Minimum wage rates go up this week, giving a pay rise to 2.7 million people. This is good news for working people – now let’s get on and deliver the New Deal for Working People in full. 🌹

Thanks to this Labour government, big changes are coming tomorrow to help working people 🌹 ✔️National Living Wage & Minimum Wage increasing ✔️Prescription charges are frozen ✔️The two-child limit is lifted ✔️£117 average being knocked off energy bills ✔️ Day one paternity leave

A constituent in Kirkby was worried about delays to her daughter’s SEND school placement, as no panel date had been confirmed and the new term was fast approaching. I intervened, nda I’m pleased that her daughter has now started at school, with funding approved for 1:1 support.

A win for a constituent and business owner in Huyton. After being left without gas for 30 days at their commercial property, they got in touch with my office for support. I intervened, and I’m pleased that the situation has now been sorted.

A constituent in Prescot raised concerns about poor lighting on the pathway leading to the Merseyside BMX Club, making it difficult & unsafe for people to access the leisure centre. I took this up, and I’m pleased that the lighting has been repaired, improving safety & access.

🚨📢 Waste Crime in Knowsley Debate📢🚨 I've secured a debate in the House of Commons today at 4pm to discuss Waste Crime in Knowsley, where I can raise the issues on the Simonswood Stink and the M57 waste dump. You can watch it live here: www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...

Again and again, Capita's performance with public sector pensions has been an absolute disgrace. I've had so many constituents write to me, scared that they won’t be able to make ends meet. My fellow Labour MPs and I have demanded action. Watch here.

A great result for a constituent in Huyton. After being told he would face an additional 3-month wait for major surgery, he got in touch with me for help. I raised his case with the NHS Trust, and I’m pleased that he was able to have his operation just a couple of weeks later.

Nice to find time for a cup of coffee with my dinner at the Coffee House in Kirkby between constituency engagements on Friday. You can always get a lovely cuppa here.

Neu Klang tells the history of Krautrock. I listened along to records it mentioned as I read - some so out there they made Can sound like The Monkees. Despite loving Can, Neu!, Kraftwerk & Faust for years, I’d never explored its origins. A thoughtful 50th gift. #MidgesBookClub

Labour is protecting the Triple Lock - ensuring pensions keep rising so older people can live with dignity and security. This means increased pensions for 1.4 million people across the North West, helping pensioners keep up with the cost of living.

The two-child benefit limit has been abolished. More than 3,000 children in Knowsley will be lifted out of poverty. Labour in government. Change in action.

A gent from Prescot contacted my office after running into issues renewing his minibus licence. I got in touch with the DVLA to ask them to review the case, and they’ve now confirmed he can continue using his existing licence while his renewal application is processed.

Last week I read An Advent Calendar by Shena Mackay. Everyone is having a miserable time, but the prose is sparkling. This is the 5th novel by Shena I have read this year. #MidgesBookClub

Capita’s management of the Civil Service Pension Scheme is a disaster. My constituents face errors, delays, and are struggling to make ends meet. I raised this in Parliament; we must stop awarding contracts to failing companies and deliver our manifesto commitment to insourcing.

More investment is coming to Knowsley - and it’s about focusing on the things that matter most to our communities. 📚 Protecting our libraries 🏬 Reviving our high streets 🛣️ Fixing our roads 🧹 Cleaning our streets Stronger public services, better local spaces, and real improvements.

It's a win 👍 A constituent in Stockbridge Village was struggling at home due to his disabilities, especially with stairs. I contacted ForHousing, and they arranged a visit and OT referral the same day. He can now stay in his family home with the right adaptations in place.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone in Knowsley ☘️💚

I voted to expand access to free school meals for children in Knowsley.

I held my second Cost of Living Advice Forum at the Community Hub in Stockbridge Village, bringing together local organisations to offer practical support on bills, housing, energy and finances. My next forum will be on the 17th April in Huyton – please email me to book!

Congratulations to The First Step on 30 years of supporting survivors of domestic abuse in Knowsley. Thank you for the life-changing work you do every day. Here’s my message to Caroline and the team 👇🏻

Today I’m hosting a Cost of Living Forum, joined by partners from Citizens Advice, Octopus Energy, Livv Housing, and Knowsley Council. If you need advice, help with bills, or want to pop in to say hello, please do come along. 📍 Bob Wiley Community Centre ⏰ Until 5 PM

A constituent in Kirkby contacted my office after waiting 3 years for Sanctuary Housing to replace her damaged garden fence. I contacted them to press for action, and now contractors will be arranging a date for the work to be completed. Glad to help get things moving. 💪

“Oh my Christ!”🌼 Great to attend the Marie Curie Daffodil Campaign event in Parliament, celebrating the work they do supporting people at the end of life and their families. It was great to meet some of the amazing team behind that work.

The Sacred Memory Bank is a mindblowing exhibition at the Kirkby Gallery by Jeff Young & Mike Badger. It reminded me of Kurt Schwitters, Dada, and the British & American pop artists of the 60s if they were from Everton and Huyton. I would recommend going - it's on til Friday 27th March.

Loved visiting St Gabriel’s School. I got a really warm welcome from the teachers and staff, and thanks so much to the Head Girls and Head Boys for the tour, and to Year 6 for grilling me. Looking forward to seeing you all again soon!

Took the team for a curry at Dosa Village in Prescot. Would recommend Gobi 65 and Sri Lankan mutton curry. It's a great award-winning restaurant that I'm made up to have in the patch.

Harold Wilson would have been 110 today. He is my favourite Labour Prime Minister and my illustrious predecessor, having been the MP for Huyton from 1950 to 1983. This is a pic of me, @lordhanson.bsky.social and Alan Johnson at a Harold-themed fundraiser I did last year in Huyton; a great night.

I welcome the Government’s Youth Guarantee - 55,000 placements is a good start. But none are currently planned for Knowsley. I’ve asked the Secretary of State to expand the scheme and help get more young people into good jobs locally.

Last week I read Ghost Town by Jeff Young. This is a dérive through space and time of Liverpool. It is to books what Terrance Davies is to Cinema. Chapeau bas Jeff. What did you read last week? #MidgesBookClub

On International Women’s Day, I want you to meet my brilliant team of Knowsley working-class women who work hard every day. Look at the comments below 📷 PS: We do have a great man as well, but we will shout about him another day.

It's International Women’s Day, and I want to recognise some of the incredible Knowsley women and organisations who help make our community what it is. 🧵#InternationalWomensDay

Great to spend time with Knowsley business leaders discussing apprenticeships and jobs for young people. Thanks to Knowsley Chamber for arranging and Structec for hosting. This Labour government is determined to make apprenticeships work, and together we can get it right.

📚Happy World Book Day! If you have kids at home, they can pick up a £1 World Book Day token from Huyton or Kirkby libraries until 14 March. So many children don't have a single book at home; this small token can open up a whole new world. The library did that for me.

A number of constituents have contacted me who are currently stranded in the Middle East. If this is you or a family member, please register your presence with the Foreign Office as soon as possible and follow the latest official advice. www.gov.uk/government/n...

🧵2026 is the National Year of Reading. I've loved books since before I could read. I remember my parents reading me stories at bedtime, especially Rocky & Bullwinkle, which I asked them to read over & over again.

My next surgery is at Southdene Community Centre on Friday 6th March. If you have a concern or question, please contact my office to book an appointment. 📍 Southdene Community Centre, Broad Lane, Liverpool, L32 6QG 📧 [email protected] 📞 0151 305 9026

📍 Stockbridge Community Hub, L28 1NR, 2pm–4pm TODAY Rising rents, mortgages, bills & food prices are causing real stress. I’m bringing together support so you can speak with me & organisations including Knowsley Council, Citizens Advice, Octopus Energy, Lloyds Bank & Age UK.

Community energy is already cutting bills and funding local projects. I want to see this in Knowsley. Proud Labour’s Local Power Plan will unlock up to £1bn to put communities in control, keep profits local and lower bills.

The new Renters’ Rights Act will strengthen protections for tenants, inc the right to keep beloved pets and welcome new ones. No more being forced to give up much-loved animals just because you rent. More secure homes for people, and fewer pets stuck in shelters ❤️ www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

POV: We're just normal men, we're just innocent men

Great to meet the RSPCA last week in Parliament and I'm proud to back the Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy for England - ending puppy farming, banning snares, outlawing trail hunting, and phasing out cruel confinement like farrowing crates.

This Labour government has launched a £10m travel support fund for families of children with cancer. A diagnosis is devastating and costs shouldn’t add to the burden. We’re lucky to have brilliant Alder Hey nearby, but many families travel far - this will help. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

The transfer of Civil Service Pensions to Capita has been a shambles - delays, poor communication and a backlog of 90,000 cases mean people in Knowsley aren’t getting the pensions they earned. I’ve raised this in Parliament and will keep pushing to get this sorted.

It’s National Apprenticeship Week. Labour is reforming apprenticeships – widening access, making courses shorter and more flexible, and cutting red tape – so more young people in Knowsley can get into skilled, well-paid jobs.🌟

It’s #HeartUnions Week. It was the unions that brought me from the council estate to the Parliamentary Estate. I’m proud to serve as Secretary of the Trade Union Group of Labour MPs.

Great result for a local resident 👏 After earlier treatments failed to tackle a rat infestation, I intervened with Knowsley Council and secured a full follow-up inspection free of charge. Environmental Health attended, removed a large nest, and treated the area properly.

I have written to @arrivauk.bsky.social to request an immediate meeting following their decision to withdraw Services 12 and 13 from Leach Croft after 6pm – a decision taken with no warning or regard for the hundreds of people in Stockbridge Village who rely on these buses every day.

Really positive session this weekend in St. Michael’s ward with @coz-2026.bsky.social. Wet and cold, but well worth it to speak to residents about their priorities