Reporting Back: Oliver Ryan MP for Burnley, Padiham, and Brierfield

I hope you're all coping well with yet another heatwave. It might finally be starting to cool down up north, but as the Burnley, Padiham, and Brierfield Political Summer School cohort of 30 local young people has discovered over the last couple of weeks, London is basically one giant oven.

Before I kick off, let me say a massive well done to everyone who won and was nominated at the Burnley Business Awards last week, it was really special and great to see everyone doing so well - I was very proud of you all.

Can I also repeat here the public apology I gave on Facebook for banging out far too many karaoke songs on Friday night at the Royal Dyche - great laugh, great night, thanks to everyone who put up with me and said hello. For those interested, I did Amarillo, Elton John, Rock DJ among others.

From karaoke to the House of Commons...it's been a busy few weeks, not just in politics but across the country, so there's plenty to catch up on.

Let's start with the Labour leadership and the new Prime Minister - I'd love to know what you think.

This week I was pleased to nominate Andy Burnham for Leader of the Labour Party. I've known him a long time, and Andy is someone who understands towns like ours because he's spent his career fighting for communities across the North. I genuinely believe he knows first hand the opportunities and challenges we face outside Westminster, and will be a support to us.

Now the nominations are in, including my own for him, it's time to look ahead, focus on the future and get on with getting more done.

And talking of getting on with the job, this week the Government took another major step towards creating the first smoke-free generation.

As Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care, I've seen the work that's gone into these plans. The aim is simple: stop children getting hooked on nicotine, better protect people from second-hand smoke and improve the nation's health for years to come.

Alongside this, the Government has launched a consultation on tougher rules around vaping and nicotine products, including how they're packaged, displayed and marketed. More than a million 11 to 17-year-olds in Great Britain tried vaping in 2025 alone, and it's clear we need to stop products being designed to attract to children.

As someone who used to smoke, and vape, and use nicotine help products - I think this is a good thing, so many kids these days vape and it really isn't good for them.

Good public health is about prevention as much as treatment. Keeping people healthier for longer is better for individuals, better for communities and helps ensure our NHS can be there for those who need it most.

Politics has also delivered no shortage of drama this week, with yet more headlines surrounding Nigel Farage. Public service isn't about headlines or political stunts – it's about representing your community and getting the job done.

Beyond politics, it's also been another week filled with difficult headlines, both here and around the world. Whatever our political differences, moments like these remind us how important it is that we stay united, look after one another and keep working towards a better future.

As always, if there's anything I can help with, please get in touch at [email protected] or visit one of my drop-in sessions with a caseworker, held Monday to Thursday between 10am and 2pm at my office at 5 Grimshaw Street opposite Palazzo in Burnley.

Until next time,

Oliver.