September Update
This is where we are at with our current casework:
📥Cases opened for residents: 544
📤Cases closed for residents: 584
⏳Total number of cases we are currently working on: 680
Please contact us and we will always try to help:
Meeting with Andy Burnham
I met with Andy Burnham to talk about the terrible experiences of Zoe, Cody and Liam at the hands of a rogue funeral operator. We discussed the options available to regulate the industry and, importantly, how we make sure any new system is done properly.
As many of you know, It's something I've campaigned on relentlessly, and leading the charge on an issue like this requires a huge amount of research. That includes countless conversations with those closest to the sector to gather different perspectives and consider all the options.
I'm very grateful to all of the organisations and individuals who have helped me get to this point by sharing their experiences and expertise with me; many of them high-profile, but some right here in Leeds South West and Morley.
Most recently, I met with Peter from Crabtree and Son Funeral Directors who operate out of Drighlington and Gildersome.
Peter has a longstanding reputation in our community and has served us for years.
Regulations should be designed to ensure that all funeral directors meet the standards that family-run business like his already aspire to meet for every family they serve.
There may be mild discrepancies between all the relevant parties on the finer details, but everyone, including the Prime Minister, agrees that it's time to regulate the funeral industry.
I’m now looking forward to meeting the Health Secretary to discuss the proposals in more detail.
Families going through the loss of a loved one deserve to know that they will be treated with dignity and respect.
Picking up where I left off in Parliament
Parliament resumed after what was a fantastic summer recess across the constituency and beyond. I was proud to pick up exactly where we left off with the campaign for funeral industry regulation, and with my amendments to the Representation of the People Bill, which is all about stopping dodgy donors from interfering in our politics.
I also discussed the West Yorkshire Mass Transit project, education reform, the safety of the British Jewish community, and reiterated my calls for a review of paternity and maternity rights.
Everything I do, I do on behalf of my constituents. If you think there's something I should raise in Parliament, please let me know.
Leeds South West and Morley has its say on fireworks
I was delighted to see the Government launch a landmark consultation on the use of fireworks, something I have been campaigning for since I was elected.
Fireworks, when used responsibly, can be magnificent and bring a lot of joy. But irresponsible use can have a devastating impact on veterans, pet owners and many others in our communities.
I strongly welcome the Government’s approach but, admittedly, the documentation is far from straight-forward. That’s why I rolled out my own simpler fireworks survey for my constituents to put their views forward. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to complete it.
The survey has now closed and I’ll be submitting the results to the Government later this week.
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
Thank you to everyone who contacted me ahead of the latest vote on assisted dying. As I did last time, I read everything that constituents sent to me before making my decision.
My conclusion remains the same. I believe that people experiencing intolerable pain should have a choice. At the moment, those with the means to travel abroad and pay for services in other countries have options that others simply do not.
MPs voted against the Bill, meaning it will not become law.
Some MPs changed their position because they concluded that the Bill, in its current form, could not be made fit for purpose. I disagree with that conclusion, but I completely respect their right to reach it.
The House of Commons has now made its decision. We must also turn our attention to palliative care. MPs from across Parliament raised serious concerns about the current provision during the debate. There needs to be genuine cross-party work to improve palliative care.
I know people have very strong and sincerely held views on this issue. Whether you agree with me or not, I respect your views.
Work experience programme ends
A huge thank you to all the students who completed their work experience placements in my office.
For many young people, getting their first experience of a professional workplace can be difficult. That’s particularly true when applying for jobs, university places or apprenticeships, where having something practical to put on your CV can make a real difference.
That’s why I wanted to run a work experience programme in my office this summer.
Our students have spent time with different members of the team to get a proper understanding of what it is like to work for an MP and, more importantly, what is involved in representing the people of Leeds South West and Morley.
They have taken part in a wide range of activities, including researching potential campaign ideas, looking at how we support local organisations, completing mock casework and having a go at writing Parliamentary-style speeches. They’ve also learned about the different roles within the office, from policy and casework to communications and organising meetings with stakeholders.
Some arrived with a strong interest in politics and a good understanding of Parliament. Others came in knowing very little about what an MP’s office actually does. By the end of their placements, I’m confident they all had a much better understanding of the work that goes on behind the scenes to support constituents and campaign for change.
I wish every one of them the very best for the future.
Labour Party Conference
Over the last few days, I’ve been at the annual Labour Party Conference.
A number of constituents asked me to visit particular exhibition stands and raise issues that matter to them. I was very pleased to do so.
I spoke to organisations working on everything from cardiovascular disease and end-of-life care to safer streets and the cost of electricity. I met representatives from the British Heart Foundation, the MND Association, Guide Dogs, the MCS Foundation, UNICEF, the Falkland Islands and the Premier League.
It was also a great opportunity to speak to colleagues and hear more about the Government’s plans for the years ahead. Some of the highlights include:
The introduction of the Great British Grid, which will challenge private operators and combat energy price hikes.
Breaking the link between our electricity and international gas prices so that cheaper home-grown energy can bring bills down.
Councils being given the power to take control of empty homes and bring them back into public housing stock.
The launch of a National Care Service, free at the point of use, where everyone contributes and everyone is covered.
A new water bill, which will pave the way for renationalisation of water companies.
A national commission on electoral reform to review our current voting system.
Many of these big topics will require a general election to confirm or reject, and I’m taking time to consider the detail of each of them. For example, I’m not totally convinced of the need for electoral reform as I’m a keen advocate for the constituency link for MPs and, if we’re talking about the constitution, I’d rather focus on House of Lords reform first. I will of course feed this into the commission.
I know constituents have questions about some of the issues discussed at Conference, and some have already contacted me. There is obviously much more to come, and I’ll continue to respond to constituents’ concerns and make sure their views are heard. I'm very keen to hear your thoughts.
Supporting our community
I've got a lot of time for organisations and individuals who prioritise helping others, and I was privileged to meet so many in September.
I met with the Leeds Indian Cultural Association to hear all about their local charity work and what more I can do to support them. I also had a chat with John from our local Andy's Man Club branch about how he is supporting men in our community. I've been invited to see it for myself at one of their weekly sessions, and I'm looking forward to meeting some of the other volunteers.
I visited a local steel business and factory in Gildersome to talk about the Government's steel strategy. They asked me to follow-up with the relevant minister on some specific requests which I was more than happy to do. I also met with the leadership team at the White Rose Shopping Centre to talk transport and discuss their plans for the near future of the centre, which so many of us know and love.
I saw first-hand the vital work of Forget Me Not Children's Hospice in Huddersfield, which supports terminally ill children and their families, many of whom are from Leeds South West and Morley. I'm looking forward to building a much stronger relationship with Sam and the rest of the team at the hospice in the years ahead.
One of the many perks of my job is being invited to so many community events. I was proud to sponsor the East Ardsley Cricket Club annual beer festival, which just keeps getting better every year.
I was also tasked with judging the Farnley Scarecrow Festival. It was a difficult decision, and I'd like to congratulate everyone who took part. I've also got to give a shoutout to Jo and the rest of the Pride in Place board for organising. They're doing an amazing job at rejuvenating the community spirit across Farnley.
When I'm out and about, I’ll always stop and speak to people who want to chat. It might be about local casework, national politics, or simply something happening in the community. We don’t always agree on everything, and I’ve had some lively debates recently, but that doesn’t matter. If you’re a constituent and you need my help, I will always do everything in my power to assist you.
This month I’ve held surgeries in Wortley, Gildersome, East Ardsley and Morley, as well as carrying out home visits for constituents who needed them. I hold my weekly surgeries across 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.