The number of small boat crossings has reached its lowest in 7 years. The UK-France enforcement deal is having a real impact. Still more to do, but this is promising news.

I'm looking for a Senior Communications Officer to join my team! If you are enthusiastic, organised and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, this might be the position for you. Search 'Alex Ballinger' on W4MPjobs.org to apply.

Back to Parliament today after a lovely summer listening to my constituents in Halesowen. A great speech today from our prime minister outlining this government's priorities. Lots of exciting things coming up! What stood out to you in Andy Burnham's speech today?

A statement on Ofsted's recent findings in Dudley.

It seems Reform UK don't care about disabled people... at least that's how it looks. But this Labour government does. We're scrapping rules around using disabled bus passes so all disabled people can use their pass all day, every day, at no extra cost. This is a government focused on fairness.🤝

This week Mayor Richard Parker has brought National Express buses in the West Midlands under public ownership! 750 bus routes and nearly 5,000 jobs have been saved because of this decision. We won't see immediate benefits, but from 2027, we can expect more reliable services and cheaper fares.

You don't see vehicles like this every day in Halesowen! Thank you to the Lionstrike team for coming over and showing me these impressive cars! Team LionStrike is a partnership between GM Defence UK, BAE Systems and NP Aerospace, working to produce a model of vehicles for the UK Armed Forces.

I'm personally really glad that the Government is taking the wildfires around the country seriously. We all saw the devastating images from the fires in Stourbridge and we must do as much as we can to avoid that happening again.

While Nigel Farage has been busy fighting a bin, Labour have been getting on with the job.

The UK is growing faster than France, USA, and Germany! Growth statistics show that the UK grew by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2026, so this year the UK has grown by 1%. Still much more to do, but this is really positive news.

A statement about the awful fires in Stourbridge. Please do reach out to my office if you have been affected, we can direct you to the appropriate support. Email me - alex.ballinger.mp@parliament.uk

UCAS’ support teams are ready to help you on Results Day. If you have any questions regarding your results or next steps, please reach out to them. Who to contact on Results Day - www.ucas.com/applying/aft...

I have an update for you on vape shops. Vape shops will now have to apply to their local council for permission to open - giving communities more power over our high streets. Shops involved in illegal activity can also be closed for up to 12 months.

The Government has announced new plans to crack down on bookmakers on our high streets. Andy Burnham has withdrawn the aim to permit rule, so in England any new bookmaker needs planning permission. As co-chair of the Gambling Reform APPG, I welcome these new plans which we have been calling out for.

It was great to visit Babcock's site in Walsall this week. I saw the vehicles they build and re-model for the police, fire service and our armed forces, including the impressive General Logistics Vehicle (GLV), which has been put forward for the British Army's Light Mobility Vehicle competition.

Transparency in public life is essential. So what aren't we getting that from Reform UK?

Pubs, clubs and live music venues will get a 20% cut in business rates from April.

I'm hiring for a Senior Parliamentary Assistant! 📣 If you have previous experience working in Parliament and you're a strong communicator with good organisational skills, this could be the role for you! Search 'Alex Ballinger' on W4MP Jobs to apply.

Single bus fares will be capped at £2 from next year🚍️

We are tackling the cost of living, one step at a time.

I've correctly predicted the last TWO matches... now it's time for England vs Argentina. Watch my prediction and let me know if you agree. Come on England, let's get the job done! #England #ThreeLions #ENGARG

Today we celebrate the history, culture and character of the Black Country. From our industrial heritage that changed the world, to home-grown stars like Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers inspiring the next generation, the Black Country continues to make its mark with pride. #BlackCountryDay

Earlier this week, I asked Defence Minister Luke Pollard MP about when we can expect new amphibious ships to be available now that we are co-operating with the Dutch. Watch to see his response.

Very concerning to see the regulated gambling sector profiting from black-market gambling in this investigation. www.investigate-europe.eu/posts/soft2b...

Soft2bet Files: Global gambling network made €600 million from unlicensed casinos with ‘predatory’ tactics

A year-long investigation by Investigate Europe and media partners in 15 countries uncovers a vast network of black-market betting websites operating throughout the continent and beyond.

investigate-europe.eu

Nigel Farage needs to come clean about donations he receives.

Labour's new Immigration and Asylum Bill was laid before Parliament this week. ➡️A new independent immigration appeals authority will speed up asylum cases ➡️Requires people granted asylum to repay the cost of the government support they received ➡️Reforms modern slavery rules

I welcome the Government's decision to extend pub opening hours until 5am for England's World Cup clash with Mexico. There's no better place to watch England than down the local. This is a welcome boost for pubs and a chance for communities to get behind the Three Lions together. Come on England!

I was pleased to see that the mini-mart on Cradley Heath High Street, which was featured in a BBC investigation that exposed the sale of illegal drugs, has finally been shut down. It should not have taken this long.

Dudley borough has been named the worst performing borough in the country for tracking 16 and 17 year-olds. This is not good enough. I asked Pat McFadden MP what more we can do to identify and support young people who are at risk of becoming NEET, so that no one slips through the cracks.

I am glad that the final asylum hotel in the Dudley borough was closed last week. Yesterday I asked Alex Norris MP about what this Labour government has done to tackle this issue since the election and what further steps we are taking to sort out returns agreements for other countries.