'Why I left the conference feeling optimistic for renewal of Britain'

THIS year’s Labour Conference gave me the opportunity to meet with local organisations on behalf of my constituents, discuss issues directly impacting Burton and Uttoxeter with Government, and champion our towns and villages.

- JACOB COLLIER MP FOR BURTON AND UTTOXETER

Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers his speech during the Labour Conference

I thought for this month's column, I would provide you with an insight into what I got up to, and why these events are so important.

My team and I met with several people, including the President of National Farmers Union to discuss how we can help the sector thrive, and GMB Union to discuss the current ceramics industry crisis in Stoke-on-Trent and manufacturing jobs in Burton and Uttoxeter.

I spent some time with Holland & Barrett, a big employer in the constituency, who hire 600 local people across their two Burton hubs.

I met with them to discuss how they support our NHS and work to reduce waiting lists, as well as their contribution to our town. I look forward to visiting their distribution hubs and seeing their local operation in action.

The Minister for Industry and I spoke about the recent Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack and subsequent impact on the supply chain. The announcement of £1.5 billion loan is welcome, especially for local SMEs caught up in the wake.

On the lead up to conference, many of my constituents asked me to visit some of the organisations who were at the event, on their behalf.