Dear Friends,
A big hello to everyone who lives in one of the top 25 global destinations for 2026. Yes, that’s Hull I’m talking about, and it’s the verdict of the National Geographic magazine who praised the city’s 800 years of maritime history, defiant spirit and laid-back charm. It’s a huge and deserved boost for the image of the city, and I hope it brings more visitors and an increase in trade for our local businesses next year.
Remembrance Day
On the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, the Armistice was signed, bringing about the conclusion of the First World War. Armistice Day has been a moment to remember the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces in all conflicts since, from the Second World War to Iraq and Afghanistan
It was a privilege to attend the Remembrance Sunday services at the Cenotaph and in Hessle, and then on Wednesday at Willerby Memorial to honour all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
I was also proud to see our poppy for Hull West and Haltemprice added to the tribute in Parliament’s Memorial Garden.
In the lead-up to the day, I had the pleasure of joining Hull4Heroes on a special visit to Springhead Primary School, where we collected Remembrance Day postcards written by the children for our armed forces.
This marks our fourth year running this project, and every time we’re deeply affected by the kindness, creativity, and love in these messages. The children never fail to remind us of the power of gratitude and community.
The children also had the opportunity to ask veterans, Martin and Colin, about their time in the armed forces and they asked some truly thoughtful questions.
Thank you so much to everyone at Springhead, especially the Year 6 students, for getting involved and doing something special for our armed forces.
Labour’s Veterans Strategy
This Government is determined to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served, and we are stepping up support for our veterans.
Armed Forces Covenant:
- Fully enshrined in law to guarantee fairness and respect for veterans and their families.
VALOUR Programme:
- £50 million funding
- Establish VALOUR-recognised veterans’ support centres across the UK
- Fund Regional Field Officers to connect local, regional and national services
- Supported by VALOUR HQ based in Office for Veterans’ Affairs
LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme:
- £75 million allocated
- Acknowledges historic injustices against LGBT veterans
- Exceeds Etherton Review recommendations
Veterans’ Card:
- Now accepted as valid voter ID
Veteran Homelessness Support:
- £3.5 million additional funding
- Wraparound services for employment and independent living support
Of course, I will be pushing to make sure Hull and East Yorkshire veterans have access to a VALOUR support centre in our area.
New Defence Housing Service
The government is committed to looking after not just our veterans, but to those currently serving – and their families – through our new “forces first” housing strategy which will give service families and veterans priority for new homes on defence land.
To do that, we are creating a new Defence Housing Service to take over management of military homes after years of complaints about poor living conditions.
Almost all 47,700 military family homes will be refurbished or replaced, marking the biggest renewal of armed forces housing in 50 years and delivering homes fir for heroes.
Renter’s Rights Act
Everyone deserves a secure, decent home, and the Renter’s Right’s Bill has received Royal Assent, which means it is now law, giving better rights and protections to over 11 million people, including 10,814 households in the constituency.
The Renters’ Reform Coalition said it is a “generational upgrade to renters’ rights” but it was fought all the way by Conservatives and Reform, who have also voted against the Worker’s Right’s Bill at every opportunity. When it comes to actions, not words, only Labour is on the side of everyday working people.
If you want to know what that will mean for you, or someone you know who’s renting, this BBC explainer is helpful. For the full details go here.
Understanding British Parliamentary democracy
As we remember those who fought for our country, we also remember that they fought to preserve our democratic freedoms, so it is vitally important for everyone to understand how our democracy works.
That’s why Sean from my office visited Paisley Primary this week to give Year 6 a lesson on how British Parliamentary democracy works and the role of an MP. The class were a credit to their school—polite, engaged, and full of intelligent questions.
He has already visited Adelaide and Christopher Pickering this term and will be visiting Wheeler Street and Chiltern Primary later this month.
Butterfly City People’s Planting Week
I was honoured to kick-off Butterfly City’s People’s Planting week by planting a Buckthorn whip in the grounds of Lees Rest Houses. The area is beautifully kept by Chris the gardener, who took some more to plant around the grounds.
The Bucktorn grows into a small tree, and the caterpillars of the lovely Brimstone butterfly feed exclusively on its leaves – so more Buckthorn equals more Brimstones. Since 2019, Butterfly City has distributed over 6,000 plants free to the public, community groups and schools in Hull and surrounding villages and I am proud to have been involved from the start.
The whips have been going like hot cakes from the pick-up points, but if you didn’t get a chance to get one and are interested, message them through their FaceBook page.
Humber Bridge Country Park gets a new sign!
I was out enjoying nature again at the unveiling of the new Countryside Code design at Humber Bridge Country Park.
This was a proud moment for our community and for me personally as the stunning artwork was created by the incredibly talented Eleanor Tomlinson Art, a former pupil from my old school Willerby Carr Primary!
This whole idea began when the old sign needed replacing and the Friends of Humber Bridge Country Park got in touch asking if I could help. I was thrilled to be able to get the ball rolling and bring Natural England on board. As the Countryside Code notice needed a revamp nationally, what started here in Hessle is now set to be rolled out across England – how amazing is that?
Huge thanks to everyone involved in making this happen, and a special mention too for Bramble, Eleanor’s dog, who served as inspiration for the design (and is very cute).
End to animal testing comes a step closer
I know that ending testing on animals is something close to many people’s hearts, so it’s so it’s great news to hear that the government is providing £75 million in funding to help bring forward new testing methods as part of our new plan to phase out animal testing in science faster. These technologies will include:
Organ-on-a-chip systems: Tiny devices lined with human cells that mimic organ functions.
3D bioprinted human tissues: For realistic toxicology and disease modeling.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): To predict chemical toxicity and drug interactions using big data.
Human in vitro models: Advanced cell-based systems for diseases like cancer, liver and brain disorders.
This is a big step in delivering our manifesto promise to replace animal use in science where safe and effective alternatives exist and will position the UK as a global leader in non-animal testing methods.
Small Business Saturday returns!
It’s back! The Hull West and Haltemprice Small Business Saturday competition returns for 2025!
Do you know a brilliant small business in West Hull, Hessle, Anlaby, Willerby or Kirk Ella that goes above and beyond for our community? Give them the recognition they deserve and nominate them here
Huge boost for women’s health
I’m delighted to share some important news following recent Government announcements that will make a real difference to women’s health.
For the first time ever, menopause support will be included in routine NHS health checks for women aged 40–74. This means millions of women will now be asked about symptoms and offered help during their regular check-ups—raising awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring more women get the support they need.
This change is the result of tireless campaigning by groups like Menopause Mandate and many MPs across Parliament, and I’m proud to see it being delivered.
Alongside this, the Women’s Health Strategy is being renewed to tackle long-standing inequalities and improve access to care. Whether it’s delays in diagnosis for conditions like endometriosis or long gynaecology waiting lists, this strategy aims to build a healthcare system that truly listens to women and meets their needs.
We must see improvements in diagnosis timescales and ensure women feel listened to and taken seriously by NHS professionals. So many voices have helped shape this progress, and I’ll continue to push for further improvements in women’s health.
Anyone who has followed me for a while will know this is a keen interest of mine, and you may even have met me at the hugely successful Menopause Hull event at Princes Quay in October.
Finally, I want to give a shoutout to the incredible local groups HEY Endo, Menopaus’ull Support Network, and Endo Buddies—thank you for the brilliant job you do supporting and advocating for women in our area.
Building Financial Inclusion for Everyone
Everyone should have access to the financial basics like fair banking, affordable credit, and advice that helps families keep more of their hard-earned money, so the Government has launched a new Financial Inclusion Strategy which will help everyone access the services they need, better manage unexpected costs and plan for the future.
Key steps include:
- Better banking access: 350 new banking hubs and simpler account opening for those without standard ID.
- Inclusive products: Industry-led services designed for diverse needs.
- Support for savings: Payroll savings schemes backed by a National Coalition of Employers.
- Affordable credit: £30 million to strengthen credit unions and a pilot for small-sum loans to reduce reliance on loan sharks.
- Insurance for all: Pilots to help social renters access contents insurance.
- Debt support: More funding for advice and fairer public sector debt collection.
- Financial education: Compulsory lessons in primary schools and targeted family programmes.
The strategy also tackles mental health, accessibility, and economic abuse with the aim of ensuring financial services work for everyone.
And finally,
As always, I’m here to support you. I do a face-to-face surgery every week so you can always come and see me. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about how I can help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
You can email me at emma.hardy.mp@parliament.uk or call my office at 01482 219211. Leave a message if I’m unavailable, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Best wishes,
Emma Hardy MP
Hull West and Haltemprice
P.S.
I thought the poppy decorations on the newly painted entrance to Paragon Interchange were beautifully done.
