Protecting Our Communities and Key Workers

The Government’s new Immigration White Paper has caused real fear among many people in Salford who have built their lives here. Constituents have told me of their worries for their families, their jobs, and their future. Migrant workers are not only neighbours and friends, they also make an enormous contribution to our local services and economy. They pay their taxes, volunteer in our communities, and work in vital sectors such as defence, manufacturing, transport, aerospace, health, prisons, and social care. Many were actively recruited by UK businesses to fill critical skills gaps. Research shows that in defence alone, skilled migrant workers contribute more than £84,000 per year to the UK economy. Yet the White Paper fails to define who will count as a “high-value contributor”, creates uncertainty for those already on the five-year route to settlement, and risks leaving key sectors without the skilled staff they rely on.

One area of particular concern is social care, where low pay and exploitation are already widespread. I have spoken to workers who have been underpaid, threatened, or left unable to speak out for fear of losing their visa. Without their support the sector would collapse, and we urgently need stronger protections, fair pay, and the security of sector-wide visa schemes that allow workers to challenge bad employers. Another group deeply affected are Salford’s Hong Kong community, one of the largest in the UK. At their recent community awards I saw first-hand their dedication to giving back to the city, from litter picks to helping the most vulnerable. Many came here under the BNO visa scheme, based on the UK’s historic commitments, and they now face uncertainty about their future. I will continue to press Ministers to provide clear reassurances for both skilled migrant workers and Hongkongers in Salford, and to ensure that their contribution to our city and country is properly recognised and protected. You can watch my contribution to the debate here.

Government launches Orgreave inquiry

More than four decades after the violent policing at Orgreave during the miners’ strike and a failed prosecution criticised as a police frame up, I’m pleased a statutory inquiry into Orgreave has finally been announced. This is long overdue. Solidarity with the miners, campaigners and trade unionists whose relentless determination made this possible.

Salford Red Devils

I’ve written to the Rugby Football League’s Chief Executive and the Culture Secretary over the future of Salford Red Devils RLFC. I back Michael Wheeler MP and Mayor Paul Dennett’s and fans calls to support and save the club. The club needs urgent action, investment and support. Read my letters here.

Campaign for homeless children’s bus pass

The Manchester Evening News is calling on mayor Andy Burnham to introduce a free bus pass for children placed in temporary homeless accommodation that is more than 30 minutes’ walk from their school. I’m proud to back the MEN’s call for a free bus pass for children in temporary accommodation facing longer journeys to school. In a time of upheaval, kids need stability, not extra costs. This small step would make a big difference. Read more here.

Investment in Fire and Rescue Services

I met with Fire Brigades Union firefighters from Salford to discuss protecting public and firefighter safety. I have also written to Ministers calling for urgent investment in our fire and rescue services. Cuts and understaffing have left Salford’s and the country’s firefighters overstretched and residents at risk. We need proper funding, national standards, and a fair voice for firefighters. Since 2010, one in five firefighter jobs have been cut across the UK. Central government fire funding has been slashed by 30%. In Greater Manchester, decades of austerity have left services hugely understaffed and under resourced. GMFRS face a £10.9m shortfall in 2026/27.

Even after local funds plug some of the gap, we’re still nearly £6m short, the equivalent of losing 6 fire engines (11% of the fleet) for a year. Staffing is so stretched that from August, GMFRS have had to run 16 fire engines with just 4 crew instead of the safe minimum of 5. This puts both firefighters and residents at greater risk. Population growth, more high-rises, and climate change mean demand on our fire service has increased but resources have been cut. Firefighters in Salford told me they faced 19 high-rise alarms in a single Saturday night. Response times are getting slower. In Greater Manchester, life-risk incidents now take 7.5 minutes on average, 10 seconds slower than last year. You can read my letter in full here.

Outsourcing on our railways is a racket

Outsourcing on our railways is inefficient, drains passenger revenue, drives down workers terms and conditions, and wastes tax payers money. I was proud to support National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) members and Eddie Dempsey last week in their national campaign to end outsourcing on Britain’s railways. Read more here.

UNISON’s Fair Visa Campaign

I recently met with UNISON about their #FairVisaCampaign. Many care workers face exploitation under the current visa system & low pay undervalues all in social care. I back UNISON’s calls for Govt-held visas, no ILR wait hike and fair pay for care workers.

Service Charge Payment Protection Scheme

I was pleased to co-sign Social Housing Action Campaign and Rachael Maskell’s letter calling for a new Service Charge Payment Protection Scheme. Tenants shouldn’t be left battling extortionate or inaccurate charges. A fairer, simpler system is urgently needed. You can read the letter in full here.

REACHE’s inaugural Graduation Ceremony

It was an honour to join graduates at REACHE’s inaugural Graduation Ceremony at Salford Royal recently. It was a truly inspiring event honouring the amazing achievements of REACHE members and alumni who’ve secured their NMC or GMC registration. Huge congratulations to you all!

Salford Foundation

I was pleased to visit Salford Foundation and meet with constituents and staff. They do fantastic work supporting young people and adults to develop skills, access opportunities and build brighter futures. Thank you for all you do for our community.

Private White V.C.

I visited the fantastic Private White V.C. factory in Salford last week, the last of its kind from the industrial revolution still producing top quality clothing here on the banks of the Irwell (all the big stars come from miles around!) Amazed and inspired by their skill, history and commitment to UK manufacturing. Back British manufacturing, back Salford!

Cancer Research UK

I was delighted to visit the Cancer Research UK superstore at Regent Road Retail Park where I met and chatted with wonderful staff and local volunteers. Last year Cancer Research UK volunteers gave over 2.5 million hours across all shops. Thank you for all you do, you truly make a difference.

Salford Lads’ Club

Great news that Salford Lads’ Club has been given £437,961 from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund for essential repairs that will help to secure a long-term future for the renowned and well-used Youth Club. I’ve worked closely with the club and seen first-hand the extraordinary value it brings to our city, providing a safe, supportive space for young people six days a week, offering sport, creativity and personal development at a time when such social provision is heartbreakingly rare. While many will know the building from its iconic appearance on The Queen Is Dead album cover or Peaky Blinders, its true significance lies in its founding mission: to lift local young people. A Grade II-listed landmark, it stands as a proud symbol of Salford’s heritage, resilience and working-class solidarity. You can find out more about plans here.

Community Greenways Project

Great news that £1m grant funding has been approved for the Community Greenways Project. This will enhance parks, canals, rivers & neighbourhoods, promote sustainability, support healthy lifestyles & ensure people can enjoy nature close to home. Read more here.

VJ Day

On VJ Day I joined members of the public and the armed forces, Mayor Paul Dennett, Councillors and Salford’s Ceremonial Mayor, to remember the courage, sacrifice and suffering of those who served in the Far East. It was a moving memorial service commemorating those who never returned and all who still bear the scars of war.

Banyamulenge

I joined members of the public, local Councillors and Mayor Paul Dennett at Islington Park in Salford, at the memorial stone dedicated to the victims of the 2004 genocide perpetrated against the Banyamulenge community in the UN refugee camp in Gatumba. A place of reflection, healing and symbol of our duty to never again allow hate to foment in our world today.

Weaste & Seedley litter pick

It was good to join local residents and Team Salford Labour hardworking Weaste & Seedley Councillors, Salford Mayor Paul Dennett and members in the Weaste & Seedley ward litter picking and clean-up event. Huge thanks to everyone who came along, you did a fantastic job!

Out and about in Salford

Great to be out around Salford with our hardworking Team Salford Labour local councillors, chatting to residents about the issues that matter most. Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with us.