Listening, and looking back | Oliver Ryan MP column
Hello everyone!
Local election season is in full swing, and I hope you’re not too sick of all the politics, even I am reaching my limit. I'm writing this on Wednesday before Polling Day, with the expectation this local election will be one of change.
First, to newly elected councillors of all parties: congratulations. The real work begins now. Having served as a local councillor for nine years, I can say it’s one of the most rewarding roles you can take on. To returning councillors, well done – you know the drill by now. Please, let’s just finally get the roads sorted.
I’ve been back home in Cliviger this week, as last week marked the end of the Parliamentary year. The King’s Speech next Wednesday will officially begin the next session.
As is always the case at the beginning of the new year, I feel like it’s a time for reflection. As a Labour MP, I’m going to level with you: we’ve made mistakes, some big mistakes.
Yet I believe Britain and Burnley in May 2026 is better than the Britain we inherited in 2024.
We passed 60 Acts of Parliament last year and I voted 300+ times. For me, one of our best achievements was the Employment Rights Act, the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation. This is what a Labour Government should be focused on – protecting workers, increasing wages, fighting for the you and your family.
We’ve taken back some of our railway services and established Great British Rail. It’s publicly owned, and publicly accountable to improve rail services. Better yet, we’ve frozen rail fares too.
We introduced legislation to bring clean energy and cheaper bills to the public, and industry whilst bringing down energy bills by an average of £117 at the April Budget.
The Renters Rights Act is another key step forward. As a lifelong renter, I know how important it is. The Act bans no-fault evictions and bidding wars, helping to bring more stability and fairness to housing.
We’ve also lifted 450,000 children out of poverty by removing the two-child benefit cap. Here locally, over 5,000 children will benefit, with families receiving an extra £20 per week per child.
And small boat crossings are down by a third compared to this time last year. Before Brexit there were no small boats. Anyone who tells you stopping them is a simple issue is lying to you. It’s complex, it’ll take time to sort, but we are getting there.
It’s true: things are getting better, though I know it doesn't always feel like it.
As always, if you would like to have a chat about any of this, or an issue, drop me an email at [email protected] or attend a drop in with a caseworker between 10am-2pm from Monday-Thursday at my office on Grimshaw Street in Burnley.