Injured Patients and Staff

A number of MPs across the House have been contacted by constituents regarding the conduct and competency of a spinal consultant, who was sacked in 2015. Families and patients operated on by Doctor ‘F’ over two decades at the Salford Royal Hospital, Spire Manchester Hospital and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, along with concerned staff, formed a support group. The group met myself, Jo Platt MP, Michael Wheeler MP and Connor Rand MP to share their experiences and their search for answers. The stories we heard were harrowing and extremely upsetting and we pledged to do all we could to seek the answers and justice they deserve.

Following this, patients, their families and ourselves met the Health Minister to discuss our concerns and outline the groups requests for action. This was a positive meeting and the Minister agreed to take this forward, so watch this space…

Local Government Finance

After 14 years of austerity under the previous government, it is welcome to now see Salford Council’s core spending rise by 8.7% in 2025-26—above the national average as a result of the recent Local Government Finance Settlement.

The previous Government took a whopping £245million out of Salford’s budget. This significantly contributed to increased demand on council services, whilst diminishing their operational capability.

So I very much welcome the Government’s cash injection of over £69 billion for councils as part of its ‘Plan for Change’. But whilst Salford’s new funding is above the national average, it is less than the 14% we’ve had to increase our Adult Social Care budget by to meet higher costs and demand.

The Government have stated that this settlement marks just the beginning of the government’s commitment to rebuild local Government services with upcoming multiyear settlements and up to date assessments of councils funding needs and resources.  I raised with Ministers the need to do this quickly meet local needs. Watch my speech in full here.

Key Cities

As Chair of the Key Cities APPG, I recently led a discussion on their latest report, ‘Social Care: Views From the Front Line’. Vital insights from those on the ground—essential reading for shaping policy. Read the full report here.

Salford University: Student roundtable on housing

It was great to meet Salford University reps and students at University House for a roundtable on student accommodation and housing. We discussed The Renters’ Rights Bill and how amendments that limit landlords to requesting only one month’s rent upfront were welcomed, but also discussed was international students often required to pay significantly more before arriving in the UK. We discussed the goal being to introduce flexibility in payment structures. Valuable insights shared on their experiences and working together to drive positive change!

UKEVENTS in Parliament

I was pleased to attend the UKEVENTS Exhibition in Parliament, learning about new tech and sustainability in events. The industry supports thousands of jobs and generates £61.65B annually, highlighting its vital role in our economy.

Sexual harassment in the Workplace

I was pleased to attend the launch of the “End not Defend” campaign in Parliament recently. The Workers Policy Project, in collaboration with a growing coalition of trade unions and community organisations, have launched of the campaign – a bold initiative aimed at eradicating sexual harassment in workplaces by prioritising victims over corporate interests and demanding stricter laws for perpetrators and enablers.

The “End Not Defend” campaign seeks to reshape how sexual harassment cases are handled, ensuring that victims are protected, supported, and empowered, while companies that prioritise reputation over justice face legal consequences.

Following this I co-sponsored a motion calling for urgent action to tackle workplace sexual harassment, following shocking reports that 700 current and former McDonald’s UK employees are taking legal action over alleged harassment, discrimination, and abuse. With 90% of complainants on zero-hours contracts, the power imbalance leaves young and vulnerable workers particularly at risk. I support the Employment Rights Bill’s proposals to strengthen employer responsibilities and welcome the End Not Defend Sexual Harassment campaign. A coordinated, well-resourced approach from regulators is essential to ensure every worker is safe and protected from harassment at work. You read the motion in full here.

Data (Use and Access) Bill

The Data Une and Access Bill aims to set guidelines and improve data sharing, streamline digital verification, improve NHS data interoperability, expand research access, and support law enforcement.

There are however concerns about the Bill which Government are currently considering as the Bill passes through its Parliamentary stages.

I spoke in the Commons about concerns that Clause 80 of the Bill removes protections against solely automated decision-making.

Currently, individuals have a right not to be subject to significant decisions based solely on automated processing of their personal data,10 with certain specified exceptions. Clause 80 repeals this right, in both the law enforcement and general processing contexts.

This could put people unknowingly at risk if their data is processed automatically without their consent. There are also established risks with ADM and partially automated decision making of unfair, discriminatory and harmful decisions

I asked the Secretary of State for reassurances that these risks will be properly examined as the Bill progresses. Watch my speech here.

Funding for the BBC World Service

I tabled a Parliament motion on the vital role of BBC World Service journalism in providing accurate and impartial information worldwide, especially amid rising misinformation. I welcomed the £32.6 million in additional funding for 2025/26 but raised concerns about financial insecurity caused by the 2014 decision to shift funding responsibility to licence fee payers. With recent job losses threatening high-quality journalism, I support calls for the government to rebalance funding contributions, ensuring the World Service remains a trusted global news source. You can read the motion in full here.

#HeartUnions Week

February saw #HeartUnions week where we celebrate the work our Unions do. Unions have fought for and won sick pay, the eight-hour day, the weekend, paid holiday and parental leave, the minimum wage, protection from discrimination, equal pay and healthy, safe workplaces. Join a union today and protect your rights. Click here for more.

LGBT+ History Month

LGBT+ people have always existed, even when these groups have been systemically oppressed for their sexual or gender identity throughout our history. That’s why during LGBT+ History Month in February, we celebrate the heritage and contribution of LGBT+ communities in Salford, across the UK, and around the world. I will always stand with LGBT+ people.