Dear Constituent,

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of the Denton and Reddish weekly news! 

It's been a slightly different week this week, as I've spent most of it taking part in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's Annual Session in Vancouver. 

Have a look below!

This week, we also celebrated the 75th anniversary of our incredible NHS.  A huge thank you to all the staff who work day in day out to deliver care in really difficult circumstances. You truly are the best of us. Here's to giving the NHS the staff, reform and tools it needs to thrive! 🏥

For the last few days I’ve been in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada for the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Summer Session.

In this current Parliament, I’m part of the UK’s OSCE Delegation.

OSCE was established at the height of the Cold War to bring NATO, Warsaw Pact and non-aligned countries together to have greater dialogue on security and cooperation between east and west. Following the fall of the Iron Curtain, it took on an extra role in promoting democracy and free elections.

It’s again focusing on security in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine (both are OSCE member states). I spoke in a number of debates, ranging from global security to wider Russian aggression, have a watch below!

In other news, Vancouver is a beautiful city. I loved that the Beaver is its symbol… it’s Denton’s too (and for the same reason. We got beaver pelts from Canada to turn into hats!)

It was a real honour to represent the UK on an international stage.

WATCH: On the first day of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's summer session, we're discussing the role of the organisation in the face of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

I speak on behalf of the UK delegation to reiterate our steadfast support for Ukraine, and why it's so important all OSCE PA Members stand firm against Putin's tyrannical regime.

WATCH: At the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, we have a debate on Russia's appalling invasion of Ukraine, and the way in which it breaches the founding principles of the OSCE.

While condemning Russia's actions, I pay tribute to the tireless bravery of the Ukrainian people, who are fighting every single day in defence of democracy, freedom and sovereignty.

They deserve our unwavering support.

WATCH: At the OSCE, we have a debate on the actions of the Wagner Group, who have been linked to atrocities in Ukraine, Mali, the Central African Republic and several other nations.

Despite the recent fallout between Putin and Wagner's leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, the group has been closely affiliated to the Kremlin, and continue to spread fear right across the globe.

I speak as a Member of the OSCE UK delegation, and call on all other members to designate this mercenary group as a terrorist organisation.

WATCH: At the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, we have a discussion on the rising threat of antisemitism across the OSCE region.

I talk about my recent visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau with March of the Living UK, and the impact it had on me.

We must stand resolutely against antisemitism, and work with our friends and neighbours to eradicate it.

 WATCH: For my final contribution at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I focus on the key challenges currently facing the world.

From the climate crisis, to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, to global security, many problems can only be addressed through international action.

That's why organisations like the OSCE are so important. We must redouble our efforts to work together while defending human rights, liberty and democracy.

For both my current and new constituencies, the awful news of Government-backed plans to permanently close railway ticket offices is causing significant concern.

Not only will this decision cost jobs and livelihoods, it'll make railway stations less accessible for disabled and vulnerable passengers.

I'll be making a submission to the Government's consultation and fighting this decision tooth and nail. Local people are fed up of a Government that only seems interested in the managed decline of our railways.

📰 READ: In this week's Tameside Reporter, I've written about the OSCE session I attended on behalf of the United Kingdom, and what the organisation hopes to achieve.

We live in an interconnected world, where what happens on one side of the world can have lasting implications on the other.

It’s really important, then, that the UK does everything it can to engage with its friends, and neighbours on the global stage to ensure that we all work towards a progressive, safer world. Read the full piece here.

📰 READ: Thanks to the The New Statesman for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this piece on what the NHS' 75th anniversary means to parliamentarians.

The NHS gave my Dad a peaceful end to his journey. I'll remain grateful to it for the rest of my life.
Read the full piece here https://rb.gy/b1g9y