Catch Up: Parliament
I was pleased to meet with my constituent Katy during the Cost-of-Living Day of Action. I have been working with Katy since first meeting her and her husband, Mark, during the 2017 General Election campaign.
Katy and other campaigners highlighted the catastrophic impact that rising living costs continue to have on carers, many of whom are already under immense financial and emotional pressure while providing vital support to loved ones.
It was valuable to hear firsthand about the continued pressures that rising costs are placing on households, particularly for those balancing work, caring responsibilities and day-to-day expenses.
These conversations are an important reminder that supporting people with the cost of living must remain a priority. I will continue to press the Government to do more to support carers and struggling households, ensuring that those who give so much to others are not left behind.
I was pleased to sponsor and host LGB Alliance's Risky Business event in Parliament. An evening bringing together business leaders, academics and campaigners for a thoughtful discussion on workplace fairness, inclusion and the impact of gender identity policies on organisational culture and performance.
It was encouraging to see such strong engagement on an issue that many people feel is difficult to discuss openly. I was delighted to welcome Kate Barker, CEO of LGB Alliance, alongside Simon Fanshawe, Audrey Ludwig MBE and Joe Cawley, whose expertise and experience helped drive a constructive and informed conversation.
Events like this are an important opportunity to hear different perspectives and explore how workplaces can balance dignity, fairness and opportunity for everyone.
Hospitality is the engine room of our economy.
It is the industry that many people credit with giving them their first job. It provides the backdrop to life's biggest moments, from birthdays and anniversaries to weddings and celebrations. Beyond that, hospitality businesses are the backbone of local economies and often the heartbeat of our communities.
During my hospitality roundtable last week, I had the opportunity to meet business owners from my constituency and across the UK, including representatives from Manchester, Bournemouth, Southampton, Warwick and Canterbury.
Despite operating in different parts of the country, they all shared the same story: a passion for their businesses, pride in their industry but a deep concern about the financial pressures they face.
These are the people with the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial drive to create opportunities for young people and help revitalise our high streets. Yet too many are being forced to focus on survival rather than growth.
These businesses deserve a fair tax system that allows them to grow, create jobs, invest in their communities and continue contributing to the local economies that rely on them!
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