Political opinion column with Josh Fenton-Glynn MP: Looking back on 2025
As the old year draws to a close and a new one begins, I’ve been reflecting on 2025. Sometimes it appears most of my work in Parliament is on the green benches. However, I am the strongest voice for Calder Valley when my work is firmly rooted in this community.
Throughout the year I’ve held discussion events and visited local schools, businesses and some incredible charities. I’ve also held regular advice surgeries across the constituency. Whether it’s helping someone navigate the complexities of Universal Credit or supporting local specialist manufacturing businesses, my team and I are here to help.
An issue first raised with me by a constituent became one of the most meaningful pieces of work of my Parliamentary work so far: changing rules in the family courts to protect children from abusers. I thank the constituents who came to me so much for the courage they showed in sharing their experiences. It really helped make this much-needed change to protect children.
Education and transport have been recurring themes this year. I’ve pushed for fair funding for rebuilding schools, and had many in-depth conversations with school staff, NHS professionals and parents about changes needed to better support children with special educational needs and disabilities. On transport, I’ve pressed for improvements to rail services and buses, recognising that reliable public transport is vital for jobs, education, and family life in a valley like ours.
I also serve on the Health and Social Care Select Committee. We’ve scrutinised government policy on GP waiting times, NHS dentistry, early childhood, mental health and the funding of local health services. I want to see practical solutions: cutting waiting lists, ensuring everyone can see an NHS dentist, and making sure our health system is properly funded. We also need to reimagine our health service beyond hospitals to include prevention, quality care in the community, and a system that works for everyone.
Being an MP means fighting hard for what you believe in but also recognising those occasions when collaboration achieves more than confrontation. My work on welfare reform was a good example of that. Whilst there was much that was positive in the bill, I was gravely concerned about the proposed changes to personal independence payment (PIP). After weeks of work behind the scenes I supported an amendment that helped secure significant changes from ministers. The government are now working with disabled people and organisations on co-producing a clear, fair set of future criteria.
2025 has been a year of standing up for fairness, pushing for a better NHS, working hard in the constituency, and learning how to serve you better. I know there’s so much more to do in 2026. I’m determined to keep working with and for you to build a fairer, healthier and more hopeful Calder Valley.