On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we remember those who gave everything to secure our peace and freedom.

I'm honoured to be spending today at RAF Wittering – it’s a privilege to represent an area where this legacy is so deeply felt.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

#VEDay80

Great to welcome the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to Wittering today!

We spoke with residents on doorsteps across the village about Labour’s Plan for Change and the need to fix local infrastructure – and I discussed the much-needed A1 flyover with Rachel as well.

Yesterday, I welcomed the Secretary of State for Transport @heidialexander.bsky.social to North West Cambridgeshire, where we had a great discussion with local campaigners about the importance of rural bus services.

Too many residents feel unsafe due to off-road bikes being ridden dangerously on pavements & footpaths. This is especially worrying for older people & those with mobility issues.

I’m glad Labour is taking this seriously, giving police stronger powers to crack down on this menace.

These changes have been championed by Anna Smith as Deputy Mayor, and with her leading the way, we can continue building a bus network that works for everyone! 🚏

✅ Nearly 40,000 Tiger Passes issued, cutting fares for under-25s

✅ Over 800,000 journeys taken so far

✅ New Tiger on Demand services improving rural connections

✅ Plans for full bus franchising moving forward

New milestones hit as Cambridgeshire and Peterborough bus reform gathers pace - Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority The Combined Authority will update the Transport and Infrastructure Committee this week (March 5) on the progress of bus reform across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, including new services, passenge...

🚍 Great to see Labour’s progress on bus reform across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough – making public transport more affordable and accessible for local people.

cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/news/new-mil...

Great to meet with NHS staff to discuss how we can improve services and build a health service fit for the future.

Thank you to everyone who shared their insights, and to the DHSC for organising!

We’ve ended NHS strikes, invested in more evening & weekend clinics, and made sure people get the care they need when they need it.

This is the difference a Labour government makes. 🌹

Promise made. Promise kept. 🚑

Labour has delivered 2 million extra NHS appointments in just five months - seven months ahead of schedule ✅

This is the difference Labour makes: 

✅ Routes and timetables that work for passengers 
✅ More reliable services 
✅ Fairer, integrated fares across the network 
 
This is a huge step towards a better, more affordable public transport system. 🚏

A quote from Sam Carling MP that reads: ““For too long, our communities have been let down by an unreliable, fragmented bus network where private operators prioritise profits over passengers. That’s why I have been a strong advocate for bus franchising - ensuring that services are run in the interests of the people who rely on them.    Under Conservative governments, bus services have been slashed, routes cut and passengers left stranded. Labour is putting that right by giving local people control over routes, timetables and fares – creating a more reliable, affordable and connected public transport system.    I look forward to seeing this plan put into action and will continue working to ensure our region benefits from the improved services and connectivity that Labour’s bus franchising will deliver.” 

🚍 Labour is putting passengers first 🚍
 
The Combined Authority’s decision to introduce bus franchising is great news for passengers across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.

For too long, private operators have prioritised profits over reliability - leaving communities stranded.

Leprosy continues to impact millions globally, with harmful stigmas and discriminatory laws persisting in some countries.

I’m proud that The Leprosy Mission, based here in North West Cambridgeshire, are leading the way in raising awareness and fighting for change.

I’m glad to hear the Chief Secretary agree that the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor will bring opportunities to the whole region - including Peterborough.

With the right infrastructure in place, we can harness our city’s expertise to drive more good jobs and affordable housing.

I'm astonished that the Conservative candidate to be our next Mayor has spent today trashing this investment in our county.

We need politicians that will genuinely work together to deliver.

Today, the Chancellor confirmed a major package of investment to support infrastructure, transport, and economic growth across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough - laying the groundwork for future growth and opportunity in the region.

I’ve voted for: 🙅‍♂️ New powers to ban bonuses for rogue water executives 🚔 Tough penalties for lawbreaking water bosses 💷 Severe fines for water companies polluting our waterways 🌊 More investment into our water system that works for you

I’ve just voted to support the Water (Special Measures) Bill.

After 14 years of Conservative failure, @teamlabouruk.bsky.social are cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas 🌊

A quote from Sam: “I am thrilled that we finally have a tangible plan. This is a momentous day for our region, bringing clarity and hope where there was once only delay and disappointment. Our residents deserve healthcare facilities that meet modern standards, and this announcement is a big step in making that a reality. It is thanks to this Labour Government that we now have a timetable for delivery, so patients finally get the care they deserve."

🏥 Labour are delivering on healthcare! 🏥 
 
The New Hospital Programme review has green-lit a RAAC scheme at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, replacing unsafe concrete and modernising facilities.

A win for patients across the region, including in our constituency.

Youngest MP Calls For 'Voting Terminals' Around Parliament As Backbenchers Plan Modernisation Drive Labour MP Sam Carling has called for the Modernisation Committee to consider reform of Parliament's voting system to make MPs 'more productive'

Could the way MPs vote change?

-New Labour MP @samcarling.bsky.social calls for "voting terminals" around Parliament

-Backbenchers plan modernisation drive

-"A lot of people" looking to see reform to voting system

Story with @sophiealichurch.bsky.social

www.politicshome.com/news/article...

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer voices concern at impact of rapid homes developments on Peterborough health services New diagnostic centre to tackle health care backlog

Great to see the Prime Minister speaking directly to local media about the need for health services to keep pace with housing growth in Peterborough!

The new diagnostic centre opening later this year will be a game changer for local healthcare.

www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/people/...

Andrew, Dennis and Sam are sat at a desk with Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook.

🏠 Productive meeting today with Minister @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social , @andrewpakes.bsky.social , and Cllr Dennis Jones on affordable housing, sustainable growth, and infrastructure in Peterborough. We're committed to ensuring that future developments meet the needs of our community.

🎓 Congratulations to Al Kingsley, awarded an MBE for services to education. 
 
As Chair of Hampton Academies Trust, he has helped to secure £30M+ for local schools, championing opportunities for young people locally. 
 
Thank you, Al, for all you do to support education in our region!

🚑 Congratulations to Ben Hawkins, awarded the BEM for services to emergency care, staff wellbeing, and mental health. 
 
Ben volunteers over 200 hours each month with @eastenglandamb.bsky.social , whilst also supporting and developing multiple mental health initiatives. Inspirational work!

🇺🇦 Congratulations to Richard Astle, awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to charity and the environment. 
 
From chairing Langdyke Countryside Trust and Shine to supporting Ukraine via Helping Our Ukrainian Friends, his work is so valuable to our community.

Westminster Life: Excited by what lies ahead this year As we welcome the New Year, it’s a time for both reflection and anticipation, writes Sam Carling, MP for North West Cambridgeshire.

A huge congratulations to all those in North West Cambridgeshire who were recognised in the New Year Honours list! 
 
In last week's PT column, I had the privilege of celebrating the recipients - their dedication and service to our community are truly inspiring.

Sam is stood on the terrace at the House of Commons. The London Eye can be seen in the background, with New Year’s Fireworks.

Here’s to 2025! 🎉

It’s been a privilege to represent North West Cambridgeshire for the second half of this year, and I’m excited for what’s to come in the year ahead.

Wishing everyone a fantastic 2025 filled with happiness, good health, and new opportunities 🎆

Wishing everyone in North West Cambridgeshire and beyond a very Merry Christmas! 🎄

Sending my best wishes for the festive season. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the festivities!

As we approach the festive period, I thought it would be helpful to share some details for essential services across North West Cambridgeshire:

📞 Key helpline numbers
🏠 Emergency support details
🗑 Updated bin collection days

Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Christmas and New Year!

MP joins a full house for club's Bat & Chat session! | Table Tennis England YouTube video by Table Tennis England

Pressure on local authorities has meant that community funding has been cut in recent years, making it harder for groups like this to thrive.

I’ll keep pushing for investment in initiatives that reduce isolation and strengthen communities. 

youtu.be/ZLzSpy7GmMY?...

Social isolation is a growing issue, but groups like Stilton Table Tennis Club show how sport can bring people of all ages together, reduce loneliness and build stronger community bonds. 
 
A huge thank you to the volunteers who make it all possible. 🏓