Selling the Family Silver Doesn’t Pay: The Need for Nationalisation

Parliament was recalled for a rare Saturday sitting over the Easter recess to pass an emergency law aimed at saving British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant from imminent closure. I was pleased to support the Government rightly using emergency powers to safeguard British steel production and the thousands of jobs it supports. British Steel operates the UK’s last blast furnace and is our only domestic rail producer—both critical national assets that were under serious threat due to the failings of private ownership. Today’s legislation is essential to maximising the chances of securing this vital industry and preventing premature closures that would have led to the loss of highly skilled workers.

I also welcome the Business Secretary’s recognition that nationalisation may be necessary in the long term. I believe nationalisation will be essential, and the issues facing British Steel has brought the topic of nationalisation back into the public conversation.

For far too long, we have seen the consequences of privatisation play out all too clearly—in the rail, energy, mail, water, and telecom sectors—where the public pays for failure while shareholders profit. It is right to look at protecting the Steel industry through public ownership, ensuring British Steel remains a secure, publicly accountable cornerstone of our manufacturing future but this must now spur on debate within Government on how we similarly urgently fix our broken water and energy markets to build a fairer, more equal society through future public ownership.

Disability Benefits Reform

I welcome the Government’s planned investment in tailored, non-compulsory employment support and other sensible reforms but I am deeply concerned that removing £5 billion from the benefits system by 2030 would completely undermine this positive step and restrict support to those who desperately need it.

However, I want to be clear from the outset that I will vote against any cuts that would restrict the support so many disabled people desperately need and indeed any measures that would place further strain on the living standards of disabled people and their families.

At the Spring Statement, I raised serious concerns about proposals to restrict disability benefits.

I told the Government that it is clear they must reconsider its plans, which you can watch here.

I have also signed this letter, published in the Guardian recently, urging the government to rethink its approach to disability benefits. You can read this here.

The current plans are wrong — we must listen to disabled people and start making real change.

Supreme Court ruling

The UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling in ‘For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers’ has sparked significant concern and fear within the transgender community in Salford.

I believe this issue needs to be treated with respect and compassion. The debates about trans rights, and in particular trans women’s rights, have in many cases been whipped up into a divisive and contentious mainstream topic that has directly resulted in a surge of anti-trans discrimination and violence. Yet, in the 2021 UK census, out of 45.7 million respondents, only 0.5% of respondents, just 262,000 people, said that the gender they identify with was different to their sex registered at birth. Despite this being a very small minority group, we have witnessed a wave of intense anti-trans mobilisation across the United Kingdom and Europe. This has been terrifying for them and their friends and family, and I firmly believe this has detracted from meaningful discussions about human rights and how to tackle violence against all women and girls.

The Government’s response must be clear and compassionate and that comments in relation to the Supreme Court ruling must reflect the nuance of Lord Hodge’s comments who stated that: “we counsel against reading this judgement as a triumph of one or more groups in our society at the expense of another, it is not.” and to stress that the legislation gives transgender people “protection, not only against discrimination through the protected characteristic of gender reassignment, but also against direct discrimination, indirect discrimination and harassment in substance in their acquired gender”.

Concerns about the EHRC’s recent interim guidance in response to the Supreme Court ruling have also been raised. A large number of the emails I have received contain statements by constituents that they are of the belief that the new EHRC Guidance risks contravening Articles 8 & 14 of the Human Rights Act and the Equality Act 2010.

Ultimately it is clear that those who have contacted me are experiencing deep fear for the safety, human rights and wellbeing of themselves or their loved ones. I have written to both Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Minister for Women and Equalities about this, and you can read my letter in full here.

I also spoke about this on ITV’s Peston programme, a clip of which you can watch here.

Crown Post Office Closures

The news that all remaining Crown Post Offices will be franchised is a devastating blow to communities like Salford, and I am extremely angry and disappointed that this has been allowed to happen. It is a deal done behind closed doors with no community engagement.

Our Post Office is an essential part of the local economy, staffed by well-trained individuals who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles. It is a vital service relied upon by residents and businesses alike, including those who collect their pensions and benefits in person.

With the recent sell-off of WH Smith, franchising has already shown itself to be insecure and unfit for purpose in many cases. In too many cases, we see smaller branches with fewer staff, longer queues, slower transactions, and poorer customer service. Advice on products is often lacking in quality, and access for disabled people is not always properly provided for.

I have again written to Ministers as well as the CEO of the Post Office making the point that Salford must retain its Post Office, existing Crown Post Office staff and guarantee the level of service that our communities have come to rely on. You can read a copy of my letter here.

I also spoke in Parliament on the serious concerns about the franchise model, and requested guarantees that Salford will retain all of its existing Post Office services and staff in this crucial community location. Watch here.

Powering Up the North West

I was pleased to welcome Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett in Parliament for the launch of the North West Leaders Board’s Powering Up the North West report. The report highlights our region’s immense potential for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, alongside public service excellence. It also sets out the key policy reforms needed from Westminster to build on and scale our impressive successes so far. Read the full report here.

GMB Union recognition at Bidfood

I joined GMB Union North West & Irish members, activists and Salford Labour Councillors outside the Bidfood Salford depot. GMB has worked closely with Bidfood over the last 30 years to improve conditions for workers and improve productivity.

Sadly, Bidfood ended that cooperation without notice, leaving hardworking members without a voice and ending a long collaborative relationship between workers and management. I have urged Bidfood to reinstate its recognition deal with GMB ensure its workforce remains protected.

NUJ Conference

As Chair of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Parliamentary Group It was an honour to speak to the NUJ conference to give an update on the Parliamentary Group’s work about the protection of journalists globally and at home, the risks of unregulated AI, need to strengthen media workers’ rights, press freedom and protecting and investing in the future of local, regional and National trusted news.

Nuclear Justice

Thank you to the United Nations Association UK and the APPG on Human Rights for inviting me to chair the session on the lasting impacts of nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific. Huge thanks to our brilliant panel for sharing their insights on how we achieve nuclear justice.

Injured Patients Group

I’ve been working with constituents and MPs across the House regarding historic issues relating to a spinal surgeon who was found to have caused serious harm to patients. We met again with the Minister in recent weeks and I am pleased that NHS England have said it will begin the process of looking into historic reviews. This is down to the fantastic campaigners, and I will be working with MPs across the house who represent patients and staff affected to do all we can to represent and support those affected. Read more here.

Eating Disorders

1.25million people in the UK live with an eating disorder but services are fragmented, underfunded and at breaking point. In a Westminster Hall debate, I urged Ministers for urgent investment and a national strategy so that urgent support is provided to those who desperately need it. Watch here.

MS Society in Parliament

An estimated 6,359 people with multiple sclerosis live in and around Salford. Yesterday I was proud to support MS Society in outlining their priorities in Parliament.

Congratulations, Will!

A huge well done to Will Gregory, Consultant Physiotherapist at Salford Royal, NRAS Advisor & BSR Vice President who won an award at the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society changemaker awards in Parliament. Thanks to Will and the team at Salford for all you do!

Nursing Apprentices

It was fantastic to meet The University of Salford nursing apprentices at Salford Royal hospital–so inspiring to hear how their personal journeys led them to work-based learning. They’re gaining vital skills, real experience and a nationally recognised qualification. Keep up the fantastic work!

The New Health and Wellbeing Building

The University of Salford’s new health and wellbeing building is going to be iconic. The architecture is going to be something we have never seen before in Salford; it will be an eco-friendly building that harnesses the power of nature and creates a space of wellbeing for staff and students. But what’s also important is its connection to the community; it will be about making sure the university of Salford is for the people of Salford. Read more here.

Outdoor Activity Centres

It was great to join IOL Outdoor Learning and UK Youth to celebrate Salford’s amazing Outdoor Activity Centres and learn how we can work together as MP’s to support their future. Salford’s centres in the thread below are amazing and live on in the memories of everyone who visits.

Salford has its very own brilliant outdoor learning centre at lledrhall.co.uk in Snowdonia led by the amazing Graham and team.

Salford also has the amazing Salford Children’s Holiday Camp AKA Salford by the Sea/The Jam Butty Camp. salfordbythesea.co.uk

The amazing team are fundraising to ensure that the Camp remains open for the next generation. Please donate to support: https://www.justgiving.com/salfordchildrensholidaycamp

And if you want to stay local Salford also has the brilliant Water sports centre:

Home Salford Watersports

Agecroft Miners Memorial: Prince Peter Lobengula

I was pleased to recently attend a memorial event at the Agecroft Miners memorial. We remembered all those lives lost to mining in Salford and also unveiled a new plaque: Prince Peter Lobengula, who was taken under the wing of Salford miners and made Salford his home after escaping exploitation in Victorian Britain. Thanks to Irwell Valley Mining Project and Salford Trades Council for keeping our rich history alive.

Rugby Football League Roundtable

It was great to join the roundtable at Salford Community Stadium with the RFL, Leaders and MPs from across the North and discuss the integral role rugby league plays in the North and how sufficient investment into the sport can be achieved.

International Women’s Day

I attended an inspiring International Women’s Day event hosted by Salford Community Upskilling at The Fletcher Hall. A day filled with music, dance and laughter-celebrating amazing women from all walks of life. Thanks to Salford Community Upskilling CIC for organising a fantastic event!

Celebrating Nowruz

I had a fantastic time joining Doosti Community Salford and Salford residents at Pendleton Gateway to celebrate Nowruz. Wishing everyone marking the occasion happiness and prosperity for the year ahead!

Free Bus Travel for Care Leavers

Care leavers in Salford aged 18–25 can now get free bus travel across Greater Manchester. The expanded offer supports the move to independent living & includes perks through the Like Our Pass scheme – from discounts to exclusive events. Find out more here. 

Broughton and Blackfriars &  Trinity litter picking

It was great to join the litter picking teams in recent weeks in both Broughton and Blackfriars & Trinity with Salford Labour councillors and community groups. We cleared loads of rubbish — great to see the community come together!

Salford Youth Zone

It was great to join the recent fun-filled family day at Salford Youth Zone—fantastic to see such a big turnout from the community, with strong support from local Labour Councillors and Salford Mayor Paul Dennett. SYZ will open 7 days a week, offering over 20 activities every night for just 50p per visit, providing thousands of young people somewhere to go and do brilliant activities and hang out. Find out more here.

Out and about in Pendlebury & Clifton

Great to be out and about with Team Salford Labour delivering newsletters for our hard-working Pendlebury & Clifton Councillors. Thank you to everyone who came along!

Anne (Scargill) Harper

I was sad to hear that Anne (Scargill) Harper passed away. Anne was a community activists and co-founder of Barnsley Women Against Pit Closures, the first of a national network of branches. She consistently fought for political representation for working class women, workers’ rights and anti-fascism. My condolences to her family. Rest in Peace.

Pope Francis

I was sad to learn of the death of Pope Francis. He was a voice for the voiceless, and a champion of the poor and marginalised:

“We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace.”

He is succeeded by Pope Leo XIV in recent days who in his first public message emphasized peace and unity.