Kim Leadbeater MP: Families and businesses across Spen Valley will feel the benefit of the Budget

Kim Leadbeater MP writes: Families and businesses across Spen Valley will feel the benefit. The Chancellor announced £500m to fix potholes, and extra support for those struggling with the cost of living. I was especially pleased to see the biggest ever increase to the Carer’s Allowance, vital investment in hospitals to cut waiting times and improve services, and in schools, with a much needed boost to SEND provision.

My own private members’ bill, which I announced this month, would give terminally ill adults a choice at the end of their life. MPs will get their first chance since 2015 to vote on this hugely important issue. I have been moved to hear so many powerful stories from bereaved families who have lost loved ones under truly harrowing circumstances. It’s time for Parliament to debate these issues fully, with respect and compassion.

I have heard a range of opinions on the bill from individuals and organisations including the Archbishop of Canterbury, other faith leaders, medics, the BMA, Hospice UK, Dignity in Dying and The Kirkwood, to name a few. I am determined to include strong protections and safeguards, but I believe a change to the law is long overdue. The initial debate will take place on Friday, November 29, and I know how much it will mean to people across the whole country, including here in Spen Valley.

Labour has been in power for only four months, but already there has been huge progress. We have secured £63 billion of investment for Britain, reopened the Warm Home Discount scheme to help people pay for their electricity bills, published the framework for our child poverty strategy, and announced a ban on disposable vapes.

Last month, amongst many other things, I voted to make work pay with our landmark Employment Rights Bill, to protect communities and businesses from terrorism with Martyn’s Law and to ban no fault evictions and better protect renters. I was also proud to see the launch of the Football Governance Bill to protect clubs and support fans.

In Westminster, I attended a powerful memorial to remember the victims of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. I receive regular briefings on the horrific situation in the Middle East, and the fighting must stop. The conflict has gone on for far too long, and far too many innocent people have lost their lives.

Locally, in Spen Valley, I have been continuing to work hard as your MP. I hosted my Pubs Forum, to speak to local licensees, I presented North Kirklees Interfaith Group with my Charity of the Month cheque, and I visited St Patrick’s Catholic Academy and Roberttown Junior and Infant School to speak to pupils about the role of an MP and to meet their Student Council.

Heading into November, I was proud to support the launch of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal at Heckmondwike Morrisons and collect my wreaths from The Old Colonial in Mirfield – in preparation for Armistice Day next week.

Thanks for reading.

Kim