I begin this week's column by sharing my condolences with the families of those killed in the attack on the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester. My thoughts are also with those injured and the wider Jewish community. 

This attack was not simply against a place of worship, it was an assault on the values of safety, community, and respect. Values that many of us hold so dearly.

That is why I wrote an open letter with faith and community leaders from across Warwick and Leamington, to condemn this violence and reaffirm our shared commitment to speak out against all forms of hate.  

In other news, the Government recently stepped in to support Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) with a £1.5 billion loan guarantee following the cyber-attack in late-August 2025.  

Backed by the Government agency UK Export Finance, the loan will be issued from a commercial bank and paid back over five years. This widely welcomed support will bolster JLR's cash reserves and enable the company to support its supply chain, which has been greatly impacted since JLR shut down its manufacturing.  

With over 130,000 jobs directly linked to JLR across the UK, this intervention will go a long way in helping the company get back on its feet and help to protect the local economy.  

The stability of JLR is vital not only to the livelihoods of many families across our communities, but also to the strength of our public services, which rely on the economic contributions of its workforce.

Given the company's position as the largest private employer in Warwickshire, its presence helps to sustain a vast network of local suppliers and businesses. 

As the company partially restarted work across its manufacturing plants this week, I will continue to monitor its progress and help to ensure that the necessary support is delivered to the areas of the supply chain that need it the most.  

Earlier this week, we passed the two-year anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel. The deplorable attack killed 1,200 people, whilst 251 were taken hostage - 20 of whom remain alive and held by Hamas. 

Responding to these attacks, Israel launched a deadly military campaign in Gaza that has killed 67,139 people. Since this campaign began, over 20,000 children have been killed in Gaza, humanitarian aid has been blocked, more than 90% of homes have been damaged or destroyed, and now many Palestinians face unprecedented levels of famine. This devastation must end, and comprehensive humanitarian support must begin. 

The UK Government's recognition of a Palestinian state was a significant step in securing peace and stability in the region. Much like the UN's Secretary-General, I am also encouraged to read about the progress of the peace deal between the USA, Israel and Hamas, which I will continue to follow closely.  

Last week, this Labour Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting young people. Students in Warwick and Leamington will benefit from a landmark package of reforms aimed at boosting technical education to match university pathways.

I welcome this Government's decision to replace the ambition for 50% of young people to go to university with a new target: for two-thirds of young people to get higher skills, either through university, further education or taking on a 'gold standard apprenticeship'.  

Lastly, I'd like to encourage all readers to join me in celebrating National Curry Week by supporting our fantastic curry houses. Both Warwick and Leamington are home to a rich variety of restaurants serving authentic, award-winning dishes. So why not support local businesses and enjoy some truly exceptional food at one of our local curry houses? 

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.