Iran, Energy Bills, Anti-Semitism, Steel, the NHS and a bit more….
In recent weeks, we have seen intense escalation in the Gulf, following the offensive action against Iran taken by the USA and Israel. In response there have been strikes from the Iranian regime targeting Gulf allies, including attacks on bases, airports and on hotels which directly put British lives at risk, and more recently on energy infrastructure, with the Strait of Hormuz virtually closed.
The Prime Minister made it clear that the UK does not support the US and Israeli offensive strikes, and we have consistently pushed for a negotiated solution in the face of Iran’s unacceptable nuclear ambitions. And we have also always been very clear that the Iranian regime is a malign and murderous one which poses significant threats not just across the region but also on British soil.
British nationals, including holiday makers and transit passengers, have been our priority concern, and the FCDO stood up 24/7 consular support to assist those who require help on the ground.
The actions of our UK Armed Forces have been solely defensive, to protect ourselves and our Allies. That is why we have not only increased our defensive capability across the region, but we have also given the US permission to use bases where we have long-standing arrangements with them, for the specific defensive purpose of destroying the missiles targeting Gulf allies and posing a risk to British nationals in the region and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. These are defensive measures we are taking to protect the collective interests of us and our allies. We do not want to see a protracted regional conflict spiral into long-term regional instability – and we continue to call on the Iranians to return to the negotiating table.
Events in the Middle East are continuing to move quickly and that’s why we are looking at all the levers we can pull to protect working people from shocks to the cost of living. The Chancellor made a statement this week about how she intends to target help and will give more details later. We are also taking action through the CMA to stop profiteering.
With the crisis in Iran underlining the importance of our green energy plan, we’ve confirmed this week that new plug-in solar panels will be available in the shops by the summer.
And by the way, we won’t take lectures from the Tories on defence spending
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWPHykvjOgE/
Anti-Semitism
As the police continue to investigate the vile antisemitic hate crime we saw in Golders Green, the Government is offering support to the Jewish community. The Prime Minister chaired a roundtable of Jewish leaders at Downing Street while the volunteer group targeted – Hatzola – is being loaned four ambulances. The NHS will pay for permanent replacements simply because it’s the right thing to do.
Labour’s Plan for Steel
Steel is vital for our national security, our infrastructure and the whole economy more than ever in the face of global turmoil which impacts every one of our industries. Now, we are backing the industry for the long term with a new Steel Strategy to make sure Britain remains a competitive steelmaking nation. Backed by up to £2.5 billion in funding, the new Strategy sets out the Government’s long-term plan to get steel back on its feet and boost domestic production to meet 50 percent of the UK’s demand. If steel is being used here, we want to see it made here. And to stop British businesses being undercut by unfairly priced steel imports flooding global markets, we will significantly reduce our steel import quotas to protect industry. For too long, successive Tory governments failed to take action. By standing up for the industry with these new measures, Labour will secure Britain’s steelmaking now and into the future.
Labour saving the NHS – again
For too long, patients were promised change in the NHS but saw little of it. This Labour government has started to turn that around, with record investment. New data shows that despite the busiest winter on record, waiting lists fell by over 43,000 in the month of January and waiting lists are now down by more than 374,000 since Labour came into office.
January also saw the fastest ambulance response times for half a decade. Average waits are down to less than 29 minutes for heart attacks and strokes. And waiting times at A&E are the shortest for four years, despite huge demand over the winter months. Ambulances are arriving quicker. GP satisfaction is up. And A&E waits are down too.
This has only been achieved with our record investment alongside real modernisation of the NHS, and the hard work of staff right across the country, together with:
- More evening and weekend appointments.
- Tests closer to home.
- Surgical hubs cutting backlogs.
- Specialist “crack teams” to tackle backlogs in some of the most deprived areas.
- Millions more GP appointments.
- And smarter use of technology.
When we took office in July 2024, more than 7.6 million people were stuck on NHS waiting lists. Too many were unable to work, care for loved ones or simply enjoy everyday life because treatment felt endlessly out of reach. We have recently passed a year since we set out the Elective Reform Plan: our long-term commitment to meet the 18-week standard for 92% of patients by March 2029.
We set a target of two million extra elective appointments in the first year. Instead, more than five million additional tests, procedures and operations were delivered between July 2024 and June 2025.
Local, Political and Parliamentary Activity
- Campaigning in Beeston and Headingley
- Q&A with members of the Good Friday Agreement Ad-Hoc Committee
- In Washington, DC for St Patrick’s Week
- Visit to Westwood Primary School
- Visited Elissa Newman of Holbeck Together
- Attended retirement event for James Rogers after 40 years with Leeds City Council
- Zoom call with residents of a leasehold block in Hunslet
- Oral questions and a debate on NI legacy in the House of Commons
- South Leeds Life Column