It has been wonderful to see our communities come together over the last week or so to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.

The scenes of a packed Parade in Leamington as the new Diwali lights were switched on were special and a great example of the joy our communities experience when celebrating each other's festivals.  

I hope all who celebrated Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas had a joyous time celebrating with friends and family.

I was honoured to be invited to celebrate with constituents over the weekend and enjoy the festivities. 

The main event in parliament last week was of course the budget.

It was the first Labour budget in over a decade and the first ever delivered by a female Chancellor.

It was a historic budget and one that will deliver the change the country voted for back in July.   

The announcements included a freeze on fuel duty, an increase in the National Living Wage, £22 billion for the NHS to cut down waiting lists, £1.4 billion to rebuild 500 schools, an increase in the state pension by up to £470, £500 million to fix local roads and fill a million potholes, the biggest increase to Carer's Allowance eligibility since its introduction, abolishing the non-dom tax status and so much more. 

It was a budget to restore stability, restore certainty, restore credibility and invest in our economy because we must fix the foundations.  

This weekend we will mark Remembrance Sunday across our towns and villages and thousands of events will take place across the country. It is always a solemn chance to remember those who never returned home and the sacrifices they made.   

I would also like to pay tribute to the all the organisers who every year arrange such moving remembrance events in our towns and villages and spend hours across the constituency raising funds for the Royal British Legion.

You play a crucial role in keeping the memory of the fallen alive and deserve much credit.   

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 on [email protected] or on 01926 882006.