Investing in Britain's Future: Strong Schools, Strong Communities

It’s easy to get caught up in talk of global influence when you’re in Westminster, but the reality on the ground for families here in Manchester is very different. My priority, and I suspect most people’s, is ensuring our kids have the best possible start in life and that our local communities are thriving. That means focusing on what truly matters: well-funded schools, accessible healthcare, and opportunities for everyone.

We need to be clear about where our resources are best spent. Throwing money at defence or grand foreign policy gestures feels increasingly out of step when our own public services are stretched so thin. I see it every day in my classroom – brilliant teachers struggling with too few resources, children from disadvantaged backgrounds needing more support than we can currently provide.