Barry Sheerman

Category: Uncategorised

• The Energy Crisis

  Posted at 11:02 am by joshnicholson98, on Aug 11, 2022

  Over the last few weeks, I have read many emails from constituents regarding the current energy price crisis, and I would like you to know that I share your deep concerns. Families across the country are facing a catastrophic rise in energy bills and the Tories are missing in action. They are too busy focusing on an ugly leadership race between two candidates with no plan to deal with the rising cost of bills. With news that energy prices are expected to hit £4,200 in January, people in Huddersfield are rightly concerned.

  The Government needs to provide more immediate support, and a detailed plan to insulate homes and roll out renewables to cut bills for good. This will involve a new emergency budget that puts the well-being and financial health of working people first, above the soaring profits of the energy sector. Labour was the first to call for a windfall tax, and this now must be expanded so we can reclaim more money back from the increased profits of energy companies. It is not fair that while the oil and gas sector makes millions in profit from rising prices, families have to ration basic necessities. Labour is the only party that can tackle the crisis and deliver the stronger economy working people so desperately need.

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• The Parliamentary Recess

  Posted at 3:49 pm by joshnicholson98, on Aug 1, 2022

  As Parliament goes into its Summer Recess, MPs have all returned home to their constituencies. This is the longest recess of the year, stretching from the 22^nd July to the 5^th September. Throughout this period, my office and I will continue to be working and available for any issues.

  The news item on everybody’s agenda this month has been Boris Johnson’s resignation, and the depressing leadership race we are all witnessing. Both Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak have attempted to pretend that the current state of the country after 12 years of Tory government is nothing to do with them. But both have been reliable stooges of the Johnson administration, voting for every one of the Tories’ 15 tax hikes on businesses and people and reliably parroting Boris Johnson’s lies and distortions until the bitter end.

  More than ever, it is clear that Britain needs a Labour Government, with Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Labour is the only party offering a credible plan for the economy and cost-of-living crisis. As part of Labour’s plan to reboot growth, a Labour government will establish an Industrial Strategy Council — on a statutory footing. Labour growth and Tory stagnation. That will be the choice at the next election, and we all need to be ready. Ready to renew the contract with working people. Ready to reboot our economy and end the cost-of living crisis. Ready to unlock the contribution of every business, every person, and every community.

  This month I was pleased to secure a Westminster Hall debate on the size of the army. Throughout my time in Parliament, I have always been devoted to evidence-based policy. The evidence from the Defence Select Committee is clear. We are in danger of having an army that is obsolete and outgunned. The Government insists on cutting our current capabilities without procuring replacements. This is a worrying approach with a poor likely outcomes. You can watch my full speech here. As always, MPs from all parties continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine as they continue to fight against Russian aggression. It is important that we don’t let fatigue distract us from our commitment to supply Ukraine with the aid they need to defend democracy and freedom in Europe.

  It was also a pleasure to welcome Revd. Canon Rachel Firth and Revd. Amanda Ogilvie-Berry from Huddersfield Parish Church to Parliament this month. It was brilliant to hear about the work that the Parish Church is doing to serve our community. I’m always pleased to meet with the variety of faith groups in our town.

  Furthermore, it was fantastic to hear about the great work that Home-Start Kirklees are doing to support families and young children in Huddersfield. It was a privilege to open up their new Bates Mill office this month.

  As many of you will know, I am a passionate campaigner for clean air and chair the Westminster Commission for Road and Air Quality. This month I have been wearing an air quality monitor around Parliament to record the levels of pollution MPs and their staff are working in. The results are dire. Air quality is often way above WHO recommendations, and this is not just an issue for those in Parliament. In Huddersfield, air quality is often at harmful levels, and I want to see much more sustained action to reduce pollution. In September, I will be presenting a Private Members Bill that would require emissions testing for DPF filters in diesel cars. This Bill would have a huge impact on reducing levels of harmful particulates in urban areas.

  As I write this report, it was only last week that the country was roasting in a record-breaking heatwave. This extreme weather should be a wakeup call to all policymakers to get a grip on the climate crisis. You can read more of my thoughts on this here, in a blogpost for Sustainable Huddersfield. The extreme weather, combined with the recent High Court ruling that the Government’s Net-Zero Strategy was unlawful has prompted many to discuss what actions need to be taken. I told the Secretary of State that we need to intervene now to bring forward our Net-Zero target and put in place a detailed and comprehensive plan of how we plan to do so. You can watch my question here. Climate change remains the defining issue and challenge of our times.

  As always, please provide me with your thoughts, views and concerns. You can reach me at barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk.

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• Home-Start Kirklees

  Posted at 4:15 pm by barrysheerman, on Jul 18, 2022

  

  Last Friday, I had the privilege of cutting the ribbon to open up Home-Start Kirklees’ new office located in Bates Mill just outside the town centre. It was a lively event, with great attendees. It is always a pleasure to work with local organisations such as Home-Start Kirklees, who do great work in our community. I want to say thank you to everyone who was able to come along, and to all the volunteers and staff at Home-Start Kirklees, who were fabulous hosts as ever.  

  For those who have not heard of Home-Start Kirklees. They are a local community network of trained volunteers, that provide expert support to families with children under five. When I was Chair of the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee, I consistently saw evidence that providing children the best possible start in life pays dividends for their future development and that is what Home-Start do. They help families with the stresses of ill health, isolation, insecure housing, financial insecurity and much more. All in the aid of giving every child in Kirklees the chance to have the best possible start in life.  

  Services like Home-Start proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they helped thousands of children and families. Home-Start will continue to support our local community as the cost-of-living crisis impacts all of us in Huddersfield. This will be a tough autumn for many families and we all need to look out for each other.  

  I have always encouraged people to be “nosey neighbours” and what I mean by this is that we should look out for one another and be kind to each other. If a child you know looks like they have gone to bed with no food in their tummy and, later in the year, no heat in their home, let someone know. Let me and my office know and we can contact the family and put them in touch with people, like Home-Start, who can provide the right kind of support. As things get tougher, and household budgets are stretched further and further each month, it is vital that we give expert organisations across Huddersfield, such as Home-Start, the opportunity to be able to help. So please be a nosey neighbour. Look out for your community. We can get through these tough times together.  

  

  If you would like to know more about Home-Start Kirklees and the work that they do, you can do so here. If you would like to donate to Home-Start Kirklees and support the vital work that they do, you can do so here.  

  Thank you.

  Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments | Tagged cost of living, Home-Start, Home-Start Kirklees, Huddersfield, Kirklees, parliament

• A Summer Update

  Posted at 12:55 pm by joshnicholson98, on Jun 29, 2022

  As June draws to a close, the country is once again gripped by industrial action on a scale not seen on the railways for over 30 years. The Conservative Government is paralysed by its own internal division, its only means of survival is to create more discord in society, and then feed off the chaos. This is exactly what we’re witnessing with the rail strikes. The Government refuses to come to the table and broker a solution and then fans the flame of the conflict by laying all blame at the feet of the RMT and Labour. These are the disgraceful tactics of a government out of ideas and out of fuel. Its single mission has become to protect Boris Johnson at all costs. In Parliament, I have been urging all sides to get back around the table and negotiate a solution. The country needs leadership that only Labour can provide.

  The PM not only lacks support from his MPs, but the moral authority demanded by the office. The resignation of the Government’s ethics advisor speaks volumes about the culture and misconduct at the heart of Downing Street. I raised this in the House just a few weeks ago. Whilst there is much to be disheartened about, Labour is providing a strong opposition and is increasingly looking like a government in waiting.

  Earlier this month, we all came together to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Like many, I particularly enjoyed watching the celebrations and joining in with street-parties across Huddersfield. It was a privilege to be able to speak in Parliament on this historic occasion. The Jubilee celebrations demonstrated that we have more in common than what divides us, people from all backgrounds were able to come together and enjoy the weekend as one community. This is in stark contrast to a Tory Government that is sowing the seeds of more division in our society. It’s important that as a local Labour Party, we remember the importance of fraternity and investing in our community ties. On June 16^th we remembered the life of Jo Cox, the former MP for Batley & Spen. Jo’s legacy is one of hope: we are far more united and have far more in common that that which divides us. I remember with pain, but pride, a unique talent, a good friend, neighbour and comrade.

  The international situation in Ukraine is looking increasingly fraught. We are seeing slow, but increasing, Russian gains in the Donbass. We were all horrified by the indiscriminate bombing of a shopping centre in Kremenchuk. At this stage in the conflict, we must resist fatigue and recommit to arming and supplying the Ukrainian people with the military and humanitarian aid they so desperately need. The new head of the Army has warned us all of the threat Russia poses. This is a key reminder for those in Parliament of the imperative to forge an Army capable of defending the UK and our allies. For years, I have been warning successive Governments of the short-sightedness of cuts to our Armed Forces. Earlier this month, I reiterated my concerns about Government cuts.

  As many of you know, I am a passionate campaigner for clean air. It was a pleasure to attend the Parliamentary event for Clean Air Day 2022. Air pollution is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK and its disastrous impact effects families and communities across our urban areas. This Clean Air Day, I reiterated my call for the Government to take decisive action to reduce levels of toxic air pollution by implementing emissions testing for DPF filters.

  As always, please provide me with your thoughts, views and concerns. You can reach me at barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk.

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• An Easter Update

  Posted at 6:17 pm by joshnicholson98, on Apr 13, 2022

  Over the last two weeks, Parliament has paused for the Easter holidays. I thought this would be a good time to update you on some of my recent work. Of course, Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine remains the most substantial, tragic and urgent crisis that we face as a country and as a global community. I continue to be proud of Labour’s response to the crisis and I remain in awe of the courage of President Zelensky and people across Ukraine, from Mariupol to Lviv in their brave resistance to Putin’s illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression. The tactics which we are witnessing being deployed by Putin’s armed forces undeniably amount to war crimes; the indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas, the forced deportation of people into Russia, bombast of military tribunals against civilians, the deliberate limiting of humanitarian corridors and the cutting off of aid. On the 12th of March, I attended a Ukrainian fundraiser at the Sikh Leisure Centre, where we came together as a community to raise money for the people of Ukraine. I have been in contact with many people in relation to the ongoing invasion. Many people have reached out to me and my team seeking support in relation to the Visa scheme, the settlement programme, and other areas. The Government’s response to this crisis has been undoubtedly haphazard and patently unclear and Labour continues to call for an end to overcomplicated bureaucracy. People fleeing warzones do not have the capacity to obtain their utility bills; the Government’s approach lacks common sense, and we will continue to push them on this to improve the quality of provision to Ukrainians fleeing this brutal war. I have also been contacted by those on the ground in Ukraine. One of our residents, Richard Dass, has driven to the country’s eastern regions to provide medical equipment to doctors and healthcare providers on the frontlines. He urgently requires vacuum therapy apparatus for healing bomb-related injuries and cast tape for broken bones. He has established a ‘GoFundMe’ page which I have donated to which sets out his plight. If you know anyone who can spare some money to further this campaign for medical equipment, please do pass on the link below. I have also written to the secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development of Affairs, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Minister of State for Europe and North America. I have also raised Richard’s work to the Leader of the House of Commons on two occasions to ensure that the hospitals gets the equipment they need. He also seeks to assist the evacuation of refugees and house them. I will continue to support Richard however and wherever I can. I am also assisting several constituents who have family members that have sought refuge in neighbouring countries and are in the process of applying to come to the UK. Please see Richard Dass’ fundraising page here and my statement to the Leader of the House, here. The situation in Ukraine is truly dire. Before the recess, I attempted to secure an Urgent Question on the humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol where around 90% of buildings are expected to be either damaged or destroyed as the Russian aggressors continue to commit war crimes against the Ukrainian people. Unfortunately, I wasn’t successful, but you can see my parliamentary comments on the situation in Ukraine to the Government by following the links below. – The Secretary of State for International Trade – The Home Affairs Team – The Leader of the House of Commons Beyond the situation in Ukraine, we face a cost-of-living crisis here at home, which Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement did absolutely nothing to remedy. The Government might well blame the economic outlook entirely on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but the fact is, under the Tories’ watch, cost of living and inflation have been rising for years. It is a symptom of their mismanagement, and it is beyond any doubt at this point, that they cannot be trusted with our economy, the finances of working people and the wellbeing of families across the country. Rishi Sunak has been proven to be, time and again, the most incompetent Chancellor that I can remember who has allowed fraud to go unchecked, cronyism to run rampant and for our national finances to be squandered – all to the detriment of working people, many of whom will be pushed further into financial difficulty and in many cases, poverty. Rachel Reeves, our excellent shadow Chancellor, gave a spirited and meticulous overview of the realities of the Spring Statement and demonstrated how Labour would turn things around for the economy and for working people. For too long, the scales have been tipped against working people who are carrying the burden of our broken national finances whilst oil and gas giants generate ludicrous profits. My other actions in Westminster this past month: In March, we saw the appalling behaviour of P&O Ferries, who sacked 800 workers with no notice. This, in 2022, is a disgrace. The Tories have presided over an erosion of workers’ rights nationwide and have time and again failed to shore up these rights by outlawing, once and for all, the egregious practice of fire and rehire. I spoke in Shadow Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh’s speech on this on Labour’s Opposition Day. I raised in the chamber, to the Leader of the House, the need for an urgent debate on teacher’s pensions. Pensions remain a real issue of concern for so many people across the public sector and it’s about time that the Government got a grip and made right this historic wrong. On numerous occasions, I have raised the issue of the Sub-Postmasters Horizon IT scandal. This is one of the most severe and impactful miscarriages of justice in our country’s history and I am elated that finally, the Government has devised a means to compensate those countless postmasters who had their lives ruined and had to live with the consequences for years and years. You can view these interventions here , here and here . I raised with the Health Secretary the need to assess the quality of management in our health service to ensure a high standard of patient care across the entire country and to make certain hospitals in every part of the United Kingdom deliver for those in need. I urged the Government to invest in Huddersfield to bring about and encourage green start up, green business and to facilitate the obtaining of ‘green skills’ for young people in our vibrant university town. This month, the Government’s Economic Crime Bill passed the Commons. I was of the view, alongside my Labour colleagues, that the Bill should go much further. The Government have dragged their feet on stopping dirty money filtering into our politics and our economy for too long. Putin’s cronies’ ill-gotten gains have been left in the shadows and we must reform Companies House, expand the scope of the Bill to include pre-1999 property purchases and ensure foreign entities notify changes to beneficial ownership within 14 days. You can watch here. I was in the chamber for the ‘unveiling’ of the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ agenda. The Prime Minister’s major domestic agenda is nothing more, like Northern Powerhouse, than pie in the sky which does nothing to correct and reverse the cuts to local services made in the last decade. We would love to level up. But this Government has yet to do anything to meet its own targets. You can review my comments here . Water pollution is a growing challenge in the UK. Not a single river in Britain is clean enough to swim in. This month, I raised with the Defra ministerial team the need to mitigate levels of water pollution in our streams, rivers and canals. As part of my work with the Westminster Autism Commission, I have supported the publishing of its major report on ‘Support Surrounding Diagnosis’ for neurodiverse people. I raised issue of waiting times and the need for greater investment into SEN services to ensure that young people and children get the assessment necessary to see their needs met. I am also campaigning on several issues affecting my constituents, including pressing the Government to maintain people’s access to cash following a continual reduction in the numbers of cash machines in Huddersfield. This is a real problem in some of our outlying villages and communities. Two years ago, the Chancellor told us he would introduce legislation to protect people’s access to cash; it still hasn’t been done. I am also raising with ministers the impact of their welfare policies. In Huddersfield, the benefits cap is affecting 135 families, who are seeing a real-terms loss of over £190 a month. In the wider country, there are 123,000 families affected. The Government must act to prevent further strain being taken up by the poorest families in our constituency. I hope that this has given you small idea of what I’m working on in Parliament. As Parliament returns next week, I look forward to getting back to the work of holding the Government to account and standing up for the people of Huddersfield. If any constituent has any need, please do contact me at barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk.

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• The invasion of Ukraine

  Posted at 11:14 am by thomascritchley, on Mar 17, 2022

   We have all been shocked by the horrific scenes emanating out of Ukraine over the last two weeks. President Putin’s cowardly and illegal war surmounts to war crimes. His attacks against innocent civilians are depraved and we all mourn the loss of life brought about by Putin’s senseless aggression. The images of nurseries and hospitals after being bombed are tragic and deserve the utmost condemnation and urgent diplomatic action.  

  In the face of such evil, I have been overwhelmed by the strength, resolve and bravery of the Ukrainian people. In the fight against tyranny and autocracy they have been unbroken in their desire for freedom, democracy, and self-determination. Standing beside the people of Ukraine is more important now than ever before. I have also been deeply moved by the spirit and love shown across the UK, as communities in Huddersfield and beyond have mobilised to provide aid to those in need in Ukraine. I was proud to attend a fundraiser this weekend in Huddersfield. 

  The hardest possible sanctions must be taken against all those linked to Putin and against the Russian government’s interests, working in a coordinated and unified way with our allies to ensure the Putin regime faces the severest possible consequences. Russia must be cut out of the global economic system. The sanctions package announced by the Government contains measures that are good in principle, but the words must match the reality as we scrutinise the details, and I believe we must go further. There are some glaring omissions in the banking sanctions, and individual asset freeze designations against Putin’s oligarchs are moving too slowly. I believe there is more that can be done on export controls and to strengthen the Economic Crime Bill.  

  This sort of humanitarian crisis has not been seen since the Second World War. Over two million people have fled their homes. The British people have a long and proud history of providing refuge for those fleeing conflict and tyranny. The Kindertransport from 1938-1940 brought thousands of Jewish children to the UK from Nazi Germany, proving refuge and sanctuary. This is a legacy all of us can be proud of. Despite this, the Conservative’s response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis has been chaotic and disorganised. The current system for family visas is far too restrictive and there has been complete confusion with refugees being unable to process their applications in Calais. People need a simple and safe route to sanctuary right now and the UK must play its part. The Labour Party and I are calling for emergency protection visas for those fleeing Ukraine who want to reach the UK. It would lift normal visa conditions, other than biometrics and security checks, which can be done swiftly en-route. This would provide a quick, simple, and safe route for sanctuary for all who need it.  

  We need to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine as a prerogative, medical supplies, sanitary products, and other limited items are in dire shortage. I have made a cash donation to this cause, and I urge people to help in any way they can. 

  The illegal invasion of Ukraine is a global catastrophe. It is an act of unprovoked aggression against a democratic and peaceful nation. The days, weeks and months ahead will be dark, but I firmly believe that the Ukrainian people will live under the light of peace and freedom once again, under their own Government, free from the horrors of war.    

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• An inalienable right to breathe clean air?

  Posted at 11:20 am by thomascritchley, on Feb 17, 2022

  Does each one of us possess an inalienable right to breathe clean air? Or do we settle for a poisonous alternative, an alternative whereby each one of us is subjected to harmful emissions, with devasting implications for our health and wellbeing? This is a question that I have been posing to each one of my colleagues in Parliament over the last few months. 

  As Chair of the Westminster Commission for Road and Air Quality, I was shocked to come across evidence that shows how 36,000 people die each year from causes related to air pollution. It is estimated that those who die prematurely in the UK are losing on average six months of life due to exposure to harmful emissions. In London, the figure is closer to ten-years. What has been the Governments response? The Conservatives have continually voted against implementing stricter air pollution targets that would bring us in line with World Heath Organisation recommendations. Is this just laziness, or is it because the Government know that levels of air pollution would break every legal limit. If we believe that each one of us possesses an inalienable right to breathe clean air, then there is certainly a great distance between our beliefs and the reality we are living in.  

  I certainly believe that each one of us possesses this right and have made it my mission to push for greater action in Parliament. That is why in the last month, I have presented two Bills that would reduce air pollution.  

  1. Air Pollution (Local Authority Audits) Bill 

  This Bill would ensure that local authorities conduct annual audits of air pollution in their local areas. This would ensure that polluters are identified, and actions can be taken to reduce levels of harmful emissions. The Secretary of State would be required to report annually on the result of these audits, meaning MPs could properly scrutinise air pollution levels in the UK. Good policy requires good evidence. This Bill would give us a Domesday Book of air pollution, identifying all the emitters and hotspots, meaning we can make evidence-based decisions to tackle the problem.  

  2. Motor Vehicle Tests (Diesel Particulate Filters) Bill 

  Diesel exhaust is a class 1 carcinogen. This means it’s one of the most dangerous types of particulates emitted into the atmosphere. The World Health Organisation have made clear the dangerous impact on the body, with particulates penetrating deep into the respiratory system. My Bill calls for the Government to update the MOT test to include an efficiency test for DPF filters with an emission limit set at 250,000 particles per cm^3. This would identify dangerous filters and ensure that they are taken off the road and fixed. The policies and frameworks are there, all the Government needs to do is update the law.   

  If you would like to watch the full footage of my speech in the House of Commons, you can do so here.  

  These two Bills could be quick wins for the Government. They’re easy to implement, the frameworks are there, and they would make a huge difference. They are both coming back to Parliament on Friday 18^th March 2022. Let’s see if the Government will do the right thing and back my Bills to ensure the inalienable right to breathe clean air. 

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• Diesel Particulate Filters – My Ten Minute Rule Bill

  Posted at 11:45 am by aaronhorsley, on Feb 9, 2022

  

  On Tuesday I had the privilege of presenting a Ten-Minute Rule Bill to the House of Commons. A Ten-Minute Rule Bill is a way that MPs can argue for a certain law to be made or changed. It’s very rare that MPs get the opportunity to present such a Bill, which means the decision over what issue to focus on is very important. I put a lot of thought into it and decided to present a Bill that would update the MOT test for diesel cars, specifically in the testing of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs).  

  Why have I chosen this issue? Because I believe air pollution is one of the greatest public health crises of our time and that good policy can help to reverse some of its distressing implications. A DPF is a filter that captures and stores exhaust soot to reduce emissions from diesel cars. If the DPF is faulty, a single vehicle can produce the same amount of pollution as a three lane, 360-mile-long traffic jam. That is the distance from Huddersfield to Land’s End. Shocked? So was I.  

  Diesel exhaust is a class 1 carcinogen. This means it’s one of the most dangerous types of particulates emitted into the atmosphere. According to the World Health Organisation, it has a dangerous impact on the body, penetrating deep into the respiratory system, causing lung cancer in humans.  

  Cleaning up our countries air will require a long, focused, and well-resourced campaign with cooperation between central, local, and devolved Governments. Tackling air pollution is no easy fix but despite this, there are some quick wins to score that will have a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing. My Bill is one of those wins.  

  With high-tech testing equipment available at a reasonable cost, now is the time to update the MOT test. Its already being done in the Netherlands, where a DPF efficiency test is being introduced that will identify faulty filters that emit a high level of dangerous particulates. In the UK we’re moving in the right direction, but more must be done. In 2014 and 2018, regulations for DPFs have been updated as we’ve uncovered more about their impact on dangerous emissions. In 2022, its time we act again.  

  My Bill calls for the Government to update the MOT test to include an efficiency test for DPF filters with an emission limit set at 250,000 particles per cm^3. This would identify dangerous filters and ensure that they are taken off the road and fixed. The policies and frameworks are there, all the Government needs to do is update the law.  

  Air pollution is a public health crisis that is causing thousands of lives to end early in the UK with millions more worldwide. It adds billions in costs to the health service and can severely impact people’s wellbeing. On Tuesday I presented my Bill to Parliament to call on MPs to get behind my campaign to clean up our air. I’ve also tabled the following Early Day Motion, calling on MPs to support my Bill. You can read it here. The costs are too great not to act. If my Bill becomes law, we will have made a significant step in protecting everybody’s inalienable right to breathe clean air.   

  If you would like to watch the full footage of my speech in the House of Commons, you can do so here. 

  Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments | Tagged Air Quality, clean air, climate crisis, Huddersfield, parliament, Road, WCRAQ, westminster commission

• ‘Levelling up’ must be sustainable

  Posted at 2:00 pm by thomascritchley, on Jan 17, 2022

  What is levelling up? Like many, this is a question I’ve pondered over the last two years since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister. With Michael Gove promising to finally release his long-delayed white paper on levelling up this month, the meaning of this catchword has come into question again.

  We’ve had a bundle of separate fundus announced, including the Levelling Up Fund, Towns Fund and High Streets Fund (a lot of which went to local councils of Tory ministers…). We’ve heard the announcement of the UK Infrastructure Bank that will invest in a green industrial revolution. Disappointingly, we have also witnessed the scaling back of Northern Powerhouse Rail and seeming intent of the Government acquiesce to the possible privatisation of Channel 4, risking the new base in Leeds. Levelling up? We seem to be scaling back. The potential for our region is limitless – if only Government’s matched our ambition with action.

  I don’t intend to be overtly political about levelling up. There is potential for meaningful, beneficial change for towns like Huddersfield, but levelling up can only be achieved with substantial bold action and a long-term commitment to provide the necessary funding. Levelling up must also be part of a broader environmental strategy to decarbonise the UK economy and gain an international advantage when it comes to the green industries of the future. Pontificating about Medici-style ‘renaissance towns’ from Michael Gove will not help the North or address the climate crisis; rather we he must recognise that the solutions to climate change and a failure to devolve real power and investment to the regions are the same.

  Levelling up must be sustainable. It can form part of a new integrated approach to the environment and economy that puts sustainable development at the heart. The more we wake up to the realities of climate change, the greater action we realise we must take to combat this serious and alarming threat. But with challenge, there is opportunity, and it is one which the Government to take. The opportunity is to develop our towns, cities, and communities sustainably.

  For example, the UK Infrastructure Bank has a mandate to tackle climate change and level up, what potential this has to kickstart investment in green industries across the North. From investment in hydrogen fuel and storage to carbon capture, with targeted support and real commitment, the UK could be at the cutting edge of developing the new industries of the future. We can also level-up our natural environment, by investing in nature recovery networks and rewilding, simultaneously tackling the biodiversity crisis, and boosting health, wellbeing and quality of life for all those across our communities.

  The Government must follow through on its plans to level-up, not just to follow through on a ‘commitment’ they’ve made, but because missing the opportunities of sustainable development would be mad. Towns like Huddersfield could be at the forefront of these new industries, creating jobs for thousands across the whole North. The reality is that if the Government misses this opportunity, those jobs will go elsewhere, leaving our country worse off than before.

  I’m calling for the Government to commit to levelling-up our towns and cities sustainably, and to take the opportunity that transitioning to a green economy provides. I have written to Michael Gove asking for a commitment to make levelling-up sustainable to ensure that our regions benefit as we transition to a greener way of life. The opportunities are there. My question to the Government is – are you bold enough to take them?

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• The latest inflation forecasts

  Posted at 10:08 am by thomascritchley, on Jan 10, 2022

  On the first Prime Ministers Questions of the year, Angela Rayner caught Boris Johnson off-guard by grilling him on the latest inflation figures. Angela’s pointed questions come off the back of worrying rises in inflation, with some economists expecting levels to reach 7%, not seen since the 1990’s. Whilst I welcome the low unemployment rate, it is imperative that the Government gets a grip on the rising levels of inflation and to mitigate a further squeeze in living standards for working people. Shop prices rose by the fastest rate in almost three years in the run-up to Christmas amid the highest rate of inflation for fresh food in almost a decade. Retailers will be unable to absorb the entire rise in inflation and it will by reason be passed onto the consumer. Angela rightly pointed out this is a crisis of Boris Johnson’s own making. He failed to get a grip on the HGV driver shortage, which pushed up food prices, he failed to tackle the energy crisis, with 27 companies having gone bust last year, and he has failed to put more money in the pockets of working people. 

  Like my constituents in Huddersfield, I want the Government to take firm action to get a grip on the inflation crisis. Alongside colleagues in the Labour Party, I am calling on the Government to commit to three actions that would help ease the burden on working families. 

  1. Reverse the planned hike in National Insurance 

  Last year the Government voted to hike up National Insurance by 1.25%, breaking a promise and putting Britain on course for the highest overall tax burden since 1950. A cost-of-living iceberg is looming, and this tax rise will take more money from the payslips of the poorest in society. The truth is that this Government is shielding the richest and most privileged. Instead of asking private landlords owning and renting multiple properties to pay their fair share, they have picked on the most vulnerable.

  • Cut VAT on energy bills 

  The number of UK households living in fuel poverty could climb to the highest level on record this spring unless the Government acts. Energy bills were already too high for most families, even before the October price cap hike. Therefore, Labour and I are calling for the Government to cut VAT on energy bills. Boris Johnson promised during the Brexit campaign that VAT on energy bills would be cut after Britain left the EU. Why is he now so hesitant to take this step? VAT is currently 5% on energy bills and if it was removed, it would make an enormous financial difference to the average household. 

  • Reverse the £20 cut in Universal Credit 

  The Government must reverse its dangerous and damaging cut to universal credit that is costing six million families over £1000 a year. The Labour Party and I have been campaigning throughout the last six months on this and have repeatedly asked the Conservatives to reverse this ill-conceived and political decision. The £20 cut will hurt households’ finances and must be reversed to support people through the current cost of living crisis. 

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