Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights in Britain, and to Hindu, Sikh, Jain and some Buddhist communities all over the world. 

Diwali is a multi-faith festival spread over five days and is celebrated differently by different faiths.

In Hindu mythology, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana

On Tuesday 29 October 2024, the Great British Energy Bill had its third reading. The Bill will enable the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to create a company called Great British Energy and make it a legal entity. GB Energy will operate independently but will be fully owned by the Government.

On 29 October 2024 I chaired the debate held in Westminster Hall from 2.30-3.30pm. The motion, moved by Bambos Charalambous MP was 'That this House has considered imprisonment for public protection sentences', and was responded to by the minister, Sir Nic Dakin.

This is my statement on the death of Rhiannon Whyte at Bescot Stadium Station:

“I am shocked and saddened at the death of Rhiannon and heartbroken for her family and friends.  Rhiannon was a young woman committed to helping others and her loss will be deeply felt.

I want to thank the Walsall police and transport police

On 22 October 2024 I chaired the first meeting of the Cross-Party Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood, with the topic being 'The Children's Wellbeing Bill'.

We heard from  Dr Kristy Howells from Cantebury Christ Church University, Professor Kamaldeep Bhui from the University of Oxford, and Professor Paul Gately from UCEN Manchester and MoreLifeUK.

There are

On Tuesday 22 October 2024 I chaired the Westminster Hall debates on "Support for pubs and the hospitality sector", introduced by Mr Peter Bedford MP.  The Minister Gareth Thomas Business and Trade responded on behalf of the Government. 

The second debate was on "the Development of renewable energy in Cornwall" and was  introduced by Jayne Kirkham

 The NATO Parliamentary Assembly Committees on Democracy and Security and the Political Committee of which I am a member, held a Joint visit to Athens and Chania, Crete. the visit took place from Sunday 13 October to 16 October 2024. We visited Athens and at meetings in the Hellenic Parliament we heard from the Ministers of

It was good to visit the Greenacres Community Gardens on Friday 11 October 2024. I met Paul Mason who runs the Centre and is the driving force. 

The project started in 2012 and was initially funded by Social care and Inclusion. This allowed Paul to refurbish the Centre and gardens. The funding was withdrawn in 2018