Shropshire MPs Column - the latest from the county's representatives in Westminster

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from me and my family to you and yours.

Recently, I’ve enjoyed Christmas events across Telford, from switching on Madeley's lights and sharing a festive meal at Dawley’s over-60s party to shopping with local businesses and visiting schools and churches.

As the year ends, we in Parliament are working to wrap up tasks begun after July's General Election. 

Taking control of trains and giving local councils authority over the bus network which will prioritise passengers over profit, boosting Telford's growth by improving access to jobs and investment.

New measures to support renters will help tackle homelessness, with councils in England spending £2.29 billion on temporary housing last year. Poor housing affects education and services, making these changes vital.

The National Living Wage will rise to £12.21 by 2025, benefiting over 3 million workers, including 4,000 in the borough of Telford and Wrekin. Protecting pay is key as the cost of living remains a challenge.

The Employment Rights Bill strengthens worker protections, and I’ve pushed for better support for dads, ensuring protected paternity leave alongside moms.

I’m passionate about free breakfast clubs for primary school children, helping them start the day ready to learn and supporting parents with quality childcare. I've written to Telford schools encouraging them to join the 2025 pilot.

You’ve told me crime and safer streets should be a key focus. That’s why I joined local police on patrol recently to see first-hand the real-life issues here in Telford. The new Neighbourhood Police Guarantee, adds 13,000 officers nationwide with a named officer for every community. I’ve spoken over 45 times in Parliament since my election where I have raised issues like policing and ASB. I’ll keep pushing to ensure we get our fair share of these resources. 

Local health services remain my top priority—they're vital to me, my family, and our town. The NHS's state is dire after 14 challenging years, requiring time, transformation, and funding to fix. I welcome the £25.6bn investment in the NHS over the next two years, but it must drive reforms in social care, mental health, public health, and addressing the root causes of poor health.

It’s been an honour to serve as the MP for Telford over the past five months. I’ve helped 2,300 constituents and mentioned Telford more often than in the previous five years combined. I will continue to stand up for Telford and serve with dedication.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’ll host monthly face-to-face meetings and coffee events with key public services across Telford. Watch for dates and sign up at www.shaundavies.org.

Finally, I thank everyone working over Christmas in the NHS, across our emergency services, armed forces, and essential services for keeping us safe and well.