Perran Moon, Wes Streeting, and Jayne outside the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro After years of delay and broken promises, Cornwall is getting the investment it deserves. Following the 2024 General Election, the Government launched a full review of the New Hospital Programme (NHP)—a scheme that originally promised 40 new hospitals by 2030, but lacked proper funding and planning. The review uncovered that the programme had no funding beyond March 2025 and was years behind schedule. Thanks to the hard work and leadership of Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the plan has now been put on a reliable and sustainable basis. The programme is now backed by rolling five-year waves of investment, rising to £15 billion per wave from 2030. The NHP will deliver on all previously included hospital schemes, with those at highest risk, such as RAAC-affected buildings, prioritised. I am so pleased that Cornwall will benefit from this Programme. The Women’s and Children’s Unit at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, alongside Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, will receive long-overdue funding. Construction on Truro’s unit is expected to begin between 2027–2028, with up to £500 million allocated to complete the work. I remember being in that same ward 19 years ago with my newborn son, while holes were being drilled in the ceiling above us. It has been a nightmare for too long, and I am thrilled this much-needed rebuild is happening. Since being elected last July, Cornwall’s four Labour MPs have pushed relentlessly for this funding. We even brought Wes Streeting to the site two years ago so he could see the urgency for himself. This Government is getting on with the job—rebuilding our NHS and delivering the facilities Cornwall needs and deserves.

Jayne visiting Brook's Wellbeing Hub After 14 years of cuts, youth services—often stretched thin—are still working tirelessly to support young people. With growing pressures, this support has never been more crucial. That is why I am pleased that Truro is one of 24 areas receiving new funding, delivering over 10,000 extra mental health sessions next year. I recently visited Brook’s Wellbeing Hub  in Truro, where a new £282,500 government grant will help expand early mental health services across Cornwall. From in-school sessions to drop-in counselling, Brook offers important, no-referral-needed support for 11–24 year olds. At Zebs Youth Centre , I joined a Friday Wellbeing Café run by Young People Cornwall. The space was warm, welcoming, and clearly valued. Some had travelled miles just to be there, speaking volumes of their service. Over in Falmouth, the Dracaena Centre continues to offer trusted youth services with help from the Town Council and local community. The recent addition of a skatepark has also created a wonderful, safe, active space for young people to enjoy. These youth centres are more than just buildings—they are lifelines. Safe, supportive spaces where young people can thrive. To the teams at Brook, Zebs, the Dracaena Centre, and everyone behind the scenes, thank you. Your work truly changes lives. To read more on this topic, see my column here

This Government will not give up on British Steel. British Steel has built 90% of our rail network and much of the UK’s infrastructure. With the Scunthorpe blast furnaces under threat, Parliament was recalled on a Saturday for the first time since the Falklands War to pass emergency legislation to bring the company under government control. These blast furnaces are the last of their kind in the UK. If they were to close, we would become the only G20 country unable to produce steel from scratch. The new law gives the Government powers to intervene directly, securing raw materials and protecting jobs. Officials were already on-site in Scunthorpe as the legislation passed, working with steelworkers to keep production running. The long-term future of steelmaking in the UK lies in clean power. This Government has already committed £2.5 billion to the transition to electric arc furnaces — a move towards cleaner, greener steel production.   Thanks to fast government action, British Steel has a fighting chance. Read more on this topic in my column .

Now more than ever, it is important that we show respect, compassion, and solidarity with one another. I remain committed to ensuring that everyone in Falmouth and Truro feels safe, supported, and free to live their lives without fear or discrimination. This is a deeply difficult and divisive time, and I understand the concern and anxiety caused. If you have been impacted, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my team—we are here to listen and support you, and your voice and experience matter. Email: jayne.kirkham.mp@parliament.uk Office number: 01872 300 353   We need to make sure that everyone in our society is respected and protected, and as your MP it is my job to make sure I represent all of my constituency.

Jayne in Westminster Hall debate on Residential Estate Management Companies The way we build, own, and manage homes has become unnecessarily complex—leaving accountability unclear and residents, understandably, frustrated. Over Easter recess, I visited estates across Truro and Falmouth to hear directly from residents and help untangle issues with property management. At Eve Parc in Falmouth, I met with Persimmon Homes and the residents to address long-standing concerns. With green spaces managed by Firstport, roads under Persimmon’s control, and council adoption likely still 18 months away, it was clear how easily communication can break down. And with the estate still under construction until 2026, residents will not be able to take control of their management company. In Truro, I heard from residents at Lowen Bre and Boscawen Woods who raised issues with Firstport as well—unclear charges, water leaks, parking troubles, and even falling trees. I appreciate the Firstport representatives who showed up and answered questions openly and constructively. Unfortunately, these are not isolated cases. Across the constituency, I have seen broken drains, unsafe roads, poor parking, and responsibility passed endlessly between builders, housing providers, councils, and managing agents, while homeowners are left to pick up the pieces. This is not about pointing fingers. It is about fixing a broken system. My small team spends an enormous amount of time chasing down answers that should be readily available. The current structure, especially for leasehold and shared ownership, is not working. That is why I welcome the Government’s new Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act , which has officially received Royal Assent and will: Ban new leasehold houses Make it easier for leaseholders to extend leases or take over management Require full transparency on charges Commonhold reform  will also give people real ownership, without being tied to distant landlords or unaccountable agents. I am not alone in this fight. A recent Westminster Hall debate on Residential Estate Management Companies revealed cross-party frustration ( see the full debate here ). Thankfully, the Housing Minister has committed to urgent action.

On International Women’s Day, we reflect on how far we have come and the work still ahead. As the fifth consecutive female MP to represent Falmouth since Candy Atherton in 1997, I’m proud to serve my constituency. Before the 2024 election, only 564 women had ever been elected to the UK Parliament. Now, within this Government, 40% of the chamber is women, a significant step forward. During the International Women’s Day debate, Jess Phillips read the names of women killed by men in the UK. The length of the list is deeply upsetting, but these women must be named in Hansard; their stories are a powerful reminder of the lessons we must learn and the challenges we face. Women still lack basic rights around the world, and this government is committed to reducing violence against women and girls by half over the next decade, treating it as a national emergency under the Safer Streets mission. Here are some of the steps we are taking: New Domestic Abuse Protections:  Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Orders (DAPOs) address all forms of abuse, including coercive behaviour, empowering police and courts with stronger powers to tackle perpetrators. Serious Consequences for Violations:  Breaching a DAPO is a criminal offence, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a fine, or both. Support for Victims:  The Victims and Prisoners Act requires local commissioners to identify and address gaps in support for victims of domestic abuse, including accommodation-based assistance. Tackling Online Abuse:  £27m of government funding will help combat online violence against women through the Safe Online project, supporting survivors, gathering data, and reducing exposure to harmful content. Let’s ensure the next generation of women is safe, seen, heard, and empowered to take their rightful place in all areas of life, including politics. Read more from my column in the West Briton here

From April 1st, pensions rise above inflation, and wages increase, with the national living wage growing at its fastest rate in three years. This increase is a key step toward age and wage equality. This year’s wage rise marks the first part of a two-phase plan to close the age gap, recognising that bills are no cheaper if you're 20 instead of 23. By April 2026, workers aged 18+ will be paid equally to those aged 20+. Key updates include: National Living Wage  for those aged 21+ will rise by 6.7% to £12.21 an hour, boosting an eligible full-time worker’s income by £1,400 a year. National Minimum Wage  for those aged 18-20 will increase by 16%, to £10 an hour, representing a record £1.40 per hour increase, worth £2,500 a year for full-time workers. Under 18s & Apprentices  will see their wage rise to £7.55 an hour. These reforms are part of the Government’s broader agenda to create a fairer society, ensuring young people are paid fairly for their work and have access to more opportunities, particularly apprenticeships. Fair wages contribute to greater financial independence and reduce the number of young adults living at home. By empowering young people with better wages, we expect to see lasting positive effects across society.

The Employment Rights Bill has passed the House of Commons and is now on its second reading in the House of Lords. As a former Trade Union and Employment Rights solicitor, I am proud to see this government raise the bar on workplace rights. The bill will give UK workers the protection, voice, and dignity they deserve. The Bill strengthens protections by: Tackling zero-hours contracts Improving sick pay• Boosting redundancy rights Strengthening parental leave• Protecting against unfair dismissal from day one Supporting family-friendly rights and flexible working Enhancing enforcement Read more about my speech on the challenges faced by care workers in Cornwall and how the Employment Rights Bill will ensure fair pay and recognition for low-paid, mostly female care workers here .

The four Cornish Labour MPs holding the Cornish flag outside Parliament On March 5th, we celebrated St. Piran's Day both in Cornwall and Westminster. Not long before, Cornwall’s Members of Youth Parliament had the incredible opportunity to represent Cornwall in the House of Commons. It was inspiring to see the younger generation making their voices heard with such pride and passion for their community. Under the leadership of Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who chaired the debates as he does with MPs, the youth parliamentarians had a rare and exciting chance to speak up on the green benches of Parliament. See the debate here: Parliamentlive.tv - UK Youth Parliament In my constituency, the Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery hosted an opening celebration for St. Piran’s Day and showcased its recent renovation. The museum beautifully reflects Cornwall’s rich history and creativity; a space where Cornwall’s stories are celebrated and preserved. Among the highlights were Kurt Jackson’s exhibition on biodiversity, a powerful portrait collection highlighting St. Petrocs' charitable work for the homeless, and a fascinating exhibit on Withy-making, the endangered heritage craft of willow lobster and crab pots. The museum also revitalised its older exhibits, including a striking deconstructed phone which links Cornwall’s mining history to today’s technology. It is a fantastic space and well worth a visit!

Meeting NHS frontline workers. This government is focused on fixing the NHS to ensure it works better for everyone. Part of this effort includes removing the administrative body, NHS England. Layers of bureaucracy have slowed progress and hindered meaningful change in how healthcare is delivered. By transferring NHS England's functions to the Department of Health and Social Care, we aim to streamline operations, cut red tape, and redirect resources to the frontline staff—doctors and nurses—who provide care in our hospitals. This transition, expected to take about two years, is a step toward making the NHS more focused on delivering care to patients rather than on administrative processes

Jayne with Yvette Cooper Home Secretary. Shoplifting and antisocial behaviour (ASB) have become significant challenges in Truro, Falmouth, and towns across Cornwall. Thankfully, the government's Crime and Policing Bill introduces crucial measures to tackle these issues head-on and better support shops and their workers. Key provisions of the Bill include Respect Orders, which allow for swift enforcement against persistent ASB offenders, and the scrapping of the previous government's 'shoplifter’s charter,' which had deprioritised theft under £200. Additionally, a new offence will be introduced for assaulting retail workers to provide better protection. With 83% of businesses in Falmouth identifying ASB as a high priority, these steps will be a welcome relief. We have also secured Hot Spot funding for Truro for the next year. Hot Spot policing focuses on regular, targeted visits to high-crime areas, and evidence shows that when officers visit at least twice a week, ASB decreases significantly. While these new measures may present as an increase in crime statistics, this is not an indication of rising crime. Rather, it reflects the system functioning as it should—identifying and addressing crimes that have previously gone untreated. This approach will give a more accurate picture of crime, enabling authorities to respond swiftly and effectively, ultimately making our communities safer. Read more on this here.

This Government is excited to announce the rollout of the first 750 schools for the pilot of free  breakfast clubs, starting in April, and three of these schools are right here in the Truro & Falmouth constituency. A huge congratulations to Tregony Community Primary School, CHES Academy, and St. Francis Primary School for being part of this important initiative. Through this pilot, eligible primary-aged children will have access to a free breakfast and 30 minutes of free childcare every school day, ensuring that no child starts their day hungry, and every child is ready to learn. The Universal Free Breakfast Clubs are a cornerstone of the Government’s Plan for Change, aiming to break down barriers to opportunity and improve children’s wellbeing. Research has shown that these clubs have a positive impact on children’s behaviour, attendance, and attainment. The scheme also plays a crucial role in tackling child poverty, with around 67,000 of the 180,000 children benefiting from the program attending schools in deprived areas. This initiative is just the beginning, with ongoing funding and start-up support to help schools deliver these vital services.