It has been another busy month, both in Parliament and in the constituency! Keep reading for a snippet of what I have been doing to represent you.
Commemorating VE Day 80
Thursday 8 May marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, a moment of deep national significance. Everyone in Luton South and South Bedfordshire has a connection to those who served in the Second World War—whether through family or community. As this may be one of the final major anniversaries involving living WW2 veterans, it’s our shared duty to honour their legacy and keep their stories alive.
The government is taking steps to recognise brave veterans and renew the nation’s contract with those who serve. You can read more on this in my monthly Luton News column here.
The government also announced a new UK-wide veteran support system, called VALOUR, to ensure veterans have easier access to care and support. Read more on this here.
I attended important events both in Westminster and the constituency to mark this significant anniversary. It was a privilege to be invited to the thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey with colleagues, and it was touching to be in the presence of veterans who fought for victory in Europe 80 years ago as we re-committed to upholding peace, justice and liberty.
In Luton, I attended the lighting of the beacon outside Luton Town Hall, and I was honoured to read a poem remembering the women on the home front, the Land Girls, amongst other readings, tributes and beautiful songs from Vauxhall Luton Male Voice Choir.
VE Day 80 was a reminder that we must never forget the great debt we owe to the men and women who gave their lives in defence of the freedom we enjoy today.
Postal services in Luton South and South Bedfordshire
An increasing number of constituents have raised concerns with me about repeated delivery delays.
I’ve launched a survey to hear directly from residents about Royal Mail deliveries in Luton South and South Bedfordshire. If you have been impacted, please take the time to fill out my survey and share your experience here.
Update on Access for All works at Luton Station
I know people across Luton South and South Bedfordshire are frustrated by the slow progress on the Access for All works and lift installation at Luton Station.
Behind the scenes, I’ve been in regular contact with the Department for Transport and Network Rail, and I’ve had both written updates (below), as well as a recent meeting with Network Rail.
Station users will start to see some preliminary works on the platforms and around the taxi rank in the coming weeks, with further work expected to begin towards the end of summer and into the autumn.
I will be having regular update meetings with Network Rail in the coming months and will continue to update residents as things move forward.
Football Governance Bill
Football clubs are vital to our communities and a key part of our local and national identity. Unfortunately, we have seen too many cherished clubs go under.
I am therefore very glad our Labour government have wasted no time and delivered on our manifesto commitment, re-introducing a strengthened Football Governance Bill.
Establishing an Independent Football Regulator, empowering communities and putting fans back at the heart of the game, this Bill will help ensure all clubs throughout the football pyramid thrive.
Read more on what this means for clubs like Luton here and watch my full speech below.
Ongoing devastation in Gaza and the West Bank
I know that the situation in Gaza is intolerable and I share the horror of people across Luton South and South Bedfordshire at the scenes we are witnessing. I have consistently raised this issue with Ministers, and you can view my recent contribution here.
This week, the Prime Minister released a joint statement with the leaders of France and Canada opposing the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and calling on the Israeli government to halt their operations and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. Read this in full here.
The Foreign Secretary also announced this week that the government has suspended negotiations with this Israeli Government on a new free trade agreement and will be reviewing co-operation with them under the 2030 bilateral road map. You can read his statement in full here.
I will continue to advocate for an immediate influx of humanitarian aid, a permanent ceasefire and a lasting two-state solution to prevent further suffering for innocent civilians.
Government funding for GP refurbishments in Luton South and South Bedfordshire
This month, the Labour government announced over £102 million in funding for GP surgeries across the country to carry out refurbishments and upgrades. This funding will create additional space to see more patients, boost productivity and improve patient care.
Four GP practices in Luton South and South Bedfordshire are set to feel the benefits of this investment with Churchfield Medical Group and Larkside Practice, Malzeard Road Surgery, Whipperley Medical Centre and Woodland Avenue Practice selected to receive funding.
Read more on these plans here.
Tensions in India and Pakistan
I know many of my constituents have expressed deep concerns regarding escalating tensions in India and Pakistan, and particularly the impact of this on the people of Kashmir. I raised this with the Minister directly, which you can view here.
The UK government worked with both India and Pakistan to secure a peaceful resolution and ceasefire deal, and last week the Foreign Secretary visited Pakistan, emphasising the importance of continued stability for the region.
I also attended a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Kashmir and was grateful to receive updates from Foreign Office Ministers Hamish Falconer MP and Catherine West MP, as well as updates on community cohesion efforts here in the UK from Lord Wajid Khan.
I will continue to follow this situation closely and represent the views of people in Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
Appledown Dog Show and Fayre
I was glad to make the most of the warm weather this month and enjoyed a beautiful sunny afternoon at Appledown Rescue and Rehoming Kennels Dog Show and Fayre in Eaton Bray.
It was lovely to see so many pooches and help raise vital funds for the kennels. They rely on donations and fundraising to help run the rescue, find out how you can support Appledown here: https://appledownrescue.co.uk/
The Luton Mayor’s civic service at St. Andrew’s Church
It was wonderful to attend Councillor Tahmina Saleem’s Civic Service as the outgoing Luton Mayor last weekend.
There were great reflections on her mayoral year, and superb singing by pupils from local Denbigh Primary School.
It was lovely to see this event held in her ward, at St Andrew’s Church, recognising the important community work happening there as part of the Biscot Peace and Wellbeing Hub. Great also to see former Biscot councillor, Neville White, recieve an appreciation award, recognising his service to the community.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2025
The 12th-18th May marked Mental Health Awareness Week, so I was glad to join the Mental Health Foundation’s Parliamentary drop-in, hearing more about the importance of protecting people’s mental health in our online and offline communities.
Reflecting on this year’s theme of community, it was also good to join Luton’s Parkrun at Wardown Park, getting out in a green space and chatting with others. There were also some brilliant representatives on hand from Mind BLMK, Penrose Roots to Recovery, Luton Total Wellbeing and The Creative Mental Health Charity to highlight local support services available.
The Labour government also announced £49m funding to rollout mental health support teams in schools, meaning six in ten pupils will have access to a mental health support team by March 2026, with the rollout prioritised based on NHS identification of local need and reaching the most vulnerable children first. Read more on this here.
Visiting Guru Nanak Gurdwara
I was pleased to visit Guru Nanak Gurdwara alongside Sarah Owen MP.
We had a lovely morning chatting with parents and children and of course helping prepare lots of yummy food for the langar alongside volunteers.
It is always a pleasure to visit and join our growing Sikh community in Luton!
Great British Energy Act
This month, the Great British Energy Bill passed its final stages in Parliament and received Royal Assent.
Great British Energy, the first publicly owned energy generation company in 75 years, is at the heart of the Labour government’s clean power mission. The company will be owned by the British people, for the British people, and will own and invest in clean power projects in regions across the UK.
