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Keep updated on the latest news, campaigns and my work on behalf of voters in the local area.
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Today in Westminster Hall, I held a debate on the 'Green Book' which determines how the Government invests in growth across the country. I argued that the existing rules prioritise cities and already wealthy areas instead of small towns, coastal communities and rural locations.
The Green Book is now up for review, and we must grasp this opportunity to ensure that the interests of places like Whitworth, Bacup, Rawtenstall and Darwen are taken into account in every investment strategy and decision process.
You can watch a short clip I have uploaded here, or view the whole debate via the link below:
parliamentlive.tv/event/index/ad6b388e-7a9c-4d8b-803a-d588fbbe4d91?in=11:01:43 ... See MoreSee Less
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From September, eligible working parents can get up to 30 hours childcare for children aged 9 months until they start school.
Our Labour Government is delivering on the promise to give every child the best start in life and make childcare more affordable for parents. This final milestone in our expansion of childcare support means parents could be saving up to £7500 per year.
This is just part of our Plan for Change ensuring tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn.
Visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ to find out more and apply today. ... See MoreSee Less
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If you are returning to work following maternity leave do check out the return to work date part of the eligibility criteria. This is not the same thing as the age of the child. I feel it's very clear on the government website but not common knowledge yet xx
I am deeply saddened by the death of Councillor Mike Royds, a man who always put the interests of Whitworth first.
I extend sincere condolences to all who are feeling his absence today. ... See MoreSee Less
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We have many innovative businesses in Rossendale and Darwen, and Rawtenstall based Envirovue is a great example of this.
Envirovue is a technology company that helps large manufacturers and utilities to reduce waste management costs.
Judging by their list of customers, they clearly do an excellent job.
Since starting up just a few years ago they now employ over 20 people and are still recruiting. As a company they are ambitious for the future with some great ideas and I look forward to working with them. ... See MoreSee Less
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It's taken long enough to use industrial waste land in the area . Its nice to see more small industrial units being built this should have been done years ago with the old mills converted into small units . Large industrial manufacturing has all but gone in the area . Bury council has numerous low cost rental units for start ups . We need more of this to increase employment in the area .
Did you explain to them that any non-British employees they have, have done "incalculable damage to the UK"? www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2025/may/12/immigration-keir-starmer-labour-reform-visa-foreign...
I would like to extend a massive thank you to our hard-working candidates and campaigners involved in the recent local elections, and congratulations to all the new and returning Councillors, including Labour's own Councillor Samara Barnes.
Lancashire County Council must now put party politics aside and come together to take swift action on the issues which have been plaguing Lancashire for too long.
Road safety - Speeding and dangerous driving is endemic in Rossendale. The new County Council must abandon the previous Council's approach in which action would only be taken once deaths or serious injuries have occurred. Instead, they must adopt a modern risk-based approach, taking measures to protect road users - particularly children - before people get hurt.
Roadworks - Poorly planned and overrunning roadworks cause massive disruption in Rossendale. Since getting elected I have been calling for Lancashire County Council to adopt measures to address this, including schemes to charge utility companies for the time they occupy the road. The previous council refused to bring in these schemes and so I’m calling on the new council to work with me to free up our roads.
Potholes - The Government has given the County Council a lot of money to address the appalling state of our roads. We now need to see action with key roads in Rossendale being prioritised, with proper repairs being done rather than just patching.
SEND provision - The state of SEND provision across Lancashire is appalling and this is a situation which currently only Lancashire County Council has the power to act upon. We need to see parents’ concerns being properly addressed, and a commitment to increasing the number of special schools to take pressure off mainstream schools.
Waste Transfer - The previous County Council leadership forced Rossendale Council (and other borough councils) into looking to build their own waste transfer station. This demonstrates a fundamental problem with our current two-tier council structure and ultimately wastes taxpayers' money. I am calling on the new County Council to revisit the county waste strategy and work with borough councils to design a true value for money approach.
Devolution - This is a massive opportunity for Lancashire. With a mayor and devolved budget, we can make our decisions locally, focus investment where it is needed and start to catch up with the likes of Manchester. We must also have a local Government structure that spends money more efficiently and genuinely listens to people. That means getting rid of the wasteful two-tier structure, in which 80% of our council tax goes to Preston, and replacing Lancashire County Council and Rossendale Borough Council with a simpler and more responsive East Lancashire body. If the new councillors genuinely believe in accountability, local decision making and efficient councils they must not stand in the way of this.
I call upon councillors, regardless of political affiliation, to work together with my office in order to deliver the changes we need for Lancashire. ... See MoreSee Less
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My Week in Westminster
I came down to Westminster on Tuesday morning and started the day by attending a meeting of the All-Party Group for Outdoor Education. We had a great discussion about how the Government and schools can educate young people on the great outdoors, equipping them with the confidence and skills to enjoy nature. As a former professional mountaineer, this is an issue close to my heart and one I'm working to see progress in.
After this, I went to the Age UK reception, where I met Nina and Alison from the Blackburn with Darwen Age UK chapter. We talked about the incredible work they do locally, getting people active through their wild swim sessions. I also got to hear about Age UK's campaign on the importance of exercise in helping us all age better.
In the afternoon, I had a call with a constituent to talk through their case and find a solution to their situation.
I started the day on Wednesday by attending a roundtable to discuss how the Government can work to bring living standards up for everyone. This is a central priority for the Government and one I will be working continually on.
After this, I met with the Minister for Primary Care, Stephen Kinnock, and heard about the Government's efforts to restore our NHS. We've already seen significant progress on this locally and nationally, with waiting lists falling for 6 months in a row and over 1500 new GPs recruited already. It was good to hear from the Minister that this progress will be built on in the months to come.
I had two meetings with different organisations in the afternoon. The first was with an organisation working to raise awareness on Sudden Child Death Syndrome. As someone with experience of losing a child, it was good to discuss what we can do to both prevent these deaths and also to support parents in their bereavement.
The second meeting was with Cranstoun, a charity that does a lot of work on addressing anti-social behaviour and supporting young people. We had a conversation about the youth hubs they've launched and the lessons it provides for areas like ours, as well as the Government's plans going forward.
First thing on Thursday morning, I met with the BBC to discuss our joint work to see more sports broadcast for free on the BBC. Currently too many games and sports are hidden behind paywalls. This limits their accessibility. I want to see more sports broadcast for the whole nation to watch.
On Thursday afternoon, I had a second business roundtable in Parliament, meeting with CEOs from the outdoor industry, such as JD Sports, the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, and the producers of the Ordnance Survey Maps. I heard their feedback and suggestions for growing the economy and their businesses. I'll be sending their suggestions directly on to No.10.
Then I headed back home to continue my work within the constituency. ... See MoreSee Less
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Terrific meanwhile in Rawtenstall go to the job centre to get some help with renewing a training qualification. The job centre can't see you for over a week so you have to turn down a job offer. So much for getting the over 50s back to work
Andy MacNae MP I SO enjoy reading your weekly MP report, although I'm no longer in your constituency. Could you encourage more MPs to do this.
All these meetings in London and 1 meeting with a resident of his own constituency Just shows everyone that he don’t care about us just wants to be the big talker Come and speak with real people and not just your buddy Londoner ceo Nothing is changing big speeches and trade deals Going faster makes us go poorer
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I was pleased to attend Age UK's Spring Reception in Parliament earlier this week. With an ageing population, it’s vital we act now to support healthy, active ageing for all.
Their new campaign, Act Now, Age Better, is calling on us all to think about how we can change the way we age, both as individuals and as a society. #ActNowAgeBetter. ... See MoreSee Less
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Thanks so much for joining us at our Spring Parliamentary Reception, Andy - it was a pleasure to have you there!
Today marks 80 years of celebrating VE Day, the day that the Second World War ended in Europe with a victory for the Allies. On this anniversary, we remember the incredible courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom, both on the battlefield and on the home front.
As we gather in remembrance, let us also look to the future with gratitude. The peace secured by the generations before us must never be taken for granted. It is our duty to uphold their memory and the values for which they fought to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Lest we forget. ... See MoreSee Less
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As part of our Labour Government's National Youth Strategy consultation, I recently held Youth Conferences in Darwen and Rossendale. All schools with pupils aged 11-18 were invited to send representatives. It was great to hear from young people and get their input into what matters to them. It's inspiring to meet so many students who are passionately engaged with thinking about not only their own lives and circumstances but also society as a whole.
Many thanks to Darwen Vale High School and the Horse and Bamboo for hosting.
Thank you to students and teachers from Darwen Vale High School, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio and Crosshill School for attending the conference in Darwen.
Thank you also to students and teachers from Whitworth High School, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, Valley Leadership Academy and Rossendale School for attending the conference in Rossendale. ... See MoreSee Less
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