June has been another busy month across Luton South and South Bedfordshire and representing our area in Parliament.
I hope everyone has been keeping safe in the extreme heat we’ve seen and is enjoying watching our England team in the World Cup!
Read on to see what I’ve been up to and sign up for my weekly updates here to stay even more in the loop.
Train crash near Bedford
My thoughts are with all those affected by the terrible crash between two EMR trains near Bedford. Thank you to the emergency services who responded at the scene, NHS workers who have treated those with injuries, and everyone who worked on the recovery operation to get the line back up and running.
I was very glad to have the Prime Minister join me in recognising their swift, professional, compassionate response. It was public service at its very best.
As Chair of the ASLEF parliamentary group, I also shared my solidarity and thoughts with the family, friends, and colleagues of Shaun Burton- the train driver who was tragically killed in the crash.
Pavement parking update!
Did you sign my pavement parking petition? Hundreds of constituents across Luton South and South Bedfordshire did, so I’m pleased to share an update with you!
I met Cllr Javeria Hussain, Portfolio Holder for Public Realm and Sustainable Transport at Luton Council, in Dallow to check out a pavement parking hotspot you reported to me and ask how the Council will tackle the problem.
I also raised pavement parking in Parliament recently to highlight the strength of feeling in Luton around this issue and ask for an update on when new enforcement powers introduced by the Government will become available.
I will continue to raise this matter and welcome new Leader of Luton Council Tahmina Saleem’s commitment to tackling it, making our streets safer for everyone.
Disorder in Belfast
The recent attack in Belfast was horrific, and the violence we saw in response was absolutely appalling.
I understand that many people in our community have been deeply concerned by what appeared to be racially motivated attacks, so following a statement in Parliament I sought reassurance from the Minister that the Government is committed to standing against such extremism and violence.
I welcome his measured response and the Government’s ongoing work to support those who make our communities safe, tolerant, and united.
Communications blackout in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
A number of constituents have been in touch with my office to share their concerns about the rising tensions and communications blackout in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
I understand the significant concern this has caused, especially for those with strong familial ties to the region and who have been unable to get in touch with loved ones there.
Following this I wrote to the Foreign Secretary to outline these concerns and seek further information about what steps the UK Government is taking to support British nationals and deescalate tensions in the region.
I was also glad to join an urgent meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Kashmir to raise these issues directly with the Minister.
Marking Windrush Day
Lovely to come together at Luton Town Hall ahead of Windrush Day to honour and thank the Windrush generation and their descendants for their contributions to our town.
We heard from speakers including Cllr Jacqui Burnett, vice chair of the African Caribbean Community Development Forum, Soraya and Tamar, co-chairs of United Luton Caribbean & African Committee , Prof Gurch Randawha, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, and Dr Tré Ventour-Griffiths – reflecting on the influence of the Windrush generation in our communities and the importance of keeping their stories and traditions alive. Pastor Vincent Vox from New Testament Church of God also led us in prayer and for a reflective two minutes’ silence.
Brilliant performances by Forever James, Steel Pan in Motion, and Hillborough Junior School Choir, as well as powerful poetry by Nashon Forbes.
Such a great representation of our town of many voices coming together to celebrate a community that’s been so influential in our history and continues to shape us to this day.
Expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank
A number of constituents across Luton South and South Bedfordshire have been in touch to share their concerns with me about horrific settler violence against Palestinians and the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank.
I welcomed the Foreign Secretary’s recent statement in Parliament, which outlined action the Government is taking including a fourth package of sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers.
Although, I know that many of my constituents would want to see an outright ban on trade with illegal settlements, so I will continue to follow updates on this closely and support the Government’s ongoing work towards a two-state solution and lasting peace.
Visiting Hart Hill Nursery School
Lovely to visit Hart Hill Nursery School to discuss how they are using new funding allocated by the Government to extend their nursery provision.
It was brilliant to see the impact of these policies up close, meaning more families in our area can access early years childcare close to home and use the Government’s extended free 30 hours.
Recently we also got the good news that the Government is introducing early years teacher bonuses to 10 areas across the UK, and Luton is one of them! These bonuses will help to attract and retain the best staff in our nurseries, meaning families benefit from local, affordable, high-quality childcare.
Find out what childcare support you’re entitled to here.
Armed Forces Week
In June we marked Armed Forces Week, an opportunity to recognise and thank all those in our Armed Forces Community, including serving personnel, reservists, cadets, veterans, and their families, for their sacrifice and brave service for our country.
I was very glad to join Luton Council this week for Luton’s first ever Armed Forces Day event to pay my respects to our armed forces personnel and veterans. We were joined by several charities who offer vital support to veterans, including from RV Point, based at Luton’s Royal British Legion, SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity, and Brother2Brother based in Slip End.
For all those keeping us safe at home and strong abroad – we thank you for your service.
Find out more about how the Government has been standing with our Armed Forces in my latest column for Luton News here.
Community Thank Yous!
During Small Charities Week, it was lovely to visit The Heathfield Centre in Caddington, a brilliant charity run by local volunteers.
I visited the men’s group which takes place every Thursday from 10am-2pm and had great fun taking part in the quiz, speaking to some of the men that come along weekly about what they do and the other community groups they run within the centre, including the Caddington Community Shed.
I was delighted to present John with a Community Thank You card for all the great work he does running the centre and supporting the brilliant activities they put on for local residents.
I also presented Sharon, Jane, and Wendy with a Community Thank You card to recognise the brilliant work they do running Caddington Care, also based in the Heathfield Centre. By organising coffee mornings, day trips, and the good neighbour scheme – which offers lifts, shopping or prescription collections, and more – they make sure everyone in the Caddington community is taken care of.
They are looking for new volunteers! Find out more here.
If you know anyone that does something (big or small) to make our community in Luton South and South Bedfordshire a better place, nominate them for a Community Thank You!
Universal United Kingdom in Bedford
Exciting news this month with the name of the new Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedford revealed!
But importantly alongside it the announcement of £1.3 billion of government support to improve nearby transport and infrastructure. A landmark project which will create over 28,000 jobs and boost economic growth for our area.
I will continue to push for good jobs, apprenticeships, and opportunities for people from Luton South and South Bedfordshire throughout ongoing discussions on the project and can’t wait to see its positive impact for our wider region!
Recognising Luton Council’s Children’s Services in Parliament
Following a recent statement on reform to children’s social care, I was glad to have the Minister join me in congratulating Luton Council’s Children’s Services on its recent ‘Good’ rating- a huge step up over the last few years!
Especially pleased to thank Deputy Leader of Luton Council Cllr Umme Ali for the way she has led the charge in bringing about this change.
I warmly welcome the announcement of the new Enduring Relationships Strategy which aims to set care-experienced young people up with closer communities and for better futures.
TurkFest 2026!
I had a wonderful time at TurkFest 2026! A very warm welcome from all the team from the Luton Turkish Education & Culture Trust who continue to make the festival bigger and better each year! Music, arts and food all forming part of a special day.
An honour for both the Ambassador and First Consul General from the Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye to join us, and to discuss the close ties between our two countries, including growing trade.
We all enjoyed visiting the stalls, including all the different food options available – although I will definitely leave the kebab cutting to the professionals!
Many speeches in support of our Luton Turkish community and our emphasis on our town’s inclusivity and cohesion, which is strengthened by celebrating all our different cultures and heritage.
Raising health outcomes across the UK in Parliament
I know that many people here in Luton South and South Bedfordshire have close family ties to Northern Ireland and will be interested in health outcomes there as well as here at home.
So I asked the Minister how the Government is ensuring all parts of the UK work collaboratively and learn from each other in terms of health policy to maximise positive patient outcomes everywhere.
Watch below.
60th anniversary of Luton, South Bedfordshire & Harpenden Samaritans
During Volunteers Week it was a real pleasure to join our local Luton, South Bedfordshire & Harpenden Samaritans branch of volunteers as they celebrated their diamond anniversary of 60 years of listening.
I presented branch Director Zac with one of my Community Thank You cards for all the volunteers who give their time to help others by simply listening.
It was heartwarming to chat with many of the volunteers, some of whom had been a listener for over 50 years. We also talked about how volunteers from the branch had taken part in Luton Carnival numerous times and on many occasions had won prizes for their costumes and floats.
Samaritans are there for anyone struggling to cope – day or night, 365 days a year. They take action to prevent people reaching crisis point, helping people find ways to cope. Whatever your situation, if things aren’t okay for you, then do phone on 116 123.
Find out more about volunteering or donating here: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/luton/
Visit to Luton’s Primark store
It was great to visit Luton’s Primark store, which this month marked it’s 20th anniversary in the town!
I met with area manager Wayne and deputy store manager Tina, as well as the rest of the staff. We had a productive discussion around the work the government is doing to crack down on retail crime and the work being done by Bedfordshire Police in the town centre to deter this activity.
It was also great to hear from staff about how the company works with them to upskill, supporting them through apprenticeships or achieving further qualifications, and ensures fair working practices across stores.
Online misinformation
Every day, there is a tidal wave of misinformation, lies and fake images spread online, much of which is designed to attack President Zelensky and undermine the Ukrainian war effort.
I raised this in Parliament and was glad to have the Minister agree with me that fighting the sources of this information warfare is vital for the protection of the Ukrainian people.
I’m proud that the Government will continue to expose and take down disinformation from the Kremlin, and stand up for the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression.
New Town Community Festival!
It was sunshine and showers at the first ever New Town Community Festival, officially opened by the Luton Town legend Mick Harford!
Great to see such a brilliant array of community stalls, children’s activities and musical performances coming together – all through the fantastic work of all the volunteers, including Emma from the Sugar Loaf.
Local community festivals are a fantastic way of bringing people together and strengthening community ties. It was great to see local organisations getting involved from Tennyson Road Primary School to NTCG Luton, Stockwood Park RFC and TACO Cat Rescue.
Always a pleasure to catch up with Sarah from the Fiddles, Flutes ‘n’ Cowboy Boots gang! Don’t forget to grab your tickets for another fab community-led festival on the 4th July here: https://ffcbfestival.com/tickets
