July Update
July Highlights
This is where we are at with our current casework:
📥Cases opened for residents: 523
📤Cases closed for residents: 529
⏳Total number of cases we are currently working on: 754
Please contact us and we will always try to help:
📧mark.sewards.mp@parliament.uk
Funeral industry regulation
I remain proud to stand alongside Cody, Liam and Zoe in their fight to regulate the funeral industry, and I will not stop until families can have confidence that their loved ones are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Ahead of the sentencing of rogue funeral director Robert Bush in July, I spoke with a number of national and regional media outlets about the campaign to regulate the funeral industry.
We made significant progress in the campaign throughout the parliamentary year, and I’m pleased that the change in government hasn’t halted any momentum. I’m grateful that the Prime Minister has committed to regulating the funeral industry, in what can be described as a huge step towards justice for all the families affected by rogue funeral directors.
I look forward to seeing the Department for Health and Social Care’s detailed plans for what regulation will look like, and I’ll continue to work closely with MPs across all political parties to ensure the regulation is fit for purpose.
Backing our community
With another parliamentary year done, I’ve made a total of 211 spoken contributions on behalf of the people of Leeds South West and Morley during my time as your MP to date.
With Parliament now in recess, I’m able to spend much more time across our constituency, meeting residents, supporting local organisations and taking part in community events, alongside the additional work I’m doing with our Armed Forces through the parliamentary scheme.
However, even when Parliament was in session, July has already seen its fair share of fantastic community events, such as the MND Association West Yorkshire branch meeting, St John’s Summer Fair, East Ardsley Gala, New Farnley Music festival, the Sweet Pea Society Awards in Ardsley, and Morley Music Festival to name a few.
It’s always a privilege to celebrate the people and organisations that make our home such a special place to live.
Stopping dodgy donors
When Parliament returns, one of my priorities will be securing support for the amendments I’ve proposed to the Representation of the People Bill.
I welcome the progress the Bill makes, but we must go further. It’s not enough simply to identify where political donations come from, we must also properly scrutinise the true source of the wealth behind them and the motives as those who pay for politics.
Protecting the integrity of our democracy is essential, and I’ll have more to say on this in the months ahead.
Championing local businesses
I was delighted to give a well-deserved shout-out in Parliament to Morley’s own Souvlaki Corner, which has been shortlisted for Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year. It’s fantastic to see a local business receiving national recognition.
I was also pleased to nominate two outstanding local pubs for the PubAid Community Hero Awards. The Bedford Arms in East Ardsley was recognised for its work supporting the installation of more defibrillators, while the British Oak in Tingley was nominated for the incredible support it provided to a local family who lost everything in a house fire. Both are shining examples of the vital role pubs play at the heart of our communities. The judging process is now underway, and I’m keeping everything crossed for some good news in August.
It was also a pleasure to meet Annie from Morley Live, whose dedication is helping to bring back the much-loved Morley Arts Festival. Taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the festival will feature performances, stalls and activities for all ages. This year’s event is intended to be the first step towards an even bigger festival in future years, and I wish everyone involved every success.
Finally, I was pleased to learn that arrests have been made following the recent series of commercial burglaries affecting businesses in Morley and Churwell. I’ve worked closely with Inspector Mark Lund throughout, but enforcement alone isn’t enough. We also need to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place.
That’s why my team is developing a new local business forum, bringing businesses together to share information, raise concerns and support one another. It’s still in its early stages, and we want local businesses to help shape it. If you haven’t yet received a letter and survey from my office, please contact us and we’ll send one out.
IRGC designation as a state threat to the UK
I strongly welcomed the governments decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as the state threat that it is.
This is something I’ve campaigned relentlessly for, but there’s much more work to do. The government now needs to expel the Iranian foreign minister from London and ensure that the effects of their online propaganda machine are mitigated as soon as possible.
For far too long, Iran has sought to intimidate and threaten Britain’s Jewish community. We must stand firmly against antisemitism and against those who seek to undermine our democracy and public safety.
Fireworks consultation continues
Although the recent warm weather has been welcome, it won’t be long before we enter the Autumn and Winter months, when the misuse of fireworks once again becomes a concern for many residents.
With that in mind, I’m delighted that the Government has launched a landmark consultation on the use of fireworks, something that I’ve been lobbying for ever since I was elected.
Fireworks, in moderation, can be magnificent and joyful, but irresponsible use can have a devastating impact on veterans, pet owners and many others in our communities. I encourage everyone across Leeds South West and Morley to take part in the consultation and ensure your views are heard.
Surgeries & support for all
One of the most rewarding parts of any week is hosting my regular, in-person surgeries, where residents can ask me for support with anything or put any question to me.
In July, I held them at Farnley Community Centre, Drighlington Methodist Church, Tingley Community Centre & Library, and at my constituency office in Morley.
I rotate them between 13 different locations in the constituency and I’m very grateful to everyone who hosts me.
You don’t need to come to a surgery for help though. Please just contact me anytime.
It’s worth saying that my active casework total is now very high; that’s to say that lots more people than usual have contacted me for help. Please bear with me during this busy period but do not be deterred in asking for support because that is exactly what I’m here for: