The questions I get are rarely easy ones, which is exactly how it should be. Young people are rightly curious about how decisions are made, why politics sometimes feels disconnected from their lives and what can be done to build a fairer future.
It’s one of the reasons I strongly support extending the right to vote to 16 and 17-year-olds. If you can work, pay taxes and contribute to society at 16, it’s only fair that you have a say in how that society is run. But this isn’t just about fairness; it’s about strengthening our democracy. Giving young people a voice earlier helps to build lifelong habits of participation and ensures that decisions taken today reflect the realities facing the next generation.
When I raised this issue in Parliament previously, it was with those conversations in mind. I’ve seen first-hand that young people are more than ready to engage. So I’m delighted this Labour Government will bring forward legislation for votes at 16 in the coming months.
Of course, voting is just one part of the picture. Meaningful engagement with young people has to go further than that. It means creating opportunities for them to be heard, whether that’s through school councils, youth forums, or work experience placements like those we host in my office. It also means making politics more accessible and less intimidating.
I’ve been particularly impressed by the local students who’ve joined my office recently on work experience. They’ve brought fresh perspectives and asked questions that cut right to the heart of the issues we’re working on. It’s a reminder that our politics is better when it reflects a wider range of voices.
While engaging with young people about the future is vital, we also have a responsibility to make sure people of all ages have the information and support they need to look after their health today.
April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, an important opportunity to highlight one of the UK’s most common — and most treatable — cancers when caught early. Too often, awareness is low and screening rates are not as high as they should be.
Screening really does save lives. It can detect cancer before symptoms appear and even prevent it from developing in the first place. When diagnosed early, the vast majority of people survive. Yet too many people still don’t complete the simple test that arrives through their letterbox.
Here in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, screening uptake is just over two-thirds. That’s a solid foundation, but there is clearly more to do. Increasing participation could make a real difference, helping to ensure more cases are caught early when treatment is most effective.
So if you’re eligible and receive a test kit, I would strongly encourage you to complete it. And if you notice any symptoms or changes that concern you, please don’t delay in speaking to your GP. These conversations can feel difficult, but they are vital.
Looking ahead, there is also positive news for our area. The new Sussex Cancer Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital will transform the way cancer care is delivered locally, providing faster, more advanced and more specialised treatment for patients across the region. It’s a significant investment in our NHS and one that reflects the scale of need in Sussex.
I’ll finish with an Albion prediction, as we head into a busy week with a trip to Spurs followed by a home clash against Chelsea (irritatingly moved to a Tuesday night when I’ll be in Parliament!). We’re top of the form table, and Spurs are very much at the bottom – so despite De Zerbi’s return, I’m taking us to win 2-0. Chelsea are in pretty poor form too, so my inherent optimism sees us winning 3-1 here too. Europe here we come!
