November: Delivering on bleed kits
November began with a moment of deep significance as Remembrance Sunday approached. I was invited to place an Erewash tribute in the remembrance garden at Parliament. Created in partnership with the Royal British Legion and opened by Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in 2021, the garden has become a solemn corner of the estate where MPs, Commonwealth representatives and others come together to honour the fallen.
My thoughts were especially with Donald Rose, who we sadly lost this year. For a time the oldest man in Britain, Donald remained a living link to the generation who defended our freedoms in the Second World War. Speaking about him in Parliament and attending his memorial were humbling experiences, and laying the tribute at Parliament felt a small but important way to honour his memory. Over the remembrance weekend, my team and I attended services across Ilkeston, Long Eaton and the wider constituency – acts of commemoration that bind our communities together.
Taking action on HMOs in Erewash
Following remembrance, focus turned back to local issues – foremost among them the rapid increase in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Residents in Long Eaton and Ilkeston have raised repeated concerns about the impact of unregulated conversions on the character of their streets. I have been vocal about the need for proper oversight, consultation, and high-quality accommodation standards.
I was therefore very pleased that Erewash Borough Council voted in principle to introduce an Article 4 Direction. While the process ahead involves evidence gathering, consultation and government approval, the council’s decision shows a clear commitment to tackling the issue. Earlier this year, when my team joined residents at the Sportsman pub, people were clear that Article 4 was needed. I’m glad their voices have been heard.
The Long Eaton North by-election campaign
Early November was shaped by the by-election in Long Eaton North. I spent time out campaigning with our excellent Labour candidate, George Carr-Williamson, who has lived in the town for more than fifteen years and is deeply committed to the community. His campaign has focused on nurseries and SEND support, revitalising the high street, and stopping the proliferation of HMOs. We were joined by Lilian Greenwood, the minister for local transport, whose presence brought further momentum.
George’s energy stands in stark contrast to the circumstances that created the by-election in the first place. While a councillor elected only six months ago walked away, George has worked tirelessly every day to show he’s here to stay. Residents deserve that commitment.
Local remembrance services
On 9 November, I laid a wreath in Ilkeston on behalf of the British Parliament, my team and myself. Members of my team simultaneously laid wreaths in Long Eaton and elsewhere in the constituency. These acts of remembrance connect us not only to our history but to each other.
Standing up for safety in Ilkeston
Later in the month, I returned to Ilkeston Market Place to discuss the ongoing campaign for improved town centre safety following the tragic murder of Samuel Wilson in 2023. The petition led by Samuel’s mother, Loraine, gathered nearly 7,000 signatures – far beyond what any of us expected. Presenting it in Parliament last month was a privilege.
I have now called for a full review of what is required to make the area safer – from enforcement to cameras, lighting to traffic measures. I’ve raised this with Derbyshire County Council under two different administrations, and while the solutions may be complex and costly, lives must come first. Loraine’s strength continues to inspire me, and I will keep working with her and the community for meaningful change.
Championing British manufacturing
In Westminster, I hosted a major meeting with the British Furniture Confederation, bringing together representatives from across the furniture, upholstery and flooring industries. Given Erewash’s manufacturing heritage, I serve as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Furniture Industry, and it was a pleasure to welcome attendees, including familiar faces from home.
I also caught up with Tony Attard, the new chair of the Confederation. We discussed the challenges facing the sector and the exceptional training work done by organisations like Webs Training in Beeston. I am continuing to push for a minister from the Department for Industry and Trade to visit Erewash to see first-hand the skill and tradition our area has to offer.
Supporting residents during Storm Claudia
With Storm Claudia bringing an amber weather warning to the East Midlands, I shared key information from Erewash Borough Council and the Environment Agency on accessing emergency support, collecting sandbags and contacting relevant authorities. Clear information is vital during severe weather, and ensuring residents had what they needed was a priority.
More campaigning on the doorstep
As campaigning intensified, I spent more time knocking on doors with George and our local teams. Once again, residents raised concerns about potholes, HMOs, local services and personal casework. These conversations shape the issues I raise in Parliament and ensure that national decisions reflect local realities.
Visiting KB Packaging in Ilkeston
One highlight of my constituency work was visiting KB Packaging on the Manners Industrial Estate. A family-run business employing more than 60 people, their operations in packaging products and bespoke solutions are impressive. Touring such facilities always offers fascinating insight into the ingenuity of our local economy. We also discussed the new Employment Rights Act – legislation that ends zero-hours contracts, bans fire-and-rehire practices, and strengthens workers’ rights from day one.
Debating the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill
In Westminster, Parliament debated the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill – key legislation to secure fairness, truth and justice for victims and veterans. It creates a transparent, legally robust process, reforms the legacy commission, and removes any prospect of immunity for terrorists. This Bill matters deeply to Armed Forces families in Erewash and across the country, and our focus has been ensuring that justice is delivered with integrity.
Working with Derbyshire Police and the PCC
I also met with Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, for an update on local crime trends. Mandatory drug testing on arrest in town centres has revealed stark realities, including a rise in drug-related crime since Covid. It was reassuring to hear about the recruitment of 35 new police officers for Derbyshire, and I was pleased that Nicolle has been out on patrol to see issues first-hand. While crime numbers have fallen this year, people still need to feel safe, and trust in policing must be rebuilt through transparency and engagement.
Calling for fair funding for Erewash
I wrote to the government this month about the fair funding review for councils. For too long, regions like ours have been held back by a funding formula that doesn’t account for the north-south divide. It is simply unfair that Erewash – with a smaller council tax base – receives the same settlement as wealthier areas in the south. I have urged the government to ensure that Erewash finally gets its fair share.
Celebrating new business in Long Eaton
It was a pleasure to officially open The Butchers in Long Eaton, located in the former Wilko building. With Poundland and Paul Walker’s having closed recently, news of this new business has brought a welcome lift to the town centre. I’m delighted that staff from Paul Walker’s have found roles there, and I look forward to popping in as a customer.
Listening to residents at constituency surgery
My latest constituency surgery, held in Long Eaton, brought discussions ranging from GP access to small business start-ups. I hold surgeries in rotating locations to make them accessible to residents across Erewash, and they remain one of the most important parts of my role.
Responding to the national budget
Budget Day brought several important announcements. From £150 off energy bills, to free apprenticeships for SMEs, to 250 new neighbourhood health centres, the measures have real potential to improve life in Erewash. The budget also confirmed rail fare caps, £2 billion for East Midlands transport investment, the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap, and new jobs through Rolls-Royce’s SMR programme. I spoke in Parliament about what these changes mean for local families, jobs and public services.
Delivering bleed kits across Ilkeston
The month ended with the successful conclusion of our bleed kit fundraising campaign. Thanks to the generosity of residents and local businesses, we raised £3,500 – enough for a kit in every pub in Ilkeston. I spent an afternoon delivering them across the town, from Kirk Hallam to Cotmanhay and everywhere in between. Nearly 30 pubs, one big box of kits, and not a single pint! These kits save lives, and I hope they are never needed. This campaign was a powerful example of what our community can achieve when we act together.
Wins this month
My team have been working as hard as ever to support local people – here’s an array of this month’s wins:
- Secured an Ilkeston resident £1,500 in DWP back-payments.
- Removed an unfair Universal Credit debt and stopped enforcement action.
- Recovered £1,800 in DWP back-payments for a resident affected by benefit fraud.
- Helped a resident secure temporary accommodation after homelessness.
- Helped a disabled Long Eaton resident move from a caravan into permanent housing.
- Supported a resident to access an adult ADHD assessment through Right to Choose, reducing their wait to three months.
- Secured a response from PALS regarding a serious complaint.
- Helped a local business obtain an export licence after long delays.
- Supported Erewash Borough Council in issuing a Section 215 clean-up order for derelict buildings in Sandiacre.
- Secured a resident £120 after they were wrongly charged for a council service.
- Got a pothole repaired on Briar Gate in Long Eaton.
- Worked with Erewash Borough Council to secure temporary housing for a homeless resident.
- Secured a new boiler for an Ilkeston resident after their old one failed.
- Pressured Derbyshire County Council into repairing long-neglected pavement potholes on Priory Close.
- Got a noisy manhole cover in Long Eaton fixed.
- Arranged removal of swastika graffiti near the Nutbrook Trail.
- Worked with the council’s graffiti task force to remove offensive graffiti in Ilkeston.
- Supported a family in securing specialist SEND school provision through tribunal.
- Helped speed up a resident’s delayed driving licence application.
- Secured a new shower and long-overdue kitchen repairs for a resident in an EMH home.
Looking ahead
November has been busy, emotional and hopeful – a reminder that progress comes from hard work, partnership and shared purpose. I am grateful for the support of residents across Erewash, and I look forward to continuing the work in the months ahead.