Welcome to my summer update, bringing together some of the work my team and I have been doing for people across Salford over recent months, both locally and in Parliament.

Standing Up for Salford

During the first half of 2026, I took on more than 3,100 cases, helping constituents with issues including housing, immigration, pensions, benefits and local services. Alongside this casework, my office and I processed 9,494 emails, sending updates and actioning casework and policy-based queries from Salford residents.

Fighting to End the Scandal of Corridor Care

I spoke in Parliament about the devastating reality of corridor care after witnessing it first-hand while accompanying my mum to A&E. Patients are being left on trolleys without proper privacy or dignity, while exhausted NHS staff do everything they can in a system stretched beyond breaking point.

Ending corridor care means tackling its root causes: staff shortages, too few hospital beds, underfunded social care and weakened community, mental health and GP services. I called for a properly funded NHS workforce plan, greater investment in preventative and community care, and a national care service based on need rather than ability to pay. No one should be treated in a corridor when they are at their most vulnerable. Watch my speech in Parliament here.

Raising Patient Safety Concerns at the Northern Care Alliance

I raised serious concerns in Parliament about patient safety, staffing and resourcing at the Northern Care Alliance, following issues reported by whistleblowers and concerns my office had previously raised with the trust. I called for urgent action and was pleased that the Minister agreed to meet with me to discuss what must now be done to protect patients and ensure staff can provide safe care. Watch my speech in full here.

Unlocking the Next Cancer Breakthroughs

It was a pleasure to attend Cancer Research UK’s Parliament Day and support the launch of its Unlock Cancer Breakthroughs campaign.

Cancer research saves lives, but progress is still being held back. I will continue supporting calls for faster clinical trials, access to global research talent and the long-term investment needed to unlock new treatments.

Supporting Striking NCA workers

I was proud to stand with UNISON members at Salford Royal as theatre, CCU and ICU staff fought for the pay they were owed. Their campaign showed the power of workers standing together, and I was delighted to see CCU and ICU staff secure a hard-fought victory on fair overtime pay. I remain in full solidarity with theatre staff continuing their fight for a fair settlement.

Protecting Public Service Media

I raised concerns in Parliament about the brutal cuts announced at STV and the BBC, which put thousands of jobs and much-loved programmes at risk. I called on Ministers to intervene urgently to protect workers and safeguard the future of trusted public service media. Watch my speech here.

Tackling Dirty Money and Tax Avoidance

Ahead of the international summit on illicit finance, I spoke in Parliament about the urgent need to tackle dirty money, tax avoidance and financial secrecy both at home and internationally. Every pound lost is money that cannot be invested in our NHS, schools, social care and local communities.

I called for greater transparency over who owns UK property and companies, stronger enforcement against financial wrongdoing and proper protection for journalists and campaigners who expose corruption. Tackling illicit finance is not just an economic issue, it is a matter of fairness, democratic integrity and ensuring everyone contributes their fair share. Watch my speech in full here.

Bringing Water Back into Public Ownership

I challenged Ministers over decades of failure in the water industry, where shareholder returns have too often been put before customers, our environment and essential infrastructure. Public ownership would cut financing costs, bring bills down, improve accountability and ensure money is reinvested in the system rather than extracted as profit. The evidence shows it could pay for itself within around seven years. Watch my speech here.

Investing in Salford’s Early Years Workforce

It was a pleasure to welcome Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey MP to Kidzrus Private Day Nurseries in Salford. The team does fantastic work supporting local children and families, including children with SEND, and it was valuable to hear about the challenges facing the sector.

We also discussed the Government’s plans to attract and retain more qualified early years staff in disadvantaged communities. Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and that means investing in the skilled and dedicated people who support them.

Protecting Workers in Extreme Heat

As temperatures rose, I warned that too many people were being expected to work in unsafe conditions without meaningful legal protection. In my latest article for Tribune, I called for enforceable maximum workplace temperatures and practical measures to protect workers from heat stress. You can read the article here. I also tabled an Early Day Motion urging stronger legal rights, because no one should have to risk their health simply to earn a living.

Opening Up Opportunities in STEM

It was a pleasure to attend the Royal Society of Biology’s STEM Parliamentary Links Day and meet representatives from local universities. My constituent Amie spoke about how degree apprenticeships, including those at Manchester Metropolitan University, are widening access to careers in science, while Professor Chris Parkes and the Institute of Physics highlighted the brilliant research taking place at the universities of Salford and Manchester, as well as the damaging impact of funding shortages. STEM is vital to our society, our economy and the opportunities available to future generations.

£20 Million Pride in Place Investment for Pendleton

I was delighted to welcome Jenni Smith as Chair of the Pendleton Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board and to discuss her ambitions for the area. Jenni brings deep community roots, extensive local experience and a strong commitment to putting residents first.

The Board will help oversee the Government’s £20 million, ten-year investment in Pendleton, giving local people a real say in how funding is used and ensuring it delivers lasting improvements where they are needed most. I look forward to working closely with Jenni and the wider Board as they put residents at the heart of Pendleton’s future.

Happy birthday, Salford Youth Zone!

It was fantastic to celebrate Salford Youth Zone’s first birthday alongside Bev Craig, Paul Dennett and members of Team Salford Labour. Over the past year, the Youth Zone has given young people a safe and welcoming place to learn new skills, make friends, build confidence and access life-changing opportunities. Here’s to many more successful years ahead!

Armed Forces Day

It was an honour to attend Salford’s Armed Forces Day parade and festival, celebrating the service of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. I was also proud to thank the veterans’ organisations, charities and community groups that support Salford residents throughout the year, as well as everyone who helped make the day such a success.

Weaste Pride

It was brilliant to join Councillor Charlotte Youd at Weaste Pride. A huge congratulations to everyone at Jak’s World Charity and the fantastic volunteers, who raised an incredible £1,200 through raffle tickets and merchandise.

Special thanks must also go to Ian Carberry and Weaste & Seedley Social Club for all their hard work in making the day such a success. I was proud to support such a wonderful cause and celebrate Weaste’s inclusive community spirit.

Newport Street Party

It was brilliant to join residents at the Newport Street Party in Weaste, alongside Councillor Charlotte Youd. A huge well done to everyone involved in bringing the community together, not just for the event itself but throughout the year. It was a wonderful example of Weaste’s community spirit in action.

Supporting Weaste & Seedley Social Club

Weaste & Seedley Social Club is a much-loved community hub, hosting events including Weaste Pride and the new WeasteFest. The club is now raising funds for essential repairs to help keep the building safe, warm and welcoming for everyone who uses it. Please support their fundraising appeal if you are able to. More information can be found here.

Celebrating Culture and Friendship at Salford Quays

It was wonderful to join Salford residents, City Mayor Paul Dennett and many others at the UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival at the Quays, where I had the honour of presenting awards to the winners.

I was also pleased to witness the signing of a Friendship City Agreement between Salford and Yangzhou, strengthening the cultural, civic and community links between our two cities. Dragon boating is built on teamwork and trust, and the event was a brilliant reminder of what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal.

Salford Cathedral Reopens Its Doors

It was wonderful to see Salford Cathedral reopen following a major three-year restoration. The cathedral has been part of Salford’s skyline and heritage for more than 175 years, and I know many residents will be delighted to see this much-loved building welcoming people through its doors once again. I took these photographs when I visited during the restoration works and saw some of the remarkable care going into preserving it for future generations. Read more from Salford Now here.

Backing Bev Craig for Greater Manchester Mayor

It was great to join Paul Dennett, Salford Labour councillors and local activists around Salford in recent weeks, speaking with residents and picking up casework along the way. I was delighted to hear such strong support for Labour’s brilliant candidate, Bev Craig, who has the experience, determination and values needed to deliver for every part of Greater Manchester. On Thursday 30th July, vote Bev Craig for Greater Manchester Mayor.