Pubs, clubs and live music venues will get a 20% cut in business rates from April.

I'm hiring for a Senior Parliamentary Assistant! 📣 If you have previous experience working in Parliament and you're a strong communicator with good organisational skills, this could be the role for you! Search 'Alex Ballinger' on W4MP Jobs to apply.

Single bus fares will be capped at £2 from next year🚍️

We are tackling the cost of living, one step at a time.

I've correctly predicted the last TWO matches... now it's time for England vs Argentina. Watch my prediction and let me know if you agree. Come on England, let's get the job done! #England #ThreeLions #ENGARG

Today we celebrate the history, culture and character of the Black Country. From our industrial heritage that changed the world, to home-grown stars like Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers inspiring the next generation, the Black Country continues to make its mark with pride. #BlackCountryDay

Earlier this week, I asked Defence Minister Luke Pollard MP about when we can expect new amphibious ships to be available now that we are co-operating with the Dutch. Watch to see his response.

Nigel Farage needs to come clean about donations he receives.

Labour's new Immigration and Asylum Bill was laid before Parliament this week. ➡️A new independent immigration appeals authority will speed up asylum cases ➡️Requires people granted asylum to repay the cost of the government support they received ➡️Reforms modern slavery rules

I welcome the Government's decision to extend pub opening hours until 5am for England's World Cup clash with Mexico. There's no better place to watch England than down the local. This is a welcome boost for pubs and a chance for communities to get behind the Three Lions together. Come on England!

I was pleased to see that the mini-mart on Cradley Heath High Street, which was featured in a BBC investigation that exposed the sale of illegal drugs, has finally been shut down. It should not have taken this long.

Dudley borough has been named the worst performing borough in the country for tracking 16 and 17 year-olds. This is not good enough. I asked Pat McFadden MP what more we can do to identify and support young people who are at risk of becoming NEET, so that no one slips through the cracks.

I am glad that the final asylum hotel in the Dudley borough was closed last week. Yesterday I asked Alex Norris MP about what this Labour government has done to tackle this issue since the election and what further steps we are taking to sort out returns agreements for other countries.

Last week, I met Matt and Dave from Andy’s Man Club Halesowen to present them with my Community Champions Award. We spoke about the vitally important work they do, challenging the stigma around men’s mental health and giving men a safe space to talk. #ANDYSMANCLUB #ItsOakyToTalk

This Armed Forces Week, I raised the real impact that Conservative austerity had on our armed forces. Having served myself, I recognised those same pressures. I asked about the effect of years of real-term pay cuts on morale for our brave service personnel.

I know many constituents are still getting to know Andy Burnham. On Wednesday, I spoke on GB News to highlight his strong track record in Manchester and how it can translate across the country. #GBNews #AndyBurnham

Last week, I hosted a debate in Parliament about illegal activity on our high streets, how it affects the Black Country in particular, and what the government is doing to put a stop to it. I will continue to put pressure on the relevant authorities to crack down on this activity.

Armed Forces Week offers an opportunity to recognise the diverse and specialised work across our armed forces. I had the opportunity to meet Royal Navy operators working with the UK‑built Kraken unmanned surface vehicle, as well as the Army’s EOD team and their Harris bomb-disposal robot.

A statement on the resignation of the Prime Minister.

I was proud to submit this postcard as part of Halesowen's bid to become the UK Town of Culture. For me, it captures so much of what makes Halesowen special: our rich history, strong community spirit, and vibrant cultural life.

Good luck to England tonight as they kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia. ⚽️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 You can watch the game live from 9pm on ITV. I'm predicting a 2-0 win for England, what are your score predictions? Let me know in the comments.

Watch me speak on LBC Cross Question last night about how this Labour government is tackling illegal immigration and reducing small boat crossings.

I welcome the social media ban for under-16s which was announced this morning. As a society, we must do everything we can to protect our young people, and this is a huge step towards doing that. What do you think about the ban? I'd be interested to hear your views in the comments.

This morning I asked Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander MP about the use of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters. Not only is the use of these things dangerous, it is also intimidating for other residents. Watch to see her response.

Yesterday I raised the issue of street racing and dangerous driving across Halesowen to Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Roads and Buses. I also raised my concern that both Sandwell and Dudley Council have withdrawn from the High Court Injunction banning street racing. Watch to see his response.

It was great to bring together a range of local businesses on Friday, giving business owners the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing them and our economy. We have some truly innovative businesses here in Halesowen.

I have added my name to this letter, calling to ban trade with Israeli settlements. Israel is seeking to prevent even the possibility of a Palestinian state through their activities in the West Bank. This should be opposed.

I was delighted to visit the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity on Thursday and see the incredible work they do to save lives across our region. It was fascinating to learn about their response times, tour their facilities, and hear from the dedicated staff whose expertise makes such a difference.

Massive congratulations to Halesowen-born Morgan Rogers who has been called up to the England squad for the 2026 World Cup👏 🏆️ Amazing to see Halesowen represented on the big stage. Good luck to Morgan and the rest of the England team. It's coming home!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Wishing anyone celebrating across Halesowen, Cradley, Wollescote, Cradley Heath, Old Hill, Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood a happy and blessed Eid al-Adha! May this blessed day bring you peace and joy🌙✨