By KLTV Newsdesk –

From empowering young people through a pioneering summer school to pressing for peace in Gaza, Harpreet Uppal reflects on a busy July and August serving her hometown.

Harpreet Uppal, MP for Huddersfield, has marked her first year in office, describing it as “the honour of my life” to represent the town where she was born and raised.

Over the past 13 months, Uppal has met with residents, community groups, and organisations across Huddersfield, using those conversations to shape her work in both Westminster and the constituency.

“I’ll keep working hard every day for our town,” she affirmed, as she shared highlights from her summer engagements.

Summer School Gives Young People a Taste of Politics

In July, Uppal hosted her first Summer School for young people aged 18–24 from across Huddersfield.

The week-long programme included meetings with local politicians, businesses, and charities, as well as a trip to Westminster.

Students met senior political figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and even visited Number 10 Downing Street.

The initiative, designed to give young people first-hand experience of politics, public service, and community engagement, will return next year.

Uppal encouraged any young residents interested in politics or public service to apply for the 2025 programme.

Speaking Out on Gaza

Uppal has been vocal about the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, welcoming the UK Government’s announcement that it intends to recognise the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, should key conditions not be met by the Israeli government.

She has urged immediate priorities of a ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and rebuilding medical services, while emphasising that recognition alone will not end the suffering.

Uppal continues to work with other Labour MPs to press the Government for stronger action towards peace and a two-state solution.

Connecting with Constituents

Throughout July and August, Uppal continued her programme of advice surgeries and community events, including a “Meet Your MP” session at Asda Huddersfield and a coffee morning at Northfield Hall.

Discussions covered topics such as tackling fly-tipping, improving health services, supporting young people, crime prevention, and revitalising the town centre.

Celebrating Local Industry

A visit to Camira Yarns in Birkby was a personal highlight for Uppal, whose father worked in Huddersfield’s textile industry.

She toured the facility, learning about its natural fibre products and its impressive recycling processes that ensure zero waste from production.

Honouring the Windrush Generation

Uppal was a guest speaker at the Forgotten Windrush Veterans Ball in Huddersfield, hosted by Kirklees Local TV.

The event celebrated the contributions of Black servicemen and women, with a moving documentary and speeches from local leaders, including Cllr Amanda Pinnock.

Uppal described the evening as a “beautiful and dignified” reminder of the importance of preserving the Windrush legacy.

Honouring Huddersfield’s Forgotten Windrush Veterans – A Night to Remember

Raising Local Issues in Parliament

In Westminster, Uppal used her platform to address key issues affecting Huddersfield:

• Justice for Domestic Abuse Survivors – Following a visit to Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership, Uppal called for reduced trial delays that re-traumatise victims and strain support services.

• Tackling Crime – She pressed the Home Secretary on ensuring West Yorkshire Police has the long-term resources needed to keep communities safe, particularly in tackling knife and violent crime in Huddersfield town centre.