I arrived back in Parliament this week after conference recess and some valuable time in the constituency.

When we return to Westminster, there is always a wide array of national and international events that have occurred during the time away and constituency matters that MPs are keen to raise with the government.   

This return is of course no different, with serious concerns around the escalating situation in the Middle East and the impact this may have on the wider region.

Over the weekend, we saw further devastation in Gaza, where now 90 per cent of the population is displaced, heavy bombardment of Lebanon where over 2,000 have already been killed and Monday marked one year since the awful attack on Israel where hundreds were killed and taken hostage.   

The suffering we have witnessed this past year has been intolerable.

Thousands of innocent people have been injured or killed. So many have lost vast portions of their family and seen their lives fall apart.

Our efforts for a ceasefire must redouble. Too many have suffered terribly, and we cannot and must not allow for any further widening of this conflict.   

Turning to the constituency, I was horrified by reports that a child had been hit by a car and seriously injured on the Harbury Lane junction near Oakley School last week.

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I – and so many others – had been ringing the alarm about the poor pedestrian and cycle access to and from the school for months if not years and the risk that such an accident could happen. I desperately hope the child makes a full and swift recovery and my thoughts are with them and their family.   

I have written to the county council to express the urgency that this pedestrian and cycle access must now be completed with. Parents rightfully expect their children to be able to get to and from school safely. Anything less is unacceptable. We cannot let incidents like this become commonplace in our community.   

Finally, I was pleased to attend the start of the Nagar Kirtan procession at the Warwick and Leamington Gurdwara last weekend. It is always a brilliant, colourful spectacle as Sikhs seek to spread the word of God through readings and holy hymns.

A wonderful community event and great to have chance to catch up with many members of the local community. Many thanks to the organisers and attendees for a fantastic event and a warm welcome.   

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.