Column: I will always be a huge advocate for apprenticeships

I was staggered to hear that 18 people in Ashfield per year receive a diagnosis, and 46 people in Ashfield have died of leukaemia in the last five years.

Both of these statistics are above the national average. If you think you’ve got symptoms, please make sure you get an appointment to see your GP.

I also attended an ADS event, ahead of National Apprenticeship Week this week.

Apprentices from the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors were present, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to chat to two lads who were doing aerospace apprenticeships.

University is not for everyone and apprenticeships are a fantastic way to develop the talents of our young people, whilst also enabling them to earn money.

I will always be a huge advocate for apprenticeships.

I spoke in the Chamber last Thursday on a debate about coalfield communities. The Labour MP for Whitehaven spoke about his desire for jobs in his area. I reminded him that there is a coal mine in his area, that is ready to open and provide 600 jobs for local people. I was called a populist for my comments by this MP – it truly beggars belief.

Councillor Cathy Mason, who represents the Carsic ward on Ashfield District Council, joined Reform UK last week, to make the third Reform councillor on the authority.

Cathy is the first Labour councillor in the whole country to defect to Reform UK, although I imagine she will be the first of many.

Like many others all over the country, Cathy has been let down by the Labour Party with all their polices that are not helping people at all.

In the last few months, we’ve had local defections from Labour, the Tories, and the Ashfield Independents, which is proof that Reform UK has all the momentum in Ashfield.

My Friday constituency business was great as always. I visited Brightwake Ltd in Kirkby, who are world leaders in medical supplies.

It was lovely to meet all the staff and see what they do. The director, Steve, started the business and built it up to what it is today, truly inspiring stuff.

I also visited Beech Court care home in Selston to meet some great veterans. The home is owned by Five Focal Point and they are working to attain accreditation on the veteran friendly framework, which is a project lead by the Royal British Legion to improve social, health and wellbeing outcomes for veterans living in care homes.

I spoke to Tony who did national service in Malta and served all over the world, and Ian who was a warrant officer. If anybody would like to come and speak to these veterans, please come down to this care home.