legal decibel level of fireworks.
Tightening regulations on the sale and misuse of fireworks to stop them getting into the wrong hands, particularly the sale of fireworks to children.
This isn’t just about law enforcement — it’s about respect for our neighbours and communities. Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live.
If you’re affected by this issue, please don’t suffer in silence. Report incidents to the police via 101 (or 999 in emergencies), and to the council’s antisocial behaviour team. And as always, you can contact my office directly — I will continue to push for action on your behalf.
I was honoured to attend Westminster Cathedral to take part in the Requiem Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis. It was a deeply moving service, filled with reflection, prayer, and gratitude for the life and legacy of a man who dedicated himself tirelessly to peace, compassion, and service to the vulnerable.
Following the Mass, I had the privilege of signing the book of condolence in the Sacristy on behalf of the Catholic community in Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton. It was an opportunity to reflect on the respect and admiration for Pope Francis and all that he stood for.
Thank you to Fr Witon for the warm welcome.
Today is a chance to celebrate St George’s Day and all that brings us together.
It is fantastic to see so many flags flying in Oldham, Chadderton, & Royton, I’m proud to represent such strong, welcoming communities. Each town has its own story, character and people who make a real difference every day.
From local volunteers to small businesses, community groups to neighbours looking out for one another – thank you for all you do and to those who took time out to put the flags up.
Wishing you a great day however you’re spending it!
Jim McMahon OBE MP 