It has been another busy few weeks in the constituency, in Parliament and internationally. 

To start with, this week marks a month since the US and Israel launched 'Operation Epic Fury' against Iran. We have seen the impacts almost immediately and I fear they will not slow. 

The UK has played no direct role in the strikes on Iran, and we have only partaken in defensive action to defend our people and our allies. I am determined that the UK should not be drawn into this wider war.  

We are now seeing what I am labelling the 'cost of Trump.'  

We've seen the impact his tariffs have had on economies across the world and now we are seeing his latest impact on households and businesses.  

A barrel of Brent crude oil now sits around $110 a barrel. It cost $72 before this war. A unit of wholesale gas now costs 150p. It cost 77p just three weeks ago. That is nearly double. Energy bills are predicted to rise by £332 for an average annual bill now.  

The impact on the average UK household looks stark and it is a result of the chaos Trump has unleashed by having no plan in place and no recognition of how this will hurt the average person and the money in their pocket.  

Our Government is right to not allow us to be drawn into this wider war. Some of the opposition parties ought to have realised this sooner – they were crowing on the sidelines desperate for us to line up alongside the US and Israel and go all in. The Prime Minister was right we should not.  

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Help has been announced for those who heat their homes with heating oil, as it has rocketed up and risen faster than other fuels. £50 million has been announced in support for England and will be distributed by local authorities. We do not have a huge percentage of households in our towns and villages who rely on heating oil but I know it has been a deeply worrying time for those in more rural parts of the constituency who do rely on this way of heating their home. 

Finally, some of you may have heard or read my concerns in recent weeks over the Bellway Homes' plan to dump an Olympic size swimming pool of trade effluent into the Whitnash Brook every day during the construction of the new East Whitnash estate. 

It is a shocking plan which has been rightfully rejected by many local residents. I have raised this in the House of Commons chamber directly with the Minister, Environment Agency, District Council and Severn Trent Water.   

I have long objected to the development of the site associated with this environmental permit application, as a Councillor and now as the local MP. I remain steadfast in my belief that the construction of these homes - without adequate infrastructure, sufficient road access or necessary provision of healthcare services - is unsustainable. This permit application is just the latest iteration of this disaster-ridden development. 

I will keep pushing for the standards that nearby and prospective residents expect. 

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.