Firstly, I want to wish all who were celebrating in our towns and villages this week, a very happy and peaceful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. It is always a joyous time for those celebrating and it is wonderful to see the Diwali lights up on the Parade to mark the occasion. I hope your celebrations were filled with much joy for you and your loved ones.

Crowds filled the streets in Warwick last weekend as Warwick Mop returned to the town centre for its first weekend. It is a great celebration of the long history of our town and is so enjoyed by so many in our town and beyond. The second weekend returns on Friday (24th October) from 5pm to 10pm and on Saturday (25th October) from noon to 10pm. Many thanks to all who have put a huge amount of work in to deliver the event for another year.  

MPs returned to Parliament last week after Conference Recess and I was proud to attend the Prostate Cancer Research event to hear more about the vital work they are doing.

Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in England and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the UK. Locally, the Graham Fulford Prostate Cancer Trust is doing amazing work. Tragically, in May this year we lost a friend and a familiar face to many, with the loss of Nigel Higgins to prostate cancer. It was a dreadful reminder of the need to so many of us that we must get tested and keep an eye on our overall health.

Some incredible work goes on locally ensuring that there are testing events taking place frequently and reminders of the importance of these tests. I am proud to support Prostate Cancer Research's campaign to introduce targeted prostate cancer screening for high-risk groups as soon as possible and save lives across the UK.

Turning to national news, it was announced earlier this week that the Government will be rolling out new vocational courses, called V-levels, for 16-year-olds. The introduction of these vocational courses will simplify an overly complex landscape of post-16 qualifications and providing a vocational route into great careers. 

 T-levels which were introduced in 2020 offer a technical route for post 16 education for students, but they study one which is focused on a specific occupation. Brilliant for students who know what they want to do but challenging for the understandable many who do not know at 16 what they want their career to be. 

V-levels will provide an opportunity for those who are unsure and allow them to keep their options early and explore what they enjoy and may like to do in the future, while still setting them up with practical skills for future careers. 

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