Bradford MP: 'Action is needed on dangerous driving'

DANGEROUS driving continues to be a blight on Bradford roads.

All too often I hear from my constituents of the tragic consequences of dangerous driving. They tell me about their loved ones who have been seriously injured, or their lives cut tragically short.

Reckless and anti-social driving, and the illegal use of off-road vehicles on our streets and sometimes even our paths, matter both to me and my constituents in Bradford South. Hundreds of residents signed my petition on dangerous driving that I recently presented to Parliament – agreeing that urgent action is needed.

There is some excellent work being done by the Bradford and West Yorkshire Police and their dedicated Operation Steerside enforcement team.

This includes a number of recent high profile vehicle seizures. Nevertheless, policing has been stripped threadbare of the investment it needs to tackle dangerous driving effectively. Police should be fighting crime, not fighting for funding.

Improving road safety for all vehicle users and pedestrians is an issue that I have campaigned on for as long as I have been a Member of Parliament.

I was delighted when, after years of fighting for much needed changes in the law, the law was changed to bring forward tougher sentences for those who cause death by dangerous driving.

Last year I brought a bill to Parliament aimed at tackling the misuse and abuse of dangerous off-road vehicles.

This reflected my belief that the police need greater powers to seize and destroy problem quads.

The Government must ensure that local policing has the resources it needs to deal with this menace.

Marking the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

This week we also mark a year since Vladimir Putin began his brutal invasion of Ukraine, a sombre anniversary that will be marked not just in Ukraine, but here in Bradford and across much of the world.

During my visit to Ukraine in December, I saw the human cost of the war. Putin’s forces had inflicted horrific damage on their towns and people.

I saw blocks of flats gutted by missile attacks in Kharkiv, homes peppered with shrapnel, and schools destroyed in the town of Slatyne – where I saw the unexploded warheads of rockets still embedded in the playground.

This tragic conflict may well continue, but Ukraine has achieved what many had once believed was impossible.

For a year already, it has firmly withstood an invading force intent on bringing Ukrainian democracy to its knees.

And despite the inhumane scenes that surround them, the Ukrainian people live with dignity and compassion and fight bravely toward victory.

Everywhere I went throughout Ukraine, I heard one message loud and clear: “Please do not forget us”.

This simple and profound message has stayed with me.

Speaking in the House of Commons earlier this week, I pressed the Government to continue to support Ukraine by providing it with the necessary military capabilities it needs to defend itself.

Equally, I called on the Government to throw its full support behind Ukraine’s recovery effort.

I know that this conflict brings great worry to families in Bradford.

It is nevertheless more important than ever that we stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. Its brave and resilient people are fighting for their freedom, but they need our continuing help to keep it.

Later this week, I am honoured to be marking this difficult anniversary with Bradford’s Ukrainian community at Bradford Cathedral.

I will also join the Ukrainian Women’s Organisation in celebration of Ukraine’s heroines.

•  Bradford will be marking the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine with a vigil at Bradford Cathedral on Friday, February 24 from 6pm.

All are welcome. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those intending to attend are invited to sign up via the Bradford Cathedral website what’s on page, or directly at bradfordcathedral.churchsuite.com/events/sqrfxxel. The service will also be streamed on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.