This week the Government brought in a rise in your national insurance payments, at the worst possible time – whilst were facing astronomical prices rises in the weekly shop, at the petrol pumps and in rising energy bills. Recent research found that Birmingham Ladywood is set to be one of the constituencies hit hardest by the rising cost of living. This confirms the reality facing many Birmingham Ladywood constituents already. Families are telling me they are facing the very stark choice between feeding their children or heating their home.

The Chancellor’s recent Spring Statement is a complete disaster for living standards and has left the British people with the highest tax burden in 70 years. Before the Ukraine crisis, inflation was already spiralling, and it is Conservative choices that have left us exposed to a cost of living crisis. Under the Conservatives, families in Birmingham Ladywood and across the country are £2,620 worse off. Labour’s fully-funded plan starts with a one-off windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas profits, and would save households £200 on their bills, with an extra targeted support of £400 to those who need it most.  

Last week, I visited a fantastic local charity working right here in Birmingham! Suited for Success is doing brilliant work ensuring people look their best for job interviews. They told me they are in need of additional storage space for their clothing donations – so if any businesses or property agents in Ladywood are able to help, please email info@suitedforsuccess.co.uk.  

The Tories also announced their long-awaited Energy Security Plan that fails to provide a penny more for energy efficiency. They had 12 years in Government to end the UK’s reliance on imported fossil fuels – they chose not to. Labour’s plan would see 19 million homes insulated, it would double onshore wind energy capacity and triple solar power.  

I was delighted to be in Newcastle –under-Lyme and Crawley this week, as we kicked off Labour’s campaign for the local elections. Many of my conversations on the doorstep have been about the Tory cost of living crisis, with lots of people interested in Labour’s plan to tackle it. Help us spread the word that it is Labour that is on your side and find a campaign event near you in the run up to the 5th May: http://events.labour.org.uk 

Finally, I want to wish everyone observing the holy month of Ramadan a happy and peaceful Ramadan 2022. Ramadan Mubarak!