Over the past month, I’ve been hard at work both in Manchester Central and in Parliament, holding the Government to account whilst meeting with community groups and volunteers from across the constituency.

Please take a moment to read my update in full and don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything I can do to assist you.

Best wishes,

Lucy Powell MP

Parliamentarian Of The Year

I was thrilled and honoured to receive the Parliamentarian of the Year award at the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group awards earlier this month, partly due to my advocacy for the hospitality industry during the Covid-19 lockdowns. I focused on finding practical solutions to ensure that the hospitality sector could continue operating safely despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. One of the key initiatives was advocating for greater outside seating spaces, allowing businesses to serve customers while adhering to safety guidelines, something which we championed here in Manchester with the work of key organisations such as City Co and Manchester City Council. This award is a testament to our collective efforts to support local businesses and communities during unprecedented times.

Leaseholders and Renters Survey

Both leaseholders and renters in Manchester are facing significant challenges due to rising costs of management fees, insurance, rents, and mortgages. To better understand the issues they are dealing with, I am conducting a survey to gather valuable feedback from residents across the constituency. This survey will help us identify the specific pain points and concerns of leaseholders and renters, and later present them to the Secretary of State for Housing. Your input is crucial in shaping our approach to addressing these pressing matters, and I encourage you to participate in the survey to have your voice heard.

Meeting with Canal and River Trust:

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with the CEO of the Canal and River Trust and their dedicated volunteers to discuss the remarkable transformation of both the Rochdale and Ashton Canal in Manchester. It was inspiring to witness the efforts put into making these waterways greener, cleaner, and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. This comes at a time when the Government are allowing our waterways to be polluted through sewage, which Labour have been opposing, whilst proposing to reduce their funding to Canal and River Trust. Both of which does not take away the commitment of the volunteers and the trust’s dedication in enhancing these vital corridors here in our city, which play a significant role in improving the overall community well-being. Their initiatives, despite the Government’s actions, are a shining example of how we can collaborate to protect and enhance our natural resources for the benefit of all.

Broadband Prices Soar and The Government is Doing Nothing

The recent figures confirming the continuous rise in broadband prices are concerning, especially as families face inflation-busting price hikes. I have been actively calling on the government to address this issue and take measures to control these soaring costs. Access to affordable and reliable broadband is essential for people in today’s interconnected world, not just for social cohesion but for our 21^st century economy, and it’s vital that we work towards providing equitable access to this crucial service. You can watch my question here.

New Council Homes in Manchester: Labour Can and Will Deliver for People

I had the pleasure of visiting new council housing being built in Newton Heath, and I was truly impressed by the efforts to make these homes low-carbon and sustainable, with green living walls and solar panels. These council homes are being allocated to local people and families, as well as people who are currently in temporary accommodation, exemplifying what Labour can achieve when in power. Our commitment to providing quality and affordable housing for all remains unwavering and with a Labour Government, we can accelerate this work.

Ensuring our AI policies reflect our Labour Party Values

I had the privilege of addressing the AI Tech Leaders event, where we explored how we can harness the potential of the next technological wave for the benefit of all, not just a privileged few. As automation and AI continue to shape industries, it is crucial to ensure that ordinary working people are not left behind, as they have been before, and that decisions made in this domain consider the interests and well-being of everyone. By aligning our AI policies with Labour Party values, we can create an inclusive and equitable future that benefits the many.

Record Profits for Big Oil and Gas: It’s Time For Climate Action with Labour

It’s no surprise that again we are seeing excessive profits of big oil and gas companies come at the expense of ordinary citizens who face soaring bills. I have been advocating for a proper windfall tax to ensure that these profits contribute to environmental initiatives. Labour’s plan for green energy aims to bring down bills for everyone while taking bold steps to combat climate change. That is the difference a Labour Government will make to ordinary people’s lives, whilst tackling the climate crisis and curbing extreme weather events. Watch my interview on sky here.

Visit to Manchester’s Newest 6.5 Acre Park:

Despite the typical Manchester weather, I had the opportunity to visit Mayfield Park, Manchester’s newest 6.5 acre park. Meeting with the team working on this ambitious project in the heart of the city was truly amazing. This park is a valuable addition to our community, providing a green space for relaxation, recreation, and socialising, along with a fantastic children’s play area! Such initiatives demonstrate how Labour when in power can help communities create a vibrant and sustainable urban environment that enhances the quality of life for all residents.

Seeing How Augmented Reality Can Transform The World We Know

I recently engaged in discussions with Pixel Mill, who are based in the Northern Quarter, about the transformative potential of Augmented Reality (AR) technology. This powerful tool has applications in industry training, infrastructure testing, innovative design, and even in developing football strategies. Embracing AR for the public good can lead to exciting advancements and improve various aspects of our lives. It’s essential to continue exploring how this technology can be harnessed responsibly to benefit society at large, whilst creating accessible jobs of the future.

Visiting the Manchester Jewish Museum

It was an absolute pleasure to visit and meet the team that run the Manchester Jewish Museum earlier this month. We discussed the success of the redevelopment of the museum and how much it has changed over the last few decades, and the importance of their work in preserving and celebrating Jewish heritage and history in Manchester. If you have not visited yet, please make sure to visit! You can find more out here.

Just 6% of Girls Take Computer Science

The underrepresentation of girls in Computer Science is a pressing issue that requires attention. I have outlined Labour’s commitment to bridge this gap and smash the glass ceiling for women and girls in tech by reforming the Computer Science GCSE so more girls to pursue tech-related fields. By embedding digital literacy and skills into children’s learning from an early age, we can foster a diverse and inclusive tech workforce. Championing women in tech is essential to unlock their full potential and ensure that they play a significant role in shaping the digital future. Watch my interview with Talk TV News here.

Calling Out Prejudice in Cricket and Sports

As we enjoy the excitement of the Ashes, we must not forget the recent independent report into cricket, which uncovered issues of racism, elitism, and sexism. I have been advocating for increased participation in cricket among state schools and asking for more support for women’s cricket, including the opportunity to play at prestigious venues like Lords. It’s imperative that we address these prejudices and promote inclusivity in all aspects of sports. Watch my question in Parliament below.

Historic Win in Selby and Ainsty Paves Way For Labour Government

I spent June and July actively campaigning in Selby and Ainsty, and I couldn’t be prouder of the historic victory our Labour movement achieved. With the newest member of the Parliamentary Labour Party, Keir Mather, we managed to overturn a 20,000 Conservative majority. This triumph demonstrates that key battlegrounds can be won even in the safest of Conservative seats, setting the stage for a potential Labour landslide in the 2024 General Election. Our message resonated with voters, and this victory strengthens our resolve to bring progressive change to the entire nation.

Creative, Digital and Vocational Opportunities For Young People

Education and skills development are crucial in shaping the future of our young people. I presented Labour’s ambitious plans to ensure that our youth have access to creative, digital, and vocational training. These skills not only broaden their horizons but also open doors to a wide range of exciting job opportunities in today’s dynamic job market. By providing comprehensive education in these areas, we empower our young talent to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our society and economy. Watch my interview with GB News here.

Thank you for reading my July update. If there is anything I can do to help or assist, please do get in touch.

Lucy Powell MP

Manchester Central

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