Christmas adjournment debate 2025
It’s always a privilege to be an MP representing my hometown, and it was lovely to reflect on some highlights from 2025 in the recent Christmas adjournment debate in Parliament
From celebrating St Patrick’s Day, Turk Fest, 1Eid Festival and many more great events in Luton, to joining the Kensworth and Studham village fairs, St George’s Day celebrations and more across the villages in South Bedfordshire, it’s been a year filled with amazing events that represent the diversity and community spirit of Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
I was pleased to also recognise that next year marks 150 years of Luton as a borough! As we look back on Luton’s history it is also a brilliant opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of democracy and civic participation, and encourage young people in Luton South and South Bedfordshire and beyond to get involved in their local community.
Watch and read my full speech below!
2025 Christmas Adjournment Debate Speech – Rachel Hopkins MP for Luton South & South Bedfordshire
Results of my Small Business Awards 2025!
This month, to celebrate Small Business Saturday, I announced the winners of my 5th annual Luton South and South Bedfordshire Small Business Awards.
It was wonderful to visit all of this year’s winning businesses and find out more about their work. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the pride of our communities, so I was pleased to champion some brilliant ones from right across Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
Find out more about the winners here: Results of my Small Business Awards 2025! – Rachel Hopkins MP for Luton South & South Bedfordshire
Joining Chanukah celebrations at Luton United Synagogue
It was a privilege to light a candle at Luton United Synagogue as part of their Chanukah festival of light celebrations. We also enjoyed sharing traditional homemade doughnuts and potato latkes as part of the celebration.
I want to thank everyone there for such a warm welcome, and hope all those who celebrated across Luton South and South Bedfordshire enjoyed a joyful and peaceful Chanukah.
Employment Rights Act
I am delighted that the government’s Employment Rights Act has passed both Houses and officially received Royal Assent!
This landmark legislation will transform employment rights for people in Luton South and South Bedfordshire and across the country, giving them the biggest upgrade in a generation.
It will end exploitative zero hours contracts, introduce day one rights to bereavement and parental leave, establish the Fair Work Agency, strengthen statutory sick pay, and more.
I was pleased to join the Minister for Employment Rights, Kate Dearden MP, to welcome this historic legislation.
Breaking down barriers to opportunity for young people
I am determined that young people in Luton South and South Bedfordshire have equal access to opportunities regardless of their socioeconomic background.
I recently asked the Secretary of State what steps the government are taking to make this a reality. Watch below!
Joining Christmas festivities across Luton South and South Bedfordshire
I very much enjoyed celebrating the festive season by joining Christmas events across Luton South and South Bedfordshire this month.
It was great to join Councillor Charmaine Isles at the Community Christmas Celebration at Central Baptist Church and enjoy the lovely Vauxhall Luton Male Voice Choir Christmas Concert.
I hope all those who celebrated Christmas across Luton South and South Bedfordshire enjoyed a restful and happy festive period.
Child Poverty Strategy
This month, the government unveiled its Child Poverty Strategy. This new approach will take the bold steps needed to tackle the scourge of child poverty and truly invest in our country’s future by setting the next generation up for success.
These measures will make a real difference to families here in Luton South and South Bedfordshire- removing the two-child benefit cap, rolling out free breakfast clubs, making infant formula more affordable, upping the funded childcare offer to 30 hours, driving down the cost of living, and much more. These policies are set to lift 550,000 children out of poverty.
Supporting jobs in the UK recycling industry
I recently met with Ball Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of sustainable aluminium packaging, which has its headquarters here in Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
Following our discussion, I asked the Minister what steps her department is taking to improve the recycling of prime aluminium in the form of cans to help support jobs in the UK circular economy.
It is always brilliant to meet with businesses from across Luton South and South Bedfordshire, and I will continue to champion their work and fight for their interests in Parliament.
Regional investment through the Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor
I welcome the government’s commitment to the Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor, and the vital investment, jobs, and training opportunities it will bring to our region, including in Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
I recently spoke in a Westminster Hall Debate to highlight the positive impact the government’s significant investment will bring to our region, with London Luton Airport sitting at its heart.
National Youth Strategy
I was glad to celebrate the government’s landmark Youth Strategy in Parliament alongside Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy MP and Youth Minister Stephanie Peacock MP.
Informed by 14,000 young voices who fed into the survey, it will deliver mental health support in schools, funding for new Youth Centres, and high-quality youth work and activities through £60 million investment.
I also welcome the government’s additional £820 million investment in the Youth Guarantee, providing 350,000 new training or workplace opportunities for young people on Universal Credit, more Youth Hubs across the country and dedicated support sessions to help young people get back on track.
After years of championing better investment and funding for our youth services, these measures will be vital in making sure young people in Luton South and South Bedfordshire can access services they need to reach their full potential.
Love Luton Luton’s Best Awards
Such a lovely evening celebrating local community champions at the Love Luton Luton’s Best Awards!
Huge congratulations to all the worthy winners from across our town, and especially great to see Rebecca Bunting and Roy Greening get special recognition upon their retirement!
It’s always lovely to see our community come together to recognise those who give so much to make our town a better place for all who live in it. Very pleased to also raise money for the British Heart Foundation and a big thank you to all the sponsoring organisations!
Railways Bill
I was proud to vote in support of the government’s Railways Bill. This is the next step in building a simpler, more unified railway that puts passengers at its centre.
The new Great British Railways will deliver safe, reliable and better value journeys for all through the introduction of a Passenger Watchdog, 21st century ticketing system, improved accessibility, and streamlined system to bring services together.
I welcome the positive impact this will have on so many commuters and rail passengers in Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
Homelessness Strategy
The government recently unveiled it’s Homelessness Strategy, investing £3.5 billion over the next 3 years to ensure action is taken towards ending homelessness and rough sleeping. This includes £85 million in our region.
As part of the strategy, the government are aiming to deliver three key pledges by the end of this Parliament: halving rough sleeping, banning the use of B&Bs for families, and preventing more households from losing their home in the first place through a collaborative approach between public bodies.