Firstly, I want to begin by addressing the rape case that saw two perpetrators sentenced earlier this month. It was a vile crime, and I have raised my serious concerns with the Government around the circumstances of this case and will be continuing to do so. My thoughts remain with the victim who has shown immense strength throughout awful circumstances. 

I also want to express my profound horror at the scenes from Bondi Beach last week where Jews gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, the festival of light. Fifteen people were murdered while others were left seriously injured. They were targeted by gunmen who chose to conduct an act of terrorism on people coming together to celebrate a religious holiday. I know this has understandably shaken Jewish communities not just in Australia but across the world. We cannot and must not allow such hatred any space to exist in our communities and I will continue to work to try and play my part in this.  

A moment of light in such darkness was the immense bravery of Ahmed al Ahmed, who in widely shared footage, disarmed one of the gunmen and undoubtedly saved the lives of many with his actions. He was shot multiple times himself and has had surgery for his injuries. He has been called a hero, and rightly so. 

Moving onto events in Parliament over the last week or so. At the start of this month, the United States Administration published its National Security Strategy and it was telling, both in what it said and what it didn't. 

The strategy outlines the current US President's view on Europe and in my opinion, it is a view that should alarm us all. The strategy says plenty about Europe and its leaders, but there is far less said of Russia and the threat that Putin poses. There is no condemnation of Russia, yet there are attacks on Ukraine, one of our European neighbours and allies.  

The Special Relationship between the UK and the US is much discussed and clearly it evolves and has been through various stages, but it must endure. However, we cannot pretend of hide our heads in the sand to the fact that the US strategy challenges certain long held assumptions.

We remain a very close ally of the US, but we must act on the reality we see. It is imperative that we adapt to a changing strategic and geopolitical context. This is why I raised an Urgent Question in Parliament on this last week. 

 You can view my question, speech and the surrounding debate on Hansard, to which I have included the details below. We must recognise the situation we are facing today and act accordingly. 

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025-12-11/debates/4281DC21-390D-44E2-8EA6-EE827414E718/details#contribution-799C3EC3-0D18-494F-8542-253517BFD280  

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues or concerns you would like to raise with me. I can be reached at [email protected] or on 01926 882006