May: Broadening my experiences

Over the past month, I have spent my time doing exactly what I was elected to do: standing up for working people, listening to residents, and making sure that national decisions reflect the realities of life here in Erewash. From new protections for renters and the future of British industry, to conversations on our doorsteps and in our town centres, May has been busy, varied and rooted in our community. I have seen first-hand both the challenges we face and the strength we have when we work together to overcome them.

Standing up for renters
We began the month with a landmark moment for millions of people across the country, including a significant number of residents here in Erewash. The long-awaited reforms to renters’ rights are now in force, marking the most substantial improvement in protections for private renters in decades.

For too long, renters have lived with uncertainty, facing the threat of no-fault eviction and unpredictable rent increases. That has now changed. Section 21 evictions have been abolished, landlords can only increase rent once per year and tenants now have the ability to challenge unfair rises. We have also banned exploitative bidding wars and capped upfront rent payments, while ensuring that families with children or people receiving benefits cannot be discriminated against.

These are not abstract policy changes. They are practical protections that will make a real difference to people’s lives. Importantly, funds and powers have been made available to local councils to enforce these rights effectively. Erewash Borough Council has already stepped up, putting in place a dedicated team to ensure that renters benefit from the full weight of the law. After years of imbalance, we are finally restoring fairness to the rental market.

Out and about in Ilkeston
Much of my work takes place not in Westminster but out in the community, and that was certainly the case during a sunny day spent walking through Ilkeston. Joined by local Labour colleagues, I had the chance to speak to residents, visit independent businesses and pick up local issues directly.

From a flat white at The HUB to lunch at a much-loved local chippy, these visits are about more than enjoying what our towns have to offer. They are about listening. Conversations in places like Victoria Park and on the Elka’s Rise estate provided insight into the concerns people carry and the pride they have in their town. Later in the day, I also had the opportunity to catch up with local police officers, whose work remains vital in keeping our communities safe.

These walkabouts are invaluable. They remind me that behind every policy debate is a lived experience, and they keep me focused on what matters most day to day.

Supporting community services
Another highlight this month was visiting the OnUp daytime centre in Sandiacre. The work being done there is nothing short of inspiring. Supporting adults with additional needs, the team delivers not just care but empowerment, helping individuals to build skills, confidence and independence.

Spending time with service users and staff, seeing the personalised plans in action and sharing in the warmth of the centre brought home the importance of community-based support. These services help people to live fuller lives and play an active role in our society. They deserve recognition, investment and stability.

The visit also served as a reminder that policy decisions must always consider their real-world impact on services like these. It is not enough to speak about support in general terms. We must ensure it reaches the people who rely on it most.

Revitalising our town centres
The future of our town centres continues to be a major priority. In discussions with the Long Eaton Business Partnership, I heard encouraging ideas about how we can build vibrant, attractive spaces that people want to spend time in.

A recent survey made something very clear. People want to use their town centres, but they need more reasons to stay. That means more than just retail. It means a mix of leisure, hospitality, culture and community spaces that make a visit worthwhile.

There is already incredible grassroots energy behind this work. From initiatives in Long Eaton to the ongoing efforts supporting Ilkeston’s independent shops, we are beginning to develop a model of regeneration rooted in local knowledge and collaboration. I have been sharing these insights with colleagues in government, because what we are building here could serve as a template for other towns across the country.

Standing with school staff
One of the more serious moments this month came with a visit to the picket line at St John Houghton secondary school in Kirk Hallam. Staff were striking in response to proposed cuts, raising concerns about the future of a school that holds a central place in the community.

Speaking with teachers, support staff and union representatives, it was clear that this dispute is about more than budgets. It is about ensuring that schools have the resources they need to provide a high-quality education, and that staff feel valued and supported in their roles.

I have been in contact with all parties involved and will continue to work with fellow MPs in the region to find a constructive path forward. Our priority must always be the wellbeing and education of students, alongside fair treatment for the staff who support them.

Walking in someone else’s shoes
Perhaps the most formative experience of the month was spending time navigating Ilkeston from the perspective of a wheelchair user. Joining a local resident on her daily school run gave me a completely different understanding of accessibility in our town.

What should be a simple journey was often difficult and, at times, unsafe. Broken pavements, narrow spaces and poorly designed crossings created constant obstacles. Beyond the physical challenges, there was also an emotional impact, a sense of being in the way or overlooked.

This experience has stayed with me. It has reinforced the need to embed accessibility into every aspect of planning and infrastructure. Improvements are not just about convenience. They are about dignity and equality. We must do better, and I will be taking this perspective into future discussions and decisions.

Explaining our democracy
As the State Opening of Parliament approached, I took the opportunity to explain the significance of the King’s Speech. While rich in tradition, the event serves a vital purpose, setting out the government’s legislative agenda for the year ahead.

It is a reminder that our democratic process combines history and accountability. The speech itself, written by the government and delivered by the monarch, sets the tone for parliamentary debate. MPs then scrutinise and debate its contents, culminating in a vote that reflects confidence in the government.

Understanding how these processes work is important. They shape the laws that affect our everyday lives, and they rely on active engagement from both representatives and the public.

Tackling high street crime
Our high streets face a range of challenges, and this month we took a significant step in addressing one of the more troubling developments. Across the country, a proliferation of dubious retail outlets has raised concerns about money laundering, illegal goods and wider criminal activity.

In response, a new High Street Organised Crime Unit is being established to tackle these issues head on. Working alongside local councils and enforcement agencies, this initiative will target the networks behind these operations and help restore confidence in our town centres.

Locally, councils have already been investing in improvements, from cleaner streets to better shopfronts. This national effort will complement that work, ensuring that regeneration is not undermined by criminal enterprise.

Celebrating local leadership
It was a pleasure to welcome Councillor Harry Atkinson to Parliament as his term as Mayor of Erewash draws to a close. His time in office has been marked by dedication, innovation and a genuine commitment to the community.

From raising funds for local charities to representing Erewash both at home and abroad, his achievements highlight the importance of strong local leadership. Showing him around Parliament and watching him take in the atmosphere of Westminster Hall was a proud moment.

Public service at any level requires hard work and resilience, and it is always important to recognise those who give their time and energy to it.

Backing British industry
One of the most consequential decisions this month was the vote to bring British Steel back into public ownership. After decades of decline and uncertain ownership, this move represents a decisive shift in how we support key industries.

By taking control of the Scunthorpe site, we are safeguarding jobs, protecting strategic capacity and ensuring that decisions are made in the national interest. The history of British Steel, including its connection to sites like Stanton Ironworks in Ilkeston, is a reminder of the central role industry once played in our communities.

This is about more than nostalgia. It is about building a modern industrial strategy that creates secure jobs and strengthens our economic resilience.

Bringing the community together
Not all of the month’s activities were focused on policy. Events like the Football and Fun Day at Ilkeston Town FC show the importance of community spirit. Families came together, children enjoyed sport and local organisations showcased their work.

These events strengthen the bonds that hold our communities together. They offer opportunities for connection, enjoyment and mutual support. It was a pleasure to attend and to see so many people making the most of the half term break.

Investing in our environment
Finally, I was delighted to support the launch of a new national forest project, with the Midlands in contention as its location. This initiative represents a major investment in our natural environment, with millions of trees set to be planted.

The benefits are wide ranging. New habitats for wildlife, improved air quality and opportunities for people to connect with nature are all part of the vision. For areas like ours, it also presents a chance to enhance our local landscapes and create spaces that future generations can enjoy.

Wins this month
My team have been working as hard as ever to support local people – here’s the things we’ve won on this month:

• Secured enforcement action from Derbyshire County Council to address a dangerous overgrown hedge in Draycott;

• Got play equipment cleaned in West Park ahead of summer;

• Arranged repairs to streetlights in a Long Eaton park with Erewash Borough Council;

• Helped resolve a clerical error in a resident’s citizenship status;

• Secured a delayed medical driving licence from the DVLA for a resident;

• Worked with EMH to install a fence after repeated dumping of drug paraphernalia;

• Secured a banding increase for a family in severely overcrowded housing;

• Scheduled replacement of a missing swing in West Park with EBC;

• Got a missing street sign on Marshall Way replaced;

• Cleared a large build-up of debris on Bennerley Avenue in Ilkeston;

• Secured an ESA back payment for a resident;

• Supported a resident facing a last-minute Section 21 eviction and helped prove the notice was illegal;

• Secured a £9,500 tax refund and £100 compensation for a resident;

• Retrieved a delayed driving licence from the DVLA;

• Ensured easier access to the defibrillator at the former Red Lion pub in Sandiacre;

• Got an overflowing bin emptied on the Nutbrook Trail;

• Helped remove an unaffordable £800 bill for a recently bereaved resident;

• Secured a response from the DWP regarding an ESA decision;

• Helped an elderly resident apply for a single person discount after years of missing out; and

• Supported an Ilkeston school in getting approval for its SEN unit.

Looking ahead
As we move into the summer months, my focus remains clear. I will continue working to ensure that national policies deliver tangible benefits here in Erewash, while staying rooted in the everyday experiences of the people I represent.

There is much still to do. From improving accessibility and strengthening our schools, to revitalising our town centres and supporting local businesses, the challenges are ongoing. But so too is the determination I see in our community every day.

I am grateful for the conversations, the challenges and the support I have received over the past month. Together, we are shaping the future of our towns, and I look forward to continuing that work in the weeks and months ahead.