‘My approach has remained clear - to stay rooted in Dewsbury and Batley’: A 2026 message from Iqbal Mohamed MP

“I want to begin by wishing everyone in Dewsbury and Batley a happy, healthy, peaceful and compassionate New Year for 2026 and beyond.

“Whether you were working, or were able to take a well-earned rest over the festive period, I hope you found time for relaxation and moments of joy with loved ones.

“I would also like to say a very special thank you to all those who kept our communities going over the holidays, from NHS and care workers to emergency services, shop staff and transport workers, and volunteers supporting our neighbours, as well as those supporting our elderly and our vulnerable.

“This New Year follows a challenging, yet meaningful and deeply rewarding period of work representing you - both in parliament and here at home in the constituency.

“My approach has remained clear - to stay rooted in Dewsbury and Batley, to listen carefully, and to take your voices, concerns and suggestions into the heart of Westminster, even when that means challenging the deep-rooted political establishment.

“The start of 2026 has reenergised my determination to show that politics can be principled, putting people-first, and focused on proper and practical solutions over party politics.

“In 2025, my team and I helped thousands of constituents with specific issues, ranging from housing and planning to immigration, benefits claims, education, and community services. Delivering real tangible improvements and being a bridge between you, the council and other groups who serve our communities, to the everyday issues that matter most, are why I stood to be your MP and why I will proudly continue this work in 2026.

“Constituency surgeries remain central to what I do. I held 28 surgeries during 2025 across Dewsbury and Batley in churches, mosques, community centres, libraries and other venues, so people could raise concerns in accessible spaces. These open surgeries are for everyone. Please send us your suggestions on venues for this year.

“Alongside my surgeries, I have had the privilege of being out and about across the constituency, visiting local businesses and shops, community centres, hospitals, sports clubs, and meeting many of the next generation of leaders from our outstanding schools. Thank you for the warmth and generosity I have been shown.

“A major part of my role has been responding to national decisions that directly affect you. Locally, it has been an honour to protect and improve key services and facilities. I have worked closely with the Save Dewsbury Sports Centre committee, repeatedly raising the issue in Parliament, meeting ministers, writing to the Prime Minister, Chancellor and council leaders, and making the case at the Dewsbury Town Board, all to push for the reopening of our beloved sports centre. I have also supported burial committees seeking additional burial land and played an active role on the Dewsbury Town Board to help shape and oversee long-term investment in our proud and historic town.

“As we step into 2026, my commitment is to remain accessible, independent and here to serve every single resident of Dewsbury & Batley.

“Here to serve, Iqbal Hussain Mohamed MP. Please reach out to me.”