Latest news with #SamCarling
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
First year was a baptism of fire, says Sam Carling MP
The youngest MP in the House of Commons has described his first year in Parliament as a "baptism of fire". Sam Carling was 22 years old when he was elected as Labour MP for North West Cambridgeshire on 5 July 2024. He secured the seat with a majority of 39 votes over Conservative incumbent Shailesh Vara, following a catching up on some sleep after the overnight count, Carling said he woke up to discover the news of his election had gone viral on TikTok and he was being written about in the national press. "I woke up to messages from friends telling me I was all over social media," he said. As someone who does not have TikTok account he said he found the attention - which has continued throughout the year - surreal. He added that while walking in Westminster some children on a school trip told him, "I've seen you on TikTok!". He recalled also being recognised on the train and that someone had came up to him to talk about tax policy while he was shopping for clothes. "I'm never really off duty am I?," he said. The MP said the past year in the role had been "incredibly fulfilling" and he enjoyed the "variety of the job", despite it being a "steep learning curve". Carling said he had also enjoyed building relationships with his colleagues in Parliament. "Everyone is just normal," he said. "It may sound like a surprising thing to say but there is a lot of collaborative work on select committees. I wish the public could see that more. "It's not all about shouting and blaming each other."As his constituency is close to London he said he frequently travels between the two places during the week. The MP said that over the next four years he wanted to see the promised investment come to Peterborough, as the southern part of the city falls within his constituency. Carling and Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes, who is also a newly elected Labour member, have welcomed announcements of government funding for the station quarter and a sports quarter, which includes a new swimming pool. Protecting rural bus services has also been something he has been campaigning on, along with better healthcare provision in the city, particularly improving access to GP appointments and dental care. "There's a lot of goodwill around the city," he said. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Free school meals to be given to 16,000 children in Peterborough
Up to 16,000 children in Peterborough are set to benefit from free school meals. From September 2026, the Labour Government will provide free, nutritious school meals to every child of a family receiving Universal Credit. This expansion forms a crucial part of Labour's Plan for Change. Currently, only children from households earning less than £7,400 per year qualify for free school meals. This frequently leaves many families without support. The expansion is anticipated to lift 100,000 children out of poverty across England. MP for Peterborough, Andrew Pakes, said: "No child in Peterborough should ever have to learn on an empty stomach or miss out because of family finances. "This expansion of free school meals is a game-changer for our city, lifting children out of poverty, easing the pressure on parents, and giving every young person the chance to thrive." The move will save local parents close to £500 annually, providing much-needed relief amidst the cost of living crisis. Sam Carling, MP for North West Cambridgeshire, said: "I've heard from so many families in our community who are struggling with the cost of living – and school meals are one of the biggest everyday pressures. "This change means nearly 6,000 children in North West Cambridgeshire will now get a free, healthy meal every school day, and parents will be nearly £500 a year better off." READ MORE: Cambs woman appears on ITV's Good Morning Britain The Labour Government's initiative is part of a broader effort to establish a healthier, more sustainable food system. This includes a £13 million investment in food charities and working with experts to update school food standards. The expansion aligns with other elements of Labour's Plan for Change, which includes free breakfast clubs, expanded childcare for working parents, and measures to make school uniforms more affordable. These efforts aim to break the link between children's backgrounds and their opportunities. Keep up to date with the latest news across Peterborough by signing up to our newsletter email alerts here Have you got a story you want to share with us? Get in touch at: news@
