Welcome to my September update! This month has certainly been a busy one, with a mix of time spent in Parliament, around Luton South and South Bedfordshire, and at Labour Party Conference.
Read on to see what I’ve been up to and hear about some important announcements for our area. Stay even more up to date by following me on social media at Rachel Hopkins MP on Facebook and @rachelhopkinsmp on Instagram!
Government action against illegal settlements in the West Bank
In a statement to Parliament recently, I was very pleased to see the Foreign Secretary outline the government’s new approach to illegal settlements in the West Bank under Prime Minister Andy Burnham and announce strong actions, including:
- Concluding that Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful, in line with the finding of the International Court of Justice, and that ethnic cleansing is taking place in areas of the West Bank.
- Banning trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements.
- Going after individuals and companies that provide services to support, facilitate or profit from illegal settlement activity.
- Banning advertising or promotion of land and property in illegal settlements.
- Strengthening our existing global human rights sanctions regime to go after those who defy international humanitarian law in Palestine, and around the world too.
- Using our existing global human rights regime to sanction several extremist settlers who have supported or incited acts of violence against Palestinian communities.
The only route to security in the region is a safe and secure Israel alongside a safe and secure Palestinian state, offering freedom and self-determination for both peoples. That has long been the North Star of the government’s policy in the region.
I was proud to support the decision taken last year under this commitment to formally recognise the State of Palestine, and I am pleased to support new action taken this week to stand up for our values and work further toward this end.
Read the Foreign Secretary’s full statement here.
Welcoming the Policing Minister to Luton
When the government announced its new knife crime strategy, I invited Policing Minister Sarah Jones to Luton to see the brilliant work the Youth Partnership Service does to support young people across our town and prevent serious youth violence.
Together we met with members of the service, alongside youth councillors and representatives from Bedfordshire Police and Luton Council, to hear firsthand about the positive impact the Youth Partnership Service has.
Knife crime has already reduced by 11% under this government, and its knife crime strategy is aiming to halve it over the next decade. Find out about new measures coming to Luton town centre to support this here: https://rachelhopkins.org/2026/09/21/action-to-prevent-knife-crime-in-luton/
Hope Again
At Labour Party Conference, our Prime Minister Andy Burnham set out his vision for our country- building a Britain which backs working people, unlocking growth in every postcode, and giving people hope again.
Andy isn’t shying away from the tough issues, he’s tackling them head on.
That’s how we’ll bring growth to every person in every place, and bring back hope again.
An update on my work in Parliament
At the start of September MPs returned to Parliament again after a sunny summer recess. Things are looking a little different for me this time, though, as I was recently appointed to the Government Whips Office by our new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The job of the Whips is to organise parliamentary business, link MPs to the Government, and make sure everyone’s concerns are heard. This means I have some new responsibilities in Parliament, but my commitment to you in Luton South and South Bedfordshire has not changed.
I will continue to listen to your views and concerns, deal with personal casework issues for constituents, and work alongside local and national bodies to get the best for our area.
My new role means I can’t speak in the House of Commons Chamber, but I’ll still be working in Parliament to represent our area and support the Government’s work.
Pride in Place Update!
I’m glad to share the great news that the Central Luton Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board has now formed and we recently held our first meeting.
Led by Independent Chair Dr Nina Pearson, the board is formed of local people who live, work, or volunteer in the Central Luton area, as well as me as your MP and two local councillors.
It will be a voice for the community to help decide how to spend £20 million long-term investment in the Central Luton area.
The board can’t wait to get started and will soon be asking what you think the money should be spent on!
Find out more here.
Desi Fest 2026
Another fabulous year of Desi Fest at Wardown Park, with our town coming together as one to celebrate our South Asian community’s heritage and rich contributions to Luton’s story.
Together with local residents, community organisations, religious leaders, and Labour Councillors I enjoyed the music, dancing, art, and delicious food.
Lovely to also see the fascinating Luton Time Machine community-led project celebrating our history and Luton’s big 150th birthday this year, showcasing work from Luton Heritage Forum, artist Shemiza Rashid, and more.
Importantly, I was glad to join the United Steps for Peace walk, pledging our joint commitment to peace, unity, and community cohesion.
Luton Airport Roundtable
This month I was pleased to chair another roundtable with Luton Rising – the company which owns Luton Airport for community benefit and directs investment from its success straight into local projects, frontline services, and growing our regional economy.
This brought together voluntary and community organisations, business, and council partners to discuss how we can maximise the positive community impact and social value from the airport’s upcoming growth.
This major infrastructure project, alongside the development of Universal’s new UK Resort in Bedford, The Stage and Power Court in Luton town centre, East West Rail, and more, are bringing so many brilliant opportunities to our region.
As your MP, it’s my mission to make sure local people, especially the next generation, benefit from this economic growth, both in terms of new good, skilled jobs these projects are bringing our way, as well as the additional benefits through social investment. Very glad to be part of this series of roundtables, which has been dedicated to working together to achieve exactly that.
CYCD Peace Walk
Pleased to join in the Peace Walk organised by CYCD to stand against knife crime and youth violence.
Walking from CYCD to Kingsway Park, young and old, in unity, we shared our commitment to taking action to build a safer community.
A number of speeches set out that all of us have a role to play, from individuals to families, to schools, to community organisations and public services, to ensure that there are safe and secure places for young people to go and positive activities to do so that they are not drawn into negativity or exploited.
Fireworks Update
I recently met with Kate Dearden MP, the Minister responsible for fireworks regulation, to share your concerns about the unsafe and antisocial use of fireworks in our constituency.
It’s clear something needs to change.
So I’m glad the government is running a consultation on proposed changes to fireworks regulation, including reducing the noise level of fireworks available for sale to the public and banning products that pose an unacceptable risk.
They want to hear from you. Have your say here.
Celebrating 60 years of Luton Sixth Form College!
We had a wonderful time this month celebrating 60 years of Luton Sixth Form College!
Lovely to come together with the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Sarah Owen MP, current and former staff, as well as many other fellow Alumni who passed through the halls over the years! We also enjoyed some fab performances from some of the College’s drama students.
As the first sixth form college in the country, LSFC has an amazing legacy of teaching, creating opportunities, and shaping the lives of our town’s young people.
I look forward to seeing it continue that great work for many years to come!
Let’s Not Forget: A Walk in the Past
Delighted to join the launch of ‘Let’s Not Forget: A Walk in the Past’ – a new project developed by Mary Seacole Housing Association in partnership with Revoluton Arts, Three Counties Media, The University of Bedfordshire, National Lottery Heritage Fund, and residents, to bring our local history to life.
The experience really is one-of-a-kind. The trail begins in Brantwood Park and explores key spots in Dallow’s history, bringing together fantastic artwork, augmented reality, AI, and digital storytelling to allow people to experience and interact with our history for themselves.
Make sure to check out the heritage trail for yourself!
Visiting the National College for Logistics
I enjoyed visiting the National College for Logistics this month in nearby Leighton Buzzard!
I got a very interesting tour of the new facilities, learned lots about the huge range of careers in logistics, and discussed the College’s key role within exciting infrastructure developments across our region including the growth of Luton Airport and new Universal UK Resort in Bedford.
One of my top priorities as your MP is securing the best education and employment opportunities for our young people. So it’s great to see the College creating these through a range of courses for all ages and levels, as well as strong ties to local employers.
Local win!
During a recent doorstep surgery, residents in a block of flats told me their lift had been broken for several months.
They highlighted that it was causing significant issues for residents, especially those with disabilities and young children.
My office contacted the housing association to urgently escalate this, and I am pleased that it was promptly fixed.
If you have an issue my office could assist with, get in touch by emailing [email protected]
Lighting up the white lion!
It was wonderful to see our white lion lit up on Wednesday in celebration of 200 years of ZSL!
It will be shining on the hillside by Whipsnade Zoo every Wednesday at dusk from now until the end of the year for Wildlife Wednesdays- highlighting the zoo’s brilliant conservation work to protect our native Bedfordshire wildlife!
Make sure you check it out, and head to the Ivinghoe Beacon lookout point for the best view!
Grow your potential
This month I visited Grow Your Potential, an alternative education provision in Luton, alongside Sarah Owen MP to see their facilities, speak to students, and hear about the opportunities on offer.
Having places like Grow Your Potential in our town is so important to ensure that every young person, no matter their past, can explore different pathways and access opportunities for their future.
I was especially glad to see the carpentry room, delivered with the help of new government funding, which is already giving students more chances to develop their skills, grow their confidence, and explore options for future careers.
Employment rights win
Until now, there hasn’t been a legally protected right to bereavement leave for UK employees after the passing of an immediate family member or experiencing pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
Now the government is changing that.
Every employee will have the right to two weeks of bereavement leave from April 2027. Because nobody should have to fight for the time to grieve.
Find out more here.